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RoleplayxIndiexSemi-Selectivex 18+ Termsx Single Shipx

[obscuxa]

キャンドル

{{ ✤ }} —

Peach-colored lips part in a silent attempt to make her lurking confusion known, cadenced sequences of breaths & huffs sailing from her lungs to the open wides of the unknown sea called outside world { the world she, as well, aches to see more than anything else, the life they could all be living beyond those cold, towering & most of all restrictive walls if only death wouldn’t result from fruitless tries to put an end to her ever so thriving curiosity. She believes in freedom, still. Even if lady luck’s decided to put a spoke in their wheels for the time being … & who knows for how many years or decades longer. Their chances will arrive, eventually. That one, fateful moment where humanity finally can free itself from the lacing shackles enjoined & regain an extolled stance in face of all hardships, standing above their monstrous slavedriver to turn the table once & for all. That she earnestly hopes & wishes for }.

Those memories from her childhood are still planted inside her skull like a script written for life, the one concerning the mansion case a mere, faded photograph that displays blurred outlines & clawed out faces whispering long lost names & secrets, a poignant sting that affects languid cells enough to curve her insides into a shudder. Things such as these are part of her precious life history she’d much rather forget, though how things usually go, she’s asked to face her fears once anew, like life or fate itself would so desire to put her bravery to the test. Next to sacrafices, inevitable deaths & her own incapability to protect those around her, there’s nothing she fears more than the supernatural, things that may were constantly present although never acknowledged as a part of their existence, still. Howls & echoes of the damned, wandering souls chasing lost dreams & vowing veangeance until their endless grief is eased & they can finally be set free. The mere thought sends a havoc of dismay & chills down her spine. She pays Rei more than enough respect for doing these things on a daily basis, for a l i v i n g. Petra may fought her own wars right in the frontline of the military regiment, though facing spectral silhouttes & shadows of decayed lives is far from the usual ‘standard’ she’s capable of handling.

She’d just see how & especially w h e r e this goes. Rei’s got her word so there’s no way out of it now.

     ❛ About that mansion thing we spoke about earlier, um … you sure you wanna do this? I mean, I’m right beside you if you truly wish to go but, I sort of really have my doubts that we’re able to find auxiliary material for your studio’s portfolio there. It’s been abandoned over hundreds of years now, the woodwork older than time, every crook and cranny a potential death trap if we’re not careful enough. ❜

Careful & with as much compassion as further possible, Petra points these things out to her counterpart in a calm & factual choice of tone, words of genuine concern as they part from her wavering peachy petals for lips. As a loyal companion to just about anyone who confides in her doubtlessly, sees a friend in her & vice versa, she’d do these things, no matter the odds. Though, they should still be aware of the consequences potentially involved. Back at the tea topic only a few blinks later, her facade lights up again, sunlight glistening within her honey gaze while she listens to Rei’s explanation with utmost interest. There’s a straight set for the way she usually enjoys her tea but … trying something new certainly wouldn’t do any harm, right? This kind of surprise truly had its very own charm.

     ❛ Mhm, sounds like a great idea! Well, if you don’t mind, of course? ❜

~ 零 ~ —- It is only polite that she cared for the others mug first before tending to her own - and Rei had done just exactly as she’d been told; Petra preferred a quite experimental yet lovingly tasting sort of tea, and the smell was overwhelmingly soothing. She poured the hot water into the mug of her newly found assistant, before doing the same to her own, steam and vapor staining the air, tickling her nostrils ever so gently.

The pot was set aside after that and her hands immediately retreat to her brewing drink, cupping the mug to absorb all the warmth it gave, gentle breezes of peppermint and other oriental herbs charming her senses. She’s ever so grateful for Petra’s help, though she understood her doubts. How could she not? After all, these stories weren’t just stories... people kept on disappearing for a reason, may there be a plausible explanation to it or not. It’s up to them to find out soon. First and foremost, it’s up to Rei to complete her portfolio, however. The rest should be of second concern.

       ❝ I understand your worries about the latest incidents, I really do. However, we shouldn’t rack our brains over myths and perhaps false theories some maniac made up. We’re... going to be as careful as possible, I promise. It’s just a quick check-up, I’ll make some photos of the scenery and we’re out. Ok? ❞

This wasn’t merely a suggestion but most of all a PROMISE she’d make sure to keep, no matter the circumstances! Petra would go in safely and come out just the same way.

