[center][h3][color=lightpink]Olivia[/color], [color=D0B4EC]Charlotte[/color], & [color=93a477]Zarai[/color][/h3][/center]

[right][sub]Mention:[@ReusableSword] Roman[/sub][/right]
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After what felt like a small eternity of loud iron and wood creaking under them like a roaring dragon soaring through the skies that almost drowned out their screams, the ride was over. As the cart came to a jumpy stop and the wooden groans under them as everyone got off, Zarai offered her hand to Olivia once she was out. 

[color=93a477]“That was… so fun!”[/color] Zarai said once they were out of the cart and on the main walkway. [color=93a477]“Should we search for Charlotte, or should we let her cozy up to Lord Ravenwood?”[/color] She arched an eyebrow at Olivia, wiggling it with a knowing smile. 

If Olivia's eyes could have popped out of their sockets, they would have. The thrill she had experienced was unmatched. Olivia had held her breath throughout the ride and now released it. She took Zarai’s hand and turned to her. The corners of her mouth were beginning to hurt from smiling. [color=lightpink]”That was fucking awesome!”[/color] She exclaimed. A few nobles glared at her, but she ignored them. [color=lightpink]”That was the best thing ever!”[/color] 

At the mention of Charlotte, Olivia snickered. [color=lightpink]”Dear me. I would hate to interrupt such a lovely discussion. Maybe we should see what those fuckers are up to now. I don’t wanna leave her behind.”[/color] 

Olivia led Zarai off the rollercoaster platform and toward where they had seen Charlotte last. She glanced around and then shouted, [color=lightpink]”Charlie Harlie!”[/color] This did nothing to improve the glares she received, which she stubbornly ignored. 

Charlotte hurried over to where Olivia and Zarai were standing, [color=D0B4EC]“Livvy Bivvy!”[/color]She remarked with a playful grin, her eyes sparkling with amusement, and her eyes slid to Zarai. [color=D0B4EC] “And Zarai… My pie!”[/color] After a brief giggle at her own joke, she asked,  [color=D0B4EC]“How was the ride, girls? …Was it thrilling?”[/color]

[color=93a477]”Thrilling down to the bones!”[/color] Zarai grinned back, hooking her arm with Charlotte and motioning for Olivia to do the same on the lady’s other side. [color=93a477]”So, was your talk just as exciting?”[/color] She teased as she wiggled her right brow at her. 

When Charlie used her nickname, Liv grinned, and listened eagerly to her friend speak. Once it was her turn, her eyes widened even more if possible. [color=lightpink]”Fucking. Awesome!”[/color] Olivia exclaimed and punched the air. She looped her arm through Zarai’s and Charlotte's so she would be sandwiched between them. She faced the ladies and grinned. [color=lightpink]”Well give us the details and leave nothin’ out.”[/color] 

Charlotte's eyes followed Olivia’s raised fist, her lips curling into a delighted smile as she caught the contagious enthusiasm from her companions. She then looked between the girls with a graceful nod, [color=D0B4EC] “Well, I must say it went rather well. I wanted to ensure he was in good spirits, and indeed, he appeared just that.”[/color] Her expression softened slightly, and she folded her hands, her brow furrowing in genuine concern. [color=D0B4EC] “What was written about Lord Ravenwood in this morning's paper was positively bizarre... They claimed he charged at the city guards during his own ceremony.  Can you imagine? It simply doesn’t align with the character of the gentleman we know him to be.”[/color]

[color=93a477]”Those papers are often filled with exaggerated, twisted, and ill-intend events made only to ramp up sales with sensationalized events.”[/color] Zarai exclaimed, shaking her head tightly and rapidly. [color=93a477]”Lord Ravenwood is like a nice bear, like the ones that eat bread and sunbathe. He’d never do such a thing!”[/color] Her nostrils flared up, and the corners of her lips turned down as her mind continued to run laps. [color=93a477]”They are just a bunch of nasty gremlins who dishonor the very nature of journalism. Just nasty gossip!”[/color]
 
Olivia listened to both Charlie and Zarai with contemplation. Roman acted so differently than what Charlie had described. Hadn’t he mentioned the ceremony to her? She struggled to remember but let it go for now. In the back of her mind, she remembered reading the papers they’d find in trash bins and laughing at what was written. Now that she was hanging out with the nobles, Liv scowled and clenched her fists. It was injustice; the way they twisted everything was nothing more than pure garbage and the worst of Sorian. Olivia nodded in agreement with both of them. 

