Elias glanced anxiously between Master Seth and Gloria. Master Seth’s shoulders sagged as he trudged through the snow ahead while Gloria held herself and hung back behind Elias. It had been two days, and they had hardly spoken to each other.
Elias cupped the ball of light in his hand and gazed into it worriedly. Crim, what should I do? he prayed. I can’t stand to see them like this.
He had tried not to eavesdrop on their conversation at the lean-to, but he couldn’t help it. He had crept up to the lean-to and listened. His stomach sank when he heard Gloria’s fearful cry and Master Seth’s grieved sobs.
Master Seth slept outside that night. Elias wanted to join him and keep him company, but Master Seth had refused – he didn’t want Gloria to be alone.
Elias’s light flickered and brought him back to the present. Focus Elias, he told himself. Just like Master Seth says. But it was difficult; there was so much on his mind.
Suddenly Gloria bumped into him and his light blinked out. Elias stared at his hands and groaned inwardly. That’ll be another fifty paces.
“Sorry…” Gloria mumbled behind him.
Elias sighed, then looked back to Gloria with a smile. “It’s alright. It was an accident.”
Gloria avoided his gaze and kept her eyes on the snow. “Thank you,” she mumbled again. “I’ll try to be more careful.” Then she continued forward.
Elias felt a little nudge; This was his chance to do something! He bounded forward a few steps, then cleared his throat. “How are you feeling?” he asked. “Any better from yesterday?” Gloria gripped herself even tighter and moved faster.
Okay, Elias grimaced. Maybe that wasn’t the best starting line. He wracked his brain for something helpful. He brightened. Maybe I can try to make her smile!
“Hey, Gloria!” Elias said, catching up to her again. “Check out what I can do now!” Gloria stopped and her weary eyes looked up at him. Elias drew a sigil twice and muttered the casting word, “Lux meridania.” Two bright balls of light formed in his hands.
Elias focused on the lights and began to juggle them. He tried to keep his eyes focused on the lights, but he kept peeking at Gloria from the corner of his eye. Come on…he thought. Please smile!
Elias’s focus wavered and one light flickered out while the other landed in Elias’s hand. He panted and looked back at Gloria. “Tada!” he said breathlessly
Gloria gave Elias a hint of a smile. “That’s very good,” she said quietly, then she kept moving.
“Thank you,” Elias smiled, hurrying to catch up to her again. “I’ve been practicing!” He paused unsure, then he nodded and continued, anxiously watching Gloria’s face. “Master Seth is a very good teacher. I’m learning a lot from him.”
Gloria looked up and gazed after Master Seth. Her eyes flickered with conflicting emotions. “I’m…I’m glad,” she finally said before tearing her eyes away and looking down into the snow again.
Elias’s heart lifted She still wants him! He looked between the two and beamed. There’s still hope! How do I keep this going?
“Me too!” Elias continued. “He also taught me how to fish the other day. Can you believe it? I’ve lived near Älskare Delar my entire life and I’ve never-”
“Elias,” Master Seth called from up ahead.
Elias started and looked to Master Seth. “Yes sir?”
Master Seth had stopped and turned back. He tried to look at Elias, but his eyes kept drifting to Gloria. “Let Gloria be,” he said.
Elias stammered and pointed towards Gloria. “But I was-”
“It’s alright Seth,” Gloria put a hand on Elias’s shoulder. “He’s fine. He’s not bothering me.”
Master Seth and Gloria finally met eyes and gazed at each other for a long time. Elias swallowed and watched. This was the most they had said to each other in two days! Would they finally start talking again?
Elias looked from Master Seth to Gloria. Their eyes shook and both their mouths parted slightly. Elias gripped his hands together and prayed fervently. Please! he begged. Please talk! The silence was deafening.
“Alright,” Master Seth answered gently, “If you’re sure.”
Gloria nodded. “I am.”
They held each other’s gaze a moment longer before Master Seth turned back and continued pushing through the snow.
