A/N: If you've never heard of this series go read the manga(legally available at Barnes and Nobles, google it) or watch the prequel anime and new series debuting in October (via Crunchyroll). It's great and deserves support. Mainly did this since the manga is mostly Chise's POV, so we don't get Elias' POV that often, and it's very brief when we do. Surely, he has more to say than that? Apologies for the awkward way of writing; I'm not sure I can capture his personality and quirks just right yet. So he might seem a little...off...compared to the manga. Also abridged a bit since fanfic and char perspective. Sorry.

It was a day like any other. My routine was the same as always, nothing out of the ordinary. Rumors among the residents of London about a...curiosity being sold. This had piqued my interest, so I decided to venture out today. I rarely do go out, aside from when I go to procure materials or artifacts. At least to more populated areas like this. They are too crowded and noisy for my liking, though I've learned to deal with it by now. The city streets were loud and full as usual for this time of day, the sun beginning its downward arc in the blue sky, people walking from place to place. I paid most of them no mind; they had nothing to do with me and I with them.

That was how it had been and probably always will be. I did feel some of their odd stares directed my way, but it was easy enough to ignore them. Not that I can fault them for it; I look out of place here, and it must worry them. Though it did make my chest prick with...pain? No, this was not something physical; it was a very odd sensation that I couldn't place. Hmm...Maybe next time I go into the city I should alter my appearance a bit. It would certainly stop people glaring at me. I had thought covering my head would make things a little easier, but it seems that was not the case this time. I just continue walking, my shoes thumping against the cobblestones, slowly reaching my destination. The familiar building loomed above me, my steps sure as I opened the large doors and stepped into an orante hall.

Seems there are more people here than usual...They must be curious about that as well...I observe, my eyes more focused on the procession of...people in front of me. Quite a few of them were humans at least. Some of the other patrons definitely had an...otherworldly air about them, similar to myself. They were all covered by the same white hood and cloak, though it was easy to tell who was human and who was not. There were also the inevitable smaller fae fluttering about, most of them not worth dealing with. Of course, magic and the like would not work inside this warded building. That was the main reason I had chosen to come like this; it would be a waste of my magical energy to disguise myself only for it vanish as soon as I enter the building. I could change my physical form, that being more of an innate ability than anything magical, but for my purposes today I surmised it would be best to arrive like this. Most of the people here know this form, fae folk or not, and I would be less likely to be...inconvenienced. I had one purpose here today; to purchase a very specific item for sale. There was quite a cluster of patrons near the auction hall entrance this time, forming into a sort of queue in front of the auction manager. I ignored them, using my superior stature to my advantage as I went into the auction room proper. The short haired man's eyes widened as it saw me make my way past, their tiny voice barely registering. The output of magical energy from that room made even me curious; whatever thing they were selling seemed to be quite powerful. Who knows how that could help my research? I've never understood much about humans, despite living among them for a century or more. Maybe if I took one on as an apprentice, I could possibly figure out how they worked. It woud

"S-sir! You can't...just..."

Ignoring it I continue into the dimly lit room, the lack of light not really a problem for me as I focus on my surroundings. I could feel the magical energy saturating the room, before my eyes set upon what I was looking for. A lone human at the far end of the room, a large light illuminating it. It was the source of the magical energy, as well as the item up for sale. It appeared to be quite small, probably still a child, though it was difficult to tell underneath its cloak. People were calmly in their seats, their hands raised every so often to bid, an almost nervous excitement in the air. So it has only just started.

"Two million pounds!" I hear one of the sitting patrons call out, a small human hand jolting up somewhere in the dark room. Tch...Its only barely begun and the price is quite high. I think to myself for a moment, wondering what would be the best way to procure said item without being outbid. I reason it out only a moment later, moving forward so I am in the middle of the rows of seats, my tall body quite visible to the other patrons. It should intimidate them enough, I think...If not...