[scarivon]

Rei Holly Tattoo Curse

[s-pect-it-deactivated20180711]

Fatal Frame 3: Manor of Sleep

[obscuxa]

█▓ pαrαdє thє níght ▌▒

[obscuxa]

白鬼

His slow and wary footstep lead him further down the hallway and deeper inside the mansion, past outwithered sets of chattels aligning along the narrow space to make it seem all the more confining and compressive, and the faded stacks of sooty sheets covering  undiscerning objects. Could’ve once been part of the trute interior, albeit he doubted that any of this could possibly make it look less deterring like it already did. The crackling beneath his feet continued, accompanied him with every taken step as if he’d walk over sand barefoot. Or broken shards and pieces of glass, boring their way inside his lifeless flesh. He, of course, didn’t feel any signs of pain through the firm footwear covering his soles, but the crunching and grinding noises conquering the dark were overly unsettling. And Raiden usually is no one to be scared easily. Ignoring that stalling sense of a cold creeping along the surges of his spine, the liberian traipsed alongside the woman he’d just met, leaving a trail of half-melted snow brought from the outside. He remembered now – the howls and the dark cold ranting and raving exteriorly, white flakes of frozen mercury kissing sensitive spots of his contours along their regal dance. It’d felt fresh and blissful, almost [ real ]. But that’s just what dreams usually tended to do. They make the biggest absurdity seem plausible all of a sudden, showing probable cause to untypical things the mind would register as treacherous. So, what he felt while being stuck in this d r e a m shouldn’t outface him in any way. He’d try avoiding to let anything get to him. 

It’d seem they’d only walked just a few steps from where they’d started, viz the locked entrance, but to him, it already felt as if they’d ventured far deeper and down the unknown, penetrating the mystery that sorrounded this estate like a thick, all consuming cloud of mysteries. Out of all the dreams he could’ve been penalized with, why this manor? What’s the secret? Could there be anything worth disclosing amidst these old, lonely walls and halls? He wondered … And for a moment, he could’ve [ sworn ] he’d felt a cold stare piercing his soul somewhere out from under the shadow play at the end of the corridor, hitting his faked-marrow flesh. Or maybe he’s just slowly losing his mind, pondering a few things too many. Being trapped in here almost felt as if being a lost soul, caged inside the darkness forever, wandering aimlessly. Doomed to never see the light of the day ever again. 

A line of a portal they’d crossed unknowingly where demons and ghosts just lurked behind every visible corner to draw them further into the realm of shadows with their nasty little lies and whispers. It could’ve been anything, really. But the feeling that swelled inside his gut grew stronger and stronger by the minute. Now there’s only to hope that this wasn’t some kind bad foreboding that haunted him – and if, it’d prove itself wrong real soon. 

Stopping in all his tracks along with her, Raiden firstly fixated his gaze onto the section before him that’d await both of them further ahead. It seemed as if the hallway would finally come to a close from there. It could also redirect them to the left just as much. It was too dark to see shit. Not even the light cone of the flashlight inside the woman’s grasp was bright enough to ease his perspective. And to his right … the corridor seemed to continue, but only a few more feet until it’d introduce them to another turn. Gosh, this place was even worse than a maze. All contorted and nebulous like Courtney’s common sense sometimes. They’d need a map or something similar to that or, as he feared, this would lead on to a ‘hide-and-seek’ sort of matter and end up in superfluous difficulties. Being trapped in here like a rat was already problematical enough.  

His lids narrowed sternly and his  arms fell in front of his chest, greyish polyester of a sweater drawing slight wrinkles beneath his armpits. Tension strained at the bridge of his nose and he drew out a sigh, pinching the marrow to ease building irritation all while mulling her question over. The introduction had been perceived just as well, of course, but it seemed as if there was just so less time for personal matters right now and far more important things to be settled. He couldn’t give her a proper answer either, however. Funny. As a former spy and alleged member of FOXHOUND, he should know a few tricks and ways to handle such a situation more precisely. But there weren’t any particular signs nor footsteps anywhere close to where his peripheral could reach. 

Wonderful.

       ❝ Okay, Rei. Looks like there’s only one way to find out; maybe two. We either split up, investigate the areas and then head back to this corridor to pool our experience, what we’ve managed to see and find out. Or we stick together and let 'eenie meenie miney mo’ do the pick. ❞

Or maybe, she had a far better idea to slate. He’d just be patient enough to give her the same time she’d given him to ponder these solutions. Not like they were running out of time, health or air any time soon now anyway.

