She had been in too much shock last night to realize exactly what Tybur Manor meant. Driving in the back seat, planted uncomfortably close to Zeke and Pieck in the middle seat, Elsie had missed the view past the trees. Now, standing at the top marble step arm in arm with Willy, she could see in the cemented wall surrounding his castle. Too caught in the realization that she was once more trapped in her own set of walls to escape, she did not take in the towering woman making her way up the steps.

The giantess made no sound when she walked, her lilac blue dress swaying at her ankles, narrowed brown eyes picking apart every flaw she could see in Elsie. High Priestess Catharina's round face didn't seem as kind as it could've been- pale lips pursed, cheeks taut as if she sucked on a lemon.

"Priestess Catharina, it is quite my pleasure to introduce you to Lady Elisabeth Fraser."

Her dark, thin eyebrow rose faintly enough to crinkle her hairline, "Fraser. We have much to discuss. You're late."

"I've heard." Elsie dead lined.

Willy chuckled and clapped his hands, "Well, I have a pot of tea I can warm-"

"That won't be necessary. The Lady and I will take rose tea in the chapel." The High Priestess assured. She does not once take her eyes off of Elsie.

Elsie wasn't too fond of rose anything but held her tongue. Willy nodded and eagerly waved for the butlers - having been pulling torn paper to see who would carry the heaviest luggage - to assist them to the chapel and fetch their tea. Elsie is urged to step further from the marble steps and her thick heels grind against the gravel, digging into her skin and itching her brain. She feels as if at any moment she could blow. Tossed from one person to the next, a world she doesn't want to be a part of, the frustration burning in her chest and cutting off the function to think calm.

The chapel had been separately built from Tybur Manor and been maintained for after hour servant parties. It reeked of stale ale and wooden cups had been left kicked beneath pews, obviously not thinking the chapel would be in any use. Not even toying with the idea that Elsie would be found come Monday.

One butler coughed into his white glove, sweat dripping down his red ear, "Excuse the mess, High Priestess. We'll clean it right away."

"Do it later," She did not care for the litter. The High Priestess walked between the six pews, probably meant for Tybur family and friends, and crouched before the painted window. "Elisabeth, come kneel with me. And don't forget the tea." She added sharply, hawk eyes watching the men retreat.

Elsie took in the window. A woman of fiery red hair stood in a field of blooming white flowers, the sun enlightening her maiden dress, her hair seeming as if it created the gem ruby, lidded eyes gazing lovingly at the vast growth beneath her. Her hands raised as if to brush back her wild mass of hair.

"The Goddess Freyja," High Priestess Catharina spoke as if she was introducing them. She smiled, then, and it took Elsie off guard. "Johanna herself drew this picture and her husband had it hand crafted for every chapel in Marley."

"She was the First Lady Seer." Elsie reiterated.

"Yes, the First Lady. Taryn had the gift far before Ymir drank from the pond and became what she did. Not much is known back then, for the believers did not come until after the events of Ymir, but he had the sight and whatever he saw made him want to leave."

"It's not a very uplifting story."

"No, it is not. Your bloodline is tainted with madness, I only wish to prepare you. Perhaps you will be the one to change the story," The Priestess faced Goddess Freyja, eyes glimmering in the afternoon sun. "It all depends on this moment, I know."

"What do you mean?"

"Tybur explained that you have been on Paradis Island this entire time. He may believe that you only joined the army to survive, as well as I, but I know that feelings for comrades do not die over night with one fairy tell. I am not monster when it comes to emotions, I can not change that they had found you first. I can only show you the reason for you being here and pray that you follow the Goddess's path."

Elsie swallowed, "Did you know Florence?"

"Yes. I was twenty seven when she was summoned."

"Do you know how she died?"

The door swung open. The smell of rose dragged Elsie's attention to the white tea pot placed beside High Priestess Catharina's dress. Elsie met Freyja's eyes, silently asking if this was real or not, and when she turned the Priestess had poured her a glass cup of dark brown liquid.

