Levi laid on his back with one arm behind his head. He stared at the canopy above the bed, blinking only when he remembered. His breathing was slow, his chest rising and falling in a mesmerizing way. Elsie's head had turned when she'd woken but he hadn't said anything, and still they laid in silence, a foot between them.

"Erwin decided about Annie." Levi said.

"To lure her in a tunnel with Eren?" Elsie hummed.

A grin, "Yes."

"You have to think of something better."

Levi turned on his side, fixing her with a look, "Should we just drag her out of the Military Police barracks?"

"It would probably be for the best."

"Fuck."

Elsie sat up. If Levi was awake then the sun would be rising soon and she had church to get to. This time she would be prepared for the visions during prayer and she would look for the slightest detail to give her answers. Levi watched her move from the bed to the bathroom, returning in her pale dress. He scoffed and looked towards the closed drapes, which reminded Elsie to open them. There was a grunt of protest, a hand covering Levi's eyes as he grimaced at her.

"Do you have to shit? You look constipated." Elsie teased.

Levi threw a pillow as she raced out of the room, the last of her skirt through the door before she heard the object hit.

Himari was blushing for Elsie, ducking her head and squeaking when the blonde caught sight of her. It appeared that Himari had been knocking on Elsie's door for quite a while, and was stubborn enough to keep at it until she got a response. But, catching Elsie come out of a room that was not hers, made Himari forget all about that.

The red head couldn't look Elsie in the eye as she helped her into a deep red gown and brushed out Elsie's hair. She left it down, knowing that it would make her look more at place. It seemed that it was very unladylike to wear their hair up, but seeing as Elsie was normally being tossed around and not heading to church, she figured it was a small luxury.

"Oh, Miss Elsie, I forgot... Uh, oh yes, there's a man from the church waiting for you. He said he would join you in the carriage ride." Himari flushed once more at the mornings reminder.

"What man? Is it the short one?" Elsie demanded, spinning in her stool to stare Himari down.

"No, Miss, thank the Lord for that," Himari seemed to think Levi was a devil by the way she crossed herself at the thought of him. "It's the Lord's nephew, Donovan Mahil."

"Donovan Mahil is Jesus Christ's nephew?"

Himari stuttered, "No, Miss, he's Lord Mahil's young nephew. The Lord of this castle."

Elsie had no idea what this Donovan wanted with her and her face puckered, not liking that someone knew her but she had never heard of them. Mahil? The name was as familiar as the districts to Elsie; nothing. This Lord Mahil had been invisible for the past three days, unless he had been part of the meeting from their first day. Either way, she was in the dark, Himari knowing more than herself.

Himari deemed Elsie fit with a flower in her hair, a white one from Himari's pocket, plucked from the garden when Himari had heard the Lord's nephew wanted to see Elsie. The maid opened the door, wanting to not make the nephew wait any longer, and ushered Elsie first down the stairs. The rest of the castle was alive, the foyer buzzing like bees. In the center of the chaos were three men, one her commander, and the other two sharing the same dark head of hair.

The handsome stranger from the church smiled, seeing her come down the stairs first, "Miss Fraser, I hope I didn't come too early."

Levi turned at the name, expressionless, in his off duty blackness. Elsie met the men, dropping her hold on the skirts, and facing Donovan Mahil curiously. He stood at Erwin's height yet didn't hold the posture of confidence that the soldiers did. He spun a brimmed hat in his hands, smiling charmingly.

"I didn't realize that I made plans today." Elsie said, not unkindly, but with the wariness of meeting someone new.

"Oh, of course not, it's just I heard from my uncle and uh..." Donovan looked between the impassive, threatening faces that stood on either side of him. "Can we talk in private?"

Himari chirped from behind, "I would be glad to escort Miss Elsie and Mister Donovan."

Donovan stepped forward, as if to grab Elsie's forearm and lead her, but thought otherwise with the eyes on him. He moved past her, heading for the door, but Elsie didn't move to follow, focused on Levi's expression. He jerked his chin in the direction and with one parting look at Erwin, Elsie grabbed her skirts and followed Donovan outside.

He waited for her on the steps, one foot bent with his hat on his knee, thinking. Himari stepped on the back of Elsie's dress and she shooed her to the bottom, causing Donovan to stand straight and smile at Elsie. It was just them, then, without the scary glaring and castle chatter.

