Benzaiten

Pursuit of Power

_{collaboration with @Raylah}

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The brightly lit up garden filled with more and more people, dancing, drinking, wrapped up in conversation, simply enjoying themselves. The higher percentage of present Freyja slowly but surely got balanced by the continuously incoming guests from Luthra, Primfira and Earthica.

The arrival of the Mother and Father of Luthra was one that Eve must have missed, not paying so much attention to who was coming and going anymore as she got slightly more wrapped up with the person in front of her eyes. But the pair radiated with a certain feeling of trouble, and Eve's instincts guided her eyes towards them in the crowd, a little red light in the back of her head turned on, telling her to be aware of their presence. But this so-called party was guarded, she reminded herself, by Exodus warriors. Surely, they would be capable enough to keep all of their high status guests alive and well... But still, she would rather her own guards would show their faces - where were they anyway? What an absolute unprofessional behavior! You are very much supposed to keep me safe. How will you if you're not even present? She rambled in her head, cursing them and also herself for even wanting their protection, for feeling a little bit unsafe. But coming to the realization that technically Laurel was the one guard specifically assigned to her and that she also was still missing from the festival, she felt conflicted. Bad, because she would think of Laurel as unprofessional. Even worse, for wanting her friend to stand around in a safe distance and watch Eve enjoy herself, just so she wouldn't feel so uncomfortable around the Luthra people. And also a little bit upset, that she was not around yet. On the other hand... She did enjoy talking to Thyrri without anyone eavesdropping on her and standing by closely, ready to interrupt should they feel she was being threatened.

The next entrance caught her attention, a very pale being, white like the sheets - and Eve would not be surprised if they'd had been ghosts! - arrived with their head high. A woman that got introduced as the Princess of Primfira. Evangeline felt somehow curious about her, but only from safe distance. She would not want to be alone with her. Maybe it was a prejudice about her appearance? Or maybe it was an instinct about her personality? She could not tell at this point.

Her eyes fixated back onto Thyrri, who seemed to have noticed her being a bit absent, asking Eve if she was looking for someone specific. But the mention of a tournament about to begin distracted Eve immediately from any of her other thoughts. Her heart stopped for a short second, the pale skin on her face lost just a little bit more color.

"Tournament? What tournament?" How did she not know there was a tournament to be held? Was it some Exodus warriors fighting for their enjoyment? Were the son of Luthra and the two princesses about to fight for the hand of the Exodus princess? Evangeline's mind was racing with possibilities, both innocent as well as deadly. She did not like any of them, should they involve her participation. While her worries were big, it did not show on her face. Eve had never been the best at hiding her feelings, but this time, in an environment full of possible dangers and with Luthra being present, she was able to keep her expressions calm.

The Freyja woman suddenly slouched a bit, making herself appear smaller. A movement that the princess was all too aware of, having done it herself more than a thousand times when trying to avoid her parents or some guard that was sent out to look for her. Did that mean Thyrri was... hiding? Eve instinctively reached for her lower arm, fingers closing around it softly, gently, as though she was a paper doll Eve was afraid of squishing. "Are you okay?", she asked with slight, but undeniable concern in her voice. "Who are you hiding from? Do you want me to shield you?", she added with a small smirk, but the offer was serious.

Somehow she found a liking in the woman. Thyrri did not talk too fancily trying to impress someone, she did not seem to judge Eve's questionable attire, she wasn't all dressed up in sparkly clothes that must've cost a fortune, she was just so... refreshing.



Thyrri stopped to think for a second when Eve asked about the tournament. Having tried to avoid the palace as much as possible during the planning phase of the festival, she didn’t really have any detailed information about how exactly the entertainment is planned. She had only heard about the tournament in one of the taverns in the port when some of the men there regretted they could not participate and have a chance to win the prize money.

