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Post by Ryoku on Oct 4, 2008 18:22:09 GMT -5
Upon entering the quaint restaurant, a few patrons that sat amongst the small tables and chairs that where strewn in random placements on the floor, had turned, to notice the odd looking pair, most stared at Shinkan though, whom in her clean state, and all dolled up in the snow covered dress, looked quite ravishing; which wasn’t common for most of the girls that come through this place, who where either so plastered with make-up it would take a day to chip the layers off, or simply are too old to be to eye catching anymore.
Ryoku felt a sudden protective urge upon the entry and gaze from the onlookers, Ryoku’s proximity deliberately nearing the girl as she walked closely behind her, she stopped at a table near the window that on looked the small town, that was laid out down the hill, that Hakkyou Inn was built upon, the restaurant had long ago abandoned the traditional booths that had cedar benches ladened with pillows to kneel on, sadly to Ryoku, but she had not yet taken over the Inn before she could protest it, she personally enjoyed that part of her heritage. Ryoku pulled a comfy looking chair out for Shinkan, indicating to it with a nod, hoping the girl liked the placement.
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Torn
Vacationer
Posts: 167
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Post by Torn on Oct 14, 2008 1:36:50 GMT -5
Stepping into the Restaurant, Shinkan instantly notices the attention they receive from the customers and workers alike. As a deeply ingrained habit that she doesn't even notice, the silver haired girl always sweeps her eyes all around any area she just walks into. In this one long gaze, she makes note of exits/entrances, the people in the room, their reaction to her, and of course, what could be turned into a weapon or shield if the need ever arises. Again, this action is done unconsciously, but it thus made her aware of the stares of the other's in the room.
Cheeks flaming a deep crimson, the silver haired girl looks down at her clasped hands, feeling embarrassed and uneasy with so many eyes on her. Ryoku seems to not like them either, for the other steps closer to her, looming over her in a protective fashion. But her discomfort is eased a bit when she's brought over to a table set in front of a large window. The window itself was a wondrous thing, but it wasn't what held her sight and stole her breathe away. No, what did that was the scene that lay just on the other side of that clear glass and just before her.
Surrounded by the wild green of nature that seems just about ready to swallow it, a small town sits, an amber jewel nestled betwixt two hills. The soft haze of a light fog drifts across the valley, shrouding the cloud dappled area with a feeling of mystery. A thin golden path wends its way up to the Inn and away into the distance at the opposite end, connecting the large village to unknown places. Off to the side, a brilliant winking of blue peeks through the trees; the creek that runs near Hakkyou. All in all, its an astounding sight, one showing man kinds smallness in the face of mother nature. But to Shinkan, it's more than that. What she sees is a window of opportunity, another place to visit other than the Inn; another place to search for her past other than the endless countryside and a waystation for travelers.
A deep longing overcoming her, Shinkan steps forward, her expression clearly showing her emotion. Raising her left hand, she lightly rests the tips of her fingers against that cool glass, her sight never wavering from the scene before her. She's forgotten completely about the stares of the people around her. Indeed, she's even forgotten where she's at and who she's with, her hunger set aside by a greater desire; the overwhelming one for knowledge, of who she is and where she came from.
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Post by Ryoku on Oct 14, 2008 19:41:25 GMT -5
It wasn’t hard to catch the gaze from the girl, that of an adventurer on a new day to an uncharted world, it was as if she was enchanted, Ryoku tilted her head as she watched, strangely for her the weight of Nao absent, as he stayed behind this time. She was intrigued, and intent on watching the girl’s child like behavior, as if the other was a newborn, new to every touch and smell. Ryoku had to strain to even catch a memory of her childhood, let alone feel what it must feel like for the girl, seemed she strained to catch many things in her life, in result, this isolated her mentally. Ryoku watched the gentle touch of the girls fingers lighting on the glass, and noticed the reflection of the town, she leaned down her mouth close to Shinkans ear, hair unknowingly falling upon the others shoulder. “We can… if you want, go for a walk into town together after lunch, if you’d like.” She said stepping back, to fend off the sparks of longing that flew off of Shinkan like a candle.
