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

[skincares]

[It's the contact that snaps her mental protections shut. A noblewoman was a symbol - something untouchable by those around her, regardless of who they were. Carmilla's gaze snaps up to meet Camilla's and--

For a moment there's a wicked fire in them, the look of an animal seeing a challenger intruding upon its territory with the full intent to hurt. It's little more than a brief flicker before it's extinguished by a carefully neutral expression. Carmilla gives a small smile.]

I beg your pardon.

[Her tone is sweet.]

I didn't quite hear you. These cats are quite adorable. What were you saying?

[ensorcel]

[ a better, smarter part of camilla tells her to recall the darkest parts of her life, the one with dead children and dead stepmothers and blood all over her hands too; remember them, heed the chill that runs down her spine, and make up a casual excuse before fleeing and never speaking to carmilla again.

but, camilla is only so smart, and only thinks with her heart anymore, so her smile never wavers. nobility can poison the mind, after all, so it isn't all that surprising to her anyway. but still. ]

You would ignore me in favor of a few cats?

[ camilla's tone is playful as always, typical as ever, and just as typical is the way she turns to embrace carmilla. hopefully carmilla likes boobs and nuzzling and being smooshed!!!!!! ]

My heart breaks, Carmilla! What must I do to make you adore me so much that you would even ignore the cutest of cats in favor of me? I would do the same for you, you know.

[ the cats want in on the action too, even sleepy mcsleeperson, and start crawling on their laps and headbutting them. ]

[skincares]

[WAIT]

U-Unhand me! What are you doing!!

[Carmilla isn't used to physical contact. Nobody in her family pampered her or treated her kindly. She was to be Lady Bathory - a symbol, not a person. And so she became Lady Bathory. To be so openly touched by another person--

Her face is bright red.]

I gave you no permission to touch me--!