Elsie didn't have high expectations and placed it beside her. Priestess Catharina nudged Elsie's shoulder, "You should drink. It will help."

"Help with what?" Elsie asked.

The door shut and Priestess Catharina blew on her tea, "I sat with the audience when the Court found her guilty of treason and murder."

Elsie moved to say more, to beg for more information, but the Priestess gulped her tea and raised her cup for Elsie to follow in suit. The rose tea tasted as sweet and putrid as she remembered it - rose had been one trend she had tried to follow but couldn't swallow down. The Priestess clasped their hands together and closed her eyes, exhaling before speaking lowly.

"Goddess, please, speak to us."

Elsie glanced at the woman in shock. What? But just as fast as Elsie had opened her eyes, she was suddenly blinded. Torn through the black waters. Tossed through the looming trees. She stood at a small pond, no more than a T-Rex's paw print, and she felt the power, the energy, a connection so strong that she knew it was created one hundred years ago and it loved every person who drank from it. Then it's blinding light, shattered roofs and blood, the Attack titan screaming viciously in the air, the Jaw titan climbing up the wall, lunging, the pterodactyl screech of anger-

High Priestess Catharina gripped Elsie's shoulder, drawing her from the flashing moving pictures, "That's enough for today." She's worried. She glanced at Elsie's nose and raised her baby blue handkerchief, manifested from one of her pockets in her dress, and dabbed at Elsie's upper lip.

She fought to keep her breathing regular. Her eyes watered, whether from emotion or over taxing herself, and she shakily gathered the fabric. When she pulled it back blood dotted the handkerchief. The Priestess gathered the pot and cups before crouching beside Elsie, who still hadn't found the strength in her to stand.

"It's different for every Seer. Johanna was said to convulse when she had visions. Florence would faint. You are strong, you breathe through it and see what you want to see."

Elsie glanced at the older woman, "Did you see anything?"

"I only see what Freyja wants me too. It has only happened once." Is all she offered.

The blotched blue fabric crinkled in her knuckles. The Priestess had said Elsie had searched for what she'd wanted to see. All she could think about was Levi... Had Eren and Ymir fought in Shiganshina? Were they still there? The urge to run home over came her and Elsie stood, inhaling sharply, dead set on the double doors.

"Elisabeth," High Priestess Catharina stood as well. "I understand that it is a lot-"

"I want to do it again." Elsie cut her off.

Her eyebrow quirked but she did not rebuff Elsie's idea. In fact she calmly poured them two full glasses of rose tea and they drank it as if it were a shot in OMNIA in Vegas. They clasped hands and kneeled before Freyja, Elsie boring into the Goddess's forlorn eyes. Levi. I need to see Levi.

She knew better than to open her eyes. This time she looked before she sought- standing in a black abyss with the knowing that if she thought - focused - she would leave.

Levi.

It's whirling and dizzying and this time she can feel herself sway on the steps and the Priestess holding her steady. She doesn't have much time and she'll be tired, it'll be worth it. Just for a glimpse of him, to know a bit of his life while she wasn't there, was all she needed.

And he's there. Standing short and angry and wide legged on a wall, eyebrows drawn and tired eyes, thin lips demanding something of another cloaked soldier. And then it's the horrible feeling of being shot, the sound ringing in her ear, and Levi is flying and the soldier is laying on the wall, red hair visible through her shifted hood.

Elsie gasped and drew back, blinking madly at the sun. Priestess Catharina breathed slow beside her, lost in her prayer or whatever it is that they were doing. Elsie shouldn't have drank the rose tea. She rubbed her temple, woozy and tired, and the Priestess exhaled before dopily opening her eyes. She turned and took in Elsie's labored breathing.

"I'm not a monster towards emotion, Elisabeth. I know you're searching for Paradis. I only hope that you can allow us into your heart as well."