       ❝  – And you can call me … Raiden. ❞ Because Jack, was nothing but a shadow living inside his memory from now on. It’d hopefully stay that way.

~ 零 ~ —- ❝ Raiden...? ❞

She repeated, her voice of wonderment. And for a moment, she felt as though she could remember something, HIM, to be more precise, from one of her dreams. How he’d wandered the mansion, walking along the aisle of an old, japanese shrine before a voice stuttered his name, and a scream woke her up. Yes, the name was ‘Raiden’, she clearly remembered it now. One so rare yet so simple, how could she not? There was a sudden urge to tell him, everything she knew, and all she’d dreamt of by now, yet she remained silent, concluded that it’d probably be for the best to just waive it off as an insignificant and OBSCURE dream that meant nothing. The coincidence was ridiculous, of course, or worrisome, but not unthinkable.

       ❝ Well, Raiden, I guess you’re right. It’s best to explore the place and find out where we are exactly, which’s accomplished a lot faster if we split up. I... admit to hate going on alone but this is our best bet. Let’s discuss a place where we meet up again after one of us finds a valuable clue, ok? ❞

Rei definitely had a bad feeling about this idea, and especially this PLACE, but if they really wanted to get out fast enough, they’d have to take some risks. This is how it always goes, isn’t it. Hopefully, they’d both make it back here safely and in one piece. Only God knows what awaited them in the depth of the mansion...

       ❝ Let’s say we reunite here if we either found anything or after the elapse of an hour’s search? It’s the only place we both know so far, so it’s preferential and easy to find. ❞

[hoffnungsvcll]

    ✤ Indie / Semi-Selective Petra Ral

    ✤ OC && Crossover friendly

    ✤ Single-Ship && utter Rivetra trash

    ✤ NSFW/18+ material will be present. Mun is of age!

    ✤ Bilingual / Friendly / Approachable

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                     《《   ⅰ. { home }    ⅱ. { about }    ⅲ. { rules }    ⅳ. { contact }      》》

[hwoaarang]

Fatal Frame III : The Tormented

"I feel like you've been in my dreams for so long. Over and over. But I don't want this dream anymore."

[s-pect-it-deactivated20180711]

Fatal Frame 3: Manor of Sleep

[obscuxa]

キャンドル

{{ ✤ }} —

In silence she reminisces for a moment, her gaze fixed onto an unseen spot in far distance, nails tapping against the surface of a still hollow cup absent-mindedly while Rei’s words flood her ears & infiltrate her mind like an artillery.

{ Tip tap. Tip tap. }

It’s almost rhythmical, not the ordinary annoying sound one would make under pressure or tension, it’s simply … soothing. A melody that plays inside her heart, in tune with the shard of a vision from her past that flashes before her eyes as though something within her wishes to recall a very important remembrance. She’s been there before, to one of the mansions Rei’s pointed out, as a kid years ago. An abandoned, sordid holdover once occupied by a royal family somewhere on the outskirts of Wall Rose. The crooks in the walls, the creaking noises from friable wood that contorted underneath their every steps & the all too overwhelming, stifling smell of rotten nourishments the further they’d ventured – it all comes back to her now, drifting into her cerebral in rapid waves. Along with the neighborhood kids & her brother, she’s visited that place during an unhallowed, bitter winter night … & if she remembers correctly, it’s supposed to be a test of courage, showing who’s brave enough to spend several hours in that horrific, godforsaken place until a new dawn would arise.

They’d been all in the know about the rumors, the tales & myths people muttered to one another under hushed breaths, things that’d make even the calmest pulse ascend & escalate, the smoothest of bloodstreams boil & rage like a storm within the eye of terror. Petra’s always vehemently refused to believe in the things they’d been dished up with by the grown ups because it felt as though all they truly wanted to achieve was to keep them off from trouble – well, until that very day. Her memories are vague from here on it, a blurred guessing but something definitely had come to pass in that mansion years back, something absolutely surreal & peculiar that scared everyone off once & for all. She believes to remember that weird proceedings had started to set in, such as flying tables & sinister whispers from thin air although no one else was around, no one who could’ve done all these things. They came running back home that night, faster than ever, screaming, shivering from fear. & ever since that day, no one’d spoken a word about it ever again.

