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Cahira:

The horns blare outside with that unrelenting force that I know will eventually pull every human in the city from their bed, except for me. I’m already awake and out of bed.

I meticulously study my reflection in the mirror. My birthmark is dull after powdering it but still visible which is quite irking for someone of my significance. However, no one has spoken of it for the last thirteen years. At least, not in my presence.

I reach for my hairbrush and smooth out my straight hair. I love my hair with its rich golden color that brings to mind the sun’s rays. I allow myself a brief smile before setting down my hairbrush.

I grant myself one final inspection. Hair? Impeccable. Shawl? Regally draped. Tunic? Gracefully flowing. Pants? Maintain self-important swishing.

I am prepared for the rest of the day.

I am not ready to be thrown down a dark opening in the ground into a slightly less dark cavern, which, unfortunately, happens.

A scream builds up within me. I bite down on my tongue. What if someone were to find me screaming? What impression would leave with them of me, the daughter of Niall Beckwith? No, no, no. I will not resort to the reaction of many damsels before me. Whoever did this will not gain any pleasure at my response to this…unexpected catastrophe.

I clamber to my feet, employing the wall behind me as leverage. There is a doorway at the end of the hall. A light flickers above it. I straighten my tunic and shawl and pat down my hair. I refuse to have the appearance of someone who was transported into another world.

I walk down the hall, slowly, confidently. Every step must shout of my worthiness. I reach the doorway and am about to pass through when someone steps out in front of me.

This time screaming is inevitable.

A middle-aged woman gazes at my shrinking form. Her hair is golden though it is grown out on both sides. Her face is sharp and her eyes a cold blue. On her left cheek there is a dark birthmark.

“Wha-?” I gasp.

She gives me a lopsided smile. “Hello young, arrogant me. I’m your sixty and much more pleasant self.”

I snort. “That’s impossible.”

“In this place, you will grow used to what was once considered ‘impossible.'”

I shake my head. “You are crazy.”

“No crazier than you are now.”

I stalk up to the woman. “What did you say?” I hiss.

She grins indulgently. “No. Crazier. Than. You. Are. Now.”

My eyes widen with fury. “I am Cahira Beckwith. Cahira Beckwith. You will not speak of or to me in such a manner.”

She shakes her head. “I’ll let you pass now. However, let me tell you this, letting go of your rather too high opinion of yourself would make life much smoother for you.”

“I am not-” I begin.

“Goodbye young me.” The woman vanishes and the light above the door is extinguished.

I groan. What place is this?

No matter that. First thing I must decide is what course of action to take.

Simple.

Go through the doorway.

I peek my head out into the hallway to make sure that no sixty-one-year-old me is not lurking in the shadows. Once I confirm that I am alone, I creep into the hallway, the darkness is almost suffocating.

Suddenly, light pierces through the dark, shredding my eyes and soul. Too dramatic? Maybe? An understandable response? Absolutely.

I stumble forward, my eyes watering from the light. I crash into someone. “Next time, if someone is behind you, maybe you could consider not placing yourself in the role of ‘obstacle.'” I growl.

 

@rose-colored-fancy

Your setting was really interesting! (I would not want to live there though XD)

@calidris

That was so sweet! Would you like to start an interaction between Val and Cahira? I’m not sure it would be the friendliest interaction (scratch that, it won’t be the friendliest interaction), so if you don’t want to, that’s fine 🙂