The sleigh was twice as heavy now and took longer to reach the pole.
As they flew silently Ohiteka inched over towards Elsie, fascinated by her appearance. He pointed to a tattoo on her arm, just visible under her rolled up sleeve, of black rose vines surrounded a figure draped in a shredded cloak their face covered except for two blue glowing eyes. The figure had one angel wing and one demon wing, below it in neat inked cursive were the words 'Secret things are to be loved in darkness between the shadow and the soul.'
Smith reached over and pulled his son away from her and kept a hand on each of his children's shoulders keeping them near him.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o
Finally back at the pole everyone piled out, North told the yetis to give the reindeer fresh water and a good rest.
Elsie made a quick visit to Chirin. "Hey bud." She scratched behind his head making him paw happily at the ground.
Chirin stopped and snorted. Elsie hadn't heard Sandy come up behind her to watch them.
She motioned him closer. "Chirin's much calmer now. He might even let you pet him." She scratched behind his head again and he relaxed bowing his head to get more attention.
Sandy smiled broadly and went up to the ram.
Chirin saw him coming but couldn't maintain his anger with his master petting him so.
Sandy gently ran a gold hand over the ram's head. He was delighted to find that his fur wasn't as course as he thought but was thick and soft. He scratched under his chin and was even allowed to pet his horns, running a hand over the smooth cool ivory spears. He almost couldn't believe how tame such a ferocious beast could be.
Jack saw this and took it as an open invitation for anyone to join. Making his way over he reached out a hand, Chirin immediately backed away snorting and tossing his head threateningly.
"I don't know what it is about you that he just doesn't like." Elsie said apologetically.
Jack scowled at the stubborn ram.
"Trouble in paradise?" A smooth voice carried through the air. They turned to see Pitch heading their way. The two guardians readied their weapons, but Pitch wasn't in the least bit threatened and continued on his way until he was no more than a couple of feet from them.
"Now what's with those looks? I thought we were all buddy buddy now." He reach into the pen and began stroking Chirin's head which the ram allowed.
"You like everyone but me, stupid goat." Jack growled.
Elsie decided it was time to step in. "You missed a bit of action today. Apparently Morticia went after John Smith with some kind of foul smelling zombie creatures."
Pitch raised an eyebrow. "Was he still alive by the time you arrived?"
She nodded. "Yeah, he and his family were okay thank heavens but their house was totaled, so they came back with us. I have to say whatever those things were they were surel-"
"HEY! What do you think your doing!" Elsie was interrupted by John Smith stomping over, his eyes full of hatred as he glared at Pitch and her. Before anyone could react he grabbed her by the wrist and ripped her away from him, eliciting a cry of pain from her. Her glove slipped off, she stumbled backwards and would have fallen if Bunny hadn't caught her and helped her to her feet.
"No body's minion aye?" He shouted brandishing the glove at her. "Then tell me why do you and your monstrous beast consort with the enemy!"
Jack jumped in front of him, his face full of anger. "Leave her alone! She just doesn't know what she's doing, so just back off!"
That was the final straw for her. She was sick and tired of everyone telling her who to talk to and that she didn't know what she was doing. "You back off Jack I know exactly what I'm doing!" She then glared at Smith. "I was having a conversation. You have no right to tell me who I can't talk to. You also have no right to treat him like this! You all treat him like he's some kind of monster and it's wrong! He's a person no different than you or me and he deserves to be treated like one!"
Smith's face turned a dark shade of crimson and bared his teeth. "Harlet!" He shouted. "Nothing but an un-Godly whore!"
"That's enough John!" Pocahontas took his arm. "Your scaring the children."
He gave one final growl and threw her glove to the ground before allowing his wife to lead him away.
Pocahontas threw her an apologetic look.
Elsie glared at his retreating back, she hissed painfully as Sandy examined her hand.
Tooth took a closer look. "What happened to your hand?"
She pulled her hand away embarrassed. "It's nothing, just a birthmark."
A pale hand held out the discarded glove to her.