Elias gaped. What? That’s it? He whipped towards Gloria and opened his mouth to say something, but she gripped his shoulder tight and shook her head slightly. Elias blinked in confusion and realized she was staring after Master Seth with a wary look on her face. He frowned. Something wasn’t right.
When Master Seth was far enough ahead, Gloria bit her lip and let out a pained sigh. “Elias…” she turned an anxious look to him. “Is it possible to keep blessing Seth and keep her at bay?”
Elias glanced out at Master Seth, then he looked away and kicked at the snow. “To be honest, I don’t know much about blessing someone with something as powerful as The Lady possessing them. Father Verdas would know more about that,” he looked back up at Gloria, “What I can say is that blessing takes a lot of energy and has limitations.”
Gloria fidgeted anxiously. “Well, what about a necklace or something like that?” she desperately rummaged around her person. “Could you bless those?”
“I can…” Elias frowned, growing concerned, “But they won’t do much against her. Why are you asking?”
Gloria’s eyes misted and her lips trembled. “I just…” she stammered and looked out at Master Seth. “I don’t…” her voice dropped to a whisper. “I don’t feel safe around Seth.” She dropped her head into her hands in shame.
The words stunned Elias. But…they talked! They…want to be together!
Gloria lifted her head and quickly continued. “I trust Seth, but I don’t trust her!” She pointed to the mountains. “You said so yourself! The closer we get to her, the stronger she’ll become. What if she takes over Seth more often? What if it’s longer?”
A pit began to form in Elias’s stomach, and he looked toward Master Seth’s shrinking form – He hadn’t even considered that danger.
“The closer we get to her temple,” Gloria finished, “the more dangerous it’ll be to be around him.” Gloria clasped her hands together. “I just thought a talisman would help me feel safer around him and provide some protection.”
A dark cloud seemed to cover the sun, and a heaviness settled on Elias’s shoulders. He gulped. Gloria was right. Something needs to be done.
“Well…” Elias began. “I could craft you a talisman…I don’t know how well it’ll work since it’ll be small compared to The Lady,” he smiled, “but it’s worth a shot and if it makes you feel safe around Master Seth, then that’s what matters to me.”
Gloria heaved a sigh of relief and engulfed Elias in a hug. Thank you,” she sniffled into his shoulder. “Thank you so much,” her voice cracked. “I don’t want to leave him, but…I’m so scared of being near him.”
Elias hugged Gloria back. “Don’t worry,” he answered, “You won’t be alone, I’ll be here, and I know that Master Seth would want me to help if he couldn’t keep you safe.”
Gloria nodded as she pulled back. “Thank you,” she said again and wiped her eyes with her coat sleeve. She sniffled, then put a hand on Elias’s shoulder. “You cannot tell him. Seth cannot know that we’re making this,” she said gravely.
“What?” Elias cried, then darted a gaze at Master Seth. “No! I’m not going to hide anything from him!”
Gloria gripped Elias’s shoulders hard. Elias turned back and was face to face with Gloria’s wide fearful eyes. “You don’t understand, Elias!” her voice trembled. “If he knows, then she knows. And if she knew what were we were doing…” Elias followed Gloria’s gaze to Master Seth who peered over his shoulder at them. “I think the creek would be a kindness to whatever she would do to us.”
Elias gulped. “But…” he began weakly.
Gloria’s grip tightened. “He cannot know!” she urged. “Swear it! Swear to me that you won’t tell him.”
Elias met Master Seth’s distant gaze, conflicting emotions battling within him. I don’t want to lie to him! He looked back to Gloria; her hands clung tight to his habit.
Oh Crim...what do I do? What would Master Seth do? The image of Gloria’s head in the creek flashed into his mind. Elias frowned and looked back to Gloria. Master Seth would want Gloria to be kept safe. “Alright,” he nodded. “I swear it. I swear upon Crim Almighty – I will not tell Master Seth about the talisman.”
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Gloria squeezed Elias’s shoulders. “Thank you,” she whispered. Then she turned and followed Master Seth’s trail.