This is the first time she actually remembers, or at least tries to. Feels like a dream, the call of a nightmare she’s chosen to suppress all of these years. But, eventually, your demons will always find their way back to you one way or another. Isn’t that right. There’s no use to try & deny it. Petra swallows & forgets about the tea topic for a moment, not so sure about her decision to join Rei in her little adventure any longer. It’s too late to overthink it, right? The other seems too happy, too taken by a thrill of anticipation to be let down by her doubts now. Even if she wants to, she cannot, struggles so as not to let her misgivings surface right in this moment. Swallowing down the lump that’s manifested itself within the back of her throat, the fair haired woman nods once, slow & hesitant, honey irids still seizing the tabletop to her knees. She certainly wouldn’t want to let the other down now. Besides, she’s a solider & with such a high rank, it doesn’t beseem to chicken out from something so simple as taking photos from an old, ruinous house. She’s got to be brave. Always. For her own sake – & everyone elses.

     ❛  I … I guess you’re right. I’m probably just worrying too much. How hard can it be to adjust a camera and press a button? It’s, without a question, easier and safer than what I usually do. ❜

She smiles, plays it off smoothly with a cogitation of words that sounds even dumber now spoken out, however inwardly, she’s still a little shaken up, flustered. It’s probably the right time to slowly instill some hot, refreshing tea. Her mood will, hopefully, improve after that. & if she remembers the speech of her Captain correctly, a good mixture of peppermint, camomile & honey will put her mind at ease for at least a little while. Knowing his passion for all sorts of tea, his words could certainly be believed.

     ❛ Hm, that’s pretty hard to tell since I like more than just one variation. But I’d say I like my tea sweet, harmonic and stilling. Oh and there always has to be at least one spoonful of cinnamon. Anything you could … recommend, maybe? I’m a little overwhelmed, I guess. There are so much goodies to pick! ❜

She, without a doubt, is still uncertain what to take. Oh but, whatever Rei’s picked there for herself, it smelled great.~

~ 零 ~ —- Yes. She definitely had something about herself that reminded Rei of her former assistant, Miku. The moony stare, that thoughtful mind and especially her laudable manners. She’d been the same in every essence, in all of these ways on every occasion. Well, except for the times she’d mourned the death of her bigger brother, still. Understandably enough for her loss had only been recent that time and Rei knew how it felt to be forced to let go of someone she’d once held dear so suddenly as well. They’d both pretended to be okay, perhaps a little bit too much and frantic for their own goods... but now, the worst of the sorrow a parting brings seemed over. Not entirely but it hadn’t been like that, so intense and mind-wrecking, since months.

Work kept her mind busy and away from what she’d usually thought of twenty-four hours per day, surprisingly, had she not made the best of experiences in the past concerning her job. However, the sooner she’d get the chance to investigate this mansion and its history, the safer could she feel about her own state. Well, in as much as one could feel ‘safe’ in a haunted place, that is. And for a moment, it almost seemed as though the stories the other had been told would ring a bell on her, which would explain her dreamy state. The clattering of porcelain and cups seemed to have also jolted her back into the present, however. At least she seemed okay, the rest... was of none concern to Rei.

       ❝ I see. I think I have the right mixture for you in mind then. Do you want me to surprise you with something? ❞, she asked kindly, her hands seeking the warmth of her own cup, still hesitant to drink since it’d me impolite to not wait for her cup to be filled. ❝ My own creation consists of different herbs, fruity sweet elements and a spicy bit of ingwer for the round out. I suppose this isn’t to your liking, though? ❞

Or at least, she didn’t think she’d be the type to enjoy something that consisted of ingwer and other spicy things. To each their own.

[obscuxa]

キャンドル

{{ ✤ }} —

If only she’d snapped back to reality a little sooner, reacted in time with her sorrundings, Rei perhaps { & if she’d have been particularly lucky } wouldn’t have noticed a thing about her mental absence. It’s too late to feel regrets now, though. & despite the utter embarrassment she feels settle inside the deepest part of her abdomen like a sickness, she plays it off smooth, smiles the pudency away as if none of this ever happened at all. One thing she, however, could not entirely fight off was the pink that soon limned her facial contours, mixing into harmony with the peachy complexion of her skin. To tell herself any of this could potentially go unnoticed would be a blatant fair speaking for as much as she knows, Rei is an utmost talented photographer & therefore has that specific talent to see truths & trifles no ordinary eye would see.

