it's beginning to look a lot like christmas. . .

[skincares]

Who: Carmilla and you!
Where: All around Shehui.
When: Days 161 - 167
Open/Closed: Open! Very open! HMU at goatsong if you want a prompt that's not here! You can never be late ;^)

Warning for potential NSFW.

(A) - COINS!

(1)
[In the end, Carmilla acquiesces to doing menial work. She's unhappy about it -- what noblewoman wouldn't be aghast at the situation? -- but she understands what she has to do. Money is power and money is what will keep her here. Even if she must submit to tasks she openly and spitefully disdains, she'll lose less face than if she were kicked out. Throughout the week she can be seen working some less labor-intensive jobs, though it's clear her heart isn't into it. She doesn't seem keen on paying close attention to detail. If anything, she seems to be taking a lot of breaks?! Hopefully you aren't her coworker.]


(2)
[--and, if you're lucky, you may catch her at Coins!

The casino isn't where you'd expect to find such a cranky woman, but she must find some other way to amuse herself, now that fighting and killing are options beyond her. She makes sure to dress up whenever she goes out. Carmilla doesn't have much choice in attire so she keeps it simple: a coat (most likely furred) with some manner of high heels that click loudly as she walks. Her favorite seems to be the poker. Classic. If you happen to be about and you pass by her table, you may catch her watching you. Meet her gaze and she'll only give a small smile before glancing at the seat beside her.

The invitation is clear.

Will you play?]

(B) - ANMUNG TOWER

[... someone is doing a little late Christmas shopping. Carmilla can be seen comparing gifts, though what she picks out looks more suited for an entourage of dancers than actual clothes...? There's no way someone would wear something so gaudy in real life! One of the stands is selling a polka-dotted clown costume. Carmilla pinches its sleeve, lifting it ever so slightly with a wrinkle of her nose.]

My. This is hideous. Yes, I think this will suit them just fine.

[... who exactly is she shopping for...? Shouldn't you put more care into gifts?!]

(C) - CAT CAFE? CAT CAFE.

[If you're visiting your local cat cafe, you'll notice that some weird, white-haired woman has been lingering outside like some pale ghost. She doesn't stand there. Of course not. That'd be too obvious. But she's definitely passed the premises at least three times in the past half hour. She fakes being interested in a pamphlet or in the scenery, but as she passes by she will always sneak a glance into the cafe.

... could it be that she wants to come in...?

Oh! It seems as though she's finally stopped in front of the cafe's menu. But judging by the look on her face, she's awfully conflicted. Why?]

(D) - SANTA, BABY - POSSIBLE NSFW OPTION

[Escorts were an overlooked population. Nobody liked to talk openly about sex work -- not unless you were crass or shameless or both. There's no law against it but Carmilla knows the shame frequently assigned to the communities. Those who recognize her may start to see her heading towards the red district-esque areas of Shehui. It's never for the company offered. If anything, she seems to take more interest in the shops. Particularly those selling BDSM gear. After some time, she's struck up some form of acquaintanceship with one of the shop owners. If you're in the area (for whatever reason), you'll spot her chatting freely with said owner, looking absolutely comfortable as they discuss this and--]

These decorations are heinous.

[So saying, she puts a hand on the large cutout Santa in front of the shop and gives it a push, just to show her disdain.

Better watch out for kinky Santa! Don't let him hit you!

ooc: if you want the nsfw option mention it in the comments and i'll pp you to work out the details!]

Comments

C

[ensorcel]

[ idc if our last threads not done cats are my life ok it's been scientifically proven that all nohrians are cat people, so once camilla made sure a cat cafe wasn't a place where cats were, well, you knnow, she penciled in a time to visit it on her day off. being a barista is...hard work... she doesn't hate it, but if she had the choice between eating a spoonful of dirt and going to work, the dirt would look very appealing.

so when she arrives at the cat cafe, she looks as happy as someone with half their face covered can. as she turns to look at the menu, the day only gets better because here's her wonderful new mentally stable friend!!! ]

Why, Lady Carmilla! What a wonderful surprise! Are you here to see the cats and kittens as well?

[ she hardly notices carmilla tsuning the heck out, and is doing that thing where people stand really close to you and kind of herd you into a place so you feel socially obligated to go with them because it'd just be weird and awkward if you didn't. into the cafe they go... ]

Come come, why don't we spend time together here? My treat, darling.

[ tl;dr they go inside im sorry this tag is a novel ]

[skincares]

[Listen YOU ALWAYS GOTTA MAKE TIME FOR CATS.

Which is to say...! Carmilla doesn't expect Camilla to appear out of nowhere! She startles visibly and opens her mouth as if to protest, but by the time she's able to get a semblance of a word out, she's already ushered into the establishment. No, she's really not ready for this...!]

Camilla-- [For a moment her tone is a tad too sharp before she remembers that they're supposed to be friends. Deep breath in.] No, I... heard their menu was acceptable.

[she wanted to see the cats]

I didn't think you'd frequent this area.