The princess seemed very interested in the tournament for some reason – Thyrri could only guess that she doesn’t want to miss a chance to see the best of the best fight for the glory in front of the cheering crowds. After all, she didn’t look like a typical princess, definitely not the ‘porcelain doll’ type. “To be honest, I don’t really know much about the tournament. Only that the best of the men, and maybe the women as well, what do I know, will fight to entertain the guests. The winnings seemed to be quite motivating,” Thyrri said with a sad smile. All too many times she had to stitch people up after these ‘friendly’ duels ‘to the first blood’. In the heat of the fight, warriors often tend to forget that they are not actually trying to kill their opponent.

She had to laugh when Eve offered to shield her. That was a great idea, hiding from the Exodus queen behind the back of the princess from Earthica. “I think I’m good, but thank you for your offer,” she replied, trying hard not to giggle. “I should warn you though, I am kind of a black sheep of the royal family, so being seen with me could cast some bad light on you.” Thyrri was smiling when she said that, but the warning was meant partially serious.



Upon hearing Thyrri's words about the tournament, Eve's mind settled. For the entertainment of the guests. Nothing that would involve her. She lost interest in the subject as quickly as she gained it, now knowing she would be safe from standing in the middle of the public's eye.

Her heart warmed as the lady giggled. Evangeline took great joy in making her laugh, her letting her guard down a little bit, loosening up. The festival seemed almost bearable at the very moment. She blushed a little bit as she noticed her fingers were still gently wrapped around Thyrri's arm, removing it hastily. "I always used to prefer black over white", she said cheekily. The little information about her being part of the royal family of Exodus got lost with her, not registering the full meaning of that just yet. "So, if I may ask, what is your occupation exactly? It is only fair of you to share that bit of information with me, considering that you have an advantage in knowing just what my occupation is."



Thyrri didn’t mind Evangeline touching her but she was probably right to withdraw as it might seem inappropriate to some of the other guests. The simple act of human touch was surprisingly pleasant. Thyrri didn’t even realize how lonely she was, especially ever since her father died. She lived in two worlds but didn’t belong in either of them. There was no one in the palace, that would be at least close to her idea of a ‘normal’ person. And making friends outside? They might greet her like one of her own, drink and chat with her, but she was still Exodus royalty, so everyone walked around her on tiptoes.

She frowned when Eve asked about her occupation. What exactly was her ‘occupation’? Such thought had never come into her mind. “Hmm, that’s an interesting question. I like to think of myself as a healer, and I often help out the local doctor or make house calls, but I wouldn’t exactly call it an occupation. I don’t really have many duties in the castle either, being only the king’s niece. So you could say that I am just wandering around, doing whatever I want to do, while trying to avoid arranged marriages.” Thyrri shook her head. Put like that, her life sounded pretty pathetic. And why was she even telling this to almost complete stranger? From another kingdom nonetheless. But there was something on the foreign princess that made Thyrri want to be friends with her.



The climate of their conversation had changed, Eve could feel it all too clearly. With the question she had asked, she had stepped into a more serious topic, without having expected it to be that. She could sense a sort of discomfort in the air, or maybe it was herself?, and she didn't really like it. Unknowingly the woman had given Evangeline more to think about than she had wished for. A terrifying realization clouded her mind, made her feel slightly sick to her stomach. But no, she would not panic until she knew for certain. It probably was a harmless misinterpretation of words.

"I am sorry if I went too far, I had not know this could be a sensitive topic. I have to apologize." She looked at her, searching her face for indications of disapproval about their current topic of conversation, trying to decipher her, and so she met with her eyes, and gorgeous eyes those were. "I did not know the Exodus royalty would enforce marriage upon their niece. I have to admit, I am not used to such arrangements. And I do not wish it upon anyone."

Her gaze dropped. For some reason she could not stand the idea of Thyrri being forced to do anything, let alone marriage. "May I ask, and I do realize I am overstepping boundaries greatly, whom would they want you to get married to? And what are your reasons for resistance?" Her eyes would look straight back at Thyrri's, now sparked with a deep curiosity, sparkling with something that Eve herself could not name. "Might it be that you're in love with someone else? Do you not desire a marriage altogether? Or perhaps... I mean maybe... you are waiting for the... right person?"