She accepted it gratefully. "Thank you Pitch."
His face was neutral but his eyes carried something akin to gratitude. He nodded and without a word turned and walked away.
Elsie felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned and looked up to see North, who looked at her with sorrow filled tenderness. "Come, I think we need to have a talk."
Elsie followed him through his workshop and again she was filled with wonderment at the spectacular sights that lifted her spirits. They entered the office where he motioned to a couple of chairs. He took a seat and waited for her to do the same.
"Hot coco?" He offered her a steaming mug.
She accepted the cup, blowing on it before taking a sip.
"Why is it you defend Pitch?" He finally asked.
She thought about it. "Do I need a reason? I mean he's a person, he's done me no wrong or anyone else since I've been here."
He nodded thoughtfully. "You don't judge people for what they are, but by their actions and how they treat others. That is very admirable of you. Almost everyone of us here would agree with you." He paused. "You can probably guess that we have a history with Pitch. We treat him the way we do because of his past and I think you should know it too so you may better understand him and us." He took a long drink from his mug. "Do you remember story I told you of man in moon during golden age?"
She nodded. "He was the first guardian. During the golden age he and his general drove away the fearlings."
"Yes but what I didn't tell you is that Pitch was the general who led the fight alongside Manny."
Elsie's eyes widened a bit. "He was, but then why-"
"I'm getting to that." He said gently. "In that time he was known as Kozmotis Pitchneir. He was the esteemed general, second only to Manny who was the ruler of a vast and righteous kingdom. He had a long and successful career, his beautiful wife Lady Pitchneir and their infant daughter Mother Nature."
She was shocked to hear that Pitch had a wife and child but didn't interrupt, as she was to eager to hear the rest of the story.
"After the fearlings were rounded up and imprisoned Kozmotis was entrusted with the task of guarding the prison for eternity so that their evil would never be released. Year after year he stood unwavering in his task, but after so long in isolation his mind began to falter. The fearlings, sensing this weakness pretended to be Kozmotis's daughter and tricked him into opening the prison. In that moment the fearlings possessed him all at once. Kozmotis Pitchneir was no more and in his place stood Pitch Black."
Elsie opened her moth to ask a million questions but silenced herself when North raised a hand, indicating he wasn't finished.
"The newly formed nightmare king went about destroying all of Kozmotis's ties. Lady Pitchneir caught wind of his plan. She sent young Mother Nature to a secret safe haven. When Pitch came for her she took a doll dressed as her child and leaped from the window of her tower. With his former family taken care of Pitch Black plunged the world into the dark ages, spreading misery and fear everywhere he went. Manny saw only one thing to do. He gathered all the power from the moon and bestowed it upon four people he saw worthy. Us, the original guardians were tasked with putting Pitch down. And it was up until only a few years ago that Pitch remained in darkness, he gathered an army and night-mares and nearly destroyed us." He paused to allow all of this to sink in.
After a moment she spoke. "So that's why you guys hate each other."
North nodded solemnly.
"I think I owe you and the others an apology." She said.
He removed his hat and ran a hat through his white hair. "You were just doing what you thought was right. I must apologize on account of John though, are you alright?" He motioned to her arm.
"Yeah, he's not as strong as he thinks he is." She said more smug than she felt. "What's his problem anyway."
"John is very..." He searched for the right word. "Old fashioned. He comes from a time that fears change. He is afraid of anything or anyone that is different. He was raised on those beliefs and believes he is protecting his family."
She sighed. "Well he should see that people aren't as different as he thinks, we're all just people."
North smiled and nodded. "Yes, we are. Now is about time for dinner. Pirozhki and golubtsy and I think I smelled blinis being made for dessert."
Even though she didn't understand what any of those things were she smiled broadly eager to get something to eat. "Sounds great, I'm starving."
As they headed down to the kitchen Elsie couldn't help but think on the story she'd heard. Something was off, somethings didn't make sense to her. North had told her that Pitch was possessed but his eyes were lucid and inelegant and lacked the glassy empty look of someone possessed. So what was it then?
