Time and Connections

Sofia accompanied everyone into town without a fuss, as the roped up bandits behaved themselves very well, as they were escorted into town, while Lily had prompted her to stay close to her youngest child and then hung back to make sure they had a little space together.

"So uh, you doing okay?"

Luke asked, after getting a little jab from his not so subtle mother.

"Yeah..."

It had been a little bit of a struggle, but Sofia had managed, and had partly adjusted to living alone.

Not that she'd been really left alone - not completely, as many townsfolk and neighbours came and went, dropping by with food, swapping them for Sofia's herbs and vegies she continued to grow, and chatting for a little, but while some empty hours seemed to stretch for days, the months had disappeared quickly somewhere.

Wanting to repay everyone's kindness and assistance, Sofia had thrown herself into her garden, being something she was quite good at already, she'd redoubled her efforts into growing quite the variety of herbs, a few rare spices and other vegetables, that she had quite a few stores and businesses that wanted her produce now.

Her life had really snapped back a bit, as looking after herself and tending to everything else came first now, and since Luke had given her space, which she both appreciated, but mostly got frustrated by, she apparently wasn't so giddy about his proximity anymore.

"So what have you been up to lately?"

"Nothing really..."

Oh come on... I haven't seen you in a month.... and that's all you have to say...?

Sofia turned away to pout a little.

"How about you?"

Luke got another prod from his nosy mother still close behind him.

"Nothing really..."

Sofia grumbled back sarcastically.

Luke retreated back a little to whisper to Lily.

"What now?"

"Chat like you two always do."

"But you heard us just now..."

"Just keep talking to her... she wants you to."

Sofia opened her mouth to refute that, since her sensitive ears could hear every word they said, but she realised she really did want to talk some more, so waited silently as she walked along.

"Is your garden still growing?"

Luke caught back up to her, and settled alongside.

Really...?

"Yes, of course it is."

Sofia said bluntly, as it was spring after all; everything was growing wildly.

"You're not working yourself too hard now...?"

Sofia hid a huff under her breath.

"No..."

Yes I spend most of the day tending to everything... but it's not difficult or hard work...

She was still slightly annoyed at him, and after another long pause, he finally added.

"I guess that's good."

Is that all you've got... come on - pry further at least... I'd talk for days to catch up - but I need a little more than these dead liners...

They already neared the town, and passed a few houses before he spoke again.

"So... you... feeling okay?"

She'd distracted herself a bit, but in the quiet hours her loss had crept up on her.

"Yeah, I'm doing better than I thought I would be..."

Sofia waited for more, but grew more frustrated as their walk continued, realising she wasn't making an effort either.

"It still feels... weird... but I think I'm doing alright."

The quiet resumed for another half minute.

"Thanks for asking."

Why is it so awkward between us...? I need to break this tension... but...

But then she couldn't find the words somehow, and then second guessed everything she did manage to think of to say, so they ended up quietly walking along the rest of the way, until they all finally arrived at the stationhouse in town.

"Hello everyone... so what's the trouble then?"

The strong looking chief of the police waited outside for them, and greeted all the locals warmly, but after a brief fill in of the details, and a check with the out-of-town group, he came back to Sofia for a quick word.

"Did you want to press charges?"

The commanding officer asked calmly, but she really didn't want to cause any further bother to anyone really.

"I don't think so... no."

The lawman nodded and came to a decision.

"Then I'm going to let them all go -"

"They meant to burn down sweet Sofia's place Tom!"

"But they didn't now, did they..."

Tom was actually Lily's brother.

"Let's just put it down as a little misunderstanding..."

"Humph!"

Tom took his annoyed close family member aside.

"They seem legit, and didn't know of our local... resident at all."

Lily still seemed pretty ticked off, very more so than Sofia - the actual victim there.

"I guess you'll keep an eye out..."

"That'd be your job... I do have other things to do you know!"

Lily however marched back to Sofia, but didn't look at her with her very serious expression.

"If any of them give you any trouble dear, I'll make sure they regret it..."

Lily spoke up, more than loud enough for the now untied group to hear her clearly, as she cast her harsh hazel eyes over them.

"And I'd expect a sincere apology... now!"

Her loud words snapped the 'leader' into stepping forward.

"That would be the right thing to do."

Tom added as he watched on as the most senior trainee tentatively drew near to Sofia.

It was the one who came to her door again, with the short mid-brown and messy hair and blue eyes, and he bowed his head low right before her.

"You have our utmost and deepest apologies."

He peered back up, and offered his hand.

"We made a great mistake, and never meant to cause you any problems Miss Greenstone."

Sofia was in two minds to take his hand, but gently allowed her fingers to be held by the grovelling young man.

"I will personally offer my services to you, to make up for this egregious mistake."

"Oh... well I..."

"You name it, and I will assist you."

Sofia felt quite put on the spot then, and more than a little nervous at the eager man's offer.

Uh what should I ask for...? What skills doses a Knight have anyway...? Uh he's looking at me so intently now... no hint of fear or malice... Like he wants something from me maybe...?

"Uh I..."

"Please name whatever you desire; I will do it gladly for you."

Sofia wanted to recover her hand now, slightly off-putt from his firm approach, but he held her lightly, but also firmly too.

"I'm good thanks..."

But the Trainee Knight clung on.

"No I must insist - I must make it up to you fine Miss."

He straightened up, and pressed his fairly handsome face a little closer, as he quietly spoke for her ears only.

"If you even asked for my very heart, I would gladly give it to you."

Uh... eh...?!