Mahoutsukai no Yome (The Ancient Magus' Bride)

Coming.

Morning, Chise!

Stella.

What's wrong? You look shocked.

Er, I didn't think you'd actually come by.

I'm not a liar.

I-It must be cold. Come in.

Thanks.

Wow, this is amazing.

You made all this?

I-It's not a big deal.

It was our contract.

Are you sure you should be wandering out by yourself?

No one's going to abduct me right after Christmas.

You were abducted on Christmas, though.

Stop it!

Jeez.

I thought a mage's home would have a more ominous vibe.

But it's spacious and clean.

Y-Yeah.

I guess I shouldn't tell her there's all kinds of creatures on her.

I'll be in my study.

You can enjoy yourselves.

Okay.

Ah, um...

Want to come to my room?

Really?

I smell herbs.

When are you going back to London?

Tonight.

I'll come hang out again next month,

so you come to my place, too.

Okay.

This is good.

Do you want to take some with you?

Really? Thanks!

In return for the snacks.

A return for a return... It's gonna be Christmas every time we meet.

Say, Stella,

it's been a long time since I've made a friend.

I don't know what to do.

It'd help if you could tell me.

Invite me to do whatever you want to do,

and just talk with me.

What if they don't like it, though?

You're obviously not the same person as your friend.

You're obviously not gonna have all the same interests.

Words aren't for understanding each other.

They exist for the sake of talking to each other.

Or so my Dad says, but honestly, a jerk is a jerk from beginning to end.

You're so mature, Stella.

Even though you're about my age.

I hope so.

Oh yeah, how old are you again?

I'm ten.

Hm?

Ten.

Ten...

How about you?

Almost sixteen.

I'd decided I would say what I mean to say, but it's pretty hard.

Let's practice, then.

Practice?

You can't be selfish, though.

Although you don't seem like you would be.

I'm really selfish.

I'm hoping to come over to your place soon.

That's not practice, though.

That's just a plan.

Elias...

Silky, did he leave a note?

Where are you going?

Sorry, Ruth, can you walk Stella home?

Yeah, are you going after him?

Yeah.

You're both strangely dishonest.

Sorry, Stella. Let's hang out again sometime.

What's up with her?

"Say what she means to say"...

She talks more with her arms and legs than with her mouth.

It's no use. He keeps getting further.

What's gotten into him?

I'll take on the form I need to take to do what needs to be done.

I can't keep up with the legs of a fox.

I'd be too big with the body of a bear.

I have to run faster.

I have to run further.

I have to catch him.

This is my wish.

Hey, did you hear something?

It sounded like a wolf.

Probably a dog.

Maybe it's looking for its pack or something.

I'm not outside?

You're a proper wolf this time.

Um...

I'm sorry if we were making too much noise.

I'll be more careful next time.

Do you feel all right?

Is there something that upset you?

Elias?

Listening to your voices oddly made me want to leave home.

I wanted Stella to go away.

I thought I wanted to be alone,

but as soon as I knew you were chasing me, I felt better.

And yet, I couldn't stop running.

I don't get it.

That's...

Why don't we go home and have tea?

Elias must be more confused about himself than he realizes.

I thought he was leaving me.

Elias might have been the same way.

Can I allow myself the conceit of thinking that's how much he thinks of me?

You're in a good mood, Stella.

When are we going to Grandma's place next time?

You're so impatient.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

I'm home!

Are they not home yet?

I'll take another look around.

Our connection's being interrupted.

Chise, where are you?

This might be bad.

Elias.

Elias!

Ruth.

Ruth!

He's going to eat me.

He's going to consume me.

That's...

That's not good.

I don't want that right now.

Fly!

Over there!

Which shadow?

Chise!

Are you looking for your master?

Is she...

You all made an offering of raindrop fruits and branches to Mother.

In return, I'll lend you my flame.