Practicing Script (Rin)

[jennifer]

Jennifer's back still burns. The throbbing has robbed her of sleep, and the pain of moving those muscles has interrupted her training. Even so, Jen can't just sit still while she waits to heal. She needs a distraction, something to help her relax for a while.

Calligraphy seems to be the answer. This place has examples of wonderful innovative script, far beyond what she had to work with back in Artol. Right now she works with a book of western legends on her left and her own writing supplies on her right. The initial letters come with marvelous art that Jen could spend all day learning about.

Maybe some day Jen could find one of these writers to talk with. Calligraphy artists were so rare where she lived that it was sheer luck for her to find an interest in such a hobby in the first place. Jen doesn't regret it for a second, especially now that it's her sole source of sanity in this castle. And so she writes, fully absorbed in her hobby.

[Naya-Meh]

Naya looked down the hall one way and then another. Their raid on the larder this night was a success. They even made out with some salty meat and cheese. All be it some rich primpy noble would be forced to go without a bit of food tomorrow, but it was fine. Meh was hungry so they had snuck out. Not that it seemed to matter since Naya had shortly discovered Master Lumi had herself snuck out of the rooms.

She would have to give the woman a talking to tomorrow about abandoning her slaves to who knows what and how she might have crushed Meh’s spirit. Chh not that it seemed to matter to the woman anyways. She was sure she was out trysting with some demon. Naya had smelled fox about a week ago when she went into the master’s room. Among other things she’d rather not mention in front of to hers. Her masters late night activities weren’t secret from her that was for sure.

A guard was coming though so she pulled Meh along and into a room that happened to be at a nice interval and at just the right time to not get them caught. Slaves were still slaves in this castle and she was sure that Master Lumi probably wasn’t aiming for the princess anymore. Then again she could be a total whore… vampire one at that.

She pushed the door closed and breathed a sigh of relief. “See Meh we haven’t been caught just yet.” Naya said and the looked past Meh. Hmmm… there appeared to be a person over there. Great… just what she needed a body count. Or in this case a knock out victim. Since Meh wouldn’t allow her to simply KILL the girl and get it over with. It wasn’t like one or two dead nobles mattered anyways.

[jennifer]

Some noise in the room startles Jennifer. She hadn't expected anyone else to be here at this time of night. She isn't altogether angry though, her time in the castle so far has been rather lonely. The pen is a faithful companion, but can only convey the words one puts into it. Only another person can teach you something new.

It takes only a quick glance to see that these two newcomers are different from Jennifer. Oh yes, Jen had heard of such people before. The only thing consistent in those tales, however, was how they look. Nekos sometimes hated humans passionately, sometimes loved them with equal passion, depending on who you asked. Then again humans vary too, so why wouldn't other kinds of people?

Whatever else Jen might not know about them, she does see that they're carrying something. Something that looks appetizing. Jen isn't completely sure about the rules here but she at least isn't allowed to go raiding for food at this time of night. Considering what's already happened in this castle though, Jen isn't inclined to worry about something like this. She gives the two of them a polite smile and hand-wave with her free hand, not yet disturbing the silence of the library.

[Naya-Meh]

Good… the woman wasn’t going to give them away. Made things easier. They could just go when the guard was past. Which he already was it seemed. Naya’s hand moved back silently to grab Meh’s… and came up with air. Where was Meh? Her eyes frantically turned around to see her offering some cheese to the woman she had wanted to knock out… well really KILL a moment ago.

Great what was her Sister up to now? Naya slowly moved over there silently though the need was past. Books lined the shelves of this stupid place… must be one of those libraries Meh was always taken to when they were young. Maybe she should burn this one. Though that would probably make Meh mad. She didn’t see why her sister loved these books anyways.

“Meh What are you doing we need to go!” Naya said in a hushed tone.

A light laugh escaped her sisters mouth. “I was just offering her some cheese and bread.” Meh said as if it were the natural thing to do. Should she not have seemed an idiot Naya would have slapped her own forehead at this comment.

[jennifer]

With the pain and lack of sleep and her absorption in art, Jen had forgotten how hungry she was. Water had not been forgotten; once of her first lesson in combat was to keep herself fresh with water at all times. But now she has great need of the victuals that this girl offers.

"I owe you much for this, friend," Jennifer says, smiling and taking small pieces of the offered food. "I am Jennifer Minakawa, daughter of Lilia Minakawa. To whom do I owe gratitude for this excellent gift?" Jen smells the bread and cheese. The cheese is well-aged and the bread was made no later than this morning. Not quite Artol bread but it would satisfy hunger just as well.

[Naya-Meh]

Meh smiled at the girl and pulled Naya over to her. Her sister was notably grumpy and probably angry about something, but Meh could handle her well enough. “I’m Meh and this is my sister Naya. Technically you owe the hospitality of the Castles Larder~.” Meh said happily.

Naya glared at her like she was telling secrets that should never be revealed. If she kept it up Meh would have to punish Naya… hehe ok maybe she would anyways. Moving off of her sisters arm she moved in behind her sister and hugged her from behind. “It’s nice to meet you Miss Minakawa.” Meh said from her new position her head over Naya’s shoulder and right by her sisters Beat red face.

