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Nyssa sat perched on the top of the cathedral St. Paledro, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city of Raoul. Ironic then, she thought to herself, that such a holy place gave her the perfect vantage point for her target. The iconic structure was merely two blocks from the most notorious- and filthiest-night club in the city, Madre Fria. The club was highly coveted; only wealthy patrons and their guests ever found their way into the establishment. Most times, it was only the patrons that found their way out. Tonight, Nyssa would be one of the guests. She’d be posing as the naive side-piece of a man named Jarod Greensbur, also known to the league as Al-Owal. The man was close to Ras, as he'd been a part the league long before Nyssa even existed. Nyssa grew up around Al-Owal and viewed him as family member. So when she was assigned to this role, she was pleased to learn that it was he who had been assigned the role of infiltrator. Nyssa gazed down at the city beneath her and waited for her cue. Barely a minute later, she received a buzz on her comm device. “I see you're here early, little devil. What's the rush? You know the club doesn't open until well later into the evening.” Nyssa let out a silent exasperated sigh. Why was always like this. “Uncle, we've spoken about this numerous times before. It's my duty, as a member of the league and even more so, as it's Heir, to be familiar with the settings of every assignment I’m given.” “You've had the map memorized long before the scout’s reports were even drafted into an operation. And,” His voice carried a slight hint of complaint. “you've been up there for hours.” “Is my vigilance a problem for you, Uncle?” Nyssa’s tone became irate, as Al-Owal’s well meant complaints began to annoy her. She hoped that he would pick up on the clear agitation and leave her be. She was not so lucky. “Nyssa, listen, how about you come down here, take a break, and we get something to eat, yeah?” “But Uncle…” “No protesting. I won't have our Heir famished as she completes her largest assignment yet.” “Ughhhhhh” Nyssa groaned. “Relax, dear. It is nowhere near the time for them to arrive. When the club opens, we’'ll be there.” The Heir glanced up at the cloudless darkening Brazilian sky and sighs again. Shaking her head, she turned her back on the view and headed down the stairs to meet Al-Owal on the ground floor. As she descended the marble staircase, she calmly walked through the massive tour group she'd originally came with and quickly abandoned soon after her admission. The tour guide stared at her in confusion, as he was uncertain how she managed to get so far ahead of the group and into the restricted area. Ignoring the man’s expression, Nyssa continued walking down towards the entrance. Standing beside one of the massive columns that decorated the entrance, was none other than Al-Owal. He was a slight man; roughly an inch shorter than Nyssa and just as small. Al-Owal possessed a childish face, his youthful appearance belayed only by the graying hair that peppered his beard. His face was sporting a mischievous grin that took up the majority of his face. “Nyssa, darling!” The lilt in his voice was enough to make Nyssa glare at the older man. “It’s been decades since I’ve last seen your face. Come, come! We must catch up!” She rolled her eyes, an exasperated grin spreading across her stoic face. Fondness flooded throughout her person. Nyssa gazed upon the older man and thought about their relationship. They may lack the blood ties, but their bond was unbreakable. It had been since her father introduced her to him when she was a girl. “Alright. Do you have any suggestions as to where we should go?” Al-Owal’s eyes sparkled with mirth; his face the picture of gentle amusement. “I think I know just the place!” The older assassin smiled and turned on his heels, striding towards the massive cathedral entrance; the exasperated Heir beside him. As she followed her uncle down the walkway, Nyssa’s attention was captured by a warm exuberant laugh. Her eyes searched the surrounding crowd for the source of the exquisite sound that sent shivers down her back and caused her to lose her focus so quickly. After a second, they settled on a young couple a short distance ahead of them. The man was tall and lanky like a swimmer; sporting blonde hair, piercing blue eyes and softly tanned skin. He was the poster image for the popular American magazines that Nyssa had heard of. Nyssa spared less than a couple seconds profiling him, most of her attention being diverted to the woman clinging to his side. Nyssa took in the features of the young woman. Her stance was solid and confident, radiant blonde hair dangling from her tilted head, facing