She sees the world through her own lenses, in another perspective. It must be a complete different vibe to live a life by the knowing how many secrets this world actually harbors. Some are afraid of the truth, decide to ignore the obvious although it’s practically staring them in the face only to shelter their minds from potential harm. The woman in front of Petra, however, decided to strive against the stream in her very own way, dared to risk a glimpse at all the hidden agendas & secrets born inside the shadows day after day. It’s safe to say that Petra’s never tried to portray all the shiny & dark sides of her life with the help of such a small, probably pretty underrated gimmick, nor is she truly accustomed to any of these so called ‘Urban Legends’, but the longer they talk about it & the more it finds reference in Rei’s speech, the more does it pique her interest. With her being so foreign about all of these things, it’s a w o n d e r Rei even considers HER company out of all the possible & by far more professional photography connoisseurs & folklorists that are out there, waiting to be found.

It’s an honor to her, really. Simply because she’s never expected her, more or less, expertise to be so precedented by anyone over everyone else’s. It almost urges her to flush anew, words rolling from her lips in a stuttered wave. Okay, this was slowly getting awkward.

     ❛ M-me? An assistent? Are you … sure? I mean, I’d absolutely love to come with you and be somehow of help but I … I’m not really experienced in expeditions – well, not those kinds, that is. I’m just trying to be realistic and try to forestall any disappointments for your part. ❜

How else could she react if not mildly excited, yet reasonable & factual? This tour seemes to be, as mentioned, of utter importance to her after all & the least thing Petra wants to achieve is to screw it up, turn everything into a mess. Her lithe digits slowly meander around the still empty cup’s bottom half & via a soft push, she brings it closer to the middle of the chabudai, where the steaming jug awaits to be siphoned already. It’d be super impolite to decline her offer, right? There isn’t much she knows about japanese cultures & tea traditions but they apparently all set great value upon courtesy & decency. Since Petra’s throat feels as dry as the Sahara itself, she could see her best opportunity to change that soon & with the help of a hot cup o’ tea.

A nod is all that follows, tip of her finger pointing towards the hollow inside of her little, very pretty vat.

     ❛ I’d love to have some of that gorgeous smelling tea you made. Exactly what kind of a tea is this again, if I may ask … ? ❜

~ 零 ~ —- Rei, in fact, didn't mind the others impromptu absence. She neither saw it as an impolite nor unkind behavior. She much rather tolerated it simply because she hadn't been feeling any different lately. So many thoughts and fears were circling within her mind, endless questions to which she obviously couldn't find the answers -- yet. With a trip to one of the older, abandoned mansions on the outside court of the city, she maybe will finally get the clarification she'd seeked for so long. Without a helping hand, however, her hopes and endeavours to make a step forward would end up entirely fruitless. She's more than just happy about Petra's consent to help her out once the time would come. In that sense, she's Miku, her former assistant,  pretty much alike, but it's probably for the best not to think about it... or her, now.

     ❝ I'm glad you're willed to come with me. This means a lot, Miss Ral. And I assure you, the work I set for you is most simple so you can't really fail at anything ❞, she reassured with a nod, hot water puring from the jug into her own cup after she'd filled it with a fine sort of herbs, hibiscus, mint and a little bit of ingwer. Leaving Petra's cup empty, she listened to her words, smiling kindly. She wouldn't want to mix something she didn't like, of course.

     ❝ Well actually, I could make you whatever tea you most enjoy. The ingredients are all here. Harsh, sweet, spicy -- take your pick. What kind of tea would you normally drink? Any favorites? ❞

[agathashepard-archive-deactivat]

[obscuxa]

character aesthetics; Rei Kurosawa.

