A / N: I just love doing this challenge, it mean a lot to me doing this and to thimg that even outside the OC is an amazing project
enjoy it!
Project title: Here for you
Description:
The problem
Rape, sexual violence and abuse are phenomena that affect women and girls in a general way; one in three has suffered it at some point in their life.
They happen every day around the world and everywhere: from university facilities to armed conflict, sexual assaults against women and girls are so many and so daily that they cannot be ignored or silenced.
It is emphasized that most sexual assaults are not committed by strangers in dark alleys, but rather that the executioner is someone the victim knows, or even a sentimental partner.
Eradicating violence against women involves obtaining consent in all situations, including in the field of marriage and long-term relationships.
Taking this into account, one of the groups that is most affected is low-income women, since rape is usually trivialized or allowed to go unpunished, giving rise to the normalization of sexual violence and the continued undervaluation of women and girls.
with limited resources.
The solution
Violence against women originates from inequality. Our work to promote global gender equality supports our efforts, which aim to bring justice to survivors and victims of sexual violence leaving the main solution in law that should prevent sexual violence and allow survivors access to justice when rape is perpetrated against them. The law and the justice system should protect all complainants in equal measure, no matter their gender, race, class, disability or any other socio-economic status it also remains in a social change, inform people and change their actions through different campaigns, inform victims of low resources of how the government would support them how to denounce and give them equal support through the legal process.
Objective:
The objective of this project is to ensure that women, especially those who do not have a solid economic stability, can be informed about the culture of rape, how to report and be heard, as well as find a way for the government to support them throughout the legal process, reduce impunity in cases of rape in illea and try to create social change through these small actions.
Execution and implementation.
Political context
advocating for strong laws and policies that protect women and girls from sexual violence;
Making sure that the justice system works, with proper investigation, prosecution, and punishment of offenders
promoting legal procedures that support survivors and prevent re-victimization
collaborating with partners to bring specific cases to national, regional and international courts in order to emphasize the universal nature of this abuse of human rights.
Social context
(This is also part of the social campaign)
Create a culture of convinced consent
Report the root causes
Redefine masculinity
Stop blaming the victims
Show zero tolerance
Delve into what the culture of rape means
Take an intersectoral approach
Know the history of the rape culture
Invest in women
Listen to the survivors
Don't laugh at the rape
Involve
End impunity
Be an active witness
Educating the next generation
Start or join the conversation
Timeline and Plan
July 5 to July 19, 2090
The project is presented to the illea government
January 1, 2091
The social project to support victims in the legal and political context against rape begins to be implemented directly with women from castes 5 and 6, while women belonging to castes 7 and 8 are gradually being introduced to a information process and analysis of their situations.
June 1, 2091
Social awareness campaigns begin in the southern provinces
Panama
Dominica
Honduragua
Paloma
Sanage
Zuni
Summer
Midston
Clermont
August 1, 2091
By this date the project continues to be developed in caste women 5 and 6, legal processes must be in the midst of its development.
November 1, 2091
After analyzing the results and statistics of the impact generated by the campaigns in June, the campaigns began in more provinces.
Carolina
Allens
Kent
Jack
Dakota
Belcourt
Likely
Angels
Femnley
January 1, 2092
The results of the legal processes carried out with caste 5 and 6 women are beginning to be seen, and the same legal and social support is being implemented for caste 7 women who join the project. Caste 8 women continue in processes of analysis in order to carry out a more effective process with them.
June 1, 2092
Social campaigns continue, their study continues to define the change and social impact they generate and spread throughout more provinces such as
Labrador
Lakedon
Hudson
Denbeigh
Calgary
Columbia
August 1, 2092
By this date, all the legal processes carried out with the first groups of women of castes 5 and 6 must have ended, a careful analysis of their effectiveness is generated, the support and intervention of the government in this, the process of the victims and their evolution throughout all this time, finally how the verdict affects his mental health, social integrity and how the project impacts all this.
November 1, 2092
social awareness campaigns become national in nature and all provinces have them and the processes with the first groups of caste women 7 are almost finished
February 1, 2093
The legal processes with caste 7 women are finalized, as happened with caste 5 and 6, these will be analyzed and the same information required with castes 5 and 6 will be obtained. Caste 8 women are implemented in the project
July 1, 2093
Emphasis is beginning to be placed on victims not only of low resources but also of minors from low castes who are victims of rape.
October 1, 2093
With the information obtained in the previous investigations, legal processes and government aid to rape victims of limited resources begin to improve.
