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"What do you mean?"

"The small population and lack of industry"

"Goodness, no I have spent my life penned up in the city, I heartily approve of the extra elbow room I am dreadfully jealous of my sisters and their rustic lifestyle in the country," Elle said

"It is rare for a person to feel that way," Severin said

"How do you find the country life to be?" Elle asked

Severin shifted in the saddle "I do not know I enjoy the chateau and the privacy it brings, but reatly hindered by the isolation If I could ride to the palace to straighten out are I believe I would enjoy it e then?" Elle asked

Severin didn’t respond

Elle shrugged and returned her attention to the scenery "What is that?" Elle asked, pointing to a depilated looking bridge that was covered in snow

"I believe that is the entrance to one of the chateau’sthat Lucien has, it has not been used in soh"

"How useful," Elle said as they forged on "How long do you think we should press on?"

"I’m not certain," Severin said "Unfortunately I do not think you will be able to trudge home in this, unless more of it melts Rosemerry is not capable off--," Severin silenced hi restlessly paw at the snow covered ground

"What is it?" Elle asked

Severin held up a hand and stared into the forest, his ears were rigid as he listened He narrowed his eyes and placed a hand on his rapier--which Elle hadn’t thoughtuntil thather boot that she stored her ser in easier to reach Rose

The dark laughter echoed up and down the road as the sun disappeared behind a cloud and bare tree branches rattled overhead Elle closed her eyes when the wind kicked up with a howl, pulling on her clothes and stinging her cheeks with its icy breath

When it finally subsided Elle opened her eyes

An old wo wrapped in cloth that looked like cobwebs, stood in their way not twenty feet up the road Her face was lined rinkles--not the ones that expressed joy or laughter, but lines etched by the perrimace she wore What few teeth she had were black, butwere her white eyes They were the sickly color of curdledElle cling to hi chuckled

"Unnecessary, boy It’s not you I’ past Severin so her irl, won’t you coranny?" she cooed in a thin, reedy voice before breaking into shrieking laughter