Introduction

In which Elise reads some disturbing letters, and a job proposal is made

"What took you so long?" were the icy words that greeted Elise as she stepped back into the study, heart racing.

She had threatened a demon.

And he didn't come after you. He could have done, but he let you go. What game is he playing?

Elise pushed her inner worries away. As truthful as they were, she did not want her ever so slight anxiety at having just promised to murder a hellish being show on her face. It would lead to questions, and she had an inkling Ciel would not approve of her actions in the slightest.

Her brother pursed his lips, looking thoroughly frustrated,"Well? I have been waiting around here like a fool."

"Have you tried not being a fool, in that case?" Elise retorted, in no mood for more of his brattish behaviour that day."Though that may be hard, as you are so very good at it."

"I am not a-!" Ciel stopped his tempered exclamation in its tracks, teeth gnashing together briefly. When he continued, the cold boredom was back, though his cheeks retained an angry pinkness."Enough of this childish squabbling, we are not in the nursery anymore. I requested your presence for a purpose."

"So I gathered," Elise sat, primly, proudly, as befitting a noble lady. She admitted, the childish comment irked her somewhat, especially coming from an actual child. She would prove him wrong, the little brat."You require my eye."

"I do."

"May I ask why mine, specifically, is the one you need?"

"I don't needyou, specifically," Ciel replied haughtily."I have some suspicions but I wanted a second opinion. I might as well make use of you."

Elise scrunched her nose up at him in response, biting back her less than kind retort. She glanced down at the surface of his desk, strewn with papers. Particularly, she noticed, envelopes and letters, their words scrawled in an unfamiliar handwriting. An ornate letter opener shined silver in the Earl's slim fingers, glittering with sapphires. Rather excessive, Elise mused, for something that split paper.

Then again, excessive was expected of the Phantomhive name.

"These communications are all from Arthur Farnham, a naturalist, to his wife," Ciel gestured to the letters."He went on a private trip to study a place called Tinworth Cove and has apparently refused to come home."

"Perhaps he is having a good time?" Elise suggested. By the pursing of his lips, she could tell Ciel did not agree.

"He refused because he said he fell in love."

"Oh," Elise smiled, mischief twinkling in her eyes."Perhaps he is having a very good time, then."

Ciel blinked at her, once, twice, before it seemed to dawn on him her implications. She quite enjoyed the red that spread across his young cheeks.

"D-Do you have to be so immature?" The Earl coughed, frowning. His hand lifted sharply, halting the amused witch before she could respond."Actually, don't answer. I'm sure whatever you have to say will be incredibly frustrating."

"Rotten brat," Elise muttered, making sure it was loud enough for him to hear. Ignoring his affronted response, she reached over and grasped one of the letters, glancing over the sprawling, smudged script. Clearly, Naturalists had terrible handwriting.

Dearest Anna,

I hope this letter finds you well. I have settled in very nicely, thankfully. The space I am accommodating currently is most suitable. I have been able to set out all my work so I can properly conduct my studies.

The locals are a little strange, but not totally unpleasant. They seem rather wary of me, though perhaps they are simply wary of outsiders. Given the history of this little place, I am not shocked.

I have been invited to meet the Mayoress (yes, a woman as Mayor; I have never heard of such a thing!) tomorrow for a short welcome. I would of course rather start my work for her majesty as quickly as possibly, however the Mayoress has insisted. It would do no good to be rude!

I will be home soon, my Anna

Your faithful husband,

Arthur

"Faithful husband," Elise raised a brow."Apparently not, if what you're saying is true."

She blinked,"And why is the Queen sending people to visit such an unknown place, a Naturalist of all things. I've never even heard of Tinforth Cove."

"Tinworth,"" Ciel corrected, snottily.

"See, it is utterly forgettable!" Elise hummed thoughtfully, peering over the desk with curiosity sparked now. Her eyes wandered over the sprawling parchment, alighting on just the thing she was looking for."Ah, perfect."

Anna,

I regret it has come to this. I have no wish to hurt you, but I fear I must. I cannot lie to you, nor myself.

I will not be coming home, Anna. I am sorry, but I can no longer be by your side as your husband. Tell her majesty I am no longer under her employ. My studies are ended.

I have found another. I did not plan this, please do not think I left with the purpose of falling out of love. But I have, and I simply cannot deny her.

