Evolet

Kadri loved getting out early in the morning. Especially when the weather was so nice. It truly made her appreciate the fact that she could walk around freely, deciding where to go, when to stop or when to head back home. She knew this was what normal was supposed to look like. Being able to live your life on your terms. But it still felt like a novelty to her. All these people in this place, they wouldn’t appreciate their freedom the same way she did. 

Passing by some of the smaller houses, she tried not to jump out of her skin when a brunette called out to her, seemingly just getting her mail. “Good morning. That it is. Hope you’ve had a good start to it?” 

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“Oh my goodness, I didn’t mean to startle you!” Chuckling through the apologetic tone to her voice, Evolet shook her head as she did her best to wave off the little misstep. “It’s been a wonderful day, and I must say it fills the optimism tank, to be sure.” Smoothing down her hair and the skirt of her rather vintage styled dress, she stepped forward to offer a hand in greeting. 

“Evolet Lancaster, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve been doing my best to make a point of getting to know all of my neighbors now that I’ve finally found a place to settle and call my own.” An especially good feeling after several years of near homelessness. “I hope I’m not keeping you from any sort of important errands.” 

Juliet smiled, always happy to be someone first. “You’re not being rude.” Juliet pointed out, she didn’t normally shift when people were looking, not before this island, now that she didn’t have to hide herself, Juliet shifted like it was a second nature, and she didn’t think too much if it was appropriate or not to do so. “I’m the one that should apologize, I forget that not everyone is like me, but if you want to pet me later, I wouldn’t mind.” She offered, knowing that when most people saw her, they always wanted to pet her and touch her fur, which she did like it. “Yes!” 

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“Pet you?” The idea of petting a large cat just to feel the texture of the fur was tempting, but the idea that in reality she’d be petting this fully grown woman, was a little odd to Evolet and she found herself of two minds. “I’ll think on that. I suppose my brain is still trying to reconcile that you and shifted you are one and the same.” Laughing softly, Evolet lead the woman toward her blanket, unloading the cucumber sandwiches, containers of grapes, cut strawberries and watermelon, and a thermos of tea. She’d planned to spend the day and had packed enough to keep peckishness away, which had left her with more than enough to share. “I hope you like cucumber, they’re my favourite sandwich, I just so love the freshness.” 

George was walking briskly- not so fast as to look like he was going anywhere in a hurry, but certainly putting purpose in his strides. He was on his way to make a quick drop, far too close to use a car, and he hated the damn things anyways, and he did like a good walk. Besides, in the early mornings, he was least likely to get stopped… until right now. Out of the corner of his eye, a woman retrieving her mail saw him, and she called out to him. Without stopping, he replied.

“G'day, sheila.” George turned his head to smile at her as he walked by. “Bloody beaut, just like every other day, ay?”

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He seemed to be in a hurry, and for a moment Evolet thought about chiding herself for not only a lack of manners but also a lack of perception. “Oh, I don’t mean to keep you, please continue on. There is quite a novelty yet still to this weather for me, but I feel that may not be the case for you.” Laughing lightly, she lifted an apologetic hand, signaling that it was alright that he not stop to chat if he was in a rush. “I’m Evolet, but I’m sure it’ll be wonderful to make your acquaintance when I’m not delaying you.” 

Alex gave her a small smile as she spoke. The ball wasn’t anything he’d necessarily choose to go to, as he always kept to himself– often finding crowded places a bit overwhelming. “Well, I’m glad I could help.” He huffed out a small laugh, knowing all too well how miserable he was at the ball.. Until he found Charlie, that is. “Oh.. that sounds nice.” Alex agreed. Evolet was nice and it seemed they were becoming friends. He was considering asking about Charlie coming as well, but he figured he wouldn’t. Making friends wasn’t something he was particularly good at, so he didn’t want to push anything. 

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“Come along, then. It’s all ready and waiting.” Waving him into her little house with it’s abundance of flowering planters that lined the front of it, the inside was warm and spotless, plants and vases of flowers on every surface near adequate sunlight. Leading him through the kitchen with it’s delicate lace table cloth draped across a small bistro style table off to one side, a vase of yellow roses placed perfectly in the center. “Have a seat.” Waving him toward one of the chair, she went about putting together a quick little tea service onto a little tray so it could all be carried over at once. 

