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Transcending Feelings

Chapter 2: Yours and Mines

She hadn't seen Arno since her mother's funeral which was over two years ago. Now she was twelve as was he. They still managed to maintain contact with letters but it wasn't the same. Oh how she missed him.

Albeit nowadays, she wasn't as innocent as when they had snuck out to see the apple orchards back during their youth. A part of her traveling was a ruse to cover for a much greater cause. And it was strictly forbidden to tell him about her Templar duties. It made her feel sick having to constantly lie to him but it couldn't be helped.

Today though she was in a particularly excited mood. There was going to be a festival in Versailles. The day was something the two had planned for a while and thankfully her father had allowed her permission to attend it. There would be lots of delicacies and even fireworks which only made her that more excited. She couldn't wait to spend the day with him.

The long carriage ride was worth it.

She was to meet up with Arno at the De La Serre mansion before being dropped off at the festival. Upon arrival a sense of nostalgia entered her. She could remember it as if it were yesterday all the times she and Arno had caused mischief. Whether it was sneaking out past bedtime to watch the full moon or stealing jam from the cook, they were always up to no good.

"Élise!"

The familiar voice caught her attention. She had not even finished turning when she was pulled into an embrace.

"I've missed you!" Arno said, releasing her afterwards to examine her. "You look marvelous! I like your hair."

She too began taking in his appearance. He looked much different then when she had last seen him. His hair was much longer now and was tied loosely behind him. He was a bit taller too, although they still remained at a relatively close height.

"You look nice too Arno." She exclaimed with a smile. "So, how has it been?"

"It's been quite dull without you here Élise. And your father has driven me to the brink of insanity with studies and lectures."

Despite being adopted into the family Arno never referred to her father with the same term she did. It was either 'your father' or 'Monsieur De La Serre' depending on who he was speaking to. He never called her 'sister' either. In their entire time together he would only refer to her as 'Élise'.

Her father never discussed the topic and she never brought it up. Therefore it was a door left unopened. To be honest it didn't bother her. She just didn't know what to make of it except that it was something she was curious in. Very curious in.

"What about you? How is Paris treating you?"

She frowned. "It isn't as fun as you would think. It's dull as dirt."

He grinned, sending another wave of nostalgia coursing through her. That grin was something she hoped would never change. "Well we can make up for that today."

She noticed the object attached to his waist. "What's that?"

"Oh this," He began and pulled the wooden sword out, swinging it slightly. "It's so that I can protect you from any guard dogs or pickpockets!"

If only he knew then all that she was hiding; that she was more skilled using that weapon than he was. If only.

But she dare not ruin the tranquility that had settled in between them with those matters. She dare not ruin this perfect ambiance with harsh reality. Today she wouldn't be a Templar in the making. She would be Élise. So she opted for crossing her arms just as she had used to do when scolding him.

"And you think I need your protection? I'm not a damsel in distress."

"Well I don't see you carrying a weapon," He simply replied, smirking afterwards. "Therefore you can't go into battle."

She didn't tell him then that there was a lot more to battles than swords. She didn't tell him about the other numerous weapons that a person can carry either.

Because today she was Élise. Just Élise.

So feigning defeat she sighed. "I suppose you're right. Have you seen my father? I'm growing a bit impatient."

"Oh he was finishing up an errand but he said I could wait outside for you. You know it was Monsieur De La Serre who gave me this."

And there it was again. Him referring to her father by a title and sparking up her curiosity. Unfortunately before she could ask him anything on the subject her father appeared.

"Father!" She said happily.

"I see you two have gotten reacquainted." He replied with a chuckle.

"Can we go now?" Arno asked, unable to contain himself.

"Yes father, can we? I don't want to miss a thing?" Élise added.

The older man laughed at their childlike impatience. "Very well, shall we?" He finished while beckoning the carriage.

... ... …. …. ... ... ... …. …. ... ... ... ….

"I have an important meeting to attend to so I won't be able to join you. I won't be far from here. I'll pick you up after the fireworks. Can I count on you two to behave?"

The two children nodded vigorously.

"Watch over my daughter Arno."

"With my life Monsieur De La Serre!" He declared proudly.

And like that the two were left alone, or so it would appear to the naked eye. Élise knew there must be some watchdog somewhere. Looking around she found her target in the crowd. No doubt one of her father's guards judging from the attire.

An idea crept onto her head. Using the crowd to her advantage she pulled Arno and maneuvered through the numerous people.

"Hey hang on!" He complained as he was dragged against his will. "There's no rush Élise!"

Ignoring his complaints she peered over her shoulder to scout. And now, they were truly alone. The Templar training sure did come in handy.

"You know Élise," Arno began as they walked. "I don't like to toot my own horn—"

Élise cut him off with a pointed look.

"Alright that's a lie." He laughed. "As I was saying, I'm pretty good with this thing." And for emphasis he touched the wooden sword. "You'd be surprised. Trust me there's nothing to worry about. I'll protect you."