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Torn
Vacationer
Posts: 167
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Post by Torn on Oct 20, 2008 23:48:44 GMT -5
Still staring at the wondrous scene before her, Shinkan is slightly surprised when snowy strands slide down her neck and drapes over her shoulder. Blinking in surprise, she's about the tilt her head to the side so that she can see what Ryoku wants when she feels a soft, heated breathe puff its way into her ear. Freezing in place, the silver haired girl barely catches the other's words, so distracted is she by the proximity of the other. A small shiver runs through her as the Inn Keeper completes her softly spoken words and withdraws from the smaller girl.
Turning around, her soft slates wide, she gives Ryoku a look of delight. Truly? We'll go there, to that town?, she silently asks, her thoughts filled with an excited energy. Grinning wide, she grabs the Inn Keeper's large hands, her own small and warm. Truly? Thank you! Eyes sparkling with anticipation, she takes the seat that her companion had pulled out for her earlier and stares up at Ryoku with her clear eyes.
She can't wait!
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Post by Ryoku on Oct 25, 2008 2:45:37 GMT -5
Ryoku, was a little taken aback, by Shinkans sincere thoughts that filled her, the touch had power blasted the words into her mind, exploding with bright sparks and light, like a fireworks show. She softly pulled away her hand, as not to offend her, and nodded her assurance that they indeed would go. Her usual sharp eye's, softened, hazing out a little, she looked off toward the town, a small twinkle and tweak of her lip indicating something of a smile. She couldn't understand why such simple things that this girl did, made her feel so much, all the feelings boiled and thrashed at her borders of containment, she remained static though, as she moved to her seat and sat.
A waitress was soon in arrival, and in no time they both had light blue little menu's in front of them, Ryoku looked at the intricately embossed paper, for a second before picking up the morphed menu in her larger yet delicate hand, and began reading the; abbreviated with English. Hirigana and Katakana characters of the different foods offered. She sat ready though to help Shinkan, in case the need arouse.
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Torn
Vacationer
Posts: 167
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Post by Torn on Nov 2, 2008 23:35:24 GMT -5
Watching Ryoku happily, Shinkan blinks in surprise when she spots that slight smile. What?, she thinks in awe, but even at her blink, that slight upward tilt of the lips vanishes into that mask of stoicism that normally takes hold of the Inn Keeper. In fact, the whole thing had been so fleeting that she's already doubting if she'd actually seen the smile or not.
Shaking her head, she follows the hands of the waitress as she sets down two blue menus. Watching Ryoku, she takes up her own sheet and stares down at it. None of the stuff seems familiar, none of the pictures ring a bell. Not to mention the writing on it makes little sense to her. Feeling confusion and frustration building inside of her, the silver haired girl tightens her grip on the menu, her fingers gripping hard onto it. What does this say? Her brow furrowed and frowning, she glares at the sheet before her, trying to force an understanding into her brain. Glancing up at Ryoku, she pulls a sheepish and questioning look. Hesitating slightly, she finally points to the beverage section and stares at Ryoku almost pleadingly; in a comical fashion.
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Post by Ryoku on Nov 3, 2008 16:37:00 GMT -5
Ryoku noticed among the medley of dishes, some western influenced ones; personally she hated them. Ryoku always had an issue with the “western” part of civilization; new comers to the town always mistook her for one, and were usually automatically and unjustly criticizing her. It was her white hair and blue eyes, which was to blame. Everyone in the town had the typical varying shades of black and almost brown hair and dark eyes, making her the “white sheep” in ways. Thus garnishing more attention then she truly wanted.
Ryoku noticed the feigned look on Shinkan’s face as she desperately appeared to try and translate the words, Ryoku could almost see the steam rising, as Shinkan went white knuckled upon gripping the menu. The whole scene in short was comical, and would have received a bout of laughter from any normal person. Ryoku affectionately shook her head already knowing what the girl wanted before she looked at Ryoku with a pleading face, and gently removed the now slightly wrinkled menu from the girls clutches and began looking it over. A sudden idea hit Ryoku when she noticed a tall brown haired waitress next to them in her peripherals taking an order on her note pad, and managed to flag the girl down before she ran to the kitchen.
“Sumi masen.” said Ryoku politely, receiving a quick glance from the waitress and a bow. “May I have that note pad?” the waitress gave Ryoku an odd glance. But before the girl could speak, Ryoku interjected with an explanation. “My friend here is a bit lost, and I wanted to draw her out a map of the town.” Lied Ryoku.