"Five million pounds." I speak clearly, in order to be heard over the chattering patrons, walking towards the end of the room. Everyone, even the auctioneer and the human child being, sold stare at me in some sort of blank amazement. The room that was bustling with whispers and nervous chatter instantly grew silent. What was so surprising? I merely stated a price; then again, it was quite an exorbitant amount of money, even for one such as myself. I don't spend too much on things other than materials and the basic necessities for living, apart from books, so it wouldn't be too much of a drain on resources. I ignore their odd stares, my gaze fixed on the human child as I walked up to the stage. The auctioneer gawked at me, its mouth wide open in what I could only assume was shock. Their words tumbled out of its mouth in nervous spurts, the human man clearly intimidated by my blatant disregard for the rules. I didn't care. I wanted this, and I wouldn't take no for an answer. No one would be able to outbid my price, so I had claimed the item as my own already.

"S-sir, you c-can't...be on the stage...during the..."

Ignoring those words, I examined the human child in front of me, wanting to confirm my suspicions. As I thought, the main output of magical energy was in fact this child. A genuine Sleigh Beggy...how fortunate. It was quite small, far from being an adult, yet not as young as I had expected. Probably in the middle of maturing, which was good. They were easier to teach that way, more malleable. It's skin was pale under the shabby cloak it wore, in stark contrast with the crimson hair poking out of its hood. It wasn't wearing much either, it's bare feet and parts of it's body clearly sticking out under the cloak. It must be cold dressed like that. This, combined with its thin and slightly frail figure, made me wonder a bit about it's upbringing. Most humans were at least well fed and taken care of, this one seemed to be neglected a bit. Not like one could tell from a cursory glance, and I admit my contact with humans has been limited at best. It's head lifted up to look at me for a moment, and I noticed that the face was rounded and soft, the green eyes peering out at me more inquisitive than anything. It's not afraid of me? Well, not yet at any rate; they all do sooner or later. It blinks at me, its small mouth opening to speak. It closes it a few seconds later, not uttering a single word, leaving me confused and with another indescribable feeling. I notice the metal clasps around its neck at that moment, probably to keep it from running away, the metal manacles also around its wrists, ankles and legs. It could still walk, but its movement would be heavily restricted aside from moving in a straight line. That was fine for now. As long as it wasn't in any physical pain, which didn't seem to be the case, I'd leave them alone for now.

I gently grab ahold of the chain on its body, the small human startled a bit as I tug it forward to get them moving. The human doesn't really move, only a small step or so, and I feel a bit worried that maybe it's not as strong as it looks. It's a bit shaky on its feet, on account of the chains and being still for so long, so I let go of the metal and walk behind it. It stiffens a bit as I gently put my hand on its shoulder, pushing it along so we walk down the steps. We walk along the rows of chairs, ignoring the stares and the panicked shouts of the auctioneer, though I do notice the human is looking back that way as we walk. It's probably concerned with what the man was shouting; I ignore him. I just have to sign some papers and make this purchase official. We easily walk out of the auction into the ornate hallway from before, the short haired human who was queuing up patrons from before giving me an odd look. I can feel the child shake a bit, it's head lowering to the ground as it tries not to make eye contact with the clearly frustrated man. Interesting...This one does not seem to be very aggressive. Most of the humans I've been in contact with are quite rowdy and loud, save for a few exceptions. The man just glares at me, his brows narrowing together in annoyance, I assume.

"Even for an esteemed patron such as yourself, good Magus, there are rules to be followed here."

I turn to the man, who stiffens a bit as my 'eyes' lock onto his from under my cloth. He pales a bit, that familiar fear in his eyes all too well known to me. Why do they react like this? I am much taller and built sturdier than most humans, so that might be part of why he is intimidated. I can't help it; this form is much smaller than my...other appearance, though I haven't been that for so long I forgot how to properly sustain that form. Certainly it must be more fear inducing than this. I ignore the odd clutching feeling in my chest as I respond to the man, not wanting him to think I was being rude.