She was about to scold him on her not needing it but the look in his eyes halted her. There was such conviction in them making her realize that he wasn't joking. He was dead serious and meant what he said.

That's why, instead of telling him she was more than capable of handling herself, she locked her arms around his left arm and smiled sweetly. "I'm honored."

"So, want to get some chocolate?" He suggested already leading them to the vendor.

Now chocolate in hand the two wandered around enjoying the festivities. There was a nice display of art being sold in one of the many booths set up. There were dancers everywhere she looked. A nice tune of instruments being played too; all making for one good festival.

"Élise, take a look!" Arno said donning one of the masks several of the other children had been wearing. He handed her one. "Here is yours."

"Thank you," Élise said and pointed to where a crowd was. She dragged him towards it. "Let's see what they're up to."

"Come one come all!" A man exclaimed enthusiastically. There was a giant rock-like thing next to him with a flag at the very top. "Get the flag and win a prize! Any takers?"

At this Arno's eyes lit up. "I'll do it!"

"But Arno," Élise halted him by his arm, a bad memory of the orchard incident creeping onto her mind. "It looks too high."

"Don't worry, I've gotten a lot better. Just watch!"

Releasing his arm slowly she said: "You better come back to me!"

With a nod he was off.

"Don't worry about falling young man, the cushions on the ground will make sure you don't break anything." The man assured him. "Now go on, give it a go."

He clasped his hands together before reaching out and grabbing the rock. He identified where the creases were before making his way upwards. It amazed Élise how adept he was at it. Before she knew it he was at the top of the structure, flag in hand.

"Too easy!" Arno shouted with crossed arms, lifting his mask over his head to reveal the smirk plastered on his face.

Beside Élise she could hear giggles. There was now a pile of girls whispering amongst themselves and blushing as Arno made his way downwards.

"You were incredible!" One of them shouted.

"Yes you were amazing!" Another one said.

He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Oh, thank you ladies."

Something began bubbling inside Élise. It was a completely unfamiliar feeling. It felt like a fire was burning inside of her. For some reason she was angry. That was the first time in her entire life that she had felt jealousy.

"Here you go boy." The man said and handed Arno his prize. "It's a painting of Versailles."

"Wow! Such beautiful colors." Arno exclaimed as he eyed the painting in admiration. He walked back to Élise and held it out for her. "Here."

"Huh? For me?"

He nodded. "Yes. When you're in Paris and you get lonely you can use this to think of me."

Élise couldn't help but smirk when the group of girls glared at her. "Thank you Arno. I shall do just that."

A crackling in the sky caused them to turn.

"The fireworks have begun! Let's go!" Arno said, taking a hold of her wrist and leading her towards it.

Élise frowned at the sight of several adults blocking their view. "We can't get a good look at them from here! At this rate we'll miss the entire thing."

Arno paused to think. Then he grabbed her again and led her towards some crates. He began climbing onto them before extending his hand for her. "Come on."

"What are you doing? We can't just get on those. It could belong to someone. Father warned us not to cause trouble, remember?"

"You wanted a better view didn't you?"

It was all the words she needed to hear. Soon they were sitting atop the crates with a perfect view.

"It's beautiful." Élise said as another wave of lights graced the sky. The colors mixed with the darkened sky creating all sorts of sparkles.

"It's certainly a wonderful sight. I don't think I can ever grow old of it." Arno replied before smiling sadly. "I wish it could go on forever. Wouldn't it be nice if this feeling could last forever?"

Élise took in his words and nodded. Why couldn't all days be like this? Just simple and sweet. "Yes. That would be great. What a wonderful feeling it is."

"I knew you'd agree with me." He replied with a smile.

It seemed to finally sink in to her that they were alone. Now was the perfect chance to get some answers. "Can I ask you something?"

"Hmm?"

"What... what am I to you Arno?" Élise knew she wasn't a sister to him; wasn't family to him. So then what was she? She wanted to know. "You've never referred to me as anything but 'Élise'."

"That's because it's what you are to me." He answered so easily.

This caused her to turn to him; wondering what he meant.

"You are my Élise." He said grinning happily before raising his thumb to his forehead. "And I'm your Arno."

And on that night, sitting on some crates and watching the fireworks, was the first time Élise De La Serre blushed.

It had been almost a month since her time with Arno. She had been so busy with her Templar training that she had not gotten any chance to write to him.

Until now.

She was finishing up the letter to send to him. Of course there wasn't anything about the Templars included. Just the trivial matters among other things. Just as she was about to close her letter with a 'Sincerely, Élise' her eyes landed on the painting hanging on her wall. This gave her an entirely different idea.

A sort of giddy feeling swam through her as she scribbled her new closing line.

Yours,

Élise

Author's Notes

So that's chapter 2, I'll work on 3 now. Hopefully you enjoyed the read. Also thanks in advance for any reviews.

:D