Fitz

Fitz was nervous.

He knew Sophie could handle it.

He knew this could all go wrong easily.

He sure as heck knew how much danger Sophie was putting herself in.

But...

He trusted her.

And he knew Sophie would make it through this.

Because he knew he couldn't live without her.

Fitz remembered how Sophie had written the letter for the Neverseen. Before he had a chance to read it, she had left it for them, and they had taken it.

At the time, Fitz's mind had been on other things. So he hadn't pressed.

Now, though, he couldn't take his mind off of the fact.

Everything was wiped from his mind when the Neverseen showed up.

But not from fear.

The elves heavily outnumbered the Neverseen.

But Fitz was sure they would've gathered everyone at their disposal.

Was this really all they had?

Sophie's hand - which was currently clasped in his - began to shake.

You're okay, he transmitted.

She turned to him. He thought he recognized a flash of guilt in her eyes, but...

No. Not possible. Fitz had worked so hard to keep her mind intact, he wouldn't accept it.

Sophie took a deep breath. I'm okay, she repeated.

Fitz nodded in agreement. You can do this. In and out. I trust you.

Sophie allowed a small smile to crease her face. I love you.

He chuckled. I love you, too.

And he did. Sophie was the best thing that had happened to him in a long time.

He loved her. It felt amazing to be able to say it to her face to face.

Sophie turned back towards their enemy. "Here we go," she mumbled to herself.

From the front of the small army, Lady Gisela stepped forward. She smiled and directed her gaze to Sophie. "I knew you would want these two back sooner or later." She gestured behind her to where two cloaked figures held Tam and Linh.

Fitz shuddered as he recognized the disgusting hoods of black surrounding their bodies.

Lady Gisela continued. "The moonlark for the two outcasts. Let's make this quick."

Fitz briefly wondered how someone could expect an all out war to be quick.

Sophie stepped forward. "So you understand our deal," she said, loud and clear.

Gisela smiled. "Oh, I understand."

Sophie tensed. "I need a moment, if you wouldn't mind."

Surprisingly, Lady Gisela nodded.

Sophie

Sophie walked up to Mr. Forkle.

He played his part well, face grim, eyes teary.

Sophie's eyes welled as she pulled him in for a hug. "Thank you for everything," she murmured in his ear. When they pulled apart, Mr. Forkle reached out and wiped at a tear on her face.

"Great job," he smiled. "and the best of luck."

Next, Sophie had to say "goodbye" to her parents.

This time, she didn't even try to stop her tears.

Inside of the threesome hug, Grady whispered, "keep it up, kiddo. Love you." And Edaline: "you're doing great. I'll see you later."

Sophie's heart wrenched.

After that, she hugged Dex, Biana, and Keefe.

Biana was in tears (well played, Biana).

Dex told her to, "be careful. Stay safe."

And Keefe said, "don't break your promise, Foster. You're doing great."

She smiled at each one in turn, memorizing every last feature, before moving to Fitz.

She kissed him full on the lips before wrapping her arms around him in a crushing hug.

"I love you so, so much," she whispered. "Never forget that."

She pulled away. "And I hope you know that I do trust you. With my life."

Sophie could see the suspicion rising in Fitz, so she started to go.

Fitz turned her back around and pulled her in for a hug this time. "You are a fantastic actor."
Then he transmitted, you're going to get out. Everything will be fine. Okay?

Sophie forced a smile. Okay.

Fitz

As Sophie moved away, Fitz couldn't ignore the warning alarms going off in his mind.

Biana came up behind him, resting a hand on his shoulder. "She'll be alright."

Fitz shook his head slightly. "Something's not right."

Biana chose not to answer.

Sophie stopped in between the two mini armies. "Release the twins first."

For the second time that day, Fitz was surprised by Lady Gisela's actions.

She waved at the two Neverseen holding Tam and Linh. The figures - none to gently - released them.

Woltzer and Lovise rushed forward and took them back to the lines.

They couldn't risk Tam or Linh attempting to stop this - they weren't informed on the plan.

Luckily, the Song twins seemed to catch on, and they didn't struggle.

Sophie then walked forward.

She was officially on their side.

This was the moment Colborn (the ogre that would call the battle orders and formations) was supposed to shout –

"ATTACK!"

But before anyone could rush forward, Sophie stepped up.

"Stand down, Colborn!"

Fit'z eyes widened. This had not been part of the plan.

Colborn had been given simple briefings before the battle:
1) do what you do best, and
2) the moonlark gives orders.

The elves watched in complete confusion and silence as Colborn held out his hand to stop the entire gathering.

Fitz looked at Sophie. What is she doing?

Sophie made quick eye contact but turned away swiftly.

She squared her shoulders. "The moonlark for the twins. That was the deal. I - I'm really sorry."

Lady Gisela smiled as she walked up to Sophie, laying an arm on her shoulders.

Grady stepped forward. "Sophie, what is going on?" he asked in a warning tone.

Sophie wiped quickly at her eyes. "We made a deal. I knew from the beginning that fighting wouldn't be the answer. It would get us no where and only cost us our lives. And in such little time? We were kidding ourselves."

Edaline moved next to Grady. "What are you talking about, Sophie?"

Sophie sighed as she removed Keefe's mom's arm from around her shoulders. Then she turned to Fitz. "F-Fitz, check your pocket."

Fitz hesitated. His pocket? What was Sophie doing? "Sophie, what –?"

"Just...just look."

Fitz didn't take his eyes off of Sophie as he pulled a piece of paper from his pocket. How in the Lost Cities did it get there?

His mind flashed to when Sophie had given him a lengthy hug - two, actually. She must have slipped it in unknowingly.

Finally, Biana, Dex, Keefe, Mr. Forkle, and the Ruewens over his shoulder, Fitz unfolded the note.

As his eyes skimmed the words, he realized it was the letter Sophie had sent the Neverseen, maybe a replica.

It read:

Gisela,

I know what you're after. You know what I'm asking.

I'll give you what you want if you return the twins safely to us.

Two weeks from now, the elves will be gathered at Luckyfield with a force of goblins, ogres, dwarves, and gnomes.

They will be expecting a battle, and they will be expecting to win. I've got something else in mind.

Gather some forces, and meet us there. There won't be a fight.

You give us the twins, and you have me. The moonlark.

After you have me, you make a public vow to not harm anyone. I can't stop you from your work, from your goal, but the hurting has got to stop.

I'll see you then.

~ the moonlark