[obscuxa]

キャンドル

{{ ✤ }} —

She sits there in reminiscing, calm silence, lingering over visions & dreams { her past, her family – the people she enjoys most to have around } that play like flickering flashbacks before her minds eye while trying to remember the very reason she’d been invited to come over in the first place. Was it really just about the alleged ‘ghost stories’ that seemed to furiously titillate hidden nerve strings like a myriad of bugs traversing the back of Rei’s tongue? Or could it be something different, something that runs far deeper & carries more fleshly weight than expected at the outset? Petra usually prefers to have her answers at hand right off the bat for it’d be a difficult task to undertake being of useful help when she’s not given the entirety of informations beforehand. There‘s not much she could do at this very juncture but to remain perfectly collected & acquiescent, however. If her aid should truly be of such beseeching necessity for whatever problematic case it was that sat nestled severely on her neck, she’d give insight as to what exactly is going on, for sure. Haunted mansions & whole, maledict villages allotted all over famous localities, hidden in the depths of the land where no one would expect such tragedies to occur – those few, collected stories she’s heard were, at the very least, spine-crawling enough to cause a few finely arranged honey hackles to protrude knife-sharp, like pins jabbing her soul, throwing her otherwise effectively self-controlled equanimity in disarray. Such a damn hard & particularly L O N G road she’s travelled to steel her mentality for it’d become as hard as the edges of her knives hungry, thirsting for justice to bring the sinners back ‘home’, the very damned place where they belong. What massive wrench & forfeitures she’s incurred to trim her heart to the level where she’s left no choice but to accept any tragic outcome. Madness, sadness, grief & especially death are always present wherever she goes when conjoint with her squad. Yes, it’s been tough & she knows that the time will come where a last, final dawn will crown their torpid bodies to leave them in fiery glory & the name- & faceless god will guide them home. She’s prepared for every oh so oppressive rainfall to come, cerebrally braced to withstand all mournful hardships & replace weakened pules with strong tears.

A little girl she used to be, weak, riddled by uncertainty – oh but not anymore. The girl she used to be is gone now, buried & something far stronger had blossomed from the seeds of hope along the cold, lonely lane. There currently is no outwardly war reigning the land but inside her heart it rages & burns. She’d not go down without a fight; EVER.

So lost & imprisoned by her own, rather profound thoughts, Petra mindlessly kneels before the chabudai { a schort-legged piece of wooden furniture that is embellished with the embossment of shaded trees & leaves, presumably by no means taller than 20 cm. } while her kneecaps dig & sink further into the seat pad beneath, eyes as stark as the sunlight itself flickering in milky sockets with a scrutinizing precision only a veteran of the higher grades would discern. She’s fully aware of her sorroundings again, returns to the present & is quick to realize that the steam spewing jug’s already been placed centrical before her, surprisingly in unison with two hiwa green teacups & spoons that slightly remind of a pair of wooden sticks. Everything seemed set, finished. Simply flawless. She’s astonished about how fast & moreso s m o o t h Rei’s handled to lay the table without shaking her offside the most intensive track of thoughts. Thankfully, it seemed as though she hadn’t made notice of her absence until now. This would only bespeak of how ingrate she’d never mindfully wish to be. Oh no, she’s entirely grateful to be invited in here for today, no doubt. It’s not like she’s had traditional tea sessions with her family, nor her friends ever before.

Her dim frown vanishes completely & once anew a smile adorns her gentle physiognomy, allowing her to ensnare the other with a pleasant thrill of anticipation. It’s hard to fake emotions sometimes – but keeping them in & fully restrained is the real harshness of a task to conduct here.

    ❛ Hm, that’s fine. No worries. What truly matters is who we are, not what others believe us to be … Which with very much apropos reminds me that I’ve never had such intensive tea sessions before. Well, not so traditional, that is.

            — And I suppose I figured as much, yes. How can I be of service, however? What could I possibly know about those so called ‘Urban Legends’ you speak of? ❜

~ 零 ~ —- Rei tilted her head at the obvious absence her guest displayed while taking a slow seat close to the laid table, on her kness, hands folded in her lap. She wondered what’s gotten into her mind so very suddenly, what she possibly pondered in all calm and silence as if anybody’s life would depend on. Is it about the topic she’d brought up? The ‘Urban Legends’? -- But, no. The matter seemed to run far deeper, past business or anything she could easily surmise. Asking for it would most definitely be a bad idea because such matters are simply none of Rei’s business. It’s true, she could be so incredibly nosy, haunting every oh so small fact that seemed to be of use in some way, though she’d never forget her manners. The reason they’ve come here today lay elsewhere and that’s exactly what she’d try to focus onto now. Perhaps the young woman would consider to do the same because half a mind is way more careless than a whole.