I shall write no longer, Anna, for there would be no use to it. I wish that you will find another, as I have. I ask that you do not try to come between us, Anna, for I will have to stop you. I do not want to hurt you, but for her, I will.

I will.

Arthur

"That..." Elise shivered. Even on paper, the words disturbed her."I'll admit, this does seem suspicious. Not necessarily his infidelity, but his dedication to the mistress is..."

"Unnaturally sudden and far too extreme?" Ciel supplied. Elise nodded in agreement, worrying her lip thoughtfully with her teeth. The words of Arthur Farnham's final, harsh letter to his wife echoed in her mind.

"Who is this 'her' he speaks of," Elise traced the lettering absently. She couldnt deny her interest was piqued."And again, why on earth was he under her majesties employ? It seems rather odd."

"I don't know, but that fact is why I'm involved," Ciel stated, with a hint of pride."She has instructed me to find him and make sure he goes back to London."

"Ah, yes," Elise smiled softly, though it was not a happy expression. Rather, she was concerned. She knew just what their father's job entailed."The Watchdog. So, you're doing that, are you?"

"Yes," the Earl frowned."Why, should I not be?"

"Oh, no, of course not," Elise raised a brow, tone cutting."A child, dealing with the Underworld? Why would that be a problem?"

He did not seem to appreciate her thoughts,"I didn't ask for your opinion on it, Elise. I also don't need you trying to...mother me."

"Oh," Elise laughed, genuinely, for the first time in a while."You think that was mothering? How adorable. No, Ciel, mothering would be if I locked you in your room and forbid you from setting a toe outside this mansion."

"As if you could do that," Ciel scoffed. He seemingly caught how Elise's eyes sparkled with the challenge and quickly continued."Th-That is not an invitation for you to try!"

The witch smirked, unkindly,"Isn't it?"

"No, it is not," his response was carefully frosty, but she could see his eyes appraising her with caution."We are getting distracted. I called you here because I needed your thoughts on these letters, not my duty to her majesty."

Normally, Elise would share her thoughts on whatever she damn well wished, (thank you very much) but in this instance she decided to restrain herself.

But only temporarily

"Hmm, alright," the witch glanced down at the parchment on her lap once again. Arthur Farnham's final words to his wife jumped out at her still, cruel and threatening. The hairs at the back of her neck stood up."Something about this whole...change in him, it really doesn't sit right with me. I've seen similar things before."

Ciel dropped into his chair, leaning forward intently,"Explain."

"This sort of sudden, obsessive affection is almost always due to some sort of enchantment, or curse, or...well, its impossible to know precisely what it is, but this is not a regular love affair," Elise placed the letter onto the desk, clasping her hands neatly in her lap. She stared back into her brother's narrowed eye; he appeared to be contemplating her words, and she found it both impressive and slightly sad at how serious the young boy looked. Far too serious for someone of his age.

The witch made a promise to herself to find out exactly what had happened to him, for him to have been desperate enough and vengeful enough to have contracted with the damn demon.

It would probably break her heart, but she needed to know.

And she had to stop the butler from getting his soul

"How would we determine the cause of his affliction, then?" Ciel pressed."Theoretically, could you determine it?"

"I...might be able to," Elise replied carefully. She did not want to promise something she could not fulfill. That, and there was a glint in the Earl's sapphire iris that sparked a wariness in her."It might be something that is immediately apparent. It might be, conversely, so well hidden that it would take years to crack. Some curses have been known to be like that. It is infinitely easier to break a curse that is simple to identify, after all."

"That would make sense," Ciel nodded in understanding. He gripped the letter opener again, twirling it between his fingers. The glint on the silver matched the glint in his eyes, still present, and still unnerving her."Alright. We shall leave for the Cove in the morning. You're well enough to travel, yes?"

"Yes, I-" Elise's lips slammed shut, his words properly registering in her brain. The witch blanched."W-Wait, no, I can't go...that is not a good idea, I really shouldn't be showing my face-"

"Why?" Ciel's tone was demanding, and a little affronted at being denied so vehemently.

Elise cleared her throat, carefully looking away as she collected herself after her outburst. It would do no good to panic.

Her damn thoughts did not agree.

You should panic. If any of your old friends see you, they will kill you

They might not...