the the sky as her frame was wracked by her sounds of amusement. For the first time in her life, the Heir found herself stunned and speechless, the sudden attraction too much for the woman to handle. She unabashedly stared at the rambunctious blonde. Perhaps a bit too long, she’d later reflect, as cerulean eyes slowly met her own mocha. A barely audible gasp left Nyssa’s lips. The woman’s stare was almost as intense as the Heir’s. The blonde’s eyes dragged down Nyssa’s slender frame and slowly made their way back up towards her face. Apparently liking what she saw, the woman donned a small seductive grin and winked at the flustered heir.Nyssa began to find it unbearable being within short reach of the woman and yet unable to talk to her. The heir started to take a step towards the woman, but halted when she felt a hand touch her shoulder. She abruptly diverted her focus back to the short Latino man smugly walking beside her. “Uncle did you see that…?” she trailed off; her face fighting to conceal the sheer glee that raged behind her eyes. The man smiled, deep crinkles carved themselves into his cheeks and around his eyes, giving him an even more youthful appearance. Mirth lingered in his voice as he said “I bet you’re glad I got you off that rooftop now, huh?” Nyssa watched out of the corner of her eyes, as the mysterious blonde passed by her. A tiny grin pushed its way to her face. “Perhaps…”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Sara Lance couldn’t remember a time when she’d felt more alive. The sun was shining bright in the sky, she was surrounded by a slew of exotic foreign people and wrapped in the arms of one of the most coveted men from her home state.
No, Oliver Queen wasn’t the brightest nor was he the most caring man, however when it came to riches and looks, he was far above average. Many of the girls from her former highschool would’ve killed, in some cases probably literally, for the older Queen sibling to show any interest in them. Yet here she was, miles away from home, strolling the streets of Raoul, Brazil with him. The event was only sweetened by the fact that Ollie, as she liked to call him, was her sister’s fiance.
Despite many opinions, Sara was neither stupid nor naive. She knew she would be found out eventually. The Lance family was filled with a long line of wise and observant people; and one of the brightest was none other than her sister, Laurel Lance. Sara knew that it wouldn't be long before Laurel put two and two together and discovered the affair. And while a part of her felt guilty about the hurt this would cause her sister, a bigger and much louder part of her couldn’t wait to see Laurel’s face when she realized that her beloved fiance chose her sister instead. She’d finally feel the pain of being second best for once in her life…. But Sara pushed all of that to the back of her mind. Right now, she had bigger things to focus on. Like the bustling streets of Raoul!
The city seemed to be filled with activity! People poured from the theatre, faces alight with wonder. Smells wafted from the numerous vending stands lining the sides of the crowded walkways. A pair of children pushed through, heedless of the people; their focus only on their desire to tag each other as two adult tourists, presumably their parents, attempted to keep up with them. Sara watched the chase intently. The kids’ laughter cascaded over the path, reminding Sara of her childhood and the many times she’d spent chasing her sister and being chased. Before things became so complicated between them,
before
....A spike of guilt shot through her at the thought.
No!
She thought to herself.
I am NOT going to think of that right now.
Sara shifted her focus back to the crowd.
I am in Raoul, to drink and club and have fun with Ollie. Mentioning Ollie….
She glanced at the man strolling contently next to her. His face was alight with gentle amusement and, for those that knew what to look for, a fierce excitement. Although Oliver visited many places throughout his life, courtesy of his family's wealth, he'd never been to Brazil. After earning his business degree, he decided to take a vacation before getting involved in his family's company. He wanted to party and have a wild time before he was burdened with responsibility and, eventually, marriage. His friends were sympathetic and recommended Raoul.
The city was a tourist trap by day, but as soon as night hit, the scene would change drastically. At night, Raoul became party central. Bar and club doors would open wide; inviting any and all who were seeking a place to dance, participate in some X-rated fun or even enjoy a stiff drink. Of course, Ollie wasn't just
anyone
and that is why tonight they would be attending one the most exclusive clubs in the city, Madre Fria!