Eve suddenly felt stupid. Her questions were way out of line. She had overstepped a boundary, had taken an action which she could not undo, she had invaded her privacy, she had been disrespectful her mother surely would say. "Excuse me, Thyrri." She shook her head as her eyes dropped down, as if to scold herself. "I should not have let my senseless stupidity get the best of me, I mean no disrespect to you or your family."

But there was one more thing bugging her. "I shall pester you no longer, if you would just be so kind to answer one more question? Do you, by any chance, have another cousin, besides the lovely Aamaya whose presence I was so lucky to enjoy earlier?"



Thyrri watched Eve carefully when she talked, trying to guess her motives. Not many people ever dared to ask her such personal questions so confiding her private thoughts to other people wasn’t a thing she would be used to. Was the princess here as an innocent-looking spy, to find out weak spots in the royal family that Earthica could use later? They were after all a rival kingdom. Thyrri knew that there was a lot of envy and hatred in the relationships between Exodus and other countries. Even with Primfira, which could be called an ally, it was more about mutual benefits than friendship.

She had already told Eve more than she should have. Then why did she want to tell her more? Everything in Thyrri’s mind defied the idea of Evangeline having side motives to her questions. She looked so honest and truly interested on a personal level. A short sigh escaped Thyrri’s lips. How she hated these political machinations. ‘Well, I’m not a politic, I get to talk to whoever I want to about whatever I want to,’ she eventually decided.

Realizing Eve feels ashamed for having asked these questions, Thyrri smiled and put a hand on her shoulder trying to comfort her. “Don’t say such things. I am not offended, it is just that your questions put some things in perspective, which isn’t very… flattering to me. But that is none of your fault.”

Thyrri thought about how to explain the ‘marriage problem’ – she could say that the queen probably wants her to be someone else’s problem, which would be true, but certainly not appropriate. Or she could say that it is a common custom amongst Exodus higher classes, which would only be about half-true, since most young people got to choose who they wed, as long as the desired person was endorsed by their parents. She decided for something in between. “I have a… complicated relationship with the queen and she thought it would be best for me to get married to… let’s say settle down a bit. But I don’t want to get married just because someone told me to. I still hope I will find someone I actually want to be with. So yes, you can say I am waiting for the right person,” Thyrri grinned on how naive that sounded. “But you are a princess, don’t your parents want you to get married to one of your noblemen for some political alliance? If I may ask such question,” she quickly added, realizing now it was her, who is overstepping the boundaries, even more so as this was a princess, an heir to the throne of Earthica.

“And to your last question – princess Aamaya is my only cousin, as far as I know.”



Eve waited patiently as Thyrri hesitated and struggled to find a way to answer. She played with the glass in her hand, her glass already emptied out to the last drop. The idea of another drink, the burning sensation of the alcoholic beverage, the liquid courage in a glass, seemed so welcoming to her. But she knew she should not be drinking so much; the evening was still young and she had yet to face her parents and possibly go through a conversation or two with some other royal folks.

As Thyrri formed her answer, Eve couldn't help but feel compassion for the young woman. Evangeline knew that she was extremely lucky, her mother loved her dearly, although she would piss her off so many times, and she was not being forced into any sort of relationship she did not agree in having. To be fair, her parents did not force her to do much. They gave her a lot of freedom, her mother always supported her in most of the decisions she made, although they were never any kind of 'ladylike' or 'princessy'. She would be okay with her daughter wearing shorts and belly-free tops while roaming around the forests of Earthica, throwing knives and ignoring her duties. Of course there were things Evangeline had been made to do. But she could not complain about her loving mother, if she was honest. Given what Thyrri was saying about the queen, Eve questioned if the princess of Exodus was giving this festival out of free will. She was, and how she hated to admit that to herself, a spoiled brat. They might not have a lot of money in Earthica, but Eve had never missed out on a thing. And to thank her mother for all her love and understanding and her shoulder to cry on, she would misbehave in such an important matter as this festival, riot against the approriate attire, probably driving her mother insanely mad.

