[center][img]https://thumb.ibb.co/cAYwNz/kisspng_watercolor_painting_leaf_india_ink_watercolor_leaves_5ab93b6af1d9a9_7941349115220888109906_1.png[/img] [img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjU0LmZmZmZmZi5SWFpoYm1kbGJHbHVaU0FtSUZSb2VYSnlhUSwsLjAA/ming.regular.png[/img] [img]https://thumb.ibb.co/mMJMnK/Leaf_Convert_Image.png[/img] [sub] collaboration with [@Raylah][/sub] [hr][hr] [color=silver]The brightly lit up garden filled with more and more people, dancing, drinking, wrapped up in conversation, simply enjoying themselves. The higher percentage of present Freyja slowly but surely got balanced by the continuously incoming guests from Luthra, Primfira and Earthica. The arrival of the Mother and Father of Luthra was one that Eve must have missed, not paying so much attention to who was coming and going anymore as she got slightly more wrapped up with the person in front of her eyes. But the pair radiated with a certain feeling of trouble, and Eve's instincts guided her eyes towards them in the crowd, a little red light in the back of her head turned on, telling her to be aware of their presence. But this so-called party was guarded, she reminded herself, by Exodus warriors. Surely, they would be capable enough to keep all of their high status guests alive and well... But still, she would rather her own guards would show their faces - where were they anyway? [i]What an absolute unprofessional behavior! You are very much supposed to keep me safe. How will you if you're not even present?[/i] She rambled in her head, cursing them and also herself for even wanting their protection, for feeling a little bit unsafe. But coming to the realization that technically Laurel was the one guard specifically assigned to her and that she also was still missing from the festival, she felt conflicted. Bad, because she would think of Laurel as unprofessional. Even worse, for wanting her friend to stand around in a safe distance and watch Eve enjoy herself, just so she wouldn't feel so uncomfortable around the Luthra people. And also a little bit upset, that she was not around yet. On the other hand... She did enjoy talking to Thyrri without anyone eavesdropping on her and standing by closely, ready to interrupt should they feel she was being threatened. The next entrance caught her attention, a very pale being, white like the sheets - and Eve would not be surprised if they'd had been ghosts! - arrived with their head high. A woman that got introduced as the Princess of Primfira. Evangeline felt somehow curious about her, but only from safe distance. She would not want to be alone with her. Maybe it was a prejudice about her appearance? Or maybe it was an instinct about her personality? She could not tell at this point. Her eyes fixated back onto Thyrri, who seemed to have noticed her being a bit absent, asking Eve if she was looking for someone specific. But the mention of a tournament about to begin distracted Eve immediately from any of her other thoughts. Her heart stopped for a short second, the pale skin on her face lost just a little bit more color. [b][color=82ca9d]"Tournament? What tournament?"[/color][/b] How did she not know there was a tournament to be held? Was it some Exodus warriors fighting for their enjoyment? Were the son of Luthra and the two princesses about to fight for the hand of the Exodus princess? Evangeline's mind was racing with possibilities, both innocent as well as deadly. She did not like any of them, should they involve her participation. While her worries were big, it did not show on her face. Eve had never been the best at hiding her feelings, but this time, in an environment full of possible dangers and with Luthra being present, she was able to keep her expressions calm. The Freyja woman suddenly slouched a bit, making herself appear smaller. A movement that the princess was all too aware of, having done it herself more than a thousand times when trying to avoid her parents or some guard that was sent out to look for her. Did that mean Thyrri was... hiding? Eve instinctively reached for her lower arm, fingers closing around it softly, gently, as though she was a paper doll Eve was afraid of squishing. [color=82ca9d][b]"Are you okay?"[/b][/color], she asked with slight, but undeniable concern in her voice. [color=82ca9d][b]"Who are you hiding from? Do you want me to shield you?"