February 1, 2094
The legal processes that began with the women's tasting groups 8 are terminated, completely including all women since caste 5 spends caste 8 in the project to support and help rape victims of low-income women and the investigation is terminated.
March 1, 2095
The best-known support organization for victims of rape (known as the OFVOR) is officially inaugurated as the one that aims to continue the project Here for you and help women of all castes, races and ages, seeking a goal of a continental size.
A / N: So I have to say that I loved this, I know it might sound ilogical when you read the fic date and the disaster it became but I think is quite interesting and captivating. Thanks to @arin-schreave for the rp
enjoy it!
word count: 2800
Beads of sweat ran down my face and unruly strands of hair positioned themselves on my face while I hit the boxing bag that was in front of me in the middle of that huge gym, each punch that I gave it generated an overwhelming echo that It wrapped around the entire gym.
One punch.
What was I doing in that palace? Was it really worth going through all this to fulfill my goal?
I stopped and took a deep breath.
Yes, it was worth it.
Another punch.
I had already gone through unpleasant experiences throughout my life, I had learned to grow from pain, I had learned to endure horrible things but this was so ... different.
Another punch.
Yes, different. Completely different. It was nothing like any of the things I had experienced but I was sure that among all those girls I was not the only one who should feel that way.
A growl came from my lips when I gave the last punch to that solid and hard punching bag.
I wasn't upset or sad, I wasn't happy or comfortable, but if there was one thing I could be sure of, it was that that indecipherable feeling was slowly taking over me the more time I spent in the palace.
With my teeth I pulled the velcro that was tightening the boxing glove to my right hand, I finished withdrawing the glove so that with my now free hand I removed the glove from the hand that was still inside the heavy and hard boxing glove, which eventually it would end up on the floor with his pair.
From one moment to the next my legs became weak and began to weaken, I destabilized and I had to look for the closest wall to lean on but still my legs felt so weak that I reached the point where I had to see myself sitting on the ground, I started to breathe desperately g because my body was clearly exhausted, I ran my hands through my hair trying to stay calm and realizing that it was not only that my body was exhausted, it was also my mind, my mind was definitely more exhausted than my body and I could undoubtedly attribute my hyperventilation to that, I could also attribute it that increasing pressure on my chest and the knot in my stomach that seemed like it would never go away.
I looked at my hands resigned and tried to control my breathing again, this time achieving a better result, being focused on something as trivial as my hands helped that everything that overwhelmed me came second and my mind even for a few seconds was in peace.
I took some strength and get up to go to my room in which my three maids were waiting for me with a huge smile on their face, the kind of smile that gave them away more than they thought.
"What's going on?" I asked as I entered the room and made my way to the bathroom to take a shower.
"Lady Nemesis, there's a note for you" Selene said while with her thin hands she held out a small piece of white paper on which was written the time and place where I should meet Arin clearly for our date.
Samantha as excited as Selene gave me a huge smile, it almost seemed like one of them was going to have the date with the prince, but Selene and Samantha's smile faded when they realized that I was the one in that room less excited about going on a date with Arin.
"Lady Nemesis you are not happy?" Samantha asked as she tilted her head and looked at me trying to hide her amazement.
"I am not a fan of dating" I said as I entered the bathroom and the door closed with some force, when I left my three maids they did not take long to fix me for the date, by far it was noted that Selene and Samntha were giving their best while I was groomed and that Giselle was simply doing her job.
When they finished I looked at the clock and realized that it wasn't long before my date started so I left the room, I made my little tour to find myself in front of the library doors where I would meet Arin.
I was totally honest when I said that I am not a fan of dating, in my opinion things had to arise spontaneously and flow over time, the fact of having a date forced all the environment to turn into something romantic or in search of it, a date was not the same as meeting someone by chance or hanging out with friends, a date was almost synonymous with a small nightmare.
Even with this in mind, I had to do my best to make that date as bearable as possible, so without hesitation, I opened the doors of the library, my eyes immediately fell on the male figure that was sitting on a sofa in front of a desk full of papers. Arin was so engrossed in reading and taking notes that he didn't even notice when II entered the library.
"Nice date, I'm supposed to read all those papers too?" I said trying to lighten the mood in an attempt of joke, having said that I approache to Arin and inevitably looked askance at the papers that were scattered all over the table, I was once again a direct victim of my great curiosity and instinct to search.
He raised his head to see me and began to try to gather his work and organize it in a somewhat desperate way, it had become more than clear that I interrupted his work "No, they're just for me, Lady Nemesis" said those words he denied with his head.
