Battle Scars

Summer Court

Eve casually strolled through the street; the package Amren wanted her to give to Varian – even when she could've posted it- in her hands. She noticed the differences as she turned to yet another cobbled street. During the battle, amidst the chaos, blood, ash, gore and trying not to get killed, Eve hadn't admired the peaceful beauty Summer Court had to offer. Of course, the differences soon made the battle replay in her mind and she had to stop and take in a breath. She also realized to no small amount of horror that she stood in the exact same spot she had once saved a female. The scene in front of her blurred her vision white as she stumbled a bit and went to sit down on one of the benches placed for passer-by's. She sat there till her vision cleared. Pushing all thoughts to the back of the mind, she started making her way towards the castle again. God knows what memories waited to plague her there.

The guards stopped her from entering. "I am here to deliver a package from Amren to Prince Varian," she told them. One of them went inside, probably to ask and she waited, looking towards the sea. It had been a while since she had gone swimming.

"Last time one of the Night Court people visited, blood rubies were issued," one of the guards said, scowling at her. It seemed he held grudges. "Last time Night visited, it was to assist in a battle," she replied smoothly. The guard' jaw twitched but she continued, "though I am sure High Lord Tarquin forgave and rescinded the rubies and that no one here is eager to dwell in the past." The other guard gave her a nod, "I remember you. You fought in the war and the battle." Eve gulped but nodded nevertheless. "You aren't bad," he said and she shook her head, "thanks, I guess."

She was saved by Varian himself coming to greet her. "Eve, nice to see you," he said, smiling formally. She gave him one of her own, "you too. I am merely a messenger though; Amren sends her regards," she said slyly. The Prince's smile widened a bit at that and a spark entered his eyes. "Come in," he said and she followed, ignoring the scowl the bitter guard threw at her. She supposed his anger towards her was justified... even though she had no part in that.

"How is your tour going?" Varian asked as they made their way to the garden. "Good, this is the last place- after this I suppose I will have to go back," she sighed, suddenly sad at the prospect. "You don't seem happy at that," he observed. Eve shrugged, "it would've been nice to spend more time here." She replied honestly. "You are welcome for as long as you wish for, well, unless you start breaking the laws," he said. She chuckled at that, "I am not an aspiring criminal, thank you." Varian grinned at that.

******

Varian had insisted she could stay with them but she had declined, for, she did not wish to be a burden on them. Besides, she wanted to stay in inns and motels where she could feel a sense of normalcy- away from magic, wars and powerful beings. So, she had unpacked in an inn Varian had suggested and was now wandering through the streets when she saw a particular dress in lilac that stole her heart. She wasn't much for shopping but this dress demanded her attention.

'Gerald's boutique' the shop read and she had a vague memory of someone telling her to come. Shaking her head, she went in. "Hello, how can I help you?" a chirpy voice greeted her. "That dress," she said, pointing to the one on display, "is it for sale?" "Yes, would you like to try it?" Eve nodded. She was beyond happy when it fit, loving how it enunciated her curves and made her look beautiful. "I'll buy it," Eve said happily and the female smiled, happy to make a large sale.

Eve was about to hand in the money when someone shrieked, making her go defensive. She looked sideways to see a female whom she had seen before- during the battle, she belatedly realized. "It's you!" Then turning towards the female at the cashing counter she continued, "she was the one who saved my life that day." "Then you must let us give you this dress as a thank you," the cashier female replied. Eve shook her head, "I am paying." Before the female could argue, Eve took the bag and placed the money in her hand. "What's your name?" the female who had shrieked asked as the cashier one grumbled. "Eve." "Nice to meet you, I am Ava, this is my mother Ari. You remembered this shop!" Eve looked at her in confusion. "When the battle got over.... I helped you up..." Eve made an 'oh' shape as she recalled that memory. "To be honest, the whole thing is a blur for me," she said, awkward that she had forgotten that encounter but Ava waved her hand in dismissal.

******

"So, you are from Night," Ava asked. Eve nodded, swinging her bag with the dress. Ari and her had come to a deal that Eve would only pay 60% for the dress. "Yes." "How is it?" She fired.

Eve let her eyes glaze over as she launched into its description, already forging a new friendship in Summer Court. 

Happy reading :)

XOXO,

the amazing author