Self-Conscious in Paradise

- Akbaje Residence, Capital of Dalen. 1 DSTR, Evening -

The dogs were about to become more than just a nuisance when Auriel and Isai finally got past the fence that separated the Upper Quarter from the Lower one.

As the gate slammed shut behind her, multiple sets of jaws could be seen gnashing through the grate. "Son of a... those dogs were going to attack me over our dinner," Auriel mumbled. How much different is that from what I want to do to Thalia? she wondered silently.

Auriel rarely visited the places where the influential and wealthy dwelt, for the people that benefitted the most from the system rarely wanted to make drastic changes to it. Fortunately, Isai was unusual in that respect, for behind his hard exterior was a heart that actually cared about other people outside of his social class.

She followed Isai carefully once again, feeling the eyes of numerous hidden guards watching their progress, making her feel uncomfortable. If any of them figured out who she was, the rest of her life would doubtlessly be agonizing and brief. Luckily, they didn't get stopped, and soon they were safely in the confines of Isai's beautiful home.

Auriel sat when Isai ushered her to the table and sighed contendly as she removed her helmet and placed it on the floor next to her. She was considering removing other pieces of her armor as well, which were starting to feel quite uncomfortable at this point, but she decided not to as she was rather fearful of the horrific stench that would be her BO, which had been incubating in her armor since before she left Rohan.

Instead, she just tried to relax as she contemplated what she would say to Lars, whom she hadn't seen in quite some time.