I was slightly uncomfortable cause he took what I said very seriously but I gnored the feeling and sat next to him without waiting for any kind of signal to do it, even if it became inappropriate I felt completely confident "Just nemesis" I said directly, it was clear that the formalities were over "you're in the middle of a selection and you still working instead of ... I don't know go knowing the next queen of illea" I rolled my eyes, but a smile peeked into my face, although my words were sincere I tried to put a little mockery and fun on the subject.
When Arin finally arranged his papers and put them in a folder he put aside, he responded to my statement with a simple and dry "Yes" nodded and continued "It's my job."
And?...
I have to admit that the abruptness of his words bothered me slightly, but even before entering the library I made a promise to do my best and I wasn't going to break it.
"I know is your job" I said followed by a sigh that could show a little how his words had bothered me "but c'mon there's more out there than those papers" these words came out with more joviality and I looked at the folder in the one where the papers were "at least you like it?" I raised one of my eyebrows and prepared myself to wait for his response, something within me wished that the reason why he was so attached to his work was because he was passionate about it.
He frowned and again dry words came out of his mouth "Well, the papers won't do themselves and it's my job."
And?...
I have to admit that the abruptness of his words bothered me slightly, but even before entering the library I made a promise to do my best and I wasn't going to break it.
"I know is your job" I said followed by a sigh that could show a little how his words had bothered me "but c'mon there's more out there than those papers" these words came out with more joviality and I looked at the folder in the one where the papers were "at least you like it?" I raised one of my eyebrows and waited for his response, something within me wished that the reason why he was so attached to his work was because he was passionate about it.
He frowned and again dry words came out of his mouth "Well, the papers won't do themselves and it's my job."
"You keep saying the obvious" I looked him up and down analyzing his expressions, but basically nothing changed, his face had the same expression "and that doesn't answer my question" I looked him in the eyes, I needed to look him in the eyes because if his face didn't express anything I wanted to think at least his eyes would do it. "at least you like it?" This time I made sure to emphasize the question more, although I had always been curious, definitely in those few minutes this question was taking over my head.
Arin let out a breath, which was a red flag for me since he was basically telling me with his body language that he had been bothered by my question "This isn't something you like or dislike. It's just something you do."
I was silent for a few seconds, sometimes simply not giving an answer was in itself giving an answer and that was what Arin had done, with those words he made things clear to me.
Something of that statement made me feel disappointed, throughout my life I had learned that although people defined my work as something atrocious, cruel, inhuman, wild and a lot of other things, I did it because I was passionate about it because I knew that I had value and because I would never dedicate my life to do something that doesn't give me pleasure.
"So you don't like it that much" I let out a sarcastic laugh because although deep inside I felt a little sorry, I was aware of the situation in which he was "let me tell you it is something you should like, you're supposed to do this a long time "I shrugged" same thoughts about the selection? Is the selection something you just do? " This was a question that had been around my head for a long time, due to the simple fact that rumors fly and I was able to assure that not only in the palace but in all Illea it was believed that Arin was unhappy with the selection.
He narrowed his eyes at me. second sign that I had bothered him "I didn't say I don't like what I do so it's not fair to assume. The same goes for the Selection, which is not my priority when compared to running a country."
I think it was obvious to anyone that there are quite strong priorities in the life of royals and ruling a country had to always be at number one, but the selection was also an important part of his life at that time and it was not fair to belittle it that way.
"I asked, you didn't answer, I assume. It's exactly what everyone would do" I shrugged as if it didn't matter and it was true, I was just following the cognitive process of anyone with common sense "well it's nice running your country is your priority but at least be sure you're doing it well " the last statement came out abruptly, but I felt it was something I had to say, if Arin really did her job I would not be there at the palace in the middle of the selection, even if he was not aware of it things would be different if he did his job a little differently.
"I told you, there's not an answer to that question." he just huffed "I be doing a whole lot better if I wasn't having strangers criticize my every move"
Okay. From a distance you could see that both Arin and I were in the middle of an uncomfortable situation, we were both upset and although he did not let him see as much as I did, there was no doubt that this had become an argument.
And if there was one thing I had learned, it was never to be hold myself in an argument.
"Of course there's and answer but whatever" I gave him look full of pity "you're the prince, you're in the public eye so there's going to be strangers criticizing every move you do the whole time, take my last statement as a free test also ... you should take criticize in a good way you can learn something about it "I relaxed in the seat and closed my eyes to think carefully about my next words "and if you're referring to the selection let me tell you that nobody make you broke up your engagement "I said in asassy but confident way, I was sure that that had to be a sensitive point.
Silence.
