Chapter 15

The next morning, she was awoken by Misha standing over her.

"Good morning, my lady. I've brought you some water so you can freshen up."

Eleanor sat up taking the proffered damp cloth and wiping her face. When she was done, she handed the cloth back to Misha, who set it down on the other seat of the carriage.

"Why don't we go for a short stroll while we wait for breakfast to be ready."

Eleanor nodded and was helped up by Misha. Together they exited the carriage and went for a stroll around the camp, with the same knight from the day before following behind them. It wasn't long before Lucas approached them saying, "Breakfast is ready."

The four of them then headed towards the campfire, where a knight offered each of them a bowl of porridge. When they were done eating, Misha and Eleanor went for another short stroll while the knights and Lucas got everything ready to go.

"It looks like they're almost ready. Why don't we head back to the carriage, my lady," said Misha.

Eleanor nodded. Misha helped her into the carriage and made sure she was situated before saying, "I'm going to sit upfront again, my lady."

Eleanor looked at her in surprise but nodded her assent. She wasn't certain how to fix the situation. So far Lucas hadn't done anything untoward when they were alone together; she decided to let it be for now. 'Maybe he won't ride with me today.' Though she doubted that thought, since it was unlikely she would be left alone for long periods of time, even if it was just in a carriage.

Shortly after thinking this, Lucas joined her in the carriage.

"Good morning," he said with a smile. "We should be heading out shortly."

Eleanor nodded as she shifted in her seat uncomfortably, but soon the carriage started moving. She shifted her attention to the scenery passing by.

"You know, I really appreciated the letters you sent me," said Lucas, pulling her attention away from the passing scenery. "Your letters make me feel like I already know you, Ellie."

She was startled at the use of her nickname. 'Only Elliott has ever called me that…'

"Do you not like me calling you Ellie?" asked Lucas.

Eleanor shrugged. It wasn't that she didn't like him calling her that, she just wasn't used to it.

"Can I call you Ellie? Only in private, of course."

She tilted her head at him but nodded. 'Only in private…'

"Ah, what I meant by private was when not in front of those outside the family circle. I don't think Michael would mind as long as it doesn't bother you. Oh, I thought I should mention that once we reach Kennen Castle, I shall be your guide for all things involved in running the castle. I am the steward after all."

Eleanor nodded.

"And, one more thing, I know you like books, so I had some brought from the Kennen Castle for you to read on the trip. I meant to show them to you yesterday, but I forgot. Here," he said, as Lucas pulled a small satchel from underneath his seat. "I wasn't certain what you liked, so I brought a couple different choices."

He pulled out six books and placed them on the seat next to her. Eleanor turned her attention to the books. Each book was about something different. Eleanor picked the one that focused on the gods of other religions. As she opened the book and started reading, she didn't notice the concerned look that crossed Lucas' face that he quickly hid.

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The rest of the day passed with Eleanor engrossed in the book she was reading. It was an interesting read that discussed some of the finer details of the other gods. It wasn't a book that she would have had access to back at the Valen manor. Discussion of other religions wasn't something that her family did. The book contained origin myths about Hebstolt and Murstan, both gods of the eastern continent. There was also an origin story about a goddess named Kirtrana, she was a god of the southern continent whose worshippers there had become almost non-existent. There were a number of others as well; all of it was truly fascinating to her.

Eleanor only put the book down when they stopped for lunch and then at the end of the day. That night she once again fell into a deep sleep from the exhaustion from the journey.

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The next day passed similarly to the previous, with Eleanor deeply engrossed in her book. A little after lunch she closed the book having finished it. She looked over at Lucas who was watching her.

"You seemed to enjoy the book," he mused.

She nodded.

"I'm glad. I was worried you would feel terribly bored on the trip. Would you like to start another?"

Eleanor shook her head.

"Then what would you like to do?"

Eleanor shrugged.

"I'd like to get to know you better. Would that be okay? I know that we wrote to each other, but I don't think it's quite the same as being face to face."

Eleanor nodded hesitantly. Lucas started asking her yes or no questions about herself. She found it easy to respond, and she appreciated him framing the questions in such a way.

"Ellie, I have a personal question to ask you, and you don't have to answer if you don't want to…"

Eleanor looked at him, curious about what he might ask.

"Your muteness, I'm curious about it. We heard stories about how it came about, but never from anyone who would actually know. Your Brother wouldn't talk about it."

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"Eleanor, you must keep quiet at all costs. They mustn't find you," whispered her Mother.

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Lucas watched as Eleanor's face blanched at his question. She didn't respond, but he could tell that his question had brought up unwanted memories.

"I'm sorry, Ellie. I shouldn't have asked. I just hope that someday you'll be able to open up to me about it."

Lucas watched as she came back to the present, though there was a strange look on her face that he couldn't quite understand.