“Ah, Hakkyou-senpai!” Exclaimed the girl with a deep bow, obviously suddenly just recognizing her, and from the use of the respectful honorifics, knew Ryoku was the owner of the Inn. “I’m so sorry! I did not recognize you, I’m fairly new here, and I’ve only seen pictures of you… and you look a lot different in person.” Said the girl with a blush. “Here you can keep the notepad, we have lots in the back.” Said the girl while she ripped off the old order she took, and handing Ryoku both pad and pen.
“It’s alright… I rarely wander the Inn anymore with all my paper work, and most of the new staff have yet to see me.” She too offered a bow as she took the pad of paper and pen.
The waitress lingered for only a minute longer before saying a quick goodbye and hustling off to the kitchen. Ryoku turned to Shinkan and handed her the notepad and pen. “Here, I figured it would be easier for you to communicate with this.” She said as she picked up her own menu again, still looking it over for things they both may like.
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Torn
Vacationer
Posts: 167
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Post by Torn on Nov 11, 2008 21:58:30 GMT -5
The Inn Keeper's shake of the head and the kindness shinning in those startling blues somewhat reassures the silver haired girl, but even so, her frustration does not leave her. Returning her gaze at to the menu, Shinkan stares hard at the sheet of paper in her hands and continues to strive for some ounce of understanding. She's able to read some of the symbols and words printed on the sheet, but not all of them. It's like having only some of the pieces of a puzzle, but not all of them. She can see some of the image and even figure out what it's trying to portray, but in the unfilled areas are only blanks. One of her greatest fears is to never find those missing pieces. To forever be searching for them, the memories of her past, and thus never truly becoming one with the present and to always be struggling to look through them towards her future.
Her brow is furrowed with her thoughts, her tight grip crumpling the paper, when Ryoku leans in and gently removes the menu from her hand. Glancing up from her preoccupied thoughts, Shinkan watches as her companion begins to look over the menu. Curious, the silver haired girl leans in, wanting to see what she can make out herself, but before she has a chance to, Ryoku calls a waitress over to their table. Has she already chosen?, she wonders anxiously, for she's unsure exactly what the Inn Keeper has in mind.
Instead of ordering food, though, Ryoku requests the waitresses notepad. The confusion that enters the brown haired girl's face is a mirror of the emotion filling Shinkan's own face. A notepad? But the waitress suddenly seems to realize who she's speaking to and gladly gives up the the pad and her pen. Still puzzled, the silver haired girl accepts the pad and pen when Ryoku hands it over to her.
“Here, I figured it would be easier for you to communicate with this.”
Realization comes to her at those words and Shinkan breaks out into a smile. Gladly accepting it, she watches as her companion return to looking over the menu. Eyes wandering down to the notepad, she picks up her pen and writes something down, for the first time, on the top page.
Hesitating slightly, she shyly reaches out and lightly touches one of Ryoku's hands. Drawing her hand back, she holds up the notepad so that the other can read what she'd written down.
Thank you.
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Post by Ryoku on Nov 13, 2008 3:30:52 GMT -5
It started as a tweak, but slowly grew into a scene so rare only one other had ever seen it, a smile, engulfing Ryoku’s face, and erupting her eyes into a dozen sparkles, it was a charming, almost handsome smile, but sadly almost all was hidden by her menu. Such a tiny gesture, but more heartwarming than anything in the world. It shocked Ryoku, this beautiful girl, also had such a beautiful soul, it seemed so devoid of corruption, stress… simply discovery and learning, such a difference from Ryoku and her life, maybe that was what made this girl so special to the Inn Keeper, and pushed for ultimate protection of the now healthier; once torn. Young girl, that she still knew so little about.
“Your… welcome.”
It was a sudden realization really, both that she was smiling and now maybe the girl could answer far many more questions that Ryoku had, rather than the lucky guesses on what the girl has been saying on simple “intuition?” Ryoku’s face defaulted back in the blink of an instant; acting like nothing different had gone on. “Sunomono… I know you’d like that..” Ryoku commented diverting the attention from the whole scene that had just unfurled. “It’s a rice noodle salad with citrus vinegar, garnished with cucumbers and squid…. It tastes like spring to me. And it would make a perfect starter, while we decide for the main course.”
((You are a true wizard of conveying adorable images in my mind, and truly.. if you can make me smile, you deserve to make Ryoku... congrats, tis rare.))