Arin stared at me for a few minutes until fhe inally spoke "You are here as a guest and I would appreciate if you didn't speak about things you know nothing about- especially my engagement."
"Yeah you're right I'm here as a guest and you clearly don't have any idea of how to treat your guests" I smiled in a friendly way but by the context in which we found ourselves it was obvious that that was not the intention of my smile "did I touch a sensitive spot?" i narrowed my eyes "sorry" I said in the most hypocritical way "but if you don't want me to talk about things" I know nothing about "" I did quotation marks with my fingers "tell me what do you want to talk about ? " again my last question was loaded with sarcasm.
At this point I had already been strongly carried away by my feelings and there was no going back.
Arin listened to me and his face began to express annoyance and a hint of anger, at least the boy could express much more than seriousness. He took a moment clearly trying to regain his composure "We're supposed to play a game and I'd like to get to it. We don't need to talk."
Supposed to ...
"We're supposed to ...?" I muttered to myself and I came out of my thoughts to see him "Wait a minute before doing everything" I was silent wondering if it was really worth asking "are you doing this because you have to? as a duty?" my nose wrinkled slightly
He stiffened at my suggestion. I didn't have to say anything I already knew the answer "Each of the remaining Selected are having dates"
Yes, I knew that, but the fact that he saw this date as an obligation was ... unpleasant?
"I know you're not a big fan of assumptions but that sounds like you're doing this because you have to" giggle and look him in the eye "is it right?"
"Does it matter ?. Are we going to play a game or not? Because is not I have work I can get back to"
That was definitely the drop that spilled the glass.
I don't know if it was the fact that he played down the fact that feeling like I was there out of obligation was bullshit or that he was conditioning myself or that he was minimizing and belittling the date.
"It does matter but I guess that's too hard for your understanding" I wasn't willing to force him to be with me, I didn't want to be a part of just doing his duty "Actually that was exactly what I was going to say" I got up and passed hands on my dress "no, we're not playing any shitty and useless game, you can go back to your boring work right now" I started walking towards the doors that had welcomed me a few minutes ago "I 'm so sorry this date stopped you from doing your labor of leading this country "talk to sarcamso and anger, I needed to let it all out. "I'm not here to make you do things you don't want, like going to dates and talking to people you don't want to" I turned around and gave him a cold look "so I'm here if you genuinely feel like talking but unlike you I don't do things I don't like "from one moment to another something was talking about me and I gave him a sincere smile, I shook my head disappointed, I had no expectations of this date and even so it managed to leave me disappointed "have fun with the papers"
I left the library without looking back, I was not willing to continue on that date, it was not my intention to make him spend time with me out of obligation or duty and if his time could be better used, then so be it.
A / N: No excuses I know is late but... translating a whole fic is a nightmare, thanks to @lady-indiana for the rp and the amazing opportunity to know her character, also thanks to @arin-schreave for the interesting interview.
enjoy it!
word count: 4523
The only thing that surrounded me was darkness, the pain in my chest was unbearable, I struggled, screamed and fought desperately trying to get rid of the grip of those hands that pressed on my neck leaving me breathless and ending with any trace of life that was left , I knew that none of my efforts or attempts to get rid of those hands would work, it was clear I just had to ...
wake.
I woke up suddenly, disoriented, airless and scared, in the middle of that huge bed witness of my night torments, I carefully ran my hands down my neck making sure that all that had
Three taps on my door startled me a little even when I already knew what it meant, my door opened and the three beautiful women who worked for the palace entered my room.
"Lady Nemesis are you alright?" Asked the girl with black hair and eyes named Selene, one of my maids.
I looked down at my hands and took a deep breath before I nodded affirmatively at her as a response.
"Lady Nemesis we have to prepare you for today, it's a special occasion" a dreamy sigh came from the lips of Samantha who looked at me with illusion, her eyes radiated joy, I could clearly notice that she was too excited about it, Giselle otherwise just nodded at Samantha's comment.
"It has nothing about special" I said honestly as I got out of bed and walked in the direction of the bathroom to take a shower.
I came out wrapped in a towel and the three girls started working on my makeup, hair and clothes, a whole process that I didn't think was as long or as elaborate, but in the end it was much more complex than I thought, the three of them walked around me applying products on my face, brushing my hair and choosing my wardrobe, but at leats that complicated process gave its results because when I saw myself in the mirror I was undoubtedly surprised.
One of the few things that worried me was that they would try to gradually turn me into a princess, but my maids were right with their decisions, the girl in the reflection was me.
