The storm was still raging outside, even after a day had passed, and there wasn't much that Nozel and Ellie could do until it passed. They chose to spend their time instead trying to get to know each other on a much more personal level than they had before.

They started by talking about what their childhood was like and Ellie was surprised to learn that Nozel's mother- the woman in the painting that she had seen- had passed shortly after his youngest sister, Noelle, was born. She could see how much his mother meant to him and while he didn't talk too much about her death, she could still understand where he was coming from.

"It's never easy losing family, especially when you're close with them," she said. "When my mom died, my dad was devastated. He was so lost without her and while I stepped up to fill her shoes as best as I could, it wasn't enough to pull him from the darkness."

Nozel looked at Ellie as she leaned against the window.

"He died just a week later and I had barely finished burying him with Mom before those mages came to recruit me for the experiments."

"What was your childhood like before that?"

"It was great. Mom and Dad owned a small farm with an orchard, they would make preserves and baked goods to sell at the markets, and when they had some free time we would go to the top of the hill that overlooked our home and just watch the sky. Whenever we went out at night, we'd get to the hill just as the sun was setting and the fireflies would come out- lighting up like the stars in the sky."

"It sounds as though it would have been beautiful."

Ellie smiled and nodded. "It really was."

Nozel noticed her smile fade and a sadness take its place. "What is it?"

Ellie sighed. "Sometimes I just wish I could go back to my old home, sit on that hill where my parents are buried, and watch the fireflies one last time. But after what they did to me, I-"

Nozel wasn't too well versed in comforting others, but he still stood and put a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Ellie, I know how hard it is for you to think back on those memories."

Ellie reached up and put her hand over his. "It's something I don't think I'll ever get passed..." Looking up at him, she offered him a small smile. "I'll be alright, though, so get rid of that worried look."

They stood there for some time, just watching the storm until Ellie's stomach growled and a deep blush crept over her cheeks as she tried to hide her face in embarrassment.

Nozel smirked. "Why don't we get something to eat?"

Ellie simply nodded and followed after him as he led the way down to the inn's main room. They sat down at a table near the hearth on the west side of the main room before placing their order, and while they were waiting for their food to arrive, Ellie decided to ask about someone that Nozel had mentioned.

"You mentioned knowing Captain Fuegoleon as a child."

Nozel looked at her, brow raised. "What of it?"

"I'm just wondering if that's something that's pretty common with nobles, where the children of major families more or less grow up together."

"It can be, but not all noble families get along. In our case, House Silva and House Vermillion actually share blood relation."

"Really?"

"My mother's sister married the brother of Fuegoleon's father."

"I see. But then, your only familial connection to Captain Fuegleon is through your cousins, right?"

"That is correct."

"If you're family, though, why would you have a rivalry?"

Nozel eyed her for a moment, surprised at her curiosity. "Fuegoleon Vermillion and I have similar aspirations. We strive to become stronger for ourselves and for our Houses. It is only natural that a rivalry would form, even with familial connections."

Ellie was beginning to understand nobles, but only as far as Houses Silva and Vermillion went. She sighed and looked out at the storm as it continued to batter against the land. "I don't think I will ever truly understand nobles, but at least I can better understand you."

Nozel realized where her curiosity was coming from- it being more from her just trying to understand him and his way of life rather than her being a commoner. It made sense to him, too- seeing her interacting with the commoners they had visited- that the difference in station itself wouldn't peak her curiosity. He had noticed over the years that she was far more concerned with personal opinions regardless of station and how she could help those who needed it.

Ellie felt him watching her and found that being under his gaze like that didn't make her squirm as much as it would have before. "What?"

"You are an interesting woman, Ellie. I don't think I ever really took the time to pay attention to just how much so you are."

Ellie knew he meant that as a compliment and her cheeks began to burn. "I-I told you before, didn't I?"

"'Maybe if you tried to get to know me, you would see that you can trust me.'" Nozel quoted, recalling what she had told him a long time ago. He came to stand next to her, hesitating a moment before taking her hand in his. "And you were right."

Ellie was not expecting the small sign of affection, but her hand felt warm in his and it made her feel safe standing beside him like that. She met his gaze and offered him a smile, beginning to really hope that they could make things work between them- that maybe they did have a chance.

As they stood there watching the storm through the windows, Ellie found herself enjoying the moment with him and looked forward to more of them.