Now make a run for it… into someone else’s crosshairs

As soon as she thinks she hears some distant rustling, Evellyn makes a run for it and darts into the foliage, tightly clutching the blanket. Soon enough she is left disoriented regarding what direction she’s ultimately heading in, but she’s adamant not to be caught in this predicament by the huntress, after having stolen one of her belongings.

Eventually Evellyn comes to a stop, panting. Her attention is suddenly drawn by the sound of a horse, not that far away. Evellyn hems and haws for a few moments, but ultimately decides the benefit of finding someone to point her towards civilization might be worth the temporary embarrassment. Soon enough she spots the source of the sound; a majestic horse tethered to a tree, patiently waiting for its owner. A glimmer of hope ignites within Evellyn, and she approaches the horse with cautious optimism.

Yet as soon as she clears the bushes and comes near, a figure suddenly reveals themselves, with a hunting bow trained on Evellyn. She raises her hands in surprise, only to lower them again a split second later to protect her modesty when the blanket begins to unfurl around her waist. Did the huntress just catch her?! Evellyn looks over at the figure to find them staring back at them with a look of curious bemusement.

The woman wears fine riding clothes of trimmed red leather, and has a well-kept noble bearing. Evellyn knows her well, to her displeasure. It is Lady Charlene Wakefield, one of her most ardent rivals at the duchess’ court. This stuck-up wench has always envied her high standing with the duchess, and has tried to disparage and chip away at her position for many years… and now here is Evellyn, in a decidedly graceless predicament.

Charlene narrows her eyes and looks more closely, and a flash of recognition crosses her face as she realizes who she is dealing with behind the long, wet tangled hair framing Evellyn’s face, in stark contrast to its usual braided appearance.

”By the goddess if my eyes aren’t deceiving me… Evey darling, is that you?!”

> sigh < “Hi, Charlene…” Evellyn wearily replies.

Charlene laughs gleefully: ”What escapades have brought you here in such a ‘rousing costume’? Lost a bet with the ducal guard?”