[/b][/color], she added with a small smirk, but the offer was serious. Somehow she found a liking in the woman. Thyrri did not talk too fancily trying to impress someone, she did not seem to judge Eve's questionable attire, she wasn't all dressed up in sparkly clothes that must've cost a fortune, she was just so... refreshing. [img]https://thumb.ibb.co/cAYwNz/kisspng_watercolor_painting_leaf_india_ink_watercolor_leaves_5ab93b6af1d9a9_7941349115220888109906_1.png[/img] Thyrri stopped to think for a second when Eve asked about the tournament. Having tried to avoid the palace as much as possible during the planning phase of the festival, she didn’t really have any detailed information about how exactly the entertainment is planned. She had only heard about the tournament in one of the taverns in the port when some of the men there regretted they could not participate and have a chance to win the prize money. The princess seemed very interested in the tournament for some reason – Thyrri could only guess that she doesn’t want to miss a chance to see the best of the best fight for the glory in front of the cheering crowds. After all, she didn’t look like a typical princess, definitely not the ‘porcelain doll’ type. [b][color=fff200]“To be honest, I don’t really know much about the tournament. Only that the best of the men, and maybe the women as well, what do I know, will fight to entertain the guests. The winnings seemed to be quite motivating,”[/color][/b] Thyrri said with a sad smile. All too many times she had to stitch people up after these ‘friendly’ duels ‘to the first blood’. In the heat of the fight, warriors often tend to forget that they are not actually trying to kill their opponent. She had to laugh when Eve offered to shield her. That was a great idea, hiding from the Exodus queen behind the back of the princess from Earthica. [b][color=fff200]“I think I’m good, but thank you for your offer,”[/color][/b] she replied, trying hard not to giggle. [b][color=fff200]“I should warn you though, I am kind of a black sheep of the royal family, so being seen with me could cast some bad light on you.”[/color][/b] Thyrri was smiling when she said that, but the warning was meant partially serious. [img]https://thumb.ibb.co/cAYwNz/kisspng_watercolor_painting_leaf_india_ink_watercolor_leaves_5ab93b6af1d9a9_7941349115220888109906_1.png[/img] Upon hearing Thyrri's words about the tournament, Eve's mind settled. For the entertainment of the guests. Nothing that would involve her. She lost interest in the subject as quickly as she gained it, now knowing she would be safe from standing in the middle of the public's eye. Her heart warmed as the lady giggled. Evangeline took great joy in making her laugh, her letting her guard down a little bit, loosening up. The festival seemed almost bearable at the very moment. She blushed a little bit as she noticed her fingers were still gently wrapped around Thyrri's arm, removing it hastily. [b][color=82ca9d]"I always used to prefer black over white"[/color][/b], she said cheekily. The little information about her being part of the royal family of Exodus got lost with her, not registering the full meaning of that just yet. [b][color=82ca9d]"So, if I may ask, what is your occupation exactly? It is only fair of you to share that bit of information with me, considering that you have an advantage in knowing just what my occupation is."[/color][/b] [img]https://thumb.ibb.co/cAYwNz/kisspng_watercolor_painting_leaf_india_ink_watercolor_leaves_5ab93b6af1d9a9_7941349115220888109906_1.png[/img] Thyrri didn’t mind Evangeline touching her but she was probably right to withdraw as it might seem inappropriate to some of the other guests. The simple act of human touch was surprisingly pleasant. Thyrri didn’t even realize how lonely she was, especially ever since her father died. She lived in two worlds but didn’t belong in either of them. There was no one in the palace, that would be at least close to her idea of a ‘normal’ person. And making friends outside? They might greet her like one of her own, drink and chat with her, but she was still Exodus royalty, so everyone walked around her on tiptoes. She frowned when Eve asked about her occupation. What exactly was her ‘occupation’? Such thought had never come into her mind. [b][color=fff200]“Hmm, that’s an interesting question. I like to think of myself as a healer, and I often help out the local doctor or make house calls, but I wouldn’t exactly call it an occupation. I don’t really have many duties in the castle either, being only the king’s niece. So you could say that I am just wandering around, doing whatever I want to do, while trying to avoid arranged marriages.”