[center][h3][color=lightpink]Olivia[/color], [color=D0B4EC]Charlotte[/color], & [color=93a477]Zarai[/color][/h3][/center] [hr] [color=lightgray]Upon arrival, Charlotte and Olivia were greeted by an onslaught of sights and sounds. The air was filled with the cacophony of laughter, music, and the distant screams of delight from the rides. Standing at the entrance to the amusement park, Charlotte admired the bright lights that twinkle like stars against the sky. The sweet aroma of cotton candy wafted through the air. A humble smile graced her lips as a wave of nostalgia washed over her. She hadn’t been to the park since her teenage years with Delilah, and for a moment, it felt like stepping back in time. Though it brought back fond memories, yet tonight, the sensation felt bittersweet. Turning to Olivia, Charlotte asked softly, [color=D0B4EC]“Have you ever been here before?”[/color] Olivia’s attention was brought back by Charlie’s voice. She tried to speak but words didn’t come out. Her eyes reflected the lights of the amusement park. [color=lightpink]“No. We couldn’t afford to go…. My mom tried to pocket enough for us but we could only admire it from a distance. I tried sneaking in but some noble bitch ratted us out. Fuck her.”[/color] She took a deep breath and sighed to relieve some of her anger. [color=lightpink][i]Be positive[/i][/color], she told herself. [color=lightpink]“..So I’ll have extra fun for her tonight!”[/color] Before Charlotte could reply, a commotion caught their attention, and they both turned to see a red-haired girl punching a man. Distress was clearly written over her face. She frowned and realized how familiar she seemed. Her mind paused, and then her name came to her: Zarai Lesdeman of Puerto Vira, Varian Kingdom. The words she spat were indistinguishable to Olivia, but the actions were not. She turned to Charlotte, pursed her lips momentarily, and then gestured over to Zarai running away. [color=lightpink]“Shall we go assist that girlie?”[/color] Olivia turned to try to catch where she’d gone then hesitated; she didn’t want to ruin Charlie’s night out either. [color=lightpink]“....I won’t leave you, if you wish to stay out of it.”[/color] She smiled at her friend, took her hand, and squeezed it gently. [color=lightpink]“This is your night out Charlie.”[/color] Lottie’s gaze followed Zarai as her figure grew more distant, [color=D0B4EC]“ Uhhhh…Well, I suppose... ”[/color] She reluctantly moved forward after the girl, recognizing her vaguely as well. However, she and Lady Lesdeman had never conversed before so she was not certain how this would all play out. Olivia recognized Charlie’s nervous energy and looped her arm through her’s. She turned her friend to face her, and brought her into a firm hug. [color=lightpink]“I won’t let anything happen. I promise. You’re safe with me tonight. We [i]will[/i] have fun!”[/color] She replied softly and a mischievous grin crossed her face. [color=lightpink]”In case of any shit, I’ve got tricks up my sleeves in case, y’know.”[/color] Olivia slipped through the crowds and throngs of people stealthily and was gone before people could even recognize them. There was something about Zarai that pulled Olivia to her like a magnet; she didn’t know why, or how, but she knew she had difficulty resisting… Charlotte stumbled after Olivia, surprised by her eagerness, but hurried along all the same. [color=D0B4EC] “Lady Lesdesman!”[/color] She called once they were close enough to Zarai. Zarai had found herself a quiet wall by the public restrooms, where she stood struggling to open a small tin can, her fingers feeling too fat and clumsy to pry the lid off. The tears welling up in her eyes didn’t help her case either. Her head shot up, eyes wide, when she heard an unfamiliar voice call her name formally. [color=93a477]“Who—”[/color] she began, hastily pocketing the tin can. She looked up to see the source of the voice. [color=93a477]“Oh, hi! Lady Vikena, right? And um, sorry, I don’t know your name.”[/color] She wiped the moisture from her eyes and offered them both a too-tight smile. [color=93a477]“How are you? Enjoying the night? Having fun?”