Mere weeks ago
"What do you know about Mayor Cyning's daughter Sofia? The truth and not that cruel gossip about her."
The baker looked at the visitor, eyes wide at the unexpected request.
"Not a lot Sir. I've met her only a couple times. Our two children love her. She played with them a lot at the orphanage where we adopted them from. From what I hear, Miss Sofia goes there about once a week and brings little gifts for the children once a month. My wife knows her better. They talk quite a bit. Or they did before she turned sixteen."
The visitor to the bakery nodded. "Is your wife busy then?"
The baker's eyes widened in shock. He nodded in understanding before going to get her.
"Mrs. Holt," the baker said. "You'd be better to answer this young man's questions. He wants to know about Miss Sofia."
Mrs. Holt nodded as Mr. Holt went into the back.
"Miss Sofia is a sweetheart. She's gentle and cares for others. And she constantly challenges what it means to behave like a proper lady. Probably a result of having been born in poverty."
"And that gossip about her?"
"Most of the gossip didn't start till mere weeks after she turned sixteen. It must have affected her. Since then, she hasn't been as outgoing as she was before her birthday. She changed greatly after her birthday. Whether it was just the gossip or more than that, no one knows."
oOo
Sofia smiled softly as she finished her latest knitting project.
I hope he likes it.
Laying across her lap was a deep blue scarf. On her desk sat a basket with some pastries that she had made herself mere hours before. Sofia glanced out the window, checking the remaining daylight. If she hurried, she would have just enough time.
Quickly, she wrapped the scarf in some plain paper and tied it off with some ribbon. That done, she pulled her warmest cloak on, grabbed the basket and scarf, and hurried to the stables. She saddled Minimus and mounted. Within moments, she was galloping through the forests that surrounded Cantata Hall and the rest of the village. It wouldn't be long, she realized, before her family noticed she had taken off. She was going to miss dinner in order to do this. If nobody noticed before then they certainly would at dinner.
After a somewhat long ride, Sofia reached her destination. Once her steed was settled into the stable, Sofia walked around to the front and knocked on the door.
After a moment, the door creaked open. Cedric looked at Sofia surprised.
"Little Girl, what are you doing here? And at this time of day no less."
Sofia smiled sweetly. "I brought you something. May I come in please?"
Cedric stepped back, opening the door further. Sofia stepped in.
"Thank you."
"You really ought to have an escort right now."
"I know. But everyone has been very busy back home. Preparations for my family's Wassailia celebrations have been going on. We're expecting to have some relatives arrive in the next couple days."
Cedric motioned to a seat near the table. Sofia sat down and Cedric took another seat.
"Hmph. Busy household or not, you still should have an escort. Especially if going to visit a man at his home."
Sofia smiled. "I won't tell if you won't.
Cedric raised an eyebrow in amusement. The baker's wife had been right when she told him that Sofia didn't behave like a proper lady.
"Fine. It will be our little secret."
Sofia grinned widely. "Great. First, I have your bandages to return to you."
Sofia held the bandages out. Cedric took them and set them on the table.
"Thank you for returning those."
"It's really me who ought to be thanking you. Things could have ended badly for me that night if you hadn't taken me under your wing."
Cedric nodded slowly. He knew he ought to be getting the young lady out of his home, especially since she came alone, but he couldn't bring himself to do it.
Sofia then held out the basket and wrapped scarf. "These are for you. It's not much. But I did make them myself."
Cedric looked at the pastries, the sweet aromas delighting his senses.
Who knew a politician's daughter could bake?
Cedric then slowly unwrapped the parcel. When the scarf unfolded over his lap, his eyes widened. He'd been meaning to acquire a new scarf for some time.
"You made this?" Cedric softly said in awe.
"I did. I knit a lot. Especially when I can't go out of home and/or don't feel like raiding my father's library. Do you like it?"
"It's beautiful. Nobody's ever made or given me something so thoughtful."
Sofia smiled, a cheerful glow surrounding her. "Try it on. Let's see how it looks on you."
Cedric wrapped it around his neck. Sofia nodded in approval.
"Will you be spending Wassailia with your family?"
Cedric shook his head. "No."
"I'm so sorry. Where is your family?"
Cedric grimaced a bit. "Too far away. Besides, I can't go home."
Sofia's head dropped. "I'm sorry to hear that. Why don't you come to Cantata Hall for Wassailia Day? We'd love to have you."
Cedric shook his head. "That is kind of you to offer but I have my own things to attend to."
"On Wassailia?" Sofia looked incredulous.
"Yes, Little Girl, on Wassailia."
"Well then, maybe I'll have to come see you."
Cedric's eyes nearly popped out. "I'm sure you'll be quite busy with your celebration. Don't you worry about me. I'll be fine with just a raven for company."
Sofia shook her head. "You're crazy. Who wants to spend the holidays alone?"
"Why do you care so much?"
"Because you're my friend. And I care deeply about my friends, few as they may be."
Cedric swallowed hard. "You...consider me a friend?"
Sofia nodded. "Yes I do."
Cedric's heart thudded at the confirmation. It had been too long since he'd had a friend. Too long since he had a good friend.
He smiled. "Well, friend, let me get some tea started and we'll enjoy some of those pastries you made."
Sofia smiled widely. "Okay."
oOo
That night, Sofia smiled as she sat on the edge of her bed. She'd ended up staying a rather long time with Cedric. It had gotten dark by the time she finally decided she needed to go. Cedric had voiced his concern about her riding in the dark by herself but Sofia said she wasn't worried. Still, even after she had left, the young lady knew exactly what she'd seen as she rode through the forests.
He is different.
Sofia laid down, sleep quickly overtaking her.