"By all accounts, I've already won the auction by default. Now if you may permit me to use one of your rooms to finalize the payment process..." I curtly respond, the man's only reaction to sigh and nod his head as he points toward one of the many doors. This is not unfamiliar to me, as I've made deals here in the past. I let go of the child, the small human's head turning as it watches me. I make a motion with my hand, prompting it to follow, and it does so easily enough. I do notice that while we are walking, it's head turns to and fro slightly, like it is watching something. Can it See? If it does posses The Sight, that would be most interesting. A Sleigh Beggy with the power of Sight; quite a rare thing these days. I turn towards it, studying it for a moment as it gazes at the ceiling. It's green eyes are filled with an oddly curious light, making it seem a bit more full of life than it was before. It reminds me a bit of a puppy, the way it's so full of a nervous energy. It stops moving, noticing me watching it, the human child looking up at me almost expectantly. Well, I suppose I should ask it now, while it's focused on me.

"Well, well, my little puppy...So you can see them?" I speak calmly, the small human apparently startled by my words, its small frame trembling a bit. It's voice is quiet, and high pitched compared to my own as it stutters out a response. It probably is either a female or a male not yet reaching maturity.

"T-them? You mean the...creatures...floating around us?" It asks, the phrasing of its question quite peculiar. Creatures, hmm? I didn't like the way that was said, with an almost instinctual fear, its tone causing a small ache to rise in my chest. Not that I blame the child; most fae are attracted to a Sleigh Beggy for their unique properties, and quite a few mean more harm than good. That's unfortunate; this will probably make teaching them about magic a bit difficult. However, they do not seem so wary of me, the small human staring at me with an unfamiliar expression on its face.

"Yes, they are called fae. For a human to be able to see them is quite rare. You are quite lucky, little puppy." I comment, watching the expressionon their face change rapidly. It looks to be angry, it's small hands shaking as it looks up at me. Their eyes however, show some kind of...sadness...? How contradictory, these clashing feelings it shows me.

"Lucky!? This gift has brought me nothing but trouble. I wish I'd never had it!" It bellows out, it's voice much louder and more forceful than before. It was quite an abrupt change from its timid behavior from before. A tiny pain, like something poking me in the chest surfaces suddenly at hearing those words. Now why would it say something like that? That's no good. Being able to see fae should be a blessing for a human. Not all of them are the most...helpful to humans, and some do play tricks. However...that it would so vehemently despise the ability to See must mean it had more than few bad encounters with them. It just stares at me, the beginnings of tears welling up in the corner of its eyes. Talking about this made them sad; it must be a delicate topic. I should be careful about mentioning it in the future. Maybe I should try to cheer it up...

I lean down to be able to touch it, reaching out and gently patting it on the head. I have seen this gesture done before by humans, mainly parents to their children. It reminded me a bit of when I traveled with Lindel; the nomad always patting my head when I did something right. I feel butterflies in my stomach at that thought, an odd mix of nostalgia and something else I don't know. It should work to calm them down, I hope. I reason, my hand carefully going through the child's red hair, it's hood undoing itself in the process. Their hair was quite soft, the unusual red color shining in the light, though it was covered with a bit of dust. They weren't filthy or anything too horrible; the auction house wouldn't damage their merchandise so. It's a selling tactic. The child will be in need of a bath when we arrive home. Now that I have a better look at their face, I notice that the child is probably a human female. I don't have much expertise with humans in general, children and females much less so. I tend to avoid humans aside from the very few I must be in contact with. Aside from Angelica of course, as she helps manufacture gadgets for my studies. It would probably be a good idea to visit her later; she might be able to make something that could suppress this child's magical energy output. I notice that the child has calmed down a bit, their face staring at me with a look of surprise and bewilderment. I carefully untangle my fingers from their hair, noticing that my own hand is quite big as I bring it near their small face. Well, I did model this body after a male adult, at least somewhat. I look at the girl again, trying to assume a jovial and light tone as I speak.