“I hope the ball ended on a high note for you as well. Considering how it started for us both, I think I may have ended it with a job at the Palace.” 

Meena headed out for a walk to explore the island that was still rather new to her. She loved the sense of adventure in a new place and always had, having a serious case of wanderlust since she was a child. It was almost strange to finally be trying to settle in somewhere, but she was happy it was somewhere like this.

“Good morning!” Meena chirped. “Absolutely! Seems I chose the perfect day to explore.” She smiled brightly at the other before finally recognizing her as the girl from the ball. “Oh! How are you, dear?” 

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“I fear I’ve done my fair share of exploring and getting lost already, but I can highly guarantee the experience. No better way to acquaint yourself with everything.” And with people were it to get the point of needing directions, as it had with her. 

Recognition seemed to hit at the same moment it did with the other woman, a small gasp preceding her brightening smile. “Oh, I’ve been absolutely wonderful, this place really is all about opportunity. And how are you, looking just as beautiful outside of ball going glamour, I see.” 

Ellora’s smile grew wider if at all possible, pleased to find someone who seemed to care for her books as much as she did. It was certainly a nice change from some she’d met on the island who saw books as simply an menial object. “Deal.” She agreed, dusting herself off with her free hand before nodding for them to head off, the bookshop just a few minutes away.

“Oh, well thank you.” She replied with a laugh, grinning over to the girl. “I believe my mother named me after a character in a tv show she enjoyed, but I quite like your idea much more.” She teased before her expression brightened even more. “Oh you must! We have tons of older, used books. Open spaces to read by the windows. It’s honestly my favorite place on the island. Although hopefully it’ll live up to any expectations you may now have.”

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“Well, I suppose everything is about perception, No? So why not go with Fairytale Ellora? Rapunzel eat your heart out.” Laughter falling easily as she found herself instantly comfortable with a woman who radiated kindred spirit energy, a thing Evolet had long missed in the many years since she’d even had a friend. “I can assure you, I will be spending much time there. I can already tell it will be my favourite place outside of the Palace. Any place strewn in books shall live up to any expectation I could have.”

Were one to ask her only a few months ago if she’d ever feel content again, Evolet may not have been able to answer in the affirmative, but here and now, walking in the sunshine with a new friend so warm and sweet, and prospects laid out before her like paving stones... Evolet was more than content; Evolet was happy. 

“When I come, I shall bring the tea and freshly baked goodies.” 

“Are you free right now?” Sean asked. “The nanny I hired cancelled with me last minute, so unless you’re willing to help me out, I will have to take her to work with me.” He knew it wasn’t exactly ideal, but he was really out of options. He didn’t like to be in a spot like this, and he would make sure the nanny knew how unpleased with her, he was.

“Name your price.” Money was never a problem for Sean, he had way more than he could ever spend, so he was happy to give her whatever she asked, and when he returned from work, lily was happy, he would love to have her in speed dial, if lily wasn’t happy, well, that would be unfortunately for her.

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“I am..” For once chiding herself for her inability to lie, Evolet also had to admit that the idea of spending the day with such a sweet child was a nice one. Maybe she could find herself a hint of favor with such a dangerous man, by endearing herself to his daughter while also making herself useful. “Oh, well I feel that most work atmospheres are not conducive to childcare, so I can see your dilemma.” 

It was the offer of money that seemed to strike the small woman dumb for a moment, thoughts shorting out and stumbling over each other before she finally managed to stammer out a softly chuckled refusal of payment with a shake of her head. “No, no, it’s no worry I can assure you. Time with such a ray of sunshine is payment enough.” Lifting her hands in request of the baby, Evolet’s gaze locked on her little face. “We shall have a wonderful day, won’t we Poppet, yes we will.” 

“It’s been wonderful, My Lord, and honestly I couldn’t finish out the day without expressing my absolute thanks for the opportunity to even step foot in a Palace such as this, let alone work here. Though...” A hint of amusement crossed her features as she scrunched up her face a little. “I think I may have alienated a little of the staff correcting things already. I’m sure they’ll adjust.” 

