[It's another very beautiful day in the Adlrip, in shining warm and high and the market place is busting with action. People are definitely going crazy with the discounts and other sales. Well, Juri, being slave to vanity and opulence, is no different. She can be seen going through the stalls, picking up different kind of items from scarfs to jewellery. But at least she isn't interested in haggling with the prices? And it's definitely not done to flaunt her wealth, of course!
She's picking different necklaces from the vendor, modeling them against her own neck, when she comes across a golden rose-shaped locket. The bright green eyes widens and her mind goes blank as the strong scent of roses suddenly invade her senses -- filling her body with awful dread and making her skin crawl.
For some reason... she feels like this is something very important, but she can't quite put her finger on it. So, excuse as she spaces out right there like in middle of busy street in broad daylight??
The chain of the necklace slips along her long fingers, the weight of the locket pulling it and making it drop on the ground with a gentle "cling". Juri blinks, looks down and oh-- in the place of the locket there is just a regular golden flower ornament.
What even...]
b - catch that meddling fairy!
[Shopping isn't the only business that Juri has at the marketplace. Her family's business is also there to showcase the newest products and designs. It'd only be foolish for Jewelry Show not to try capitalize on these brand on new gems!
..But unfortunately, none of the regal rings, elegant earrings, brilliant brooches and other gems are safe from the mischievous fairies. Getting past the protecting glass case was no problem for them, tempting them to try out their luck. Juri had caught more than a few jewellery floating away -- and somehow she doubts that's all that there's to it.
Which has led her to actually get people to catch the fairies.. Or attempt to, at least?]
Your task is to prevent any of the fairies getting close to our stall, and to return any possible items they might have managed to steal from us. Use any methods you see necessary, and what you do with them is no concern of mine. Any questions?
Let's Play a Game
a - in the light
[The casino might be a sudden and new establishment in the Aldrip, but Juri is still carying herself like an old timer. She's wearing a crimson tuxedo, walking around with a drink in her hand like she owns the damn place. She can be seen casually chatting with the other patrons, the lavender painted lips curled into a mild yet polite smile.
The smile wavers a little when a staff member approaches her and whispers something in her ear. Huh, what was that? Never mind it! Juri straightens her posture, flips the fat curls over her shoulder and places her now empty glass on the tray.
Anyway, eventually she makes her way to the gambling tables. She watches the people play, slamming cards on the table and exchanging chips, tossing dice and what have you. Then, when the current round ends and people stand to leave she slides on the vacant seat.]
So, what do we have here? [She asks with a teasing voice, head tilting slightly to her side.] Cards or dice, pick your poison.
b - in the dark
[The sun has already set and it's long into the night. Somewhere away from the prying eyes, a sharp ringing sound of swords clashing echoes along the walls of the maze of alleyways. In the safety of the darkness there's a nest where the illegal fighting ring has their stronghold. And, look at that! It seems like it's a match night!
Weapons, bare hands, solo, tag teams -- anything goes! As long names are kept out of it, of course. No one needs to know just who attends there and not. Those would only make everything too complicated.
Right now, in the circle there are two fighters with swords -- both with a slim and feminine-looking build. While the other has only covered their face with a paint, the other one wears a mask that looks a quite lot like a fencing helmet. There are some red curls peeking from underneath it. Wielding a rapier the masked fighter moves fast and ruthlessly, seemingly not caring too much of the proper rules of fencing. Given a chance they do not seem to hesitate to kick other person's feet nor using her free hand to push them around when they get close to opponent's personal space.
They really live up to their nickname: The Beautiful Leopard.
Most of it is just for the show, as one can guess. And the crowd is eating it up, cheering and booing at every dirty move -- depending on who they've bet on. But everything needs to come to an end. With a one quick move the masked fighter manages to send their opponent's sword fly off. Oops, the audience better watch out! But that concludes the match. Some cheer and some curse, as is to be expected, coins are exchanged and part of the crowd disperses.
The masked fighter themselves turns to look at the people surrounding them and extends their arm out, beckoning a new challenger step up.]