She harrumphed breathy but mostly hushed as not to appear rude -- the matter seemed to have solved itself all on its own only a few moments later anyway. Good. They could finally continue where they’d left of. She smiled, seizing the pot’s handle, the tip of her finger pointing towards Petra’s cup.

     ❝ True words. So, would you like some tea right away or do you want me to serve it later?

     --About the ‘Urban Legends’, however, ... I assume there’s not much you know about them? Either way, your knowledge is of no importance. All I need is... an assistent for my next tour. A very important tour. ❞

[obscuxa]

キャンドル

{{ ✤ }} —

Delicate features light up subdued & she presents the other with a nod, indicating she understands & accepts the invitation. How could she not want to have a seat, drink warm, freshly brewed tea on one of the probably most coldest days in December & have a nice chatter with someone who obviously has a few exceptional spellbinding stories to relate? Petra may has never truly believed in such mythical things as ghosts & other extramundane creatures but she’s more than posed to be convinced of the contrary.

An existence that surpasses life & whatever lies beyond, housing the kind of verdures to conquer empires & kingdoms … a thought that makes the woman’s stomache churn, causes her guts to twist violently, although she tries not to look overly palpable disturbed in front of her host. If mighty entities, spirits or god knows what else – she believes that there can be no crueler being than the human self. There’s a heart that dwells in every corpus, beats like orchestral drums in every chest & paints the air with a symphonic poem of life. Though, not every interiority’s the same. Some are bright & lit with incessant good will, others are rotten to the core, dark & degenerate. Simply pitiful.

It’s clear to see that there’s not so much of a difference to a monster, or a ghost sometimes. – But oh gosh, she’s starting to think & talk the same way H E does, which’s definitely not a good sign.

     ❛ Thank you. Oh but … I’m actually no American by blood. I’m of half-German, half-Finnish origin. It feels kind of incredibly wrong to say a person is half of this, half of that but I’m sure you know what I’m trying to express nonetheless. Right? ❜

God, repeating out loud what she’s priorly concocted within the back of her mind sounded lamer { if not DUMBER } than expected. She’s never been so awkward around someone else before. Well, except two, or maybe three times. But that’s a long time ago. A change of subject suddenly seems more adequate than ever. She sits now, stiff, hands interlocked & donned by her lap while eyes as golden as the sun skim over the halfway-laid table with the ephemerality of a falling star that wanders the night sky. It’s cozy, inviting. So far, no regrets are harbored for coming here & presumably, that won’t change anytime soon. Not as long as there’d be tea & a certain, conversational center to kill some time over.

     ❛ Anyway – what’s the big topic of todays get-together? I’m absolutely zealous to know! ❜

~ 零 ~ —- The hot, steam blowing pot’s set atop the table now and Rei retracts her hands quickly in order to escape needless burns, side-eyeing the woman she’s invited to her place for tonights’ special ‘witching hour’. Urban legends and haunted places had always been a speciality to Rei because those normally tended to give the best, most outstanding motives for her newest photographic examples. A big seller for those who enjoy the macabre aspect of life. And judging by how persistently her defunct significant other, Yuu, had researched these dark and bitter legends, there had to be something truthful, if not to say, capturing about themselves.

Expensive and old chinaware rattles when she tugs the porcelain out of the drawer, along with a spoon that looks as though it is made of wood. Just the way a traditional japanese tea session’s got to be. She heads back for the little table and places everything on its rightful position, smiling hesitantly at the sight of the younger woman who’s made herself comfortable already. Well, as comfortable, as it gets without a real chair to lean onto.

     ❝ I see. I’m sorry for the misunderstanding. Your origin is very exotic. I’ve never met a German before, let alone the Finnish. And today’s topic will be : Urban legends. As you may figured already. ❞

What else would it be if not the obvious.

[obscuxa]

キャンドル

{{ ✤ }} —

A brief shake of the head is all of an answer she gives for the moment, allows silence to prolong for just a while until she finally finds her voice again. It’s strange, so foreign, to sit here, drink tea & talk about … creepy, urban myths.

She’s never had such conversations ever before – oh but the tea part, that one she’s familiar with. It raises her spirits ‘cause she’s suddenly prompted to think about H I M. Though, it’s best not to reminisce such personal affairs here & now when she’s enjoying another’s company.