"I didn't realize I'd have to ask every man in there to catch a glimpse of you," Donovan laughed at himself, his cheeks flaming once more. He couldn't lie if he tried, his face said everything, especially when he looked at her too long. "I had a speech planned but then... Anyway, my name is Donovan Mahil, I saw you at church the other day, and heard from my uncle that he was housing the Scout Regiment. I had thought... Well, it's kind of silly standing here in front of you now..."

For a second Elsie didn't understand what he was saying, dodging around the subject, but it dawned on her like a lightbulb turning on. He liked her, and that was why Himari was escorting them. She didn't know if this meant marriage, but seeing as Levi hadn't any objections, Elsie smiled and thanked whatever God that at least this man had connections to the church and law.

"I'm flattered, Mister Donovan-"

"Just call me Van, everyone else does. It's my uncles name, you see." Van waved a hand, gone with the formality now that his worst fear of rejection hadn't happened.

"Call me Elsie."

Van smiled, wide and bright, and held a hand for her. A carriage pulled at that time, nearly running Himari over if she hadn't rushed up the steps to avoid it. He helped her into the carriage, having to push her skirts in, which was embarrassing for Elsie but Van told her about one girl on his farm who had gotten caught between a doorway because her bosom was too humongous. It lessened the tension between them and half way through the bumpy ride, Elsie realized that Van was a very forthcoming person.

"The necklaces that you wear, they're to represent the walls, right?" Elsie hedged, ignoring Himari's warning look.

"Ah yes, thanks for reminding me actually. I don't like to wear it around the Scouts, you understand," He pulled the chunky accessory out of the inside of his coat, handing it to Elsie to examine. "You get your own when you confess your sins and let all of God into you. I can't tell you if it really happens, I was five and barely remember that day. Just my uncle and dad leading me to Minister Nick, who looked scary enough with all those wrinkles- yeah, I know, funny."

The necklace was heavy and hard to forget, but then again he's been carrying it around since he was a child. The gold bands had words engraved on them, stopping to let a framed side portrait of Rose, Sheena, and Maria rest in the center, and then continue. She turned the necklace in her hand, licking her lips to keep from mouthing the words.

"What does it say?" Elsie asked instead, the metal gliding between palms. His fingers were long and grazed against her wrist, a teasing touch, before Van clasped the necklace on.

"No one knows, it's the Old Language. Minister Nick tries every Christmas to read it but we all just stand there scratching heads and looking at him. Don't think he likes us that much around then."

Elsie knew how to gain Minister Nick's trust.

"I can't imagine why."

Van laughed, "Yes, me either."

The carriage pulled to an abrupt stop, the door opening and a stool being placed so Elsie didn't have to leap off. Van got off first to help the ladies, Elsie walking a step ahead to catch sight of the people entering. It was a normal sermon today, then. Her suitor still wore his necklace, however, and held his arm for her to hold on too. Elsie, not accustomed to being coddled, raised an eyebrow and thought she could walk just fine through the hedges by herself.

"Grab his arm!" Himari hissed in Elsie's ear, the sympathy she'd felt for the red head disappearing.

Elsie grabbed the damned arm and was led up to the door like a side-piece. Van had put his hat on after stepping off the carriage and tipped it at the boys when he entered, both staring at Elsie and knowing that she didn't belong at the man's side. He didn't take his hat off until they reached the front pew, Elsie shocked when the Duboius' waved at her from the end of the seats. Van swept his hat off, black hair falling around his face, and crossed before sitting. Elsie followed his movements, having to press their thighs together to give Himari enough room.

"I'm glad you're keeping it up, Miss Fraser! It's nice to have a new face around," Mrs. Duboius was a tall, crane like woman, who had no problem leaning over Van to whisper with mischievous brown eyes. "To be honest, I was tired of talking to Itsuko."

Elsie followed her gaze to the blonde, long faced woman who was waiting with rapt focus for Minister Nick to make his descent. She sat the pew diagonal to them, unaware or ignoring their presence. Men who had severe looks that could rival Levi's sat with her, focused on the same thing, unconcerned with the chatter happening around them.

"Me too." Elsie returned, with a smile, and only a little of a lie. The woman didn't have to hold her hand yesterday, as it was clear the Wallists didn't like her 'sinful' background, nor treat Elsie with kindness.