[color=lightpink]”Bunch of bullshit if you ask me, like some of the people in this stupid fuckin’ city.”[/color] Liv remarked. A smile appeared on her face as she sought to lighten the mood. [color=lightpink]”We shouldn’t be focusin’ on the lowlives of Sorian. Let’s go have some fuckin FUN!”[/color] She let out a loud cheer. It earned her a few glares- Olivia responded by sticking her tongue out at them. She giggled and turned back to the girls after the disgusted reactions. 

Charlotte giggled, amused by the two girls, especially by Zarai’s statement. [color=D0B4EC] “A bear eating bread? That’s a funny little idea! Have you perhaps witnessed such a sight before?”[/color] Her gaze slid to Olivia and she smiled warmly.  [color=D0B4EC] “Oh yes! The night is young, isn’t she? Now let’s see…”[/color] She clasped her hands together thoughtfully, her eyes scanning the lively scene around them. 


[color=D0B4EC] “We could partake in a ride upon the ferris wheel, enjoy the thrill of the bumper boats, or perhaps engage in some games of chance…”[/color] She trailed off, rising onto her tiptoes as she twirled slowly in place, surveying their options. Her gaze eventually settled on a nearby outdoor bar along the boardwalk, and then on a small folk band playing to an eager crowd that had gathered to dance.  [color=D0B4EC] “Or, we might stroll along the boardwalk and immerse ourselves in the music of that charming band.”[/color]

[color=93a477]”I’m keen to the idea of strolling past the band for a short break. What do you think, Olivia? We couuuld get something to snack on along the way.”[/color] Zarai’s stomach growled quietly, thankfully the sound of chatter and laughter covered it up. [color=93a477]”Have you ladies seen those giant turkey legs? Don’t they scream ‘eat me!’?”[/color] She could already taste it, [color=93a477]”Or should be go for something sweet?”[/color] Funnel cake was something else she longed to try. 

Charlotte’s eyes lit up with delight as she giggled again, [color=D0B4EC] “I hear them! The turkey legs are calling to you, Zarai! ‘Come, eat me, I’m warm and delicious!’”[/color] Her voice carried a playful note.

Olivia contemplated their remarks. She glanced around the loud amusement park and the nearby beach and boardwalk. The amusement park was loud and thrilling, though she could tell Charlie wasn’t an adrenaline rush fan. Perhaps they could get her to ride something later? [color=lightpink]”The band might be a nice break - the crowd looks fun- buuut I definitely could go for food first!”[/color] She glanced at Zarai’s stomach who rumbled and grinned. Olivia could almost taste the food now as her gaze wandered back to it. A glossy look covered her eyes. There. Was. So. Much. Food! She had to stop herself from wandering over to it. 

[color=lightpink]”We can get BOTH the funnel cake and the turkey leg, whaddya think? And if that’s too much food at once we can get one now and open later! I think the boardwalk and beach would be fun!”[/color] The noise from the amusement park, coupled with the sudden feeling of starvation, were becoming too much for her. She glanced at Charlotte and then to the food vendors. 

Charlotte’s eyes sparkled with delight as she clasped her hands together, a sweet smile spreading across her lips. [color=D0B4EC] “Yes, let’s go! I shall indulge in some cotton candy!”[/color] She giggled softly.


Zarai’s chest swelled in her as the corners of her vision began to slowly blur like frost on her windows during a winter morning. [i]This is all I ask for.[/i] She thought to herself, smile drooping to the side just a tad as they made it towards the source of those warm and delicious turkey legs. 


Later, as the trio found themselves on the dock.  The soft sounds of the water lapping against the wood created a peaceful backdrop. The gentle breeze carried the salty scent of the sea, and the moon cast a silver glow on the surface of the water, making it shimmer. 


Behind them, the folk band had transitioned into a lively jig. The dock beneath them creaked softly with each movement of the people dancing behind them.


Charlotte leaned against the railing, a stick of cotton candy in one hand and a blissful expression on her face. She took a bite, her eyes closing briefly as the sugar coated her tongue, [color=D0B4EC] “Mmm, I love these yummy little clouds,”[/color] she murmured, her voice filled with quiet joy.


She glanced over at Olivia and Zarai, who were both enjoying their own snacks, and her heart swelled with contentment. [color=D0B4EC] “There’s something so magical about this, isn’t there?”[/color] she said softly, her gaze drifting out over the water. [color=D0B4EC] “… It’s as if we’ve stepped into one of those perfect moments you find in books, the kind you wish could last forever.”[/color]


Things had been insane, to say the least, lately in Charlotte’s life, but tonight, in the warm summer air, she had made a conscious decision to ignore it all for a moment and hold on to hope. And at the least, by staying with Olivia tonight, she knew she was safe. All she could do was hope that everyone else was too. 

After that, the girls spent the night chatting away. At one point, they sprang up to dance, twirling in a joyful circle with their arms entwined. [/color]