[hider=Flashback; Sola 28, Late Afternoon] [center][h3][color=lightpink]Olivia[/color] [color=lightgray]&[/color] [color=red]Rohit[/color][/h3][/center] [hr][color=lightgray] The bell above the shop door chimed. In those brief moments, while the door to Paw Pals was open, a cacophony of noise spilled out into the streets. Cats yowling for attention, dogs barking, birds screeching and cawing. It was even noisier inside. Rabbits thumped their feet against their enclosure, guinea pigs squealed, and a hamster in a ball rolled around on the floor. Rohit was not an own-a-pet kind of guy. Too much responsibility, but visiting them in a shop required no work on his part. He avoided the enclosure of ferrets; the smell that wafted from them was deterrent enough. He watched fish swim around in an aquarium with the same intensity he’d given Milo’s artwork. The fish did not bring any complex thoughts and only let his head relax. At some point, while he was lost in a thought-free swirl of water and colorful fish, someone put a puppy in his arms. A delightful creature. It wiggled and whined, and the puppy’s stubby tail thumped against his arm. His hand scratched at the short golden fur of the little rascal, and wrinkled skin smooshed around the puppy’s face. Olivia waltzed into the Paw Pals confidently. Being around animals provided her a sense of relief, and an escape. It reminded her of the farm her family once owned. They had so many animals it had almost been impossible for her mother to keep track. However, Olivia had inherited the gift of knowing the animals. She knew what foods they enjoyed and disliked. It was difficult work to pretend to be a noble every day. It was exhausting to try to remember all the fine details. While she had been strolling through the noble districts, Olivia had caught sight of Paw Pal’s. She had enjoyed looking in as a kid, but they couldn’t afford them. Now, with borrowed money, Olivia was inside the store. She glanced around the store and smiled at the cacophony of noise. It felt like home. Olivia was lost in thought when she bumped into an Alidasht holding a puppy and blinked. She backed up, smiled awkwardly at the dog, then up at him. [color=lightpink]”Sorry! I was lost in thought.”[/color] She bent to the dog’s height and began to pet his back. [color=lightpink]”Oh, this dog is so cute!”[/color] She paused, then straightened up and moved back apologetically. [color=lightpink]”Um! Sorry. My name’s Olivia!”[/color] The puppy flailed in Rohit’s arms, trying to leap from them and jump onto the woman who had bumped into him. He had to use both hands to keep his grip on the pup but held the little dog out for the woman. [color=red]“No apology needed. Who wouldn’t get distracted by this adorable little,”[/color] He paused, shifted the puppy in his hands, and held it up with his grip around the pup’s torso. [color=red]“Lady!”[/color] Rohit exclaimed. [color=red]“Rohit Amar, expert puppy holder and identifier.”[/color] He introduced himself before setting the puppy on the ground. The little labrador immediately barreled towards the nearest child, inspiring instant delight on the kid's face. [color=red]“So, what thoughts were you lost in, if I might ask?”[/color] [color=lightpink]”Pleased to meet you, Rohit.’[/color] She curstied and then straightened up. Rohit returned the gesture with a graceful bow. [color=lightpink]”I was thinking about how delightful this shop is, and what animal I might adopt. What about you, what brings you in here?”[/color] [color=red]“I was just at Milo’s art gallery. The man’s a genius, but I needed something a little less complicated to relax my mind.”[/color] Olivia turned to begin examining the cages and the sunlight caught her reflection. A waterfall of strawberry blonde hair cascaded down her back in curly waves. The sunlight illuminated her blue eyes like the ocean, and she brushed some dirt off her blouse and pants. [color=lightpink]”Been in here five minutes, and I already have animal hair all over me. Perils of the shop, I suppose,”[/color] Olivia laughed and turned to look at a litter of tabby kittens cooing at her. [color=red]“Luckily, we are not so easily deterred by peril.”[/color] Rohit rubbed his hands together, and golden strands of puppy fur flew in the air. He then followed and watched the pair of kittens. [color=lightpink]”Hello there!”[/color] She greeted enthusiastically and reached through the cages to begin putting them. The first one moved back cautiously, while the second one ran over and began accepting head rubs. [color=lightpink]”Aww, they’re so adorable.”