Thread: The Perplex Parcel Pursuit Project (darkangel76 p Lotherio)

Viznay. It was a bustling city, one riddled with merchants of various class and status. Men donning their suave smiles looking to charm and sway while women blushed and gasped, showing off their assets and anything that sparkled. And then there were the poor pitiful folk living in the slums located closer to the water. It was colorful, romantic, exciting, filled with adventures just waiting to be had. Or so Charlotte had so very often imagined. Charlotte Granville walked along the cobbled walkway, her pale eyes scouring the sights just longing to be beheld by someone such as herself. Someone with passion for fun and laughter. Someone eager to touch and gawk at everything passing her by. Desperately yearning to run free and take in the smell of the air in all its hazy saltiness. Smiling, she let a delicate hand find the curled strands of her dark hair so that she could flick it over a shoulder. It was a warm day, but not overly so. And the breeze wafting in from the waters made the air more than pleasant and comfortable. As Charlotte meandered down the street through the hustle and bustle of the various merchants, a sweet melodic sound began to resonate in her ears. She knew she had to find its source, the people responsible for the carefree music that was luring her closer and closer to the harbor. It was beckoning, haunting, speaking of the life she could be living if Ahem, came a gruff grumble from behind. Charlotte heaved a heavy sigh, her reverie completely interrupted. James, her escort, was close on her tail. Forever watching. He was always watching. It made her so frustrated that her parents, William and Lilly Granville, owners of the finest packing and delivery service in all of Jaro, one comprised of a fleet of dirigibles unlike any other in the entire nation, felt the need for her to have such a brute of a man bringing her about town when she was a grown woman. It was insulting! She was capable of handling herself, making her own decisions. She was two and twenty after all! Glancing over her shoulder, Charlotte gave James a coy smile. She was certain she saw the mans eyes shift a bit with unease and it made her feel a tiny bit giddy inside. She noticed the way he looked at her and it wasnt always in the way a person of his position was to look at their charge. There was more to it, she was certain of it. And, often times, she tried to use it to her advantage. Like today. Charlotte faced forward once again, a broad grin gracing her reddened lips. James would easily distract today. She knew it, could feel it. Or, well, she hoped it. Shed taken care to wear one of her more whispered about gowns. One her mother hated, which made it especially loved by her. It showed off her ankles, even a good portion of her calves. And then there was the bodice. Oh yes, shed worn her most flattering of corsets, one that pushed and squished leaving much to the imagination. It was the perfect distraction and she knew it. The fact that her parents found it distasteful made it all the more sweeter a wear. Yes, James. Im heading into the square, Charlotte spoke. She rolled her eyes slightly as she schemed her getaway, her fingers absently playing with the pendant about her slender neck. The music became louder and louder. Soon Charlotte could easily tell just what sorts of instruments were adding presence and laughter to the air. When she finally came to a halt, it was about a half a block east of what appeared to be small troupe of musicians. A cantina, a violin, a piper. Again, she couldnt help but smile. The music was lively, the tempo quickening. It didnt take long for a crowd to gather, people singing, laughing and dancing. As more and more people appeared, she took it upon herself to duck into the crowd. Charlotte! came James voice, harsh and loud. More than grating. Ill be over here maybe Charlotte whispered to herself, far too quiet for James to hear. Then that was the idea. Shed lost him he couldnt find her. Excellent! she giggled softly. At that, Charlotte quickly made her way, almost running, toward what had to be the harbor. Glancing backward she could still see the crowd milling and gathering. It would be some time before James found her and that was enough. For now. Happy with herself, she finally began to slow her pace. Given her shoes, it was a must as heels hurt when you ran in them. As she slowed to a casual walk, she held her head high and breathed in the scent of the ocean. It was brilliant, wonderful. Exhilarating. Grinning and humming, Charlotte caught sight of what appeared to be a small tea shoppe. Gripping her purse and smoothing her skirts, she dared herself to enter. Setting her jaw she walked up to the door and gently gave it a push.