"Well, I'm going to teach you just how lucky you are to have your gifts. You may not see it now, but they are a great thing to have." I cup the child's chin in my large hand, tilting its face up a bit so it can look at me directly. It's green eyes aren't filled with fear as I expected; it's eyes meet mine with a sort of amazement, something that is quite different from the looks I usually receive. Is it...truly not afraid of me? Is it--she actually going to depend on me for guidance? Judging by the way it hangs onto my every word, I can only assume so. I let go of its chin, it's face still wearing that odd expression I can't yet place, and I continue walking. It's small feet gently plodd on the floor as it follows me, and we easily enter the assigned room. It was a small space, with only a desk and a few chairs to seat oneself, a floor lamp in the corner providing a bit of light. No one else was here yet, as they were probably dealing with the other auctions going on at the moment. That's fine. I can wait. Besides, maybe now I can try talking to the shy child. It was too crowded in the hallway for any real conversation; and it--she seemed to be distracted by the fae as well. With those hindrances gone, I might as well explain things. That could assuage its worries a bit. I gesture for the human to sit down in one of the available chairs, myself preferring to stand close by for the time being. It's tiny body almost seemed to sink into the chair, most likely from fatigue and worry, though it's emerald eyes still shone with a quizzical brightness. I think about the best way to phrase my words as not to worry them further before I start my explanation; She is probably confused as it is.

"My name is Elias Ainsworth. I am a practitioner of magic, a Magus, to be more precise. I bought you in order to take you on as my apprentice. I feel you have talents that are worth using, even if you yourself do not see it yet. Hopefully that will change with time. Ah, with everything going on so quickly I nearly forgot to ask. What is your name?" I cordially say, watching its reaction as it listens to me. She just studies me for a moment, those green eyes never leaving my cowled face, before speaking in a light stutter.

"I-I'm Chise. Hatori Chise. Pleased to m-meet you, sir..." Their voice was meek and quiet, though it had a firm feeling to it. I nod, acknowledging it's introduction by holding out my gloved hand in a sort of greeting. It carefully takes it in its own small hand, the child's grip firm. It's warmth is...familiar and yet strange...the pit of my stomach feeling uncomfortable when it moves its hand off of mine. Hmm...What an amusing reaction; I certainly didn't expect to feel anything like that, whatever it was. Taking this child as an apprentice surely will be an interesting endeavor. I wonder...

"Do you have any questions, Chise? We have time, so it might be best to ask now. I will try to answer what I can; the rest can wait until we get home." I explain, gauging the human's reaction. It looks at me almost quizzically, it mouth once again opening and closing without saying anything. Tch...It's clear it--she has questions, but seems reluctant to speak up. That won't do. How would it learn anything that way? She's quite shy too...Something we'll have to work on later. I move closer to the small human, this time grabbing the chain that was around her neck, being careful with it as I gave it a small tug upwards. It's expression is one of shock as it is lifted out of the chair slightly, her green eyes meeting mine once again as my cowl exposes my 'face'.

"Keep your chin up and eyes focused. Stop staring at your feet, if possible. I did not spend this much money on a doll." My tone strict and firm as I speak, the metal of the chain dangling as I hold it. It only nods at me, though I notice its face is focused on my 'eyes', almost like it is studying me. The hesitation I had seen from before lessens, its gaze stuck on me even after I let go of the chain and step a few paces back. The child just makes a small swallowing sound, it's voice quiet as it attempts to pose a question.

"I don't have much choice in becoming a...Magus... do I? Since you bought me and all..." I nod, a small chuckle escaping my throat. Of course not; the mere thought it would ask that question amusing. I needed to find an apprentice either way, else the others would not stop bothering me about it. I had grown sick of them hounding over me like some sort of child; whether it was the Church or Mages Association didn't matter much. They just loved to meddle and butt into my affairs. As long as I am following the laws of human society, I don't see any reason to be concerned with my behavior. I'm just a curiously to them anyway; compared to someone like him, that monster...

