Jane introduced Sofia to her castle staff friends.

"So, you're already classed as a Knight of the King?" The courts Jester asked.

Sofia sighed. "Apparently, all I see myself as is a stray that Sir Theodore picked up."

"A stray with fine fighting skills." Jane giggled.

"He's seen me beat up a couple of bandits, and defeat Sir Ivon in a sparring match that lasted all of five minutes."

"Exactly."

Sofia snorted softly before continuing to eat the meal that Pepper had prepared for her.

"You look like a lady of the court more than a stray to be honest." The resident blacksmith pointed out.

Pepper giggled. "Smithy is right, Sofia."

Sofia shook her head.

"So, on your travels, have you ever... uh... killed someone?" Jester asked. Curiosity getting the best of him.

Sofia paused mid-bite. Lowering her sandwich, she swallowed. "A few times." She said.

Jane choked on her water and turned her eyes to stare at her. "Really?!"

Sofia met her gaze. "All for right purposes, I assure you."

"What possible reasons? Does Sir Theodore know of this?" Jane asked.

Sofia nodded and looked deep in thought. "Let's see... there was one time I overheard a few men plotting against the king in the woods where I lived. Then there was a woman kidnapped from the village that I once walked through, I hadn't intended on saving the woman but I walked right by their hide out and found her there, so I had to kill the kidnapper otherwise he would've killed her. Then there were a few thugs that attacked me at my home, for reasons I'd like to keep to myself." She added.

Everyone was staring at her.

"You're not afraid of me now, are you?" She looked at her hands.

"Of course, not, you did it to protect good people. I find it admirable." Pepper piped up. "The king trusts you, so I do too."

Smithy glanced at the new girl, he saw something glisten on her cheek. "Sofia?"

Her eyes met his. "Yes?"

"Sorry if we made you cry." He patted her shoulder and wiped away a tear.

Her eyes widened and she flinched back. She looked away. "I'm fine." She stated and resumed with eating her sandwich. This is totally unsatisfying. I could really use some fire right now... She glanced towards the fire that was keeping a hanging cauldron-like pot hot.

"Sofia, do you want to go and practise archery in the courtyard?" Jane asked as she finished her food.

Sofia nodded. "Sure, why not?"

They stood and left the kitchen.

Once the two were gone, Jester let out a sigh. "I hope Jane will be okay."

"She'll be fine. She's just shooting an arrow at a target." Pepper mused.

"No I mean, with that new knight. She seems strange."

Pepper tutted. "She is different, that's true. But I think she's seriously misunderstood. She was alone for so long, then suddenly she is surrounded by strangers who want to get to know her. She might be a little afraid right now."

Smithy sighed. The tears running down the girl's pretty face was still fresh in his mind. "I think that she's just afraid that we won't accept her and like her because of her past. We need to show her that she's welcome."

Jester sighed. "Yes, yes I know."

Out in the courtyard; Jane and Sofia were greeted by Gunther.

"Ahhh Jane! Come to humiliate yourself in front of the new girl?" He teased.

Sofia frowned and looked between the two squires. "Are you courting?" She asked.

Both squires looked at her then at each other then back at her again. "You kidding me?!" They exclaimed in unison.

Sofia giggled at their reactions.

"Honestly, Sofia. No." Jane said.

She nodded. "Fine." She looked to Gunther who had a bow in his hand, then to the shot he had made, narrowly missing the bullseye. "Can I use that?" She out stretched her hand.

Gunther nodded and handed her the bow and an arrow.

"If you guys can match my shot, then you're on to becoming a good archer." She stated, taking aim. She took a shot.

"Dead centre?!" Gunther exclaimed.

"That was amazing!" Jane grinned.

"Maybe I'll teach you how to shoot like that one day." Sofia grinned at Jane.

Gunther snorted. "Why just Jane? I might wanna shoot well too, you know."

Sofia met his eyes. "Then I'll teach you too." She smiled softly. I can see the shadows of his past reflecting in his eyes, maybe he isn't just a brat after all.

"Jane!" A very loud voice came from overhead.

Gunther went to Sofia and stood by her. "And here's the over grown lizard." He muttered.

The large green dragon landed on the ground.

"Hello, looks like we have a new short-life." Dragon smiled down at Sofia.

She waved. "Hello, Dragon. I am Sofia, a new knight of the court."

