It was far from ideal, but Era had no illusions the arena would be anything but a miserable place filled with death. The first day had been the most difficult, acclimatizing herself to the vicious reality she was now a part of. While she avoided landing any killing blows Era knows that those she encountered likely ended up dead regardless of her efforts, yet she feels no guilt - there will always be casualties in war. There is no use dwelling on it.

The second day is much easier. In part because she fell back into old habits quickly and was notorious for adjusting quickly, and in part because she found Thor. It was a relief to have a friend and companion to rely on, though Era had a feeling it wouldn't last. Something would go wrong soon enough.

Era is proven right late into day three when her Echo activates a scant few moments before Thor returns from checking the perimeter. He emerges from the woods, eyes oddly dull and Mjolnir at the ready in his hand as he strides towards her. Her body tenses, ready to move though she doesn't, because this is Thor and he would never hurt her... Except the way his expression shifts and his pace picks up suddenly makes her doubt that. He stares at her with eyes burning in rage, lips twisted in a thin-lipped snarl as he raises the hammer over her head and brings it down on the crown of her head, caving in her skull before she can even let out a breath--

She blinks and is met with the sight of Thor striding toward her, Mjolnir in hand.

Dread pooling in the pit of her stomach, Era makes sure she has a firm grasp on her rapier.

The shift from Servus to Primus has been unexpectedly jarring. While Era certainly doesn't miss the arena she does miss how simple it was. Kill or be killed. Survive by any means necessary. It feels almost easy compared to navigating her way through social events at Aymeric's side, watching as he plays the part of politician with such ease it's hard to reconcile this image of him with the Aymeric who fought through wars by her side.

She must play a part as well, but she's certain she doesn't do a good job of it. It's difficult to indulge in the lavish lifestyle the Primus are so accustomed to. This leaves her spending much of her time away from Aymeric exploring local libraries, or simply wandering the city on foot, head covered by the hood of a cloak. Occasionally she braves the less formal parties with or without Aymeric, doing her best to spot anyone who may wish to accept the freedom she can offer.

-

Era fidgets with the wedding band on her ring finger, unaccustomed to the feel of it, though it's a welcome distraction from the way her head keeps tilting to the right and the way the world is now silent on her left side. She does her best to focus on the additions (a ring and a husband, albeit temporary) instead of what she has lost (her horn and half of her hearing).

It will take time but her horn will grow back and she will heal - she always does.


{{ ooc: open to pretty much anything for Primus! feel free to throw any prompt my way. c: }}