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o
As it turns out pirozhki were buns stuffed with either meat, vegetables or fish, and were served with golubtsy, which was ground beef and rice wrapped and boiled in cabbage leaves.
Elsie smiled as the hearty food filled her. The kitchen was silent except for the yetis constant cooking and the elve's usual antics. Smith and his family on the opposite side as far away from her as the table would allow. She was seated between North, who eagerly inhaled his meal, and Jack who was awkwardly avoiding her gaze.
Elsie inwardly sighed. She knew she had to apologize for treating him so poorly. He was her friend and was only trying to protect. She was probably just letting old anger re-surface, she shouldn't hold onto such an old argument against him. She was doing the same thing to Jack that the guardians were doing to Pitch. Jack was sorry, she was sure of that. Perhaps his over protectiveness was his way of trying to make amends. She decided to confront him after dinner.
The pirozhki and golubsty were taken away and replaced by plates of Blini. Sweet pancakes heaped with fruit fillings and topped with powdered sugar. They were absolutely delicious and it wasn't long before the crowded plates were empty and one by one the guardians left the table.
As the kitchen door closed behind Jack, Elsie decided that there was no time for the present and followed him out.
"Jack." She called after him, her stomach twisted in nervous knots. What she should say.
Jack turned and was mildly surprised to Elsie following him. "Yeah, what is it?" He asked curiously.
She bit her cheek in hesitation. No she needed to be up front about this. "I need to apologize. I shouldn't be treating you so cruelly. Your my friend and you were just trying to protect me and I shouldn't get angry at you for that. I'm just-I'm sorry."
Jack's eyes softened, smiling softly he shook his head. "No I'm the one whose sorry. I've been acting over protective, but not just because of now. I never apologized for-"
"Jack it's alright." She said gently.
"No it's not alright. I had no right to ask you what I did. I especially had no right to yell at you. Elsie whatever I said I-I didn't mean any of it"
"I know and I could only imagine what you were going through at the time."
"That still doesn't excuse me for what I did, and I understand now why you couldn't." He stared at his feet in shame. A warm hand was placed on his shoulder.
"Jack we've both made mistakes. The important thing is that we learn from them and move on."
He looked back up at her kind emerald eyes and gentle features, he gave a faint smile himself. "Your right, as usual. Still friends?"
"Of course Frosty." She said playfully.
Jack chuckled and the two hugged, happy that their friendship had been mended.
From her spot in the far doorway Toothania watched as the two embraced. The ball of envy in the pit of her stomach unfolded into heartache and rejection as she watched the object of her love and affection in the arms of another. He obviously cared deeply for her, and why shouldn't he? He'd known her longer than any of them. They used to be inseparable and she was the first person to see him. So obviously she was very special to him. That was it then. Jack had chosen Elsie over her and now she was left out in the cold. Tooth balled her fists as she tried to hold back the pools of tears that had formed in her eyes, at least until she reached her secluded room.
She hurried out of the room, nearly running into Bunny who asked if she was alright. She gave a curt nod and zipped off.
He stared after her in concern until someone called his name, and turned to see Elsie.
"Listen, I've been acting like a huge jerk lately and I'm sorry. I think we got off on the wrong foot. So how about a fresh start?" She offered her hand.
He looked mildly surprised before smiling. If there was one thing he understood, it was fresh starts. He gripped her hand shaking it firmly. "It's all good mate. Suppose I haven't been helping with being stubborn on my part. How's your arm anyway?"
"I'm fine, no harm done."
"You're all getting along excellent excellent!" North and Sandy entered.
Bunny smiled. "Yeah Sheila's here's not so bad once you get to know her." He ruffled her thick hair and she playfully punched him in the shoulder.
Sandy smiled brightly giving a thumbs up.
Elsie was jerked forward as something hit the back of her head. She turned to see Jack smiling smugly and tossing a snowball in the air.
