Penelope stood at the training ground, twirling her sword with growing anxiety.
She had arrived early, uncharacteristically so, hair tied up in a messy braid, sleeves rolled up in anticipation.
Today was going to be different. Today, she would impress Clarina. Maybe even get a head pat. Or a half-smile. Or, dare she dream?... A compliment.
Her ears perked at the sound of approaching footsteps. She turned, expectant.
It wasn't Clarina.
It was Verena.
Penelope deflated so hard she might as well have sunk into the dirt. "Oh. It's you."
Verena arched a brow. "And hello to you too, sunshine."
Penelope scowled. "I thought Clarina was coming."
"Yes, well, Clarina had something called 'standards' to attend to. Something about inspecting drills. Or maybe she's just avoiding her one consistent source of head trauma," Verena said, placing a hand on her hip and surveying the scene. "Either way, lucky you. You get me."
"I'm doomed."