[/color][/b] Thyrri shook her head. Put like that, her life sounded pretty pathetic. And why was she even telling this to almost complete stranger? From another kingdom nonetheless. But there was something on the foreign princess that made Thyrri want to be friends with her. [img]https://thumb.ibb.co/cAYwNz/kisspng_watercolor_painting_leaf_india_ink_watercolor_leaves_5ab93b6af1d9a9_7941349115220888109906_1.png[/img] The climate of their conversation had changed, Eve could feel it all too clearly. With the question she had asked, she had stepped into a more serious topic, without having expected it to be that. She could sense a sort of discomfort in the air, or maybe it was herself?, and she didn't really like it. Unknowingly the woman had given Evangeline more to think about than she had wished for. A terrifying realization clouded her mind, made her feel slightly sick to her stomach. But no, she would not panic until she knew for certain. It probably was a harmless misinterpretation of words. [color=82ca9d][b]"I am sorry if I went too far, I had not know this could be a sensitive topic. I have to apologize."[/b][/color] She looked at her, searching her face for indications of disapproval about their current topic of conversation, trying to decipher her, and so she met with her eyes, and gorgeous eyes those were. [color=82ca9d][b]"I did not know the Exodus royalty would enforce marriage upon their niece. I have to admit, I am not used to such arrangements. And I do not wish it upon anyone."[/b][/color] Her gaze dropped. For some reason she could not stand the idea of Thyrri being forced to do anything, let alone marriage. [color=82ca9d][b]"May I ask, and I do realize I am overstepping boundaries greatly, whom would they want you to get married to? And what are your reasons for resistance?"[/b][/color] Her eyes would look straight back at Thyrri's, now sparked with a deep curiosity, sparkling with something that Eve herself could not name. [color=82ca9d][b]"Might it be that you're in love with someone else? Do you not desire a marriage altogether? Or perhaps... I mean maybe... you are waiting for the... right person?"[/b][/color] Eve suddenly felt stupid. Her questions were way out of line. She had overstepped a boundary, had taken an action which she could not undo, she had invaded her privacy, she had been disrespectful her mother surely would say. [color=82ca9d][b]"Excuse me, Thyrri."[/b][/color] She shook her head as her eyes dropped down, as if to scold herself.[color=82ca9d][b] "I should not have let my senseless stupidity get the best of me, I mean no disrespect to you or your family."[/b][/color] But there was one more thing bugging her. [color=82ca9d][b]"I shall pester you no longer, if you would just be so kind to answer one more question? Do you, by any chance, have another cousin, besides the lovely Aamaya whose presence I was so lucky to enjoy earlier?"[/b][/color] [img]https://thumb.ibb.co/cAYwNz/kisspng_watercolor_painting_leaf_india_ink_watercolor_leaves_5ab93b6af1d9a9_7941349115220888109906_1.png[/img] Thyrri watched Eve carefully when she talked, trying to guess her motives. Not many people ever dared to ask her such personal questions so confiding her private thoughts to other people wasn’t a thing she would be used to. Was the princess here as an innocent-looking spy, to find out weak spots in the royal family that Earthica could use later? They were after all a rival kingdom. Thyrri knew that there was a lot of envy and hatred in the relationships between Exodus and other countries. Even with Primfira, which could be called an ally, it was more about mutual benefits than friendship. She had already told Eve more than she should have. Then why did she want to tell her more? Everything in Thyrri’s mind defied the idea of Evangeline having side motives to her questions. She looked so honest and truly interested on a personal level. A short sigh escaped Thyrri’s lips. How she hated these political machinations. [i]‘Well, I’m not a politic, I get to talk to whoever I want to about whatever I want to,’[/i] she eventually decided. Realizing Eve feels ashamed for having asked these questions, Thyrri smiled and put a hand on her shoulder trying to comfort her. [b][color=fff200]“Don’t say such things. I am not offended, it is just that your questions put some things in perspective, which isn’t very… flattering to me. But that is none of your fault.” [/color][/b] Thyrri thought about how to explain the ‘marriage problem’ – she could say that the queen probably wants her to be someone else’s problem, which would be true, but certainly not appropriate. Or she could say that it is a common custom amongst Exodus higher classes, which would only be about half-true, since most young people got to choose who they wed, as long as the