"I am so displeased to hear that", Eve stated again. Then she shook her head at Thyrri's question. "Well... Firstly, I would never marry any noblemen, for I am not interested in them. I feel much more drawn towards intriuging women. But no... My parents have not given any indication about wanting to marry me off for the sake of a political alliance. It has not striked my mind until just now since you mentioned it that this could be a possibility. My mother... I do not believe she would put me through that. I can not see her pushing me into such a state of unhappiness, I want to believe that it is not in her heart to hurt me like that." Evangeline's gaze softened, she felt sorrow with just the plain thought of her mother betraying her like that. No, she would never do that to her. "I do believe that my parents would be pleased should I choose to fight for the hand of the princess and perhaps even win it. It would be the right political move. But I feel as though my mother would want me to lead a happy life, more than a politically advantaging life. I mean, I hope so."

Evangeline thought about her own words for a short moment. Would it be so bad to marry the princess of Exodus? It would make her father proud, she would finally be worthy in his eyes. Where would she live then? Here? The picture of a fiery red haired, strong, independent woman crushed the thought quickly. What would Laurel think of her, should she choose to do what was politically correct for her kingdom? She would possibly have to abadon her, leave her behind in Earthica to rule Exodus with the princess. Or would Laurel come with her? Could she be so cruel to ask that of her? No... She couldn't. But could she be without her? No, Laurel has been her only friend for so long. Eve needed her, needed her advice and her kicks in the butt, her support and her strength. Who would run the kingdom after her parents, if she was to become the next Exodus queen?

Eve shook these thoughts away. They were not relevant right now, not needed to be dealt with. She would not marry the princess. She had already lost her. Aamaya was Thyrri's only cousin. Princess Aamaya, she said. Evangeline had talked to the princess of Exodus, the one person she was supposed to impress, supossed to bewicht, and she had already failed horribly. She had even made her run away from her within minutes. Oh dear lord, please do not let my parents find out. Eve did not even want to think about what consequences she would have to face, if her parents found out about her disrespectful, unacceptable behavior towards their host, who happed to be one of the most powerful people on this planet, the next ruler of the greatest kingdom. Having her dislike you could lead to serious political disadvantages. How could she have missed that this woman was the princess of Exodus?!

Her inner negative rambling was quickly interrupted when Laurel approached the two women, Eve's eyes lit up momentarily upon seeing her friend safely. And just then she realized that she had been worried about Laurel, not knowing whether the warrior had been alright or gotten into a fight or whatnot.

"Princess." Laurel addressed her formally, causing Evangeline to cringe slightly, but she did not let her deprecation show. The formality was necessary during the festival, she knew that. "I see you're getting into the spirit of things." Was that a glance of disapproval towards her drink...? Or was she interpreting it wrong?

"Laurel, it is so good to see you." A smile of shier relief appeared on Eve's lips.

"I apologise for interrupting, I had lost track of the Princess for a moment amongst all these visitors. I may be stating the obvious but I am her bodyguard for this event, Laurel-"

"-Mith?" An Exodus guard interrupted her friend, the smile on Evangeline's lips disappeared as quickly as it had formed. What was it about Exodus and interrupting people? She was about to scold the guard for their disrespectful behavior towards a fine Earthica warrior, and for being so bluntly stupid to interrupt a conversation the princess of Earthica was having, but she restrained herself.

The guard mentioned the tournament, which Evangeline had heard of only recently, stated that she had signed up for that part of the entertainment and basically pulled Laurel away from her, who didn't attempt to fight back and so Eve let her go. She watched as the guard and her friend disappeared in the fancy crowd.

"This is unbelievable", she mumbled to herself, then she would turn to face Thyrri again. "She will not get hurt in the tournament, will she?", Evangeline asked with a stern tone, for the first time sounding like a princess, demanding an answer as heavy disapproval swung within her voice. But right after the words had come out she sighed, dropped her worries and that princess act - being harsh to Thyrri would not change anything and it was wildly unfair.