[/color] Olivia grinned and turned to Rohit. [color=lightpink]”Don’t you just love animals?”[/color] Rohit nodded and returned the smile. [color=red]“I like how simple they are.”[/color] He agreed. [color=red]“But a lot of work. Too much for me, but it’s fun to visit them.”[/color] He looked around the store again; it was a chaotic place, and he thought about his conversation with Milo and Mina. [color=red]“Maybe one day I should reconsider that stance. Are you thinking of getting a kitten? This one is bold.”[/color] He commented, watching the little cat that ran over to the front of the cage. Olivia shook her head at his question. [color=lightpink]”Mmm, not right now.”[/color] She glanced around the pet shop. She studied the different animals. A quiet hoot caught her attention and she turned to look over. By the front desk there was a cage with a [url=https://i.imgur.com/R51UuPB.jpeg]small brown owl[/url]. The owl turned to meet her gaze and emitted another soft hoot. Excitement and curiosity rushed through her and she impulsively moved over to it. [color=lightpink]”You have an owl! How did it get here?”[/color] Owls have always been one of her favorite animals. It brought back memories of her laying with Kazumin in the grass outside their farm and listening to the cacophony of crickets, owls, cows, chickens and horses. A deep aching sense of longing filled her and she had to fill the hole, otherwise it would consume her. For a moment, she was in a trance. The memory soon began to turn into regret and sorrow, and the emotions threatened to overwhelm her. The shopkeeper’s voice rang out distantly, as though it was miles away. She struggled to focus on him despite looking at him. [color=yellow]”This poor owl was knocked out of its nest in a storm a while back. Its mother abandoned it and it was alone. We took it in to care for it. Apparently, people were bothering it in the woods too.”[/color] The shop owner studied her and his gaze went back to the owl. [color=yellow]”It’s been calling for attention, but nobody has adopted it. Are you interested?”[/color] Abandoned. Bullied. Her heartbeat quickened. Memories of being alone… Shooed by a broom… Distractions. Olivia’s fists tightened and she took slow, deep breaths. Rohit watched as Olivia’s jade colored eyes suddenly looked distant, traveled away to a daydream or a memory. The longer he watched, the clearer it was that wherever the redhead had gone, it was not a pleasant place. She moved her hand into the cage and the owl sniffed her hand. It glanced up at her reproachfully, and moved away. The creature’s reluctance and overall demeanor was one of fear and sadness. Her chest ached for it. [color=lightpink]”Yes, I think this little one needs my help.”[/color] She grinned and began pulling money out of her bag. [color=lightpink]”How much?”[/color] The two discussed payment, what gender it was and care for it. Soon Olivia held the cage with the owl on it and a blanket over it to help relax it. People stared at the precarious predicament this noble redhead found herself in, but she ignored them. Her gaze scanned the room for any enemies, then turned back to Rohit. Distractions. [color=lightpink]”What do you think? Isn't she adorable!”[/color] Rohit studied the not-too-friendly little owl from a respectful distance. The creature was apprehensive of strangers, timid, and stressed. [color=red]“Honestly? I think she looks a little depressed.”[/color] He said, tilting his head. [color=red]“Or maybe she’s sleepy? Daytime is an owl's bedtime.”[/color] He added and grabbed a nearby piece of cloth from the counter and draped it over the owl’s cage. Either way, a little peace, quiet, and less stimulation should help the owl feel more comfortable. [color=red]“I find that bonds that are harder to form often become the hardest to break.”[/color] He gestured toward the little owl and smiled. [color=red]“A fine choice of animal companion, owls are known for wisdom and deep insights. A place this chaotic is likely too much for her. I passed a cafe on the way here, Petal and Perk, seems like the ideal place for an owl to rest and contemplate the flowers.”[/color] Rohit suggested. [color=red]“And you know what else owls adore?”[/color] Rohit asked, deciding that he was now a certified expert on the inner thoughts of birds. [color=red]“Watching two beautiful people get to know each other better over tea. Owls have deeply poetic souls.”