Sandy covered his mouth trying to stifle a silent laugh, while North and Bunny stood silently looking on.
A smile slowly crept onto Elsie's face. "Oh your in trouble now Jackie." She nudged Bunny. "Hold him for me."
He smiled evilly and nodded. "With pleasure."
"Bring it on girly, and whats kangaroo gonna do?" Jack egged them and motioned them forward.
The two dashed forward, missing Jack by an inch as he took to the air. The winter spirit turned mid-air and froze the floor under them, causing the two to slide into a bookshelf. They landed on each other beneath a pile of books. The other three laughed.
"Why don't you two go get room!" North howled.
Bunny and Elsie growled, glaring at Jack.
The younger spirit only laughed harder. Waving his staff he froze the entire floor and caused the ceiling to begin snowing.
North stopped his guffawing and looked around at his once beautiful room. "Ugh! Jack! It's going to take days to remove all this snow!"
He was promptly hit by one of Jack's magic snowballs that turned his grievousness into fun. North began chucking snowballs all around.
Sandy fell onto his side from laughing so hard.
Jack landed in the make-shift ice rink and began skating about, throwing snowballs as he went.
"Get him!" Elsie shouted and took off after him and sliding clumsily over the ice with Bunny in tow.
Sandy joined in throwing snowballs at Jack from the air, while North continued throwing snow at random.
Finally Bunny nailed Jack in the head with one well placed throw. He fell and slid until Elsie and Bunny grabbed him, pinning him down.
"Come on guys, you know I was just having some fun right?" He chuckled nervously looking up at the two towering over him.
"Of course mate, but now it's our turn for fun."
"What are you gonna do?"
Elsie raised her hands menacingly. Then began mercilessly tickling Jack. Bunny joined in causing Jack to howl in laughter.
John Smith and his family walked by on their way to their rooms. The young children smiled and made to join in the excitement, but were stopped by their father.
"I do not want either of you two around that girl." He whispered harshly to them.
"But why not papa? The guardians like her?" Sarah asked confused.
"I know they do Sarah dear, but even God almighty was deceived by Lucifer. She's a very bad influence. She wears black the color of evil and associated with demons. Understand?"
Both children nodded and followed their father away.
Jack begged and pleaded for his assailants to stop, but neither let up until fat tears were rolling down Jack's face.
"I think that's enough torture." The helped their friend to his feet, only to be knocked down by North and Sandy.
"Oh it's on!" Elsie cheered.
They began an all out snowball war.
Bunny bolted in and out of his holes surprising North, Sandy dive-bombed them from above. Jack jumped all over the place, freezing everything on his path.
North continued throwing snowball after snowball with a seemingly endless amount of vigor and Elsie did her best to take cover behind a make shift snow fort and took shots at the others when she could.
Eventually everyone began to tire out and a large, and now frozen, grandfather clock chimed ten times.
Jack yawned and stretched. "Well I think I'm worn for the night."
Sandy nodded his head in agreement. No one disagreed and they filed out to their own rooms.
Elsie entered her's. The shades were drawn, the only light coming from the dying embers in the fire place. She could just make out the form of Jingle asleep on the loveseat. Elsie slumped onto the bed, the soft material conforming around her. Her heart was still pounding and adrenaline rushing through her veins. She closed her eyes, forcing her breathe to slow and focused on the gentle sound of the crackling coals as she tried to will herself to sleep.
Two fitful hours later she was still tossing and turning awake as ever. It didn't look like she was going to get any sleep tonight. Mind as well do something then, she thought to herself. Getting up and searching through her bag she pulled out her book of 'Lovecraft Tales'. But the room was to dark to see, she gently cursed. Then remembering Jingle, gently shook the elf awake. He yawned and rubbed his eyes tiredly.
"Jingle do you know a place where I can read?"
The elf stared blankly for a moment as if trying to understand her words, then nodded and sluggishly got to his feet, leading the way.