"How'd you get roped into showing up with this kid?" Mr. Dubious was louder and thicker, a meaty hand shaking Van by the shoulder. He was like a rag doll, rocking back and forth, and reminded Elsie of a Labrador with his wide eyes and mouth open in quiet objection.

"He charmed me, of course." Elsie teased, bringing out a loud bark of laughter from the man. He released Van and the boy, tucking his hair in his ears, silently thanked her.

"Or did he wait for ya' at the door?" Mr. Dubious had to wipe the tears from his eyes, his wife shushing him although she found it funny as well.

Van's face was red once more, "Ignore them, Elsie, please."

She had no choice for Minister Nick arrived. He shook their hands and clasped both of Elsie's in his, a smile larger and more energetic shake to it than for the others. He moved to Itsuko, who was smoldering with jealousy at her one handed greeting. At least she hadn't been skipped over like Himari, who wasn't the least bit insulted and continued to watch the minister with rapt attention. Elsie wondered when the last time the girl had left the castle, or if she ever had.

Van's face was still bright when Minister Nick began. Feeling for him, Elsie nudged his knee with hers and gave him a comforting smile. After that, his flush disappeared and he listened with his soul.

Elsie couldn't speak privately with Minister Nick since Himari and Van were with her, but the minister made sure to affirm that Elsie would be returning for the real sermon tomorrow. Elsie was ready to head back to the castle and get out of the heavy dress, definitely not a fan of the corset, but Van asked if she would walk through the maze with him. Himari's look clearly said she had no choice so Elsie once more was holding onto his arm, walking at a pace too slow for her.

"Are you from Stohess?" Van asked, looking at the divide they came to before deciding to go left.

"Trost."

He looked alarmed, "Were you there for the attack? I'm sorry to hear about it, we were all shocked it happened again."

"I was after. Nothing I haven't seen before, sadly." Elsie found it more interesting to listen to Himari's steps, judging her distance and hesitation to be close to the couple.

"Right... It's easy to forget you're in the Scouts, you're just so nice. I asked a kid no older than seventeen where to find you and he nearly erupted, demanding to know who and where I'm from," Van chuckled at the memory although at the time he had looked scared shitless at the castle. "That's what I expect a Scout to act like."

"Why?"

Van thought hard, biting his bottom lip. They came to a dead end and he turned them around, Himari pressing into the hedge to get out of their way. She wondered if he knew where they were going.

"Putting aside my religious views, I would say that the Scouts is full of prisoners and thugs. It's well known that on a death sentence you're given an option between enlisting or hanging. Not a lot pick the Scouts, and I don't blame them. To go out there, willingly, and fight those monsters, when we're safe here-"

"But we're not. In the past five years there have been two attacks-"

Van held his hand up and Elsie was reminded who he was. He smiled, to show that she hadn't insulted, but it was clear that he didn't like being cut off. He fixed his jacket, a dark blue suede that felt fake under her hand, and looked around. Once again they had found a dead end.

"In the past seven years, under Commander Smith, the Scouts have made more missions outside than what has been done in a hundred years. Did you ever think that maybe he brought something back with him? Perhaps if we had stayed inside the Walls, as God intended, then the Colossal titan wouldn't know that we existed."

If Elsie didn't know the truth she could understand where Van was coming from. The fear of the unknown let the mind wander and it seemed that a collective thought had won - the Scouts had brought the war to their door. Elsie, a part of the problem, found she had nothing to fight back with and bit her tongue, allowing Van to lead her further into the maze.

"I don't mean to insult, forgive me. You've already taken huge steps in separating yourself from them, and for that I am grateful because I met you," Elsie's smile wasn't sincere, Himari's steps the closest they've been the entire walk. "But I have to admit, they make the hairs raise on my neck when I see them. What's it like, to live with a bunch of men?"

"I don't live with them, I have my own room. And I'm not the only girl, there's others. If you're surprised by me, you haven't seen a lot of Scouts," Elsie couldn't help the little jib, thinking of Hange. "Even if I don't think the same anymore, they're still family. We've been through things together."

Van bowed his head, "I could only imagine."

Elsie looked around, "Are we lost?"

"I wouldn't say lost exactly." He scratched his chin, turning, as if a sign would appear and save his manhood.

Elsie giggled and hitched up her skirts, finished with this conversation and wanting to go home. She went down the hedge, knowing which way out, Van shouting in shock and chasing her. She exited first, panting from the tightness of the corset and having to bend down to catch her breath. Van's heavy foot steps came behind her, sweat on his worried face.

