[h1][center][color=#ADF9D7]Persephone,[/color] [color=C17ECE]Ruby[/color] & [color=BBC7E1]Charlotte[/color][/center][/h1]
[color=C17ECE]Location[/color]: Second floor of The Tough Tavern
[color=#ADF9D7]Time:[/color]: Evening
[hr]

[color=silver]The silence was broken by none other than Charlotte Vikena sitting down beside her. The words out of her mouth made Persephone halt crying in order to snort derisively. She turned to face her and wiped the tears from her face and grinned mischievously. 

[color=#ADF9D7]”Oh dear, the great Charlotte Vikena [i]had a bad night[/i]?”[/color] Her voice was light and airy, mixed with her effort not to laugh. [color=#ADF9D7]”Well dear me, that puts things into perspective now doesn’t it? The world must know about Charlotte Vikena, the nobleman’s daughter, bad night. Please humor me, duchess.”[/color] 

Charlotte bit her lip and tensed at her words. She had given quite the wrong impression. [color=BBC7E1]”Um.. I’m sorry. I didn't mean to make the subject about me… I simply… I just…”[/color] She found herself apprehensive of upsetting this poor woman worse than she already was. She sighed before telling her honestly, [color=BBC7E1]”I was trying to think of a way to talk to you. You looked really upset and I don’t think anyone deserves to be sad and alone.“[/color] 

She then tried to catch Persphone’s gaze so she could smile at her, [color=BBC7E1] “I know you do not know me at all… and I have no right to barge in on your business, but if I can be a friend to you right now, I’d like to be.”[/color]

 Persephone watched her tense up and turned away with a huff. Her stammering only annoyed her further and she readjusted her position to stare at her. This girl, in her dress and bow, was at the Tough Tavern and trying to be her friend? Suspicion crept through her and she folded her arms and blew a piece of blonde hair out of her eyes. [color=#ADF9D7]”You’re right, you don’t know me and I don’t know you, but I know enough about nobles to know a lot of you are all the same entitled motherfuckers. What are you going to do with the information I provide?”[/color] The words came out more aggressive and demanding than she intended but she didn’t apologize either. 

Charlotte hung her head sadly for a moment, a little stung by her words. There was truth to them. She knew she lived a life of privilege and could not simply go off the stories she read in books to imagine what this girl’s life was like… But she wanted to understand. She did not want to be like the so-called “entitled motherfuckers” she had been surrounded with all her life. Once the nobles had turned on her due to Lorenzo’s mishaps, she had grown to understand just what they were and perhaps who she had been without realizing it. 

Persephone’s mind began replaying the incident with Count Damien and she sighed heavily. She chewed her words next before digesting them as she contemplated the girl’s motive. Charlotte Vikena appeared to be alone, unguarded, and chose to sit with her of all people? Furthermore, she didn’t want her, Persephone, to feel alone and sad? It was plausible. Still, she eyed her and stood up to move away and pace with her arms folded. [color=#ADF9D7]”Why do you care?”[/color]

She picked up her head as Persephone had stood up. Charlotte glanced up at her and stayed on the floor so as to not challenge her. Tightening her grip on her knees, she finally replied in a gentle tone, [color=BBC7E1]“I don’t want to do anything with the information. Besides, I don't even know your name to speak ill of you… As for your second question, I care because isn’t that what we should do for one another?”[/color]

Persephone halted long enough to hear what Charlotte had said. With another huff, she considered her words. She seemed sincere and genuine. There didn’t appear to be any malice or trickery behind her. As she contemplated her motive and sincerity, she let out a deep sigh. A vision of Violet Damien with an ax in her face brought her back to her knees. She crouched down and buried her head in her hands and then stood up and angrily kicked the sideboard of the bed and turned to Charlotte with sudden fire in her eyes. 

[color=#ADF9D7]”Fine,”[/color] She retorted shortly as anger and shock coursed through her veins and powered her adrenaline. [color=#ADF9D7]”I left that damned ball with all the fuckery and was walking down the street when I saw… something in the alleyway. So… I investigated it and found a… gir…girl… with an ax to her face. I stepped in her blood and… I just… I just… I... ran. Left her there and everything. She’s… She’s dead and I just… I just left her… I didn’t see no one there either….”[/color] 

Visions of her parents' dead, burned, and charred bodies filled her mind’s eye and she crouched again to her knees and covered her head with her arms, and squeezed her eyes as tightly as possible. She rocked for a moment and the tears streamed back down her face after having paused.
 
Charlotte‘s expression had first saddened seeing the girl kick the bed and get so upset, but then it broke apart completely at her words. A girl had been found with an ax in her face. [color=BBC7E1][i]How awful… [/i][/color] The blonde girl rocking in the corner of her eye brought her out of her thoughts and she crawled over to kneel beside her. 