The halls were dimly lit by lamps on wall hangings, casting gentle shadows on the rest of the hall which Elsie couldn't help but find beautiful in their delicacy. Th only sounds were their footsteps gently echoing back to them and the occasional jingle of Jingle's bell. Jingle led her to a pair of large plainly carved double doors. He pointed, yawned again and left her standing in the hallway.
"Thanks." She whispered.
She reached for the silver handle, it was cool and smooth under her hand, and quietly opened the door. The air was warm but had an airy sense to it, and a light scent that was usually associated with printed paper. Elsie immediately recognized the characteristic feel of a library and silently stepped in.
The library, which was more the size of the sitting room, had a fireplace roaring behind a large metal grate. Tables, chairs and desks dotted the room at a seemingly random pattern, each had a small oil lamp that gave the room a gentle light perfect for reading. At the center of the room was a conjunction of comfortable looking sofas and chairs. But the best feature of the room by far, in her opinion, were the walls. Every wall in the room was a built in bookshelf that reached the ceiling and every inch of every bookcase was stuffed with books of all different sizes, thickness and color. She could have died happily that moment in the scholarly paradise, but thankful that wasn't the case. For she wanted to explore what bountiful riches these wooden obelisks so charitably offered to her. She chose to start with the bookcase opposite the door. Gazing at the marvel of treasures and reading every title one by one, occasionally pulling one out and reading a random passage from it.
"Can't sleep?"
Elsie nearly jumped out of her skin. She spun around and spotted Pitch sitting in one of the armchairs, an open book on his lap. She smiled and momentarily wondered how she'd missed him, probably to preoccupied with the books.
She shook her head in answer to his question.
"Nightmares?" He asked smirking from her scare.
"Couldn't fall asleep to have any." She took a seat on a sofa near him, and flipped open 'The Shadow Over Innsmouth' to her favorite part, and started reading.
She was about a third of the way through the book when he spoke to her.
"What are you reading?"
She looked up to see him glancing at her book. "The Shadow Over Innsmoth, by H.P. Lovecraft."
He raised an eyebrow but went back to his own book, and they fell into a comfortable silence.
She was halfway through when she heard his voice again.
"Did you mean what you said?"
"Pardon?" Looking up again, he was looking at her from the corner of his eye.
"What you said about darkness not being evil and what you said to Smith?"
"Yes, I did." Was all she gave and returned to her book.
She was nearing the last pages almost ready to go on to the next chapter.
"Thank you."
She looked up again. Pitch refused to look at her, but she saw a certain sparkle in his eclipsed eyes.
"You shouldn't thank me for speaking the truth. Darkness and fear are just the other half of light and bravery. They depend on each other to keep balance."
He chuckled lightly. "With all your talk of balance you sound like Mother Nature."
"Your daughter?" Damn. She hadn't meant to let that slip out.
Pitch paused momentarily before turning to face her.
Well the cat's outta the bag, no sense in keeping it hidden any longer, she thought. She marked her page and closed her book showing him that he had her full attention.
"So they told you my story." His face was neutral but his eyes were alight.
"They told me a story about a man named Kozmotis Pitchneir."
"And what do you think?"
She thought about it. What did she think? Did she think he was evil? No he had never harmed her or attempted to. Even Chirin seemed to think he was okay and he didn't like anyone. He wasn't some evil monster. He was just dark and there was nothing wrong with that, in fact she preferred the dark.
"Honestly, I'm not sure what to think. I've heard a lot of things. But I don't think your an evil person."
He stared intently, evaluating her for a long moment before giving her a very short nod. "Would you care to know the real story?"
Elsie nodded intrigued.
"I'm sure they told you of how I was once the general to the man in the moon?"
"Yeah, you led the golden army against the fearlings."
"Yes but did they ever tell you that the man in the moon is also my brother?"
Her eyes widened and her jaw was agape ass she shook her head.
"Yes it's true and there was a time when we were quite close. But that was a long time ago."
"What happened?"
