expiationlogs | [open] the nirvana principle

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[open] the nirvana principle

Who: Juri and you!
Where: Around the Aldrip
What: your typical catch-all log
Warnings: mentions of underage drinking?

Outskirts - Stick to your routine

[Ok. Now that the fiasco involving lodgings and so is somewhat handled, Juri can focus on settling down in her new 'home.' Which, of course, means establishing some routines. The Duels and fencing tournaments might be on a hiatus for her but that's hardly a reason for her to get lazy.

So, just in a few days Juri has formed a habit of waking up early and go out for a jog around the town as a warm up, and then go back to inn pick up her sword and head off to the outskirts. There, she finds a quiet and calm spot where she can train.

It's really a shame that she doesn't have an opponent to spar with, leaving her to just follow through basic routines and practices. Such as focusing on footwork, stances and simple strikes. Her form is, as usual, right on point on and her movements are fast, all indicating that yeah. She's done this before.

Juri keeps repeating her routine until she's all tired and out of breath, actually enjoying the feeling of breaking sweat and pushing her body further.]

Lupin - Where all the cool kids are

[Juri isn't someone who'd spend her time in a bar just for fun. But when in Rome and so on. Besides, she's not here just for the leisure time. Being new to Aldrip means she really has to start everything from the scratch. Long gone is her status, connections and the secret network she had established in Ohtori Academy. But oh well! She's not one to turn her nose up at the idea of doing the leg work.

So off to the Lupin she goes!

Despite not being too accustomed to these kinds of establishments she walks in with a confidence of an old-timer, her posture straight and chin up. Look, she's done lot of fancy balls, galas and modelling. The elegance and poise just comes naturally to her. With a smooth movements she walks up to counter, takes a seat and orders a cocktail. Ok, she knows she technically shouldn't be ordering an alcoholic beverage, but it's going to be funny to see if anyone is going to stop her.]

Town Square - Oh Romeo, oh Romeo

[It's dead at the night and the city of Aldrip is sleeping peacefully (or less peacefully, if you happen to live in the Inn). The moon is high up and shining it's pale light over the buildings as Juri is making her rounds. But unlike in the mornings, she's donned up in the silky evening gown that had (miraculously) somehow arrived with her. Muff and high heels included.

It really did feel like she was being mocked.. by this world or the entities ruling it. She's definitely glad for the second set of clothing but there's definitely certain sentimentality associated with this one. So, when one night she finds herself unable to sleep, feeling the familiar ache squeezing her chest -- like a merciless viper reaching out to coil around her heart, she does the usual thing: gets dressed and heads out to brace the night on her own.

She settles to sit down in front of the fountain at the town square, looking at the water dancing in front of her with a pensive expression on her face. And it's during nights like these when she can't escape the whirlpool inside her, feeling the abyss sucking her in to join the demons haunting her mind. The golden necklace around her neck feels heavy like an anvil, dragging her down.]

Hm. [She hums a quiet laughter to herself. It seems like no matter how vast the distance is, she still can't be free.

So, she just sits there. Basking in her sapphic tragedy like a damn Shakespearean character, all while mulling over her thoughts and idly playing with her necklace. However, if someone happens to out there for a reason or another, Juri does raise her gaze from her own misery and summons a playful smile on her lips.]

Evening. I see that insomnia is a common occurrence around here.

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[ Yosano is someone who would spend her spare time at a bar. Especially since said bar was quieter and better furnished than the Inn. Making it a far better location for Yosano to sip wine, read whatever book she could get her hands on, or sit musing.

From her seat at the counter, Yosano glanced up at the young woman now seated next to her. Yosano was sure the lady was under-age, but unlike some others, she truly didn't care. If anything, it was amusing she had ordered so confidently, without a stutter or hesitation. Would she be able to drink it with as much grace as well? ]

Hello dear, I don't believe we've met.

[ Yosano flashed a small smile at her refined neighbour. ]

—I'm Yosano. And you would be?

[Well, the bar is more quiet than the inn for sure. So she has a point right there!

Juri sips carefully from her drink, seemingly unaffected by it. She's well aware of her limits with the alcohol so she's going to play it safe. The last thing she wants to is to get a sick.

Anyway, she turns to smile at the woman addressing her, speaking with a pleasant and polite voice.] Hello. No, I don't think we have. I'm new.

[But before she can introduce herself she hears the other woman's name, and a knowing smirk spreads to her lips. Ah, so this is the infamous doctor.]

I'm Arisugawa. It's nice to meet you Yosano-sensei.

A pleasure.

[ Yosano smiled back with all the grace and elegance afforded to the Doctor. She turned towards the Miss, glass of wine in hand. ]

How have you settled in? Did you find the rooms to your liking?

