Gareicht was on his way back, treading through the snow, he could feel his boots sinking deeper and if it were any higher his shoes would be submerged in it. However, while it was a bit inconvenient, he didn't hate the snow, he also thought about having a snow ball fight with Ellava once the barrier trapping her inside comes down.

            He imagined her face as she traced the snow with her fingers, her face warm and rosy and how she'd react to the snow ball fight if they ever had one. He ended up laughing at his own imagination, because of how spot-on he felt it was. Eventually, he made his way up the hill and he wasn't that far off from the cathedral door. He hoped her and the kitten were getting along well. He looked up at the blue sky peaking through the clouds as more snow began to sprinkle down. He took a deep breath of the cold, crisp air and the weather reminded him of old times. How Ashelia and Gareicht would team up against their dad when there was a snowball fight, as their mom would sit on their deck or porch and watch in amusement. She would be waiting with towels to dry the wet snow off. While also offering a warm snack and hot cocoa in canteens. There were times however, when their mischievous dad would throw a snowball or two at their mom to get her to join in. Once she did however, all three of them would run away in different directions and laughter would ensue.

            It was one of his lasting good memories with his dad before the curse took over him. He pulled himself out of his reminisce and opened the door. He had returned and heard Ellava talking to the cat, she was tying a bow onto her.

            "Here you go Selene!" She smiled, "Can I shake your paw?"

            She already named her? Gareicht blinked, as he was watching her shake Selene's paw.

            He laughed a little and she noticed he was back, which made her jump a bit.

            "Oh, welcome back!" She welcomed him cheerfully and then added,  "I started dinner already, it just needs to simmer for a couple of minutes and then it'll be done."

            "That's good, I'm starving." He stretched and he then felt Selene come up against his leg, who then jumped onto his shoulder, "Do you smell the food I got you."

            They chopped up her fish, and then placed it in a bowl for her to eat. She grabbed more plate ware and then placed their food onto the table.

            "Here," She placed their food down, "Let's eat."

            They didn't talk during dinner, since the both of them figured it'd be best not to let their food get cold.

            While Gareicht was out, he also checked to see if his captain sent him anything, he only received one letter this time, so while he was writing his response, Ellava did the dishes. The silence was a bit awkward, and Selene just stared back and forth at them. Eventually perching herself onto Gareicht's shoulder and peering down to see what he was doing. He ended up scratching her head and ears as she rubbed against him purring. Selene's ears perked up once she saw that Ellava was done doing the dishes and ran over to her, meowing loudly.

            Ellava laughed and bent down, "What's the matter, Selene?"

            She watched as Selene circled around her, Selene's fur being slightly ticklish. Then she saw her jump up, giving her pleading meows. Ellava couldn't help but laugh again as she pulled Selene into her arms. She could feel the vibrations of her purrs bringing her to an even higher calm, as she watched and felt Selene rub her head against Ellava's cheeks and collarbone.

            Gareicht was silently watching them display their affection for one another, and felt slightly jealous, but more than anything he wished that he had a camera on him to display the moment. Once Selene was put down, having enough of the cuddling, both Gareicht and Ellava ended up locking eye contact on one another.

            He cleared his throat and then called Ellava over, he was by the church pews as soon as the both of them were sitting down he held onto her hands. She had assumed that he just wanted to get her used to physical contact, so she didn't pay any mind to it.  

            "Ellava, what I'm about to tell you, let me finish till the end, okay?"

            She nodded, his words seemed so serious, she was hoping it wasn't him saying he was going to leave.

            In a slightly awkward voice, he began, "Um, have you ever fallen in love before, before you were brought here anyway?"

            She shook her head no, "I don't think I've interacted enough with anyone to ever feel that way."

            Her words hurt but he continued, "Because right now, I've fallen for someone who always tries their best, no matter how naive and pure-hearted they are, someone who has been given nothing and is still optimistic about everything. The way their smile shines bright like the sun, and their deep emerald eyes are so stunning that I'm staring into them even now."

            Even now? She thought.

            "Ellava, I love you."

            She squeaked, she had at first thought that he was going to say he loved someone and was going to leave to meet them, she just never expected that it would be her.

            Her face blushing such a deep red it was as if it was a flashing sign. 

            "Um, I'm--I'm sorry, but I don't know what love is, I've never felt that feeling before, so I can't reciprocate your feelings. I'm sorry."

            He gently reached for her face.

            "And that's fine. I don't want you to return my feelings if you're unsure of what you feel. Regardless of whether you reject me or not; and as long as I'm able, I'll never leave you."

            Hearing that made Ellava tear up.

            "Gareicht...I still...have something to say." Her lips quivered.

            He ended up letting go of her face to give her some breathing room and said, "Right, maybe I should've let you go first."

            "No, this is fine. I'm still trying to...organize my thoughts first." Ellava admitted, he watched as she made various facial expressions as she was trying to get her thoughts in order, he thought that it was both adorable and amusing. For a place that doesn't really have any form of entertainment, other than an organ, he never found himself bored. He watched as her lights lit up, as if she figured out a way to say it all neatly and concisely.

            She took a deep breath, as Gareicht stared at her patiently. 

            "So..." She began.