Hitsuga

[karma_k]

First Visit To The Udon-Ya

Outside, Phaerna moved with quiet, but driven, determination as she retraced her steps back to the home she had stumbled across only a few days ago. Though she had promised herself that she would not return, if only because she did not wish to further disturb Setsushi and the circus of attention he seemed to attract, it seemed the only logical place to bring the one who followed closely behind her.

If Setsu did not know him, then perhaps the two of them could, at least, find out where he was trying to go and how to get him there.

For his part, Hitsuga was mortified, and walked in silence, head low, clutching the purple jacket she'd offered him around his waist like a makeshift towel. He was not in ANY state to be seen by others at the moment and gave off feelings of embarrassment and upset as they moved.

As they crossed into the yard, Hitsuga squirmed. Was she absolutely certain they were not disturbing the man she had spoken of...? And if not, would Hitsuga's current state of "dress" do that anyway...? sweatdrop

Rika finally deposits the sword on the table, slowly turning around, replacing her monocle once again and looking through it at this new arrival. ... And the Celestial Chaos. At the sight of those, her eyebrows rise so high the lens almost falls from her eye socket.

... But she looks back at Boyan, brow furrowed, taking a step forward as she scrutinizes him. Then stops, her expression softening into blankness again as she strokes her chin.

"... Are you the Celestial Oracle?" she asks, somewhat dubiously.

Boyan would have answered that YES, young lady, he APPARENTLY IS the Celestial Oracle-- at least, the sparklies seem to be.

But instead, his attention is stolen by the familiar arrival, and the UNFAMILIAR arrival.

"....Naked."

Oh, if only he had a way to check the time! Is it shirtless o'clock already?! gonk

As they near the door, which seems to be hanging open, Hitsuga finds himself halted by the strange male just inside who is staring at him.

....and what he has just said.

Heat rushes to his face as he averts his eyes squarely to the ground, clutching the jacket a bit more tightly around himself. Hitsuga projects his most PROFOUND apologies to all in attendance for arriving in such a state but....that, all things considered, he was not given much choice in the matter.

Hitsuga is a bit....lost, he fears.

Phaerna, recognizing Boyan as the "artist" from her last visit, quietly keeps her distance in case, somewhere unseen, Setsu was once again in a state of disarray over another mess he'd made. Removing herself politely from where she was providing a flesh-and-blood barrier between Hitsuga and the others, the young drow stands aside.

....not realizing that she was, not so much a hindrance, as she had been providing the poor man with a bit of cover.

As interesting as a Celestial Oracle who does not appear to be Hyouka may be to Rika, Boyan is not nearly as interesting as what has just arrived. She cuts in front of Boyan, adjusting her monocle and leaning forward to examine Hitsuga with merciless eyes.

... She will have to measure this one.

Boyan will have everyone know that he is on a mission of GOOD WILL, and also that he has brought questionably edible MUFFINS baked with love by his lovelybeautiful daughter!

And what luck the naked newcomer has! It would seem this nice young lady is going to measure him for new clothes! In the meantime, Boyan is wearing far, far too many clothes, and it would seem this naked man is not wearing enough for his liking, so Boyan does not mind sharing. 3nodding

He sets the basket of muffins on the ground and begins to untie his outer robes.

Yousei arrives just in time to see Boyan begin untying his robes and screeches. Aloud. And loudly. No no, Boyan must not expose himself, "--especially not in front of strange new people!" Having clearly missed Boyan's true intentions(?), she attempts a dive for the Celestial Oracle, scrabbling slightly for his ties. As she does this, she turns to look at the others assembled in the room, all of whom are unfamiliar to her.

Hello. gonk

He blinks in bewilderment as the other male is nudged aside, revealing someone else who is now approaching him with purpose. Someone he does not recognize. A female, who's very air seems to exude authority, which only seems to be magnified behind the monocle she wears.

Hitsuga feels his chest tighten with the first faint flutterings of onsetting panic....

No. NO.

Not right now.

He sets his jaw, drawing a deep breath and letting it out slowly. Not right now. Focus. Control. gonk

Hitsuga's mind is awash for a moment with images of flowers, trees, various other plants....

Little by little, he seems to gain a foothold of domain on himself once again, the panic receding before it can become unmanageable.

Hitsuga bows to Rika at last, trying to hide the trembling of his hands with a projection of as much warm respect and apology as he can offer her, given present circumstances.

Rika's intense scrutiny of Hitsuga's body allows her to notice those trembling hands. As much as she would like to continue studying this rather handsome, nigh-naked man, it seems that his anxiety ultimately dissuades her, and she averts her eyes, shrugging off her scholar's jacket and handing it out to him.

"... That may be entirely too small, but try it."

In the meantime, she heads further back into the house, dips behind the screen and opens up Setsushi's chest of drawers. While helping herself to an under-robe and looking for a middle layer, she asks, "And who might you be? You two," she adds, trying to peek over the top of the screen at Yousei but not quite being tall enough.

Boyan flails, projecting a bizarre mix of "UNHAND ME, WOMAN!" and "YOUSEIIIIIIIIIIIII 4laugh heart ."

He would have been perfectly content to shed his outer layers (Like a rather Boyan-shaped bug shedding his skin) and share them with the man-who-now-wore-the-tailor's-coat (Surely, Rika HAD to be a tailor!), but now, he has something BETTER to pay attention to.

He finally throws his arms around Yousei, his mind a pleasant garble of brotherly affection and a desire for hugs. And as he drools slightly on Yousei's shoulder (It would seem he never DID quite grow out of that), he forgets that Rika, Phaerna, and Hitsuga even EXIST.

Hitsuga's eyes widen as the jacket is offered to him. He assures her t-that is not necessary. That she needn't offer him her OWN clothes, certainly. That--

....but then she is gone again, leaving him holding her jacket. As uncomfortable as the idea is that he is intruding on the lady's generosity with his own sorry appearance, Hitsuga found it just as uncomfortable to be rude about such a gesture. He....certainly does not wish to appear ungrateful...! Especially when, by all rights, he could have been turned away immediately.

His utmost thanks, poking its head out amid the turmoil of embarrassment, fluster, and general upset, follows Rika as she ventures further into the house.

Attempting to keep a hold on the jacket at his waist, Hitsuga struggles into the jacket he's been given, finding that, while a bit tight in the shoulders, it does, indeed, fit.

Nearby, the explosion of emotion that bursts from both Boyan and Yousei draws his eye to make him blink in sheer bewilderment. ....where had all of these people COME from? The ashen-skinned one (....Phaerna, was it?) had assured him ONE man lived here. eek

At Rika's question, he returns his attention to the direction of her voice.

"H-Hitsuga." he says quietly, his voice sounding alien and small to him on the air.

Yousei has been getting re-acquainted with sorting through Boyan's unique style of communication, and thus has only a little difficulty picking out the important things from his projections. The first of which being: hugs! 4laugh Followed by an amused apology at having not realized Boyan only meant to help the poor man standing over there.

She sends apologies to him, as well, and the two ladies. Yousei is not always this... conspicuous. Er, obnoxious? She is -- that is, they are -- friends of Setsushi's. She gives them all a smile from around Boyan's head. She doesn't believe she's met them before so, she directs at the two Porcelain, "Are you new here?"

Finding a middle-layer robe among Setsushi's belongings at last, Rika hands it and the under-robe to Hitsuga (after giving them a careful snifftest.) "... These may be entirely too large," but what can you do? She shrugs.

... "Shall I leave you behind the screen?" she asks, trying very hard to resist her urge to resume scrutinizing that very interesting male chest of his. In the end she finds it too hard and moves to the other side without waiting for him to answer so that she will not have to constantly peel away her glances.

"I am newly arrived, yes," she replies to Yousei, "though I am not certain how long I will be staying." A pause to consider. "... Some time, at least," she murmurs, a slight smile tugging at her lips.