[/color] He whispered as if he were revealing a deep secret about owls. Olivia’s cheeks momentarily matched her hair. She ducked her head and tried processing what he had said. Oh Gods. Did he call her beautiful? Her, of all people? Both startled and flustered, Olivia was silent for a moment. Then, she realized he had asked her a question, and she grinned sheepishly. How did he know so much about owls? Her mind raced and her heart pounded. What did she do? [color=lightpink]”Oh wow. That would be great!”[/color] She moved forward, then hesitated. Where was the shop again? What if he was dragged into Calbert’s web because of her? She could feel her heart pounding in her throat. Too late, she had already agreed - and if she said no now, then what? Olivia tensed briefly as people brushed past her. Then, like a bunny caught in the sight of an owl, quickly left the shop and began to scan her surroundings for anyone, or anything, that might interrupt their day. [color=red]“Looking for someone?”[/color] He asked, noticing how this wasn’t the first time her eyes had frantically scanned her surroundings. Rohit offered his arm as he escorted Olivia to the Petal & Perk Cafe. [color=red]“Are you from Sorian?”[/color] He added. Olivia’s mind raced like the townsfolk around her. Nobody seemed familiar or dangerous. She jumped when Rohit appeared next to her. Her eyes widened like a startled cat. Then, she laughed and shook her head to appear calm and collected. [color=lightpink]”Oh, no.”[/color] She replied to both questions. Olivia accepted his arm with a sheepish grin, and allowed him to lead the way. [color=lightpink]”I’m from Veirmont.”[/color] So, not looking for someone, but something seemed to have a vice-like grip on her mind. [color=red]“What a coincidence; I’m a guest in this city as well. All the way from Kisoma - the beating heart of Kimoon.”[/color] He led the way to the cafe, describing the lush jungles and vibrant city he called home as they walked. No one was better than Rohit at distracting people from what troubled them. [color=red]“And there are gardens everywhere. Restaurants with glowing, bioluminescent fungi, jasmine blooming across the city, and plants in almost every shop. There is no part of Kisoma that is not graced by nature's beauty.”[/color] He continued as they entered the quiet little cafe that smelled of tea, coffee, and the dozens or so arrangements of flowers that decorated the space. It was almost as nice as home. [color=red]“What is Veirmont like? Worth adding to my list of places to visit?”[/color] He asked. Olivia listened intently to Rohit. The way he described the lush jungles, and the gardens caused her to grin. It sounded beautiful–far more beautiful than Sorian. As he spoke, she soon began forgetting about the hypervigilance. She wished she could see pictures of Kisoma. Olivia had relaxed by then, which in turn helped her owl relax. Then came the question about Veirmont. Delilah and Charlotte had quizzed her on it. This allowed her to have a decent knowledge and be able to recite information offhandedly. [color=lightpink]”Well, it’s a tropical paradise,”[/color] Olivia replied as they entered. [color=lightpink]”There are palm trees everywhere, and it never snows. There are beaches everywhere.”[/color] [color=red]“A tropical paradise…now that sounds like a challenge,”[/color] Rohit said thoughtfully. He then snapped his fingers. [color=red]“Let’s make it a challenge. You absolutely must visit Kisoma after this summer. My family would be proud to host you. Then I will visit Veirmont, and we can properly decide which tropical paradise reigns supreme.”[/color] He proposed a lighthearted challenge as they approached the hostess. [color=red]“Oh, but a minor flaw. Once you see Kisoma, you would never want to leave.”[/color] He teased with a grin, his words spoken with the upmost confidence. She glanced around the cafe with wide eyes. It was beautiful in the cafe. She turned to her owl and lifted up the blanket. [color=lightpink]”Look how pretty it is in here, Maple,”[/color] Her owl looked up at her, hooted softly, and then returned it tucking its head under the wing. Olivia turned to Rohit and smiled warmly. [color=lightpink]”We both like it,”[/color] she reported and turned to the hostess. [color=lightpink]”Table for two, please - well, three, my owl’s coming.”[/color] The hostess stared for a moment, nodded, and brought them back to a table in the back. There was privacy and plenty of floral decor around them. She picked up a menu and smiled at Rohit. [color=lightpink]”Who knew our afternoon would turn out like this?”