It's dead at the night and the city of Aldrip is sleeping peacefully . The moon is high up and shining it's pale light over the buildings as Juri is making her rounds. But unlike in the daylight when she's donned up in the suits, she's currently wearing her silky evening gown.
She walks carefully around the town, afraid of being seen by anyone. Once she finally makes her way to a promised spot at the fountain near the gardens, she automatically reaches her hand to grab on the necklace -- one that isn't there. Huh.. why did he even do, that? Well, anyway, that can't be important.
Juri sits down on the edge of the fountain, idly looking at her own reflection on the water's surface. The anxiety is very evident on her usually so cold and stern face. It's the nature of this meeting that has her feeling strangely.. vulnerable and afraid.]
[Haru has to go about her day with anxiety in her chest. Knowing that she has a meeting to attend at the end of the day. A meeting that she would actually be looking forward to.
She slips past watchful eyes and into the gardens that they agreed to meet at in person. She’s wearing an ankle length purple dress, soft coral curls tucked behind her ears.
[Meetings like these always came with their own risks. There were prying eyes everywhere, after all, and it was getting more difficult to tell who they could trust and who not. As she waits for her lover to arrive Juri can't help but get caught up in her own head, fearing for the worst.
What if someone had seen Haru trying to sneak out? Would they have caught her and locked inside? Her father had always been ruthless man, but the reason seemed to escape him as the years went by, making Juri worry for her love more and more. They didn't have much time after all...
But all those worries melt away when she sees the soft coral hair appear behind a bush. The sight of the other girl in the pale moonlight like this was enough to make her knees feel weak and stomach light.]
Haru.. [She calls for her with a soft tenderness, the green eyes lightning in relief. Pulling the purple muff tighter around her, Juri stands up.] You're safe.
[ The more dangerous situation was her own. But the eyes and ears of this place were incredibly frightful. At least there were always that handful of people that they could trust. Astralin, Cloud...and a few select others who would never question them. ]
Oh, darling. It is so wonderful to get to see you, finally.
[ It has been a long few days since they were able to meet up. She is going to go to her, and wrap her arms around her lover tightly. ]
[The teal eyes widens when Haru steps into her personal space. Her breath gets caught in her lungs, freezing still. But any tension melts away when the warmth of the other's body wraps around her, pulling her into embrace. Her eyes fall shut and a shaky breath leaves from her lips.
Juri may look all ice and marble on the outside. It's all part of the armor she has coiled around her body and soul. But all it takes is just one touch from Haru and she yields, becoming unarmed. The other girl truly is her weakness.
But still, it's only in her presence that Juri feels like she can breathe. That she can be herself.]
I wouldn't miss this for world. [She sighs into Haru's ear. Then she pulls back just enough that she can look into her love's eyes, one hand carefully raising up to caress her cheek.]
Haru I.. [She begins, unsure how to say this.] I heard talk of the engagement. Are you alright?
[She feels incredible comfort being here. The last few days have been such a taxing affair on Haru. Word seems to have already gotten out too. Her Father was trying to marry her off to some man she knew she couldn’t give a second thought to.
Nothing would ever compare to her one love, the one she holds now. ]
We have to do something. We can’t let it happen.
[She is clearly worried about the outcome. She leans her cheek into Juri’s hand. ]
…we have to elope, or run from this place. It is the only hope we have of staying together.
[The teal eyes widen first from the surprise and a soft gasp leaves from her lips. Haru's straightforward boldness never fails to surprise her. Then, her brows knit together in a heavy frown as she looks down at the other girl.]
That--- That is. Are you sure? [She asks quietly, almost as if she was afraid that someone might hear them.]
[The hand on Haru's cheek fall to rest on her shoulder, gently grasping on it. She's... shocked, yes. By the strength of the suggestion. Eloping and leaving everything behind is such a drastic solution and she can't help but be scared of the weight behind it.]