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Torn
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Posts: 167
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Post by Torn on Nov 17, 2008 23:41:58 GMT -5
Watching Ryoku for a response to her show of appreciation, amazement enters her when she spots the quit smile dancing in those startling blues. Shinkan knows, without a doubt, that the Inn Keeper is smiling, for the crinkles around the other's eyes added to the bright sparkle that suddenly appears in them all point to a true and genuine smile. If only she could see the other's lips, hidden behind that menu! It isn't that she doubts the conclusion she's drawn. No, she simply wants to see the entirety of something that she knows as being rare. To think that she was able to see Ryoku smile not once, but twice in the past day! And the second one is even greater than the first.
Her expression of slight shock turns to true delight, her own grin filled with the simple joy of being able to draw out a similar expression from her companion. The more she learns of Ryoku, the more she wants to please her. She wishes for the comfort and happiness of her savior, but for some reason the other woman seems unable to obtain such a thing. It confuses and saddens Shinkan, for she knows not what holds the Inn Keeper back from such a situation. So, when such a bright emotion emanates from the stoic woman, it's with wonder that the silver haired girl returns the smile with one of her own.
“Your… welcome.” At those words, the expression vanishes, disappearing as swiftly and abruptly as it had come. Replacing the rare smile is the usual bland look that the Inn Keeper carries. But it's a moment that Shinkan will never forget; that wild and carefree look, glinting in those brilliant blues.
Lowering the menu, Ryoku murmurs a suggestion of what they should eat. Still a little dazed from what'd just happened, the silver haired girl nods in agreement. She has no clue what this sunomono stuff is, but from the Inn Keeper's description, it sounds good. Blinking slowly, Shinkan leans forward, wanting to see one of the menus so that she can scan it for a potential main course meal. She may not be able to read much on the menu, but she could at least look at the pictures of the food and decide on what may seem tasty or not through them.
She's still trying to get over that amazing smile.
(OOC: ^////^ Thank you for the compliment. It was completely unexpected and a wonderful gift!)
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Post by Ryoku on Nov 19, 2008 6:56:16 GMT -5
Ryoku watched the girl eye up the pictures on the menu before her, and sighed inwardly, her thick carapace she had within her to hold the emotions still shook from the smile the girl had pulled from her, and unlike the first this one was genuine, and overwhelming, she pretended she didn’t notice the obvious recognition Shinkan had displayed, the silver haired girl was too smart to not see exactly what Ryoku was hiding, which to herself seemed simply a daunting concept, that anyone would gather enough of a knowledge of her to tell such things. Although the girl was quite astute, it was a wonder actually she still hadn’t remembered how to speak, not that the pleasant silence; now a quirk to Ryoku. Was, unwanted.
Ryoku pointed at both a picture with a bowl of beef udon; a soup with delicious broth, large fat soba noodles, with vegetables, and beef pieces in it. And a picture of a plate of six dumplings like things called Gyoza. “Those are some of my favorites.” Ryoku commented, as she snaked her hand to tap at the two simultaneously with her pointer and middle finger.
Ryoku pulled her hand away from the menu and looked up as the shuffle of feet announced their waitress. She was your usual commoner, black hair and brown eyes were the main piece to her features, although she was shorter and more plump than the other, Ryoku winked at her as the waitress reached the table. “Hakkyou-senpai.” Said the girl bowing, much like the first. “I’m sorry for the wait, please forgive me. But we are slightly short staffed, what with the lack of customer’s coming through town as of late.” She said slightly panic stricken as she continuously bowed her head as she apologized. Ryoku raised her brow as she leant a tad to the left of the girl to notice a gaggle of giggling waitress’ and cooks grouped at the door to the kitchen, watching the scene unfold, obviously they must have had a long discussion on who to send to apologies to Ryoku. She leant back straight and looked at her quietly. “I hope this doesn’t happen to customers as well, because that may just be the reason we don’t have as many people coming through this particular part of my inn.” Said Ryoku, giving another wink to indicate through the dry comment, she was only half heartedly saying so, but the waitress grew quite distressed fidgeting wildly with her apron, obviously not understanding Ryoku’s dry humor. Ryoku simply waved her hand and shook her head, as if it was nothing. “It’s fine.. I understand.” She said crossing her arms and leaning against the table casually, her head almost level with the short waitress so looking directly at her wasn’t a problem. “I too have felt the effects of this downfall of the Inn… closing it down may have to be considered if traffic doesn’t pick up…” Ryoku said with a slight tilt of her head.