They will

"The Order, the organisation I serve...served, they were the people who sent the assassin after you. The girl that stabbed me, she was another witch. There were 3 of them, originally, but your butler... took care of them. And I...assisted."

At Ciel's continued, icy scowl, Elise ploughed on.

"It was bad enough I interfered with an Order mark, that alone would have gotten me killed," Elise admitted, ignoring her guilt as a flash of concern passed over Ciel's face. She really hated to worry him. The boy had clearly been through enough."But I also happen to have aided someone-a demon, which will make the entire situation all the more unforgivable to them-dispose of my own Sisters. Most likely, my death is highly sought after at the moment. It's better I do not leave the mansion."

"Ah," Ciel smirked, and it was far too condescending for her liking."You're scared. Alright."

Elise frowned, feeling a touch offended at his assumption,"No, I am not scared. I would just...rather not die."

"No, I understand completely," that damn smirk grew wider, as the Earl gave a nonchalant shrug."Do as you please. Would you like a blanket? Some warm milk, perhaps, to calm your nerves?"

Elise felt her, admittedly rather unstable currently, temper boil under his goading, threatening to come out. With considerable effort, she reined herself in. The little goblin probably wanted that sort of reaction and she refused to give him the satisfaction.

"Oh, I am so glad you find this amusing," Elise snapped, feeling a touch spiteful."Considering that you are just as much of a target as I am."

To her frustration, this did not have the intended effect. Rather than clamming up and taking the situation seriously, Ciel's features shifted into cold boredom again.

"Yes, I suspected they were not the type to leave a job unfinished," the smirk came back as quickly as it had left. Elise fought the urge to reach over and wipe it off his arrogant little face."But if you are more scared of this Order than your younger brother, you can stay here as requested. As a lady, it is better you are out of trouble anyway. We don't want you in distress, after all..."

"Alright, I will go to the damn Cove!" Elise snarled, feeling incredibly offended. Just who did the little shit think he was, implying she should stay behind because she was a woman! Well, she would show him, the damn brat...

Ciel sat back in his chair, and blinked innocently, "Oh, are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure," oh, she could slap him."Despite the fact we are both targets of a group of psychotic, murderous witches, let's go to bloody Tinforth Cove."

"Tinworth."

"Oh shut up you smart mouthed brat, do I look like I care what the place is called?" Elise slumped back, blowing out an irate breath. She needed to get a hold of herself. Screeching like a banshee wasnt going to get her anywhere and, besides, it seemingly had no effect on the target of her anger, who was...laughing?

Ciel cleared his throat, self-satisfied chuckle fading,"Ah, good. I'm glad you changed your mind."

Elise groaned, and sunk even further down into her seat,"Did you just...did I just get manipulated by a child? I did, didn't I? Oh, hell, that is embarrassing..."

"I'm not a child," Ciel insisted, on principle. He paused, his smile now subtler, yet just as smug."Though if, for arguments sake, I were...yes, it would be rather embarassing. Sebastian, come to the study!"

Elise felt her heart, which had calmed considerably since she had been perusing Farnham's letters, jump start into a nervous frenzy once again. Her retort to Ciel's little taunt died in her throat, replaced by the feeling of bile threatening to rise up her throat. The demon was on his way.

The demon she had threatened to murder.

The demon who could have probably killed her by now, but seemed to be waiting for some reason.

The demon who she really did not want to see just yet, until she had actually figured out just how she was going to carry out her threat. Currently, the witch only knew how to hurt him. She needed to do far better than causing him a silly bit of pain if she wanted to protect Ciel properly.

Oh, she could try to do as the Tarrows did and surround the estate with a protective circle...but she doubted the demon would fall for that again. Besides, it hadn't actually killed him, just rendered him incapacitated. That was not good enough.

With hindsight, perhaps she should have thought the situation through a bit before resorting to death threats...

Nothing you can do about it now. Do you have a death wish, idiot?

"Whilst you make the arrangements for travel I'm going to...go," Elise groaned inwardly, realizing how pathetic she sounded. Pathetic, and suspicious. Ciel's eye was already narrowing.

"Go? Where are you going?"

"So nosy, hmm?" Elise attempted to distract him with gentle teasing, reaching over to pinch his nose. A genuine laugh left her at his furious look, small hands batting her away quickly.

