Voice, then video; 01

[ill_luck]

I'm back.

[it's a quiet voice, amused and slightly bewildered] It's been only a couple minutes for me, but it seems a lot more time passed here.

[The video then switches on to reveal the beautiful woman behind the voice. She's lounging on her bed; her yukata is not tied; she's wearing it more like a robe but at least it's covering the important

Comments

video

[likeahurricane]

Phedre? [ He's never forgotten her. She left such an indelible impression on him while she was here originally that there was no way he could ever forget her. But he's shocked to see her return. ] Oi, that's you, right?!

[ Shocked to hear his name mentioned. How much does she remember though? If it's like Ichigo-- ] You remember?

video;

[ill_luck]

Of course it's me. [She smiles a little as she turns the video back on, tilting her head slightly, curiously.

Why wouldn't she remember? Unless she'd been right in assuming she'd been away for so long--] ...How long have I been gone?

video;

[likeahurricane]

I... I dunno. Uh. [ Wobbly smile. She actually remembers then? No uncertainty? Even his happiness is tentative here as he tries to recall the exact amount of months. ]

Maybe ten months? Eleven? Something like that. I guess it's been awhile, on this end.

video;

[ill_luck]

That long? Amazing... Only minutes in my world, yet months here.

[She's quiet, deep in thought, before she remembers herself and smiles]

I didn't mean to leave you so long.. I'm so sorry. [And she is, she really is. She wants to ask about everything. What's happened, what has he been doing, who else was here?

But Phedre can't be sure it's entirely appropriate right now, trying to gauge if this is the right time.

Finally she shakes her head, expression full of sorrow] Are you okay?

[nobrassknuckles]

That's not uncommon here. [Leaving and coming back months later, that is.]

You're glad to be back here?

[ill_luck]

So I see. [She doesn't know the girl, but her expression is pleasant and at ease anyway, though her eyes are sharp and assessing.]

Of course. This place is similar enough to my world that it's almost like I've never left at all.

...Well, the culture is different, but the set up we've found ourselves in is almost exactly the same. [A small shrug and a friendly smile] Only in my world, people entered the service willingly.

Your name, my lady?

[nobrassknuckles]

Even if it's similar, it can't be the same. There's nothing you miss back home?

[If she has any opinions on Phèdre's profession, she'll keep it to herself for the moment. If there's anything she's learned here, it's that she can't judge too quickly.]

I'm Sakura. I'm a friend of Naruto's, actually. You knew him before?

[ill_luck]

[Her family maybe. Joscelin. She shakes her head] No. Almost exactly the same. The only difference is the clothing and fashion, and the people. The land and the world. Different Houses catering to different canons, a contract and a tattoo.

[But she smiles, slow and warm] ...I miss my country, but that's to be expected, isn't it?

Pleased to meet you, Sakura. [Phedre dips her head lightly in greeting, and her smile grows] Yes, I know him. He was one of the first to be brought in with me. It's been a long time, here, since then though, hasn't it?

I'm a friend too.

[video]

[myworknotme]

[The face of the woman on the screen wears a perfect mask of politeness, though she appears to be studying Phedre quite closely.]

It's a pleasure to meet someone else who doesn't have all the damned hangups about sex that some of the people here seem to have.

[video]

[ill_luck]

[That's okay, because Phedre is studying her just as close.

But her smile is easy and pleasant] Oh? it's not a closed subject where I'm from, Lady...?

[video]

[myworknotme]

[Ari's expression remains neutral, though her eyes do indicate quite a bit of curiosity and interest.]

I'm Ariane Emory, sweet. It's not a closed subject where I'm from, either, but a damned lot of people here seem to have a problem with it.

[video]

[ill_luck]

Pleased to meet you, my lady.

May I ask about your world, what it's like?

[iaminformation]

[Have an amused and interested smile.]

Phèdre. Lovely name.

I'm curious: have you retained all of your memories from your previous time here?

[ill_luck]

Thank you, my lady. [She dips her head in polite greeting]

Yes, I do. I wasn't here that long, but I remember some people.

[video forever]

[iaminformation]

[The smile only increases at the 'my lady,' but she doesn't do anything to rectify it at the moment.

She does, however, take a moment to write something down in one of a few notebooks she has.]

Interesting. This world and its physics are quite fascinating. If you don't mind my asking: what is your own like?

[If you do mind, tough. She'd have asked anyway.]

[video forever~]

[ill_luck]

My own?

Much like this. There are 13 houses, each with its own canon or specialty, much like here. One enters the service willingly though, and once they're contracted to a House they can use the money from their patrons to start their marque-- their tattoo.

Once the tattoo is finished, they're free to go, or continue serving if they wish. [She gives an elegant little shrug and smiles] It's a boring place, I'm afraid. I don't have much to say that'd be of interest to you, my lady.

[video]

[punk_emperor]

[Everything about him screams easily-embarrassed-virginteenage boy. He's redder than a beet, most pointedly not looking at the screen, and clutching some cloth--brightly colored silk, and he's holding it gently--in front of him like a shield.

...And he's yelling.]

Tie your damn obi! You-- You're not supposed to show that off like that!

...Sorry you got put in Kagayaku though, even if you do... like-- like that.

[Can't even say the word. Yup.]

[video]

[ill_luck]

[Blink.]

...You don't have to yell, my lord. [But, for his own benefit, she'll grab up her obi and tie it around her yukata.

...It's tied in the front and loose, so the yukata is still open some but. It's better at least??]

Why would you be sorry? This House is suited well for me. I enjoy what they offer patrons. [her lips curve slightly, amused]

[video]

[punk_emperor]

Sorry. I was just-- Uh. It ain't something just anybody's supposed to be seeing, you know?

[He's still pointedly not looking, but does sound contrite about the yelling.]

But, that house makes you do awful things! I heard--

[More than heard, and one of his friends is stuck in there, to his eternal horror.]

[video]

[ill_luck]

Yes, you're right. I should be saving it for my patrons. [She nods lightly and shifts the yukata so it's a bit more modest. She was having a bit of fun, but it is time for her to be professional]

Yes, I know. As I said, I enjoy that sort of thing. [More then a normal person, anyhow. She stresses the word 'enjoy' and raises her eyebrows. Get the hint?]