"My name is Rika," she says casually. "That is Hitsuga." ... She again pauses, looking back towards the screen, and asks, "Hitsuga... of Heaven, of Gray Shells?"

"Hhhhh--yhhhhn," says Boyan, not about to detach himself from Yousei. What rotten luck Yousei has to have missed Boyan's lovelybeautiful daughter yet again! She really must see his lovelybeautiful daughter, yes, and his GRAND~CHILD~ who happens to still be a bun in the oven.

Speaking of buns and ovens, Boyan has forgotten the muffins!

Grandpa-not-grandpa is not present to enjoy them? Boyan is careful to avoid any mention of EATING the muffins; he loves his daughter dearly, yes he does, but he would much rather eat dirt.

--Which isn't saying much, seeing as how he apparently thinks dirt is an appropriate seasoning for cookies, but BOYAN DIGRESSES.

Now that Mr. Naked is Mr. Not-quite-naked, Boyan has to wonder. ...What on earth is he doing running around UNINTENTIONALLY naked? (Once again, he makes a rather troubling distinction.)

Hitsuga, again, bows to Rika as he is presented with the garments, assuring her that she is far too kind and that he will, most certainly, manage. Her query about whether she ought to leave him alone behind the screen gives him pause, however... sweatdrop

...though he is greatly relieved when she retreats of her own accord, leaving him in privacy to struggle into the clothes. They are, indeed, far too big. And remind him of being a small boy long, long ago attempting to put on the clothes in his father's closet.

....and then everything comes to a screeching halt as Rika calls him by his full name. Which he is, quite certain, he has not offered anyone here.

Peering around the side of the screen at her, still fussing with the ties on the robes, he blinks owlishly at Rika. Yes, he assures her, that is he...

Rika does her best to follow Boyan's projections, though a slightly crumpled brow betrays her confusion.

"Who is this grandfather?" she asks. For, if her understanding is correct, one Dragon Knight Tenkyuu, one High Priest Kouyo, and one Setsushi live here -- and unless Tenkyuu is a man, Kouyo is not as chaste a High Priest as he ought to be, and the very kiln of the Silver Empress has frozen over, none of those people are anyone's grandfather.

She sniffs.

... And she looks back at Hitsuga. "I see," she murmurs, with a blank face. "I have heard of you," is all she offers as explanation at that time.

Boyan nods emphatically. (While still nomming on Yousei's shoulder.)

Setsushi is Boyan's Grandpa-not-grandpa. It's kind of a long story.

Ah, she is "Yousei." She hopes that Rika's stay here will be pleasant, and Hitsuga's as well. She cocks her head a little at the other woman's almost secretive-looking smile, but does not comment otherwise. Did Rika and Hitsuka arrive here by mysterious means like the other Porcelain from the Golden World?

Yousei turns back to Boyan for a moment. She would really like to see Little (Not-So-Little) Melo again -- perhaps Boyan will have to help them arrange a visit. However, his comments succeed in making her a little wary about the muffins.

Ahh, er, yes, Yousei projects stumblingly at Boyan's explanation about Setushi. That is, Setsushi seems unnervingly similar in some ways to their grandfather Tsukiba. Grandpa was the one who brought most of the original Porcelain living in Gaia and helped raise them and find caretakers for them.

Her words, whether they were intended to be or not, were like a sharp kick in the belly as he inwardly winces, slowly drawing back behind the screen to finish situating the ties and smoothing the fabric into some array of order.

His mind races. She had heard of him? Perhaps she has made Kitsuo's acquaintance at some point, then?

Or someone else's....

He slams his mind shut to the idea before it can fully form, knowing what it would bring if he let it. Sometimes, when he allowed his thoughts to wander, he had wondered how widespread his past transgressions had become.

Rika.... Rika.....

The name itched at him as if he really ought to recognize it, either as someone he has met or a name he has heard spoken in the past. Though his current state of disorientation would not allow him to place it.

Projections of harried frustration loom about him like an intangible tapestry as he, at last, steps out from behind the screen, in clothes that he is not so much wearing as he is swimming in them.

He offers Yousei a bow of greeting and situates a smile that he hopes will appear genuine on his lips. He then admits that he....really is not sure how it is that he came to be here. Or where 'here' exactly was, for that matter....

Rika listens to Yousei's projections intently, nodding her head slightly as she follows them. "Then the epithet 'grandfather' was chosen out of affection? To indicate his status as a social progenitor of the others? And is 'Gaia' is the name of this place? This plane?"

For, she begins to explain, "It seems we have arrived here through strange coincidences of planes. I suspect Hitsuga stumbled through an anomaly by accident. I, however, fabricated the means of my entrance." As she speaks, she travels to the table, picking up her resonator-measurement-device and approaching the now-clothed Hitsuga with it. "If our conjectures are true..."

Yousei nods at Hitsuga. Yes, here is indeed Gaia. They will find that all manner of people live here, and it is generally an accepting place. She eyes Hitsuga with sympathy, as his frustration with the over-large clothes is apparent. Ah! She knows. Carefully detaching herself from Boyan's grip, she pulls out the blue ribbon and elastic band holding her hair in its braid. Don't worry, she'll be right back. biggrin

She approaches the male Porcelain and holds the two items out to him. If he uses these, perhaps he can tie the ends of the robes up near his ankles. He might look a little silly, granted, but at least he will be able to walk a little better. Now freed from its confines, her hair seems to be present in rather alarming amounts, unnaturally wavy from the style.

"Grandfather" was an indicator of status for most of the Porcelain, Rika is correct. However, Grandpa was, in fact, actually Yousei's grandfather. At Rika's revelation of having brought herself to Gaia, Yousei beings to project little feelings of shock and curiosity, but politely remains silent while Rika thinks to herself.

As Rika, again, approaches him, this time with an odd...thing in-hand, Hitsuga forces himself not to shy away. He is determined he will, if nothing else, preserve a shred of his dignity in the presence of the others. Strange faces, strange place, or not, it is of utmost importance that he does not leave anyone with a bad impression of him... redface

Offering no opinion of his own on the idea of how he may have arrived here, as he is very sure he does not recall anything after blacking out at his desk or before awakening in the park, he listens instead to Rika's explanation. Hitsuga politely inquires of Rika what the device is, and what it may do to him... sweatdrop

He finds it is far easier to maintain composure now that he is, once more, clothed. Having ONE wall of security restored to him, while it does not offer him the full degree of privacy he enjoys, is far better than none at all.

As Yousei approaches, offering him the ribbon and band from her hair, he feels his face flush once more. Generous....they were all being far too generous to him! gonk heart He could not possibly, he stammers to Yousei with another bow. He wishes her to understand that she is very, VERY kind, but that his frustration had not been at the clothes, but at something else entirely. He--

He--

Oh dear...so much for composure.

"It measures your resonance," Rika answers Hitsuga, though she pauses when she sees him grow nervous again. "... It doesn't hurt. ... Probably."

Deciding to leave him alone for the moment, she instead turns and points it at Yousei, lightly poking her without asking permission. She then studies the gauge... her eyes going wide as the needle swings to a number she has not yet seen.

"From where did your grandfather bring you?" she asks. ... Rika is just asking out of curiosity, she adds; it's not necessary for her to know.

Yousei looks a little embarrassed at having embarrassed him, but she smiles easily nonetheless and retreats back to where Boyan is. She looks a little concerned, though, when Hitsuga mentions having lost consciousness.

Her concern is momentarily interrupted by Rika's device. "Ah--" she starts, but that's all she can get out before it's all over. Yousei is startled, but manages to answer the question anyway. "From Dragonlamp," she says, and wonders if Rika has heard of it? Just then, she catches sight of the other woman's wide eyes. Oh no, why does Rika's face look like that? Is there something wrong with Yousei? Rika must tell her how to fix it!

