Several days passed without any further incident in his "room". Though you really couldn't call this dingy little hovel a decent room at all. Still, Ancano was under strict orders to maintain a certain politeness on this mission. And he was entirely capable of carrying them out. Afterwards, however, Savos and Maribelle would pay for their mockery.
The Altmer was almost disappointed with the lack of tribute, though he didn't quite admit it to himself. He'd become somewhat accustomed to anticipating what sort of display would be awaiting on his bed when he arrived every evening. Perhaps the foolish little Breton girl had learned her lesson. Well, he supposed that was a good thing; she very well should be aware of her place. Such behavior was not to be tolerated against any Thalmor member... especially by a lesser race.
In fact, he hadn't seen her around for days. Not that he'd been looking for her specifically, of course. He was also under orders to keep a very close eye on ALL the apprentices. Still...
Ancano was loathe to admit that he was growing a tad lonesome. These last long weeks without his own people to converse with had left him rather bereft. It was becoming more and more difficult to keep up his façade of lofty disdain. This eve, after he'd managed to choke down a horrid burnt hunk of roast beef, and a soggy tasteless batch of leeks, he reluctantly made his way towards his dubious bedchamber... Only to freeze in disbelief in the doorway for the second time.
Dozens and dozens of smallish green bottles lined every available surface areas, including the floor. His bed was also laden with them. On his pillow was a note. Seething, the high elf snatched the parchment and read the scrawled message: Hi besty! Check your chest!
Ancano crumpled the letter in a fist and swung his head around. His trunk lid was open again.
"Bloody little witch," he growled, flinging the lid the rest of the way open.
Inside, there were several more stamina potions and about a half dozen new amulets of Kynareth. His septims, clothing and dagger were nowhere to be seen.
Ancano stared down for a moment more, clenching his jaw, before a curious calm overtook him. "Of course you realize that this means war."
Gia was having herself a pleased little chuckle, wondering what Ancano had thought of her latest gifts. The Breton stood on tiptoe, attempting to snag a book on destruction spells on a very high shelf without much success. Truth be told, she was on the short side, even for a Breton. A fact that had not gone unnoticed by several other students. As a result (likely in response to her prankish nature) the other apprentices regularly placed items that she was known to use up high.
She didn't mind, though. One good prank deserved another, didn't it? Hardly any fun if it were all one-sided and-
And she was suddenly doused with what seemed like a trunk-full of sloshy, crushed ice. She was instantly drenched, wet and cold.
"What the- What- What in Obliv-" she stuttered, holding her arms out to the side and shaking them. Piles of slush went flying.
Without warning, another load of ice fell upon her, then another, and another. Until she was standing waist-deep in soggy snow... In the middle of the damned Arcanaeum no less! What the bloody hell? Urag was going to be so mad when he saw this mess. Oh and look here; several of his precious books were sopping wet too. Just like she was. Damn it all.
Slow deliberate footsteps made their way over to Gia and stopped just behind her, "You're very fortunate that I decided to be lenient on you, Breton. I very well could have chosen to use an ice bolt or two on you instead."
Without even looking, Gia recognized the voice at once and her stomach churned with apprehension. Another burst of fear shot through her. This time however, a certain thrill accompanied it. He'd... He'd responded! With a prank of his own... Well, what he probably considered prankish, that is.
Ancano held back a snicker but couldn't stop a thin smile from creeping across his lips. She just looked so silly, standing in the middle of the library in a pile of melting snow.
Slowly, Gia craned her head around to glance over her shoulder. Ancano towered over her, hands clasped behind his back. A somewhat amused smile was on his face, so her stomach calmed slightly. Still, this was dangerous territory she was treading upon; it'd do well if she were to be cautious. No one else was in the Arcanaeum at this time of night. Not even Urag, who went to bed later than everyone else.
She shot him a sheepish grin, "I guess you got my message, then?"
"Indeed. Where are my possessions, simpleton? Tell me now and perhaps I'll let you go without any further punishment."
Gia slipped and slid her way out of the pile of snow towards him. Again, she shook her arms and brushed her dress off as best she could, not overly minding him. The top corner of his mouth curled as he was splashed several times.
Pleased, she batted bright blue eyes up at him, "Didn't you like your presents? It took me days to collect all that for you. I had to clear out three whole dungeons and kill a bunch of draugr. And I still almost died. You should be grateful!"
"Pity you didn't, girl. I'll ask once more; where are my things?" The high elf folded both arms across his chest and sneered down at the girl.
"They're around. Definitely in the college somewhere." Again, she beamed up at him in an attempt to charm.
Ancano blustered briefly, unaccustomed to not being obeyed instantly. Still though, her attempts at beguiling him were beginning to work. It was rather endearing, the way she was trying to interact with him. Best not let on, though.
He arranged his features into a forbidding glare and was somewhat gratified to see her wilt a bit. Encouraged, he let his palms glow with an unspent fire spell, "It is late and I am feeling less than patient with your antics. Tell me where my things are, or I shall fry you where you stand."
Pouting, she mumbled, "I put them on the roof."
"The roof?!"
"Yes. The roof. You know, that thing up there?" She pointed.
Ancano shook his head in a gesture of frustrated fatigue. It was a flurry of snow and ice outside currently, and he was not looking forward to climbing out onto the roof to search for his belongings. Besides, the college was large; they could be anywhere up there. Glaring down at the witch, he pointed at her and growled, "March."
Gia widened her eyes, "It's freezing out there! Can't it wait until morning?"
The Altmer didn't reply, merely aimed a lightning bolt directly at the wall behind her. Gia jumped as a crackling blast exploded just above her head. As another hit, she squealed and scampered towards the exit with Ancano hot on her heels.
"This isn't how you play the game," she complained, shivering. "You're supposed to find them yourself and then get me back later somehow! Didn't anyone ever teach you the etiquette of pranking? You didn't even let me change out of my wet clothes. If I freeze to death up here it's YOUR FAULT!"
"The faster you lead me there, the faster we'll both be back inside and warm," he replied without much sympathy.
He watched as the girl's lower lip pooched out in an impressive pout, before resuming its quivering. She did look cold. Good. Served her right.
"Over there. See?" She pointed to a large pack tucked away discreetly in a corner.
Ah. Yes he did. Ancano made to open the sack when he hesitated briefly, shooting her a suspicious glance. "You open it."
Gia arched a brow, "Really? You aren't scared of a little ol' bag, are you?"
"Open it!" Another lightning bolt scorched the ground in front of her, sending her tumbling backwards onto her back end.
"Jeeez! Alright already!" The Breton untied the cord and drew the sack open with a huff of annoyance. "See? Look there. All your stuff, just like I said."
Ancano glowered at her and snatched the bag, tucking it safely under an arm, "Touch my effects again, and I'll have your hands removed, Breton."
* * *
She left the next morning, bright and early. Ancano watched her jog down the crumbled bridge with a slight crease between his brows. He almost hated himself for wondering when she would be coming back.