"My apologies. I just can not stand such behavior. And what am I talking about - Laurel getting hurt? I should be much more concerned about her opponents coming out with all their limbs still attached." Yet, she did not believe her own words completely. Evangeline was concerned about her friend's well-being. The tournament would surely not be to death, that would not go well with the guests and would cause serious tension, which would easily erupt with all the different kingdoms being present. But she could possibly take away serious injuries. What a lucky coincidence, she thought, that she had just befriended a talented healer.

With Laurel being absent again, she got reminded of where their conversation had left off. Remembering that she had something on her chest, something she wanted to set right. "Thyrri.... I have to ask you a strange favor", the princess said in a more serious tone than known from her. "Can you lead me the way towards the carriages? There's something I dropped on the floor of mine that I have to get back, as soon as possible. I have to correct a mistake, will you help me?"

Pursuit of Power

@Aamaya I think that's the best option.

Pursuit of Power

@Aamaya You accidentally put Ultfic twice in the Earthica character section. Or did he get cloned? Cause that would surely make for some crazy scenes in the RP ;-)

Pursuit of Power

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_{Interactions: @Aamaya • @Raylah}

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Her eyes kept drifting over the masses of people in the stunning garden, sipping on her whiskey, feeling the burning the alcoholic beverage left in her throat and then the warmth in her chest as she swallowed it. She wasn't fully aware of who she was looking for in the crowd, but she was searching for something. Eve stopped her gaze from wandering along the guests for a moment, trying to understand what exactly she was even looking for. Her parents perhaps? The next get-together with her mother would not be pleasant, giving her current attire, that was for sure. But no, she wasn't looking out for the inevitable trouble she had gotten herself into. She didn't feel threatened or unsafe, meaning she would not be needing the presence of guards - mostly she hated being guarded. She felt like she was getting babysitted, spied on even, to make sure she does not do anything her mother would disapprove of.

It was Laurel she was looking for in the crowd, Eve then realized. Her heart skipped a beat as she thought about spotting the woman in the crowd, how she would be looking for Eve and how her face would lit up when she would find her. That is silly, she scolded herself. Laurel was not lighting up when she saw Eve. There was no reason for that either. They had been friends for years. You're being absolutely unreasonable. Eve banished Laurel's beautiful face from her inner eye; she could not be so trapped inside her fantasies right now.

Her eyes wandered over the woman next to her again, just as she was licking her upper lip and Eve noticed the slit in her tongue. Her eyes widened for just a tiny moment as she had never seen such a thing before. To be fairly honest, it made her feel a tad bit uncomfortable. It was something new, strange to her, and she would have to get used to it first. She didn't know if she ever would.

"Mm, I suppose you could say that." Her voice cut through the loud environment with ease. "Earthica, yes? I am Aamaya, what is your name?"

Aamaya... Why did it feel like that name should be giving Eve any sort of information? She tried to recollect her memory about a name such as Aamaya, but she could not entirely grasp what it was about that name that felt off to her. If it was of any importance, she was sure Aamaya would have added that bit of information as well. Eve tossed the feeling aside. "It's Eve", she answered shortly, still quiet overpowered by the view of the split tongue and a little insecure around the confidence of the woman.

Before she could add anything else, Aamaya would examine Evangeline's appearance. Eve felt a little bit uncomfortable being looked up and down like that, unsure of how a lady dressed in a million stars would react to her improper plain attire. To her very surprise the woman let out a soft, short giggle. And even more surprisingly so, it warmed Eve's heart a little, the corners of her mouth would lift slightly. "Your attire.. is very interesting. Most would dress to impress, but you dress for comfort. I like that."

Now it was the red haired woman that let a short giggle be heard. "I appreciate that. I have to admit, this is not quiet my scene." Eve gave Aamaya a soft, sincere smile.

She wanted to add how surprised she was by the approval of a lady in a such light reflecting, shiny gown, but stopped herself from any more words when Aamaya's eyes met directly with hers. It felt intimidating, it feel intimate and yet Eve could not draw her eyes from looking back into hers. Hazel eyes, gorgeously bright with a certain curiosity in them, she could spot the golden and blue bits in them, mesmerized by the beauty of the intertwined colors. The broken iris of her right eye looking like a delicate drop of rain dominated Eve's attention. She felt trapped under the gaze and, what concerned her the most, she didn't even mind.

