Elodie had woken up in her manor. She’d been fixed breakfast by her servants and fussed over by her mother. Her mother, who had been informed of last nights’ events, gently tried to suggested that perhaps a hiatus from the military would do her well. Elodie, after all, couldn’t be expected to just career on after such things.

And for a shameful moment, Elodie entertained the idea.

It would be easier to just leave, wouldn’t it? Retreat back into the world of courtly banter, where a bruised ego was the greatest consequence one could suffer. But Then Elodie’s stubborn streak kicked in. She finished her meal, went to dress, and arrived at the military barracks just as instructed.

The morning had passed in a blur. Elodie had not performed well in that day’s training, something which she was sure had drawn notice. Her mind was elsewhere—still in the ballroom, still focused on the sight of the boy’s head as it rolled to look up at her.

She startled when Zarha approached. It was evening, and Elodie was stead by herself in the mess hall. Summoning some sense of normalcy, the noblewoman returned her warm smile and took the mug she was offered.

“Oh, thank you, but there’s really no need,” Elodie said, a little perplexed by the gesture. She did not know this woman well, though she vaguely recalled meeting her. Or maybe she hadn't?

"Please forgive me," Elodie said, "But I'm not sure I remember you."

Elodie smiled. She knew that this girl was trying to be helpful, but she couldn’t help but feel a little patronized. Elodie was no child that needed looking after. She was stunned, yes, but still a woman of Nevermere that would soldier on. Or at least, that was what she was telling herself. In any case, she gracefully accepted the beverage.

“Elodie Atwood,” She responded with a smile, dropping the title ‘lady’, as it seemed silly to include. Elodie read as nobility anyway, and she didn’t want to stick that in the eye of the woman beside her that read as commoner.

“How long have you been in the military Miss Silva?” She slipped into small talk, sipping on her drink