Elias turned to follow her and gazed up at the mountains that now consumed the horizon. He gulped. For the first time, he felt small, insignificant, and a little homesick. Maybe I should’ve stayed home, he thought and he began to understand Master Seth’s words at the lean-to.
Elias looked behind him towards Westfjord. But I can’t go now, he thought. They need me! With this burden settling on his shoulders, Elias hurried to catch up to Master Seth. He had a talisman to make.
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Seth panted as he pushed through the heavy snow – it was near his thighs now. The tugging in his chest was stronger now and propelled him forward. Seth glanced around him. Are we still heading towards Giantstoe? He looked up at the sun, they hadn’t changed course, they were going the right way. So why did he feel The Lady’s tugging in the same direction?
Seth’s blood ran cold. Is The Lady near Giantstoe? he wondered. The Lady chuckled; she was growing closer again after Elias’s blessing. Seth shook his head. It was fine - two birds with one stone.
Seth paused, he didn’t hear Gloria or Elias. He looked over his shoulder and saw Gloria and Elias a ways away from him. He furrowed his brow when he saw Gloria grip Elias’s shoulders. He couldn’t hear them from here, but whatever it was it was intense.
Elias looked over and met his eyes. Seth frowned and turned to walk back. What’s going on? he wondered and watched Elias look back to Gloria and nod. Gloria’s shoulders rose and fell in a sigh, then she turned and started up the trail toward him.
“Everything alright?” Seth asked when she drew close.
Gloria shrank back and looked up at him for a moment, before dropping her eyes. “Yes, everything’s fine,” she answered quickly.
Elias ran up behind her. “Master Seth,” he panted. “Do you have the firewood?”
Seth narrowed his eyes. Something wasn’t right. “I do,” he answered cautiously. “What do you need?”
Elias’s eyes shifted back and forth. “I’m… I’m working on a project and need some wood.” Elias was a horrible liar. He was hiding something; Seth could feel it.
“What kind of project?” Seth pressed.
Elias fidgeted and Gloria stepped in between them. “I asked him to make something for me.”
Seth met Gloria’s gaze. Her eyes wavered, but she tried to keep them steady. What’s going on? he thought glancing from Gloria to Elias. Why do they feel like they have to hide it from me?
The Lady narrowed her eyes, suspiciously.
Gloria swallowed shakily. “Trust us,” she said.
Seth met Elias’s eyes, then sighed. What was the harm in giving the boy a piece of wood? He handed his bag to Elias. “Alright, here you go, looking for something in particular?”
Elias dug around in the bag. He hemmed and hawed at various stick thicknesses. He finally settled on a small thick stub. “This’ll do.” He beamed at Seth. “Thank you, Master.”
Seth slung his bag back on and tried to smile. “Sure, you’re welcome.”
He stole one last glance at Gloria. She peeked up at him and managed to give him a little smile. Relief washed over him. She didn’t completely hate him, then Elias’s words bubbled to the surface of his mind. You love her!
The thought terrified Seth. He blushed, then quickly turned away and marched back to continue blazing a trail. As he did, The Lady scoffed in his mind.
Love indeed, she said, twirling her hair. How could she love you after what you did to her?
Seth growled in his mind and pushed through the snow. I did nothing to her.
The Lady smirked. Are you sure that's what she believes? Don’t you see how she flinches at your touch? Avoids your gaze? Your voice? The Lady leaned into Seth’s ear and whispered. She fears you.
No! Seth roared in his mind. You did this! You –
The Lady put a finger to his lips and silenced him. A shiver went down his spine and the spell felt heavy in his mind. Then she smiled and kissed his head. That’s better. She chuckled, tweaking his nose. Hush now, my darling child. It will do no good to arrive at a party in a foul mood such as yours.
Party? Seth wished he could demand an answer, but he couldn’t speak. All he could do was continue to trudge forward in the snow and follow the ominous tugging in his chest.