Projections of reassurance and apology follow Yousei as she retreats, begging her to please not be embarrassed. It is Hitsuga who should be embarrassed, showing up in such a state in the presense of ladies such as herself in the first place....!

Hitsuga will do better, though. He will, somehow, make this up to everyone who has had to see him this way. The thought is accompanied by a gentle push of determination.

There. He feels a little better now.

His eyes flick raptly to the device as it prods Yousei's arm, and then study Rika's reaction to what she finds. Resonance....? He allows himself to be intrigued.

"There is nothing wrong with the measurement. It is just new to me," Rika responds calmly to Yousei's questions. "I suppose it indicates you are originally from a different plane."

In response to Hitsuga's curiosity, she replies, "It is not certain that is what it measures, but that is the theory I like -- that these 'planes' are coterminous, operating at different particular resonances." She indicates through projections as she speaks that it is not important that they understand what she means; what really matters is that she successfully used the readings to travel.

"It is originally Baikou's theory," she adds, and to Hitsuga, "I heard your name through her." Her face remains neutral, as if she does not have any particular emotion connected to this.

... Oh. Yousei seems to take this in stride, but makes a note to ask further about this later. For now, though, she needs to be getting some writing utensils and paper goods, and she's not sure if the stores will be closing soon. She bids the two Golden World Porcelain farewell with a nod and a small smile and makes her way out, ruffling Boyan's hair affectionately as she leaves.

Hitsuga, unfortunately, does not seem to register Yousei's leaving as his eyes are wide and fixated on Rika as if she has suddenly turned into a poisonous snake that may bite him.

Baikou

It is very, very clear that while Rika may not have any emotion invested, he does. And it does not seem to be of the pleasant variety. The small swells of panic in his breast that he has been keeping a reign on, compound on themselves as her name, in Rika's voice, beats itself around inside the cage of his skull.

He tries to catch it. To squash it. To put it out of mind. But it is something far bigger than him, and an icy wave of panic surges over him, consuming him. There is no room for reasoning with himself, or even time to warn her of what may be coming.

"....oh....." he says aloud, in moreso a croak than a statement. And it is the last coherent thing to come from him as he seems to lock up, a sharp tremor beginning in his hands and travelling up his arms, making them draw to his chest.

His eyes roll back to their whites, and a moment later he has collapsed on the floor, twitching.

Rika's disinterest quickly becomes alarm, as well, as Hitsuga's feelings of panic leak into her and she shivers. She stares at him, dumbfounded, for a moment -- but she is not so stunned that she does not react when she sees him start to collapses and reaches out with her telekinesis, trying to support him, especially his head and neck as his whole body may be too heavy for her to do any good, as he falls.

Once he is on the ground she darts to Setsushi's bed, bringing back a pillow and tucking it under his head as gently as she can, then -- still wearing a face of calm but gripping one of her sleeves so tightly her knuckles are turning white, shouts towards the door, "Someone? Help?" while projecting a strong beam of requiring-assistance -- though not letting any panic she may be feeling seep through.

... It was a quiet morning, though, and if no one comes by... She looks him over, cursing herself for not studying physiology in more detail, and kneels next to him, very cautiously extending a hand to hover over his face as she very tentatively tries to read, without actually affecting him, what she can about his mental state with a psionic touch.

The spastic tremors only last for a moment, before his body begins to relax once more, and he lays, half-curled on his side. His thin frame heaves with labored breathing as he recovers from the fit, though he still seems to have not quite yet come back to himself.

His mind, at the present, is like an empty room with its lights left on. SOMEONE is clearly home, they have simply....stepped out for a bit.

Another few moments and his eyes flutter open as Hitsuga awakens, sore and bewildered. Too much too quickly....too many shocks, indignities, stresses, and not enough repose from it. He gives what sounds to be a miserable groan as the young man pulls his hands beneath himself to attempt to sit up, head throbbing and vision swimming.

He sends an open but bleary projection to whomever it is near him, that he is fine. Or will be in a moment. And that he is very, VERY sorry.

Rika's arm reaches out partway as he sits up, an offer to steady him if he needs it. "You need not apologize," she says softly. "I am sorry I could not be of help." Her calm, imperious expression has now completely transformed into one of genuine worry and almost sadness; she pauses a moment, then asks in a carefully sealed, private stream -- Did Rika cause this fit somehow...?

"... I am not a doctor; I do not know what you need." Nor is she sure what medicines Setsushi might keep in his house... but does he want water? Food? Any particular drug?

Hitsuga assures her, mind still hazy, that this is something he has dealt with for a long, long time. It is not pleasant, but it is not life-ruining either. It just....happens sometimes. When he has been particularly-badly jarred by things. She has nothing to worry about, he will be fine.

He turns his head away, stifling a dry cough behind one hand. He will, likely, fetch himself some water once the room stops weaving, though.

He refrains from mentioning Baikou again, but wants Rika to know it is not her fault. It was not HER, per-sey, she had merely been the block that had toppled the rickety tower that made his nerves. It was an unfortunate circumstance, and that was all.

That was all.

This....was not at all the picture he had wanted to paint of himself. Had he met them under better circumstances, in his shop (and DRESSED), things would have been much, much better.

Rika stares at him, seeming to be studying his expression and projections for any dropped clues (to what...?) but in the end does not press him, instead standing and fetching a cup from Setsushi's kitchen, and... ... ...

... wondering where the water is. confused

While flipping open cabinet doors and upending pitchers, Rika murmurs towards Hitsuga, "You have presented yourself quite well, for being thrust into such adverse conditions." And she raises that constant stony wall she always has, to let a bit of sincere concern and... admiration?... leak through.

... "AAAH!" ... ... ... "... Pardon me." Rika places a hand on her chest, staring at the now-gushing tap of the sink, which she seemed to activate by playing with the spickets. ... That was a bit of a surprise, she thinks to herself while holding out the cup to collect the water.

He starts a bit at her cry, but then allows himself to relax when it appears to be nothing, giving her a genuine, if lopsided, smile.

Rika has been very good to him, and has been incredibly understanding. Once he has gotten himself situated and figured out what he will do with himself while he's in this....Gaia-place....he will repay her kindess somehow.

He is silent a moment, and then cautiously, though with warm intentions, ventures the question of whether Rika is fond of fragrances or not. He believes a deeper bouquet would suit her. Perhaps cedar or clove.

Rika hasn't done anything special to deserve his gratitude, she grumbles in response to his projections while whirling the spickets around randomly, yelping an obscenity as one turns the water extremely hot, but finally managing to shut off the stream.

She carries the water over to Hitsuga, setting it on the floor next to him as she crouches and -- suddenly beams at his mention of those particular scents, once again unable to maintain that blank stoic look. "Do I make you think of cedar?" she asks, informing him with obvious pleasure that that aroma -- that of woods in general -- is one of her favorites.

She has heard Hitsuga is a skilled perfumer through-- ... and stops herself in the midst of that projection. There is only a very brief awkward pause, though, before she asks, a hint of lightheartedness creeping through projectionally while her face becomes neutral again; "What scent would flatter a man who is elegant, shy, and a little bit stupid, I wonder?"

Hitsuga is first offput at her grumbling, but then exceedingly pleased at her reaction to the proposed scent. 4laugh

He is not surprised, he tells her, that she would be fond of the woods as she, herself, reminds him of the woods. Stoic, quiet, regal...

He lets it linger there, not wanting her to mistake a compliment for idle flattery. His profession has allowed him to deal with a wide scope of people and he has become, if not good, at least decent at assigning complimentary scents to his customers based on learning a bit about their personality first. He is, sometimes, very wrong.....there are instances where that flippant dancer is appalled he would think that a bouquet of citrus and honeysuckle would be appropriate for him. Or that a well-built soldier tells him, no, he can keep his sandlewood, she would rather have something in rose or peony. sweatdrop

At her question his head cocks at an inquisitive angle, brows arching, as he accepts the water from her with a projection of his deepest thanks. Drawing a drink, the liquid soothing his throat, he ponders on this for a moment.