&
I opened the doors of the room wide, I arrived a few minutes after the others selected but it was something that didn't matter, I took me few seconds to see the room in detail and scan the whole place with my eyes, without a doubt I was beautifully decorated tall windows to let in the bright sunlight, carefully crafted pictures, huge chandeliers, and a whole host of other things that made the dining room look like something out of a movie but the truth is that how the palace looked was my least concern, there were several tables arranged in the room, so I walked with a sure step to the seat that had surely been assigned to me. It didn't cost me much to find it. It was in the middle of the filmmaker girl and the nature girl, little did I knew about the selecteds and little did I wanted to know since I didn't need them to do my job.
The murmur of the voices of the selecteds was silenced at the moment the princess safiya entered the room denoting a certain air of elegance and security, she offered a smile in a polite way while standing in the middle of the room with a clipboard in front with both hands "Good morning. I'm sure you're all ... eager to start seeing as you're meeting my brother shortly, so I'll try to keep this brief." An ironic smile formed on my face when I listened to Safiya, she could not be wrong if she was talking about the other girls, but I was sure that meeting the prince didnt make me eager in any way, assuming how we felt was a big mistake . Safiya continued, lifted the clipboard to scan what was on there "Normally, someone else would be leading these lessons, but I was asked to be a replacement. Let's begin."
I sighed lightly exasperated, aware of what was coming.
Let's start with this little nightmare called etiquette lessons.
Safiya began to read the script she was holding "I hope you all had a restful first night in the palace because now our work begins. Today I will ..."
Bla bla bla I stop paying attention to Safiya's words a few seconds after she had started, everything was so boring and irrelevant, royalty was definitely ridiculous in a undescriptible sense and nobody could deny it, so I would rather concentrate on reading the body language of the selected that surrounded me, although that it was not a very funny action I can assure that it was better than listening to the stupidities of how to behave around people who in the end turned out to be the same as anyone, but the presence of someone new in the room distracted my attention of analyzing work.
Felicity was there with all of us in the room, in front of me was the protagonist of Arin's "drama", the face that is and was the cover of numerous magazines, that of which whispers were still heard in the hallway, in front of us and looking at us with her brown eyes was the prince's ex-fiancée.
Safiya was probably just as surprised as everyone but began to exchange whispers with Felicity, not giving much importance to the presence of 35 girls around her.
"My sister sent someone to replace her. Lucky for us" she said muttered before looking at her clipboard to continue with the boring lesson.
The only thing that crossed my mind in the middle of the whole lesson was how irrelevant this really was, how it was possible that sitting or eating at the table was much more important than teaching the selecteds something they really needed, the etiquette lessons were the perfect definition of wasting time.
I was so absorbed in my thoughts that I didn't pay attention to absolutely anything again, the last thing I heard and that for me was the sign that the lessons were already over was the hypocritical "and don't forget I'm here to help you" of felicity, unfortunately it didn't sound very sincere to me or to anyone who had the slightest use of reason.
&
It didn't take long for me to be guided to a nearby room, a beautiful room but in which I could only look at the enormous number of cameras willing to judge and analyze all kinds of interaction between Arin and me, at the end of the day the country had to get a little distracted and what better way to do it than by showing them closely the selection process that was basically a reality show.
After seeing the cameras I out my eyes in the prince, the one I had seen countless times. When I got close the first thing Arin did was direct his eyes to the name tag that I was wearing and he started to greet me "Good morning, Lady Nemesis, please have a seat" with his right hand he gestured towards the sofa.
Without hesitation, I sat down and directed my gaze at the guy in front of me "Good morning ... Arin? Prince arin? Your highness?" I answered his greeting politely, but the other words came out of my mouth with a large dose of sarcasm "How do you want me to call you?" I gave him a fake little smile with this last question.
He sat next to me and shifted his body to face me "Whatever makes you most comfortable is fine with me." In that case Arin would be. He pulled at his cuffs which to me was a desperate way of showing that he was relaxed when he was clearly tense "How has your morning been?"
I frowned at his question "My morning ?, Do you really want to know or this is just a protocol you have to follow with all the girls?" I spoke without holding what I thought, his question sounded forced and prepared as if it were predetermined, many people could take it as something common and an act of good education but I noticed instantly that it was not just that. I stopped for a moment and looked him in the eyes filled with an insatiable curiosity "but most interesting how is your morning going?" I rested my head on my right hand waiting for his answer, I was sure that interviewing 35 girls among whom your future wife was probably, was something that should make your morning different and interesting.
Arin looked at me and blinked slightly surprised but a smile formed on her lips, a smile that seemed genuine "My morning is going well, thank you. Did you sleep well?"