You will not marry that man, I promise. [She says, casting her eyes down. Honestly, she'd rather kill the men behind this nonsense than allow it to happen. Haru's happiness and freedom were more precious to Juri than her own that she'd wouldn't doubt sacrificing herself. But then again... What would slaying her father even accomplish in the long run? Wouldn't it only be playing into the hands of her own family, while also leaving her love defenseless against the wolfs of this world?]
I.. I don't know. [She admits quietly, pressing her forehead against Haru's.] But I promise to protect you. No matter what.
[ She knows that her solution was the drastic one. But she honestly didn’t know what to do otherwise. Maybe she should have thought about that. It was bold, but it wasn’t unfounded.
She wonders what they will do in the meantime. There are many solutions, but none that would accomplish what they want in any matter of good timing. Her worries are calmed when their foreheads are brought together. ]
I believe you, my dear. We will figure something out. We won’t let this happen. Astralin said he would help us too.
[Juri lets out a deep breath and closes her eyes, allowing Haru's presence lull her anxiety away. She focuses on the way her skin feels against her own, her scent filling her nostrils and sound of her breathing whispering to her ears. There certainly is something absolutely unique to the other girl.
No other person in the world could calm her racing heart and heal her fears just by being. For as long as she can remember she had found the other girl to be precious to her. Someone who she needed to protect and ensure her happiness.
Then after a brief moment, Juri pulls away and casts a gentle smile on her way.]
Give me your hand, Haru? There is something I want give to you.
[ It didn't take Minato long to figure out his potential employer's identity. Everyone in town knew Juri Arisugawa was, in short, the hottest shit in town.
The estate is luxurious, far grander than anything Minato's imagination could possibly muster. Others might find themselves intimidated, standing at the gates of such a beautiful building. Minato, fortunately, knows no fear.
He's ushered into a waiting room adorned with austere bookcases and plush sofas. But instead of sitting down, Minato hovers next to one of the seats.
Footsteps approach shortly. He dips his head politely. His brother might be a misfit, but he'd at least taught Minato some manners. After all, he doesn't really want to fuck up the opportunity nabbed by both his biological and adoptive siblings. ]
[Welcome to the world of the Aldrip's 1%, Minato. The estate really is quite something, decorated in opulence from the floor boards to high ceiling it really looks like no expenses had been spared. But then again, what else can you expect from the jewl mining family?
Juri, surprisingly enough, had managed to keep her head on her shoulders and feet on the ground. She didn't really see any reason to flaunt her wealth in front of others, nor did she like to make a big deal out of it. After all, she had nothing to prove.
And besides, being loud and obnoxious would only be counterproductive for her goals.
To be completely honest, she is a little surprised when she gets a note from a servant that Minato had came. The whole thing had been more or less a joke made on the network, but guess he took it seriously? Well... Luckily for him it wasn't like they didn't have an opening? But Juri was hardly the one to handle these things.
Well, either way here they are. Might as well look through it.
Juri makes her way into the waiting room where Minato had been led into. She's wearing one of her suits, looking formal and stylish as usual.]
Good day. Minato.. Arisato, was it? I'm glad to see you decided to take up the invitation.
[ Juri steps in, and though she's not dressed particularly lavishly, the manner in which she holds herself clearly conveys she's a lady who truly belongs at this estate.
Unlike Juri's handsome suit, Minato's arrived still in his school uniform. Perhaps other less absent-minded folks would think to go home and change into something nicer. But in truth, it's not like he owned anything that looked nicer than the uniform. Formalwear or dressier clothes were not things he'd acquired for his closet.
In fact, he's almost certain that Sha-Ming doesn't own a single piece of business wear either. Nice shirts and slacks are pricey, you see.
He responds to Juri's question with a small nod. ]
I thought I'd come to at least talk to you. ...I've never been a maid before, but I think I can do it.
[It was time for her to make some deliveries. Books that had been ordered, some repaired watches that needed to be returned. Her satchel was rather heavy.
That didn't stop one of the little fairies from huffing and puffing as it tried to lift the bag. Naoto was just going to ignore them.
What she couldn't ignore was the one that crashed into her head, almost knocking her cap off. Instinctively Naoto's hand came up to grab it, pinning the fairy to her hat in the process.]