“I knew it!” Her nose was very good at finding food, as much as her house wasn’t that far away, she doubted she would have a lot of food there anyway. She gave a small jump when the woman said she would share. 

When she said how free people were, and Juliet realized the other was flushing, Juliet looked at herself and realized she was naked. “Right… sorry. I’m sure my clothes are around.” She said, turning into her jaguar form and running again to return a few seconds later with a dress on her mouth, she turned back and put her dress on that most people would consider a long shirt and not truly a dress. “Better?” She asked with a friendly smile 

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Blinking a little in confusion, Evolet found herself entirely caught off guard when what was once a full grown woman became a large spotted cat that took off across the sand. Even when she’d returned the small maid was still stood there mouth agape like a fish out of the water. “I-....I-.... I mean... yes, but I don’t-.... oh goodness.” 

Giving a little laugh at how flustered she found herself, a small shake helped Evolet regain some of her faculties. “I suppose that was my first outward experience with anyone with such abilities and I’m sorry I was just taken completely by surprise. I didn’t mean to be rude.” Glancing toward where she’d laid out her things, the original request seemed to come flooding back to her. “Oh, yes... you said you were hungry!”

It wasn’t particularly the best morning for him, as he had yet another sleepless night. This time, however, had nothing to do with his past keeping him up, it was all about Charlie and what they even were. While he hoped this was the beginning of a new relationship between them, he also knew that all they’d done so far is kiss.. a lot. That didn’t necessarily mean anything, right? Alex tried to push the thought out of his mind as he made his way to the library for work. However, a familiar face greeted him, stopping him. “Oh, uh.. good morning.” He was so in his head that he almost didn’t catch what she’d even said. But he was thankful she spoke to him because it helped him get his mind off everything then. “How are you? Settling in?” He recalled meeting her when she first moved to the island and how she had to ask him for directions. 

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“Yes, quite nicely actually. Much more so after the ball.” It was not that it all clicked together, and she knew instantly that this was the friend she’d made so easily at the event. “Banter isn’t usually one of my strong suits, but I must admit I think I may have to add it to my repertoire.” Cheeks filling with colour as she smiled up at him, Evolet couldn’t help the movement of her hands to brush away non-existent stray hairs and smooth the skirt of her calf-length dress. “I did mean to thank you for making the night so very entertaining. Can I make it up to you with some tea? I blend them myself... so much better than that store-bought mockery. I’ve even got fresh biscuits to go with it if you need any more temptation than that.” 

Sean would normally just walk away, he wasn’t exactly someone that enjoyed small talk, but lily seemed to like the girl, moving her hands up and down toward her, like she wanted to play, it was good to hear her making happy sounds instead of crying.

“Trust me, if she’s smiling, it is my pleasure.” Sean said with a smirk. “I’m Sean and this is lily, she’s 5 months old. you wouldn’t happen to babysit would you?”

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Cooing at the little angel strapped to his chest, she could feel her face paling a little when his name put together why he carried a spark of familiarity. She had seen him before... at the ball. He’s covered in it. Blood. The warning playing over and over in her head, it took great effort to keep her smile in place and her posture from tensing completely. 

“I actually do.” Even under these circumstances she couldn’t bring herself to lie, and she had to admit the sweetness of the child he carried with him threw her off rather substantially. “It was actually a part of my duties in my former profession. It looks as though you’re in the market?” 

Quinn was not used to this much conversation this early in the morning, let alone in general. It was one thing he was still getting used to when it came to the island. He wasn’t used to the genuine friendly nature of those around him, having been used to the universes less than polite interactions. “ Just not used to so much friendliness this time of day. I’m used to grumbled good mornings”  He noted with a half smile. “Quinn” He replied as he considered her offer for a moment. In any other situation he wouldn’t trust it, but so much of the island was people wanting their own safety. Plus she had been so polite. “Yeah okay. You make a compelling argument”

“Well I mean, I think most people are used to grumbling their good mornings before coffee, it is a hard argument to turn down.” Smile bright, but cheeks a little pink at just talking to a man, she did her best to brush it off and just be polite and friendly. Giving him a little wave of her hand to follow him, Evolet let him inside her walk-up suite. Outside the door were pots of freshly planted flowers lining the entire length of what was her property. 