     ❛ No need to apologize. Tea is fine and I’m more than comfortable with your choice of potation for this afternoon. ❜

~ 零 ~ —- ❝ Okay, that’s good to know. I’ve met a few Americans that are not into the likes of tea or anything that comes close to it. Only the British seem to enjoy it, hm? ❞

Rei approaches the table with careful set steps, balancing a hot jug within her arms like she’d cradle a little baby’s body. Indeed, it’s been a while since she, as well, had the chance to welcome guests in her house. Since Miku’s sudden vacation, everything seems to have gotten so... quiet around her place. Forlorn, and lonely.

       ❝ Please, take a seat wherever you like. I’ll serve the drink right away. ❞

[obscuxa]

~ hoffnungsvcll is haunting you ~

~ 零 ~ —- ❝ I’m sorry. I didn’t know if you’d rather like some tea or coffee so I just made you our typical specialty of the house: green tea. ❞

[obscuxa]

美しい花

{ ♔ } ——

[ There’s vibrancy in the air, electric, riveting. It captures all lost travellers { souls } with an unholy sound akin to howls & screams that reverberate like lurking danger somewhere far-off these somber hallways. Stalking out from the shadows of every corner, watching those who dare to venture further. They whisper tales & stories from long lost decades, speak in a language no ordinary human being would capable to decrypt.

& although her skin is made of purest ice, cold as the arctic all the same, she cannot strive against this chill that traverses every inch of her petite figure & devours her soul any longer. There’s got to be s o m e t h i n g about this place – something she’s unable to pinpoint no matter how often she revaluates the situation they’re currently in. Beseeching a way out of this horrific place & scudding as far away as possible seems to be the only wise thing to do at this unfavourable present. That woman she’s stumbled upon by coincidence about half an hour ago would perhaps fully accede to it. Or so she believes.

Her head performs a soft tilt & spidery pale fingers trace the contours of silverware she surveys in close vicinity, framing the turbid edges as if to strip them from necessary answers.  ]

     ❝ If you like to hear it or not, there’s only one way to truly find out; exploring all angles and chambers until we find what we’re looking for. No matter how dark and unpleasant it gets. You still in for this?

           —Or do you really believe stalling here will get you anywhere? ❞

~ 零 ~ —- ❝ I suppose... I suppose you’re right. There’s no sense in staying here any longer and waste more of our precious time. It’s in fact necessary to take matters in our hands and solve the mystery this unholy place harbors. I’m just kind of... afraid, about what’s going to wait for us if we travel further, straight to the core. ❞

Maybe, yes, maybe... she’d get er reasons for hesitating frequently. It’s not like she usually always wakes up in a completely forlon and pretty much foreign place just like that and has therefore no idea how to get out of it again. But, thank god, she’s at least not alone in here or else she might would’ve already lost her mind, or died of fear. It’s time to shed some light onto the dark now.

     ❝ Any suggestions on what to do or where to head next? ❞

[obscuxa]

美しい花

{ ♔ } ——

     ❝ I’d say that depends. Judging by the time we’ve spent, or rather w a s t e d to trace the exit, however, I highly doubt we’ll make it out of here anytime soon. This place –no, hellhole, is worse than every oh so twisted labyrinth. ❞

~ 零 ~ —- ❝ Yes. It seems as though we’ve passed the same passage twice already. If not oftener. I recognize the furnishing, these old dishes and worn cutlery lying atop. And judging by the thick layers of dust, it has been a while since someone last came around these quarters. I really... wonder where we are. ❞

[obscuxa]

小羊

     “You’ll never know the hardships, nor learn to handle them unless you’ve experienced one or the other — is that what you’re trying to say? I’d agree … if there wouldn’t be this unbearable pressure of pain coming with experience. I’m certain you’ve had your fill of disappointments as well, haven’t you. But feeling that way doesn’t make you weak. It’s a fortitue we all carry.”

     “My powers? … Well, that’s kind of a really difficult story. A mystery I can’t even really seem to screen myself. What is it … you wanna know about in concrete terms?”

~ 零 ~ —- ❝ Yes, in a way... that's what I've been trying to express. And no, of course it is not weakening. We all carry a certain amount of pain within all of us, made by experience, experienced by choice. And our choices lead us to witness more than just that. Sometimes, with pain and disappointments comes pleasure just as well. But I know, by experience, that a special brand of pain will never be easy to handle. You either accept it as a part of your life or you... go down fighting it.

—Uh, I... don't really know. Like, how you got it and how it works for you, perhaps? ❞