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The sun began to dip below the horizon to Seth’s left. He stood on the top of a hill and peered down. Over the snow-covered trees, he could see Giantstoe in the distance. It wasn’t far now! From here, Seth could see a crowd in the middle of the village. Something felt off about it, but Seth couldn’t put his finger on what.
The Lady’s cryptic words played in his mind and Seth felt nervous to go to Giantstoe. That’s just The Lady, he shook his head. She’s just trying to keep us on edge…right?
He felt a powerful tug towards the mountain that towered over the small village. Seth looked up and gulped. This was the mountain where her heart lay – he could feel it.
Not too far indeed. The Lady smiled. She felt closer now, much closer than she had ever been before. Seth shuddered. Take a good look Darling Seth, The Lady said, This will be your new home. From here, we shall reign.
The Lady sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck. Can you imagine it? she whispered into his ear. The King and Queen of Ice intertwined into one being.
Seth mentally threw her arms off him. That will never happen! he swore, I will make sure of it.
She chuckled and stroked his cheek. You’re adorable when you’re determined.
Seth shook her away and looked back at Gloria and Elias. Gloria stood a few feet away and watched him. Elias, meanwhile, was whittling away at the stub he had asked for a few hours earlier.
Seth pointed to Giantstoe, “There it is,” he called out, trying to distract himself. “Looks like about a half hour’s walk from here. Hopefully that we’ll be able to sleep in an inn tonight.”
Elias perked up. “Hooray! I’d like a break from sleeping outside. The cold is beginning to make me miserable.”
Seth smiled and laughed. Elias? Miserable? Never.
Seth’s heart skipped a beat when he heard Gloria laugh as well. He looked over at her and managed to catch her eye for a moment. She was still guarded, but a bit more at ease.
“Well? What are we all waiting for?” Elias cried, stashing his mysterious project and rubbing his hands together. “Where there’s an inn, there’s a fire! And where there’s a fire, there’s hot food! Let’s go!” Elias charged down the hill.
“Don’t fall!” Gloria called out. Just as her warning went out, Elias tripped and fell face-first into the snow.
He picked himself up and hollered back, “I’m alright!” before continuing down the ridge.
A laugh snorted from Seth. He shook his head and looked back at Gloria who laughed heartily. Seth beamed. Was there a slight thawing between them?
“Should we follow?” Seth asked, hopefully.
Gloria’s laughter died and she drew back. Seth’s heart dropped and The Lady’s words drifted back into his mind. She fears you…
Then Gloria’s quiet voice pierced the quiet. “Yes...we should.”
His head snapped up. “Really?” he asked. Gloria slowly nodded. Joy rose in his chest, and he blinked some mist gathering in his eyes. He held his hand out, “Would you like some help down the hill?”
Seth’s heart soared when Gloria reached out to take his hand. See? He turned to The Lady with vindication. See? She’s not afraid!
Gloria’s hand halted in the air and shook. Seth’s face fell. Gloria bit her lip and shook her head. "I-I'm sorry,” she mumbled, pulling her hand away. “I'll be fine...thank you."
The Lady sat back with a victorious smirk.
Seth swallowed and tried not to feel hurt. He dropped his hand. "It’s okay,” he tried to smile. “May I at least walk in front of you in case you fall?" he asked desperately.
Gloria hesitated. She glanced down the hill, then back up at Seth.
Please…Seth pleaded in his mind. Please! Give me something!
Gloria opened her mouth; the words seemed to be a struggle to get out. "Alright..." she finally whispered. Inwardly, Seth let out a sigh of relief. He gave Gloria a shaky smile, stepped in front of her, then slowly started down the hill.
Seth looked ahead and could see Elias already halfway down the hill. Seth gave a nervous chuckle and looked back at Gloria. “I’ll admit,” he began trying to watch his step. “I had my doubts, but Elias has fit in really well.” He hoped that a safe topic would engage Gloria.
Gloria smiled and followed a few paces behind him. “I agree; he has.”
A whoop echoed from Elias as he skidded down a few feet. He looked back and waved to Seth. “Are you guys coming?” his voice echoed to them.