"It started when I was about Jack's age when our parents announced that Tsar would succeed our father as king and I was to become the general of his army. My brother rose his moon for the first time, as I brought down my night. Oh how the people cheered in celebration. But that was where the trouble began. You see as we had our different duties to uphold we were separated. He spending most of his time in the palace learning the ways of the king, while I was sent to the barracks to begin my training.
As we grew so did the wedge between us. He began spending more and more of his spare time in the thrown room or criticizing the staff on how things were 'supposed' to be done. He started raising his moon earlier and earlier in the evening, despite the laws. But the people loved his moon and him. As my nights were out shined by the moon's glow, so was I out shined by my brother in the people's favor. They were forgetting that I was their prince as well, I was lost to the light. I, though, was unwilling to break the laws set by our parents, so soon my nights grew lonely and cold as I was left to bring my night in solitude."
Elsie felt her heart ache for him. She knew what it was like to be alone, when all she wanted was to be around others and have friends. But she couldn't. Not while she had her own burden to bear.
"Then came the day when we were to be crowned our titles. First I was made general of the golden army. The people had cheered, but their voices were hollow and meaningless. My brother stepped forward, a golden crown draped upon his head. The crowd nearly erupted. To celebrate he raised the moon, in the middle of the day.
Later that day it was secretly announced to a select few that my brother was to be wed to the princess Celestia, the princess of a kingdom on the other side of the world who controlled the sun and day. They were married in secret. The next day another wedding took place in front of entire kingdom. A false marriage between I and Celestia."
"Wait why would they do that?"
He raised an eyebrow. "You're smart, use your brain. Anyone wanting to usurp the king would have to kill the queen and all their heirs. She was in less danger pretending to be the wife of the general. She and I never did see eye to eye. In actuality she hated me, hated my night and my darkness."
"So that means Mother Nature is actually your niece."
He nodded. "And it was shortly after her birth that the final blow was struck. For the last few years likeness and tolerance for all things dark, including myself, was all but gone. People no longer loved my night, instead they cursed it and worshiped by brother's moonlight and Celestia's day. But neither had he done anything himself to prevent this, he simply stood back and watched my fall. With all the hatred and fear the kingdom had for me it was only a matter of time before someone of power intervened.
The people were getting restless within the dark and there was talk of rebellion. So after some convincing by Celestia, my brother ordered the capture and banishing of all things dark. And I was chosen to lead the charge. So I left to conquer, the glory of my battles forging the path for the golden age." He paused glaring into the fire, his eyes glassy with memories.
"And at the end of all my battles, at the end of all my struggles do you know what my reward was? An eternity in that prison. Oh there plan was a cunning one, 'only our most trusted and esteemed soldier could be trusted with the task of guarding all the darkness and fearlings of the world'. But they should have kept the look of contempt from their eyes. I was as much a prisoner there as the fearlings. I spent years in that hell with no contact from the outside world. Just walking back and forth by every cell listening to the darkness scream in their horrible voices. Until one day I decided to listen. And I heard. They were crying out for help, for justice. I realized that I had imprisoned them as others had done to me. I was broken, and all the anger and sorrow I had kept locked away erupted out.
My parents had overlooked me, my brother had disowned me, my kingdom who'd I'd fought to protect locked my away because I was of darkness. The time for my vengeance was nigh! I told the fearlings I would release them, but only if they granted me their power. They agreed and so I did. As I was filled with a new sense and power I changed who I was. I would not keep my old name, instead I chose a new name, a name that would strike fear into the hearts of those who betrayed me. So I began taking my vengeance, spreading fear darkness over the kingdom.
My brother and Celestia were forced to intervene. History would tell that Tsar would choose the guardians to oppose me, and Celestia would give her life to save her child, but history is wrong. When they caught wind of my plan they sent their child away and prepared to face me. They planned on using a crystal who's magic was unmatched, but came at a high price. When my army forced it's way into the palace they used their power and that of the crystals. My army was destroyed, but I still stood. And the price for such power, both Tsar and Celestia were banished to their respective elements for a thousand years. With nothing left in my way I took the thrown and plunged the world into darkness, ruling the dark ages as the nightmare king. My brother used what power he could gather and bestowed it upon four he thought worthy."