Ellora was relieved when the girl immediately rushed over to help, giving her a grateful smile as she helped pick up her books. “Oh they’ve dealt with worse. But yes, thankfully they’re all perfectly intact.” Or as perfect as old, used books could be. Some yellowed, slightly-teared pages, spines that had plenty of bends in them. But they were just marks of being well-used and well-loved in her opinion.

“No worries. It’s my own fault. I got too enthused.” She laughed as she said it, arranging the books carefully in her arms. “Ellora.” She introduced with a grin. “And oh- that’d be lovely! If you wouldn’t mind the walk that is. I’m heading off to work– it’s at a bookshop further in town. These are just some of the ones we rent out. I couldn’t resist some for a good weekend binge.”

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“I’m sure they have, but no book deserves such a strike to the pavement.” Chuckling softly as she loaded up her arms, Evolet shook her head in lieu of waving away the other woman’s self blame. “Let’s call it fifty-fifty then, hm?” A nod of her head bidding that she lead the way, the small female let herself fall into step beside her new acquaintance. 

“Ellora is such a pretty name, like a fairy tale princess. A bookshop sounds like a wonderful place to work. I’ve always loved just the smell and atmosphere that comes with a place populated by them. I’m sure I’ll end up a frequent visitor now that I’ll know where it is. A fortunate turn of events, to be sure.” 

Was it morning already? When did the sun even come out? Sean cursed, seeing the time, he was already very late for work and apparently the nanny had canceled on him, again. “Fuck it…” It probably wouldn’t be a big deal to have lily with him while he just patrolled around town, the island was very quietly, so he doubted he might actually see someone breaking the law, and if they did, Sean could always just throw a knife at them or something like that, it wouldn’t be as fun, but it would get the job done, he tied lily in his chest and went out to work.

When someone talked with him, Sean stopped and smiled it as Lily tried to wave at the woman. “Good morning to you as well.”

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Attention immediately drawn to the child on his chest, Evolet’s smile only grew as she let out a cooing that refused to be withheld. “Oh and good morning to this precious flower? Absolutely darling, she is.” Doing her best to catch the little one’s attention, Evolet’s face was absolutely lit up with the warmth in her heart from just the sight of such sweetness. 

Eyes lifting to the face of the child’s father, something inside her caught and twisted for a moment, like a missed beat in her pulse or a breath stumbling, but she pushed it back out of a need to mind her manners. “How exceptionally rude of me, I was just smitten with sweetness. I’m Evolet, the pleasure is, most obviously, mine. How old is she?” 

Someone was awfully chipper this morning. It was refreshing to say the least with Max’s own mental health hitting a rough patch. But the smile was matched- his own gracing his features. “That it is! Doing anything fun?” 

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“Well, collecting mail does have a certain charm in this weather, though I suppose a stroll around the neighborhood sounds nice. Hopefully I do not get lost again.” Laughter falling soft and easy from her lips, she waved him toward her door. “I’ve just made a fresh carafe of coffee, care to join me?”

@evolxt​

It was such a beautiful day, and since Juliet didn’t have to work of course she got in her jaguar form, she loved running around the beach each time faster and faster, getting her paws wet and splashing ocean water around, this was what real freedom felt like it, and she loved every second of it. 

Once she was hungry, Juliet turned back into her human form and made her way toward the person nearby. “You wouldn’t happen to have a sandwich with you or something like that would you?”

Turning at the sound of a friendly voice, any words she’d been planning to say were instantly wiped away by shock and furious flushing at the sight of the naked woman at her side. Tearing her eyes away and back toward the water, it took a hard swallow and a clearing of her throat before she seemed to be able to find her voice again. 

“I actually do... have a um...um...a um... a picnic I packed myself. I’d be happy to uh... to um... to share. I’m sorry I’m just not used to how um... how free... people are here.”