This man, he inquires. What more can she tell him...?

When he mentions the rosy soldier, she laughs, as if that was rather the person she had in mind. She ponders a moment, then begins, "Appearing cold, but having a compassionate heart. Appearing pure, but having a lascivious mind. Lovely without knowing so. And capable of enduring anything but the sadness of his... little sister."

The reason, she explains, is that "I would rather you passed along the gift to the master of this house. He is in more need of perfumes than I -- of something to reveal the beauty which his favorite ladies fail to see."

Rika, for her part, prefers incense. There's no need to put a fragrance on herself; courting boys just annoy her. stare

He mulls this over for a long moment, his mind racing through her description and attempting to match it to suitable scents.

Cold, but warm, he ponders. Pure, but lusty. Lovely, but ignorant. And enduring...

His mind projects to her a picture of a white lotus flower, perched precariously on an overhang of rock that overlooks an expansive azure bed of churning waters. It sits there now, elegantly out of reach of the frigid spray that would attempt to dash its petals to ragged bits should they reach it, open to the sun's rays, where they tantalize the pink center the flower had been hiding.

It is these scents he must somehow combine, he believes. The fresh ice of clear water, the warm bask of the sun, the earthy musk of wet stone, and the faintest scent of the lotus underlying it.

He looks to Rika for her approval.

Rika ponders, giving off a faint feeling of being impressed by this man's ability to improvise such imagery and scent inspiration from a brief description.

"Perhaps lotus is too sweet for him," she muses, thinking of his sharpness, his brooding melancholy... on the other hand, it suits him, a flower that glides gracefully on the top of the water. "I should have to smell the finished perfume, I think. And even if it were not truly his, I am sure it would melt hearts," she says with a smile.

... ... ... "But perhaps it must wait until we return to the Empire." After all, they have no idea if this strange world has the ingredients he needs... She looks about the room doubtfully, with its strange furnishings and decorations.

Hitsuga assures her that he is, most certainly, willing to work with her on it. And that it would be his honor to rise to the challenge of this particular fragrance. He so seldomly is allowed to dabble in abstracts for anyone as most of what he sells in his shop is set to certain specifications....which usually fall under 'sweet', 'spicy', 'light', or 'musty' depending on the customers' preference. They take skill to make, regardless, and he takes pride in them, but there is no discovery.

At her assessment of the room, he offers his agreement. Hitsuga would very much like to return home as soon as possible. If only for closure as to why it was he ended up here to begin with...

The customers awaiting their orders that he had promised would be ready for pickup today must be quite annoyed to find his door still locked... gonk

... Rika will unfortunately have to inform him that his orders will indeed be quite late, though his customers are likely disappointed rather than angry -- "You disappeared many weeks ago." Indeed, "It was your disappearance that prompted our research into these planar disturbances." ... Not only his, though, of course. Many other people had gone missing as well.

... Though it is quite strange that Hitsuga seems to believe he only arrived today the same day as Rika, while he disappeared many weeks before Rika left... She puts a hand to her chin, musing.

He blinks...

And then blinks again.

"Weeks?!" he exclaims aloud, his voice a tight-throated squeak.

That couldn't be right....that....what....

It doesn't make sense to him...!

Hitsuga frantically goes back over the night before's events (WAS it the night before, after all...?), in his fervor to sift through the mental fragments, unwittingly broadcasting them a bit, allowing Rika brief, disjointed, glances of a stranger speaking to him, offering him a dark bottle, snatches of what had been said, none of it enough to form a concrete picture.

Under better circumstances he might be mortified to be so careless with his own thoughts as he much preferred to keep them tucked firmly beneath a wing of privacy, sharing them only as he liked. Rika, however, has caught him in a very interesting state of mind where, in grasping at anything at all that might make sense of his current situation, he very simply did not CARE...

And this had happened weeks ago?

He sets aside the glass of water, to cradle his aching (and suddenly-heavy) head in his hands. Today is getting better and better...

Rika rises again, casually strolling over to the table to replace her measuring instrument, though she attends carefully to everything Hitsuga unwittingly projects, not pressing him for information but absorbing what he reveals.

"... I should like to ask you more about it," she says, "but when you are feeling wholly well." For there is always the possibility that Hitsuga, say, traveled to another location during his departure, or somehow took longer than Rika to arrive, allowing it still to be one evening for him but many weeks for her. Of course, "It is not good to assert a theory so soon."

... When was Setsushi supposed to get home? If it still won't be for a while, Rika thinks she might like to take a nap...

He keens to absorb what she has to offer on the matter. Perhaps so. .....somehow. The perfumer clearly has little knowledge of how such things work or, as the case seems, -may- work.

He also wishes he could tell her when Setsushi was to be home, but he is afraid he has no clue. He has never met him before and is only here at all thanks to the guidance of...

That thought derails suddenly as he realizes that Phaerna has been nowhere to be seen in a long while. and he still has her *jacket*! crying What she must think of him...!

He excuses himself hastily to scramble to his feet, barely supported on legs that feel watery beneath him as he clumsily pads back to the changing screen, reaching behind it to procure the rumpled purple article of clothing. He must get it back to her at once....!

The room cants sharply to the left making him flail at the wall to catch himself.

'At once' meaning 'a little later'. After he has rested a bit. A nap is sounding like a good idea indeed....but will Master Setsushi be upset to find him there uninvited, he wonders?

"Setsushi won't be upset because you are my guest," Rika says with an emotion like a naughty smirk -- as if she means to imply that if she is the supplicant, he will acquiesce to anything.

The screens seem to have been rearranged to shield two little sections of the room from the kitchen area -- one containing the bed and the other a little couch and a mattress on the floor. Rika considers, then... suggests Hitsuga rest in the bed, as it will probably be easier to rise from it without making himself dizzy?

Rika, for her part, plans to nap on that mattress, she asserts, reaching up to pull out her hairsticks, her golden hair tumbling partway down as she disappears behind one of the screens.

And if Setsushi returns before she is awake, someone will be sure to tell him to make some deep-fried, battered prawns, won't he?

 

[karma_k]

[journal: 01]

I am writing because it is something to do.

It is something to do and I need to focus. Even if its only for as long as I have room to write on this page.

I do not know what I am doing in this world, or why I was brought here. (if 'brought' is the word I am looking for...I am not fond of the idea I may have done this to myself). It is alarming how accommodating everyone has been.

They act like someone arriving out of nowhere is commonplace! Maybe it is. Maybe that is more reason to worry.

Lady Rika was still resting when I woke. I did not want to disturb her, so I left a letter. The Master of the house was still not home, and I felt I should find Madame Farena (apologies, I do not know the spelling!) to return her jacket.

Madame was outside and had, in fact, been staying nearby to ensure I would be all right. I offered my most sincere apologies. I assured her she would never see me in such a state again and I returned what was hers.

She asked if I had been offered a place to stay. I told her I was sure I would think of something.

Madame suggested that, if I had no other options, her home had a room no longer being used...

I declined. She insisted.

......

In the past days, I have come to understand that Madame has a very small voice, but can be quite influential when she wants to be. The bed has been made up in clean linens. There is now a desk in the corner. The floor was run over with a horrible, loud thing (I believe she said it was a vacyum?) that left it cleaner than it was at first.

I will never EVER be able to repay such hospitality!!!

Farena, though, has a very closed mind. She is like an oyster. Sometimes Madame and I seem to connect if my mind speaks loudly enough to hers, to the point that she understands what I am trying to convey to her. Overall, though, I need to communicate in her way to get anything across without confusion.

It is....frustrating. And tiring. I have never cared for mouth-speak as I am not very good at it. If I could write to her, it would be much easier, but she doesn't seem to be able to read my writing.

I must find Lady Rika again. If she will see me, at least (I must have looked a fright last time!). I feel she may be the key to answering many of my questions. Not to mention, I must return HER jacket as well.