"Haha, no you don't. However, there are many paths to becoming a Magus, and I aim to help you along them. No matter what path you might choose." I honestly state, an odd warmth spreading through me as I noticed her relieved expression. At that moment, I notice the creak of the door opening, the noise from outside temporarily overlapping with the silence. One of the humans who presides over the auction deals is here, along with another whom I don't recognize and don't care to. It certainly took them long enough to arrive. We easily get things set up, and I quickly write out a check with the sum needed to purchase my item. The two human males look over the check a couple times, probably to make sure it was authentic, before the short haired man pockets it. I do have a bank account, so there's no reason it shouldn't clear. After exchanging empty pleasantries for a few moments, the two leave the room, one of them giving me another odd stare before the door clicks shut. The two of us are alone once more, in this odd silence, my only concern is how we would get home. I do have a vast reserve of magical energy, and teleportation isn't particularly draining. That being said, we are quite far from my home, so it might take us a couple jumps to get there.

It can't be helped, I muse as I walk toward the small child, who has only watched our exchange with bated breath. I grab her hand and gently pull it toward me, the human's face reddening a bit as it presses up against my body. How odd. We are barely making any real contact, yet it seems to be quite flustered. I think that was what it was called; I've never experienced it. I pull it closer to me, my arm wrapping around it's small body so it doesn't accidentally separate from me. My staff easily materializes as I will it in my other hand, and using my hold on the girl as a focus, I carefully siphon its magical power. This won't hurt her, and it will be easier to get home. I can also check on their reserves of magical energy this way; if it is tired out after this then I know how far we may be able to go with training. The familiar black thorns twirl around my feet, creating a sort of circle and entwining us both.

"Close your eyes. Don't open them or else you may become ill." I feel it's head nod against my chest more than the muffled affirmation she gives me. I recite the words to the spell, tightening my grip on the girl as I do so. It wouldn't do if we were separated, though I've done this spell so many times I doubt I could mess it up. Though that was usually by myself...

"Nettle in the shadows...False holly in a ring...Spin round..." I easily recite the rest of the spell, knowing it by heart, and feel the familiar effects of spatial displacement. I just make sure to hold onto Chise tightly. The simple abode I've lived in for the past century or so comes into focus quite easily. We must have made the jump in one shot. Good. I am a bit concerned about the tax on it's body though; Sleigh Beggy are fragile, and this girl

seemed a bit malnourished. I loosen my grip on the child, my arm going to her shoulder, her tiny body still clutching to me. It's an odd feeling, being clung to like this. I'm not sure what to think of it; even if it is out of the necessity of survival. The girl is only doing it out of instinct, the primal desire to live that all creature have, fae or human.

"Chise. Open your eyes. We've arrived." I calmly state, the small human warily looking up at me before it's tiny hands let go of my cloak. She looks around the place, her face wearing an expression of awe and wonder. I admit, it reminded me of when I began traveling with Master Lindel, still trying to understand the world I had been suddenly thrust into. Even after all this time, these centuries, I cannot say that I have grown much wiser. I understand some principles of magic, and how to conduct myself among humans to survive, but do I really understand this world? I've tried to live among humans for the past seventy years, or possibly longer, but I don't understand why they do the things they do. Humans are a mystery to me, yet...I prefer their company over most fae. Hopefully taking this girl on as an apprentice will help me understand how they work. I notice Chise is staring at the house, her gaze focused on the rustic building. I move beside it, putting my hand on her head in a calming gesture as I look at the child.

"Welcome, Chise, to my small abode. It is your home now also." She only responds by looking at me with those large green eyes, an unreadable expression in her face. Hmm...Something feels off. I ponder, my gaze going toward the chains wrapped around the child's body. She may technically be my property but it would do no good to treat her like cattle. She must be restricted by the manacles as well. I meld magical energy in my hand, focusing it on the tip of my finger as I touch the chain, power surging through my hand and into the metal. All of the chains binding the child break off and dissipate into thin air. She just looks at me with a stunned expression, her small hand easily fitting into mine as I hold it, while we walk toward the house.