[ Testing the waters perhaps. Yosano knew a fellow dabbler in the sophisticated when she saw one. But she would resist from spilling her displeasure too soon if that was the case. After all, Like-mindedness was hard to come by in this new strange world. ]

[Well, she had posted a notice of opening a new practice through charm. So, of course Juri had paid attention to her, especially when considering her attitude and warnings.

But any dubious thoughts or evaluating that might be happening in Juri's mind are perfectly hidden behind her calm exterior.]

Nothing wrong with the rooms. I do have a few grievances with the management of the inn.

Oh? please do share. I must admit the place is wholly too loud.

[ Yosano chuckled into her wine before taking a sip. Ah, to be back at home again in her own bed with all her fancy clothes. To come out at midday and lounge around drinking tea. It was a little too bustling for her, despite how amusing everyone's antics were. ]

Edited 2023-06-28 06:39 (UTC)

Hmm. [Juri raises her glass back to her lips and takes a second sip. The alcohol burns briefly when making a contact but she drinks it nonetheless, keeping up her poker face as usual.

Oh, dear. Now what to say. She doesn't want to sound like total Karen here. Besides she's sympathetic to them.. For the most of part, at least.]

There is that, yes. But some of it can't be helped, as the inn is being overcrowded at the moment. Breaking locks of already occupied rooms is what I have a problem with. The staff seems to be severely lacking the management skills when it comes to high-stress and unusual situations.

[ Considering she's still not entirely sure what to think about the situation she's found herself in, Ange has instead turned to wandering around town. Not to meet people - please, that's just about the last thing Ange wants to do right now - but to gather information. She doubts some miracle will appear and hand her everything there is to know about this place out of thin air, but there have to be more clues somewhere.

There always are.

Still, Ange doesn't exactly feel like crossing some of the more crowded places in town, especially with all these other new arrivals around, and after a while she finds her feet slowly moving her towards the more quiet outskirts of town.

Though they aren't exactly empty-- just quiet. There's only one person out here right now, seeming practicing.. swordfighting? Fencing? Ange isn't quite sure if there's a difference, never having been much of a sports person.

Still, she silently watches from a distance, all the way until the other finishes her routine.

It's only then that Ange speaks up, the emotion in her tone hard to place, if there's even any at all. ]

Are you expecting danger?

[Well, it's hardly the first time she's had an audience during her practice. Although, never this quiet. Normally there was always some sound around her, be it giggling from the girls' or the gasps of the awe from the fellow club members. But Juri is not going to let the silence of her current observer bother her and proceeds to continue with her routine.

When she finally decides that it's time for break Juri is already breathing heavily, a few pearls of sweat running along her temple. She flips her thick curls over her shoulder, opens the top buttons of her shirt to get some fresh air and turns around to face her newest 'fan'.]

Hm? No. [She breathes out hard.] I'm just training.

"Just"?

[ Seems like that's the word that sticks out to the girl, especially since Ange faintly tilts her head sideways as if she's considering it before looking back at Juri.

It's got to be part of the other's routine then, Ange figures. After all-- ]

Most people wouldn't show up in a place like this and immediately go back to training. [ Ange assumes Juri isn't a local, anyway. She supposes it's possible, but there's something about what Juri radiates that makes her assume the other was dragged here, just like her. ] You must be pretty dedicated.

[Hm. What a curious girl. Juri quirks her brow up as she watches her, leaning against the tree as she watches her. There's something very familiar with her attitude, it was like she lacked the connection to the words and to her surroundings.

Huh. At least Anthy Himemiya was good at pretending.

With a soft hum Juri raises her shoulders in a shrug.]

Seems like I missed the memo of what to do after being spirited away to another world. So, what does the 'most' do then if not train?

[ Ange huffs - and though nothing about her expression changes in particular, that sound does give away a vague hint of emotion.

You don't huff unless you're bothered by something, after all, even if it's only vaguely. Not that Juri is the source of it, not at all. Instead Ange is thinking back on some of the things she's seen already, and-- ]

Sit around and do nothing, apparently.

[ It almost feels like some people gave up right after showing up here. Or.. you know, they spend time on social activities.

Imagine. Horrifying.

Maybe that's why Ange found herself subconsciously watching Juri. At least the other is doing something. Fencing ought to come in handy if things get dangerous here at any point. ]

I'm not exactly much of a fighter, so I'm trying to gather information instead.

[It is quite amusing to see the way how the tiniest signs of emotions try to push through that exterior hers. She's not entirely sure if it's done on purpose or not.]

I see. [a soft chuckle escapes from her lips.] So, what kind of information did you gather from watching me practicing?

That there are some people here with some capacity for combat.

[ It's not like there's that much to glance from it - other than maybe things about Juri herself, but Ange isn't really trying to dig into other people here. It doesn't feel as important, aside from whether or not she can trust them.