....and Master's clothes.

~~苾畫  

[karma_k]

[journal: 02]

I do not think I'll be going shopping again for awhile.

But I found enough of what I need to get settled, at least. Madame Phaerna is very generous. I have promised to repay her as soon as my means let me.

I have clothes that are my own now. They are not exactly like the ones I used to have, but they are as close, I think, as I will find. I am in no position to be choosy.

There was another shop we visited when the clothes were sorted out. It sold a variety of things to satisfy a variety of hobbies. Madame was looking for crystal beads, she said. ....and happened to catch me looking over what claimed to be a perfumer's kit.

I am keeping careful, careful, inventory of everything I must repay her kindness for.

This parcel has bottles, pipettes, strips, a press, and several vials that are labeled strangely. I am not sure yet if I will be able to work with it or not, but it is more than I had. And I will try.

I must wash Master and Lady's clothes and return them. I only hope Madame remembers the way to the house...

~~ 苾畫  

[karma_k]

Return Visit

What should have been a fifteen minute walk from point A to point B had ended up taking the better part of a half an hour. Hitsuga had stopped, faltered, and retraced his steps several times, unsure of whether he was going the right way or not as per Phaerna's directions.

Little by little, though, things had begun to look familiar. By the time he had reached the edge of the weed-littered lawn, his apprehension that he'd gotten himself lost eased away.

Straightening up, his mood brightening considerably, he pauses a moment to smooth a few wrinkles out of the folded bundle he carries with him. It is his hope that Lady Rika or the master of the house is at home, as he doesn't trust leaving what he'd borrowed from them both on the doorstep. Not when it is freshly-washed and spring rains are so unpredictable!

As he sets foot onto the property, he stops, taking note he is not alone here. Blinking at the green-haired woman nearby, who does not yet seem to have noticed his arrival, he hesitates, and then offers her a greeting.

Omi heard it... or thought she did. She turned, catching sight of Hitsu and seemed to just watch him for a moment. His clothing was a bit odd... as was his appearance, but as a Fa'e, she really wasn't in any place to make judgments. Turning to him, she bowed politely, as she'd been taught. "Hello," she answered, not yet realizing that the greeting hadn't been aloud. "I'm sorry if I was intruding."

This is a bad idea.

This is a supremely bad idea.

And yet, Luna notes with a touch of amusement, they're DOING IT ANYWAY. It isn't exactly what she would call a dangerous situation, but still, she's almost glad to have Jokeph to act as a buffer if things get ugly. And Boyan's presence... Luna suspects it would make the situation worse, but her mother was busy working, her daughter had homework to be done, and Boyan was really the only capable person.

Which means that the following situation is going to be pure chaos.

Here, on safe ground, in a calm setting, Luna is bringing her cousin to meet Setsushi.

"Hey hey hey Lu! Lu! Your brother doesn't have a nose, so how does he smell? LIKE DIRT."

And as Sofi and Boyan erupt into peals of childish giggles, Luna can't help but roll her eyes. This is going to be a LONG evening.

While the sounds of clattering pots and pans and rattling lids emanate from inside the house, a young Porcelain woman sits at the outside table, her feet up on another chair while she fiddles with a glassy tube with incomprehensible etchings in the surface, spinning wooden wheels at the ends with a bored expression.

When she notices the arrival of some others -- two she recognizes, others she does not -- Rika pauses, pulling her monocle out of her robes and fitting it to her face, gazing towards them, but offering neither spoken nor projected greeting yet.

Hitsuga seems to brighten at Nozomi's immediate acknowledgment of his projection, elated that he will not have to flail at other methods of communication as he does with his current housemate.

The man assures Omi, with a polite bow, that if she is intruding, then he is likewise, as it is not, precisely, his house

He is about to ask her if she happens to know Setsushi or Rika, but is interrupted by the giggles nearby and turns his head in the direction of the sound, watching the approaching three. One of them, he recognizes from his last visit....the other two, not so much.

At least, this time, he is clothed....

It was supposed to be a nice day; the sun was shining, after all. The breeze was a lightly cool one, so Tsubei didn't even have to wear a sweater. However, she couldn't help but feel like something was going to go horribly amiss. So why was it, exactly, that she was heading down to the udon-ya?

She needed to get out of the house for a bit and rest her tired hands. Not being sure entirely where she could go, Setsushi's place was the only choice that made sense to her. Besides, she always seemed to meet interesting people whenever she went. Today, she had a trio of plum blossoms held in her hair with a plum-colored barette, her plum tree having shed them not much earlier. They looked pretty...and she wanted to feel pretty today, for some odd reason.

As she walked, she could already see people she hadn't met yet. One of them was a Porcelain woman who looked quite regal and familiar somehow. Another was a Porcelain man that was unfamiliar in all senses. As she came closer, she sent out a gentle greeting to them all, including the humanoids.

That was when she seemed to realize that nothing had been spoken at all. Omi blinked, first at Hitsu, then at the others who seemed to be doing much the same silent welcoming or greeting thoughts. How on earth were they doing that? Perhaps it was a custom of theirs... since they all seemed to be of the same race. "I... thank you," she answered, nodding to Hitsu gratefully. While she was curious, she did not want to seem rude. Then again, there really was no polite way to ask someone what they were, was there?

Before Sofi can bolt forward and greet everyone enthusiastically, Luna grabs her hand. Not that she doesn't trust Sofi, but new people, a familiar person? And someone with INTERESTING TOYS? She might as well give a two-year-old a double-shot of espresso and turn them loose in a paint factory.

Unfortunately, it isn't Sofi who deserves Luna's concern.

"Naked!" Boyan belts out, jabbing a finger at Hitsuga for Sofi's benefit. See? See? THIS is the one he's been telling her about. Or would have been, if she could hear any projection in his head. Heck, that's why he's here in the first place; to act as a translator between Luna and Sofi.

And. And who is this little Porcelain who seems so familiar? Can it possibly be Tsubei? Oh, Tsubei! Such fights she had with his mother! Such hostility! (Such amusement!)

And finally, Rika. The girl whose importance has finally been revealed to Boyan. No, not her status as Imperial Princess, but rather a daughter of the Celestial Oracle. Which means yet another lovelybeautiful girl to spoil with presents! ...Which he sadly lacks at the moment. But he is so going to find her a rock, and it's going to be SO SHINY...!

... Rika reaches up to adjust the lens, which had come slightly out of place when she raised her eyebrows.

Setting the tube down on the table, she turns her head to the udonya, projecting to the one inside a notion of people. She then turns back to the assembled group, puts her elbow on the table, rests her chin in her hand and gazes inquisitively at Boyan.

"Are you also a geologist?" she asks.

A few moments later, another Porcelain appears in the doorway, wearing a brand new blue-checked apron over his house robes. He glances at Rika, smiling nervously, then looks out over the mass of visitors, and, in time with a warm projection of greeting and welcome, asks, "How may I serve?"

I have entered a world of strange, pale people and have no idea how I got here.

Omi looked at the one that had yelled 'NAKED', and now was truly concerned. No one else seemed to be speaking aloud, and it was quite plainly unnerving her. It wasn't until the two on the porch spoke that she finally started to almost relax... and bowed politely to them both. "No," she answered, since the woman's question wasn't directed at her. "I don't need anything. But thank you for the offer."

Boyan shakes his head violently, already tangled hair becoming an impossibly large mess. He isn't a geolomogist, or really much of anything. But he likes shinies, and he likes sparklies!

Luna waves to Setushi with her free hand, returning his greeting with one of her own. A greeting with a faint undertone of... anxiety? Jokeph seems equally troubled, and makes it a point to stand as close to Luna as possible without interfering with her hold on Sofi's hand.

And Sofi is still not entirely certain what she's doing here, but the thought of noodles is one that pleases her.

"Do you serve spaghetti?"