I wasn't aware I was employed by you.
[Indignant. Why was this lady telling her what to do?]
[Well, in fact Juri was addressing the people who she had employed. She's not one to start bossing people randomly around, after all. The people who she had hired to do the fairy-catching job nod in agreement when she explains the details of the job and then dispatch one by one.
When the last has run off to do some fairy hunting, Juri turns her attention at Naoto, both voice and expression neutral.]
You aren't. But you could be. It seems like you do have some skill at catching the fae.
[It was hard to tell a times. What with it being a market and there being so many people. Then there was the chaos caused by the faires.
Naoto just stood there, frowning, the fairy kicking and waving its arms from between her fingers.]
It feels like this one caught it's self... [Naoto's fingers moved, grasping at the item it was clutching. Then she lifted her hand enough for the fairy to leave, but without the jewelry. She held the item out.]
Juri Arisugawa | Revolutionary Girl Utena
a - something not quite there
[It's another very beautiful day in the Adlrip, in shining warm and high and the market place is busting with action. People are definitely going crazy with the discounts and other sales. Well, Juri, being slave to vanity and opulence, is no different. She can be seen going through the stalls, picking up different kind of items from scarfs to jewellery. But at least she isn't interested in haggling with the prices? And it's definitely not done to flaunt her wealth, of course!
She's picking different necklaces from the vendor, modeling them against her own neck, when she comes across a golden rose-shaped locket. The bright green eyes widens and her mind goes blank as the strong scent of roses suddenly invade her senses -- filling her body with awful dread and making her skin crawl.
For some reason... she feels like this is something very important, but she can't quite put her finger on it. So, excuse as she spaces out right there like in middle of busy street in broad daylight??
The chain of the necklace slips along her long fingers, the weight of the locket pulling it and making it drop on the ground with a gentle "cling". Juri blinks, looks down and oh-- in the place of the locket there is just a regular golden flower ornament.
What even...]
b - catch that meddling fairy!
[Shopping isn't the only business that Juri has at the marketplace. Her family's business is also there to showcase the newest products and designs. It'd only be foolish for Jewelry Show not to try capitalize on these brand on new gems!
..But unfortunately, none of the regal rings, elegant earrings, brilliant brooches and other gems are safe from the mischievous fairies. Getting past the protecting glass case was no problem for them, tempting them to try out their luck. Juri had caught more than a few jewellery floating away -- and somehow she doubts that's all that there's to it.
Which has led her to actually get people to catch the fairies.. Or attempt to, at least?]
Your task is to prevent any of the fairies getting close to our stall, and to return any possible items they might have managed to steal from us. Use any methods you see necessary, and what you do with them is no concern of mine. Any questions?
Let's Play a Game
a - in the light
[The casino might be a sudden and new establishment in the Aldrip, but Juri is still carying herself like an old timer. She's wearing a crimson tuxedo, walking around with a drink in her hand like she owns the damn place. She can be seen casually chatting with the other patrons, the lavender painted lips curled into a mild yet polite smile.
The smile wavers a little when a staff member approaches her and whispers something in her ear. Huh, what was that? Never mind it! Juri straightens her posture, flips the fat curls over her shoulder and places her now empty glass on the tray.
Really, she's acting like she's The Lesbian Godfather herself.
Anyway, eventually she makes her way to the gambling tables. She watches the people play, slamming cards on the table and exchanging chips, tossing dice and what have you. Then, when the current round ends and people stand to leave she slides on the vacant seat.]
So, what do we have here? [She asks with a teasing voice, head tilting slightly to her side.] Cards or dice, pick your poison.
b - in the dark
[The sun has already set and it's long into the night. Somewhere away from the prying eyes, a sharp ringing sound of swords clashing echoes along the walls of the maze of alleyways. In the safety of the darkness there's a nest where the illegal fighting ring has their stronghold. And, look at that! It seems like it's a match night!
Weapons, bare hands, solo, tag teams -- anything goes! As long names are kept out of it, of course. No one needs to know just who attends there and not. Those would only make everything too complicated.
