Communication Is Key

Oliver bulldozed his way through the thick, dense crowd not taking a single moment to regard other people. He cracked through the other side to be met with broad daylight. By this time the mob had grown impatient and annoyed. Unsettling whispers flooded the town centre as people were seen passing something around, always ended in groans of frustration. At this point Beatrix had given up, she was sat not too far away at the tavern keeping an eye on Oliver while drinking a delightfully cold beer. Growing impatient, Oliver attempted to push through one last time. upon closer inspection he noticed all of this exaggerated commotion was over a singular, small wooden box. A mahogany box, with golden accents, it possessed quite confusing yet immaculate carvings all around. Carvings of people all stood in a circle arms reaching to the skies, all surrounding a ball in the middle of its slow descent from the heavens. Perhaps it could be telling a story? The box was coated in dust, it looked ancient, carvings and designs never seen before by the people of the Evergreen. If the box could speak, they wouldn't stop with its amazing stories and experiences. The box seemed seemed shut, the dark read taunting the frustrated civilians. there appeared to be golden clasps on the box with golden cogs on the peak. At this point people had formed a somewhat orderly line, each taking it in turns to open the box. some people had tried to turn the cogs to no avail, and other tried to smash it open. Oliver, lost in a world of his own, snapped back and swiftly looked around for Beatrix, he glanced over her and signled her over with a swift and abrupt wave of the hand. With a sigh and a slight chuckle she stood up from her seat, towering over the average person, she sauntered over towards the gang of people.

"What's this then? " she questioned

Bewildered, Oliver silently points her in the direction of the box.

"Ah i see, you want me to try to open it? because of my sheer amount of strength?" she teased with a smirk.

Beatrix held the box with a tight grasp, she shit her eyes, and tuned out any noise as to block any distraction. with one quick breath, she attempts to turn the gods on top of the box. Nothing. Refusing to give up, she grunted and tried the tormenting cogs again. Silence. Everyone stood around in shock. Not even the brave and noble Beatrix the pirate could open the box, she was very famous in Stein Valley, she was deemed the strongest person in the nation. Watching the failure, the look of hope quickly drained from peoples eyes leaving them with an empty shell. Most people refused to give up too. however, with disappointment, most people put it down to an annoying prank and turned to walk away, each stomp becoming more frustrated as the last.

"C-come one Oliver, there's no point in partaking in this ridiculous prank, it's obviously rigged" she stuttered with embarrassment as her face turned as red as the eternal flames of the underworld. There was a fiery rage that have set up home in her.

Beatrix carelessly tossed the box over her shoulder as she started to walk off and hide away for the next couple hours. Instinctively, Oliver caught the box, with a slight fumble. Unsatisfied with today's events, he decides to try the box half expecting the same results. The gears shift, yet nobody but him notices at first. the box bursts open with a beam of light. Beatrix seeing the glow from the corner of her eyes grows even more frustrated. The box exploded open with ease and excitement, almost like it had been waiting for this moment. for the right person. Everyone now noticing the glow hurriedly rush over and al crowd Oliver.

"What is it! "

"No way!"

*gasps*

murmurs grew into raised voices into shouts. Oliver's heart sunk, much like a ship submerging in the vast ocean. With butterflies in his stomach, he peered inside with an expression of excitement.

"Oh my god" Oliver threw his head back with frustration and disappointment.

Empty. The mob quickly became pissed and all stormed off in different directions. All but one. despite her vexation, Beatrix remained. She slowly walked over towards him feeling slight traces of shame.

"that was extremely weird. nonetheless, I'm proud of you little man" she ruffled his hair.

"I have no idea why I'm so disappointed " Oliver exhaled.

Beatrix throws her arm around Oliver's neck as they both head back towards the florest.

"I can't believe youre back off in a couple of days, it doesn't seem you have been back that long" He exclaimed with a tone of misery.

"I know, little man. I'm going to miss you, but I won't be gone forever, a month at most. I promise"

They stop dead in their tracks, and look each other dead in the eye with a soft glance.

"*ώστε συναντιόμαστε ξανά*"

Oliver jolts and looks around in confusion.

"Did you say something Bea? " he questioned

"woah, you alright, dude? " she giggles, "nope, I didn't say anything, why? "

"Uhm, well. it's nothing I guess. I just swear I could have heard something"

Beatrix shrugs and begins to set off again.

"oh Oli, I need to stop by my ship before I head back, is that alright? "

Oliver nods his head with one swift motion. They separate with the intention to meet back up later in Oliver's store.

8am. No sign

12pm

4pm. Nothing

8pm. Oliver begins to grow worried. He knows that if Beatrix had gotten into trouble she would be able to protect herself, but he still worried for her safety. The clock mounted on the wall tormented him. Tik Tok, Tik, Tok. He had had enough, he was worried sick. He clutched the keys in his fist and sprinted out of the store.

"*δεν χρειάζεται να ανησυχείς φίλε μου*"