Scene I - The Second.
Takes place in: Month I - Day 2.
"Well girl, you surprised me today. I didn't think you'd go and disobey me like that."
"I am deeply sorry, Lady Rosie."
Two women sat at Rosie's Emporium, almost smackdab in the middle of the Cannibal Colony. Considering Rosie was all but the mayor of this little 'town' as it were, the location was not only apt, glamorous and big, it was also regarded with enough respect for both Cannibals to have a little chat in peace while not having to go to Rosie's office.
Because if they went there, that'd meant Evelinde wasn't going to come out. Despite Rosie's displeasure, and Evelinde had displeased her, make no mistake, the Overlord wasn't about to murder the girl. Rosie was far more gentle than most demons, true, and she acted, and was, nicer than many out there, but that only meant she had a longer fuse than most. Evelinde doing the wrong thing could still spark Rosie's ire, but loyal service, results and a genuine friendship made sure only the most egregious mistakes (or specific rule breakings) ever risked Evelinde's safety.
And indeed, the woman was safe. Rosie was interested in something other than punishment after all.
"What drove you to do it?" Rosie used her gentlest tone, partly because she was genuinely curious.
Evelinde took a second to respond. There were no smiles here, not sincere ones at least. It was a normal state for the Cannibals most of the time, sure, but there were few masks around when Rosie was with someone she trusted.
That meant those pearly whites and 'smile' could always hide something else within them. But right now Rosie was serious in her question, and Evelinde had to think deeply about it.
"It felt wrong." The Cambion admitted after a short pause. "A death would've been devastating to them. It would've been a valuable lesson, but it did not feel right. Something told me that losing someone would've made things… difficult."
Rosie rested her chin on her hand as she looked at Evelinde. It hadn't been that long since they had that little feast of theirs, but Evelinde was a ravenous eater when prompted. She hadn't touched the tea or the caramelized fingers she had offered. Evelinde was a sweet tooth through and through, Rosie knew this, and sugar of any kind was her first choice when nervous.
And Rosie knew Evelinde was nervous. Today had been an interesting day indeed.
"I see." Rosie cocked her head a bit, a slight smile appearing on her face. There were reasons to take Evelinde's words very seriously, but she knew that bringing the most important part out would not end well right now. So, she opted to deviate towards an equally important, if far less serious, matter. "Did you start fancying some of the humans from the get go, girl?"
"What? No! My lady, please!" Evelinde felt scandalized for a second, only for Rosie to laugh.
The Overlord was no family, and Evelinde knew Rosie would probably regret it, but she'd still kill her if Evelinde ever did something really stupid or broke her rules in a way that was far too 'offensive'. Despite the danger the position brought, Evelinde had always seen the Overlord as a second mother of sorts. Rosie was just that nice most of the time, and her own lack of family did drive the much older woman towards a mothering approach in the very rare cases she found someone she cared for enough. The life of an Overlord rarely left time for family after all, and Rosie hadn't been lucky with any partners anymore than Evelinde, at least until now.
That didn't mean the woman wasn't up for a tease or two at someone else's expense. She was still a devilish denizen of Hell, and poking and prodding were almost mandatory.
Rosie chuckled at Evelinde's reaction. "Relax, hun. I had to take at least a jab. You DID disobey me today." Evelinde relaxed as Rosie did so, but the dark blush that overtook the Cambion was still there. "But do tell me… Did you really get hit that bad with our dear young man's heroics?"
Evelinde got serious and silent for a second.
"I was ready to die, Rosie." The Cambion dropped the honorifics, it was that serious. "I knew I was going to die. That light coming at me? It was going to leave nothing. I know not what it was, but I knew how it would end. The moment… felt like a fate defied too many times. As if something was trying to correct itself."
The Overlord looked at Evelinde with a serious expression. The young Cambion was not one for philosophy or fanciful thoughts outside carnage and romantic fantasies. There was something there… However, Rosie was not going to poke her nonexistent nose there, not yet.
"Yet Carlos deflected it." Rosie hummed, a claw on her lips. "Must've been quite the show."
"I don't know if it was." Evelinde admitted, some of her smile returning along a blush. "I got lost in the act itself. Anyone trying to help me would've pushed me, or dragged me. Effective, crude, and more important; safe. Carlos? He was willing to take the bullet for me, as it were."
Rosie snickered in her seat, sending her second hand a teasing look. "You are truly smitten, aren't you?"
"We haven't talked much. He went back with his family after the feast. I think he has far too many worries, things he wants to work out with his family, talks he must have… But that makes me hope he will truly try with me. He truly believes in family. He cares." Evelinde admitted, and she didn't think she could give Rosie a negative even if she wanted. "He is desperate for love, my Lady. Hungry for it. He saved my life and I can't wait to see if he can do more than that. Is it wrong to hope for him to save my heart too?"
Rosie shook her head, mirth clear on her face. "Of course not." In fact Rosie's more romantic side found it endearing. "Fine. If you promise me to not do anything silly anymore, or at least for a long while." Rosie warned, knowing Evelinde's penchant for help even when not requested. "Then we can let your misdeed go."
"Of course." Evelinde gave a quick bow, finally taking a finger to throw into her maw. After a bit of crunching and the sweet, bloody flavor invaded her mouth, the young Cambion seemed once again happy. "But I don't… know what to do now."
Yes, this was a pickle, wasn't it? Carlos and his family were all humans that had no business knowing about Hell. Well, at least some of them were like that. Carlos SHOULD have been informed, but that crone, Pilar, was clearly regretting her choices.
Rosie couldn't help but smirk at that thought.
"There'll be another play in two days' time." So Rosie opted for something 'light'. "The actors indebted to me are finally reformed. Not a single soul lost in the end."
The Cambion's eyes widened. "Oh! I could bring him to the play!" Evelinde was clearly ecstatic. Theatre wasn't one of her biggest passions, but she did love the bloodiest plays Rosie sponsored. "I thought it would take longer."
"Me too, but we shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, unless we are going to eat it. Just get a couple tickets and offer him a little date. Perhaps make it so all four of you go. Show leadership. Be decisive and take the first spot in your man's heart!" Rosie smirked at Evelinde's hopeful smile and raised colors as the Overlord encouraged her young ward. "Speaking of looking… Who do you think I should drag aside tomorrow? I'd like to get this all going my dear, and you are meant to be my eyes in there after all. You should have a suggestion. Demon, or mortal?"
Evelinde took a second to ponder before she answered. Of course she'd pick that one. Rosie wasn't surprised there. And, really, her fellow demons were probably more urgent than the mortals.
There were many people Rosie needed to have a chat with. But patience was a virtue.