Truly the storm was getting out of hand, Elda thought to herself. The forest Jibran, Noir, and she was visiting was barely visible with all the snow flashing through the air.
Jibran was following them from behind, seemingly struggling but not failing to keep up. There were barely signs of life. All Elda saw were the remaining woods that still stood tall, with a lot of branches scattering on the ground.
The animals must be taking refuge somewhere. Because there was no sight of them. Elda was not sure that bringing Jibran here would help them in any way, in this condition.
Elda stopped hearing footsteps from behind and that was when she turned back. Somehow Noir and William, who was way ahead of them, are now beside her.
They all saw Jibran stopped at a spot a few feet away. He kneeled down and that was when Elda decided to approach him.
A single flower.
A single flower made Jibran stopped to touch it gently. He looked around searching for something. Even if Elda wanted to say something, she doubted any of them could hear it clearly. So instead she stayed silent observing Jibran. Jibran stood up and came to Noir’s side.
“My Lord, it seemed to be a bad time to traverse this part. But if the storm just calmed down a bit, I would go here again if you would allow it. There seemed to be a sign of life somewhere near here and maybe that could be a road to new discoveries.”
Jibran shouted and Elda was thankful she was near enough to hear it. Noir Nodded and signed something to one of his followers.
“Then let’s go back for now. I’ll assign some of my men to scout near here so that if the storm subside even by a bit we’ll know.”
Noir then started to walk back but then stopped by the place where the single flower was. He flicked his hand and his magic left a mark on the tree near it.
Elda, who was walking beside Jibran, saw his eyes widened. Elda supposed it was interesting to watch for the first time a magic that’s performed without a chant. Because Noir did the magic without a contract with a spirit, of course he didn’t need a chant.
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“I marked the place. I deduce you would need it the next time we go here, yes?” Asked Noir. But he seemed to not need the answer from Jibran because he continued on right after saying it.
Jibran started to walk again but not without helping Elda. Elda herself could traverse this land without help, but with such worsening weather, she still appreciated Jibran’s kind gesture.
When they did find themselves back at the carriage, Elda found them looking worse for wear.
Elda’s hair was going out of place after going through the storm and being at the carriage she huffed, annoyed. Noir who’s across him only stared at her. But then Jibran who was beside Noir came to the empty spot next to her.
“If I may?”
He gestured on his own long hair and twisted it like a bun before releasing it back. Elda peered at Noir who only watched and didn’t make a move to stop Jibran. So, Elda assume it is safe. But then again Jibran wore his heart on his sleeves and couldn’t deceive Elda keen eyes in the first place.
“You may.”
Elda faced the opposite way towards the carriage window so that Jibran could work her hair. While doing so the carriage was silent.
“Done.”
Jibran said and sounded satisfied. Elda felt her bun that seemed to be neatly done.
“But if I may ask, My Lady, why did you need to bun your hair? Wouldn’t it be cold? I think wearing your hair down would be more beneficial in this cold weather.”
“And let the harsh wind play with my hair like it did yours? It would be so annoying,” retorted Elda.
Jibran snorted, trying to hold his laugh. He then eyed Noir.
“Is that why you kept yours short, my Lord?” Asked Jibran playfully.
“One of them. Another reason is because when I kept it long, I looked like my father,” answered Noir casually. Jibran then seemed to hesitate.
“And is that a bad thing?”
“Perhaps in hindsight no. But I’d rather not see myself in the mirror if I kept it long. I don’t want to get lost in my memories,” said Noir solemnly. Jibran kept opening and closing his mouth.
“Why are you so good at updoing hair?” Asked Elda, trying to spare the two men from the awkward subject from continuing. Jibran sighed in relief and his smile seemed to come back.
“Because of my sisters. They kept asking me to help. It's kind of annoying. But when we’re apart like this, I miss doing it,” he replied. Jibran's eyes filled with a nostalgic feeling.
“Sister’s could be quite demanding, right?” Jested Noir with a smirk. Elda glared at him.
“Yeah! Not only sisters, brothers too! Siblings basically, especially the younger ones.”
Noir has the nerve to nod enthusiastically about the subject in front of Elda.
“Oh, older ones could be infuriating too,” she said icily.
“Oh in a way they talked about knowing everything despite only being a tad bit older than you?” Asked Jibran lightly.
“You have no idea,” Elda rolled her eyes while Noir just frowned.
“And here I am stuck in the middle feeling both sides,” Jibran giggled. Just then they arrived back at the palace and slowly went out. Noir first as the King of Tenebris. Next would be Elda, but she gestured to Jibran to go first because her dress would make it hard and she would be slow to go down.
When Elda does go down, usually her brother would reach out his hand to help her. This time though he seemed hurried by the whisper his attendant had given. He eyed her apologetically when she was at the carriage door in which she found inane. Because the matters he must attend to are probably much bigger than helping her down. She rolled her eyes and nodded her head towards his attendant direction.
“I’m sorry prince Jibran. I have an urgent matter to attend to. Please rest after this,” said Noir.
Jibran in return just bowed and gave his thanks. Noir followed after his attendant. Elda was about to take her steps slowly when Jibran offered his hand.
“If I may?” asked Jibran with a playful smile. Seemingly half jokingly referring to their earlier interaction. Elda snorted and smirked.
“You may.”