desired person was endorsed by their parents. She decided for something in between. [b][color=fff200]“I have a… complicated relationship with the queen and she thought it would be best for me to get married to… let’s say settle down a bit. But I don’t want to get married just because someone told me to. I still hope I will find someone I actually want to be with. So yes, you can say I am waiting for the right person,”[/color][/b] Thyrri grinned on how naive that sounded. [b][color=fff200]“But you are a princess, don’t your parents want you to get married to one of your noblemen for some political alliance? If I may ask such question,”[/color][/b] she quickly added, realizing now it was her, who is overstepping the boundaries, even more so as this was a princess, an heir to the throne of Earthica. [b][color=fff200]“And to your last question – princess Aamaya is my only cousin, as far as I know.”[/color][/b] [img]https://thumb.ibb.co/cAYwNz/kisspng_watercolor_painting_leaf_india_ink_watercolor_leaves_5ab93b6af1d9a9_7941349115220888109906_1.png[/img] Eve waited patiently as Thyrri hesitated and struggled to find a way to answer. She played with the glass in her hand, her glass already emptied out to the last drop. The idea of another drink, the burning sensation of the alcoholic beverage, the liquid courage in a glass, seemed so welcoming to her. But she knew she should not be drinking so much; the evening was still young and she had yet to face her parents and possibly go through a conversation or two with some other royal folks. As Thyrri formed her answer, Eve couldn't help but feel compassion for the young woman. Evangeline knew that she was extremely lucky, her mother loved her dearly, although she would piss her off so many times, and she was not being forced into any sort of relationship she did not agree in having. To be fair, her parents did not force her to do much. They gave her a lot of freedom, her mother always supported her in most of the decisions she made, although they were never any kind of 'ladylike' or 'princessy'. She would be okay with her daughter wearing shorts and belly-free tops while roaming around the forests of Earthica, throwing knives and ignoring her duties. Of course there were things Evangeline had been made to do. But she could not complain about her loving mother, if she was honest. Given what Thyrri was saying about the queen, Eve questioned if the princess of Exodus was giving this festival out of free will. She was, and how she hated to admit that to herself, a spoiled brat. They might not have a lot of money in Earthica, but Eve had never missed out on a thing. And to thank her mother for all her love and understanding and her shoulder to cry on, she would misbehave in such an important matter as this festival, riot against the approriate attire, probably driving her mother insanely mad. [b][color=82ca9d]"I am so displeased to hear that"[/color][/b], Eve stated again. Then she shook her head at Thyrri's question. [b][color=82ca9d]"Well... Firstly, I would never marry any noble[i]men[/i], for I am not interested in them. I feel much more drawn towards intriuging women. But no... My parents have not given any indication about wanting to marry me off for the sake of a political alliance. It has not striked my mind until just now since you mentioned it that this could be a possibility. My mother... I do not believe she would put me through that. I can not see her pushing me into such a state of unhappiness, I want to believe that it is not in her heart to hurt me like that."[/color][/b] Evangeline's gaze softened, she felt sorrow with just the plain thought of her mother betraying her like that. No, she would never do that to her. [b][color=82ca9d]"I do believe that my parents would be pleased should I choose to fight for the hand of the princess and perhaps even win it. It would be the right political move. But I feel as though my mother would want me to lead a happy life, more than a politically advantaging life. I mean, I hope so."