Right now, in the circle there are two fighters with swords -- both with a slim and feminine-looking build. While the other has only covered their face with a paint, the other one wears a mask that looks a quite lot like a fencing helmet. There are some red curls peeking from underneath it. Wielding a rapier the masked fighter moves fast and ruthlessly, seemingly not caring too much of the proper rules of fencing. Given a chance they do not seem to hesitate to kick other person's feet nor using her free hand to push them around when they get close to opponent's personal space.
They really live up to their nickname: The Beautiful Leopard.
Most of it is just for the show, as one can guess. And the crowd is eating it up, cheering and booing at every dirty move -- depending on who they've bet on. But everything needs to come to an end. With a one quick move the masked fighter manages to send their opponent's sword fly off. Oops, the audience better watch out! But that concludes the match. Some cheer and some curse, as is to be expected, coins are exchanged and part of the crowd disperses.
The masked fighter themselves turns to look at the people surrounding them and extends their arm out, beckoning a new challenger step up.]
WILDCARD: [hit me up with your own starter!!]
closed to haru
She walks carefully around the town, afraid of being seen by anyone. Once she finally makes her way to a promised spot at the fountain near the gardens, she automatically reaches her hand to grab on the necklace -- one that isn't there. Huh.. why did he even do, that? Well, anyway, that can't be important.
Juri sits down on the edge of the fountain, idly looking at her own reflection on the water's surface. The anxiety is very evident on her usually so cold and stern face. It's the nature of this meeting that has her feeling strangely.. vulnerable and afraid.]
no subject
She slips past watchful eyes and into the gardens that they agreed to meet at in person. She’s wearing an ankle length purple dress, soft coral curls tucked behind her ears.
Her heart swells when she see Juri. ]
You made it.
no subject
What if someone had seen Haru trying to sneak out? Would they have caught her and locked inside? Her father had always been ruthless man, but the reason seemed to escape him as the years went by, making Juri worry for her love more and more. They didn't have much time after all...
But all those worries melt away when she sees the soft coral hair appear behind a bush. The sight of the other girl in the pale moonlight like this was enough to make her knees feel weak and stomach light.]
Haru.. [She calls for her with a soft tenderness, the green eyes lightning in relief. Pulling the purple muff tighter around her, Juri stands up.] You're safe.
no subject
[ The more dangerous situation was her own. But the eyes and ears of this place were incredibly frightful. At least there were always that handful of people that they could trust. Astralin, Cloud...and a few select others who would never question them. ]
Oh, darling. It is so wonderful to get to see you, finally.
[ It has been a long few days since they were able to meet up. She is going to go to her, and wrap her arms around her lover tightly. ]
no subject
Juri may look all ice and marble on the outside. It's all part of the armor she has coiled around her body and soul. But all it takes is just one touch from Haru and she yields, becoming unarmed. The other girl truly is her weakness.
But still, it's only in her presence that Juri feels like she can breathe. That she can be herself.]
I wouldn't miss this for world. [She sighs into Haru's ear. Then she pulls back just enough that she can look into her love's eyes, one hand carefully raising up to caress her cheek.]
Haru I.. [She begins, unsure how to say this.] I heard talk of the engagement. Are you alright?
no subject
Nothing would ever compare to her one love, the one she holds now. ]
We have to do something. We can’t let it happen.
[She is clearly worried about the outcome. She leans her cheek into Juri’s hand. ]
…we have to elope, or run from this place. It is the only hope we have of staying together.
no subject
That--- That is. Are you sure? [She asks quietly, almost as if she was afraid that someone might hear them.]
no subject
[Though she doesn’t think she should project her fears onto her beloved.
She holds her just a bit tighter. ]
What do you think we should do?
no subject
You will not marry that man, I promise. [She says, casting her eyes down. Honestly, she'd rather kill the men behind this nonsense than allow it to happen. Haru's happiness and freedom were more precious to Juri than her own that she'd wouldn't doubt sacrificing herself. But then again... What would slaying her father even accomplish in the long run? Wouldn't it only be playing into the hands of her own family, while also leaving her love defenseless against the wolfs of this world?]
