Deep breaths, Olivia! She reminded herself over and over again. She had been away from home before, she knew how to do this. But it was so different here, and she didn’t know anyone. She just had to calm her nerves, look for a friendly face, then everything would be okay, right? She didn’t recognize anyone though, not the people she saw in her short trek from her home. This garden was soothing, and she didn’t want to leave it, not yet. Or maybe she’d even find an excuse to return in?
No, that simply wouldn’t do. She had grown so much in the past few years, fostered her confidence just as Maribelle chided her to do, and worked to believe in herself. She possessed enough courage to explore, she just wanted to feel safer. Then she could venture away from the floral fragrances and shrine to natures beauty that helped her feel so at home among her internal chaos.
There to gently drag her from her own depths was a hand laid soft upon her shoulder. She didn’t even panic, just held her guard until she raised her gaze to the woman who had approached.
Oh. She was beautiful. She looked calm and kind, and radiated this aura about her that Olivia found drawing herself in. She spoke softly, and her voice too… it was so melodic… like Olivia was all she was concerned with in that moment. It took her a moment to remember to respond, so stunned by the true beauty that seemed to radiate from inside and out of the other woman.
“Oh um… yes. I am. I mean… yes, I am new here, I only arrived today, and it seems like such a beautiful place, but I am rather overwhelmed. So… I would love your company. I don’t want to just become a homebody and not experience anything.” There was a subtle resolve in her cerise gaze as she held the other woman’s. “My name is Olivia, by the way, I figure introductions might be necessary.” She laughed, and there was a hint of nerves, but it was a truly melodic little bubble of laughter beneath that.
As the woman fumbled around with her words, it became even clearer to Camilla that these circumstances were putting her under stress. Camilla’s caring demeanor dictated that she do whatever possible to abate those feelings in the other woman, Olivia, as she’d finally managed to utter. The princess provided a warmth and comfort to many throughout her life, and that fact wouldn’t change simply because she’d been brought into this strange new environment. “You’re quite right about introductions, Olivia. Where are my manners? Please, call me Camilla.”
“It’s only natural to worry a little bit in this situation. Sometimes in precarious circumstances it’s the very thing that keeps you safe, in fact.” She smiled softly as she spoke, hoping to reassure and calm Olivia as much as she possibly could. How very admirable it was that the woman was so determined not to lock herself indoors that she’d thrown herself headfirst into this environment while knowing so little about it. Camilla’s hand rose to gently meet her own cheek as she offered the due praise, holding Olivia’s gaze just the same to ensure it was clear she was serious. “It’s very impressive that you’ve come out here to experience this new realm despite feeling so overwhelmed.”
Camilla herself was a brand-new arrival as well, and despite her calm and collected composure, she too felt a bit overwhelmed. But she’d turned that energy straight into a resolve to get accustomed to Koi, starting first with the district in which she now lived. She’d been quite fortunate to encounter someone in her position — someone who seemed so kind and lovely, in fact. “Well, Olivia. I do know that the Chamomile District has quite the selection of things to do. Have you heard of Jazzmine Societea? I’m told it has delightful tea and a soothing atmosphere. It sounds just perfect for us as we settle in.”