A Fool's Blade

Chapter 6 - Sofie

         "Hello, I'm Sofie. Would you like to buy some flowers?" A small brown haired girl, looked up a Jade hopefully.

        She looked back at the girl and smiled. "Sure. What do you have?"

        "Not much, but I hope you like them!" 

        After buying several bundles of flowers, Jade asked "Where are your parents?"

        "They... they're dead. My Mama died when I was little... I... I don't remember her very well. My father was a Stormcloak soldier. One day, he left and... didn't come back. I'm all alone... I... I try and sell flowers so I can buy food. It's not much but... what else can I do?"

        "I could adopt you, if you want!" She blurted before she knew what she was saying.

        "Really? Do you have a house I can live in?" 

        "No...Not yet," her heart broke at the sight of Sofie's dismayed face, "but, I have a friend I Riften that can look after you until I have enough to buy one. Do you know Aventus? He's going to be heading there soon, you can go with him. I'll give you a note to give to her." Jade quickly grabbed some paper and charcoal from her bag and scrawled a letter.

        Dear Constance,

        I heard about what happened at Honorhall. I'm sorry I'm not able to come and comfort you at the time, but I promise I'll be back as soon as I can. This girl is Sofie. I found her selling flowers on the streets of Windhelm and would like to adopt her, but I don't have a house yet. Please take care of her until I'm able to do it myself.

Your Friend,

Jade

        She handed the note to the girl and pointed her in the direction of Aventus house. As Sofie went towards the house and courier approached Jade.

        "I've been looking for you. Got something I'm supposed to deliver - your hands only." The courier mumbled, "Let's see here...Yeah, got this note."

        "From who?"

        "Don't know. Creepy fella, black robe. Couldn't see his face. Paid me a pretty sum to get that into your hands, though. Looks like that's it. Got to go." The courier vanished, before Jade could question him further.

        She opened the letter. All it had was a Black Hand print with two words, We know. What is that supposed to mean? Jade looked up at the sky. It's getting late. I'll think tomorrow. She tucked the letter in her satchel and walked into Candlehearth Hall. She slid some gold onto the counter. "Cheese, bread, and a room please."

        "Right this way."

        As the woman lead Jade to her room, she smiled remembering how she used to this same thing six years ago, just in a smaller, less populated inn.

        "Your food will arrive shortly."

        "Thank you." A few moments later Jade got her meal and ate it slowly. When she finished, she climbed into bed, letting the sleepiness take over.