The Grey stone castle of Zumaria felt like quite the safe Haven for Sofia. She didn't have to contend with the whispers of the castle staff back in Enchancia, or the worried gazes from her family. Her only companion in the time here was Princess Vivian who had given the staff instruction to let Sofia have relatively free reign of the castle if she so desired. Although Sofia often found herself unwilling to leave Vivian's side in a complete reversal of how the two girls would behave under normal circumstances.

Vivian was quiet and gentle. She didn't force Sofia to confide in her what had happened to put her in such a state, but the Shy Princess had noticed how altered her friend appeared from the moment she had arrived. She knew from experience not too bring to much attention to it, but had taken care to have Sofia escorted to her room as soon as possible after pleasantries had been exchanged with Queen Cecily and King Marcus.

Sofia had kept expected smiles then, but as soon as the two girls were alone in the room, her facade had crumbled, and she sat on her bed eyes downcast and mouth in a thin line.

Vivian had attempted exactly once to ask what was wrong, but at the question, Sofia had begun to sob. The crying had stunned Vivian and embarrassed Sofia. Not knowing what else to do, Vivian had placed a hand on her shoulder.

"It's alright Sofia, you don't have to tell me. I'm here if you need to though."

Sofia nodded and through her tears managed to sniffle out a "Thank you." because at some point she was aware she was going to have to confide what had happened.

For now though it was best not to think on home, or things that pertained to home. Namely a certain royal Sorcerer. Oh how it had hurt her. It wasn't even the idea that he didn't return her romantic inclinations, it was the idea that she meant so little to him that he hadn't come after her. Perhaps she should have not expected that of him, but the lack of words, the lack of actions had wounded her. Had it been the other way around, she would have gone to him instantly. She supposed she should have tried to repair the rift between them sooner, but couldn't bring herself to do so.

She had spent nearly a day and half crying, she had hardly been able to eat in the days following the confrontation in his work shop. Escape was needed,though, before her physical escape to Zumaria she had tried her newly found alternative. She had found herself trying to escape more and more into Astral projection. Though the more she practiced the more she seemed to be immersed in what Cedric had called the Astral world. It was no longer just visiting far off places, soon enough she was walking roadways unsure of where to go, but wanting to get away from where she was. What was that old saying "If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there?" She supposed that rang true. She wondered if there were other people in the astral realm but she had yet to see anyone. That is until the night before she had left Enchancia.

She walked along the road, farther and farther away from her starting point, unsure of her destination,but suddenly she felt a presence and then she had heard it a sweet, sad voice singing, and although she couldn't place the voice, the melody and words that it sang were all too familiar:

"I once had a sweetheart, but now I have none. I once had a sweetheart but now I have none. He's gone and leave me, he's gone and leave me, gone and leave me in sorrow to mourn." Sofia recognized that song, the one the blackbird had sung to her in her dream back in what seemed like an eternity to go. Had it been warning her about Cedric? Was it warning her still? She spun around looking for the bird in the trees, but instead found herself face to face with a young woman. She appeared to be the same age as Sofia, though she was a bit taller, dressed in a grey cloak, she had dark,curling hair that hung about her shoulders and the most mournful grey eyes Sofia had ever seen.

Sofia had forced herself to speak:

"Um. Hello? Who are you?"

The girl didn't answer her question, instead she asked one herself:

"Should you be traveling so far?" Before Sofia had a chance to answer, or ask the girl what she meant, she had felt herself being called and forced away, as she was pulled back into the world of the waking.

The experience, while not exactly ominous had troubled her. Hadn't she read that there were beings in the astral realm that could harm you? She couldn't remember, she couldn't find the book and she was unable to ask the one person who might be able to tell her more.

That paired with her avoidance of Cedric and the questions of her family about her current moods had ignited her impromptu leave. She didn't regret it. Having Vivian as her constant companion had lifted her spirits if ever so slightly. At the very least she hadn't been tempted to leave to the astral world. She clung to her friend, finding comfort in old distractions. After a day or two she found herself confiding in Vivian what had happened. Although she left out the details of Cedric trying to steal the Amulet and her astral projecting.

"He didn't come after you?"

"No."

"And you haven't tried to talk things out?"

"No…"

"You haven't seen him at all since that night?

"I did once, but… I ran away."

"You ran away?! Sofia that's something I would do. Not you."

"I know. I know! I haven't been myself…. And I don't like it." She lowered her head.

"Oh no! I didn't mean to upset you!" Vivian cried.

"You didn't. I'm just… I'm not sure what to do."

Vivian frowned and looked thoughtful for a moment.

"Can I try to give you some advice? I- I know I'm not as good at it as you are, and I don't want to pry, or make you feel like you have to do anything you don't want to, but…" she trailed off.

Sofia couldn't help but smile inspite of herself.

"No Vivian, go on. It's good to have someone to talk to about it. It helps."

The encouragement was what the girl needed.

"I know it's hard, but I think you should talk to him. I know he might have been reluctant to answer your questions, but who knows, by now he may feel as bad as you do. Mr. Cedric is strange, but I know he cares for you Sofia. Even if he can't see it himself."

Sofia sighed.

"Maybe."

"Even if you can't mend things, although since it's you I doubt that, at least you'll have closure."

Sofia shivered at the word.

"I still love him, I really can't imagine not having him in my life, I'm just so hurt."

"Then tell him. It might help. Even if you're afraid."

"I will…."

Vivian paused when the gleam of an idea became evident in her eyes.

"What if I make you a deal of sorts?"

Sofia quirked a brow

"Vivian, now you're sounding less like me and more like Amber."

Vivian gave a short laugh but then blushed.

"Oh no no no. I didn't mean it like that. Not really a deal, but… if you're brave enough to talk to Cedric, then I'll try to be brave enough to talk to James."

"Oh Vivian, you don't have to do that."

"I know, but if I'm going to give advice then I suppose I have to try it myself too."

Sofia smiled and pressed her friends hand.

"No matter what happens, at least we will be there for each other.

Vivian smiled in reply.

"Yes, always!"

A/N: once again a short chapter, but inspiration struck unexpectedly. We shall see if the updating can continue. Part of me just wants to get that This done. I know the Astral projection scene is a little strange and out of place it'll be explained later. And some of you might recognize the girl Sofia meets in the astral world. She's an OC of mine and plays a slightly bigger role later. I know it's a self indulgent thing, but if it helps me get this done...

Thanks to everyone for the support.