The stranger's hand rose towards her face, touching a ginger strand of hair and playing with it between fingers shortly. A visible blush appeared on Eve's cheeks. She had never met such behavior before - but once again, she didn't even mind. Something about the way Aamaya's hazel eyes had looked at hers, and were now examining her red mane, was raw, honest and she felt like Aamaya too was making her self vulnerable as she proceeded in those somewhat intimate forms of interaction.

"I have always been so intrigued by Levonian hair, it is as if someone lit ice ablaze. Contrasting beautifully against your people's pale complexions. Your skin is so youthful, do you bathe in blood?" Firstly feeling flattered by her words, Eve soon showed a moment of shock on her expression as the traditional blood-bathing was mentioned. She had completely forgotten about the odd, barbaric ritual while engaging so inappropriately with Aamaya, who after all was still a stranger to her. Evangeline felt slightly angered, mostly disgusted, that the woman would suggest such a thing about her.

Just then Aamaya repositioned herself. Withdrawing her gaze from Evangeline, she cleared her throat, blinked a couple of times and lifted her chin up high as though being above Eve. The Earthica princess frowned at the sudden change of behavior; it left a strangely heavy feeling in her heart she knew too well from her father. It was disappointment. What had she done this time to bring someone so quickly to change their attitude towards her? The bubble she now realized she had been in had burst.

Evangeline observed the woman's facial expression closely, trying to get behind the thoughts and struggles of her. As the heavy feeling in her chest disappeared, only lasting for a mere second, she was able to see that Aamaya was indeed struggling with something, she believed her behavior to be an act, and her previous interactions with Eve to having been sincere and upright. The intriguing curiosity was no more.

"My most sincere apologies, I've just realized you're the Princess of Earthica yes? My mind is cloudy, I am unfamiliar with such diversity, it must have slipped my mind completely... I hate to abandon this conversation so early, but I have somewhere I must be." - "Wait, -" But she had already slipped away gracefully. Eve wanted to tell her that it was just fine, she could be herself, she wanted to reassure her that she was not offended by her intrusive actions. Rather, it was a welcoming breakout of the strict environment they found themselves in currently. But she had been left standing at the bar, looking into the crowd that the strange woman had disappeared into.

Evangeline leaned her whole weight against the counter of the bar. Recollecting her thoughts, trying to process what had just happened. Much time for that she did not have. “You have to excuse my cousin, she has worked very hard to make sure that every tiny aspect of the festival is perfect, and she is a bit exhausted. You must be princess Evangeline Townsend. Welcome to Exodus.”

Evangeline's eyes gazed over the woman, like they had gazed over Aamaya minutes ago. If she did not know anything about this woman, she knew she was gorgeously beautiful. The women of Exodus seemed to have a standard of looking appealing to one's eye. The stranger, someone from so far away, who she surely had never met before, knowing her name felt odd and almost intruding to her. She realized that the guests and possibly the servants of the festival had done their required research about the other royal families, even though she hadn't.

There were two other things she made a mental note of. First, Aamaya had worked on the festival, which must mean she was working for the royal family. And second, she had a cousin, who seemed to also be working for the royal family.

“My name is Thyrri. I hope you are enjoying the festival.”

Eve took a long sip of her whiskey, which was coming dangerously close to being empty, before she answered. "Thyrri, that's a beautiful name. I have not yet come to enjoy much of it, to be entirely honest with you. It has not been so long since my arrival and I have so far only had time to indulge in a short-lived conversation with your cousin Aamaya. And please, call me Eve." Evangeline searched for similar oddities in Thyrri's appearance as she had spotted in Aamaya's, but she could not find a broken iris nor did she see a slit in the tongue. She was glad about the latter. The bronze-skinned Freyja woman also did not give away such a pompous appearance as her cousin had done, with a way more casual look than Aamaya, but still much more graceful and appropriate than Evangeline, she found the right balance between elegant and functional to impress Eve. The Earthica princess was somewhat intrigued.

