They found the little village so peaceful, they decided to spend a few days there, so they rented a room in a small house. Father would be irate, but they figured a little relaxation, which was a rarity, would be worth his wrath. It was far to cold to go outside, so they lounged indoors in their room in front of the large bay window. James talked occasionally, but for the most part, they enjoyed they peaceful silence. The sun was shining brightly. It was a beautiful sight, after having seen nothing but cloudy days with snow, it was wonderful to see the sun. It made things all the more peaceful.
Snow was beginning to melt away, droplets of water spotted window and the ground below. Later tonight, it would all turn to ice. Warmness never stayed long here, it was only short term. The longest it lasts it usually only three days. After that, it is nothing but freezing and snowy weather.
Helen read for most of the day in front of the window as the sun warmed her while James mostly watched television and at times played a card game by himself. When evening came, both agreed to take a walk to enjoy the warmth while it lasted. They would be stuck in the freezing cold for who knows how long. They were hoping that the women would leave Jotunhiem and return to the warmer climates, but doubted they would anytime soon. All of them were still separated from one another, they would remain until all of them were reunited.
As they were walking around the village, enjoying the scenery, Helen spotted someone she recognized. Swearing in her mind, she tapped James’ shoulder and pointed out the familiar person. James sighed disheartened, “Do we really have to do this now? Can’t it wait?” he asks, looking up at her sadly. Helen glanced back at the person, who now was seated on a bench, staring up into the sky. She did not answer the boy. But walked over to the man. James, thinking they would have to go through with their mission now, followed her sadly.
Having had enough of being inside the small house with all the women’s constant talking and fretting, and, at times, arguing, Deer decided to go for a walk. It was an unusually warm day, so he wanted to enjoy it while it lasted. Worry for his brother filled him, he thought of nothing more than him. It had been so long since he last saw Seth, and every second he was apart from him was agonizing. Although he knew Seth was fine, the thoughts of what could be overpowered that. Sighing heavily, he decided to take a seat on a bench.
Mind wandering as he stared up at the blue sky, he hardly noticed when someone sat next to him. Only glancing at the person momentarily, he did not register who it was. After feeling the person staring at him, he took a better look. Eyes widened in surprise and fear as he stared back at Helen. He was in no condition to fight. His wound had healed a bit better, but he was not taking proper care of it, it would only hinder him if he tried to fight. He started to slowly slide away from her, but, due to James taking a seat on the other side of him, he was unable to. So, instead, he tried to stand, but both Helen and James grabbed him and forced him to stay seated.
He glanced at both of them, watching the carefully, expecting one of them to attack him. Much to his surprise, neither did. Helen released him momentarily and took out a small notebook with a pencil and began jotting something down. She held it in front of Deer’s face. It said:
you are safe.”
“We wont hurt you. We are not interested in fighting at the moment. So, for now,
“Then what do you want?” Deer asks, glancing at her. Helen began writing again.
“Just to chat. It’s been so long since we have been able to. I’ve missed talking to
you. I’ve always enjoyed our conversations.”
“I’ve no interest in speaking with you. Leave me be.” he says. She writes:
“Why must you always be so mean to me? I’ve always liked you. I really do regret all the things I’ve done to you recently and will most likely do in the near future. If I had any control over this, I would leave you be. But I don’t, so I have to.”
“Fine. If I “chat” with you for a bit, will you leave me alone? At least for today?”
“Of course we will. And we will even let you get a little head start out of here. We plan on staying here for a few days anyway. So you can get a few days ahead. But, be warned, Helena is out searching for you as we speak.
If she finds you, she wont be as kind as I. She’s been in a rather horrid mood lately.”
“Wonderful….So how do I know you letting us just walk out of here isn’t a trap of some kind? You could be trying to trick me.”
“Always the distrustful one. I promise you, this is no trick. You have my word. I’ve no interest in going after you or capturing the women at the moment. Neither does the boy. You’ll be just fine. Not saying that you will be for long, because, like I just stated, Helena may find you quickly.”
“I have a question for you. When I came across Anna, she was with two men. Do you know who they were? Are they with you too?”
“Ah, you must mean that murderer and his mental friend. No, no, he isn’t with us now. He use to be, but only for a short time. The one I get my orders from wishes him dead. He really is in the way of many things. Plus, he is a horrible man. He kills. You would be wise to kill him if you run across him again. Which I’m sure you will. From what I’ve been told, he seemed very fond of that woman he rescued, as does his friend.”
“Is he really as bad as you say? He did help Anna out greatly. Is he just bad because he is in the way of you accomplishing your goals?”
“No. When I say he is bad, I mean it. Like I said, he was very fond of her, that is the most likely reason he let her live and why he helped her.”
“Have you gotten your fill of talking now? Can I go?”
“You can not. I still wish to talk. Where is your brother, Matthew? Are you two still separated? This has to be a record for time you’ve been apart. Must be such torture to you.”
“Do you know where he is?”
“Unfortunately no. Which is probably a good thing for him. If Helena comes across him, he will suffer her rather greatly. She wants to harm him so bad.”
“But why? Don’t tell me she still holds a grudge against him for what he did to her. She should have known better than to think he would hook up with her. She knew his attitude better than even me back then.”
“She does. She despises him for denying her. She hates you even worse though for changing him so much. But I highly doubt she will waste her time on you. He broke her heart. He is her only love. It was rather cruel of him to do that to her, even you have to admit that.”
“It was, but you have to agree that she deserved it.”
“I suppose you are right. We should be going now. The sun is beginning to set, it is going to start to get very cold. I do not really wish to be stuck outside In the cold anymore. I did enjoy this chat, as short as it was, I hope we will get another chance like this again soon. Bye.”
After she is sure he has read her message, she and James leave him where he is and go back to their little room. Deer remains where he is for a few moments, trying to process what just happened, then made his way back to the old woman’s house. He sits back in the seat by the window he claimed and stares out it. Rita walks over to him, kneeling down in front of him, placing her hands on his knees and her chin on her hands. He looks down at her and smiles. “Is everything okay? You’ve been awfully quiet.” Rita says, meeting his eyes.
“Everything is fine. We need to leave here soon though.”
“Why? Can’t we stay here a bit longer? I mean, Anna is getting sick again.”
“I know, but it would be wise if we got going soon.”
“How soon?”
“No more than two more days. It would be best though, if we leave tomorrow.”
“Okay. I’ll tell Anna that then.”
Before she was able to rise, Deer placed a hand on her cheek. She looks back up at him, staring into his eyes. “Yes?” she asks.
“Oh, nothing.” Deer smiles, looking back out the window, a slight blush appearing on his cheeks. Smiling, Rita stands, kissing him on the cheek and walks into the bedroom Anna is in. Deer sighs content and watches as the sun sets on yet another day.
