Cheria couldn't help the smile on her face. Mithos was right, though. Partly. It was true that Sophie needed to go wash her hands, because they really didn't need any soil in the cake ... but she did want to talk to Mithos.

"That's fine. I'm sure Sophie will be happy to see you plant your gift."

Her expression turned serious, though, as she went into her next topic.

"I can see how much you like her. I'm not going to get in the way of that despite knowing what you've done in your world, because Sophie really seems to be fond of you, too."

It was really easy to get on Sophie's good side. But that wasn't the point here.

"I just want your word that you'll be good to her. Sophie is very important to a lot of people, me included, and none of us want to see her hurt. If I find out that she's been hurt in any way ..."

It was a warning. It was a warning she'd probably give to anyone who had the same feelings Mithos had for Sophie.

"... Well. You won't, right?"

Have you ever seen a mother bear protecting her young, Mithos? That's what she's warning about.