A World Between Realms

A disruption of his day

As Argus held Sophie in his arms, he maintained his usual composure despite her unconscious state. His indifference remained intact, but the practical necessity of the situation required him to act. He quickly decided to carry her to the infirmary, doing so with a sense of duty rather than concern.

As he walked towards the infirmary, Argus was primarily focused on the inconvenience Sophie's condition caused him. As he waited for the medical staff to attend to Sophie, Argus's thoughts drifted, and he experienced a vague sense of déjà vu.

As Sophie slowly regained consciousness, her eyes fluttered open to the dimly lit infirmary. The first figure she saw was Lady Elowen standing by her bedside with a look of deep concern etched across her features. Argus, who had initially brought her here, was no longer present; he had discreetly left upon Lady Elowen's arrival.

"Lady Elowen?" Sophie murmured, her voice weak as she tried to sit up.

"Take it easy, Sophie," Lady Elowen responded, gently pressing a hand on Sophie's shoulder to keep her from rising too quickly. "You gave us quite the scare. How do you feel now?"

Sophie took a moment to assess herself, noticing the lingering dizziness but also the relief of being in a safe place. "A bit dizzy, but better, thank you," she replied, managing a small smile.

Lady Elowen nodded, her expression softening. "You need to rest. We were worried when you collapsed. It seems you haven't eaten anything since the other day, is that correct?"

Sophie, remembering the old tales from Lola Maria, her best friend's grandmother, about the dangers of eating in other realms, nodded. "Yes, I was... concerned. Lola Maria used to say that if you eat food in another realm, you might never be able to return to the human world."

Lady Elowen's eyebrows raised slightly at this, acknowledging the weight of such beliefs. "I understand your fears, Sophie. But while such tales hold wisdom, we must also care for our well-being here and now. I assure you, the food here will not trap you in Navaria. It's important to nourish yourself, especially when dealing with such demanding circumstances."

Sophie nodded, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment at her own neglect driven by old fears. "Thank you, Lady Elowen. I suppose I let those old stories get the better of me."

After ensuring that Sophie had received appropriate medical attention at the palace infirmary, Lady Elowen made certain that Sophie also ate something. The medical staff provided Sophie with a light meal accompanied by a herbal tonic designed to help restore her energy levels. Once Sophie seemed a bit more revitalised, both she and Lady Elowen prepared to leave the infirmary.

Together, they traveled back to Gardwyn Manor, the journey passing quietly as Sophie reflected on the day's events and Lady Elowen offered comforting assurances. Upon arriving at the manor, Lady Elowen led Sophie directly to her chambers. The room was comfortably appointed, offering a peaceful space for Sophie to continue her recovery.

"Lady Elowen," Sophie began, feeling a mixture of gratitude and weariness, "thank you for taking such good care of me."

"Of course, Sophie," Lady Elowen replied with a gentle smile. "It's important that you rest now. Tomorrow will be a new day, and I've arranged for you to join the daily activities of the other realm crossers. It will help you adjust to life here in Navaria and understand what it means to integrate into our world.

Sophie nodded, understanding the importance of integrating and finding her place in this new world. "I appreciate your guidance, Lady Elowen. I'll do my best."

"That's all we ask," Lady Elowen responded, her voice soft but encouraging. "Rest well, Sophie. I will see you in the morning."

As Sophie settled into the soft bed of her chambers at Gardwyn Manor, her fingers instinctively reached for the pendant hanging around her neck. It was a small, simple piece, but touching it had always been a comforting habit when she was deep in thought or feeling uncertain. Tonight, as the quiet of the room enveloped her, she let her thumb glide over the smooth surface of the pendant, drawing solace from its familiar feel.

Lying there, Sophie allowed her mind to wander through the events that had brought her to this point. The realisation that she was, for all intents and purposes, stuck in a world between realms was daunting. Yet, as she touched her pendant and considered Lady Elowen's words, a sense of resolve began to form within her.

Perhaps, Sophie thought, this wasn't just about being stuck. Maybe this was about discovering a purpose she'd never known she could have.

Closing her eyes, Sophie finally allowed sleep to claim her, her last conscious thought a hopeful affirmation that, in embracing her situation, she might also discover something about herself.