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[lionly]

"Hm? Ah-- yes, this is Elza Clifford, vice-captain of the Gefreiter. Leave a message?

I guess?"


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[immobileyes]

... I want to.

[lionly]

[Elza brightens up slightly and moves, to gather her hands into his own, clasping them.]

Then it's settled. Besides me... Nesso and Zara live there. Have you met them yet?

[immobileyes]

Nesso... [ and with that, she nods. Her fingers are a little cold, but she'll squeeze his hands. ] He's a knight, too.

[lionly]

[Like before, he thinks, recalling the coldness of her hands in the classroom. He wraps them in his in order to warm them.]

That's right. He's my captain--our squadron of knights is called the Gefreiter. And he's the strongest swordsman in the whole country.

[immobileyes]

[ She's reminded of that time, too, how warm his hands had been. It reminds her of Seto-- which hurts right now, so she'll hurriedly dismiss the thought. ]

... In the whole country? That's amazing... he seemed so normal!

[ she means that in a good way. ]

[lionly]

[Elza laughs at the words, picturing Nesso's face in his head...] He does look pretty normal, doesn't he? But he's impressive.

They even call him a god on the battlefield.

[immobileyes]

A god...

[ she's so wide-eyed right now. ]

[lionly]

You couldn't say that when he's off the battlefield, though.

[He grins, conspiratorial.] Maybe you noticed, but he can be silly. But with him and me around, you'll be even more safe. And Zara, of course. He's a rabbit.

[immobileyes]

[ AND A RABBIT... seriously, they're all amazing, aren't they? ]

And you'd really be okay with someone like me?

[lionly]

"Okay with"... [Surprised at her phrasing, Elza just shakes his head.]

Of course. We'd be happy to have you.

[immobileyes]

[ She really should just tell him-- but it's not exactly easy to bring up, so she offers him a tremulous smile instead. ]

Thank you, Elza.

[lionly]

[Elza returns the smile with a gentle one of his own, squeezing her hands firmly.] You're welcome.

But! I won't hurry you out of here tonight. So shall I stay the night?

[He glances about. Really, he could sleep on the floor, but a couch works too.]

[immobileyes]

Huh-- n-no, I can go with you! I don't have a lot to pack!

[ HE'S TOO NICE. ]

[lionly]

Really? [Elza's ears twitch.] If you're certain... I don't mind either way, Mary.

[immobileyes]

I'm definitely certain! Wait right here!

[ and off she skitters.

Followed by a small thump, because she might have skittered right into a wall. ]

[lionly]

[Elza disguises a laugh as a cough, looking after her and taking a few steps further inside. He tips his head lightly to one side as he peers in.]

Are you all right? Are you certain you don't need my help?

[immobileyes]

[ She reappears after a few minutes, clutching a few things in her arms. No more bumps, thankfully. ]

I-I'm fine... I just slipped a little.

[lionly]

That seems to be a talent of yours, doesn't it? [He softens the words with a smile and offers one of his hands to take some of her things for her.]

As you're all right.

[immobileyes]

[ She sighs a little in response, petulant-- although she does hand over a bit. ]

The floor's just slippery...

... In a lot of places.

[lionly]

[And perfect. He tucks them safely into the crook of an arm and chuckles, turning toward the door. He waits for her to join him, teasing smile lingering.]

I see. The floor. I suppose we'll have to make sure we take care of any potentially slippery spots in my place.

[immobileyes]

I'll just walk more carefully! [ like now, as she inches to his side. ]

[lionly]

[Elza grins, stepping to the door and pushing it open, holding it for her.]

And in the case you slip... I'll just have to make sure to be there to catch you.

[immobileyes]

I won't! [ she's so mulish now as she walks past him GOSH. ]

[lionly]

[SHE'S CUTE EVEN WHEN SHE'S SULKY.

Caught up by how adorable she is, nevertheless he follows.] Ah-- did I offend you? I'm sorry. [He'll gentle his voice and duck a bow. Forgive him, princess.]

[immobileyes]

[ wow now he isn't allowed to be courtly because then she can't be grumpy and HUFF. ]

J-just wait, I'll show you how graceful I can be!