[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][/color]
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 [color=F4BC5E]“Do you even know what my life is like, little girl? Oh wait! You left and are too busy being Edin's whore aren't you? You’re a coward for leaving the Alidasht. You - and the others - know nothing about me, little girl. Stay in your lane."[/color]

Charlotte's attention was caught in the midst of her thoughts, a frown etching her features, as Layla's voice filled the air once more. While the conversation might have initially been directed at Kalliope, Charlotte couldn't escape the suspicion that Layla had a thing or two to say to her as well. She sighed and folded her arms across her chest uncomfortably as Layla addressed her as Lady Slut Vikena. She wasn't sure if perhaps maybe she should apologize to end the ordeal. What she'd be apologizing for, Charlotte had no idea. She had not been able to place quite where she and Layla had gone so wrong. The woman had been rather uncouth toward her from the moment they had met.

Olivia was quick to reply before she could figure out what was best to say and her gaze flickered toward her friend with concern.  She really did not want Olivia to have to deal with Layla on top of what she was going through, but Charlotte did have to admit it was nice to have a friend who would back her up like this. Her concern deepened on her expression as Olivia's temper rose. 

 [color=AFB3E0]"Olivia?"[/color] She whispered her name with some apprehension. The sight of Olivia's dilated pupils and clenched fists served as stark indicators that she was grappling with the relentless clutches of her addiction.  Charlotte wondered if she'd truly dare use magic in public... She couldn't let that happen. While Farim tried his hand at handling the situation once more, she took Olivia's shoulders. She leaned in and whispered, [color=AFB3E0] "Look at me, Olivia... She is not worth it."[/color] Charlotte smiled at her and touched her cheek, [color=AFB3E0] "It's going to be okay... Whenever fear or fury seize you like this, confide in me, and we shall engage in discussions of greater importance... Such as how we shall regale Kazumin with the improbable events that transpired before his arrival. I doubt he will believe all this..."[/color] It was as she was drawing off that she caught Cassius in her line of sight, positioned right in front of her.

Her smile faded into an expression of surprise as he stood up to Layla. For a moment, it felt as if he had been perhaps defending her of all people. Then, she recalled that it had been Kalliope Layla had initially gunned for and most certainly that was why he was now mouthing off.  Either way, Charlotte found his every utterance deeply gratifying and found the whole ordeal could prove good distraction for Olivia. Curling her lips into a satisfied smirk, she leaned in and whispered once more, [color=AFB3E0] "I think he and Kalliope are interested in one another. His move to defend her is rather chivalrous, is it not?"[/color] 

Kalliope had also spoken to defend herself. Though it was delightful to see Layla put in her place, the insults had taken on a heavier weight. This became especially pronounced when Layla retorted with equal venom. The words that dripped from Layla's lips were not only dreadful but also inconceivable. Charlotte struggled to fathom the motivation behind communicating in such a malicious manner. The sheer audacity of it all made her blood boil, fueling a compelling urge to rise and passionately confront Layla.

Even Charlotte's own name was drawn into the discourse on multiple occasions, often insinuating that both Cassius and even Sjandehk regarded her in a particular manner. She cast a perplexed look at Cassius, the puzzlement clear in her eyes. However, she had not commented. Recognizing that Olivia was likely struggling to handle this situation given her current state, Charlotte made a swift judgment that it would be better to change their surroundings before the situation deteriorated any further. Unfortunately, her concern materialized into reality as Ruby collapsed into the sand.

A gasp of fear left Charlotte's lips as she knelt at Ruby's side with Olivia. [color=AFB3E0] "Ruby!"[/color] She cried. As her hands reached to pull Ruby into her lap, a sudden shower of sand descended upon her. Charlotte's hands hurriedly swept it aside, her gaze lifting to meet Layla's, locking in a fierce exchange. This time, Charlotte's expression twisted into a deep scowl, and her words burst forth without restraint,  [i][color=AFB3E0]"How dare you."[/color][/i] Though she had mustered the courage to meet Layla eye to eye for a moment, her gaze had averted only moments after as it had sunken in what she had just done. She really did not want to engage in this situation or make matters worse, but how could she step back after saying that? 

[color=AFB3E0]"Y-You have no right to trample on people... As if they were bugs beneath your feet."[/color] She continued after a hesitation, her voice carrying a soft resolve. Her words, though tinged with nervousness, held their own weight.

Charlotte looked away from her as Dr.John spoke as well, determined not to waste any more time with the Shehzadi. She looked at Ruby and brushed locks of hair from her eyes. Olivia's suggestion that they relocate had merit, but she worried that dragging her across the sand might hurt Ruby's skin. She finally looked over to Cassius, who had been closest to them. [color=AFB3E0]"Excuse me... Lord Cassius."[/color] As their gazes intersected, she swallowed her hesitation and made her plea, [color=AFB3E0]"Could you please assist us in carrying Ruby over to the blanket?"[/color] 
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