A little chill ran through my entire body as I remembered the nightmare I had "No, despite the big room and the amazing beed this place is not as comfortable as it seems" I was partially honest it wasn't just about being uncomfortable in the palace, It was about those nightmares that had been making my nights difficult for a long time. I ran my hands over my dress and looked at it.
"I'm sorry to hear that" no you don't. Arin frowned and looked at the cameras (which I had forgotten about for a moment) before looking at me again "Which province are you from?"
I thought about it for a few seconds, it was almost as if I had been left blank by that easy question "Columbia ..." I replied skeptically.
He simply nodded and continued, "How are you liking Angeles in comparison?".
What kind of questions were those, boring, monotonous and above all, empty, I had noticed at first but now it almost seemed really like Arin had prepared a script. I sighed and a small smile formed at the corner of my lips "Arin ... do you really want to know all this crap?" I looked him in the eyes clearly surprised "are you supposed to meet your wife this way?" I pointed to the cameras that were recording each of our movements, making reference to the fact that it was the emptiest way of meeting what was supposed to be his future wife, I lowered my hand and settled it on my lap, but now it was my eyes that talked and said that I was outraged "believe I'm enjoying this as much as you do"
He shifted uncomfortably "I'm sorry, Lady Nemesis. What do you prefer to talk about?"
I probably just bothered Arin but I wasn't going to keep quiet about something I didn't feel was right or made me feel even a little uncomfortable, yet he didn't have to bear the blame for it completely "Don't be sorry about anything " I looked at the ceiling as if somehow magically this would help me find the words I was looking for" I want to know about you, I like believe there's something else in there ... a human being "and although the last thing I said sounded a bit rude , I really meant it. I relaxed on the sofa couch, I spread my legs a little and decided to forget about everything they told me in the etiquette lessons they gave us about an hour ago "what makes you you?"
He was really puzzled by my question and frowned more in confusion "You already know the most important things about me. I know hardly anything about you."
He had not understood.
"No, I don't" I wrinkled my nose, now I was the one who was surprised. I was little interested in what the magazines or television said, I knew that everything was exaggerated or lacking of truthfulness but he was not willing to show me much beyond that ... not now. "the same things you know about me are the same things I know about, but I get it I went too deep to be the first time i know you" What was on that sheet of paper in which I applied to the selection said exactly the same real information that I knew about Arin, even less, so in the end he could knew more about me than I did about him. I Looked at my nails as an instinct for evasion and muttered "it's a bad habit" used all my life to find information about people, to read them, to know them was something I had gotten used to.
Arin paused, clearly thinking of what to say "Well, the best way to get to know me is with question ..." yes and no ... he paused again and blurted out the next question "What do you do in your province? "
I put my index fingers in the middle of my hesitating lips, that was the kind of generic question that for many people would be easy to answer, but for me it was the kind of question I preferred to avoid, so I chose to be partially honest again. "mmm just some dirty work" run my hand through my hair carefully so as not to ruin my maids work "what do you do here in angeles?"
He sat up a bit more straight, you could still see from far that he was tense and that the scene of the interview made him feel everything except comfortable "I mostly attend meeting. I don't have time for much else."
"I think this selection came in the perfect moment to spicy your life a bit" flicked my tongue and look around "I'm sure it's time to break that comfort zone a bit" ... and it was true, things happen in a perfect way and at a perfect time and this selection was what Arin without being very aware of it needed in his life, Arin needed a change of this measure in his life.
He nodded at my words "Maybe it did come at a good time." He looked at his watch and then he looked at me, which for me was the clearest sign that the little time we had at our disposal had ended "It's been a pleasure, Lady Nemesis" He stood "I hope you enjoy your stay in the palace. "
I got up from the sofa and went to the door of the room but before I left I turned around and saw Arin standing there with an expression difficult to read "Good luck with ..." I looked around and a big smile formed on my lips "whatever this is".
I turned around and felt his gaze on me, until the door closed behind me and welcomed me back to the wonderful dining room where those finely decorated tables were positioned, with flowers, silverware and full of selecteds that exchanged words between them and filled the room with a soft murmur from which I couldn't escape.
As breakfast was a buffet, I prepared to take the food I wanted, a little bread, fruit, coffee and anything that looked delicious was on my plate, took the seat assigned to me and prepared myself to eat until that something slightly distracted my attention, on my right side filmmaker girl sat where it belonged and when I tried to continue with my breakfast a word came from her lips.
"hi!" She greeted with great enthusiasm a broad smile directed at me.