"S-Stop manhandling me!"

"Don't you think you are being a drama queen?" Elise left his nose, pinching his cheek instead, with a coo. His face was warm and beetroot red under her fingers."Oh, am I embarrassing you? Are you embarrassed, Ciel?"

"N-No, I am not...get off me!"

"What a sour old man face you have on, oh my," Elise grasped his other cheek, pulling his mouth up with a vindictive little laugh."There, a smile! Was that so hard?"

Going by the murderous look on his face, it was.

"Weren't you leaving?" He snapped, grabbing her wrists and pulling them away. Elise giggled, but allowed him to do so. He had suffered enough, she decided.

Besides, her plan had been successful; she had distracted him and now had an opportunity to escape before the butler arrived without being questioned.

"I was leaving, yes," Elise got to her feet swiftly, ignoring how her heart was still beating erratically. She cleared her throat, a soft smile spreading across her face as she reached over the desk again, but only to gently fix his eyepatch, which had shifted over slightly during her teasing."Please, if you need me at all, even for the smallest thing, I will be in my room. Come and find me, alright? You may be a diabolical brat at times, but I love you very dearly. Let me prove it to you."

Ciel pursed his lips, his eyes falling to his desk. She saw his fingers clench, and unclench, before he lifted his head again, face pink but blank.

"I will keep it in mind," there was a knock at the door, and Elise froze. She cursed violently in her head, as the butler politely requested entry. So much for her escape...

"Enter, Sebastian," Ciel instructed imperiously, pulling his eyes away from her with a frown. Elise nibbled her lip, feeling the childish urge to cry at his coldness. Did he really trust her that little? Did he even...hate her? Perhaps he did. Quite honestly, the witch didn't blame him.

She should have come back the moment she knew he was alive.

"We are travelling to Tinworth Cove to investigate the Farnham case," Elise could feel the demon's presence behind her, looming, watching, waiting. She clenched her fist by her side, steadfastly refusing to look to behind her."I plan to leave in the morning, tomorrow. Lets discuss the arrangements."

Elise shivered as he spoke, in that silken tone of his.

"Yes, my lord."

"Elise?" The witch blinked as Ciel addressed her. He was still frowning, though it was somewhat softer now."Aren't you leaving?"

"Hmm? Oh, yes, I am," the blunette steeled herself, and turned around, trying to ignore the heartbeat pounding in her ears and the sweat on her palms.

Sebastian was staring right at her, and Elise did not like the look in his glittering red eyes.

It was...malevolent.

"Why, my lady, is there something the matter?" The demon asked, feigning concern whilst his eyes continued to promise bad things.

"No," Elise responded, through her teeth. It was the only way she was going to keep her jaw from chattering with nerves. Good God and Satan she wished he would stop looking at her like some sort of...prey.

"I'm merely tired," she continued, sighing; it wasn't a lie, not really."It has been a tiring day."

"Ah, of course," Sebastian's smile was dangerously saccharine as he bowed, holding her gaze the whole bloody time."I wish you a pleasant rest then, my lady. Be assured I have made sure the bed linens are fresh and you have suitable sleepwear as requested during our...previous discussion."

Elise flinched,"I-thank you. That is very thoughtful."

Oh lord stop looking at me, stop looking at me...

"It was no trouble, my lady. After all..." the butler's eyes flashed demonic fuschia, and his sweet smile turned dark."I am simply one hell of a butler."

Elise did not trust herself to answer. Instead, she managed a tight lipped smile she hoped to the Goddess did not betray the icy dread spreading through her body.

Then, she fled.

She didn't run, of course, but she did leave as swiftly as possible without it being suspicious.

Once safely out of hearing range, the running started.

Okay, first arc begins.

Next chapter will have Elise do some magic that reveals a little bit behind her belief system and witch lore, and a proper confrontation between Sebastian and herself will occur. Don't expect it to be sweet or lighthearted...he is a demon, after all. Plus, he's known to be super creepy (and hot...cough cough who said that) when he wants to be...

I think I got Ciel captured okay here. I didn't think it would be realistic for him to be all sweet and cuddly with her so he's quite cold here, but he will warm up to her again as time goes on.

Please let me know if you think its going alright so far? Thanks a lot to all who have reviewed so far!