video; un: cadere

[decori]

I must admit, this is not usually how I would introduce myself to others. It feels rather... impersonal. But you will forgive me my use of convenience, yes?

( it will quickly become apparent to anyone watching this broadcast why Aisling and the other girls at the club refer to Thea as princess and fancy. she's impeccably dressed, though the clothes themselves are (to the trained eye) quite clearly not as high end as her speech or attention to detail, with her hair coiffed up and a certain ease to how she's settled into her straight-backed posture on her chair.

but despite the propriety of everything that makes up Thea, her smile is bright, goofy, and sparkles in her eyes. this whole mobile phone network thing is incredibly interesting for someone whose world was only just figuring out mobile technology. )

Very well, then! I am Thea, of... Well, we never did give my world a name, I suppose. I could think of one, but I'd likely forget it as soon as I stop this recording. Thankfully, I doubt that it will come up in conversation again, as it's not nearly as fascinating as Nippon itself. I could go on, but as you are all here with me, I'm certain you understand far better than I how interesting this place is.

( she stops for a moment, exhales. this is harder than it looks. without anyone to respond directly to what she's saying, she's resorted to rambling.

hm. is there something she can ask that would give this video more of a point than her name. )

Ah! Yes. I do have two questions—

( well. now she does. )

Firstly, I'd like to know something about each of you. Whatever fact you deem most important to yourself — be that your loved ones, your job, or even a hobby. I find it an excellent way to get to know people.

And secondly... does anyone know where I can secure a good cup of tea?

Comments

video; un: housependeryn

[historicallyloaded]

[ For better or worse, his ears and lone green eye are trained to prim and proper and what greets her is more of the same; a young man in a loose white ruffle shirt and tight black pants, also slightly underdressed for the posh accent and mannerisms. The eyepatch absolutely clashes with everything. ]

A pleasure to make your acquaintance miss Thea. Nippon is quite fascinating, it's true; what incredible sprawling cities with its many districts, each with its own beautiful distinct architectural styles, and plethora of shops and locales within... and it has an abundance of natural sunlight! [ Despite the poshness he's genuinely enthusiastic and smiling, eager to have polite conversation, especially through such wonderous technology. ]

As for your profound question... What's most important to me? I suppose it'd be the pursuit of knowledge. What with it I could procure safety and comforts for my loved ones through my hobbies, and maybe even improve the lives of others through technological advances.

And the less profound but equally as important; I've been here only a scant amount of time and I feel I've barely scraped the surface of exploring Tokyo... but there's a lovely little tea shop near Shibuya Station.

[decori]

( it's been quite some time since she spoke to anyone with this sort of refinement, and though her own manner has never truly dropped no matter how long she's been in the slums, it's... odd to hear the kind of voices and speech she grew up with.

nostalgic, almost, and there's a tinge of that wistfulness at the edges of her otherwise warm smile. )

I'm thrilled to know I'm not alone in my assessment. Everything is truly quite distinct from my own world, and I'm quite eager to scratch the surface, so to speak.

( and his answers to her questions: lovely. )

Ah, you're an inventor of some description? Or an engineer? That's wonderful. My... ( father, the word catches in her throat. old familiar manners and the freedom of a new world loosens a tongue, she supposes. ) My coworker was always fascinated by gadgets.

... You know, I think I walked by there during my arrival. Once I earn some money, would you like to join me?

[historicallyloaded]

[ At the invite there's a faint flush to his face. He's easily flattered, even at a polite proposal. It would be lovely to get out and meet someone over a nice cuppa, he thinks. ]

Of course. I'd be more than happy to pay for the pleasure of your company in the interim but um... [ He looks momentarily embarrassed at his own choice in phrasing and tries to not backpedal too hard. ] if you'd prefer to be self sufficient I wouldn't— I mean I'd understand. Happy to wait.

But ehm, yes. Tinkerer, inventor, engineer, alchemist; all around problem solver, I'd say. [ Even problems he himself creates but, you know, technicalities. ]

If you don't mind me asking Miss Thea, what did you do for work to find yourself in the company of another gadgeteer?

[decori]

( his phrasing, and the inevitable backpedalling, gets a laugh from Thea. that's precious. well, at least he's about to find out why it's so funny to her. )

I'm a sex worker. ( a pause. hm. maybe not entirely accurate. ) I suppose a business owner, now. I'd purchased the club I work at soon before I arrived here. My coworker was saving the money to formally study technology.

