Chapter 3

A few days have passed since Elias and Chise's wedding. There have been a few encounters where they would snuggle and kiss. Chise would do her studies. She is his wife, but she is still his apprentice. It's like the saying: "Work before pleasure" Though it seems they love to mix it together. Business and pleasure. While enjoying the clearing where Elias was healing his body one time, Chise read some of the herbs to him while they were enjoying the scenery. Elias was in his human form as Simon. He didn't have his coat and scarf. He was wearing his vest and his white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and no gloves. As she showed him a few pages, he moved closer to her until his face was next to her ear. Don't think she didn't notice part of his hair tickling the back of her neck. She tried her best to study, but the way he moved her hair away from her ear and started kissing from her shoulder to her neck made it very difficult to concentrate. She tried to stay professional and keep the shudders and gasping to herself. She kept silent long enough and finally spoke to her clingy spouse.

Chise: "I'm trying to study. You're making it very hard. You said you would quiz me." (pouts)

Elias: "I was just enjoying myself. I can't be confined. You did not enjoy it?"

Chise: "I didn't say that. Do not twist my words."

Elias: "So shall I proceed?"

Chise: "Well….I….need to prepare for the quiz."

Elias: "You are intelligent enough." (gets on her)

Chise: "Flattery will get you nowhere."

To him that sounded like a challenge. With a quick glance, she heard a growl coming from him and squeal when he started tickling her. She started laughing with a few tears. She watched as he pulled her shirt up showing her slender stomach. Elias took a deep breathe and blew on her stomach making her laugh and kicking like crazy.

Chise: "ELIAS STOP PLEASE! NO MORE! I CAN'T BREATHE!"

Elias: "Do I win?"

Chise: "HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Elias: "Say I win, and I'll stop."

Chise: (panting) "You…win…."

Elias: "Of course my little puppy."

Chise: "That's cheating. You play dirty."

Elias: "But you love it, do you?"

Chise: "…yes…."

Elias gave her a smile that made her blush. As much as she loves his original look, that face was starting to warm up on her. As they gather the books and blanket, Chise kept staring at the clearing.

Elias: "You okay?"

Chise: "Do you….wanna have a date with me one day?"

Elias: "A date?"

Chise: "Yeah. We could have a date. Just you and me."

Elias: "I would like that very much. I know a place I've been meaning to show you."

Chise: "Is it better than this place?"

Elias: "In a way. Yes."

Chise: "Okay. I'll wear something nice."

They were looking forward to that day. They just have to pick a day that would seem perfect.

The next day, Chise had gotten up early while Elias was still sleeping. As usual, he is not a morning person. Sometimes he is, sometimes he doesn't feel like it. Chise came back into the room anxious to wake up the Thorn Mage.

Chise: "Elias! Time to get up."

Elias: "….mmmm…"

Chise: (shakes him) "Come on. Someone wants to say hi to us!" (bangs ladle against pot) "E-LI-AS!"

Elias: "Who?" (yawning)

Chise: "It's a surprise. You'll just have to see for yourself."

Elias: "I'll talk later….Too relaxed…." (snores)

Chise made a very growling sound. She watched as Elias continued his slumber. Just when he was snoring some more, something came smashing on his head with a very loud CLANK! He was definitely awake now.

Elias: "Chise…. You shouldn't hit someone on the head with a spoon." My head is pounding…..

Chise: "I'm aware of that."

Elias: "So who came to see us?"

Chise: "Actually he's on a mirror like the last time."

Elias: "He who?"

Lindel: "Still like to sleep late I see. You're still the same Thorn."

Chise: "Hey Master Lindel."

Elias: (grumbling) "Hello Echos…. Why are you calling so early in the morning?"

LIndel: "I called to see how Chise was doing. But she seems to be in perfect health. I'm very glad."

Chise: "Aw thank you."

LIndel: "Also, a few of the Ariels told me that you two are married."

Elias: "Yes. We are. And we are very happy."

Lindel: (snickers)

Elias: "What is so funny?"

LIndel: "I just can't believe that our little Robin tied the knot with a grumpy immature brat like you. How hilarious."

Elias: "Die…"

Lindel: (laughing)

Chise: (giggling)

Elias: (grumbling)

Chise: "Come on you two! No time for fighting! Lindel how's the dragon doing?"

Lindel: "Doing just splendid. He asked about you. Still feels terrible."

Chise: "I'm fine. Tell him that. I'm healthy as a horse."

Lindel: "He will be very pleased with that response."

Elias: "I'm going to have breakfast. Afterwards, we have some errands to run. Care to join me?"

Chise: "Sure."

Elias: (heads toward the kitchen)

LIndel: "Chise."

Chise: "Yeah?"

Lindel: "He has been a loner most of his life. I could tell all those centuries ago that he looked like he was searching for something. Looks like he finally found it. As much as a pain he was when he was with me and he still is now, he is a good man deep down. Please. Take good care of him."

Chise: "I will. Don't worry. He's in good hands."

Lindel: "And so are you young Robin."

As Lindel said goodbye. Chise joined Elias and Ruth for breakfast. It was good that Lindel cares in his own way about Elias. He really is like his father. As they finished their breakfast, they headed out to London once again to do more errands. Elias allowed Chise to roam around while he talks to Angelica about something important. While she walked a little further, she spotted Renfred heading in the opposite direction. It wouldn't hurt to say hi to him. He, in a way, is a friend of Elias'. Even if they do fight most of the time. Some times she wonders why those two can't get along unlike her and Alice.

Chise: "Renfred! Hello!"

Renfred: "Oh. Hello Chise. You seemed to be doing better since I last saw you. How are you?"

Chise: "I'm doing much better. My wound is healed. I don't go down that easily."