I turned my head and looked at her curiously because I didn't consider such a sudden approach normal "hi ...?" I took deep breath as a way to relax a little bit as I felt slightly tense "mmmm you are the filmmaker girl, right?"
My words seemed to annoyed or overwhelmed her as her smile narrowed a bit and she looked taken back "Yeah, that's me. You're ... Nemesis ... right?".
"Yeah that's me" I held out my hand to her politely introducing myself "filmmaker girl is not such a nice way to call you, your name is ...?" I looked her straight in the eyes waiting for her answer.
She took my hand without hesitating, not even a second. "I'm Indiana, but you can call me Indie. It's nice to meet you too." Her gaze fell on the other four tables in the room "This is pretty wild, right?".
If i was being able to have the freedom to call her by her nick name, she also deserved the possibility of calling me by mine "If that's the case you can call me Mess" my gaze followed hers and I took the trouble to see all the girls in the room again "it doesn't impress me, just a bunch of girls desperate to fit in the royalty" I looked at my nails for a few seconds and then I looked at indie "I guess that doesn't sounds nice, tell me indie what do you want in here? " the curiosity of knowing why she was there in the palace and in the middle of a selection was something that gave me some curiosity and I wasn't going to deny myself the opportunity to find it out.
A small spark of amusment could be saw in her eyes combining with intrigue for what I said earlier "Well, I guess I came to look for ... love."She shooked her head and her words began to slair faster "I don't know, that probably sounds cheesy. But, really, I want to make a change in this world, for the better. And the way to do that is by being here. I don't ... I've never really had a family or anyone really close to me. So, if love happens along the way ... " I listened carefully to every word that came out of her mouth . Indie shrugged with a laugh that seemed almost like she was trying to soften her words "That would be nice." she squinted her nose and her smile took a playfully touch "And how about you? You aren't impressed by the girls here, so what sets you apart?"
She definitely sounded cheesy, but with her words were honest and I really aprecciate that.
"I have to admit that sounds cheesy" At that time I was the one with the playful smile "but it's a good reason" The following was said in a lower and calm voice "oh ... indie don't take me wrong, is not that I'm not impressed by the girls even though is true, is just that this situation as unusual as it is, it doesn't really impressed me " I fixed my hair and put it on my shoulders with great care" I ' m not different to any of these girls, at the end nothing sets apart of them "I giggled because it was ironically true" look at me, I'm here with a dress trying to fit into the royalty "And finally I cringed resigned shoulders.
"I suppose we are all trying to fit in, huh? It is pretty ... intimidating."
"Mmmm I would not say intimidating, I think is more ... fascinating, is watching the human being adapt itself, we were made for this" I started to play with the fork almost unconsciously and let the little emetal utensil slide through my hand "but if it doesn't bother you let's stop talking about this whole situation tell me more about you" keep talking about the selection the only thing that would cause would be something inside me to shake. I put my head aside and gave way to my next question "what filmmaking provides you that makes you love it that much?"
She widenned her eyes again by the directness of my statement, but still smiling, also she looked slightly impressed by my forwardness "Um, it's not a problem. "Filmmaking ... filmmaking is everything to me. I mean without it, I certainly wouldn't be sitting here right now."
"Let me tell you that that is a really strong statement, I guess it provides you more than what you can express"
Indie nodded when she listened to my statemente and I realized I hit the right spot.
That feeling, that passion that indie felt for filmaking was something that I fully understood but on my scale. For a few seconds I was aware of my actions and stopped my tinkering with the fork, if safiya saw me I would definitely be report and ... some nonsense that would make me uncomfortable and angry in the end would happen "is just the start of this ... thing and I 'm already making mistakes " the stress was noticeable in my voice "please tell me I'm not the only one hating this manners things "
"Trust me, you aren't the only one. The only reason I have any idea about what I'm doing right now is because when I got sponsored to a three, my sponsors forced me to take etiquette lessons. Not nearly as intense as these, but still ... " Indie rolled her eyes, a funny expression but that graphically couldn't describe better how I felt about the manners "they are a pain to learn. And to do. "
when I got sponsored ... were words that stuck in my memory.
"I'm not sorry for what I'm going to say but etiquette lessons are useless, they're just made to please others" I sighed annoyed remembering this morning's lesson, but the fact that I could speak it and say it out loud to someone was as if a weight was taken from me, it was something I needed to say before explote at a bad time "the crown should have more important thing to focuse on it, so I agree they are absolutely a pain to learn and to do "
I flicked my tongue and blurted out another question, I wasn't to be left with the doubt "you were a four?
