Punctuated Equilibrium

Nedra gave Penelope a knowing smile when she joined her outside the castle.

"What?" Penelope chuckled. "What is that smile for?"

"I see you changed," Nedra said, glancing at the clothes Penelope had on that were no longer covered in Zagan's blood.

"It's not what you think," Penelope followed her gaze to the clothes she was wearing. "We just did the enchantment. And yes, I put on fresh clothes. It's not a great feeling being covered in the blood of someone you love, even if they are okay. Thank you again," she sighed and glanced back up at Nedra.

In truth, she barely knew Nedra, but somehow through all of this it felt like they were sisters. There was something extraordinary about this particular moment in both of their lives when they were brought together for a shared purpose, and it made being by Nedra's side feel natural.