"Now, let's get you that bath now, shall we?"

"I-I can bathe myself! You don't need to--" Chise nervously stutters, her tiny face turning a shade of red that nearly matched her hair. I sigh, my hand gripping a part of the cloak that she was previously wearing, not fully understanding its distress at the situation. She was dirty, being covered in grime and dust, and needed a bath. She must be embarrassed at being seen naked, but I am her teacher and master. I have no desire to see her nude, but she needs a bath and doesn't know where anythIng is. I can at least do my part and get things set up for her, though her obsintance at taking off the cloak is making it difficult.

"I doubt you'd know how to work the tub. You need a nice soak. Come now, this is nothing to be so concerned about," I comment, Chise only shaking her head more furiously at my words. I give a powerful pull on the cloak, no longer in the mood for this, Chise letting out a small squeak of surprise at it is pulled off of her. Her body is dirty and covered in small scratches, her tiny frame a stark contrast to my own. No longer a child, yet not quite a woman...It seems I may have to wait a bit before I make her my bride. That's fine...No need to rush things. Though considering she is a Sleigh Beggy, I do wonder how much time she has left...I think, gripping her shoulder and pushing her toward the bathtub. I leave her standing there dumbfounded for a moment as I grab a couple towels and soap. It only takes me a few minutes to find the herbs needed for the bath, thankfully, and I easily pour them into the water. It smells nice, and should be relaxing for the child, if she wasn't so anxious. I guide her into the slowly filling tub, my other hand dipping a washcloth into the water and wringing it out a bit. I carefully start washing her back, her body tensing up as her head turns my way. She is clearly flustered, her face turning an even deeper shade of red, her mouth opening as if she was going to say something. I stop scrubbing her, having been doing so for the past minute, watching her face go through several different expressions before her hand snatches the cloth out of my hand.

"I told y-you, I can do this myself. P-please..." Chise stutters, shielding herself from me, her hands covering her chest. It seems I overstepped my bounds a bit...I stand up, an odd feeling flowing through me as I watch her body sink into the tub, her eyes avoiding me.

"You need to get the chill out. Stay in there for a bit, and let me know if you need anything," I state, turning my back as I walk out of the room, the door clanging shut behind me. I do feel the presence of a slight magical force as I walk into the living room, my mind instantly remembering that there are other fae around here as well. I remember the ant hill in the woods out back, one of the few paths to Tir Na Nog, otherwise known as the land of the fairies. Ah, yes...They would also be interested in Chise, seeing as she is more fae than human. Of course I wouldn't let them take her, even if she wanted to go, having spent a fortune on her. Well, for now all I can do is provide her with a place she would like to stay, and hope she takes a liking to me. Not that I minded so much if she did not, though it would make living together easier. Grabbing a book from the shelf and going to my favorite chair by the fireplace, I start reading to pass the time. A few minutes later, I hear the clang of a tray on the small table in front of me, and I peer up from my book. A daintily dressed blonde woman is staring at me, her gaze curious as I put the book down.

"Ah, thank you, Silver Lady. I appreciate the thought, yet I am not hungry. Well, Chise might enjoy these when she gets out of the bath..." I muse, the pink wearing housekeep curtly nodding before slowly going back to what she was doing. The Silver Lady was an important member of the household, taking care of many of the chores and cooking for me. Not that I couldn't do those things...I just wasn't very good at them. I was thankful for her assistance and I reminded myself to leave a cup of cream out for her later. She deserved it, after going through the trouble of helping me pick out clothes for the girl and making some additional outfits of her own. Hmm...maybe a cup of cream wouldn't be enough. I just go back to my book, the clock ticking in the background as I slowly turn the pages. It has been quite a while...Should I check up on her perhaps? I ponder, unsure whether to get up and check in on the girl. I settle for calling out to her, seeing as the bathroom isn't too far away from the living room. She should be able to hear me even with the door closed.

"Chise, are you okay in there?" It takes a couple seconds before a small voice responds back in a nervous tone.