"The guardians."
He nodded. "They built a rebellion ans usurped me. I was down but not defeated. I would re-build my army and rise again. Only a few years ago I struck back. Unfortunately I underestimated Jack Frost's power and was defeated."
"Well that explains their hostility."
Pitch's eyes lost their glassy look, turning he studied her face with uncertainly. "Now that you've heard both stories which do you believe?"
She took a moment to think. "I like yours better, it makes more sense. People are more likely to attack something they don't understand rather than take the time to figure it out."
He search her eyes for any deception but found none. "And what's your story with Jack Frost? You said you were friends or something?" He tried to sound uninterested.
"Yeah we used to hang out all the time. See, when I was fourteen I was the first person to see Jack."
Pitch gave her a surprised look. "You still believed in such things at that age?"
"It's not that I believed, I could always see the spirits. Jack was pretty shocked too. So we started hanging out, used to do everything together, practically inseparable."
"Used to be?"
She bit her lip. "We got into a fight, a big one. He...he asked me to runaway from home and go with him to spread winter across the world. But I couldn't, I had my family and Chirin. They needed me more."
Pitch looked actually surprised. "So let me guess, after he told you no he threw a tantrum?"
"Pretty much. After that he left town and stopped coming around as much and when he did we avoided each other. After that it was just me and Chirin."
After she was done Pitch stared at her with a strange expression, before asking. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Well you told me your story."
"Yes but that was to correct an incorrect version. Why do you show no fear in my presence when you should have every reason to, why do you defend me?"
Elsie looked at him as if he had asked a very ridiculous question. "Because I trust you."
Now it was Pitch's turn to stare at her as if she was the one being ridiculous. "Why?" Eying her skeptically.
"You've given me no reason not to."
He stared for another minute before turning back to his book. Elsie took the hint that the conversation was over and continued to read as well.
Shortly after she began to feel her eyelids droop. The warmth of the fireplace and the overall cozy setting of the library was making her feel drowsy. It didn't hurt having Pitch around either. He made her feel safe. Not that she couldn't defend herself, she was just comforted by his presence. It was weird but she felt like she somehow new him, like she just somehow knew she was safe with him. It was almost like being with Jack, except Pitch was much more...mature. And much more handsome, a voice in her mind echoed, which she quickly dismissed. It felt like her eyelids were made of heavy stone and it wasn't long before sleep over came her.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o
Pitch glanced up from his book and realized Elsie had fallen asleep not an arm's length away. This girl, he concluded, was a paradox wrapped in an enigma. She was more curious than afraid of him, apparently enjoyed the dark and could see all the spirits. More than anything though was this feeling he got whenever he looked into her eyes, they seemed so familiar. Perhaps he'd scarred her in the past as a child? But he was sure he'd remember her night black hair with the streak of sunlight blonde with those dark emerald eyes. He growled in frustration, why couldn't he figure this out. A small sigh from Elsie as she shifted onto her side quieted him down. Her face was peaceful and as pale as moonlight as she slept contently.
Now would be an opportune time to spread his nightmares, he thought. He could just reach over and sprinkle a dash of nightmare sand over her. The thought of his nightmares infecting her mind, turning her gentleness to fear made his stomach knot unpleasantly. Perhaps next time he decided. Though one thing still bothered him. Reaching over he carefully pulled down the glove and examined her 'birthmark'.
His brow furrowed. He'd seen marks like this before on the battlefield, seeing his fair share of injuries he recognized the look of a burn mark. And a pretty old one too, years old. He couldn't imagine where she would've gotten it and why did she call it a birthmark? Why did he care? He pushed all these thoughts aside. He was exhausted, mostly emotionally. Talking about his former life brought back a lot of feelings he would have rather kept buried. With a rub of the eyes Pitch stood and for the first time in three-hundred years he set off to bed in the night, where he dreamt of fire and dark green eyes.