[/color][/b] Evangeline thought about her own words for a short moment. Would it be so bad to marry the princess of Exodus? It would make her father proud, she would finally be worthy in his eyes. Where would she live then? Here? The picture of a fiery red haired, strong, independent woman crushed the thought quickly. What would Laurel think of her, should she choose to do what was politically correct for her kingdom? She would possibly have to abadon her, leave her behind in Earthica to rule Exodus with the princess. Or would Laurel come with her? Could she be so cruel to ask that of her? No... She couldn't. But could she be without her? No, Laurel has been her only friend for so long. Eve needed her, needed her advice and her kicks in the butt, her support and her strength. Who would run the kingdom after her parents, if she was to become the next Exodus queen? Eve shook these thoughts away. They were not relevant right now, not needed to be dealt with. She would not marry the princess. She had already lost her. Aamaya was Thyrri's only cousin. [i]Princess[/i] Aamaya, she said. Evangeline had talked to the princess of Exodus, the one person she was supposed to impress, supossed to bewicht, and she had already failed horribly. She had even made her run away from her within minutes. [i]Oh dear lord, please do not let my parents find out.[/i] Eve did not even want to think about what consequences she would have to face, if her parents found out about her disrespectful, unacceptable behavior towards their host, who happed to be one of the most powerful people on this planet, the next ruler of the greatest kingdom. Having her dislike you could lead to serious political disadvantages. How could she have missed that this woman was the [i]princess of Exodus[/i]?! Her inner negative rambling was quickly interrupted when Laurel approached the two women, Eve's eyes lit up momentarily upon seeing her friend safely. And just then she realized that she had been worried about Laurel, not knowing whether the warrior had been alright or gotten into a fight or whatnot. [Color=f9ad81]"Princess."[/color] Laurel addressed her formally, causing Evangeline to cringe slightly, but she did not let her deprecation show. The formality was necessary during the festival, she knew that. [Color=f9ad81]"I see you're getting into the spirit of things."[/color] Was that a glance of disapproval towards her drink...? Or was she interpreting it wrong? [b][color=82ca9d]"Laurel, it is so good to see you."[/color][/b] A smile of shier relief appeared on Eve's lips. [Color=f9ad81]"I apologise for interrupting, I had lost track of the Princess for a moment amongst all these visitors. I may be stating the obvious but I am her bodyguard for this event, Laurel-"[/color][/color] "-Mith?"[Color=silver] An Exodus guard interrupted her friend, the smile on Evangeline's lips disappeared as quickly as it had formed. What was it about Exodus and interrupting people? She was about to scold the guard for their disrespectful behavior towards a fine Earthica warrior, and for being so bluntly stupid to interrupt a conversation the princess of Earthica was having, but she restrained herself. The guard mentioned the tournament, which Evangeline had heard of only recently, stated that she had signed up for that part of the entertainment and basically pulled Laurel away from her, who didn't attempt to fight back and so Eve let her go. She watched as the guard and her friend disappeared in the fancy crowd. [color=82ca9d][b]"This is unbelievable"[/b][/color], she mumbled to herself, then she would turn to face Thyrri again. [color=82ca9d][b]"She will not get hurt in the tournament, will she?"[/b][/color], Evangeline asked with a stern tone, for the first time sounding like a princess, demanding an answer as heavy disapproval swung within her voice. But right after the words had come out she sighed, dropped her worries and that princess act - being harsh to Thyrri would not change anything and it was wildly unfair. [color=82ca9d][b]"My apologies. I just can not stand such behavior. And what am I talking about - Laurel getting hurt? I should be much more concerned about her opponents coming out with all their limbs still attached."[/b][/color] Yet, she did not believe her own words completely. Evangeline was concerned about her friend's well-being. The tournament would surely not be to death, that would not go well with the guests and would cause serious tension, which would easily erupt with all the different kingdoms being present. But she could possibly take away serious injuries. What a lucky coincidence, she thought, that she had just befriended a talented healer. With Laurel being absent again, she got reminded of where their conversation had left off. Remembering that she had something on her chest, something she wanted to set right. [b][color=82ca9d]"Thyrri.... I have to ask you a strange favor"[/color][/b], the princess said in a more serious tone than known from her. [b][color=82ca9d]"Can you lead me the way towards the carriages? There's something I dropped on the floor of mine that I have to get back, as soon as possible. I have to correct a mistake, will you help me?"[/color][/b] [/color] [/center]