Kenny was after Levi.

"You're with your own people now."

Levi was fighting for his life.

"We're only here to enlighten you to your full potential."

Elsie turned her head with hope that her eyes weren't glimmering with the need to cry. The wanton urge in her to flee to Levi's side, to be with him again.

"Full potential? Like what, inducing visions until I'm blind like Johanna?" Elsie laughed without humor. She stood and fixed her dress. "You will only use me to complete Willy's plans in retrieving the Attack titan."

Priestess Catharina stood to her full six foot. She peered down her nose, "You never asked why Florence had been sentenced for treason and murder."

"I know why. She helped Yeager escape and killed a few cops on the way." Elsie glumly wondered if that was how she would wind up. The last Lady Seer fell in love with a Captain in Paradis, betrayed Marley like her mother before her. Was that their legacy? If only Florence could speak to Elsie instead of Freyja.

"She saved Grisha Yeager," The High Priestess clarified. "Florence saw what Freyja wanted her to see. I hope the same happens for you, Elisabeth."

The sharp lines had softened over their time together. She gazed fondly upon Elsie, probably seeing Florence eighteen years before, and she jerked her head as if bringing herself out of a memory.

Elsie wanted to go home. She didn't want to find the deeper meaning to her, or her mother, or her damn great grandfather. She wanted to go back to a few days ago when she had been fucked so good on a desk, long fingers running along her bare thighs, and all she had been was Levi's Elsie.

"Can you stop being a cryptic piece of shit and just tell me everything?" The words slipped from her velvet lips before she could stop them from spilling.

The Priestess gaped, "My Lady. Do not use such foul language in front of the Goddess."

"What happened between Florence and Grisha?" Elsie demanded.

"Your attitude is very unbecoming of a Lady Seer," The eldest sniffed and clasped her hands. "We will work on that. As for Florence, she is your third subject in a list to go over so all your questions will be answered in due time. You're not the only one who has to worry about who they trust here, Elisabeth."

"I never agreed to anything."

The woman grinned, "There is no one else occupying your time, is there? We shall meet here at dawn and dusk of every day. Between those times you will have private lessons with me. We have much to go over."

Elsie wanted to repeat her words. She never agreed to be Lady Seer or whatever the hell they needed from her. She didn't want this. The anxiety from her first days in this world resurfaced, scratching at her throat, burning until she wanted to cry and curl into a ball.

"You're not alone here, Elisabeth," The High Priestess said and Elsie met her eyes. "I'm here to help you understand. You can make your decision from there. But for Tybur's sake, let's say we prayed and spoke of Freyja this past hour."

She could be saying this now only to tell Willy of Elsie's true intentions. Over time she could trick Elsie into admitting her past, to what she really wanted, and she couldn't risk jeopardizing her chance of seeing Levi again. Elsie was in this alone.

Elsie said, "I'd appreciate that." Because what else could she do?

The Priestess kept to Elsie's side like an annoying fly. She did not speak much and was a great table mate during lunch. Granfer and Willy had taken control of the room, chairs pushed back leisurely and smoking the finest cigars Liberio had to offer. Granfer stood at the sight of the women, bowing in a ridiculous way that made Willy guilty for not standing first. He hit the table in his haste and knocked a pitcher of red wine over. The servant from Elsie's morning rushed forward with a towel.

"On your way to toss the towel, Sif dear, do tell the chef that we are ready for lunch," Willy called after the scowling servant. He hurriedly sat when he realized that Elsie had poured herself a glass of water and the Priestess plucked at fruit. "I heard it was chicken salad. I hope you're not a vegetarian, High Priestess."

"I am," She said coldly. Elsie wondered if this topic had come up multiple times before. "I have no problem putting it aside."

Granfer snubbed his cigar and leaned on one elbow, "How was your ride, High Priestess? I heard you came all the way from Sendriala."

