Change The Tides

Hidden Gifts

Arlette POV

With a new pair of slightly baggy pants on my legs, I quickly buttoned up my shirt. Luckily mending them last night only took about thirty minutes, and because they're naturally loose around my waist I decided to leave the rest of the shirt be rather than trying to tuck it in. Besides, this is training, it's not like I actually have to look nice for it.

Even though it's like... four or so in the morning, I am throwing myself together as quickly as I can I'm so excited! Luckily I slept super well last night, so even though I didn't get my usual hours I was able to at least get a good sleep which I'll take. Besides, Harry said I can take a nap later on in the day before lunch service if I need a little extra pep in my step to get through the rest of the day, so I bet I'll be alright.

I fixed up my braid a bit before trotting back on over to the desk in my room, taking another bite of the light breakfast Harry made for me. It's pretty simple, just some eggs, toast, and a glass of milk, but he brought it in when he came to wake me up. He insisted that I have to eat a little bit before the workout and then some more after, and so I started by pretty much sitting on the edge of my bed and having that bit of breakfast he brought for me. I only left some of the toast which is what I'm finishing up, specifically because he wanted to also make sure I had the time to let that settle before we tried anything, but it's also important that I don't work out on an empty stomach, so here I am!

Once I took my last bite of toast, I grabbed my usual working shoes from off the ground and took them over to my bed, sitting on the edge of it before bringing each leg up at a time so I could put on and lace up my shoes. These are pretty much the only pair that I have that could work for this, but I'm sure once we start doing more stuff I can actually get a pair of real workout shoes... whatever those may be. Sneakers probably, even though I've never seen a pair of sneakers here. I'm sure Harry knows the plan, I don't have to worry about it any time soon.

The second I got my shoes laced up I sprung off my bed and checked the mirror one more time before walking out my door, eager to get to work really! I'm kinda nervous about how training's gonna go, but I think the nerves are currently being drowned out by how purely excited I am to get started! Even though I have no idea where I'm even gonna start... thank the gods I have Harry because I would be clueless otherwise.

I walked out of my room quite swiftly, but I also made sure to be quiet because no one else besides Harry and I are up. I'd hate to wake anyone else up, so I kept my steps light but swift as I walked down the hall and to the stairs, knowing that Harry was already waiting on the deck. He said he wanted to make sure everything was in order in case he wanted to use a piece of actual equipment, so I also rushed a bit because I would hate to keep him waiting. The second I got to the top of the stairs and looked out onto the deck, I spotted Harry leaning on the wall of the ship that faced the barrier, looking out over the ocean, but not really at Auradon either, just into the distance. I tilted my head a bit at the sight and slowed down almost immediately, he seemed pretty deep in thought so I didn't wanna just jump up behind him and spook him or something, so instead I just slowed down and paused by the door, waiting to see if he'll naturally turn around.

But he didn't, he just stayed right where he was, obviously deeply pondering something that's for sure. So after a minute or so of waiting, I decided to pull a good ol' trick. I quietly backed up and got back to the stairs before backing up down them. I only went down about half the stairs before going back up, this time stepping just a little hit harder so I made more noise. The closer to the door I got the louder I made my steps to not wake up anyone below while also hopefully gently alerting Harry to my presence. Sure enough, when I got to the top this time, Harry was turned back looking at the door. I don't know what he was thinking about but it must've been pretty deep if he didn't notice me before, he's always so on edge and careful especially out in the open, and yet if I were a bad guy I could've snuck up on him! I hope it's nothing too consuming at least, but at least a slightly heavier set of footsteps got his attention this time!