"Well ... actually I was a six. And then I got sponsored to a three. Now I'm a two."
oh ... wait ... a six?.
"Well ... that's a pretty big change" It didn't bother me showing that I was impressed and I was sure that adjusting to such a change shouldn't be easy for absolutely anyone, including her "I guess it has been a good one, surely you have a good perspective of life ".
She nodded a little "It sure has been an interesting life." The curiosity was more than clear in her voice and in her face "Anyways, how about you? What do you do?".
The question.
Again.
I gave indie a smile full of confidence and it was that my next words were not a lie, what I was going to say was a honest and right "what do I do?" I sighed "I'm sure that's something you don't want to know ... or anyone and if you need some piece of advice is better if you stops asking" my smile took a friendly air at the end.
What I do was not only difficult to explain, it's also private and saying it could get me in trouble at the palace.
She squinted playfully, It wasn't the reaction I expected, I expected ... something different, but I liked her reaction "Oh, now I'm definitely intrigued. After all, a character that doesn't reveal their backstory at first, always has the best one. "
That was definetly a very good way to see it.
"You may be right but at the end we would never know" I raised an eyebrow and what came out was not exactly a question "first impression about him"
"Well, he seems a little ... hesitant. But, very kind. He was for me, anyway. What about you?"
"Mmmm I don't know, it was interesting ... you know?" I looked at indie because in my head there were a million thoughts and ideas fluttering ithat I needed to organize before continuing to speak "it's like he's trying to hide himself" I took a sip of juice and shrugged "or maybe I I'm overthinking it and is just how he is "
"I kind of got the same vibe. He seemed nervous, I guess. Polite and everything, but it'll be nice to get to know him better. It's hard to know someone after one short conversation."
"He presented himself as how he is for the public, for the cameras, and everyone knows that's just a mask, you're right when you say is hard to know someone after one short conversation but is enough to get a good taste of who is going to be around you" Arin had shown himself to me as he was on TV or in a magazine and deep down I knew there was much more than that. I bit a strawberry and gave myself a chance to enjoy its flavor. "I guess I'm talking too much"
"No! Don't say that! It has been fun talking to you. And anyways, this conversation has been somewhat short, and I already think we should be friends." She smiled but... did she say we should be friends?
"Wow" I looked at her and showed her that her proposal had been impressive for me. I wasn't used to being offered a friendship in such a short time and much less in the middle of what was a competition "friends?". I cleared my throat and looked at her making sure she was serious "Don't get me wrong but you are conscious of what you are saying?"
Her gaze dropped to her hands and she was slightly confused but dispite the confusion and negative impact my words could create she smiled "I mean ... we don't have to be ... if you don't want to. You seem nice though, and you are very intriguing to me." She squitend playfully "Why? Is there a reason we shouldn't? After all, you wouldn't even tell me what you do for a living."
Plus that, having a friendship was having to eventually open with her, let her know a little more about me and if things went well in the end she would end up finding out about my work, something that I supposed a person like her would not like it much.
"I'm not saying that we shouldn't be friends" I said giving her a questioning look "I'm just impressed, nice is not a word with people usually describe me" I raised one of my eyebrows and smirked "there's a lot of reasons but that's up to you "In my consciousness it was clear that I had made the necessary warnings.
"Well then, we should be friends." She nodded reassuringly.
It was clear that she didn't take a minute to think about her answer, but it was better that way, it was better if she let herself go.
"Feeling risky today?" I reached out my hand again but this time representing that we were closing some kind of deal "I like that".
Indie shaked my hand with a chuckle. She had accepted "I'll admit that you are slightly terrifying, but I don't think you give yourself enough credit. It's refreshing, and you are nice."
"Slightly terrifying, refreshing and nice" I muttered to myself, I laughed and nodded a little, I liked the terms she used, the perception that indie had of me was different and I liked that "you girl are filling me of curiosity, I'm dying to see how this thing goes. " I looked at indie squinting "and I'm referring to everything".
A / N: I’m so sorry if this took me quite a long time and is late for publishign this but im doing it for myself, I know probably someone expected more but this has all my effort in it, things have been really hard for me this last weeks but I promise everything is goin to change for better.
enjoy it!
Nemesis.
The goddess of justice, solidarity, balance and revenge, in charge of punishing those who deserve it, the disobedient and those who exceed their pride, arrogance and even happiness.
Little by little I began to honor that goddess for whom my name was given, I took it upon myself to dedicate my life to give justice and avenge all act that deserved it, little by little and without noticing it I became nemesis