[/color] [color=red]“None but the Gods.”[/color] Rohit responded. [color=red]“How does lavender tea sound?”[/color] He asked Olivia, picking something relaxing to help soothe the nervous energy he’d noted from her earlier. [color=red]“May we get a sampling of your best dishes?”[/color] Rohit asked, barely looking at the menu. Who wanted to waste time reading about food when he could continue to get to know the person across from him? [color=red]“Make it bit of an adventure.”[/color] He suggested. [color=lightpink]“Lavender tea. That actually sounds perfect. It’ll help calm my… I guess you’ve noticed I’m a little on edge.”[/color] Olivia chuckled softly, tucking a stray strawberry-blonde curl behind her ear. Her cheeks felt warm, and she lowered her gaze for a moment before looking back at Rohit. He only smiled back at her and nodded. He had noticed the nervous energy. [color=lightpink]”I’m sorry if I’ve seemed jumpy. I’ve been dealing with some rough memories that make me a bit paranoid.”[/color] A gentle sigh escaped her lips. [color=lightpink]“I know it’s not the best first impression, but thank you for being so patient.”[/color] [color=red]“Don’t be sorry. You feel how you feel, and despite how you feel, you are excellent company.”[/color] His reply was gentle and sincere. She leaned forward, resting a hand lightly on his forearm, an impulsive gesture that sent her stomach fluttering with both nerves and excitement. [color=lightpink]“I really like the idea of an ‘adventure’ with you. I.. feel better already just being here and chatting with you.”[/color] Olivia smiled shyly but with genuine warmth shining in her eyes. [color=lightpink]“I’d love to share more, if you don’t mind hearing it. Maybe once the tea arrives, I’ll tell you a bit more about what’s been on my mind if you still want to know.”[/color] Rohit rested a hand on top of Olivia’s hand as she lightly touched his arm. His thumb moved against smooth, soft skin. [color=red]“I’d be happy to listen to anything you wish to share.”[/color] The sudden courage made her heart pound, but she didn’t move her hand away. [color=lightpink]“And, in return, you can teach me more about Kisoma. I’d like to hear about it if you’re up for it.”[/color] She smiled at him genuinely. He looked like a piece of art come to life. How was someone so handsome? Olivia’s cheeks were becoming as red as her hair. How could she have been acting so silly? Rohit, master of distraction, wasted no time in recounting every beautiful detail he knew about Kisoma. From the bustling marketplace where anything could be found, the thrill of haggling with vendors to the point that it was almost like a game of chess, and the immense talent of the musicians who filled the streets with joyful songs. He told the story of how his father had come to be Vali. It began with the tale of the former Vali, a corrupt and wicked man who once had control over Kimoon but who lost it all to greed. How his father had stepped up, proved his worth to the Sultan, and he continued with all the ways Navi Amar had improved his territory and the lives of his people. He spoke fondly of his parents, kind-natured scholars who would certainly love to meet Olivia and her owl. How his mother was likely to throw a very embarrassing party in her honor if she ever were to stop by for a visit. After all, his mother did the same anytime Hala visited. He went on to tell Olivia about his very best friend, whom Rohit had instantly decided, the first time he’d met them, was the sibling he’d always wanted. [color=red]“That’s one of the things that makes life worth living, don’t you think? Friends you can count on, who make every moment just a bit more fun when they’re around. You got a friend like that?”[/color] He asked, finding an easier topic for her to start opening up about her own life, just as their food and tea arrived. Olivia relaxed while Rohit began speaking and hadn’t moved her hand off his arm. Once he’d rested his hand on her’s, she’d blushed. The way he described his hometown sounded delightful. It was like something out of the books she’d borrowed from Charlotte. The marketplace sounded like a dream to her; she would be tempted to buy everything. The contrast of Kisoma to Sorian was sharp. A deep desire to visit filled her, but she wasn’t sure how feasible that was. Alidasht sounded exotic, beautiful, and full of life.The fact his nobility was hard won was intriguing to her, instead of being born into it. Once he mentioned his mother doting upon her honor to visit, a deep blush formed on her heels and rivaled her hair. She giggled at the idea of visiting and how her owl would coe too. A soft smile graced her lips and her eyes softened. His parents sounded kind as he was; it briefly caused her chest to ache. [color=lightpink]”Oh wow,”[/color] Olivia smiled genuinely. [color=lightpink]”Kisoma sounds amazing, Rohit. I’m grateful you told me about it. I.. I would definitely love to visit. It would be really different from Sorian and that would be nice.”