[color=lightgray][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/4NnUUj4.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/NhN42Jj.png[/img]
[color=AFB3E0]Time:[/color] Late Morning
[color=AFB3E0]Location:[/color] Sorian Beach
[color=AFB3E0]Interaction:[/color][@Conscripts] Dr.John [@PapaOso] Cassius [@Tae] Kalliope [@Lava Alckon] Farim, [@ReusableSword] Roman, [@Potter] Olivia/Layla, [@Apex Sunburn] Sjan-dehk
[color=AFB3E0]Attire:[/color][url=i.imgur.com/gFdmp8B.jpg] Bathing Suit [/url], Light-colored beach sandals, Hair loose[/center]
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[color=AFB3E0] “So nice to meet you, Wasun Sjandehk. “[/color] Charlotte had greeted him warmly. [color=AFB3E0]"Viserjanta, wow…"[/color] She continued, a hint of admiration dancing in her gaze as she contemplated the distance he had traversed. [color=AFB3E0] “You have traveled from quite far. Well, Sjandehk, whatever we can do to make you feel more welcome here, let us know…I do not think I’ve studied that territory very well, actually. “[/color] She drew off in her thoughts. She had prided herself in her extensive studying of other lands, though she had always taken notice that there never had been many books about the lands beyond Varian and Alidasht. A longing for the unknown had fanned the flames of her curiosity, a fire that threatened to consume her very thoughts.

 How was she not to shower this man with questions at that very  moment!?

[i][color=F4BC5E]”What a pleasant surprise,” [/color][/i]

Dread filled her instantly upon hearing the voice of Shehzadi Layla Kadir. Her body tensed almost involuntarily. Nonetheless, she turned to watch as the sultan’s daughter approached them with sour words as always. A frown marred Charlotte's features as Layla's words dripped with acidity, not sparing even her own cousin Farim from her biting commentary. Her brows knit together and she clenched her fists. The audacity of Layla's words toward John and especially directed at Olivia, sent a surge of indignation through Charlotte. Olivia had suffered enough; she didn't deserve any cruelty.

[color=AFB3E0][i] Say something Charlotte. [/i] [/color]  She urged herself. Her lips parted slightly, forming the beginnings of a response that never managed to escape. Before she could gather her thoughts, Layla had already closed the gap between them, her presence casting a shadow over her.

Charlotte's heart raced, her gaze ensnared by the swift motion of Layla's hand and the lace ribbon as it fluttered in the breeze.  Her fingers twitched with a reflexive instinct to protect what was taken, but the shock of the moment froze her in place. There had been no resistance as Layla had taken the smoothie as well. Her breath hitched and she took a step back as the cup's contents cascaded over her, a rush of cold shock coursed through Charlotte's body. An involuntary shiver rippled down her spine as her senses seemed to heighten, the world narrowing to the sensation of the liquid splattering against her, seeping through the fabric of her dress. After the initial shock, there was an overwhelming discomfort as her damp dress clung to her. 

Her gaze rose as she felt all eyes on her and found that none of Layla’s words could hurt more than this alienating feeling that she just could and would not belong.  Her eyes brimmed with tears. 

Would it always be like this? Would she and Lorenzo simply be jokes? [i]Victims?[/i] 

It had been nice to feel as if maybe she could fit in and she could have normal friendships, even if it had been for a little while.  Yet, as the memory of those moments threatened to fade into the distance, a haunting uncertainty gnawed at her. She wondered if after such a bizarre event they'd now keep their distance from her. 

As her thoughts spiraled, she was abruptly jolted by another interruption, her attention torn from the internal struggle that had consumed her. Through a haze of disorientation, she caught sight of Olivia and knew just what she had been considering. A flicker of alarm ignited within Charlotte's chest, her eyes widening. [color=AFB3E0] “Olivia-”[/color] Guards surrounded her and  it was as if her body could finally move. She hurried through the sand to her side protectively and took her hand. [color=AFB3E0] “No, Olivia… You know what will happen. ”[/color]Charlotte implored in a hushed, urgent whisper, her eyes locked on Layla as the Shehzadi left her with a final insult. 

In swift response, Farim's actions unfolded and Charlotte found herself momentarily captivated as he disarmed the guards.  For a moment, she did forget the horrid situation she was in as she was rather impressed. Perhaps even jealous he could handle himself in such a manner that she felt she could not ever dream of.  After a tirade that reminded her when Farim had stood up to Mayet, he approached her with a towel. Her gaze darted around the group as the image of him towel-drying her before all cemented in her head. She felt anxiety rise as she felt the urge to run from such a vulnerable position.

Despite such, she admired Farim. He was brave and had a good head on his shoulders. He clearly had been cursed with a cold family yet still chose to step up to defend others and show kindness toward them. He had never hesitated in either situation either. Clearly, he was strong and capable too. Regardless of what initial thoughts had reserved of him and his lingering gaze, she decided she had a good read on who she thought Farim was.  

