EI Report: Rookie's Pursuit & introducing The Prince's Rose

Hope you're ready for a scientific bonanza of goodness, Gaians! After all, what is Friday for if not for celebrating my amazing achievements in Evolving Item research? And I've got some splendid results to reveal today! Not only has Rookie's Pursuit achieved its next stage of evolution, but we're also unveiling a brand new EI: The Prince's Rose! Let's take a closer look, shall we?

The Prince's Rose: There once was a young maiden who lived in a small village deep in an ancient forest. One day she was out gathering wood when she came upon a path unknown to her. The path was shrouded in a foreboding shadow, even though it was not yet past midday and the sky overhead was bright and clear. But something glittered in that strange darkness, like a star in the night sky, and she was drawn to it. The girl started down the path, traveling deeper and deeper into woods until she came upon an old, broken sword planted into the ground. From the sword grew the most beautiful white roses she'd ever seen, with dew clinging to the petals that sparkled like fragile diamonds. Unable to resist, she plucked a blossom and set it upon her bosom. But the rose turned black as soon as it touched her skin, and silver thorns grew and clung to her. With it came a voice, "This rose is mine, and now, so are you."

Rookie's Pursuit: Minerva had never felt more out of place in her entire life. She fidgeted uncomfortably where she stood, her feet already starting to pinch in their “oh so fashionable” oxfords. How had she allowed Juno to talk her into this? Her sister had practically leapt at the opportunity to “glitz” Minerva up -- her words, not the detective’s. Curlers, lipgloss, rouge; hours spent in a chair getting makeup applied to her face, and for what? She was wearing a mask for crying out loud, so it wasn’t like anyone could see. Besides, Minerva wasn’t here to impress anyone. She had a job to do, plain and simple. All of her discomfort was just making her even more determined to collar the Striking Thief once and for all. At least it was good for something.

Sighing irately, Minerva attempted to inconspicuously hike her heavy gown back into place. Masked couples swirled and waltzed in front of her in a churning sea of shimmering fabrics and glittering jewels as the band played on, song after song. The detective scowled, focusing instead on scanning the room for the hundredth time as radio static buzzed quietly in her ear between the occasional lines of idle police chatter, like some sort of irritating insect. Still no sign of him yet, apparently. But Minerva knew he would come. The thief seemed to enjoy two things more than anything else in the world: stealing gems from the wealthy elite, and humiliating Minerva at every turn. No, he wouldn’t miss an opportunity like this -- particularly not when he invited her personally to attend.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a spattering of polite applause as the band finished their song. It wasn't long, however, before the band struck up another tune. Minerva simply couldn’t take much more of this. She had to do something to distract herself from how awkward she felt. Maybe patrol the perimeter of the ballroom, keep an eye out for anything suspicious. It’d help keep her focused, anyway. Her mind made up, the detective began to edge away from the wall she’d been attempting to innocuously lean against when she felt a light tap on her shoulder.

“May I have this dance?”

Minerva turned around slowly, grimacing at the man currently offering her his gloved hand. Ugh. Could this thief just show up already!?

Such fascinating developments! Unfortunately that's all the time I have this week, but be sure to tune in next week for our next Evolving Item Report! You can see all these incredible items and more in La Victoire, and don't forget to vote in our Weekly EI Poll to let us know what your favorites are. See you soon, junior scientists!