Outside the window, rain poured down, accompanied by rumbles of thunder and gushing winds. Out of the six girls, Ellyana was the calmest. Not that anything else was expected.
Thunder crashed again overhead. "The Harvest Festival will not go as we planned." Ellyana growled.
"Any guests that have not left yet will have to stay the night." Emilia spoke. A knock on the door made them all jump. All except Ellyana.
"Mary?" Francis's voice was heard from the other side of the door. "It's Francis."
"Come in."
"Hey, nuance. I didn't expect you in here." Ellyana scowled at him. He only grinned. "Anyway, Mary, may I speak with you for a moment?"
"Of course." She accepted his outstretched hand and he led her out into the hallway.
"Well, I'm going to turn in early tonight." Ellyana said, rising from her seat. Leaving the four women to their own devices.
"I must leave as well." Emilia said.
"Would you be going to see Marque?" Lola jested. "I hear the two of you have become exceedingly close these past few days." Emilia's cheeks turned red and she turned her head away.
"What would you be going to see him this late for?" Greer asked.
"I only need to speak with him for a while." Emilia rolled her eyes and left the room without another word.
Ellyana walked through the empty halls next to Bash. Glad to be away from the gossiping Scots.
"I'm surprised you're up and around." She noted. "After what happened in the woods, I'd think Nostradamus would lock you in your room."
"Maybe he did." He shrugged. "And maybe I found my way out."
"And you think I haven't rubbed off on you." She smirked. "Next time you decide to get involved in a war, though, I'm coming with you." He opened his mouth to argue but she swept on. "Even if you order me to stay here I'll sneak out and you know it."
"Of course you would. Why would I even doubt it?"
"My point exactly." They walked through the halls silently. They stopped before a tall window and looked out at the storm.
"How long do you think it will last?" Bash asked.
"No longer than a day." Elly replied. "Maybe even less."
"Just in time for the Harvest Festival." Bash smiled.
"Ugh! Don't remind me." She groaned. "I'll be hiding in my room."
"You won't accompany me to the festival?" He looked at her in mock shock.
"How long have you known me?"
"Long enough Elly."
"Then you should know better than anyone. I can't stand court functions." She moved from the window and leaned against a stone pillar.
"You won't even accompany me to the shops for an hour at least?"
"Why do you want me there? There are plenty of other people to keep you entertained."
"But I enjoy your company much more." He smirked.
"You flirt with everyone don't you?"
"Absolutely everyone." He leaned back on the wall across from her and his smirk disappeared. "Just one hour. That's all I ask."
"Fine. One hour. That's all. No more than that."
"I don't expect any more." He smiled and pushed himself off the wall. "It's getting late. I'll be heading to bed now."
"I should as well." Elly said.
"See you in the morning."
"I'll be in the stables."
"Where else would you be?" She rolled her eyes and walked down the corridor to her rooms. The storm relaxing her and lulling her to sleep.