pearls

Elianora, now inhabited by Lyra's consciousness, stood serenely amidst the gathering of elegantly attired girls. As she listened to their chatter, she recalled that the real Elianora was known for her reserved nature, rarely engaging in conversations. Emulating this behavior, Lyra decided to maintain a similar silence, observing her surroundings with curiosity.

As she scanned the room, Elianora's gaze fell upon the extravagant attire of the other girls. Their intricate garments, adorned with delicate embroidery and precious gemstones, seemed to shimmer in the soft light. The air was filled with the sweet scent of perfumes and the soft rustle of silk fabrics. Elianora's thoughts whispered, "I don't know how these girls walk!" Their ornate dresses appeared cumbersome, yet they glided effortlessly across the room.

Some of the girls wore elaborate hats, adorned with feathers, flowers, or delicate lace. Elianora's eyes widened as she took in the dazzling display of fashion. Amidst this sea of elegance, one girl caught her attention. Inja, a girl with an haughty demeanor, seemed to consider herself superior to the others. Her neck was adorned with an impressive array of pearl necklaces, which sparkled like a cascade of moonlight. Inja's intention seemed clear: to showcase her wealth and status, leaving no doubt that she was the most beautiful and refined girl in the kingdom.

Inja's voice rang out, "Oh really!!" as she greeted the other girls with an air of superiority. Elianora watched her with interest, intrigued by the complex social dynamics at play. 

She stood graciously, her eyes fixed on Inja as the conversation centered around the latter's exquisite pearl necklace. The delicate strands of pearls glimmered in the soft light, drawing admiring glances from the other girls.

"Inja, your pearl necklace is truly breathtaking!" one of the girls exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

"Yes, Inja, really! Look how shiny they are!" another girl chimed in, her eyes wide with wonder. "The way they catch the light is mesmerizing!"

"Are these sea pearls?" someone asked, curiosity etched on her face.

Inja's smile broadened, her expression radiating pride. "Oh no, no! These are the pearls of the special Chalka lake," she declared, her voice dripping with superiority. "They're renowned for their exceptional luster and rarity."

A girl standing near her gasped in surprise, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh, I thought they didn't send pearls to anyone!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.

Inja's expression turned smug, her shoulders squaring slightly. "But they sent them to me!" she stated, her tone implying that this was a testament to her exceptional status.

Elianora, inhabited by Lyra's consciousness, felt a surge of annoyance at Inja's boastful remarks. Her patience wore thin as she listened to Inja's condescending tone, her anger simmering just below the surface. The atmosphere, once lighthearted and convivial, now seemed stifling, weighed down by Inja's haughty demeanor.

As Vanessa observed Elianora's expression, she sensed a flicker of annoyance beneath her serene facade. "Elianora, are you okay?" Vanessa asked, her voice tinged with concern, her eyes narrowing slightly as she searched for any signs of distress.

Elianora turned to Vanessa, noticing the suspicious glint in her eyes. She swiftly composed herself, laughing politely to dispel any worries. "Yes, yes, I'm absolutely fine. There's no problem," she reassured Vanessa with a gentle smile, her lips curving upward in a soothing arc.

Just then, a snake slithered out from beneath the sandalwood tree near the garden, its sleek, scaly body gliding effortlessly across the intricately patterned tiles. The warm sunlight dancing through the lattice windows highlighted the snake's mottled brown and gray hues, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment.

As the snake approached the group of women, a girl let out a blood-curdling scream, her voice piercing the air like a shattered glass. "Aa aa aa! Snake!" she shrieked, her eyes wide with terror, her face pale as alabaster.

The atmosphere erupted into chaos. "What snake?" someone cried out, their voice trembling with fear, while another girl yelled, "Help!" at the top of her lungs. The women began jumping and stomping their legs wildly, their faces etched with fear, their expensive silks and satins rustling as they moved.

Those seated on the ornate, velvet-upholstered chairs scrambled to raise their legs, as if the snake might suddenly leap onto their laps. The snake, likely intent on passing by unnoticed, grew agitated due to the commotion. It raised its hood, its beady, black eyes flashing with irritation, as it sensed the women's fear.

In the midst of the pandemonium, some girls attempted to throw tea at the snake, hoping to deter it. However, this tactic only enraged the snake further. It darted towards them, its body tense and menacing, its forked tongue darting in and out of its mouth.

As the women scrambled to get away, several of them collided and tumbled to the ground. The scene was one of utter chaos, with shrieks and screams filling the air, the sound echoing off the marble floors and ornate ceilings.