[center][h1][color=8FBC8B]Olivia[/color][/h1] and [/center][h1][center][color=violet]Eri[/color][/center][/h1]
[hr] [color=lightgray]

Olivia sat outside in the rose garden on the bench and admired the flora and fauna around her. It was incredible, to say the least. There was a basic book on the bench next to her. She was hoping she could try reading to ease her mind. She couldn’t believe something as beautiful as the garden existed in this cursed city. Liv waited impatiently for Charlotte to return to the estate so she could ask how the date had gone with Cassius; and hoped that Lottie did not know she had bid on Alexander. She eyed the scenery around her and contemplated the past 24 hours. 

All was still and gentle, until the sound of fluttering wings cut through the ambience. Black feathered wings flapped rapidly as the large corvid landed on the cobblestone path that lined the vast garden. The guest in the shape of a raven might have been dismissed if it weren't for the way it immediately looked up at her. It didn't croak or look upon her as if it were in need of something. Instead, it stared at Liv. It stared at her with an uncanny intelligence. 

Olivia had picked up a book, when she felt as though eyes were on her. Suspicions rose as she gazed around her. It was then she noticed the raven. Olivia blinked. Did they normally have ravens? The way it stared at her intently with uncanny intelligence told her this was not a normal raven. She glanced around, then casually stood up and kept a careful distance.

[color=8FBC8B]“Hello, raven. How are you?”[/color] Her voice was calm and friendly, though she prepared mentally for whatever might happen next. [color=8FBC8B]“Can I help you with something?”[/color] 

There should have been silence between them. That's what was supposed to occur when someone decided to strike up a conversation with an animal of the wilds. The raven looked to the left, then to its right, and finally turned itself around to ensure there was no one else in sight. 

[Color=8FBC8B][i]“Hello. You…”[/i][/color] The raven answered, mimicking Liv’s voice.

[Color=gold][i]“It’s a pleasure…”[/i][/color] She mimicked another's— Alexander's.

[color=D0B4EC][i]“I most certainly would enjoy getting to know you more…”[/i][/color] The familiar voice of Charlotte, now.

[Color=firebrick][i]“I hope I am not intruding on anything important…”[/i][/color] Violet’s.

[Color=salmon][i]“Olivia,”[/i][/color] And finally Lorenzo's.

Olivia stared at the raven with wide-eyes and her jaw agape. Had she truly heard multiple voices coming from the raven? She took a half-step back and dropped the book with disbelief. [color=8FBC8B]“What the hell?”[/color] She knew ravens could mimic speech but the voices it chose were too on the nose. Liv glanced around to try to see if she could find anyone from the Black Rose hiding amongst the garden, but she couldn’t see. 

[color=8FBC8B]“.....”[/color] She opened her mouth to speak, and came up with nothing. [color=8FBC8B]“...Is there something you need?”[/color] She stooped down to pick up the book. As she picked it up, she took a deep breath. Liv stood up quickly. [color=8FBC8B]“Did anyone send you to talk to me or something?”[/color]

[color=8FBC8B][i]“Did anyone send you to talk to me or something?”[/i][/color] The raven mimicked again, but this time it was followed by croaks of laughter.

Olivia’s brows furrowed. What the hell was happening?

[Color=violet]“Silly girl. Funny girl.”[/color] She spoke in a new and completely unfamiliar voice this time as she fluttered up onto the bench. [Color=violet]“Sit! I want a strand. A strand of hair. Yours!”[/color] The raven demanded stiffly.

The way it changed voices made her head spin.

Liv hesitated and glanced around. She didn’t see anyone around, yet she wondered if they were hiding. She glanced at the crow out of her peripheral vision. This was not an ordinary raven; not in the way it spoke, used familiar and unfamiliar voices and now wanted a piece of her hair. That was a first to any curse or hex. Olivia pulled her hood up, then tucked her braid into the dress’ back to keep it out of her face. She pulled any loose strands out of her face.

Was this a familiar? She’d read about them but had never dared summon one. If so….

[color=8FBC8B]”We can chat, but you can’t have a piece of my hair.”[/color] She remained standing out of reach of the raven and cocked her head to one side. 

[color=8FBC8B]”What do you want my hair for, little raven? Do you know the word please?”[/color] Sarcasm melted into her voice, lukewarm, yet it remained.

[Color=violet]“I need. Your hair. To speak. Freely. [Color=8fbc8b][i]Please[/i][/color]”[/color] Eri added a harsh croak as if adding in an insult using another language. [Color=Violet]“I will return it. [Color=gold][i]I’ll do what I must[/i][/color].”[/color]

All the warning bells in Olivia’s head went off. She warily took a step back. [color=8FBC8B]“You cannot have a piece of my hair.”[/color] She looked at the raven sternly. [color=8FBC8B]“If you want to discuss anything with me, bring your witch with you next time.”[/color]

Liv looked around once more, decided they were alone, and then whispered under her breath, barely audibly: [color=8FBC8B]“Invisio.”[/color] From there, she vanished from view and stealthy made her way out of the garden, quietly as possible. 

Meanwhile Eri let loose croak, flapping her wings in irritation.

[Color=violet][i]I should have just plucked your eye out! You think I can't– ugh, forget it. I'll have my fun with someone else.[/i][/color]
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