[h1][b][i][color=A2797E][center]Sabine Bassard[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h1][center][img]https://64.media.tumblr.com/a6f790688a53aa39afb33eeffefcdff4/1123ac728c668324-db/s540x810/cd736101565c1a2f21e6d76bcf4ac3ede859a262.gifv[/img][/center][center][/center][hr][center][color=A2797E][b]Location[/b][/color]: Bourbon Street, New Orleans - The Sorcerer's Inn
[color=A2797E][b]Skills[/b][/color]: N/A
[color=A2797A][b]Fit Of The Day[/b][/color]: [url=https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1495/8894/files/New_Age_City_Girl_Skirt1_2048x2048.jpg?v=1676595402]Pink Fall Outfit[/url]
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The time for the contest had approached and Sabine was about as ready as she could be. The span in-between the meeting with Coulson versus now seemed like it lasted forever. And in that time she had gone through some intense changes. 

First, April. Sabine had sat in her feelings regarding the situation. She managed to make her follow-up appointment with Dr. Whitehall to discuss it and, per Dr. Whitehall's suggestion, actually journaled about it. After she let her feelings fly out she read it back. A lot of anger, a lot of sadness, and a lot of guilt. She was mad at April and mad at herself for being mad. Even though she knew her feelings were valid (thanks Maeve) it still felt like shit to even be a little angry over someone wanting to better themselves than committing to a full on relationship.

But did that same energy go to her relationship with Danni and Dorian? Sabine doubted it. If anything it seemed like all of them were chummier than ever. And Sabine couldn't fault Danni or Dorian for it, they had been friends for so long. And people were allowed friendships and relationships with other people. But did you push one away and pull another one closer if the goal was to work on yourself? It seemed selfish, yes.

Part of that selfish feeling is why she talked to Danni and got her feelings out. It's why she told Dorian exactly what she was feeling when he did not trust her. It's why she poured out everything to Leah on their way back. It's why she apologized to Andy.

She was trying to grow and be better herself. And you'll notice she didn't push anyone away to do that.

The flight there was fine. Sabine made a note not to talk to April. As happy as Sabine was to see her out of C.A.G.A. and seemingly doing better, if she wanted distance to continue working on herself, Sabine would oblige. Instead she spent her time talking to Leah, goofing around and making jokes. That was a bit awkward too since the teams had them on opposite sides. Sabine would do her best and she knew Leah would too. No hard feelings.

After touching down and making their way to the hotel, Sabine felt a little longing, wanting to go be at Danni and Dorian's home, but she knew better. Dorian had made it abundantly clear: [I]'His family will not trust you. They will not invite you in. They will hate you'[/i] As sure as she was that Dorian, after their talk, would come to her defense she didn't want to put either of them in that situation. So she opted to go to the hotel with some of the others.

And be put right in a room with April. God must hate her.

Sabine had thought about asking for a room switch, but if Leah didn't seem bothered she wouldn't be either. She could be cordial. She could be friendly. They [I]were[/i] still friends, weren't they?

Sabine stood in the hotel lobby, sort of listening to Lady Nimue go over the expectations for the contest. And a party after sounded like a lot of fun. But the fun mood didn't last long. As Lady Nimue spoke up Sabine heard a name and started paying more attention.

Ser Nemo was dead.

Sabine felt her heartbeat in her chest and instinctively went to grab her wrist, but fought the urge. Instead she reached for Leah's hand, squeezing it. Sabine looked around for April and saw her duck away. [color=A2797E]"Nemo is...dead?"[/color] She remembered her initial feelings on the old man, how weird he was, but in the time they took training she grew to like the man. Even admire him. She was still angry over his flippancy to their predicament with Arcade, but she could still see he cared, albeit somewhat. 

And now he was gone. And they were expected to fight.

She squeezed Leah's hand again. She needed some comfort. Just having someone there was enough. It had to be.