Your OC Backstory Week 2 | Friends
The girl was ushered to the nearest chaise lounge, a blanket draped over her slim shoulders by an effeminate man. Others--all great beauties that one would find right at home in Emperor Raasa’s harem--clustered around her, cradling her hands or rubbing her shoulders; words hushed and soft as they gave her comfort. One dried her eyes with a silken handkerchief, another passed her a warm drink to calm her nerves.
Sola watched from the entrance of the establishment, eyes entranced at the scene.
“So is this that man to whom we show our thanks?”
There, approaching him with measured steps, was the most gorgeous woman Sola had ever laid eyes on. Ink dark hair piled high atop the head, held in place by alabaster hairpins carved and painted in the image of flowers. Her painted lips rest themselves in a thin line, eyes--so light a brown it almost appeared gold in the dim light of the candles--beheld him in a manner that Sola couldn’t comprehend.
“Lady Yorah!” The girl--Estera, he believed, after overhearing one of her coworkers say it--called out with such joy. Eyes agleam as if she was looking at a god.
“Do answer, young man. I’d like to know who the Atheneum may give its gratitude to for rescuing one of my girls.”
Sola could say nothing. How could he ever utter a word when he was captivated within Lady Yorah’s gaze, like a fool caught in the trap of the elusive elysen.
Lady Yorah peered at him through long lashes, the tip of her closed fan rested just beneath her mouth. “My, can you not speak?”
Sola opened his mouth. “‘Tis simply your beauty, madam, that left me speechless.”
She looked at him, eyes wide, before laughing, opening her fan with a flick of her wrist and fanning herself. “What a charmer, though you’d have to do better than that with me, boy.” She turned, the hem of her dress dragging across the wooden floor with a soft hiss. “Let it be known that this man will be a friend to the Athaneum of Roses. Whatever he seeks, we shall help to provide, for now he shall be like family. ”
“You seem confused, boy,” Lady Yorah said.
“I just...I don’t really know…” he trailed off, the floor suddenly appearing very interesting.
Lady Yorah hummed. “You could do much worse than have the Atheneum as your friends, even if outsiders may consider us a...rather vulgar business, however ill-informed.”
“No! No, it’s not that.” He shook his head violently, arms raised in placation. “It’s just that I hardly did anything to deserve your friendship, so all in all, it’s unnecessary.”
“Unnecessary? Undeserving of our friendship? My, you insult me.” She pointed her fan at him, burnished gold eyes illuminated by the glow of the lanterns. “You saved Esterra from a stalker. Without you, who knows what might have become of her? This is a great service you’ve done for us, and it would be an insult if we were to not repay you accordingly.”
The man behind Lady Yorah spoke up, causing Sola to startle. How did he not notice the man’s presence? “I’m afraid you’ll have to agree with Lady Yorah on this.” He was tall with sunkissed skin and bronze hair, handsome with his square jaw and broad shoulders. “She’s pretty stubborn. Saying yes now will save you a lot of trouble later on.”
The man stepped forward, sticking his arm out towards Sola. “The name’s Drei, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Sola looked at the proffered hand, then looked up at Drei and his earnest green eyes and bright smile. He gazed at Lady Yorah who gazed at him through her pretty fan and warm eyes. At Estera who looked at him with gratitude, and at the rest of the Atheneum who waited eagerly for his answer.
He sighed, shaking Drei’s hand. “My name is Sola Eidos, and I love making new friends.”