[ensorcel]

Now now, dear, there's no need to be so shy. Fair and refined noblewomen such ourselves deserve to have a bit of fun once in awhile.

[ camilla says that as if she's somehow under a fun deficit... after accepting the table for two they were given, camilla finally finds her chill. ]

See, isn't this lovely? Look, even the foods are themed after cats. I do hope they come our way to play soon.

[skincares]

Shy?

[She says it incredulously. Shy is the furthest thing from what she is. Shy is for blushing maidens who eagerly awaited a man's response to their overwrought love letters. Shy is for rabbits. Shy doesn't describe a woman of the Bathory house -- especially not Carmilla. Her being caught off-guard wasn't a matter of shyness...!

That's more or less the thought process running through Carmilla's head as she allows herself to be herded to the table by Camilla. She shoots a dirty look at the poor waiter, who's eager to scurry off under the pretense of preparing some drinks.

... it's not as though Carmilla hasn't had tea with someone before. Wu Zetian was always happy to save a spot for her at the table, though their conversations weren't exactly normal to the layperson. But there was some distance afforded in discussions of one's "hobbies." Quite frankly, Carmilla can't remember the last time she sat down and spoke with someone for the sake of making conversation.

(Former Master aside. That girl was certainly something else. No one could quite match her stubbornness to nose into all her Servant's affairs.)

She folds her hands in front of her. Casts a quick glance over a menu she's become oh-so-familiar with the past half hour before shifting her gaze to the cats slinking about. Yes. The cat theme was part of why she came. Despite who she is now, there were aspects of her past self that were difficult to shake off.]

... they're picky creatures.

[she really wants one to come over]

Unless we feed them, I doubt they'll solicit our company.

[ensorcel]

[ camilla doesn't respond to carmilla's disbelief. camilla decides carmilla is either indeed, shy, or one of those 'tsundere' things she's read about in hoshidan literature. not that it's surprising; having real fun, not those boring strategy games so common of the gentry, is generally frowned upon.

instead, she hums in thought, watching the cats, so close and yet so far away... ]

Quite right. Regardless of how tame they are, we still need to gain their trust, don't we? Cats aren't like foolish dogs, who will run up to anyone and anything, after all.

[ while glancing at the menu once more-- ]

We can even order treats... My, salmon sounds superb right now, and I bet our little friends would enjoy being spoiled a little bit.

c, Jumin→Hibiki→Carmilla

[yancat]

[Even the nerdiest of nerds know how to relax. It's no secret that Jumin and Hibiki go to the cat cafe every once in a while to spend time and recharge with their favorite sort of company. Jumin wears one of his rare, gentle smiles as he strokes the cat resting on his lap.]

Black velvet coat with speckles like stars—Midnight is a beautiful name for a cat like... [Okay, no. He was trying to have a good time here, but something is off and he can't ignore it anymore. He glances at the door before turning his attention to his companion.]

Hibiki. Do you know the woman who's been lurking around the entrance for the past five minutes? [He does, of course. But does Hibiki?]

[secrowtary]

[ Hibiki's been watching the cat that decided to climb up his legs only to jump off once he reaches Hibiki's lap and does it over and over again. It's so cute that he doesn't even question it.

It's difficult to miss the woman wandering outside, especially after seeing her for the third time in the past half hour. ]

Not really. Is she your acquaintance? Why won't she just come in?

[ Intrigued, he's going to watch whatever Carmilla's next move will be. ]

[skincares]

[... wait. Is that someone she recognizes?

Yes! It's Jumin. And there's someone else with him. Carmilla knows that, logically, there's no reason to be embarrassed over this. But somehow, being caught in the act of looking foolish makes it worse. In an attempt to salvage the situation, she focuses her gaze very intently on the menu.

SHE'S JUST CHECKING OUT THE PLACE, NO PROBLEM, OKAY!

Only, she's been at that sign for what. Five minutes? This isn't normal. . .]

[yancat]

[ Unfortunately, Jumin reads her in a second. ]

Carmilla's embarrassed. She thinks too highly of herself to enter. Societal norms also dictate that no one should eat at an establishment alone, especially at a place so niche... I don't care for them, though.

[ He sighs. A classic example of social awkwardness. He watches putz around for a second or two... Does she really need to read the menu over thrice? ]

Ah, she looks like a fool. You don't mind if I invite her, do you? [ Carmilla's weird, but she's not bad company. Jumin is a nice person. He says so himself. ]

b

[mesmerevenant]

[ Also out and about trying to figure out secret santa gifts now he's earned some money, plus finding some extra clothing for himself, Carmilla catches Jun's eye as a familiar (if not blurry) face.

Then he sees just what she's considering. ]

... does someone really have that bad taste?

[skincares]

[Oh! It's Jun! Carmilla turns his way.]

You ought to see her current outfit. It's worse.

[mesmerevenant]

Paint a picture for me?

[ HE... NEEDS TO KNOW... ]

[skincares]

A skirt of books over a bikini.