"It was not the longest one I've been on. I'm grateful that it's over, I rather hate carriage rides."

"I love them. I could look out the windows forever." Elsie said without thinking, only reminiscing.

"I'm more of a boat man myself, Lady Seer. Nothing but the shake of a wave to rattle my bones." Granfer grinned, cheeky and apple cheeked.

"I get sea sick." Elsie plainly said.

"It is not for the faint of heart." He said apologetically.

Her fingers clenched the goblet a tad bit tighter, "Rather it is for the foolish."

"Foolishly brave, eh?"

The Priestess made a noise identical to a pig. It broke Granfer and Elsie's stare down. She sipped her drink and he relit his cigar. Willy took a moment to swallow his grapes.

"Well, not that anyone asked, but I'm quite fond of traveling by carriage."

Sif returned with their bowls of chicken salad. Priestess Catharina plucked the meat with a curl of her top lip and Willy chuckled into his wine. Elsie felt suffocated.

Tybur Manor held itself to the highest esteem. All souls living beneath its roof needed to obey its pristine order. Elsie realized this when a child, no less than twelve, was being rapped across the knuckles with a wooden spoon for her horrible cleaning of the tile grout. The patron, a dumpling woman who could've been Santa Claus' wife in Andere, was grim about the punishment and did it swiftly and efficiently. Later that afternoon Elsie spotted the child with a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

Elsie had her own order to attend to. She ran on Willy's schedule and it was demanding. Levi kept his work to himself; The other Squad Leaders were privy to his work mindset while Elsie only heard the end product and given the brief gist of it like everyone else. She had been a laggy in the Scout Regiment. No such 'special treatment' as Levi had tender heartedly put it at one time was given here. Willy expected Elsie to be involved as if she sat on the council. She truly became Lady Seer.

Before the time of playing the part Elsie woke at her scheduled time. She greeted the sun with a cup of steaming black tea in her mug, sitting on the edge of her made bed in fear of rumpling the sheets. The habits died hard, or maybe they weren't habits, because when had Elsie ever made the bed? She'd roll out and muse her hair and yawn a hello in passing to her ritual shower. And when she came out he'd made it, triangle tucked and pillows sorted. Maybe she made the bed to make herself think that a little part of him had came along with her. Maybe so that she wouldn't forget in case she never made it back.

She'd lose herself to these thoughts until the sun gleamed fresh dawn air and she had no choice but to prepare herself for the day. Fitting the part of Lady Seer was tiring and one of Elsie's least favorite things to learn in this world. The dresses were exceptional as they were hand crafted for her body, the matte colors matched to her tanned skin tone and flattering her golden hair, cinched at the waist and corset pushing her breasts up a tad too far for her comfort. It was a new look, to see herself standing in the mirror in a corset and flowing skirts, skin to show, a relic to display on Willy's arm. For the moment, that is.

Sif arrived to tie her corset and pluck at Elsie's hair. She'd tut and dangle the straight strands, watching them fall at Elsie's waist, "You should think about bobbing it, my Lady. All the women in Liberio are doing it."

"I'd rather not." Elsie said plainly, sitting as the perfect doll for Sif to brush and bobby pin Elsie's hair to the desired bob style that all the women in Liberio were doing. It looked ridiculous and she knew after meeting with Willy and his men she would take it all out only to put it in a bun.

Sif breathed sharply in disappointment before patting Elsie's hair finished and stepping back, "After you."

Elsie stood and rolled her shoulders, taking a steadying breath before exiting her rooms. The sound of her heels hitting the tile stroke confidence in her. Her hands relaxed, her chin lifted, the flow of the skirt and every freaking image of every Queen on television going through her head. She could do this. If they could act then Elsie can damn well play too.

The butler opened the door. Willy raised his mug of brandy in greeting and Major Gross' mustache twitched with a smile, "Good morning, Lady Seer."

Lady Seer. That's her new game for now.