Seth put his hand to his mouth. “We’re coming!” Gloria giggled softly behind him.
“I’m looking forward to an inn too,” she said quietly.
Seth’s heart pounded in his ears. She was talking! “Same here,” he answered desperate to keep the conversation going. “What has it been now? Five days since Westfjord?”
Seth heard Gloria open her mouth to answer when he heard the shifting of snow. “Seth!” she cried out. “Watch-!”
Seth turned back just in time for Gloria to crash into him. He caught her and stumbled back. Their eyes met for only a second before Seth lost his balance and began to fall. Instinctively, he gripped Gloria close to his chest and they began to tumble. The world flipped upside down and snow puffed into a cloud as they rolled down the hill.
Everything slowed as Seth took everything in – The way the world spun around them, the look of surprise on Gloria’s face as she clung to him, and how the snow seemed to settle like stars at sunset in her hair. Soon the spinning was too much, and Seth squeezed his eyes shut. He heard Gloria shriek, then burst into laughter.
The tumble was over as soon as it began. Seth lay panting face-up in the snow at the bottom of the ridge with Gloria lying on top of him. His heart pounded and he found himself staring into her face only a few inches away from his own.
Seth felt warm. His chest tightened as Gloria laughed heartily and buried her head in his chest. He laughed nervously with her. She was close; too close! Seth gulped and his mind raced with what to do.
Still laughing, Gloria lifted her head and met his eyes. As they locked gazes, her laughter slowly died away. Gloria’s eyes shook nervously, but Seth became mesmerized by them. Her eyes… he thought, They make me think of sea glass. The Lady narrowed her eyes, but Seth tried to push her away.
Gloria swallowed and rolled away. She sat up, laughing nervously, and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I wasn’t expecting to go down the ridge like that,” she said.
Seth lay on the ground a moment longer, Gloria’s deep eyes burning themselves into his mind’s eye. “Me neither,” he answered absently, staring at the red and orange sky. After a moment, he blinked and looked up at Gloria. “Did we beat Elias down?” he asked.
Gloria looked back and giggled a little. “We did, he’s almost here.”
Seth peered around her and saw Elias scrambling over the snow. “Are you guys alright?” he hollered.
“We’re fine!” Gloria called back, then she glanced down at Seth. “We’re fine, right?”
Seth gazed into her eyes. “Are we?” he asked, gently.
The question caught her off guard. Gloria stammered and looked away; he could see a sad smile. “We will be,” she hesitated, “I hope…” she fidgeted with her hands. “This…this helped.”
Seth slowly climbed to his feet, his muscles aching as he did so. He turned back and offered his hand to Gloria again hopefully.
Gloria looked down at the snow “Please don’t be mad,” she murmured. “It’s just…complicated, right now.”
Seth awkwardly put his hands in his pockets and tried to swallow back a lump in his throat. “I know,” he said, trying to sound calm. He felt as though nothing had changed.
At that moment, Elias caught up. “Thank goodness you guys are alright,” he panted. “That looked like a nasty fall.” He held out a hand to Gloria and Seth tried not to feel jealous when Gloria accepted Elias’s help.
Gloria smiled a little at Elias. “It wasn’t terrible,” she said. “Seth made sure I didn’t get hurt.”
Seth brightened a little. Maybe something had changed! Something small, but still something. She’s talking to you again, he reassured himself. That’s not nothing.
“We should get moving,” Seth said aloud. “I don’t want to be in the woods after nightfall.”
“Perfect!” Elias agreed, putting his hands on his hips. He faced the dark woods ahead of him. “Hot soup, here I come!” he declared, before marching into the woods.
Gloria gave Seth another small smile, then hurried after Elias. Small steps…Seth told himself. Small steps…
Then he followed Gloria and Elias into the dark woods. The trees were dark and ominous, and Seth felt unease grow in his mind. Something in the air nagged at him, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.
The Lady chuckled in his mind. You’ll just have to wait and see.