Welcome to Gaia! ::

The sun was bright in the sky today even if its light did nothing to warm the chilly air. It was cold enough outside that Imogen was glad she’d worn long sleeves to keep her warm. Besides the bandage down her forearm looked rather questionable so keeping that hidden away was also a plus. She’d already heard a few ‘cutter’ jokes when she went dancing last night and didn’t feel the need to hear any more. Even if they meant it in fun it was very annoying.

The redhead had already picked up her new uniform, its pale blue obvious as it was laid folded at the top of a full bag. She’d got stationary supplies and notepads and a few things she’d need in her dorm room. She'd also picked up some she probably didn't but besides from her scanty memories of Barren Hell she'd never boarded at a school before so that was just inexperience. So now she just needed the books on the book list and she’d be all set for Crystal.

She ducked into a bookshop, bag held by her uninjured arm and list in her other hand.

After getting her bearings and deciding what to go for first, she started searching. Imo wanted to find her books and then with her shopping chores done, go explore the city some more. She wanted to roam for a while while it was still light...because Imo was not going out at night unless she had to these days. Bad things went bump in the night in Destiny and one day, bin lids and sticks and senshi weren't going to help her.

Thinking of senshi, she bit her lip thoughtfully as she grabbed the required English text. She might be avoiding getting caught up with monsters but senshi were interesting. Of course she wouldn't go out looking for them, but maybe she could start following the news and stuff about them. Quite a few people had that as a sort of hobby, especially after the Sailor Nea thing.

What had the girl in the tartan (sadly the only real fixed impression she'd got of her had been the tartan) been called? Gemini? Imogen headed towards the astrology section thoughtfully.

The book that caught her eye first as she reached that section was a lovely blue volume that was facing out of the bookshelf, with a little ‘staff recommendation!’ hand written note stuck beneath it. The title Signs of the Zodiac was embossed in gold on the front, with what looked like pictures of a woman, a crab, a bull…all the signs arranged around the words. It was very pretty and eyecatching. Even if she couldn’t afford it (it looked kind of expensive) Imogen wanted to have a look at that book first.

Only it was the other end of this section of the shops shelves, and there was a very pretty redheaded girl was in the way. Looking at – Imo tilted her head a little – a star name book. She smiled.

“Excuse me, can I get by please?”

"Not much really so I thought I'd have a look. I know I'm a Sagittarius but I don't even know what that is supposed to mean." She knew that was the archery sign but that was it. There were what, 12 signs? Everyone was born under one and that affected their lives somehow. Imogen was certaintly no zodiac expert.

"How about you?" Imo could have been asking about the girl's sign or she could have been asking about her knowledge of astrology. But for the purpose of friendly chit chat it really didn't matter too much how Skye took it.

"Sure. But could you pass me another copy of the zodiac book once you've got it please, if you're taking that copy?" She asked while she held out her free arm to take Skye's stuff. Imogen had she known the other redhead's thoughts would have informed her that she no intention of being her maid. It was just good manners to be polite and helpful.

"I think so, don't they usually have little snippets of predictions in newspapers? And I'm sure they are supposed to affect relationships. Like, a Leo and a Virgo can't fall in love without problems, but a Leo and a Aries would get on really together well."

"I just know that much from when they're in newpapers. I don't actually know what signs go with what or anything." Imo explained, and putting down her bag reached up to trace the embossed design on the front of the book which was very pretty. She turned it over and winced. That was going to take a dent out of her spending money but so long as she didn't buy anything else that wasn't on her list she'd be fine. While she was going to Crystal, it was on a half-scholarship and money was still somewhat tight. Her mother's pride and it's reputation was what was getting Imogen to Crystal. She'd have been happy at Meadowview.

"I'm starting at Crystal soon." So looked back up from the book to Skye.

“Oh sorry, my name’s Imogen, pleased to me you!” She tucked the book along with her other books ready to be brought. That distraction out of the way she turned her full attention on the other girl. She’d not miss a question again.

“I’m staying on campus, yes.” Imo was not in the mood to explain why she was starting so late in the year. She’d yet to think of a nice simple way to sum it up anyway. I’ve lost a year of my life attending a weird school that may have been run by people who wanted to sell my liver but instead just randomly beat me and left me to be taken to hospital. Oh and I can barely remember all this!

Maybe just ‘I was in an accident’ would suffice? Or she could just not mention anything bad. She could just say she'd transferred because Crystal was better than her old school? That'd be true after all. Anywhere was better than Barren Hell.

“What’s your name?”

"Skye is a pretty name. And that'd be great, thanks." Imogen's smile widened, making her eyes crinkle up and she visibly brightened. She always liked meeting new people and hopefully she'd make a new friend of Skye. She seemed very direct but nice enough. Besides Imo was (sort of) new to Destiny City and most of the friends she'd made when she'd moved here a year ago had ended up dead (which perhaps fortunately she couldn't really remember). She needed to make friends here.

"I'll just grab the last few books I need - meet you in front of the shop in a bit?" It'd be quicker that way that hanging about and she still needed finish up her supply gatherings.