The polite smile Hitsuga has been maintaining slips into a look of being utterly mortified at Boyan's proclamation. T-That is NOT what he wants to be remembered by...! gonk He only just now seems to notice just how active Setsushi's front lawn has become and feels his cheeks burn.

Thankfully, blessedly, a new presense, both inside his mind and out, draws his attention as he turns to see.....what is a very TALL man standing in the doorway of the nearby house. And....is that Rika sitting nearby?

Oh, good...!

Readjusting his grip on the clothes he carries, Hitsuga moves toward Rika first, though keeps a polite distance as she has her conversation with Boyan, waiting for her to be finished before he attempts to speak to her.

A few blinks later, Tsubei's stunned face turned into a smile. She THOUGHT she recognized that goofball.

"It's good to see you too, Boyan." She said as she bowed to him, turning to Setsushi and the woman sitting outside of his house. She sent her greetings to him, bowing respectfully to them both before she turned to look at the young woman with Boyan. Both she and the man with her were familiar somehow.

Noticing the nervous male, she bowed to him and sent easy greetings to him, trying to make sure she showed respect to all around. More activity here than usual, it seemed.

"... Oh."

After inclining his head to Nozomi, giving off a slight feeling of disappointment but also of deference, Setsushi addresses Sofi: "The noodles here are unlike spaghetti, Madame, but rather in the style of what is called 'udon.'" He wonders if perhaps he should make some for her party so that she may see if this style appeals to her-- ... and then, looking over Luna, Jo, and Boyan, comes to a realization, suddenly smiles and makes his way down the steps.

"Madame Sofi?" he asks, giving off a bright, eager feeling of pleasure at finally being able to meet her.

Rika eyes Setsushi as he does so, quietly grumbling that she hopes he won't be taking much longer making her prawns.

But she turns her attention to Hitsuga, nodding slightly in greeting, giving off a very slight projection as well but mostly remaining mentally silent. "Are you well?" she asks, rather directly, but with a sincere tone of voice.

Omi was taken aback a bit by the disappointment she felt from Setsushi, and couldn't quite understand why he reacted that way. She hated being a bother, and most weren't too upset when she would decline to put them out of their way on her account. This place was becoming more and more strange to her, then she suddenly remembered her grandmother's words.

"When hospitality is offered, it is considered rude to not accept."

"Oh dear," she murmured, sighing inwardly as she watched Setsushi's attention shift. Too late now. She caught sight of a familiar face then, and her smile came back. Yes, that was definitely Sofi... there was another Fa'e here!

Hitsuga bows his head respectfully to Lady Rika, reaffixing his smile with assurance that he is doing much better than last they met. Turning his head briefly at the unfamiliar greeting from another direction, he offers a warm and polite greeting back to Tsubei.

Looking back to Rika, he apologizes he did not stay to say goodbye properly, or to meet Master.

Rika waves a hand slightly as if to fan away Hitsuga's apologies. She pauses, looking him over, and then asks with a straight face: "I see you have clothes; did you find a place to stay?" Glancing at Setsushi, she adds, "I would offer you a bed here if there remained any space at all."

Sofi blinks once, twice, three times in rapid succession. She seems to remember something about an employee at Aunt June's who fits Setsushi's description, but the idea of holding two jobs in food service at ONCE is one she simply can't fathom. And why would it be so important that she meet him, anyway?

She thinks very, very, very hard.

And suddenly it occurs to her, complete with a lit light bulb appearing and floating over her head for an instant.

Could this possibly be...?

"LU!" Sofi's face melts into a look of ABSOLUTE HORROR. "Is this... is this.... This is a blind date, isn't it? Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.... I know I just had my birthday and I know I'm old enough to go to R rated movies but DON'T YOU THINK THIS IS A LITTLE SOON? Who put you up to this? Was it Dad? Was it Aunt June? Do they think it's time for me to settle down and have two and a half kids? How do you even HAVE half a kid? Is that why the magicians invented the sawing in half trick? So they could create a legion of half-kids that parents can pick up when they want to fill their quota? Why haven't I seen any half-kids around anyway? Could it possibly be... OH MY GOSH, LU! LU! MAGICIANS ARE RAISING AN ARMY OF HALF CHILDREN AND THEY'RE GOING TO DECLARE WAR ON THE WHOLES! We have to DO SOMETHING!"

Jokeph covers his face with one hand. Oh god.

And Boyan, simply happy to see Tsubei again, flings himself at her in a big, friendly, squishy hug.

... ... ...

... Back from psychologically dissociating, Setsushi asks Luna, "Shall I prepare some food for your family?" Four bowls, three, two? What flavors -- and what kind of tea? ... ... ... Or perhaps something less invigorating for Miss Sofi?

As she waved off his apologies, so too does he gently deflect her implied one, assuring her it is, for the moment, taken care of. He is currently staying with the one who brought him here. She....rather insisted on it, he adds.

And speaking of bringing....

He sets the bundle of clothes on the table, sifting through them until he finds the garment belonging to Rika, and offers her her jacket, neatly folded and clean. ......trying not to hear the verbal aneurysm taking place nearby.

He does not wish to be rude to the others, but if he attempts to focus on more than one or two people at a time, especially in a setting that is still largely-unfamiliar, he is well-aware it would only end badly for his nerves.

Completely deaf to Setsushi's projections, Sofi calls out to Omi (finally noticing another Fa'e! Just her luck! ALLIES). "Mii! MII? Mii! Miiiiii! Mii! Mii mii mii! MII! Over here! MII! I think my cousin's trying to MARRY ME OFF!"

I am not! Luna momentarily forgets that Sofi CAN'T hear her. And finally, she turns her projections to Setsushi.

She can't hear you like that.

It comes as a bit of a surprise when Boyan suddenly flings himself at her, but Tsubei isn't at all displeased. Her face lights up with a smile and she returns the squishy hug in kind, warm happy feelings rolling off of her. She was happy to see him, despite their past arguments and fights with his family.

"I've missed you," She said, muffled a bit by his mess of robes. Is everyone else well? How is Melody? Tsubei hasn't seen her in quite some time. And the rest of his family?

Oh so many questions and so many new people to meet, not to mention the impromptu reunion. What a day this was going to be!

Boyan, for once, manages to refrain from drooling on Tsubei's shoulder.

Little Melody is all grown up now and WILL HAVE BABY. Boyan is extremely excited to spread the news far and wide; sure, he might already be a grandpa, but a REAL grandpa now? He can hardly contain himself!

And Tsubei might remember his little baby sister Luna, right? She's the one over there holding their loud cousin by the wrist! And there's Jo! Boyan hasn't actually seen much of them lately; she's been busy with a daughter of her own and work and so many babies.

Boyan wonders if his mother remembers Tsubei. He kind of doubts she holds a grudge, though; she didn't even TRY to flirt with Grandpa-not-grandpa Setsushi! ....Which means he's all Tsubei's!

Oh yes. It was definitely Sofi. Chuckling, Omi walked towards the flailing girl, head tilted in curiosity. "Marry you off?" she asked, having heard Sofi's mental tare from the beginning, she rather got the idea that perhaps this was all Sofi-logic instead of actual fact.

Still, it was amusing as hell to watch.

"You sure she isn't trying to sell you?" It probably was better left unsaid, even as a joke, but Omi's ornery side shone through in that moment and the words were out before the verbal firewall could block them.

Rika nods slightly to acknowledge the return of her jacket-- but it's clear her attention is on something else. Swinging her legs down and beginning to rise, she beams a projection in the direction of Setsushi and Luna: Who's marrying whom?

Nobody is marrying anybody! Setsushi immediately flashes back at her, then pauses, sighs, and raises a hand to delicately press on his brow. A moment later, he repeats his questions, all mentally this time, to Luna. And also wonders if she would like him to translate for her -- though he is not certain Miss Sofi is attending or will be quite willing to listen to him...