The waitress gave a shocked look, shaking her head frantically, her hands waving in unison. “Oh no! You can’t close the Inn, so many people love it here, even if most are residents of the town.” She said the last part quietly and almost grimly.
“Well… until they decide to move out of their homes and stay here full time, nothing can be done in that aspect.” Ryoku said bluntly looking back with a furrowed brow around her, feeling the stress that Shinkan had chased away returning. Was the Inn going to stay open much longer with the lack of tourists? The simple thought made Ryoku rub her temples rigidly.
“I’m very sorry, it’s not my place to say anything.” The waitress said hastily, whilst pulling her notepad out, refusing now out of embarrassment to make eye contact with either Shinkan or Ryoku. “M-may I get you something to drink Hakkyou-senpai?” she stammered.
“Hmm?” Ryoku said looking up from the table after rubbing her temples. “Ah yes… a Sapporo beer please.” She said.
The waitress nodded and jotted it down quickly. “And for your little sister?”
“Eh?” Ryoku said sitting up straight. “Sister? No, she has no relation to me, Shinkan is my date.”
“Oh! Dear… I’m not doing well today, again my apologies.” Said the girl desperately, a blush engulfing her face, now completely shrunken down to a dejected pose. This time she simply stayed quiet awaiting Shinkan, leaving Ryoku silent and looking out the window, in attempts to stave the rising tension.
(I'm very happy you think so my dear Torn.)
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Torn
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Posts: 167
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Post by Torn on Dec 2, 2008 1:27:03 GMT -5
Scanning the menu, Shinkan's lips are still pulled in a slight smile that she can't seem to drop. The images rest before her but Ryoku's smiling eyes keeps shimmering into her view. Suddenly, the Inn Keeper reaches out and taps two fingers against some of the pictures. Blinking rapidly, the silver haired girl brings her attention back to the present and focuses on the images. Two of her favorites? she wonders, taking in the pictures that had been pointed out to her.
But her musings are cut short as the sound of footsteps and then a voice enters her ears. Glancing up from the menu, Shinkan tilts her head slightly to the side, watching the unknown girl's antics half in amusement and half in confusion. Why is she apologizing? She isn't sure what the other is so distraught about, but it seems that Ryoku doesn't find it too much of a deterrent to their dinner because she just cracked a little joke, or so it sounded to Shinkan, no matter how dry it came out.
Yet, for all of the Inn Keepers words, the brown haired girl just became even more frantic. Now Shinkan is more confused than ever. A sharp stab of alarm shoots through her when she hears Ryoku's words. The Inn could close down?? But before her thoughts could carry her away, the waitress goes into another of her little tizzies, drawing a feeling of amazement from Shinkan and restoring her sense of humor at the situation. The other is so excitable, almost like the little birds she saw pecking around in the garden. What were they again? Ah... yes, sparrows. Another small grin, this one of amusement, takes hold of her and she covers her mouth with her hand, so as not to let the brown haired girl spot it.
Glancing at Ryoku, Shinkan instantly notices that the other doesn't share in her amusement. In fact, the Inn Keeper seems to withdraw into herself, the tension thrumming through her body easy to see. The rubbing of her temples only adds to what is easily seen as stress. Worriedly, the silver haired girl keeps eyes on Ryoku. Seeming to try and ease the hole she's dug for herself, the waitress desperately asks for what the Inn Keeper wishes to drink.
Again the rubbing of the temples and then Ryoku replies. It seems that the drink was a suitable distraction, at least for the moment. At least, it did until the waitress makes another mistake. To Shinkan, it seems harmless enough, although it confuses her a bit. Looking down at herself, in her new dress with her long hair left unbound, she wonders. Do we look related? She didn't think so, at least, not really.
But the poor waitress' comment seems to draw Ryoku out of herself long enough to straighten up and tell her who exactly her dinner partner is. Her words awaken many confusing emotions in Shinkan, but strangely enough, the first and foremost feeling is an odd pleasant joy. A ... date... Her own cheeks are touched with red, for the Inn Keeper's blunt statement had been completely unexpected.