"Ooh a new lady knight that must make you happy, eh Jane?"

Jane nodded. "Yes, I'm sure I can learn a lot from her and become fast friends."

Sofia blushed. Friends?

Dragon crouched to their eye level and sniffed Sofia. "You smell familiar..." He remarked. "Like fire and the wilderness... a lot like a-"

"Dragon!"

"Yes, a lot like a Dragon, thank you Jane."

Jane put her hands on her hips. "No, I mean; Dragon, you can't go around sniffing people like that! It's rude."

Little did she know that Dragon was on the right trail.

Sofia let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

Gunther glanced at her through the corner of his eye. His gaze travelled from her raven locks, to her naturally pale cheeks and amazing ocean blue eyes down to the mark on her shoulder.

Sofia felt the stare and looked over to meet it.

Gunther blushed crimson. "S-sorry, I was just looking at the mark on your arm." He stuttered.

Sofia rubbed her arm where the mark was. "Before you ask, we all have our secrets. This is mine for now until I know that the people in this castle can be truly trusted."

He chuckled. "So, you have trust issues as well I see."

Dragon looked to Sofia and Gunther talking. "Hey! Look! Someone can actually have a decent conversation with Gunther!" He grinned cheekily.

Sofia turned her attention to him. "Why is that such a surprise?"

"Well... Gunther and Jane insult each other like there's no tomorrow." Dragon replied.

Sofia cocked her head to the side with a frown. "But I have no reason to insult him... do I?"

Jane cleared her throat. "No, not particularly you, he seems to be pleasant with you."

Sofia nodded. "Well, nobody here is my enemy, and I'd like to keep it that way." She took the bow again and aimed at the target, letting the arrow loose and hitting the centre once more.

"You have to show me how to shoot like that!" Jane said.

Sofia nodded and handed the bow and an arrow to Jane. "Aim." She commanded.

Jane pulled the bow back, aiming for the target.

Sofia went behind her and adjusted Jane's arms. "Keep both eyes open. You see better that way, no?" She smiled.

Jane blushed at the close contact. She's so warm, I can feel the heat radiating from her. Dragon was right though; she does have a familiar scent... Jane nodded. "Like this?"

Sofia checked the position of her arms and legs. "Yes, now fire!" She ordered.

Jane released the arrow.

Like magic, it hit the bullseye.

Jane let out a cheer. "Thank you!" She took aim once more.

Sofia stood back.

"Training the squires already, are you?" Theodore came out from his office, on the top floor of the nearby building. He stood on the balcony, overlooking them.

Sofia looked up at him and smiled widely. "They needn't much training, Sir!" She called back.

Gunther stared at the brilliant smile on the girl's face. What possible secrets could she be hiding?

"Sir Theodore! Sofia hit the bullseye dead centre... twice!" Jane exclaimed.

Theodore chuckled. "You should see what she can do with those throwing knives of hers. She injured three bandits with one throw."

Sofia sighed. "I am honoured to hear your songs of praise, but I don't need them." She added. "I'm a little tired from my journey. I think I'll go to the tower and take a nap. If that's alright?" She looked at the faces around her.

"Go ahead, child." Theodore smiled.

Sofia bowed her head and headed to the tower.

"She's very... reserved, isn't she?" Theodore mused.

Jane shrugged. "She's been on her own for years. I think it will take her time to open up to us." She replied.

"She really does smell of dragons though." Dragon stated. "She held her breath when we mentioned it. That could mean she's hiding something."

Jane frowned. "But the only dragon that we know that exists is you." She said.

"You saw the mark on her arm, right?" Gunther jumped into the conversation. "When I asked her about it, she said it's a secret that she won't tell somebody that she doesn't trust."

Jane stared at Gunther. "Are you actually trying to help us figure this out?"

Gunther huffed and folded his arms. "No, I am also curious. We are training with her after all, we should at least know who we're making an allegiance with."

"I trust her." Dragon said. "I just think she's hiding something."

"Why would you trust her? You've barely met her." Gunther remarked.

"Dragons have a good sense of judgement." Dragon stated.

Jane put her hand on her hip and looked at Gunther with a raised brow. "It's not like you weren't drooling all over her before."

Gunther blushed. "And you weren't acting like she was the best thing since finding Dragon?!" He snapped.

Jane growled. "I admire her. That is all."

"Same here." Gunther stated.

Theodore chuckled.