"Lord, you can go fast." He panted, waving his hat to cool himself.

Himari stumbled out, hair frazzled. She fluttered to Elsie's side, asking if she was okay, and Elsie waved her off. She didn't care for this life of a lady, to have someone telling her to slow down.

"I thought I'd test your endurance." Elsie said, fixing her own skirts when Himari made a move to do it.

"Well, I hope I didn't fail," Van smiled, not irritated like her maid, who was muttering under her breath. "You're an interesting lady, Elsie, I'd love to get to know you more. Have you heard of the ball happening in five days?"

"A ball like where there's music and people dancing?" Elsie wasn't appealed by the idea but kept her face neutral. Himari had perked, nodding excitedly.

"Yes, my uncle Lord Mahil hosts one every six months to thank the Military Police for all they do," Of course, Elsie thought scathingly, finding herself brushing imaginary dirt off her skirts. People who do nothing get everything. "If the Scouts are still in town, or if you decide to stay, I would like for you to accompany me."

No was on the tip of her tongue, not wanting to lead Van on any longer now that she had a way to the Minister without him, but then a plan struck her. This plan was much better than Erwin's to lead Annie into a tunnel.

"I would love too." Elsie said.

Himari clapped her hands, too excited to hide it. Van thanked her for her enthusiasm and held out his arm, leading Elsie back to the carriage.

Van left Elsie in the foyer, saying that his uncle wouldn't appreciate if he came to call upon a beautiful lady and not say hello before leaving. The compliment did nothing except stroke her ego, which was already high on the scale with a plan formulating. Himari offered to take Van's coat before he went up a staircase Elsie had never explored.

Elsie turned and headed to the loud dining hall, lunch being served. Eren was the first person she saw, and not because of his waving hand. He and Jean were sitting at opposite tables and shouting insults at each other, the next being more childish than the last. When Jean told Eren he looked like a shit his donkey had put out, the enraged boy tried to leap across the table from him. Mikasa and Armin pulled him down, neither stopping with their lunch to pay full attention.

The squad leaders seemed to be enjoying it as well. Erwin and Levi were absent but Hange and Miche were laughing their asses off, coins sliding under the table as they made their bets.

"At least I wasn't raised by- Oh, Elsie, you're back!" Eren smiled wide, forgetting the horse face in favor of the blonde making her way down the aisle. "Did that guy find you?"

"Yes and thank you for scaring him." Elsie was being honest but Eren stuttered and sat back down without the help of his friends, lost for words.

Hange held her arms wide when Elsie sat, "There she is, the talk of the castle! You work fast girl."

"Where's Commander Erwin?" Elsie didn't want to get lost in idle chit chat, excited to finally have her own plan to present. "We need to talk."

"You couldn't have waited until after they threw fists?" Miche grumbled unhappily but he finished his drink and stood, fixing his suspenders as he eyed Jean. "I know that kid could win, easy."

"The next time they have chores you can finish," Elsie easily waved it off, helping Hange to hurry by taking the bread out of her mouth and hauling her to her feet. Hange objected, reaching for her plate, but with the help of Miche they walked once more into the foyer. The spectacled woman groaned, a dramatic hand held towards the loud hall. "Oh shush, Hange, you're going to freak out when I tell you."

"Oh goody! My week has been boring. I did have half a mind to join you to church but then I saw that hot man come for ya'. Figured I wouldn't steal him from you." Hange snickered, elbowing Elsie.

"You can have him." Elsie said absently, the trio following Miche past the staircase to the rooms and to the hall where Himari had taken her on her first morning.

"Interested in someone else, hmm?" Hange towered over Elsie, a crazed look as she cooed down at the blonde.

"How can I-"

"Both of you shut up, we're here." Miche snapped, not one for talk about love apparently. Which was good for Elsie, who leaned further away from Hange's leering face.

The meeting room had the doors shut but had just released its people, a cluster of importantly dressed men idling in the hallway. Elsie immediately spotted Van talking to a man his height with no hair but a rather impressive mustache, who was holding court with his nephew and other listeners. Erwin, with his green cloak, was resolutely ignored by the royals. Levi leaned on the wall by the door, not attempting to weasel his way in like Erwin.

"Commander Erwin, sir," Miche clapped his boots together and saluted, drawing the silence and attention of everyone. Van's face broke in a smile at Elsie, his eyes trailing to Hange beside her. "If you have a moment."