[/color] Olivia paused when the waitress delivered their food and drinks. She nodded to her gratefully and kept her hand where it rested on Rohit. The waitress quickly bustled away. [color=lightpink]”Thank you so much.”[/color] She moved her hand away now to shyly drink her lavender tea with both hands. As she sipped it, Liv stole a quick glance around the room then back to him. [color=lightpink]”So… I sort of had a traumatic and difficult upbringing, and this cute little owl reminded me of myself; beaten down, sad and alone, and my emotions sort of came out and projected onto it.”[/color] She then added as nerves filled her stomach. [color=lightpink]”Also, there's some… crime that came to light recently that impacted my friends and me, so I’ve been on edge because of it. I don’t want to drag you into it, though, but that's why I’ve been edgy. I promise I’m not usually like this.”[/color] Her voice remained low and only audible to him. He nodded thoughtfully as Olivia spoke of her difficult upbringing. He looked at the little owl who had grown more relaxed since settling down in the cafe. [color=red]“Do you think the owl knows? How its entire world has changed?”[/color] He asked after a beat, wondering how wise the feathered symbol of wisdom truly was. [color=red]“The owl will not be sad or alone because she now has you to take care of her,”[/color] Rohit explained, looking back at Olivia. He supposed just about any place was more desirable for an owl to be than a chaotic pet store. And he didn’t take Olivia for the type who just wanted some unconventional pet to keep in a gilded cage to show off at parties. He watched the owl again and imagined that sometime soon, that owl would be flying free beneath the moon. Proudly keeping a vast estate free of hares and rats, and nesting comfortably in some high tower shielded from the sun. [color=red]“And what a wonderful day it is, for this owl who will soon stretch her wings and touch the sky again. Today, you have changed an owl’s entire world. Made a huge impact on one lucky creature on a kind whim.”[/color] Finding the beauty in small moments, he picked that up from his father. One of the traits Rohit was convinced made his father so wise, and one he tried hard to emulate. [color=red]“If you ever find yourself alone again, I never turn down company.”[/color] He added. [color=red]“And my people, we do not fear danger. Whether we were forged in the desert sun or sculpted by the jungle’s rays, we from Alidasht are as brave as we are beautiful. [i]Drag me wherever you like.[/i]”[/color] He challenged, and a playful smile flashed as he picked up his cup of tea. Olivia turned to Maple. Her shoulders relaxed and she smiled faintly. His words brought her comfort and a much needed distraction. [color=lightpink]”I sure hope he will soon,”[/color] Liv replied. She reached in and stroked the owl’s feathers. The owl chipped in response. [color=lightpink]”Thank you so much, Rohit. You are delightful,” [/color] She replied, referring to the owl. Then, Olivia sipped her tea and then almost choked on it. His next words caused her to do a double take. Giggles erupted from her. She swallowed her tea politely and ensured she did not embarrass herself. [color=lightpink]”Oh Rohit,”[/color] Liv grinned mischievously and leaned forward. [color=lightpink]”You don’t have to ask me twice.”[/color] She took his hands and grinned back playfully. [color=lightpink]”There is a lot to show you in Sorian, I’m sure I can drag you somewhere,”[/color] Olivia grinned back, pleased with her challenge. Her cheeks were flushed akin to her hair. She bounced her leg nervously and sipped her tea. The two continued to converse until it became close to the banquet. They bid their farewells and rushed off to their respective dwellings to prepare for the ball. Olivia had a spring in her step and importantly, a blossoming friendship with more than just her owl. [/color][/hider]