Sophie

Sophie let out a long, exasperated sigh as she stared out past the sea. When was Alvar coming home? Sophie had tried to be as productive as possible. Training in combat, training in abilities, training in skills. 

Training, training, training. So. Much. Training. But still, after four hours of nonstop training, Alvar had yet to return. And Sophie was growing impatient by the minute. How could she not? Especially when her prize- her catch, her first ever prey- was waiting for her and Sophie couldn't even play with her new toy?

Besides, she was sure Fintan was getting tired of Biana. If he wasn't playing with her. Another sigh escaped Sophie and she flopped onto her back. 

So. Bored.

"Patience is a virtue," grinned a voice, and Sophie bolted upright as Gethen walked up behind her. 

"Gethen," Sophie said, her face growing a warm pink as she realized he'd heard her, "What're you doing here?" 

"Same thing as you, apparently."

"What do you mean?" Sophie asked, but what she really meant was, "Who're you waiting for?" 

Luckily, she didn't need to specify for him to understand. If Sophie's family were the Neverseen, Gethen would be her uncle in the family tree. Fintan would probably be a close cousin, and Lady Gisela would be a very, very distant grandmother. 

"I'm waiting for a friend. Newest member of the family. She's out doing business right now, but she'll be back soon." 

Sophie nodded. 

"Do you know what she's up to?" Sophie couldn't stop herself from asking. She wanting to know something more than what she was allowed. It made her feel... rebellious. And all teenagers were rebellious towards their families, right? Even if just a little?

Gethen laughed, a full body laugh. But Sophie wasn't sure why. 

"She's probably doing the same thing as Alvar, right now," he said, and Sophie tensed. Wasn't he still paralyzed? Or getting the elixirs she needed? 

She cursed. Of course, Alvar had gotten distracted.

"Don't worry," Gethen assured her, "It won't be much longer, now." 

Sophie glanced over to him, wondering what he could mean. What did he know?

Sighing, Sophie climbed to her feet. If Gethen wasn't going to help her, and Alvar was busy, she'd just get the elixirs herself. 

"Where are you going?" Gethen asked.

"To get some elixirs."

Gethen stood, too. A firm but unreadable expression glued to Gethen's face. 

"I'm coming,-- And before you argue," he added, right as she opened her mouth to do just that, "They're Lady Gisela's orders. Keep you monitored."

A sharp laughed bubbled in Sophie's throat. 

"Really?" Sophie said, her voice short and coated with irritation, "A babysitter? I'm not that Traitor!"

Sophie and Gethen both remained silent as the thoughts of the Traitor filled their minds. For Sophie, it only fueled her anger towards the Black Swan. But for Gethen, it seemed to make his decision more final.

"I'm coming." Groaning, Sophie nodded. Did he really think that low of her? She'd been with him for years now. Why wouldn't he trust her? 

Shoutout to: @blue_lemonxde

(sorry, I suck at shout outs, tried to fix it, but thanks for commenting often, even if I don't respond half the time. I'm bad at talking so... 😅)