"Well.. Yes. I marked on my map as well where we met because that meant to avoid the area." *** "Mm.. I'm so sure."
He laughed out loud, leaning his head against the wall. "I see. 'Gangly boy spotted in this area. Possibly an ancient spirit. Uncertain if vengeful. Avoid." * * * "I am. Trust me on this."
She laughed as well, raising an eyebrow. "Wow, spot on! However, Instead of ancient spirit it was eldritch horror. Close, though." *** "I don't believe you."
"Hm. I might just be brilliant," he said flatly, looking up tiredly before looking back down at her. "Should we check and see if our friend is gone?" * * * "Well, that's great, but I'm not lying."
"Unless you'd like to spend more time with my foot in your face," he suggested. * * * "That's great that you think that, but you're wrong."
"It's not in my face! Besides, I brought this upon myself." She patted his leg. "We can still check..' *** "That's a plain lie. I'm never wrong."
"I'll check first," he reassured her, standing up. He opened the door slowly, peeking out quietly. "I think we're clear. He's gone." * * * She laughed lightly. "I think you'd be surprised."
She stood, trying to look over his shoulder, her hand on his back as she struggled. "Have you tried being shorter, Ellis?" *** "I don't think I would."
He laughed lightly, looking back over his shoulder at her. "If there was a lion waiting for us, would you really want to be in his line of sight? I'm only thinking of you, my dear." * * * "Well, that's great for you."
"If he got to you then that means he's in the closet with us. Then we're both doomed." *** "It sure is."
"Maybe he just wants to play truth or dare," he suggested quietly, opening the door wider. "Hush now. Wait until we leave." * * * She rolled her eyes. "Where are we going, again?"
She grinned, but still seemed nervous, following him out. *** "I was just going to hang out in the main room. Maybe talk to Garcia about dinner. Last I heard she went to her room to lie down since she wasn't feeling well."
He stepped out cautiously, his gaze darting from all corners of the room before he reached back and took her hand, breaking out into a run and pulling her with him. * * * "What kind of not well?"
He followed, holding his hand rather tight with the nerves. *** "Not the plague, or anything. Just ill, I think.'
They emerged into the sunlight and kept running, Ellis not letting go of her hand. His low laugh crept from his chest and he looked back at her for a moment, his eyes bright. "Race you back!" * * * "I was hoping it wasn't the plague."
She grinned, her expression sunny as she followed. "Fine, slowpoke!" *** "Don't worry. Rory said it wasn't and I trust her judgement on this.'
He finally let go of her hand and took off, his long legs carrying him forward. * * * "Is Rory a medic?"
She gasped as she watched him sprint ahead. "Oh my God! This isn't fair! I'm too short!" *** "She is. She learned a lot in her own way as she grew up."
"I know, and I would have been content to let you win," he called over his shoulder playfully, "but you called me slowpoke, slowpoke!" * * * "Does she speak to you?"