He is interrupted by Rika suddenly appearing at his side, giving him a sharp jab in the elbow. "My prawn?" She asks, adjusting her monocle as she quickly surveys the assembled group, her eyes lingering on a few individuals longer than others, though no emotions seep through her wall.

As Setsushi sends her apologetic feelings, she glances back at Hitsuga. "... Would you like to come inside?" she asks.

Oh, way to go, Nozomi.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" With a shriek, Sofi tears herself away from Luna and dives behind Omi. "Don't let her sell me, Mii! Don't let her sell meeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

Now, Luna believes, Setsushi understands why Luna warned him about her. And also why she'd HOPED to have a nice, calm environment for the two to become acquainted in.

But apparently she just can't have nice things.

My brother is here to translate, she explains, but it seems he's... distracted.

I'm so sorry for this; I didn't expect it would go this BADLY.

Tsubei listened intently to all of the news that was being delivered. Melody was having a baby as well? She thought of Silver and Amena, and now even Melody. She couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions, which she tried valiently to keep bottled inside.

"I doubt Junyi could forget me," She commented with a small smile, looking over at Luna. "That is little Luna? She's all grown up...." And Tsubei is still young. A touch of annoyance was on that last thought. When Boyan suddenly proposed that Setsushi was all HERS, her pale face went as pink as the flowers in her hair.

NOOOOnonononononono no way! She projected hastily as she shook her head and waved her hands up in a blocking fashion, almost vehemently. Tsubei can't even think of being with Setsushi or anyone. Not after....well..........in any case, the very notion of her 'having' Setsushi is a bit out of the question. He's deserving of someone much better.

She hoped those projections were mostly private.....but the hasteness at which they came probably meant that they weren't.

"I'm glad Melody is starting a family. I'm certain she will be a good mother." She put on a smile, her wishes genuine.

Hitsuga blinks, debating with himself privately. Whether he would stay longer than to deliver the clothing or not had been up in the air since he'd set out. Seeing the crowd on the lawn had made his decision lean toward the negative...

....however with the question formally put to him, he finds himself not wanting to be rude.

He winces noticeably at Sofi's shrill scream, drawing into himself with a jolt. Perhaps somewhere quiet would be better.

.....He would be happy to, he tells Lady Rika, if it is, of course, fine with Master. His eyes fall to Setsushi then, as he sets his jaw. The taller male seems quite preoccupied as it is....

....nonetheless, he projects a greeting of politeness directly, though not demandingly.

Well, that could have gone better. Omi laughed softly, hugging Sofi. "I was kidding, Sofi... honest. She wouldn't sell you!" Of course, that would invariably lead Sofi back to the whole marriage thing, which at this point was likely the lesser of two evils.

Maybe.

Looking to Setsushi and Luna, Omi gave an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry. I didn't think she'd believe me."

Rika nods at Hitsuga, then turns to head inside, carrying her device. As she steps forward briskly her shoulder collides with Setsushi, though she does not seem bothered by the contact and continues moving to one of the inside tables.

Setsushi, though, despite being perhaps twice Rika's weight (more than twice...?) stumbles, off-balance and distressed for a moment. After recovering his bearings, though, he insists to Luna that Setsushi would not describe this to be 'going so badly.' He only hopes that Miss Sofi does not bear resentment towards him afterwards.

But what can he make for them? He insists. And, to the other visitors as well, he asks, "Shall I cook something for you as well?" Miss Tsubei? Master Boyan? ... The human ...? Perhaps one of those other large-eared folk he has seen before... male who has also recently arrived? And, ah, one he presumes to be Master Hitsuga?

"D-Do you promise?" Sofi asks, nearly in tears at this point. Well. At least she wasn't screaming.

Hitsuga blinks at being addressed by name, hoping his reputation has not preceded him badly. ....at least not in the way Boyan seems fond of holding him in-mind.

He fetches the folded clothes off of the table and approaches, giving Setsushi a polite bow before offering him the garments. He thanks Master Setsushi profusely for his lending of them, though he may not have been aware of his doing so. It has, he says, been a very, VERY strange past few days...

Tsubei looked up to Setsushi with a smile and nodded, agreeing that she would indeed like some noodles as well. She followed the others inside, glancing between the other Porcelain man and Setsushi with curiosity. She knew it was rude to ask the circumstances of his arrival, so she kept it quiet. Tsubei pulled out a small compact mirror from the small violet purse on her shoulder (which she hardly ever carried much) and fixed the flowers in her hair, making sure they weren't damaged from her hug from Boyan. She still wasn't sure why she was caring about such things now, but oh well.

"I promise," Omi answered, smiling as she watched Sofi go. Sighing inwardly and outwardly, she finally takes stock of everything around her, and all of the people that seem just so much different from her... but at least alike to each other. Noodles. She heard mention of that. "Udon, you said?" she asked of Setsushi, trying to make up for her lack of manners earlier. "That would be lovely."

Setsushi gives a slighter return bow to Hitsuga, sending pleasant and warm feelings -- Setsushi is glad to have provided assistance in a small way. If Master Hitsuga requires further help, he is always welcome to call on Setsushi again; he also had difficulty adapting to this strange world and will happily share his resources and experience.

He nods again to the group, acknowledging the requests before he heads inside as well, to begin preparing noodles and to also boil some water for tea. ... Ah, and to check Rika's food, of course.

Rika, now sitting at the inside table with her shoes off and her stockinged feet up on the table, removes her stare from Setsushi and applies it to the preening Tsubei instead. Mentally silent, she scrutinizes the young woman, then transfers her attention to Hitsuga.

"You should request something as well," she says to him. "Setsushi is quite good."

Setsushi is glad to have Rika's confidence...

Keep it cool until the full moon....

Another day, where another thought she was being rude at work for not speaking. This was just the icing on her day, now she wanted to strangle the new girl at work. Why couldn't she just act normal around her, and not like a total freak? So what if she couldn't speak or hear? Did she really have to try and attempt to do everything for her?

Rubbing at her temples, she pauses as she glances up. Looking behind her, she shakes her head before she looks back ahead of her. Had she made a wrong turn in the middle of her rant to herself? Nothing was familiar to her at all.

Folding her wings around her shoulder, Virendra sighs as she looks up at the shy. Sometimes she wish she could just step outside her body and scream.

That was for another day though, when she was actually able to make everyone know how she feel. Right now, she was trying to figure out where the small restaurant had come from. Now she was sure she had gone the wrong way, finding she never been down this way before.

Pausing just a few feet from the building, she chews on her bottom lip. Her tail brushing the ground as her feline ears twitch, she couldn't decide if she wanted to go inside or not.

It couldn't hurt right?

As everyone begins to gravitate indoors, Hitsuga trails after them, bolstered a bit by Setsushi's warm reception. He'd dreaded the idea that he would find Setsushi offended by the intrusion of his clothes and belongings. He had, in the past, been scolded for convincing himself of the worst of everything all of the time, however....

At Rika's suggestion, his eyes flick between her and Setsushi, already busy preparing for the others. He is quite sure that Master Setsushi's food is wonderful, but he regrets that he has eaten before arriving...

His stomach was still indecisive over whether it liked Gaia's fare of food or not...

Some tea, he says, would be most appreciated, though, if it is not a bother.

The others began to filter inside, and Omi was torn between going in or going home. However, she'd already asked for food, so it wouldn't make much sense to leave now. Virendra approached then, and the Fa'e watched the newcomer with a smile. That look of hesitation was one she knew well. "Everyone's going in," she said, beckoning to the girl. "Care to join?"

Excellent, Setsushi interjects into Hitsuga and Rika's conversation; Setsushi has already warmed this water, so it will be soon to boil.

"Make that citrus black tea," Rika suggests. The one named after the Gray Earl of the United Kingdoms, or whatever, she clarifies. If Hitsuga hasn't tried it, she explains that "It is scented with the oil of..." Well, Rika is not quite sure; she has only started her investigation. But to her nose it smells something like citron?