Renfred: "I'm glad. And so is Alice."

Chise: "Where is Alice?"

Renfred: "I had her do a little assignment for me. She should be back in a couple of days. I'll tell her I saw you."

Chise: "Tell her I miss her. I wanted to thank you both too. You also came to save me from Joseph."

Renfred: "I'm surprised you let him live after what he tried to do to you. I would have destroyed him right then and there."

Chise: "He was suffering. He was so misunderstood. You didn't see what I saw when I looked into his memories. I saw pain, sadness, and lost of hope. I felt so sorry for him. And Ashen Eyes is gone. From the beginning it was ALL him. Elias was right from the start. He was too tricky."

Renfred: "Yes he was. How is your arm? Can I see?"

Chise: "Sure." (takes off glove)

Renfred: "Hard to believe he's keeping you alive."

Chise: "There's a good part in him that is doing that."

Renfred: "So you married the bonehead."

Chise: "Wha? Oh! Yeah. I did. It's great. After everything we been through, we thought we could be together. I'm happy. And so is he."

Renfred: "Chise. Have you heard about the College?"

Chise: "I heard your friend and Alice bringing it up a couple times, but no. I don't know anything about it. That guy with the glasses offered me to go, but I respectfully decline."

Renfred: "God that idiot. He didn't tell you before we mentioned it…."

Chise: "Wait what? I never heard about this from him."

Renfred: "The College is a school. A school for young mages and apprentices like you. Alice signed up when she was younger. Now she works there. You should join."

Chise: "Uh well….I-"

Elias: "Chise?"

Chise quickly turned around and saw Elias with a few books in his hands. When Elias saw that she was speaking to Renfred, a type of look was on his face. A look she never seen before.

Renfred: "I take it after everything you've been through Ainsworth, you still haven't told her about it."

Elias: "….There's nothing to tell…"

Chise: "So you knew about it? Since when?"

Elias: "When you left to get your wand."

Renfred: "I sent messenger bird after messenger bird, but it seems they never reached you. Did you forget to tell her about that too?"

Elias: "Leave….NOW…." (eyes glow red)

Chise: (gets between them) "Guys! No fighting. You're causing a scene."

Renfred: "You can keep doing that. Keeping her in the dark like that. She has a right to know. I'll see you both real soon."

When Renfred left, Elias turned and saw that Chise was looking at the ground with a disappointed look on her face. She couldn't look at him… To her, it felt like Elias kept something else from her once again.

Elias: "Chise….I-"

Chise: "Have you gotten what you asked for?"

Elias: "I….Yes. I have…"

Chise: (coldly) "Can we go..?"

Elias: "Yes.."

It had been really quiet the train ride home. Elias watched as Chise stared at the houses and building passing by avoiding looking at him. He clenched his fist together. Why did Renfred have to open his big mouth he thought. He thought that he wouldn't have to deal with Chise knowing about the College. But once again Renfred ruined everything just like bach in Ulthor. As they reached their destination, they got on the path that led them straight home. Again, Chise didn't say a word and all this silence was killing Elias. He couldn't take it anymore. Finally, he broke the silence.

Elias: "Chise…."

Chise: "How many?"

Elias: "What?"

Chise: "How many birds?"

Elias: "…14.."

Chise: "Why didn't you tell me about that when I got back from Iceland?"

Elias: "I didn't feel the need because I knew you would get curious and go. I couldn't bare that."

Chise: "Elias. Did you ever think about what I wanted? How I would feel? Did you even considered my feelings?"

Elias: "No. I didn't….I'm sorry Chise.."

Chise: (sighs) "Geez. How disappointing…"

Elias: "Are you angry with me?"

Chise: "I'm upset, yes."

Elias: "...Do you hate me?"

Chise: "…"

Elias: "…."

Chise: "….No…."

Elias felt a sigh of relief. He walked up slowly to her. Her head was still down avoiding his skull. Yeah she was upset, but never would hate him. When he was completely in front of her, he lifted her chin up so she could look at him. He gently caressed her cheek hoping it would soothe her fury a little more. It somewhat worked cause she gently rubbed her hand on his. Elias bent down so he was at her face. She gently kissed his snout and continued looking upset with him.

Elias: "What can I do?"

Chise: "You shouldn't keep things from me. We have to talk things out remember?"

Elias: "I remember. I'm so sorry Chise."

Chise: "What am I going to do with you?"

Elias: "What do you think about the College?"

Chise: "I guess. I am a bit curious, but I told Tory that I didn't want to go. Because….I didn't want to leave you."

Elias: "I heard that. Things are different now. How do you feel now?"

Chise: "The same way. Let's go home."

As Chise walked on ahead, Elias took a gift out of his pocket and sighed. It was bad timing to give it her. Once night time came around, it was time for bed. Elias begin to look at the gift one more time. When he heard Chise come in, he quickly put it in the dresser. He was surprise that she even came in. He thought that she would want to sleep in her room with Ruth. When Chise climbed in the bed, Elias hesitated at first, but he reached for her hand. She took it and he pulled her close and held her as he looked at her.

Elias: "How about we go to that place I was telling you about the other day?"

Chise: "You mean our date?"

Elias: "Yes. It would give us some time to talk about this a little more."

Chise: "Mmm…..okay."

She saw his expression when she gave him her answer. She could tell he was happy. Instead of falling asleep on the pillow like he always does, he fell asleep on her body. He made sure he was careful not to squish her and nuzzle his snout on her lips. Later on, he was still sleep while she rubbed the top on his skull making him purr in his sleep. She smiled a little and sighed.

Chise: "Why do you have to be such a lovable bonehead?" (kisses his skull) "My bonehead. Silly…"

And with that, she went to sleep holding her magus close while her mind ponders on what to do.