"Of course. If you would excuse me, Lord Mahil." Erwin's deep voice went over the Lord's head, his beady brown eyes locked on Elsie.

"You must be the lady who had stolen my nephew today," The Lord called, causing Van to flush and the other men to take particular notice in her. Used to the stares by now she smiled sweetly, hoping to look like the beautiful, innocent girl Van saw. "Who would've thought the Scouts would be hiding the beautiful ones, huh?"

This roused laughter from his men but Van didn't laugh, his smile stiffening. Levi appeared then, pulling his coat over his arm as he walked past Miche and down the hall. Elsie curtsied, and made to follow, but Van called her back. Knowing they weren't welcomed to the conversation, Hange and Erwin were the last to walk down the hall and wait for her.

"I'm sorry for that," He truly was, she could tell. "Is it okay if I pick you up again?"

"Men don't ask!" Someone called from behind, sending another wave of laughter. Van was as red as a tomato.

"Sure, get out of here while you can." Elsie said quickly, already walking backwards. He waved and Elsie spun, catching up with the people she had missed all day.

"Not even a kiss for the pretty lady? Are you even related to me?" She heard the Lord nag as they rounded the corner.

She was relieved that Van hadn't tried. She didn't want to think what would've happened if he tried, the idea vile enough to make her shiver. Van was nice, too nice for Elsie who had things to do. She wiggled between Hange and Levi, picking up the front of her dress to match their long strides.

"You'll never believe-"

Levi smacked her upside the head, "Fucking wait to talk, brat."

The four of them found solitude in Erwin's room. It was more glamorous than Levi's with the addition of a table that was getting much use out of it from the many letters and ink spills on the table. Levi caught sight of a dark spot and frowned, deciding to stand instead of sit.

"Okay!" Elsie clapped her hands, beginning to pace. "Your plan with Annie, it sucks, okay, and I know when we can get her. There's a ball in five days that Lord Mahil hosts for the Military Police-"

Erwin sighed, "We are well aware of that however as the Lord is a supporter of the police I doubt he would take kindly to us arresting her in front of the town."

Elsie held up a finger, her pace not slowing, "You planned to have Eren lead her to somewhere alone and we can do that here! I'm sure a castle this big has a dungeon and with a party going on I doubt anyone would find it strange that two kids go off alone. He can lead her down and-"

"And she can change and tear the whole building down." Levi dryly finalized.

"Not if she's hurt," Elsie's eyes shone bright, facing her captain. "You're faster than she is as a human, you said you had no problem cutting arms off."

Levi didn't disagree, turning to Erwin for insight. Hange and Miche were nodding and it spurred Elsie. She was actually helping, actually had something to say that captured all of their attention.

"Eren leads her down. Levi and Mikasa can wait and before she knows it-"

"She's at the mercy of the Scouts," Erwin grinned, appraising Elsie. "Do you think we can do it?"

He wasn't asking her. Levi sighed, "I have a broken arm but that won't stop me."

"No matter Levi," Hange hung off his side, ignoring the look of discomfort that was clear to Elsie. "If you can't, I'll have no problem stepping in for you. I'll do anything to get my hands on a titan shifter I can actually test on." She foamed at the mouth.

Levi was disgusted, shoving her off, "Hey four eyes, get your own titan to cut up, she's mine."

"Oh come on Levi at least let me help!"

Miche shifted, "Five days? I'll go down and look for a suitable place."

"Very well," Erwin looked down his nose at Elsie. "Good work, Miss Elsie."

The energy hadn't left her, her hands shaking with the information, "I also have an in with the Minister. There's an Old Language-"

"Ach, that shit. People have gone insane trying to understand that." Miche looked ready to spit again and Erwin gave him a warning look, daring the man to do it.

"I know it. I can read it."

The room felt so big yet so small, the people far but their need for answers suffocating her.

"You can?" It was Levi who spoke first.

She nodded, "My mother was from Germany, she taught me a little before... Anyway, it's German. It's not an old language, I know it."

Hange fell to her knees, holding her hands up to Elsie, who backpedaled into Levi from shock.

"I fucking love you, Elsie!" Hange proclaimed.

Erwin laughed, "I think I do too."