She seems to be relaxing her outer wall somewhat, amenable to mind-conversation with Hitsuga.

Virendra didn't notice Omi at first, not until she caught the movement of her head out the corner of her eye. Looking towards her, she arches a brow as she watches her mouth. She managed to catch the last two word she spoken to her.

Join us..

With a small smile, she nods as she walks towards Omi. This in its own right was going to be interesting. She couldn't speak to anyone right now, and she wasn't sure if any of them new sign language.

Crossing her arms under her chest, she lets out what looks like a small sigh.

This is one of those times, I wish I had my sister here.

Intrigued by the description, Hitsuga thinks that he may like to try it. If Setsushi, of course, happens to have any. He projects a warm thank-you to his host and seats himself at the table as well, self-consciously smoothing creases out of the yukata he wore.

Taking a brief inventory of who remained, finding Nozomi at the door speaking to someone he could not see, he turns his attention to Rika, giving her a smile as he inquires as to how she's been since they've last met.

Tsubei felt eyes on her and glanced outside of her compact to see Rika looking at her. She suddenly felt embarrassed and slowly put the compact away, shifting to take a seat and hopefully hide herself somehow. It was impossible with the rooms openness, of course, but still...

It then ocurred to her that she finally recognized Rika from her history book. Another embarrassment to add onto the growing list, she sent humble apologetic feelings to Rika for not treating her with the respect she truly deserves. She turned her eyes down to her hands upon the table, her mind and voice quiet for the moment as she tried to recover her mentality.

Setsushi indeed has some Earl Grey, smiling as he fetches the tin, prepares the teapot and then pours in the newly-boiling water over the leaves. While the tea steeps, he takes out a pair of long chopsticks and fishes out of a pan of boiling oil -- giving off delicious (or horrible) greasy aromas -- three pieces of breaded prawn, now deep-fried. He places them on a plate, then drops them off in front of Rika as he goes to the doorway to ask who else would like some tea.

And sees the new arrival; though rather surprised by her appearance as well, he smiles, projecting a warm feeling of greeting while asking, "How may I serve?" Would Madame also like something to eat?

Rika shakes her head at Tsubei, dismissing the feelings of apology. "I need no special respect," she responds to-- "... What was your name again?"

... ... ... And is Setsushi just going to give her this food without any utensils? stare ... ... ... She tries to pick one up with her fingers, but quickly puts it back when it proves still too warm to handle comfortably.

Virendra glances towards the few that were sitting around the tables, suddenly feeling very out of place. As her ears fell back, she frowns alittle as she lifts her hand. Giving a small wave to them all, she blinks as she felt the a soothing warmth flow through her mind. She couldn't pick up who it came from, nor could she actually return the warm gesture.

Crossing her arms again, she found herself thinking as she attempts to figure out what to do. It took a minute, but finally she decides the next best thing.

Lifting the hem of her skirt just alittle, she curtsies to Setsushi as well as the others. A simple gesture yes, but it was also a sign of hello and respect to her.

Maybe they won't ask me too many questions..

Looking to Virendra as she enters, Hitsuga likewise projects a warm greeting in her direction, hoping the evening finds her well. As a contrast to the warmth, however, the perfumer shifts a bit uncomfortably in his seat at the tension that seems to rise slightly from Rika at both Setsushi and Tsubei at once.

He wisely, however, keeps any thoughts on the matter to himself...

Something occurs to him, from their last visit. His memories before the nap are hazy (it seems to be normal fare for him, following a seizure) but he recalls he and Rika discussing a fragrance she wanted made for someone. ....had she said the master of the house?

He privately inquires of Lady Rika if this is the one he is to make the scent for as he watches Setsushi bustle about, being careful not to stare.

Tsubei sent her gratitude to Setsushi, then looked back up to Rika and smiled lightly, nodding a bit as her apology was dismissed. Still, she made a mental note and decided to work with it in the future.

"I am Tsubei. It is an honor and a pleasure to meet you." She introduced herself and projected sincerity with her words. It was true, she did feel honored to meet the Imperial Princess of the Golden World.

Her attention was drawn away by the woman who came in and seemed to be a bit shy. She wasn't entirely sure what was wrong, but she observed her and sent warm welcoming feelings to her.


Setsushi pauses, a bit puzzled by this new woman, but answers her curtsy with a slight bow. Projectionally, he repeats his question-invitation: Would she like something to eat? It is no trouble for Setsushi; the opportunity to treat a guest is a great pleasure for him.

Rika nods slightly. "Tsubei," she repeats, adjusting her monocle as she contemplates for a moment... then once again dismisses Tsubei's respectful feelings. "There are seven Imperial Princesses," she says, her tone lightly sarcastic without being truly cutting; "Nothing so special about them."

In response to Hitsuga's private question, though, she breaks into a sudden smile, though she tries, not altogether successfully, to return her face to neutral as she also gazes at Setsushi's back. Privately, she confirms that he is the one.

Giving up controlling her expression, she pokes at a deep-fried prawn to try to find the coolest part of it, then picks it up and starts eating it with the fingers. It's terribly greasy -- which the scholar seems to enjoy quite a lot.

Virendra frowns as she feels the warmth flow though her mind again, followed by words. Well at least now, she knew how to break the barrier when the time came. This didn't help her right now though, and it was frustrating her to no end.

Glancing back around the room, she turns back to the one that called himself Setsushi. With a small nod, she lifts her hands as she pretends to write on her hand. She was in need of a pen and some paper.

Why...on all days do I find people who I can actually be social with? Life isn't playing fair right now.

Her statement to Tsubei about the princesses, for the moment, doesn't register with Hitsuga who, right now, seems to be lost in his thoughts as he watches Setsushi carefully, with an artist's eye. It is always easier to fine-tune custom perfumes after seeing the subject they are intended for...

Averting his gaze again before he can be noticed, he tells Rika he will have to tweak a few things, he thinks. But that he has much more to work with now. He may even be able to start on it before returning home, provided he can find the appropriate materials.

Setsushi stares at Virendra for a moment... then aahs with understanding, ducks back inside the house and returns with a notebook and pen -- one that has been strangely wrapped in a layer of plastic

Handing the items to the woman, he gives off reassuring feelings, as if to reinforce that it is no trouble, and wonders if she would perhaps like to join the others inside?

Rika nods slightly, informing Hitsuga in private projections -- very tightly controlled, grammatical ones, thoughts shaped almost like writing or mouthspeech, that he should perhaps ask Setsushi where he buys his groceries -- without spoiling the surprise, if he can.

Having already devoured the prawn, she sighs contentedly, licking the excess oil off her fingers before looking about for a napkin... and finding none, settles with wiping her hand on her sleeve.

 

[karma_k]

培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒 培荒

培荒  

[karma_k]

[journal: 03]

Dear Eikou,

I don't know when I might actually find a way of putting this letter in your hands, but it is my hope that you'll forgive me. It wasn't my plan to disappear like this. You must think I'm terrible.

Little sister, this world is so strange. Half of the things I want to tell you about it, you would think were my imagination jumping at shadows. This is a world where beasts walk on two legs and talk like you or I. This is a world where it is not uncommon to see angels and demons living a villager's life.

I have asked myself several times whether I am dead or if this is some sort of fevered dream. If I wake from it, maybe you and I will laugh about it later when I tell you of all of this. If I do not....

Eikou, please take care of yourself. Do not worry about me, I am safe for now. The few people I've met here have been very good to me. There is one here, Lady Rika, who may know a way home for us. In the meantime, I've been offered a place to live and space to work while she fixes her equipment.

I don't like the idea of taking root here as it implies I'll be staying. But I know that if you were here, sister, you would like the idea even less of me doing nothing but sitting, waiting, and fretting. So I am going to settle. I am going to work. And I am going to hope.

Love and respects,

~~ 苾畫