Madre Fria was a club reserved only for the elitest of the elites. Admission was by invitation only and Ollie'd been invited by one of his college friends, who happened to be vacationing in Roaul as well. He was practically skipping with anticipation, for all his eyes were showing.
And what gorgeous eyes they were!
Deep and blue and clear, like a pool of water. You could see everything in them, reflecting back like an image in a polished mirror. You'd always know what he was looking at, his gaze would quickly be betrayed by his baby blues. But, you'd almost never know how he felt about what he was seeing. In these last few days, Sara would catch his gaze often.
Although she considered herself good at reading people, she could never quite decipher what he was thinking then. Even when she'd ask, he would give some kinda flirty comment or chuckle and expertly change the subject. His reply never quite matched the intensity she caught in his expression.
Does he even like me?
She'd think to herself.
Is he regretting this?
Sara knew this wouldn't last forever. He probably thinks less of her and wishes he'd taken Laurel with him instead. Maybe he's thought of sending her back and finding someone here to escort him around.
Lost in her thoughts, Sara takes a look at the pedestrian crowd.
There definitely isn't a shortage of gorgeous women in this city. But if that is the case, why am I still here?
Sara gives herself yet another mental shake. She refuses to ride that train of thought today. Regardless of what Ollie thinks, she's still here with him and she is determined to enjoy it as long as she can!
Returning to the present, Sara realizes that Oliver has been talking to her. He's looking out in the distance and on his face is a mirthful grin. She catches the end of his ramblings; something about "unholy neighbors". She follows his gaze to the massive cathedral meters ahead of them.
It's great spires fill Sara with a sense of awe. She's never been big on architecture and history, but shes sure Starling, hell, the United States can't possibly have anything like this. She doesn't understand Ollie's humor. "Unholy neighbors"?
"Holy shit!" She whispers incredulously. "No way!"
Oliver's smile stretches and he nods to his left, in the direction of the terrace. The pieces of the puzzle quickly fall in place as her gaze shifts to across the courtyard, and a few blocks away she sees it! Madre Fria…!
The irony is too much for her to handle, she tosses her head back, her body shaking as a full belly laugh overtakes her. They're gonna be partying right under the eyes of Mary and the squad! The blasphemy….
Trying to calm herself a little and escape weird looks from other tourists, she takes a deep breath and opens her eyes….
Only to have the breath knocked out of her again, as her eyes are captured by an enchanted pair of brown mere feet away. It takes a moment for her to notice she's stopped walking but even then, she still can't seem to look away.
The owner of these lustrous eyes is tall, olive-skinned woman. Her face is soft and strong, with a sharp nose and wide lips and strong chin, all framed by a dark brown halo that makes her features that much more angelic.
She's standing tall, one foot in front of the other and muscles tensed as though seconds away from striding over and approaching her. She begins to move, and Sara's heart begins to fire off in anticipation! Sara doesn't know what for, but she is ready!
The woman stops as a man standing beside her gently touches her bicep...her lithely muscled bicep…. Sara shakes herself for the third time today and time resumes.
She gives the woman an appreciative onceover and shoots her the most seductive wink she can muster. The woman seems unaffected, except for her eyes, which reveal surprise as well as a hint of longing. Sara doesn't understand why or how it is possible that she feels that same hint too….
She doesn't have much time to ponder it, as she is pulled from her reverie by a hand on her shoulder. Ollie has noticed her stop and has returned to see what the hold up is. He takes her hand and leads her in the direction of the cathedral.
Sara doesn't know what to tell him when he asks her why she stopped. She generates an excuse about a distracting tourist and allows him to lead the new conversation from there.
She doesn't have a way to explain what just happened, but she knows that something big just shifted.
Sara watches as the angelic woman and the older man continue in the opposite direction and she can't help but stifle her disappointment.
Deep inside, she hopes that they'll meet again.