She moved a hand slowly, keeping it within the blonde’s vision as she laid a hand on her back and rubbed it comfortingly. It had been a year since she had seen her own mother’s body before her and it was still a vivid picture in her mind. Charlotte could remember how she had cried and could almost replace herself from the past in place of the blonde girl’s now. The pain and the emotion this girl was displaying were all very real. 

Persephone noticed movement out of the corner of her eyes. She noticed it was Charlotte though, so she didn’t tense up. Instead, she picked her head up and turned to stare at her. Charlotte’s hand was placed on her back in a comforting way. Persephone froze briefly and momentarily ceased crying. The comfort was unexpected and caused her to forget why she had been crying in the first place. Sniffling, Persephone gently placed a hand on her back in return as a sad smile crossed her face. This girl had been interrogated by Calbert as well. Persephone wanted to tell her she knew but didn’t think it would help the conversation. 

The sound of crates tumbling onto the floor suddenly filled the air. When Charlotte and Persephone looked over, a small girl with two different colored eyes was standing there. 

The platinum-haired girl stumbled to her feet and said, [color=C17ECE]“O-Oh my God. Stupid crates... Wait, It’s okay! I am not going to get you in any trouble.”[/color] She raised her hands defensively.[color=C17ECE] ”But could you tell me what is going on?”[/color] Charlotte stared at her, dumbfounded. [color=C17ECE]“Look, I live up here. This is my room and that is my bed. I was sound asleep until I heard you weirdos charging in here. The least you can do is fill me in.”[/color] 

[color=BBC7E1]”Uhh… Hi there…”[/color] Charlotte drew off awkwardly as she got to her feet, [color=BBC7E1]” Did you, perhaps, hear all that?”[/color]

[color=C17ECE]“HA! Hear it, perhaps?”[/color] Ruby’s face lit up with a smirk. [color=C17ECE]“I heard every word!”[/color] She said as convincingly as possible, [color=C17ECE]“But you were just getting to the good part when these crates had to reveal me. ”[/color] 

Persephone had intended to stand up and offer her hand when noise interrupted them. She rolled onto her feet swiftly and gracefully. While doing so, she grabbed her bow, strung her arrow to it quickly, and aimed it at the girl. Her tears were still plastered to her cheeks along with strands of blonde hair, but the expression on her face was cold and mistrustful. Glaring at her, she didn’t lower her bow as she studied her. [color=#ADF9D7]”I do stay up here too but haven’t been around recently.”[/color] She paused and considered her tone, but didn’t remark on it. [color=#ADF9D7]”I came up here to rest and Charlotte here followed me. I’m not saying anymore.”[/color] She raised the bow and glared at her. [color=#ADF9D7]”You have five minutes to declare your innocence.”[/color] 

[color=BBC7E1] “Good heavens.”[/color] Charlotte commented in surprise. [color=BBC7E1][i]Why is this happening?[/i][/color] As fear began to creep in, she pushed it away. She then swallowed hard before she stepped in front of Persephone, blocking her aim,  [color=BBC7E1] “...Let’s be civilized please, ladies.”[/color] Charlotte forced firmness into her voice. A nervous smile presented itself on her face.

[color=C17ECE]”Whoa whoa whoa! Can you quit pointing that thing at me? I declare that I am innocent, can that be said for [b]you?[/b]  You’re the one pointing a dangerous weapon at people! And in my goddamn room!”[/color] Ruby huffed angrily after ranting. 

Persephone watched Charlotte move in front of her and scowled. Civilized? This girl had overheard her recounting a murder. She lowered it for Charlotte’s sake now that the girl was in front of her. She pocketed the arrow in her quiver, although she now had access to her knives. [color=#ADF9D7]”For Lady Vikena’s sake, I’ll lower it.”[/color] Persephone moved her hand to her pocket and made it known she had more than arrows on her. [color=#ADF9D7]”This isn’t just your bedroom, missy. Guess you moved in when I disappeared for a bit. You overheard a rather delicate story so you can’t blame me for being defensive. I’ve been on the streets for months where you’re not going to survive by being cute. Maybe you haven’t lived like that to know.”[/color] She rolled her eyes at her rant and gestured at the girl to continue speaking and refused to take her eyes off her. It could be nothing, but Persephone wasn’t taking any more chances after being threatened by Count Dipshit. 

