(A/N: Mr. Shortman92, you're probably right about Sofia deciding to return as quickly as she did. This is new territory for me. I haven't written a character with the trauma that Sofia is dealing with before. So I may be a little inaccurate sometimes.

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Sofia let out a sigh as she spread a thick blanket on the snow covered ground. From nearby, Minimus let out a snort, earning the slightest smile from the rider. With the blanket set out, Sofia reached into the saddle bag and pulled out a smaller bag. From the bag, she pulled out a carrot and gave it to Minimus.

With the steed occupied with his treat, Sofia took the bag to the blanket and sat down. She wouldn't be able to stay out for long. It was winter after all and it was getting colder each day it seemed. But the clearing in the forest she was at was a nice place to stop regardless of the weather.

After a moment, Sofia dumped the contents of the bag out. Before her now, was a small selection of snacks for the ride. She slowly picked at the food, not eating much of it. Rather quickly, her appetite evaporated, despite having hardly eaten anything at breakfast.

Sighing dejectedly, Sofia laid down and stared up at the sky. There were very few clouds and the sun was shining brightly. If she had to guess though, it probably wouldn't last very long.

"I didn't know that picnics in winter were fashionable."

Sofia sat up straight, her heart pounding. She looked towards the sound of the voice and saw Cedric walking towards her, his horse tethered to a sturdy branch. Sofia stood up.

"Cedric, I didn't expect to run into you again."

"Clearly. Now why a picnic in the forest during winter? And by yourself no less."

Sofia brushed her hands across her cloak, smoothing a wrinkle out.

"I like the time by myself. Time to think and not worry about overbearing family members."

"Overbearing, eh?" Cedric looked amused.

"They mean well," Sofia looked down at her hands. "But it would be nice to not have them hovering so much. I shouldn't be surprised though."

Cedric raised an eyebrow. "Why is that?"

Sofia's eyes widened. "Nothing," she said quickly. "It's nothing."

Cedric wasn't convinced. But he didn't push it.

"I should probably head back though," Sofia said. "Apparently, we got an invite to join another family for lunch. Some distant relation of a viscount."

"You don't sound excited at all about that lunch."

Sofia shook her head. "Riding is much more enjoyable. Or picking out a book from my dad's library. Meals and other such social engagements with local gentry and nobility are usually just a poor excuse for gossip and ripping others apart."

"Some families aren't that bad."

"Some," Sofia agreed. "There are a couple really good families nearby. But most of the nobility I've encountered have not been all that great. Especially the noble men."

Cedric coughed. "Of course. Well then, I suppose you ought to be on your way."

Sofia nodded. She stepped off the blanket and onto a spot that was very slick. Her face was a mix of shock and embarrassment as she started to go down. But she didn't hit the ground. Cedric reached out and grabbed her arm to balance her. Her left arm.

Cedric was about to make a comment about stepping carefully but whatever he was going to say died on his lips when he saw Sofia's face. She had turned pale as the snow around them and her eyes were wide with terror.

"Sofia?"

"L-let go," Sofia stammered.

"Sofia, what's-" Cedric started.

"Let go of me!" Sofia exclaimed.

Cedric let go. As soon as he did, Sofia bolted to Minimus and hurried off, leaving behind her blanket and a very confused man.

Merlin's mushrooms! What happened? Why did she run?