Levi was particularly silent that night. He made them tea and Elsie held it to her chest, warming herself in the cold kitchen. Summer was coming to an end, if the daylight was anything to go by, and the cold wasn't scared to show itself like back in Vegas. She'd changed out of her dress and into slacks and a shirt before meeting Levi, knowing that he would bully her if she dared to wear it. Which, it was a relief to have the corset untied.

Although the person who took it off had nothing nice to say. Himari yanked the laces, Elsie holding onto the bedpost to stay up right, shocked by the force the little bird had in her.

"I know it isn't my place, Miss, but I must say that I won't keep your secret from Mister Donovan, if he asks if you are seeing anyone. I can't lie and I won't, Miss." It took a lot for Himari to say it, her voice shaking.

Elsie had only laughed and then ushered the maid away so she could meet Levi. He had two cups on the table, a cheek resting on his hand as he stared at the dark content.

"What are you thinking about?" Elsie asked as she poured more tea into her cup. She couldn't find rest, not with the progress she had made today. It was a little victory for her that left her pumped with adrenaline to enact it now.

Levi didn't look up. He hadn't touched his drink, "They finished cleaning the bodies. In the morning they'll deliver the dead for their families to bury."

Elsie wasn't thirsty anymore, setting the cup on the wooden table. It was comforting to know that the squad would be going home but the fact they weren't doing it alive rested on both their shoulders.

"I miss them."

Levi snorted, "Me too."

Elsie sighed and having nothing to say that she hadn't before she reached across the table and clasped the top of his hand. Those dark eyes that held no expression met hers and she pulled back, not thinking that it was accepted. Levi grabbed her hand, refusing to let her pull away, and she smiled sadly.

"Soon it'll get better." Was all she could offer.

Levi frowned, "I know."

He did know. He had lost Isobel and Farlan first, she often forgot. She planned to ask about his past, maybe that would take his mind off the fresh pain, but he beat her.

"How do you know German? What even is German?"

Elsie sighed, her eyes loosing focus as she thought of the world map and her own origins, "It's across the ocean, past the wall. I've never been but my mom was born and raised there. German is the language and Germany the country."

"Country?"

"Like another district but too far to travel to. If I ever went I would have to get a plane ticket, a machine that flies instead of drives," She smiled at his befuddled look, glad she was distracting him. "My mom would sing us to sleep with lullabies. There's one I remember but I can't say it as good as her. Anyway, it was the songs that made it easy to read but I'm not the best German talker."

"You said your mother left."

"Yeah, in the middle of the night when I was seven. My brother was three, he doesn't remember her, and dad didn't keep pictures around. I think even after all of it, if she had shown up he would've taken her back." Elsie mused, knowing that her dad would do anything to keep his family together.

"At least she did one good thing before she left." Levi muttered, lifting his cup in his unusual way.

Elsie gripped the handle of her mug, rubbing the ceramic, "What about your mom?"

Levi didn't falter, his movements fluid as he lowered the cup and turned it so that it sat straight in front of him. He debated, she could tell, if the story was worth saying. At one point Elsie had told him that she knew everything about him but prayed that he would't take that for his answer now. She wanted to hear from his words what he had to say about her.

"I remember her name, Kuchel. I remember that she used to cut my hair and that she always told me I looked like an angel and I fought her on it because angels were blonde and blue eyed. But she said I was her angel, sent to give her a reason to live," Levi's gaze centered. "Do you know the rest?"

"Yes." Her voice was apologetic for knowing something that he should've said.

"Then I found Kenny and everything fucking worked out. The end." He finished his cup.

Elsie cleaned the cups that night. Her thoughts wandered to Kuchel, remembering her skinny, dead body on the bed and the long haired Levi crouched in her room. Elsie figured that AIDS existed in this world and had cruelly taken the woman before she could see her son grow up.

Elsie walked at his side, all the way to his room, and was shocked to see a new pair of Levi's clothes folded on the bed for her to change into. The chair was gone and Levi was on his side of the bed, white shirt visible as he laid on his back and examined the canopy like an old friend. Elsie blew the candles out and pulled the comforter to her head, pulling a pillow to her chest, her back to Levi.

His hand thumped her back, "That guy-"

"Donovan." She said, turning to face him.

He didn't look at her, "How was it?"

"He got us lost and I had to find our way back."

"Typical."

Elsie hummed, her eyes drooping but not wanting to lose sight of Levi's side profile, "It was boring."

Levi said nothing else and Elsie fell into easy slumber.