Ruby glared furiously at Persephone. [color=C17ECE]”What do you mean this isn’t just my bedroom? I was taken in by Olga years ago! I have never seen you in my life.”[/color] Ruby leaned over to grab a crate as she feared that Persephone was going to make a move. [color=C17ECE]”Look [i]missy[/i], I couldn’t care less what delicate story you were talking about, except that it interrupted my sleep!”[/color] 

[color=BBC7E1] “Okay…Okay…”[/color]Charlotte raised her hands and waved both in the air to get their attention, [color=BBC7E1] “Heh, I think we have a little misunderstanding… So let’s just.. Errr.. start over. ”[/color] She looked between the two girls and smiled warmly, [color=BBC7E1] “My name is Charlotte. And what are your names?”[/color]

Persephone glared back at Ruby and didn’t waiver. [color=#ADF9D7]”You’ve been here for years and I never saw you. What kind of lie is that?”[/color] She rolled her eyes and glanced at the crate. [color=#ADF9D7]”That doesn’t scare me, little girl. And your sleep? So sorry,”[/color] Her temper was threatening to implode at this predicament. Her night was getting wilder as the minutes crept by. [color=#ADF9D7][i]I should have stayed home with Buttercup.[/i][/color] 

Persephone turned as Charlotte’s voice interrupted her reverie. Keeping one eye on the stranger, she glanced back at her. This girl lived to be the voice of reason didn’t she? Persephone took several deep breaths to calm herself and stepped away from Charlotte and folded her arms. It was less offensive as before, but she looked ready to bolt or attack at the slightest provocation.  [color=#ADF9D7]”Seph.”[/color] Her voice was calm and quivering with impatience. She didn’t elaborate on her full name. 

[color=C17ECE]”Well miss Seph, my name is Ruby Maeve and I think your girl Charlotte has a point.”[/color] Her furious look melted a little and she hung her head at this conundrum. She looked at the crate that was still clenched in her hand then she said, [color=C17ECE]”Let’s start over, okay? Why are you guys here?”[/color] Ruby turned her head to Charlotte for reassurance, unintentionally revealing that she in fact did not hear every word of their discussion.

Charlotte decided to go first on this one as perhaps her reasoning was a bit less extreme. [color=BBC7E1] “I came here looking for my father tonight… Subsequently, I saw Seph here run up the stairs seeming rather disconsolate and I thought I could maybe help.”[/color] She turned to face the smaller girl, folding her hands apologetically, [color=BBC7E1]”I am really sorry that we disturbed you, Ruby.”[/color]

Persephone listened to both of them and huffed. She allowed Charlotte to answer though she felt it was risky. Still, she was curious about Charlotte's perspective. She was looking for her father..? [color=BBC7E1][i]I’ve had a bad night too..[/i][/color] She glanced at the duchess and shook her head. [color=#ADF9D7]”Jesus Christ.”[/color] She put her head in her hands momentarily and sighed as she picked her head back up. [color=#ADF9D7]”What she said,”[/color] she muttered and glanced at Ruby less aggressively now. [color=#ADF9D7]”I crash here infrequently and haven't ever seen you. It could be because I’m normally here in the daytime. Marce, the bartender… helped me with that.”[/color] That wasn’t the full truth, but she didn’t trust this girl. Charlotte Vikena had a bit of a higher rating in her eyes, but she didn’t know her well either. Seph sighed and glanced at the bathroom. If anyone found her boots here, they’d be in trouble. 

Crossing over to the bathroom, Persephone picked her boots up and began lacing them up again. There was residual blood on them but she had managed to clean them off decently. She laced them up tightly without looking at the other two.

Ruby curiously watched Seph cross over to the bathroom, but failed to grasp what was happening. [color=C17ECE]”That must be it. I am not around during the day, as I have to work for my place to stay here. I would say that it is a pleasure to meet you, if the circumstances were any different..”[/color] Ruby grinned slightly as she began to sympathize with the girls. [color=C17ECE][i]Olga is going to get a load of this from me later on for leaving me out of the loop. [/i][/color]Ruby thought. She looked over at Charlotte and asked, in an attempt to understand their predicament better, [color=C17ECE]”Why are you looking for your father?”[/color]

Charlotte held up a hand; her focus had slipped elsewhere as the two girls had conversed. She suddenly knelt down and began trying to peer through a crack in the wood floor. However, she could not see much. Finally, she found a small hole and began peering through it with one eye while the other was shut. Count Calbert was right below them. 

[color=0072bc]“...Two of you guards should stay here and search the second floor… The floorboards are damp in a path toward the stairs.”[/color]

The door shut with a slam. 