She gripped the fabric of her dress anxiously. It was perhaps best she took it off entirely, but she feared they may think her to be the whore some people seemed certain she was. 

Finally, she made a decision to reach for the towel, [color=AFB3E0]  “Thank you, Farim… I-”[/color] 


[color=1E90FF]“Suyahksa ujantah, dai’ihksankan. Sjukihku ika, tusuh-sehka lehksikasoh!”[/color]


Her gaze slid to Sjan-dehk, who was speaking to both a guard and Layla. It was strange to have people defend her. Such had normally not occurred before. Her brows lifted in gentle surprise as he approached her with her ribbon and tunic. [color=AFB3E0] “Thank you.”[/color] Charlotte repeated once more softly, taking the ribbon in her fingers. Though, there was clear hesitation to take the man’s tunic from him; it would be a shame to get any of the smoothie on such a lovely piece. [color=AFB3E0] “It’s-... It’s alright. I think I will just wash off… But really, you’re sweet. Both of you.”[/color]


A new female voice then entered the air and she glanced over briefly. There was a beautiful red-haired woman, one that seemed familiar, yet Charlotte knew they had not spoken before. Then behind her was Cassius Vael. She tensed visibly as her gaze met his briefly, but then she averted it as quickly as she could. Charlotte wondered if he was here to provide some torment as well. Her expression saddened. [color=AFB3E0][i]Why?[/i][/color]
[color=f26522]“Well now you really don’t have a reason not to go swimming.” [/color] 

Charlotte turned her body to face Roman.[color=f26522] “You can’t control the actions of others but you can decide how you let it affect you. So how about a swim? and tonight if you like, I would like to invite you and the others here….To my people’s celebration and ritual of the summer solstice out by lover’s lake tonight. Clothing is optional.” [/color]


His words etched into her consciousness, carving a different path than the others. The feeling of déjà vu washed over her like a familiar tide.  [color=AFB3E0] “… Yes. I’d enjoy a swim real soon.”[/color] She responded, her voice carrying a delicate tremor. Her heart echoed in her ears, the world around her momentarily blurred by the rush of emotion that swelled within her. It had taken her a moment to digest his final words, repeating them with confusion and a hint of flush to her cheeks, [color=AFB3E0]”Clothing… Optional?”[/color] She supposed she shouldn’t have been surprised given his choice of attire today.


Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, the genuine kindness of those around her warmed her heart. Despite how she felt, she knew Roman’s attitude was right. They had all come for a fun day and she always had some power on how things affected her. Charlotte wished she had complete control. She felt a deep seed of misery that was hard to shake, but she knew she had to try. There was no point in ruining everyone else’s day.  With a sigh, she politely declined John’s smoothie and thanked him for his kind words as her gaze slid over the group once more, landing on Cassius last, where it lingered.


With a moment's contemplation, a smile graced her lips. [color=AFB3E0]"Everyone, thank you,"[/color] she began sincerely. She then waved her hands nervously as if to ward off any concerns before they were brought up, [color=AFB3E0]"I'm okay."[/color] That part was not as honest, but she felt it needed to be said. [color=AFB3E0]"...Let us shift our focus away from the Shehzadi and embrace the beauty of this fleeting day."[/color]  

[color=AFB3E0]"I- uhm..."[/color] Her words faltered slightly, revealing a hint of shyness that crept into her speech. [color=AFB3E0]"I have plenty of snacks still in the basket if anyone wants anything. Please feel welcome to sit upon our blanket… I will take a moment to clean myself."[/color]

Charlotte proceeded to deftly remove the dress, carefully pulling it over her head. The sensation of the gentle breeze caressing so much of her skin felt both foreign and oddly liberating as the fabric slipped away from her body. She knew it was too late to worry about drawing attention and attempted to push any anxiety about standing there in the bathing suit out of her mind. She folded the dress and set it down. Proceeding to straighten up on her feet and run a hand through her hair, a sigh of relief then escaped her lips. Her fingers slid through the strands, a gesture of gratitude for this small mercy. As her gaze wandered, it landed upon the two that had most recently joined.


[color=AFB3E0]”Lord Cassius and...”[/color] She slid some of her hair behind her ear to stall as she rummaged through her mind to recall a name that had touched her ears within the castle's walls long ago.[color=AFB3E0] “Kalliope.”[/color] Her gift of a good memory had once again proven its worth.


The raven-haired girl smiled once more and told them warmly, [color=AFB3E0] “It’s nice to have you two with us. Please help yourselves as well to whatever you like. ”[/color]  Charlotte knew she could have given the crude man the cold shoulder. However, she had no intention of causing any more drama than had already unfolded. As long as he didn’t start with her again today, she was happy to let go of the past and be peaceful. 


With the towel Farim had offered now in her possession, Charlotte directed her steps towards the water's edge. She kneeled down in the warm sand and wet the towel. She then began to dab at the stickiness upon her chest. Though she was still in earshot of the group, it was nice to take a moment after such an overwhelming few minutes. With her gaze fixated toward the expanse water and her hair blowing behind her, she let the smile falter. [/color]