I.. I don't know. [She admits quietly, pressing her forehead against Haru's.] But I promise to protect you. No matter what.
no subject
She wonders what they will do in the meantime. There are many solutions, but none that would accomplish what they want in any matter of good timing. Her worries are calmed when their foreheads are brought together. ]
I believe you, my dear. We will figure something out. We won’t let this happen. Astralin said he would help us too.
no subject
No other person in the world could calm her racing heart and heal her fears just by being. For as long as she can remember she had found the other girl to be precious to her. Someone who she needed to protect and ensure her happiness.
Then after a brief moment, Juri pulls away and casts a gentle smile on her way.]
Give me your hand, Haru? There is something I want give to you.
crawls back to u
She is happy that they stand there for a long moment before pulling back. ]
Oh?
[She puts out her hand, dainty like. With an expression that is only mildly confused.
b
but she is going to ask.]
How much you gonna pay me for all this effort?
[even if it's not going to be a whole lot at all.]
no subject
Your reward will depend on your performance. Don't worry, no good effort goes ignored. However, we will not be paying for idle hands either.
no subject
At least give me a ballpark. So I know what I'm getting into.
wildcard. HDSFHJK
The estate is luxurious, far grander than anything Minato's imagination could possibly muster. Others might find themselves intimidated, standing at the gates of such a beautiful building. Minato, fortunately, knows no fear.
He's ushered into a waiting room adorned with austere bookcases and plush sofas. But instead of sitting down, Minato hovers next to one of the seats.
Footsteps approach shortly. He dips his head politely. His brother might be a misfit, but he'd at least taught Minato some manners. After all, he doesn't really want to fuck up the opportunity nabbed by both his biological and adoptive siblings. ]
I'm here for my job interview.
no subject
Juri, surprisingly enough, had managed to keep her head on her shoulders and feet on the ground. She didn't really see any reason to flaunt her wealth in front of others, nor did she like to make a big deal out of it. After all, she had nothing to prove.
And besides, being loud and obnoxious would only be counterproductive for her goals.
To be completely honest, she is a little surprised when she gets a note from a servant that Minato had came. The whole thing had been more or less a joke made on the network, but guess he took it seriously? Well... Luckily for him it wasn't like they didn't have an opening? But Juri was hardly the one to handle these things.
Well, either way here they are. Might as well look through it.
Juri makes her way into the waiting room where Minato had been led into. She's wearing one of her suits, looking formal and stylish as usual.]
Good day. Minato.. Arisato, was it? I'm glad to see you decided to take up the invitation.
no subject
Unlike Juri's handsome suit, Minato's arrived still in his school uniform. Perhaps other less absent-minded folks would think to go home and change into something nicer. But in truth, it's not like he owned anything that looked nicer than the uniform. Formalwear or dressier clothes were not things he'd acquired for his closet.
In fact, he's almost certain that Sha-Ming doesn't own a single piece of business wear either. Nice shirts and slacks are pricey, you see.
He responds to Juri's question with a small nod. ]
I thought I'd come to at least talk to you. ...I've never been a maid before, but I think I can do it.
1b
That didn't stop one of the little fairies from huffing and puffing as it tried to lift the bag. Naoto was just going to ignore them.
What she couldn't ignore was the one that crashed into her head, almost knocking her cap off. Instinctively Naoto's hand came up to grab it, pinning the fairy to her hat in the process.]
I wasn't aware I was employed by you.
[Indignant. Why was this lady telling her what to do?]
no subject
When the last has run off to do some fairy hunting, Juri turns her attention at Naoto, both voice and expression neutral.]
You aren't. But you could be. It seems like you do have some skill at catching the fae.
no subject
Naoto just stood there, frowning, the fairy kicking and waving its arms from between her fingers.]
It feels like this one caught it's self... [Naoto's fingers moved, grasping at the item it was clutching. Then she lifted her hand enough for the fairy to leave, but without the jewelry. She held the item out.]
I believe this belongs to you?