And that last part is always a whole lot harder to determine. ]

.. though I suppose it's to be expected. [ She slowly continues. ] If you'd take a random sample of people from anywhere, you'd end up with at least a few people who know how to fight.

I'm not sure if I'd go as far as to call my skills combat ready.

[A half-truth. Juri is confident in her own skills. She's more than competent fencer and teacher -- and a duelist, which honestly is most important part to her. Now, whether she has it what it takes to smash the world's shell and obtain the power of miracles is left to be seen.

In duels the rules were simple and clean, knock off the rose with your sword and you win. But in an actual combat it's different. Depending on the situation there might be no rules or even goals, other than the pure survival. (Then again, wasn't that the same with their duels).]

So, you believe we have been picked here by a random selection only?

[ Ange doesn't seem to remark anything about the first part. Her face is unmoving enough that it's hard to tell whether she decided to just believe Juri on that one, or might be silently questioning it in her head instead.

Because, after a slow blink, what Ange instead asks is: ]

Do you think we haven't?

[ A question for a question. Apparently two can play at this game.

Not that Ange really minds sharing her theories - aside from having one slightly odd encounter due to it before. She's just curious to see what other people think with the very little information they've been given. ]

I do believe the reason we have been provided as to why we were brought here is a facade, at the very least.

Hmm. [She stretches her back against the tree and then prompts herself forward to grab her sword again. Alright, the break time is over.]

Interesting claim. What is your evidence? [Turning her back to the other girl, she assumes the fencing stance, back straight, one hand extended and one behind. It's not that she necessarily disagrees with the point given. The whole business behind the parchments and crimes is a rather lousy performance of justice in her opinion. Everyone has committed a crime of sort. Some more grave while some more mundane.

Then there is her 'crime'.

She tightens the grip on her sword's hilt at the thought of it, but still maintains her focus. Then, she takes a two lightning fast steps forward and strikes the air. Pulls back and repeats the motion.]

First of all, there's the fact that some people claim that either they or others they know have not committed the crimes listed on their parchments.

[ Apparently she's entirely unbothered by the fact that Juri seems to have returned to practicing - or rather, the fact that Juri is basically multi-tasking this conversation over here. Ange still speaks on easily, like she believes the other is still listening to her all the same.

She shrugs her shoulders. ]

Though I realise it's technically weak evidence. Most people would claim innocence upon being confronted with a crime, even if they actually did commit said crime. [ A rather cynical view of the world, sure, but one she easily believes in enough to present the other here. ] .. which, I suppose, leads me to my second reason. Which is that this is similar enough to other situations I've been in before that I know it's bullshit.

[Continuing her practice serves another purpose than just keeping up her routine: it gives her an excuse not to answer to the other girl immediately. But that doesn't mean she's not listening.

It truly seems like she's put her time here into a good use, investigating and putting threads together. Hm. Quite commendable, in fact.

Her strikes are slightly more harsher and erratic compared to her previous form. Maybe there's something on her mind. Though, this time when she's about to finish her routine Juri suddenly spins around on her heel, turning to face the girl with a lightning fast movements -- her sword pointing at the other girl's direction.]

Ha. [A soft sound leaves from her lips as she observes her reaction.] So, you've been spirited away before?

[ Ange - unused to any form of fencing or swordfighting, let alone Juri's great form - doesn't see it coming that the sword is suddenly pointed in her direction.

And yet, despite the fact that it does come to her as a surprise, she doesn't let it show up on her face. Thankfully her pokerface doesn't seem to fail her, not even at a moment like this. Instead she doesn't flinch or move, just staring Juri directly in the eyes, despite the sword between the two of them now. ]

Sure have.

[ She doesn't sound like she's worried about being called a liar, or someone thinking that's ridiculous or impossible.

It's just a fact, after all. Ange knows she's telling the truth. ]

This would technically be my third time. Though usually the entity doing it likes showing themselves a lot earlier than whatever is doing it here.

[Shionne finds sleep is difficult without the rest of the group near at hand. Certainly sharing a room with Kisara is fine and comforting, but without the guys and Rinwell, there isn't a barrier between Shionne and the monster that haunts her nightmares. This is the fourth night in a row where she's woken up with the same sense of dread hanging over her.

It wasn't so bad as to wake up Kisara this time, so she's grateful for that, but she couldn't stay in the room and she didn't want to wake up Alphen and Dohalim, so she's gone outside for a walk. Exhaustion will make it better, right?

She's in her own head—worried, anxious, angry—when the sound of another woman's voice catches her attention. Ironic that she should meet someone else while she's like this. And while she considers ignoring her and heading to the beach to watch the waves, a part of her doesn't really want to be alone.]

I suppose it is. Not really all that surprising, considering we're supposed to be prisoners here, awaiting some mysterious sentence.

