The Custodian Chronicles: The Rising (Finished)

Chapter 13: Never to Part

As the couple began to adjust, early winter froze into mid-winter. By that time, Cedrick was able to do impressive transformations, multiplying objects and even was starting to create, but mostly small things. Well, he said small things. Elphacena wasn't as sure mini gems were small.

Often, they had to go out to pull each other and the dog from the deep snow. Elphacena and Cedrick had to work together to get Ravin out. Just as they freed her, the snow under them caved in.

Both Cedrick and Elphacena tumbled into the cavity. It was very awkward. Cedrick had landed on top of Elphacena. She looked up at him, frozen. Cedrick pushed himself just off her, smiling sheepishly. Elphacena's returned it slightly. Both seemed stiff, afraid to move. They were frozen for a second.

At last, Cedrick shook himself and pushed himself completely off. "Sorry."

"It was an accident." Elphacena panted, sitting up and swept the snow from her skirt.

Cedrick watched her, her long red hair flowing down her back. It had fallen loose. Cedrick had never seen it down before. Her winter dress flowed around her. On the whole, she was stunning. Cedrick drank it in.

Elphacena noticed him gawking. "What are you doing?"

"It's just..." Cedrick sighed. "You're so beautiful." He wasn't flirting. It was just his thought.

Elphacena smirked. "The fall didn't affect your head, did it?"

"No." Cedrick smiled. "You did that." Elphacena flushed. Cedrick appraised her. "I love you." He said gently. He didn't know what made him say it. It just popped out.

Elphacena smiled. "I've noticed." She gazed at him tenderly. She leaned forward, placing her hands on the ground to support her weight. She kissed Cedrick softly and shortly. She pulled back and contemplated him. Cedrick gazed into her eyes. He leaned forward and kissed her back.

This time, they snapped apart as Ravin jumped between them. Elphacena laughed. Cedrick chuckled slightly. Ravin yipped, wagging her tail.

"You want some too?" Elphacena picked the dog up. She kissed the top of her head. "Do you want some too?"

Ravin yipped, becoming excited. Elphacena laughed as the dog wiggled away. Ravin sprinted around, barking happily. Cedrick laughed as well. He considered Elphacena as she watched the dog play. He noticed her hand resting beside her. He reached to take it. It was ice cold.

"You're freezing." Cedrick covered her cold hands in his own.

"Yours aren't much better." Elphacena giggled.

"Come on; we better get inside where it's warm." Cedrick stood up and helped Elphacena stand. Then picked up the dog.

When he straightened, something hit him in the face. Cedrick nearly fell back into the hole. He looked to see what struck him; he felt snow in the collar of his shirt. Elphacena laughed. She'd hit him with a snowball.

"Oh, it's on." Cedrick grinned wickedly.

Elphacena squealed in delight as Cedrick bent forward, forming his own ball. Cedrick threw his ball at her. Elphacena screamed and ducked behind a snow hill. Cedrick laughed; Elphacena was also laughing. She hit his arm with a fresh ball as he threw another projectile. It whacked her shoulder, and she cried out, tossing another ball.

Ravin ran between them, barking happily, attempting to catch the flying balls. Cedrick smacked the branch above Elphacena's head. The snow on the branch fell off and landed on top of Elphacena.