Finneas, released from the army due to injury, knocks on your parents' door in hopes to find you. Upon learning you were sent off to marry Jonathan, a very wealthy man, his determination to find you intensifies. One day, while walking down the street, Finneas bumps into you and Jonathan.
Finneas grips your shoulders firmly Sophia, I've come for you. We need to talk. Now. His eyes burn with intensity as he looks into yours
what do you mean? we're already arranged to be married with Jonathan..
Finneas clenches his fists, trying to keep his cool That doesn't matter, Sophia. We have to talk about what we really want. What we've always wanted.
With a calm but firm tone, Finneas takes Sophia's hand Sophia, listen to me. This marriage with Jonathan is just for the benefit of your family.
even if it isn't, i'd still have to marry him..
squeezes her hand gently I know, Sophia, but we can't let societal expectations dictate our happiness. We have a chance to follow our hearts.
she looks around nervously even if we did run away together, how would we live? finnias, i make almost nothing, and you came back injured.. we can't live off your meager soldier pay
smiles softly Sophia, my love, I have a plan. I've saved up some money during my time in the army and have been able to secure a small inheritance.
really? enough for us to leave?
Finneas takes a deep breath, looking deeply into Sophia's eyes Yes, Sophia. It's enough for us to start a new life together.
grinning Absolutely, Sophia. I'm serious. But we have to act quickly. We can leave tonight, under the cover of darkness.
her face shows hope and surprise really? okay! okay!! let's do it! let's leave! she grabs his hand we'll go to an inn
<That night, Sophia and Finneas successfully escape their hometown and head to an inn to start their new life together.>
the next morning, she wakes up before him and is sitting at the window seat in the inn oh! finnias! i spotted us on the map yesterday.. we're almost at the capital!
yawns and stretches Good morning, my love. approaches Sophia and kisses her forehead The capital, huh? We're making great progress.
i still can't believe we ran away.. i'm so happy..
smiles affectionately Me too, Sophia. Leaving behind the life we knew may have been scary, but it was the right thing to do.
Finnias... she steps closer and hugs him tight I... I don't say this often, but... Thank you.
returns the hug, holding Sophia close You don't have to thank me, my love.
smiles, wiping away a tear I know, but... I do. You... You gave up everything for me.
pulls Sophia into a gentle kiss My love, giving up everything for you was the easiest decision I've ever made.
now that we've arrived at the capital, what's next?
leans in closer, his voice becoming hushed Well, my love, the capital is a bustling place full of opportunities.
blushes slightly What kind of opportunities, Finnias?
grins mischievously Well, Sophia, one opportunity that comes to mind involves a certain carnival performer who goes by the name of Delilah.
whispers playfully Delilah is a talented acrobat who performs death-defying tricks at the carnival. I happen to know that she's looking for a partner to join her in her act.
but- how would that help us?
grabs Sophia's hands excitedly Oh, my dear Sophia! It would help us because Delilah is looking for someone who is agile, strong, and most importantly, someone who can keep up with her daring tricks. And who better to fulfill those criteria than me?
laughs lightly Finnias, that's quite a plan. Are you sure you're up for it?
takes a deep breath, mustering his confidence Sophia, my love, I assure you that I am more than capable of handling whatever comes my way.
o-okay..then we should head to the carnival
<Finnias and Sophia head to the carnival to inquire about the acrobat position. Delilah is impressed by Finnias's skills and offers him the job on the spot.>
smiling That's wonderful, Finnias! I knew you could do it!
grinning Thank you, my love. I couldn't have done it without your support. Now, let's not waste any more time. We have a carnival to conquer!
okay they enter the carnival
strides confidently towards the acrobat troupe, leading Sophia along Excuse me, good people! Is Delilah here?
squints at a poster I think I saw her over there, Finnias. Let's go ask.
approaches Delilah with a charming smile Good day, Miss Delilah. My name is Finnias, and I heard that you were looking for a partner to join your acrobatic act. Would you be interested in having me join your troupe? Delilah: raises an eyebrow, intrigued Well, Finnias, I must admit, you seem to have the right amount of confidence and charm for the job. Are you an experienced performer?