First Time Scene: Conquering the Chrysalis
Rule: Share a scene (or write it) where one of your POV characters sees another for the first time!
Thanks again @thelimeonade for the tag! (Btw I like JUST realized the double meaning behind your url, very clever!)
I’m still trying to work out the details of how this will end up happening, but the way my MC meets the woman who only after like 150 years eventually becomes her best friend is a critical plot point. The following is by no means a final version of how this scene is going to play out, but I could use the practice so here goes nothing!
---oOo---
Papil spiraled.
Mom...
Choking back another sob she ran for her life. Ran down side passages and forgotten alleys through the heart of the capital, farther and farther away from the scorching inferno that was once her training center. Legs racing, heart racing faster, mind racing too fast—
“—Papil it’s over, they’re coming for you—”
“—Ketterpüll has fallen, we’re all doomed—”
“—meine Heiligen, die Katzesdotter—”
“—if they destroy the Chrysalis—”
“—trophy execution along with die Marienkäfermonarchin—”
“—rounding up all the books and burn—”
“—meine Heiligen, die Katzesdotter—”
“—Jaiet du Coeur died a hero’s death, you should be proud—”
“—but who will be our new Monarchin?—”
“Oh meine Heiligen, die Katzesdotter!”
The real life voice smashed through Papil’s spiraling mind and she stumbled out of her blind run.
“Please stop, I can help you!”
Gasping for breath, Papil skidded to a stop in the shadow of a seedy canvas overhang, the loose ends of her partially bound wraps fluttering down to her half-naked sides. With wild eyes she searched for the source of the voice.
A plump, olive-skinned young woman in a navy blue hijab hurried over to her from a side doorway. “Meine Heiligen, oh it really is you. Oh my dear, I’m so sorry—”
Papil’s gasps grew strangled. “Th—They’re come...they’re coming for...me...”
“Steady.” The woman placed her hands firmly on Papil’s shoulders, and despite her short-circuiting mind she felt herself calm somewhat. “My name is Marijam. I’m an archaeologist. You said the invaders are after you?”
Papil gulped and nodded.
“They’re after me too. Or at least, after my museum collection. I had to abandon it and I’m staying with my cousin until the fuss dies down.” Marijam sized her up. “You’re small, so we should be able to hide you away. And I’m sure we can get you a niqab just in case. Now come inside, quickly.”
Wary but too exhausted to care, Papil gratefully followed her inside.
---oOo---
Tagging @stephrawlingwrites, @eloquenceandemphasis, @that-chibi-writer, @prettylittlelyres, and @b-rainlet
