Well, that question could not have turned out worse. Elle had assumed that life was wonderful for Nox, because he had Belle and a baby and he deserved to be happy. Apparently, though, all she had done was drudge up hurt. It was written in every inch of his face. "Oh," she said softly, trying to resist the urge to simply get up and hug him tightly. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to... bring it up." She knew what he would say- it was alright, she didn't know. He would probably tell her she was very kind for asking about their welfare. That did not make that expression he was wearing any easier to take, however.
Fearing that she would start crying if she looked at him a moment longer, Elle got up and went into the kitchen to look for tea mugs. Hopefully Nox planned on having some tea, because she'd feel like a terrible hostess drinking it by herself. Reaching to the top cabinet, she brought down two mismatched mugs, one with Tinkerbell on it and one with Eeyore. "I think this one for you," she said, holding it up for Nox to see. "His quiet stoicism suits you." Plus, Tinkerbell was just a little too much.