[/color] Charlotte approached Zarai slowly, coming to a halt at a respectful distance, her hands folded gracefully as she offered a gentle smile. [color=D0B4EC] “Good evening, Miss Zarai," [/color] She began softly and gestured to Olivia, [color=D0B4EC] “This is Lady Olivia Hawthorne. She’s a family friend staying with us this season.”[/color] Olivia waved once her name was mentioned. Her smile was kind as she leaned against the same wall and faced the two girls. Her gaze scanned the scenery. She then said after a hesitation, [color=D0B4EC] "...We had just arrived at the park actually, and couldn't help but notice you seemed to be in a bit of trouble. Is everything alright?"[/color] Sheepishly, she added, [color=D0B4EC]“I know it’s rather embarrassing to be forward with such things, but please take comfort in that I am no stranger to spectacles.”[/color] [color=lightpink]”Sadly it seems Charlie here speaks the truth; especially on dealing with bullsh…I mean.. spectacles.”[/color] Olivia commented and patted Charlotte’s arm gently. Then, Olivia continued, her voice quiet. [color=lightpink]”We’re happy to listen, but if you wanna be ‘lone, I get that too.”[/color] [color=lightpink]”You have a decent punch, but it could use some work, y’know, I could help you with that if you're, uh, experiencing... issues.”[/color] Olivia grinned and gave her the thumbs up. Zarai blinked and then smiled, [color=93a477]"Oh no, you’re quite alright. Forwardness is my forte.”[/color] She chuckled. [color=93a477]“But I do appreciate it, truly. I thought you were Sir Barrios—very glad you’re not him. His face would have just pissed me off further.”[/color] She pulled out her tin can again, fidgeting with the lid, but this time with a lot more calm. [color=93a477]“I just—ugh! I don’t want to talk about it.”[/color] She shook her head before shooting Olivia a grin. [color=93a477]“You’re not the first person to tell me that. I am better with a sword, but the park doesn’t allow swords, and I’d rather be punished for punching some lordling than stabbing him. Gods, my mother might actually kill me this time... Anyway, yes! I’d love some pointers on hand-to-hand combat! I’m sorry; I tend to ramble when I’m nervous. Sometimes. Don’t mind me—better yet, let’s forget you saw that little show for now.”[/color] Olivia eyed the tin in her hand and looked up to watch her speak. [color=lightpink]”What fun is there in not letting in swords? Some people need to be punched with one. It might improve their faces.”[/color] Olivia returned Zarai’s grin and nodded enthusiastically to her. [color=lightpink]”I gotcha, it would be fun to pass my combat onto you both,”[/color] She saluted Zarai dramatically and commented, [color=lightpink]”Aye aye, captain!”[/color] Zarai grinned as she finally opened the can, dipped her finger into the oil, and rubbed it on the insides of her mouth. [color=93a477]“Hmm, so, how about we have some fun?”[/color] Charlotte giggled, finding Lady Lesdeman rather adorable. She was rather disappointed the two hadn’t spoken much before. [color=D0B4EC] “I am known to ramble myself… Sometimes certain subjects are simply too exhilarating to contain within a few words… But oh, goodness!”[/color] She looked between the two girls, her eyes sparkling with genuine admiration. [color=D0B4EC] “It is exciting to think that you both were allowed to learn such skills as sword fighting and combat. My mother always insisted that such matters were strictly for men, but I have always dreamed of being as strong and capable as the heroines in my beloved books.”[/color] With an enthusiastic smile, she took each of their hands, [color=D0B4EC] “Little did I know, there were such extraordinary women right here among us.”[/color] [color=lightpink]”I got plenty to teach you both. Also, those books are coming true for you; Charlie, you are a heroine!”[/color] Olivia ruffled her hair lightly and smiled at her genuinely. There was a quick knowing look she gave her before it slipped away. After Charlie’s final comment, a warmth for her friend filled her. It was an unfamiliar feeling that left her temporarily stunned. After a minute, her grin returned, and she composed herself. [color=lightpink]”You mean three don’t-cha?”[/color] She took both of their hands and grinned. [color=lightpink]”My lovely damsels, where to first?”[/color] [color=93a477]“My mother shares the same sentiment. She’d been appalled to learn I know how to wield a sword.”