Querencia | Rosalie Hale

Chapter II

Like and comment

Sophia woke up to a loud knocking. She peered down the stairs just as Alcibiades opened the wooden door.

Two men in full uniforms, armour and all, were stood talking to him in hushed whispers, handing him white parchment paper. Once they left Sophia made her way down the stairs.

"Alcibiades? What's going on?" Sophia questioned.

"Damn Soph, you scared the shit out of me and how the hells am I supposed to know, I haven't opened it up yet." Alcibiades retorted raising his eyebrow.

Sophia raised her hands in surrender as Alcibiades broke the seal. It took him a moment to read, Sophia watched as his eyes skimmed the page. Once it seemed as though it was done he discarded the paper behind him.

"It's nothing Sophia, we have been ' cordially invited' to attend a meeting tonight at the Pnyx." Alcibides rolls his eyes.

"The Pnyx? Why? Ooo maybe they want to give us some goods, are we thinking money? Land? A title? Maybe I'll be the queen." Sophia joked.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they did give all of that... Well perhaps not the queen part, but the rest? That seems reasonable. We needed that victory, our morale was low and they know it. They can't hold off with awarding you with anything, those stupid old geezers. I'll tell you at this very moment that you would be leading this city if you were a man. Those callous bastards can't hold it back now. I am sure everyone at that battle will stand for you if they don't, myself included."

Sophia laughed at Alcibiades, " I don't want that Al, you know that." She looked at him with sorrow and understanding. "Perhaps it's true, maybe I do deserve some recognition but I have a feeling it won't be today. I'd have to win the war singlehanded for them to even consider it."

" It's just not fair Sophia! You are the best fighter that the Athenians have, hell I think we need to get an epic written about you. You deserve to be a legend. You are legendary, you deserve the world. And if they don't give that to you, I swear on Zeus that I will wait and watch them bastards burn this city to the ground."

"As much as I would appreciate the sentiment, I don't need you to do anything for me." Sophia smiled at her friend. " Except maybe a hug." She opened her arms and waited for Alcibiades to walk into her. He smiled at his friend as he said.

"Your crazy, you know that right?" He held her close to him.

"I think we are all mad here, normal is boring."

"I'm sorry Sophia, I have to go now, as much as I enjoy your company. I have been called for by Socrates, he said something about Alexios getting schooling." Although Alcibides was rude and put little effort into other people, he still cared about those that are close to him. This was his way of helping Alexios secure his future, he didn't wish to see the boy broken and moulded into a little soldier, he wanted him safe.

"Say hello to him for me, you know I'm his favourite."

"Rub it in, why don't you?" He feigned sadness as he left the room, holding his chest and removed an invisible dagger from his heart. Sophia couldn't help but laugh at his dramatic behaviour.

"Why don't you ask Aristophanes for a role in one of his comedies? He loves you!" She called out hoping her voice was carried to his ears. She heard a loud gasp just before the front door slammed shut, confirmation enough.

But not long after a small knock at the door caught Sophias attention. She briskly walked to the the entrance.

"Alcibiades I swear the go-" Sophia shouted just as she opened the door.