[historicallyloaded]

[ Oh yeah that gets him to flinch visibly, especially given what he just said. He's not disgusted, just surprised at her very frank admittance of it. ]

Quite a way to secure your career, congratulations. I can't imagine that's not a— um, lucrative business to invest in.

[decori]

( she's well past the age where she'd feel ashamed about it. after everything that's happened, it feels like it would be ruder to not wear her work as a badge of honour. after all, the club, and the workers in it, were the people who helped her when everything seemed lost. )

Quite the opposite. People are always seeking that kind of release.

( will she ever regain the wealth her family had? probably not, but she's far more comfortable than she was when she arrived there. )

[historicallyloaded]

So the same where I'm from.

One of my closest friends, ah... frequents brothels, and the woman who runs his preferred one also holds a prominent place in our City Council.

[ He should be more discerning but he didn't exactly give away any names here, and all the politicking of back home feels so especially moot and petty knowing something much grander like a multiverse with a time loop and time refugees from all over the place exists. ]

video; un: asch

[charredflame]

I'm afraid I don't have anything interesting worth sharing, but it's a pleasure to meet you all the same.

As for your second question, I suppose that would depend on what sort of tea you prefer.

[decori]

I doubt that's true. People are inherently interesting. What do you do outside of work?

( for starters. )

Hm... Currently, I'm quite craving something like Lapsang Souchong.

[charredflame]

I suppose that is true, but beyond my work there wasn't much time for anything else.

[he tilts his head, eyebrows raised, then nods]

I'm not familiar with tea by that name, but there's a teahouse not far from where I'm staying that serves a decent selection. I've found it decent enough.

[decori]

Truly? That's quite unfortunate. Have you had the time to explore your interests here?

( but tea! tea is important. )

And where is it you're staying?

[charredflame]

Ah, somewhat. Having the time to do so has taken some getting used to.

[tea is incredibly important. He sends a text messsage in between with the teahouse's address]

The refugee dorms in Tokyo.

[decori]

( she huffs out an amused sound. fair enough. )

I imagine it would be, yes.

( her life has always been something of the opposite, but for the first few months she arrived at the club. )

Thank you! I hope I can see you there at some point.

video | un: scream.

[shurajodo]

'm Gara. I just got here, I ain't got a clue 'bout tea.

( The lad on screen has his masks down; part of his face is dark and maroon-colored. There's something off with him. )

Why you wanna know 'bout people anyway? Kinda sketchy.

[decori]

( even if she notices (and she does), Thea knows better than to stare or make comments. that's rude. )

Should I not want to acquaint myself with people in my situation? How else does one acquire friends, pray tell?

[shurajodo]

( ... How does one acquire friends? He has a number of them, sure, but it wasn't like he sought out friends and there they were.

Gara shrugs. )

I ain't about tellin' you what to do or nothing.

( That's against everything he is as a person, actually. He grins, sharp shark-teeth glinting. )

Just sayin', heh.

[decori]

( so... he's just cautious? sounds like father making business deals. )

Would it alleviate some of your uncertainty if I shared something about myself?

[shurajodo]

( He's loathe to admit uncertainty in the first place, so he looks down in thought.

Then the grin is back. )

Go fer it. Make it interesting.

[decori]

( interesting, huh...

so she's presuming things like her favourite food are off the table. in that case; )

I once had to interrupt a performance to threaten a customer with a baseball bat.

( ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ )

video | un: me

[faeshim]

I like the way you talk.

[does that count as something about him? it should!]

[decori]

( she smiles. )

Thank you. ( she's sure father and mother would be thrilled to know that at least her elocution lessons haven't gone to waste. of course, father and mother likely don't care a damn for what's become of her now. but that's a problem for another day. )

And what else do you like? Do you have a favourite food or drink, perhaps?

[faeshim]

I like bread - real bread, straight from the oven, with butter slathered on top of it. And sweet things with fruit. Tea with honey.

I've tried a new tea here, it's green. Have you tried it?

[decori]

( oh, that all sends an immediate, primal hunger to her stomach. the smell of freshly baked bread is a delight, and her belly rumbles loudly. )

... Seems my stomach agrees!

( she laughs the moment off easily, though a small flush creeps on her cheeks at her stomach's betrayal. )

I have! We have similar teas at home, though the choice seems much more extensive here.

( and out of her budget. )

[faeshim]

You need to find some. Your belly will eat your backbone!

[he heard that once, now he believes it.]

My friend bakes. No one makes bread better than his. Next time he does, I'll let you taste it for yourself.

[decori]

My backbone?

( she has not heard that. )

Is that a saying from your world, then?