Ruby attempted to get close enough to Charlotte to see what she was seeing.[color=BBC7E1] “Uhh… Girls!”[/color] Charlotte called nervously, [color=BBC7E1] “We have a dilemma.”[/color]

Persephone sighed in relief at Ruby’s words. That made sense; they were missing each other. A wry smile crossed her face as she nodded. [color=#ADF9D7]”You too, Ruby. Sorry about… about before. It’s been rough.”[/color] She glanced at Charlotte and frowned at her. What was going on? As silence fell, she heard the commotion and knelt down beside Charlotte. Her eyes widened and she paled. For a moment, all she could do was stare with terror. How had Calbert seen her! The alley looked [i]empty[/i]. The door slamming jolted her out of her reverie and she jumped to her feet. [color=#ADF9D7]”Oh no. I didn’t even do anything!”[/color] She grabbed her backpack and opened it frantically, counting each item to double-check it was with her. However, as she peered down through it, she noticed something was missing: her precious bread. Had it fallen out nearby? 

Panic coursed through her like wind through her hair and she glanced around anxiously until her gaze fell on the window. [color=#ADF9D7]”Umm… so…”[/color] She frowned as she panicked and froze.
 
Ruby was pacing back and forth in the distance, mumbling some words that were too faint to decipher. 

Meanwhile, Charlotte rushed to put a chair against the door knob. [color=BBC7E1] “Go out the window. Ruby and I can handle them.”[/color] She held the door shut with her hands as well as the pressure of a big fist pushed against it, her arms outstretched. [i]Knock, knock![/i]
 Her gaze moved toward the pacing Ruby, [color=BBC7E1] “Uhh, Ruby? A little help?”[/color]

Ruby’s eyes darted upward and she looked at Charlotte ghastly. She then gathered her emotions and said, [color=C17ECE]”Yes! Do not you worry, Seph. I will handle this.”[/color] Her tone made it sound like she was trying to prove something. She came over to where Charlotte was and pressed against the door as well. 

Persephone raced over to the window and glanced at Ruby. Her voice became hushed: [color=#ADF9D7]” Thank you. I’m so sorry… I didn’t mean to cause any trouble. God, I should have stayed home. Charlotte, can I come over tomorrow?”[/color] She pulled the window open and glanced at her.

Ruby smiled at Persephone and made a waving motion at her, ignoring her apology. [color=C17ECE]”Go!”[/color] She whisper-yelled.

Charlotte looked over her shoulder as she struggled to hold the weight of men slamming against the door. She was at first confused by the timing of such a question but she managed a smile nonetheless, [color=BBC7E1]“Certainly? I live down the street in a brick house.”[/color] She could hear the guards shouting now.

Persephone didn’t reply as she rushed to the door swiftly. She opened the window and crawled out carefully. Grabbing the window frame with one hand she clutched the roof with the other hand. Once she had a firm grip, Persephone let go of the windowsill and hoisted herself up on the roof. She grabbed a piece of cloth and hanger tied around the roof and quietly crept across the roof. She had attached a clothing line illegally from the bar to a building nearby as a deal with Marcy. Tonight, Persephone hadn’t lived up to her end of the bargain. Guilt rushed over her but she ignored it. There wasn’t time for anything else. Seph pulled her hood up tightly around her face and grabbed the cloth and hanger, then set it over a clothing wire. 

Then, she began flying through the air on it until she reached the roof of the other building. Regretfully, she took a knife out and cut the line so she couldn’t be followed or discovered. Once on the adjacent roof and the zipline was cut, she hopped down it onto a closed dumpster, and then ran like hell in the opposite direction of the bar and the castle, into the slums of town. 

Charlotte glanced at Ruby once Persephone was gone. She panicked for a moment as she scrambled for a plan in her mind. If they thought Persephone was a murderer, what was to stop the guards from viewing them as accomplices?  They had to have a story and fast.[color=BBC7E1] “Um… Just follow my lead…”[/color] She whispered.

Ruby wanted nothing more than for this to be over with, but she was already roped in. She did trust Charlotte, as she had been civil with her from the start. [color=C17ECE]”Onward!”[/color]

Charlotte let the pressure off and the two guards burst in. She whirled on them with an indignant expression, [color=BBC7E1]” How dare you attempt to barge into a woman’s quarters! She was [i]changing![/i]!”[/color] She scoffed in disgust.

The guards looked at each other in confusion before trying to scope the room with their eyes for someone that matched the description they had been given. They stared at Ruby with perplexed expressions, neither speaking.

Ruby caught on to Charlotte’s ruse and a displeased look struck her face as she looked at the guards. [color=C17ECE] ”Is this how you boys plan to get a glimpse at a woman? Because the lord only knows that one would never choose to be in your presence otherwise!”[/color] Ruby’s attempt to confuse the guards by hitting a weak spot was unpredictable but seemed to be working as far as she could tell. She stomped her feet sharply and unwrinkled her nightgown with her hands.

 [color=C17ECE]”Well? What are you looking at!? If you have nothing to say, then get out![/color] She moved up to the door and with a jolting motion, slammed it in their face. [/color]