[/color] Zarai commented, glancing down at their clasped hands. The doubt in her mind that threatened to flood her head was pushed down by the certainty that Charlotte and Olivia had nothing to do with her mother. This wasn’t [i]that[/i]. [color=93a477]”Why not start strong? Something to shake us and ignite us?”[/color] Zarai grinned, a wide, toothy, daring smile, as she pointed to the large wooden structure where the sound of screams filled the air above them—The King Edin Express. Charlotte followed Zarai’s gaze and her eyes widened slightly as she looked at the towering wooden roller coaster. The screams from the riders filled the air, and her heart began to race. She glanced back at her friends, feeling a flutter of apprehension in her stomach. But, not wanting to be cowardly, she took a deep breath and mustered her courage. With a bright, enthusiastic smile, she said, [color=D0B4EC]"Yes, absolutely! It looks positively thrilling!"[/color] Olivia couldn’t help her sigh. Why were nobles so damn boring? She was grateful for the childhood she had. Her gaze followed Zarai’s and lit up like a firework. Her smile was ear-to-ear. The height and the drop of it reminded her of what it must feel like to fly. [color=lightpink]”Oh shit, I never rode that, that’s fucking awesome!”[/color] She glanced at Lottie and noticed her apprehension and looped her arm through her’s. [color=lightpink]”You don’t have to join us if you don’t want to, I won’t judge ya. But it’s fun to get out of your comfort zone too! It looks like you’re flying!”[/color] She remarked to Charlotte. [color=lightpink]”And if you do join us, you can sit in the middle.”[/color] [color=93a477]“Right, we’ll hold your hand– but it’s best to raise them above your head. As Olivia said, it’s like flying.”[/color] Zarai said without taking her eyes from the towering wooden structure above them. She bounced on the soles of her feet, looking at Charlotte, [color=93a477]“We could try other rides, of course, but you never know if you might be an adrenaline junkie– or an aficionado of exhilarating pursuits.”[/color] She wiggled her brows at the girl, [color=93a477]“What do you say?”[/color] Charlotte smiled at the girls and replied, [color=D0B4EC] “ I am excited to try it; shall we get on the line?” [/color] [color=lightpink]”Fuck yes!”[/color] Liv highfived Charlotte and eagerly led both girls towards the roller coaster. The three of them stood in line. Olivia bounced on the balls of her feet. Her gaze was glued to the ride and a rare and genuine smile stretched from ear-to-ear. Similarly, Zarai mirrored Olivia’s excitement, shooting daggers through her eyes at the group in front of them whenever they glanced back at them. Nothing else would ruin this evening, not for her newly acquired friends. Not when they had gone out of their way to include her. [color=93a477]”Where are we going to go after this?”[/color] She looked between Charlotte and Olivia, the excitement palpable. [color=93a477]If you ladies are hungry, we could get some of those giant turkey legs. I’ve never seen a turkey that big… where do you think they keep them?”[/color] The line continued to move until it was the snobby nobles between them and the cart. [color=D0B4EC] “Certainly…”[/color] Charlotte’s gaze was drawn toward the turkey leg line and it was then she noticed Lord Ravenwood. There was a pause before she suddenly said to the two girls, [color=D0B4EC] “Actually… I want to go check on Lord Ravenwood for a moment; I’ve been concerned about him… You ladies go ahead. Please meet me at the turkey leg cart after the ride.”[/color] Olivia’s excitement momentarily sizzled like an egg on a frying pan. She frowned, but nodded at her friend’s remark. Her gaze would meet Roman’s with a smile. Her gaze slid to Charlotte then back with a clear message: [i]“Don’t you dare let anything happen to her.”[/i] She turned to face her friend afterwards as her enthusiasm lit up like a torch. [color=lightpink]”Alright but next time you can’t escape so easily, Charlie!”[/color] Olivia giggled and waved haphazardly at the amusement park. Liv tapped her forehead to Charlie, a warning she’d use magic should anything happen to her. [color=lightpink]”You can run but you can’t hide!”[/color] She took Zarai’s hand and moved forward in the line before they were lost to the crowd. [/color]