Still a little dazed at Ryoku's revelation, it takes Shinkan a few moments to realize that the waitress was staring mutely at her and that the Inn Keeper had turned her gaze away to stare pensively out of the window showing the village. Shaking her head slightly, she points down at an image that had captured her attention earlier. It was a picture of a cup of green tea, steam rising from it's frothy green surface. It looked nice and warm to her, so she'd already decided on it as her choice. Giving a small warm smile, the silver haired girl reaches out and lays gentle hand the waitresses arm, just as the other girl is turning away.
Once the waitress has left, in a rather hurried manner, Shinkan turns her full attention to Ryoku. Silently, she watches the other stare past her and out through the window behind her. Her eyes are so distant... Where do they take her?, she ponders, her own mood beginning to turn melancholy as she sits there watching the other.
Yet, even as the mood descends upon her, she can't help but admire her companion. Those snowy strands, catching the day's glow and holding it in. Those slender fingers, long and strong, yet how kind they could be. And such eyes! So sharp, a single look could cut you, yet at the same glance, they could melt one's soul.
A gentle smile quirking her lips up, Shinkan's eyes soften into liquid pools of slate as she gazes at Ryoku. Her whole expression and posture is relaxed, her chin resting in the palm of her right hand, her left sitting next to the notepad. Such a strange, yet wonderful person. Why does she look so sad? What causes her such... pain? I want to help ease it, but how? How can I, who can't even help myself, possibly help her? An enigma. Her brow creases in her worry.
Drawing herself out of her own thoughts, Shinkan glances down at the pad. Taking it up, she writes a few questions on it and then lightly taps one of Ryoku's hands. Lifting up the pad, she makes sure that the other can read what she put down clearly.
What troubles you? Will the Inn really close down? Is there anything I can do to help?
Concern shining her eyes, she stares at Ryoku, awaiting the other's answers and hoping that she isn't pushing the Inn Keeper even farther away from her.
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Post by Ryoku on Dec 31, 2008 6:33:40 GMT -5
The thoughts that blare through Ryoku’s mind flash behind her azure eyes, as she stares out into the rolling green hills, that expanded out into the distant cities and towns beyond, the very places this place needed to intrigue enough to gain what it needed.
She remembered a time, before she went on liaison from the Inn, before she abandoned her birth right. The Inn was booming, full of life, stories, drama, and love, Ryoku was still her cold self but, certainly felt a tad more fulfilled than now, with all the life that thrived within the walls of this place. Memories of them all crashed into her mind, Shai; the crazy girl with the split personalities, Shigure; the eternally pervious man, Tsume; the crazy cat girl, Kaouru; the mysterious and kind maid… among many, many more.
They were all simply shadows now that floated the halls, which lay dead silent in the current days. Echo’s, that had long ago died off into to ominous silence. She knew the few members of Hakkyou here now tried their best to keep the place alive, but she could see the light that was Hakkyou slowly and inevitably dwindling.
Her hands; which had migrated to clasp together, with her fingers intertwining under her chin. Where now propping it up in a thoughtful way, hands clenched, the knuckles going white from the effort. She knew worrying was useless, trivial, and solved nothing. Only action created what one needed. So Ryoku quickly stifled the worry, her face simply returning to its usual blank stare, a rigid emotionless wall.
Ryoku was still looking beyond the hills of the valley when the soft “shhh” of Shinkan’s notepad, drew her attention, she looked down at it curiously to spot the writing neatly scrawled out. She untangled her fingers leaving one hand under her chin, allowing it to remain rested, on the top of her hand, the other pulled the paper closer with one finger so she could look at what it said.
Ryoku was just scanning the last sentence when again the same waitress returned, tray balanced daintily on her hand. “So… uh, Sapporo beer for you Hakkyou-Senpai.” She said with a quick bow as she placed a small coaster down and beer atop it, a bead of condensation running down the neck of it temptingly. “And for your date.” She said with a blush, a small knowing smile lighting her face, as she took up a cup and arranged it just so in front of Shinkan, and a small brown clay teapot alongside it. “Green tea.”
Holding the tray against her waist with her forearms, hands holding the rim of the now empty tray she bows again, as Ryoku nods back. “Thankyou. But we will need a moment still to order food, I haven’t quiet decided.” Ryoku said blandly, looking straight at the girl, unintentional tension still lingering. Ryoku knew the waitress meant no harm by the question she had asked, but the association with the new girl was simply a reminder of the previous conversation, and kept Ryoku steely.