Pursuit of Power

<Snipped quote by KahleenCuthald>

I wouldnt be able to tell either, your English seems great to me.
Do you have any plot plans for Eve in mind?

@Raylah

Thank you! :)
No, I currently don't have any certain plans for her. Do you have plots plans already?

Pursuit of Power

I just want to say that English isn't my first language and while I'm constantly trying to improve my vocabulary, I'm not always successful, so some of the sentences might come off a bit weird. But I do welcome constructive criticism, so if you do come across something that feels strange or is plain wrong, feel free to let me know :)

@Raylah

Your English is really amazing. English is not my first language either and I'm almost certain my English sounds off and is sometimes plain wrong, but I am trying to improve it as well.

Also, I really enjoyed reading your post and am looking forward to getting to know more about Thyrri.

Vinehurst High

I'm tempted to join. @Metronome your character looks really good!

Pursuit of Power

@Silence Sounds Oh no. I am sorry. I hope she'll recover quickly. Wishing her all the best.

Pursuit of Power

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_{Interactions: @Aamaya}

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The glaring lights of the glorious palace of Exodus dazzled the princess, but she didn’t ward off her eyes. Like an infinite amount of flashing stars they burst through the darkness of the night and lit up the facade. The astonishing ornaments of the building, the many details of the elaborately attached decorations, the enormous grandeur of the gates rising in front of her. Never before had she seen such luxury, such extravagance, such haughtiness.

As she stood there looking up to these impossibly high spires, fighting a slight giddiness which spooked through her head, her thoughts traveled (for what might have been the thousands time) back to this morning.

The morning, gleefully warm and inviting, began dreadfully horribly. Woken from one of her maids, still sleepy and already discontented, the princess got directed to an early morning bath, which she should, on behest of the Queen, give more of an effort than usually – the result smelled of some combination of flowers that Eve would not recognize. Perhaps a little mint, too? Yes, surely. Eve smelled of mint and other greenery. Luckily enough with a lot of persuasion - and much nagging – she was able to convince the maids to only add the oil in the very last few minutes of her bath; and so it happened that she only distinctly smelled of that nonsense.

Evangeline used the time at the fireplace (wich she got instructed to sit in front to dry her hair) with reading. She was reading quiet a lot these days. Whenever she did not get the chance to go out and get dirty, gain scrapes or bloody knees, she sat somewhere and read a book, sinking deeply into another, far away world.

But as soon as her red hair had dried, the Queen pulled her out of her fantasy world. Time was limited, she said, Eve should go get ready, the dress should be looking good. “Dress?!”, Eve exclaimed with soft panic.

A beautifully dark green gown with golden leaves and flowers draped over the chest to flow down to the waist sat in her room waiting for her, the maids ready to assist with dressing – something Eve absolutely couldn’t stand. The Queen firmly admonished her daughter to wear the gorgeous dress; it was important to appear presentable. Reluctantly, with much indecent muttering, the dress got pulled over Evangeline's head. But the torture didn’t come to an end there. Already in the tight, waisted dress, that pushed up her bosom uncomfortably, she got forced into shoes with heels. It had been a real act to get her to keep them on; five times she successfully slipped them off and put on her boots beneath the long gown – but five times the Queen caught her and put an end to it.

As departure was getting closer, the worst and last evil fell upon the nagging princess. With many pins and mild force her hair got pulled into a position, that Evangeline considered absolutely unnatural. Her hair, magnificently yet decently flaunted, ached at every root. After the red mane was handled, the princess came to notice that she was not left alone for one second anymore. Apparently her mother had, out of worry her daughter would pull the pins out shortly before their departure, instructed the maids to look out for her and hinder her from any attempts of sabotage.

When the time came to get seated in the carriage, the Queen admonished her daughter one last time to behave morally und like a lady of her status. She recited once more about the importance of an alliance with the Exodus Kingdom and that the princess should be fully aware of the impact her manners would have. She knew Evangeline all too well.

