Unexpected Encounters [Veralia/Joli]

THE FIRE OF ENVY NEVER DIES

THE FLAME THAT BURNS THE BRIGHTEST

Veralia wandered around the City of Lights with a relaxed outward expression as she kept her hands in her pockets. Still, internally, she felt tense because she wasn't used to being around so many Quincy and toward the hub of a massive organization. Still, if she intended to spend more time with Stella, crossing into their territory was an inevitable necessity.

These thoughts stopped when she heard a little boy cry for help. She observed the scene of a cat hissing and running up a tree and had a small, amused chuckle leave her lips. Her eyes softened as kids and animals were a soft point for her. Patting the boy’s shoulder, she gave a reassuring nod.

"I've got it, don't worry."

Snorting playfully, she levitated toward the orange cat, peering into its wide, nervous eyes. The cat tensed at first, but Veralia made soothing noises, coaxing the creature into her arms. Once the cat had settled, she slowly descended back to the ground, placing the furry bundle into the boy’s waiting hands.

The boy, overwhelmed with gratitude, showered Veralia with praises, and despite herself, she chuckled and felt a small flush of warmth.

"Yeah, yeah, don't think too much of it. Just be more careful next time."

With that, she smiled and plopped herself down under the tree, hoping no one had witnessed the scene. Even if the boy was Quincy, in her mind, kids were still kids—innocent souls that needed care and guidance.

THE FIRE OF ENVY NEVER DIES

THE FLAME THAT BURNS THE BRIGHTEST

Ah, someone did see that. Fuck.

Veralia remained frozen for a second but swiftly locked in. Looking back at Joli with a friendly glow behind her eyes, she nodded her head and agreed with the woman.

"Afternoon to you, too~"

After glancing at Joli and sizing her up, she sensed no inherent threat, so her nerves were at ease for now. The tension in her muscles loosened, though a faint ripple of unease still stirred beneath the surface. But a little conversation might help keep that unwelcome feeling at bay—no point dwelling on it.

"Eh, I prefer blazing hot since fire is my thing, but I'm sure I can find hotter climates if it gets super cold here."

With a quick snap of her fingers, a small, soft emerald flame flickered to life in her right palm, casting a gentle glow between them.

"You’re a local, I take it?"

Her tone was relaxed and friendly, but her eyes narrowed slightly as she examined Joli’s reaction.

"If so, what’s the weather like when it gets cold here? I've got someone I know who lives here, and I'll be spending more time here to see them, so I wanna know what I'm getting myself into."