“Ok.” Said the waitress with a nod. “When you are ready.” She simply bowed one last time before turning and heading to greet another couple who just entered the restaurant, the two were an older couple, so seeing the two holding hands, made Ryoku watch them reverently, a little awed at the bonds of love. Oddly this made Ryoku glance back at Shinkan to meet her worried glinting pools, those eyes were projecting so loudly, did hers do the same? She wondered. Ryoku laid both hands down and picked the paper up with her right, scanning the words again, now with the time to register them without interruption, she felt a little tug at her heart, but it made her think. ‘Was it this girl cared simply because she had a loving caring heart within? Or was there a deeper reason?’ This held Ryoku from answering the questions, that she herself even feared asking. She simply looked up and back at Shinkan, almost analyzing her, then closed her eyes for a second as if giving in, letting out a sigh, she put the paper back down, taking up the bottle of beer in her hand she takes a swig, but doesn’t let the bottle go, rather dangles it just above the table.
“The Inn…” she says as if it’s a new word to her. And shakes her head fatalistically. “ And yes… it is going to have to close down… without members or customers for this place, I fear the lack of activity and money will simply drive this place into the ground…” Ryoku takes another swig. “And unless you know a way to suddenly get the amount of residents this place once had, or at least more… there is really not a thing you can do.” Ryoku tried to make her last comment not sound so cold, but sadly her ability to range her voice emotionally was all too well known as an impossible feat.
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Torn
Vacationer
Posts: 167
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Post by Torn on Jan 21, 2009 16:51:52 GMT -5
Watching all of the tell tale signs and body movements of the other, Shinkan can tell that Ryoku is deeply worried. The Inn Keeper isn't easy to read, by any means, but slowly the silver haired girl is learning how. She's still got a ways to go, but it brings an odd sense of accomplishment and happiness that she's able to figure out a bit of what the other is feeling.
Still, even as she observes her companion, she's only able to sense the others concern. Any deeper or more intricate emotions are something she's unable to discern through such subtle muscle movement.
Anxiously fidgeting with her napkin, Shinkan waits to see what Ryoku's response to her questions will be. Before the other can say anything, though, the waitress returns with a tray of their drinks. At the reiteration so the two of them being on a date, Shinkan drops her gaze to the cup of tea, her own cheeks tinted with a slight rose. Despite her reaction though, an odd feeling of pleasure slips into her thoughts. Which leads to confusion. A date... From what she's learned from the other maids is that when a man and a woman go out or have lunch together, then that's a date. This is where the confusion comes in, for she's a girl. We're both female, yet I'm having feelings that the others described about their dates...
Glancing up from the frothy liquid, the silver haired girl gives a small smile of thanks to the waitress, even as Ryoku dismisses her. Absently watching the waitress leave rather quickly, Shinkan glances back at the Inn Keeper. She finds herself unable to look away, even as the other glances to the entrance. What is she thinking... feeling... Shaking her head she suddenly realizes that while she was lost in though, her companion had returned to looking at her. Another soft blush creeps up her neck, but she doesn't look away for Ryoku begins to speak.
Listening silently, Shinkan's expression turns alarmed and then sad. Hakkyou Inn is the only place she's ever known, the place she'd awoken to. Where will she go if it's closed down? Who will want to hire a mute girl who only knows how to do maids work? Where will she call home? All of these questions and more swirl in her mind, swamping her with worry, but Ryoku's last words and the tone she says them in breaks though.
A look of surprise and then embarrassment shifts across her features. Of course there's nothing I can do... Feeling glum, her gaze drifts back down to her tea. Fighting back against her disappointment, she reaches out and gently picks up her cup. Slowly drawing it to her face, she takes a deep, steadying breathe of the scent. The heat and steam washing over face soothes her a bit. Closing her eyes, she takes a swift sip of the green tea.
Unfortunately, she'd forgotten to blow on the hot liquid and burns the tip of her tongue. Jerking back at the contact, the tea sloshes in it's cup and a few drops hit the table. Having the sense to quickly set her cup down before she spills more, Shinkan looks apologetically at Ryoku, her slates still filled with tears at the burn. At the same time, her hand reaches for a napkin.
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