"N-no, I'm fine! You don't need to come in!" Her response was cute, making me emit a small laugh. She must be embarrassed about earlier...How odd...I reason, finding it a bit humorous. What an odd little puppy I've picked up. Said 'puppy' walks into the living room a few minutes later, her hair still a bit damp from the bath. She watches me for a moment, then quietly sits down at the couch adjacent to me. I gesture to the tray filled with snacks and drink, Chise looking at it with an almost ravenous hunger. She must be famished, and using magic does put a strain on ones body. I should take it easier on her today, nothing too strenuous. She just arrived home, after all.

"For today rest and make yourself at home. Eat and drink." I offer, Chise nodding as she takes a cup from the tray and holds it in her hands. She takes a couple sips of it, her face blank for a few seconds before she turns to me once again.

"Y-you said I was to become a...magus? Can you explain that to me? What does it entail?" She asks, her inquisitiveness making me hopeful. Seems she is eager to learn. I am happy to tell her what I know, spending the next half hour or so answering her questions and explaining things to her. It is a bit tiresome, but I don't dislike it, something like pride welling up within me. Is this how Lindel felt as he was teaching me, those many centuries ago? I leave our discussion on the topic of magic and it's strain on the body, noticing she is becoming tired. I get up from my seat, a thin cord dangling between my gloved fingers as I walk toward the couch. Chise only stares at me as I stand behind her, taking the gift I had prepared and fastening it around her neck. There, it looks perfect. This should make it easier for me to look out for her, seeing as I put a small tracking spell into the stone.

"Just because you're my apprentice doesn't mean I won't help you with other things. You're practically family now." I state, Chise looking up at me with a curious expression. Was she happy? The way her eyes sparkled as I said those things, words I figured she would like to hear, made me suppose so. I wanted her to feel at least a little comfortable here. Grabbing the small stone around her neck, I gestured to it, her green eyes following me.

"This adder stone is a charm of sorts. It will protect you," I state, gesturing for her to get up, moving away from the couch and towards the hallway. Her feet pitter on the floorboards as she follows behind me, where I lead her to what will be her bedroom. She looks at the room in a sort of astonishment, yet her face expresses nothing. Hmm...

"We've talked enough for today. This is your room now; get some rest," I advise, Chise giving me a small smile before closing the door. She's probably grateful, I would assume. Today has been a tiring day for me as well. I have also learned some new things, however small they may seem. I head back to my own room, wanting to ponder matters further. This will be quite the experiment; the human definitely piqued my interest, though she was a bit too passive for my liking. Well, everyone was different in their own ways. I hear the plodding of feet only a few minutes later, drawing me out of my musings, and the slam of the front door. Peering out the small window of my room, I notice Chise being lead by one of the fae towards the forest. I sigh, putting on my robe I had discarded only moments ago.

"Silly puppy...Well, this should be a learning opportunity for her. It won't do for her to deceived by small cute things. Fae are fae, after all, and most of them would do anything to acquire a Sleigh Beggy." I comment, tapping into a small reserve of my magical energy. She was already moving out of my sight, heading toward the small forest out back of the house. I easily slip into her shadow, being careful not to alert the small aerial to my presence. I doubt it could find me, seeing as it was so focused on Chise, but it's always better to be careful. The three of us head deeper into the forest, the small fae leaving trails of light as it flies through the air. The two talk as they are moving, Chise mostly listening to the explanations the fae gives. Half-truths at that; it doesn't even elude to the dangers of going into the faerie world that a human would face. I do glean some small things from Chise about herself, her abandonment by her relatives and feelings of not belonging. The latter I can understand, remembering my days roaming the earth, with not much in the way of company. It was partly my own initiative that I travel alone, guilt from hurting my friend Lindel telling me it was a good idea. Well, it may have been the humans who hurt him, but I was still the direct cause of their ire. If I hadn't been there, he wouldn't have gotten hurt. After that incident, and our little chat afterwards, I made a point to try and stay away from humans and their settlements. Other fae would ignore me on my travels or heckle me a bit, so I was not on good terms with them either; save for a few open minded individuals. An odd sensation tugs at my chest then, a sort of pulling, that I attempt to ignore. Ah...That must be why I feel odd. We have finally reached the ant hill, the entrance to Tir Na Nog brightly shining in the night. The ariel beckons Chise over with a sweet smile, the small child unmoving as an odd expression comes over her face.