So a little later the princess sat in the carriage, taking her further and further away from home, towards Exodus, with her personal guard and friend sitting across from her. Laurel first had declined to join her, but after Eve’s agonizing begging she had given in and was now seated in the same carriage on the same uneven road. Hours of driving passed by, yet no end in sight. The dress hugged her waist and bosom in too tightly for Evangeline’s liking, it was too ostentatious, she could not move freely, her feet cramped in these unfamiliar shoes, her hair pulled at the roots in a way that felt like it was trying to lengthen her skin.

About two hours before arrival, the princess freed herself from that prison. She kicked the shoes away, hectically stripped her dress off, which got entangled with the hairpins and pulled them out halfway. She flung the gown to the floor and loosened her hair, dropped the pins onto the garment, shook her head and sighed with relief when she felt the familiar, soothing feeling of her hair against her cheeks. Half naked she sat in front of Laurel before fishing out shorts, t-shirt and boots hidden underneath the seat and dressing herself in clothing of her choice.

The carriage of the princess arrived a few minutes before the royal pair’s. Laurel decided to use some time to scout the city; she believed that in an emergency it was important to know their surroundings, she felt safer that way. As did the princess. Eve was glad that she had Laurel to count on. She gave her a feeling of security.

As soon as her friend was gone, Eve set off towards the entrance of the castle. The pompous lights dazzled her as she got closer.

Upon her entering the building, with dubious looks two guards helped Evangeline find her way towards the feast. The palace on the inside, even though she had considered it barely possible, was even more extravagant and intimidating. As she now found herself guided to the festive garden it became undeniable: She did not like Exodus. Everything was so big, exaggerated, brightly lit, like a poster child, like a boastful announcement, it was loud, crowded, seeming arrogant and overweening.

Eyes followed the barely dressed lady in her muddy calf-high boots, the very short khaki pants and that red, simple t-shirt while she slinked off to find a less crowded spot, hoping to not be seen or, worse, talked to. And foremost hoping she could flee from her parents for a little while longer.

The odor in the garden produced a certain unrest in her stomach. It smelled of so many different fragrance oils, she could not make out one scent explicitly, of alcoholic beverages, hot food, warm bodies, blooming plants and something else…

When a cool, fresh breeze blew in her face her stomach was more than welcoming it. Her head tilted into the direction of the soothing feeling. Relieved she breathed in the air, repressed the smell of superimposed oil on warm skin and enjoyed the chill of the evening.

After just a short moment the smell came back to her, alcoholic drinks and intensive oils dominating Eve’s senses, convincing her to move towards the bar, with the bold hope a drink underneath her nose would overpower the aroma of the night. Her feet moved over the ground with ease and precision until she reached the destination. She raised a hand to gain the attention of the barkeeper. “Whiskey, please.” The princess rested her forearms on the counter, her back against the bar, and only then did she notice the person next to her. In a conspicuous, luxurious, very glittery dress, the long black hair braided, with noble headdress and multiple bracelets the lady stood next to her. Eve knew exactly who she was… very obviously a citizen of Exodus. How had she missed this dress before, everything sparkled so intrusively?! She thought herself to be more inattentive than was doing her good.

Eve looked at the woman, she let her eyes gaze over her bronze skin for a short moment and became uncomfortably aware of her own pale skin. Quickly she shook the upcoming unpleasant feelings away. She looked directly into the face of the stranger – was that a broken iris? – before averting her eyes as to not stare. "Also escaping the masses?", she asked rhetorically.

She let her gaze drift over the guests, searching for a familiar face, people from her kingdom – guards or her parents. Laurel wouldn’t be here.

Her drink came quickly and she gratefully accepted it, long swallows burned in her throat and she repressed a cough. The alcohol spread warmth within her chest, a pleasant feeling she welcomed. The drink was different from back home. Maybe it was purer? Or maybe it was the environment and it was all in her head?

Pursuit of Power

@Aamaya I technically have my introduction post done, but it needs approval from Silence as I've wanted to mention a few bits about the Queen in connection with Eve getting ready for the festival, because she would have never gotten ready on her own. So far I haven't heard back from her.