[:/]

b because their first meeting went so well

[teratias]

[This gift giving thing was really annoying. Waver didn't mind the concept, but buying for strangers? What the hell, why does a government want to make that happen?!

Still, Waver's shopping for his giftees mostly to avoid seeming like a giant dick. His bent is practical (winter goods, like scarves and gloves and hats), and he's about on his way to the register when he sees....

...her.]

Shit!

[He stops dead in his tracks, eyes wide and face pale. And then he realizes he just reacted out loud, and will probably draw the crazy lady's attention.

Crapcrapcrap.]

HELLO AGAIN WAVER 8)

[skincares]

[The shout draws her attention. I mean, who wouldn't at least sneak a glance? That was pretty damn loud. Carmilla glances up, about to dismiss whatever the disturbance was when her eyes land on the source.

Oh. It's him.

Hey Waver? You better decide what you want to do because she's approaching you!]

rip waver; you're a delight and this is all terrible

[teratias]

[Hiding in a clothing rack? Hiding in a clothing rack!

Waver moves to crouch in one of those circular type racks, confident that this'll save him!]

this cr has been waver screaming for mercy... save the boy

[skincares]

[Waver, your Presence Concealment is worse than hers and that's saying something.

Carmilla doesn't even bother. She kicks the rack.]

You look absolutely stupid, Caster. Come out.

[THAT'S AN ORDER]

A2

[skiouros]

[Eizen remembers her face. The lingering look he gives her, as well as his approaching the table, is his acknowledgment of this fact.

Not one to back away from something resembling a challenge, he slides into the vacant seat beside Carmilla. He's used to losing where occidental cards are concerned, and losing or winning doesn't matter to him much. But who knows—maybe Shehui will surprise him again.]

I didn't peg you as the gambling type.

[skincares]

I detest working.

[Simple as that. Carmilla may be a twisted creature but she adhered to a clear logic. Selfish. Arrogant. Her train of thought was easy to follow once enough time was spent with her. She taps a long nail against the table as Eizen takes his seat, a polite and controlled smile on her lips.]

If I'm able to make money while enjoying myself, I shall.

[She leans back in her seat, crossing her legs.]

And you seemed too straight-laced to come to a place such as this -- or to enjoy my company. Did you enjoy my needling?

[skiouros]

[Eizen gives a derisive huff—more so to the needling comment than anything else, since he can respect that way of making profit. His lack of a retort there is his approval.]

Who would enjoy something like that?

[Then his lips curl into a smirk, and he settles with a hunched posture in his seat.]

Does a man who does as he pleases sound straight-laced to you? If so, you'd be surprised by the company I tend to keep.

[skincares]

[Ha. His response has her smile edge a bit into a sincere one.]

Are you trying to rouse my curiosity in your dark and sordid past?

[As she speaks, the dealer doles out the cards.]

If so, you'll have to buy me a drink for me. Testing new meat can be tiring and I came here to relax.

B

[reckoner]

[ Guard work at Anmung Tower tends to keep him just outside one of the entrances, or circling the floors. On occasion, however, the task is more targeted. With the gift exchange initiative, and the holiday approaching, concerns about theft in certain stores are on the rise. Or, they must be. Crime seems to remain more fable than reality in the city, but he's been assigned to this store.

It would be more dull work, but he's been able to divide his attention between looking for suspicious activity, and attempting to gauge the intended recipient for items selected. In particular, if they match what a teenaged girl might like. These days, he's far removed from those considerations, and it's a useful exercise to crosscheck his taste (or estimation of taste) against.

So, he's paying more attention than he might otherwise have to the woman picking at the costume. Beyond the initial start to see white hair, styled like that -- for a moment, a fleeting, deeply chilling shock, he'd thought he saw Carta.

Not Carta, but as strange, if in a different way. He shouldn't engage, given his position, but... ]

Are they a member of the circus?

[skincares]

[Ah. Carmilla glances at the man speaking to her. The way her gaze darts over him is the way a butcher would assess a slab of meat -- sharp yet impartial. She lightly laughs.]

It certainly is a profession that'd suit her. The clothes one wears should reflect their character, don't you think?

[reckoner]

[ Familiarity in that look, though it's been some time. He's still impervious, if with less of the breezy indifference of the very rich and the very self-assured.

Still. Something in that, or the laugh, or the question. Dead impulses, stirred up with all the rest. He smiles, though it's faint, refraining from expressing either assent or dissent. ]

And you're the one to determine their character.

[ Statement more than question. ]

You must be comfortable with being judged a poor giver of gifts.

[ If the recipient isn't actually a member of the circus, they doubtless won't appreciate the costume. ]

[skincares]

[If it's a matter of merit? Hardly. Carmilla is well aware her past power stemmed from her position as royalty. As a Servant, it stemmed from her nature as a spirit. Here, on this noisy, gaudy planet, she was closer to a bird with clipped wings. The most she can do is squawk and puff herself up -- no, her pride refuses to let her act as though her status has been lowered.

That's why his remark is met with a casual shrug.]

I wasn't aware that this market hired critics to harass their customers. Are you here to lecture me?