[color=#DEC5D6][center][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/619241131355537409/1100624706715013160/Amisra.png[/img][/center]
[color=#8D3B72]Time:[/color] Late Morning
[color=#8D3B72]Location:[/color] The Beach
[color=#8D3B72]Interactions:[/color] Sjan-dehk [@Apex Sunburn], Layla [@Potter]
[color=#8D3B72]Aesthetic:[/color] [url=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1065027714953793578/1136090447433973860/2023-08-01_17_16_43.525-0700.jpg]Swimsuit[/url]

[center][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1064772112633569330/1100627858638000148/Banner.png[/img][/center]

Layla's torrent of harsh words hit Kalliope like a storm, the venomous spew of insults and accusations striking her with stinging intensity. Throughout the onslaught, her expression remained remarkably composed, a mixture of bemusement and indifference playing across her features. While Layla's words were designed to wound, she had long since learned the value of holding her own against such vitriol. However, when Layla pinched her cheeks, Kalliope's patience wore thin. She let out a sharp, almost playful bite at Layla's hand, enough to let her know that she wasn't going to be an easy target for intimidation.

As Layla concluded her tirade, Kalliope let out a soft, almost amused chuckle, her heterochromatic gaze locking onto Layla's eyes with a calm confidence. Despite the storm of insults, her smirk remained firmly in place, but before she could respond to Layla's provocations, Sjan-dehk stepped in, his presence a buffer against the biting words. Kalliope's eyes flicked towards him, and despite the situation, a genuine smile tugged at her lips. He defended her, even in the face of Layla's barrage. It was a reassurance she hadn't fully expected, and her heart warmed a bit more towards the enigmatic sailor and she felt a flutter of butterflies within her stomach.

Listening to his measured and deliberate words, she kept her gaze fixed on Layla. There was no need for her to interject at the moment; Sjan-dehk's words were eloquent and addressed most of the points Layla had raised. And while she would have been more than capable of holding her own in a verbal spar, she appreciated his support.

[color=#8D3B72]"Well, it seems you're not entirely accurate in your assessment, Layla,"[/color] Kalliope said with a composed tone. [color=#8D3B72]"Because if you've been paying attention, you might have noticed that the Captain here has been quite the gallant defender, standing up for me just as he did for Charlotte. Quite the contrast from your assumptions, isn't it?"[/color]

A flicker of mischief danced in her eyes as she continued, her tone playful yet carrying an undertone of challenge. [color=#8D3B72]"So, perhaps, just perhaps, some of your other judgments might be a tad bit off as well? After all, one wrong assumption does make one wonder about the rest of your conclusions."[/color] With that, she let Sjan-dehk lead her away. As they walked away from the scene, Kalliope glanced back at Layla one last time, her expression unreadable. She wanted to convey a message, a silent challenge, a reminder that beneath the venom, she was more than willing to face whatever came her way.

As his grip on her arm pulled her further away, Kalliope leaned in to him, her voice low and amused. [color=#8D3B72][i]"Thank you, Captain. I must say, you're quite the formidable defender of honor."[/i][/color] Her tone was light, a mixture of genuine appreciation and playful teasing as she leaned in and kissed his cheek. [color=#8D3B72][i]"But really, I appreciate your intervention. It was… entertaining."[/i][/color]

[color=#8D3B72][i]”To answer your question, yes and no. Some are just like that, thinking that they are better than everyone, but some are much better, even within the same family. Her sister, Nahir, was always much kinder from what I remember.”[/i][/color] She said with a small sigh as she thought of the Kadir children. Then he was asking if she was alright and her expression faltered only a little before she began nodding.

[color=#8D3B72][i]”Yes, I’m quite alright. It takes more than a few hurtful words to get to me.”[/i][/color] [color=#ACFCD9][i]Liar.[/i][/color] Her mind called her out and she knew she’d think of some of the things Layla had said that night while in bed, but what was new. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept without one nightmare plaguing her at least. No, she wouldn’t let it bother her and she wouldn’t allow Sjan-dehk to see just how truly broken she actually was. Not from Layla, but from life in general. She wouldn’t display that weakness.[/color]