Katie went along by his side. She scowled at the snow though.
Avenant chuckled, not mocking her though. "I'm not too fond of snow either. Always a lot of fun as a kid, but now just freezing and wet junk that gives me a cold."
"Well, I guess we shouldn't let that happen, now should we?" Avenant said gently, though still slightly firmly.
"Not unless you want me complaining more of the snow." Katie mumbles, though more amused than 'digging'.
"Don't worry, we're almost there..." Avenant coaxed as they left the castle grounds, passing the snow-covered pine trees.
Katie clung to his arm so not to fall.
It took a little longer than anticipated so Katie wouldn't fall, but they made it into the village. Many of the villagers were happily celebrating the happy holiday together. There were the three blonde triplets, going around together. Katie looked around. She saw the triplets and then glanced at Avenant.
Avenant saw the triplet he liked and blushed a little, looking distant. The three sisters walked together, the one in green looked back to him, making Avenant look away quickly. Katie realized this was the girl Avenant loved. She looked down, so as to try to not have attention being brought to her. The other triplets noticed him.
"Look, everyone, Avenant's returned!" the triplet in red pointed.
Katie blinked. Many people who were about, looked.
"Erm yes..." Avenant said, firmly holding Katie. "And this lady has been held prisoner."
Katie looked up at him, surprised. 'What?!' She thinks.
The women about looked sympathetic at her.
"I rescued her," Avenant continued. "I will also give her the option if she wants to keep me or not."
Katie was dumbstruck. How come he was lying? The green clad triplet walked over as her sisters seemed to be fawning over him.
"Paula..." Avenant greeted her.
Paula looked to Katie and the man. "I didn't realize you were seeing somebody..."
Katie bit her lip softly. She remained quiet for now though.
"That is, if she wants me to..." Avenant looked down to Katie.
Paula looked to Katie, curiously. "Is that true?"
Katie nodded softly. He was her fiance now, even if it was something that had been forced.
"Well... I'm happy for you..." Paula said, a little distantly.
"Paula, are you alright?" Avenant asked her.
"I'm fine..." Paula stared at the ground now. "Why don't you come to the tavern later tonight so we can all celebrate your engagement?"
Katie kept quiet, allowing Avenant to decide. Had it been with anyone else she would've jibed at him a little.
"When?" Avenant asked.
"Maybe for dinner?" Paula gave a shrug. "But you might wanna come early, you know how winter puts the sun to bed so early..." she chuckled bashfully.
"Erm... Alright..." Avenant accepted her invitation.
Paula nodded her head. "See you two there then..." she said before going to her sisters who still mourned the loss of Gaston, but seemed to be drooling over him now, considering her to be lucky to have talked with him.
Katie waited until Paula and her sisters were out of earshot. "Why'd you lie about rescuing me?" She asks in a whisper, so not to alert anyone, plus it hid the fact she wasn't actually too angry, but more curious.
"I told you, no one gets attention like Gaston," Avenant frowned as he explained. "It was a little white lie..."
Katie gave a gentle sigh. "You don't need to lie, in fact, they'd be happy as it seems you got a lot of revenge on the castle." she says quietly.
Avenant made a small unsure face. Katie looked at the man, a little warily.
The man looked at her then Avenant. "So you rescued her?" He asks, sounding calm.
Avenant tried to resemble his brother in strength and authority. "Um... Oui. Oui, I have..."
Katie tried to keep her anger at bay at the man.
The man nodded. "Me and the others will get you a drink in the tavern..." he says.
"Really...?" Avenant sounded pleased.
Katie bit her lip a little.
"Oui." the man says.
"I'd appreciate that..." Avenant grinned at the invitation.
"Well, you better take your girl home, and if she gives you trouble, you know what to do." the man says.
Katie raised an eyebrow.
Avenant knew what he meant by that, but he wasn't going to do that. "Right... Catch you at the tavern then." he replied, trying to sound bold and noble.
The man nodded and went off. Katie looked up at Avenant, confused.
"Let's get back..." Avenant said to her softly.
"Oui." Katie says quietly, she let Avenant take her along.
Avenant and Katie then went off, again, being very careful not to make her slip or fall in the snow. "I'm sorry I lied... I guess being around Paula just got me worked up..."
"It's okay... I know you still love her..." Katie says softly.
Avenant frowned, feeling guilty once he realized what he had done. "I won't hurt you once we get back." he assured her.
Katie nodded and offered a tiny smile, letting him take her along. Avenant took Katie along. Katie looked around slightly as they walked. Avenant made sure to keep careful. They would get there in no time and no worries.
Soon they arrived at Avenant's house. Katie looked surprised.
"Make yourself at home." Avenant calmly said to her.