Location: Naiades Lake
“Oh, I get it. You just had to see me that much, huh?” The rebellious individual cocked his head to the side. His face revealed a mischievous smirk as he spoke. The volume of his voice suddenly rose, tone mocking, over Azura's right shoulder.
“But hey, I understand. I know I’m a little too irresistible. Why else would everyone here gravitate to a known Nyx child hotspot?”"It's fine," The raven-haired beauty added tentatively, her steps cautious and unsure.
"I'm Emma." Voice soft, sounding like an accompaniment to the wind. With a graceful subtlety she looked over Azuras' person and added:
"And this is my brother, Damien. You weren't disturbing us... Not really." She turned her head and looked over toward the focus of her brothers gaze.
"Oh... I don't think we were invited." Emma murmured sounding amused. The blood from earlier was still on her lip.
“As they say, Emma: if you aren’t invited to the party, then make the party invite you,” Damien winked at his sister in response. Something about the protective tone of voice he used reminded Azura of her father. It was affectionate, a bond to be treasured.
“So, what sort of refreshments did you bring?” Damien shouted once more.
“Or do we have to beg for you to share? Also, does anyone know where that tool Relo is? He’s supposed to be hosting the party we’re all waiting for, right?” His attention seemed to be focused elsewhere. The Daughter of Hecate was familiar with social cues and thought it best not to interrupt his conversation. Curiosity got the best of her resulting in a quick look over her shoulder. Her round, green eyes widened in shock at the size of the growing crowd. The purpose of coming to the lake was only to collect a few ingredients she had needed for a new spell she was practicing. It seems as if she had instead stumbled upon a group of students in the midst of their shenanigans.
Two girls sat in the middle of the sand next to a large blue cooler. Both had a can of beer in their possession, but only one of them was cradling the beverage as if it were a coveted relic. They spoke loudly, speaking in terms regarding cult activity and ritual sacrifice. It didn't take too long for Zu-Zu to figure out that the topic of said conversation was directed toward Emma, Damien, and herself. Azura looked back to the Nyx children, her face sympathetic. The comments were rude, and really unnecessary. It reminded her of a time in elementary school when a few former classmates would bully her about her pant-size.
Once again she noticed the blood on the corner of Emma's lip. An instinct pulled at her chest causing her to reach forward in an attempt to remove the crimson stain on Emma's mouth.
As if asking for permission, her arm stopped still outstretched. One of the girls by the cooler had thrown a beer can in their direction. The first one crashed into Azuras shoulder sending a loud smack across the lake.
"Son of a bitch!" Zu-Zu cursed, rubbing her bicep furiously. The soothing motion took away some of the sting but she could tell that a bruise would form in that exact spot by morning. She followed the direction of the cans trajectory to see another beverage being tossed their way. Only this time, it looked as if it was aimed at Emma. She didn't want the poor girl to sustain yet another injury. Without thinking, the brunette lunged forward using her body as a shield. Her reaction was much like a mother bear protecting her cub. It was done impulsively without any rationality whatsoever.
"Ooof!" Azura huffed, this time catching the can against her stomach and handing it over to Emma.
She looked down noting a small dent embedded in the aluminum siding. It was nice of the others to think of her. Especially since the girls have yet to meet and exchange names.
The only problem was that Azura didn't drink... ever. She had tried back home in Michigan of course. Old friends would sneak alcohol over in used water-bottles during sleepovers. At the time she thought it would be a great way to fit in and unwind from the constant stressors of teenage angst. However, the resulting hangovers left little to be desired.
"I'll be right back." She spoke, flashing a warm smile.
Turning her heel, she trekked across the sand towards what was now the two girls from before, a cooler, and an extremely attractive male with long hair and piercings. While she walked toward them, another student was walking towards the shoreline and had been testing out the waters temperature.
"Hey guys, my name is Azura." An awkward wave followed her greeting as she did her best to maintain eye contact with the group.
"I really appreciate the gesture but uh..." She placed the unopened can in its home and stepped back.
I don't drink... Not that I mind anyone who does, its just... not my thing." Her shoulders shrugged nervously, unsure of the unfamiliar surroundings.
Two males appeared with a few others not too far behind. One of the two seemed pretty popular, but that could have something to do with the two kegs in his grasp. He spoke loudly and began a conversation with a few members of the group. Azuras' eyes sparkled as an idea took hold in her brain. Once more she dug into her messenger bag of wonders and pulled out what looked to be a cigarette case. It had a green geometric design and was made completely out of plastic.
"However, in the spirit of giving, I would like to offer you my own party favor I brought from home." She opened the case with a wicked grin revealing 20 perfectly rolled joints.
"If anyone would like one, feel free. If not, no worries. I have plenty more where that came from." While she placed a joint of her own to her lips she noticed yet another party guest. This one brought what looked to be a six pack and placed it in the cooler.
Azura exhaled and watched the cloud of cannabis billow and drift off towards the night sky. The stars caught a few wisps of smoke, illuminating and creating a poetic feel. Her muscles relaxed as a slight buzz took hold, melting away any extra nerves she had been carrying during her trip here.