[Juri quietly studies the other woman's face, reading the subtle hints in her expression while keeping her own still with a poker face. A companion in misfortune and fate? Most likely so.

She herself isn't exactly looking for company, preferring to dwell in her own darkness in private -- wearing it like a cloak over her shoulders while waiting for the cold air soothe her invisible wounds. But now that the other person was here she might as well indulge in conversation -- gotta keep the act going on.]

That is true. This situation is enough to keep anyone up during the nights. [She says softly, keeping her tone light and casual.

Sounds of a laughter and ruckus are carried over from the bar not too far from their location.] A lively town, isn't it?

[As much as she thinks that Alphen's face is completely readable, hers is as well. She's not as good as she thinks she is at hiding how she feels. She's just harder to pull info from than he is.

Carefully, Shionne takes a seat a distance from her new acquaintance to avoid touching her accidentally.]

Even still, I imagine there are enough people who have managed to sleep through the night without issues.

[If only she could.

When the loud sounds begin, Shionne looks over and glares a bit.]

It's something. I'm not sure that I like that it's so rowdy so late at night.

[Thank you for keeping the distance, Shionne. Despite her seemingly friendly demeanor Juri definitely wants to keep a polite gap between them.

The night air is warm enough that she allows her purple muff slide off her shoulders a bit. All to give a more relaxed impression of her to the other despite being anything but inside.]

I suppose it can't be helped with so many different people from different worlds. [She hums agreeably] Although, I can't say that I'm fan of the situation.

[Trust me, it's more for Shionne than Juri. Every time her Thorns attack someone else, it makes Shionne feel pain. It's worse after so much time spent with Alphen not being affected and having that taken away by Vholran. So the space is good for them both.]

No, I guess that's true. There are so many people here. [Shionne puts her hands in her lap and clasps them tightly as she tries to figure out what she wants to say.] Some people are happy to be here. I don't really understand why.

Hmm. [Well, that is also something that comes with having so many different people around. There are bound to be those who come from less than favorable situations, where escape of any sort is welcomed. Then, there are those who are in dire need to get back home at any cost.

Admittedly... Juri isn't entirely sure just where she lands on that spectrum.

She turns her head to look at the other woman again, crossing her legs and assuming more conversational position.]

Well, if anything this place brings change to one's daily life. Although, your does imply that you're more or less used to this kind of atmosphere. [She does look like a maiden from a period piece, sorry.]

[To be fair, Shionne hates being around so many people, period. It's not something she grew up with and with her curse, being in crowds makes her feel anxious about hurting someone.

The nightmares just make her realize that she's never going to get rid of her curse if she's stuck here. Especially since it's tied to something much worse back on Rena. Something she doesn't want to think about.]

Not all change is good.

[Shionne looks down at her dress and cocks her head to the side.]

This is a dated design for my world. I just happen to think it looks better than what everyone else on Lenegis is wearing.

Lenegis? [Not a place she’s familiar with, so it must be another alien world like this one.]

Some dresses never go out of fashion. [Meaning that she approves. The design is simple and definitely old, but still something one could see people wear especially during the hot summer nights.

Juri settles in for another quiet moment, raising her eyes to look at the unknown star constellations in the sky while her hand idly finds it’s way to her chest, feeling the shape of the locket underneath her gown.]

You said that not all change is good. Yet without it we will all perish.

Lenegis is the name of the place I was born. [It's a space station between two worlds.

The comment about her dress makes Shionne tilt her head in thought.] I suppose that's correct. Classics are classics because they work no matter what time they're worn.

[And, well, this dress is based on the one that she wore when she was being transported towards Balseph in Calaglia, but she does like it. And even the one she and Alphen retrieved from the Fagan Ruins was a bit more stylish than this one and still something she could wear on Dahna with no problem.]

Some things deserve to die, but I know firsthand that some change leads to more destruction than is actually wise.

[Which is rich, coming from the woman who got started in taking out the Lords of the Crown Contest to get something to basically save the world by thoroughly changing everything about the system.]

[Ethlyn is also in the habit of waking up early--sometimes she does a morning ride around the fields, sometimes a brisk walk around the town, but she always includes sword practice. This world has a different habit--not at war the way her homeland is, but prone to sudden, shocking events that can catch the complacent off-guard.

She's a little surprised to see that someone else has arrived at one of her favored spots--ah, it's Juri, one of the new arrivals. Ethlyn watches for a moment, noting her moves. The other woman has a strong arm and a surety of movement, but there's something stylized about her technique.]

You look like you've had a lot of practice.

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[open] the nirvana principle

Lupin!

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these two together kinda scare me...

they're too powerful

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outskirts

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sorry for the late!! feel free to drop~ o/

it's totally fine! i'm always okay with late tagging c:

Romeo?

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Outskirts