"I s-should go back...Elias..." She mutters, clutching her arm tightly. The fae frowns at this, and a smirk crosses my face, an odd sensation spreading through me.

"What's the matter, sweet robin?" The small thing remarks, one of its hands reaching out to pet Chise. She backpedals a bit, her expression changing to one of fear and worry.

"No. I have...to go b-back..."

"Why are you so concerned with that bone head? Just because he bought you--" Chise's loud shout overpowers the fae's words, her voice ringing in my 'ears' quite clearly.

"It's not that! When nobody ever wanted me, thought I was useless...a burden...He said I could stay. Even if his words aren't sincere, even if he's just keeping me as a sort of pet, Elias still called me family. And that's why I--" I easily reform behind the girl, her words causing more of that odd feeling to spread through my body. Of course, she was probably just using me as I was her, but I was fine with that for now. Time would tell how this would play out. I gently put my hand on her shoulder, Chise's face wearing an expresssion of shock as she finally notices me.

"Looks like my puppy knows where it's den is. Now," I focus my attention on the ariel, my gaze stern as I address it.

"I will let you off this once. Do it again, and you will be food for the salamanders." The thing responds by narrowing its eyes at me, it's tone harsh as it slithers out words.

"Thorn, you half-baked...Arrgh! How did you even find us? No matter, you can't keep us from her forever!" I easily ignore it's ramblings, I've gotten used to the name calling the fae sling my way. I retort with a response of my own, gesturing to the ariel to leave as I do.

"What mage worth his salt would overlook a magical portal this powerful in their own backyard? As for the girl, I put a bell on her collar." The ariel only glares at me as it flies off into the ant hill, giving one last forlorn look to Chise as it retreats. We watch it leave, the light from the anthill dimming as the ariel enters it. I put my hand Chise's head, noting her trembling body as I do so, her eyes closed tight as if she was awaiting something. Now why would she react like that?

"Well, that was a learning experience wasn't it? Now you need to be more careful of fae in the future; no matter how cute and innocent they might seem. Their tricks have brought ruin to humans for countless centuries, their words half truths and lies." I stare at her as I say this, her expression softening and her body becoming more relaxed. She offers me a tiny bow, her face flushed as she mutters out an apology. I am surprised, not expecting this. I do feel a bit flustered myself, considering I probably should have mentioned it earlier. I need to work better at being a teacher...

"No, it was my error. I should have mentioned it while we were talking earlier. Now," I grab Chise's arm, more importantly the area where she cut into her skin, the blood dripping down her arm. It worries me a bit, as she is still tired from today and this probably didn't help matters any.

"We need to get this looked at when we get home. I don't need my future wife all scarred up. Here, let me carry you. The woods are quite dangerous at night." I plainly state, Chise's face reddening as she looks at me. It's quite an interesting expression; no one has ever looked at me like that before. I'm not sure what to think of it.

"O-oh no...you don't have to..." She stutters, her shyness getting the better of her as her head turns away from me. I easily scoop her up in my arms, her body quite light. I start waking toward home, our home, I remind myself pointedly. She stares at me again, her eyes widening as she takes in the meaning of my words.

"W-what? Um...Excuse me?" Her tiny voice is quizzical as we keep walking through the forest, making me stop walking to look at her. Was it something I said? She's giving me a quizzical look, her face still flushing with embarrassment. I decide to repeat myself, in order for her to understand my intent clearly.

"Did I not mention this? I aim to take you as my apprentice yes, but also, eventually, as my bride."