Varnish

A/N: Before I go on a small og writing fest, here's an update for Midsummer and I'll see if I can post a mystery on my writing Tumblr.

Sandy looked up as the door to her room opened, she drew the curtain closed as Randy walked in. It was early in the morning and Valen had left earlier, but she knew that if her brother saw how the usually empty side of her bed was currently a mess, he'd assume the worst. She was surprised Valen hadn't really done anything to her.

"Sandy," Randy started, pulling the curtain back. "The maids are loading your things into the carriage."

She sighed, messing with the ring Valen shoved on her finger. She wanted to take it off and throw it somewhere. In the ocean, somewhere where he'd never find it.

"I wish I could make this right," Randy continued, taking her hand in his and squeezing. "If I could go back and change things, I would trust me."

Sandy looked at her brother, noticing the way his shoulders slumped forward and how it seemed like if he moved wrong, his clothes would slip right off to reveal nothing but skin and bones.

"It's alright," Sandy replied, moving to reach for her wooden leg and get up. She should at least send Shadow a letter explaining this ordeal. Even if she wouldn't be here by the time he got back.

Shadow huffed, thanking the young man that put the letter from Sandy on his desk before leaving. He walked towards it, sitting down in the chair with a sigh. He opened the letter, smiling as Sandy's perfume wafted from it and her familiar script spanned on for pages. At least she was doing well while he was gone.

His smile faded a bit as he read towards the end, Sandy saying how Valen planned to move her to his estate since they were somewhat married now. She suspected when she got there, they'd be wed immediately with a priest paid handsomely for something on such short notice. Shadow leaned forward in his chair, calling for the young man from earlier.

The young mouse scurried in, quickly bowing. "Yes, sir Shadow?"

Shadow swallowed, stuffing the letter back in its envelope. "When's the next boat back to Talfryn?" he asked, standing up to gather his things.

"It leaves today at sunset." The mouse informed, moving out of the way as Shadow headed towards the door.

He had to catch that boat before it left, apprenticeship be damned. As he boarded, he looked out at the vast sea before him, hoping that Sandy at least saw the painting before she was gone for good.