[jennifer]

Despite her troubles, Jen smiles as the smaller girl's introduction of the two of them. Their closeness makes Jennifer a bit envious. If Jennifer knew what Naya was thinking a moment earlier she would not think that these nekos were so adorable.

Not one to ignore manners, Jennifer stands up and curtsies in front of the two girls. "Well met, Naya and Meh. My day is the better for having met you. To my regret, I have naught to offer in return save my company," she says. "My purpose here is for the script of these records. The skill with the pen therein is far more powerful and subtle than I have seen elsewhere. But that is of interest to few, and your reasons are different from mine, it seems. So then..." Jennifer pushes aside the book and her own pen, ink and paper.

"We can, perhaps, put this table to better use. Thy burden seems over-heavy for a journey through the whole of the castle, so supper here may ease many worries." If Jennifer was fairly sure these girls should not have that food, she definitely knows they shouldn't eat here. But the library is bare of people save these three at this time of night, and Jen would not turn down a meal with others rather than on her own.

[Naya-Meh]

Yeah… this girl was weird. The thought seemed to filter through Naya’s mind as she forced her embarrassment level back down. It was hard to concentrate with Meh’s breath right in her ear. Not to mention her sisters arms wrapped around her. It made her mind wander off of the woman and the reason she should be keeping a wary eye out. She didn’t know this woman… or girl whichever it was. Let alone what she was capable of… besides the obvious which was speaking in a confusing way.

A sigh escaped her lips as Meh let her go and moved over to the table to let down the ‘small’ amount of food they ‘procured’ from the castle larder. Should Master Lumi learn they had done this she would undoubtedly be furious. Not that the two of them were going to get caught. The little vampire girl was quite obviously an idiot with her mind in the gutter about that damn Fox all the time.

[jennifer]

Jennifer smiles and makes sure that both of the nekos have plenty of room for themselves. "By right of courtesy we should have drink with our food, yet 'tis still better than having nothing at all." Jen takes a little bite from her cheese, recalling now how long it was since her last meal. This is no way to stay healthy for battle, or indeed any other trials that she might need to face. Jen silently vows to take care of herself better.

Why hast thou desperate need for victuals?" Jen asks in a matter-of-fact way. "The quartermaster seemed generous enough at mealtimes. For my part, food escapes my mind often of late, forced out by other troubles. Or do they not always serve food fot for your folk? I confess I know little of nekos save wild rumors."

[Naya-Meh]

Ok… the girl was definitely asking to have her head beat in. Maybe it would stop that DAMNED annoying way she spoke. It had to be a brain problem. I mean… really…. Who spoke like that anyways? NOONE! That’s who. She glanced over at Meh then back to her right at the freaky talking girl and the candle stick she was going to use on her… She had to wait for Meh to look away though. A sudden throbbing pain erupted on her butt cheek. She leapt into the air issuing the most silent scream she could… which was still rather loud.

Her face swung around to see Meh confused and her fingers hidden from the girl that Naya had been going to beat in the head… they were making a pinching motion. So… she was playing innocent huh? And THEN to top it all off Meh started to answer the girl question. Naya merely sat down at the table grumbling to herself about how mean Meh could be at times.

Meh was laughing as she talked. “No Naya just wanted a late night snack.” Ohh sure pin it off on her… whatever Meh wasn’t getting any blankets tonight… unless she asked. “Ohh what sort of rumors have you heard?” Meh asked then started eating.

[jennifer]

Naya's sudden jump makes Jennifer jump as well. this is certainly turning out to be a lively supper, though maybe that's not such a good thing at this time of night. Meh's explanation does disappoint Jennifer for a moment, but then she considers that Nekos might need to eat more than humans do. More embarrassing is Meh's question about the rumors she's heard. Jen clears her throat and puts down her lump of bread.

"Ah, I think the rumors do you a disservice. Stories more likely to be false than true. But since you ask, I will tell." "Nekos...I pray the name is correct...depend greatly upon the telling. I have heard bards from the east speak of cats grown to human likeness with ire and malice towards humankind, using their cunning and wisdom to inflict dire cruelty on the innocent. But then also are ballads of fierce friendship and even love between Neko and human, so the truth cannot be known from the tales." Try as she might, Jen can't hide her awkwardness. She takes another bite of cheese and hopes that the matter is settled.

[Naya-Meh]

“Hah!” Naya laughed then took a bite of some cheese. “Like humans and our kind could EVER get along.” Naya said loud enough that the other could clearly hear it… the problem of course arose in the fact that MEH heard it as well a throbbing pain shot up her leg from her foot as Meh did… something to it. Whatever it was it hurt and she had to foce back a yelp.

“I think it would be great for that to happen. Humans and our kind have to get along somewhere… just it’s hard for us.” Meh said showing the brand on her hand and holding up Naya’s so the girl could see hers as well. Great… now she knew they were slaves. Now she would like… start ordering them to get book for her or something. Well to hell with her. If she did that Naya really WOULD beat her head in and then forcefully drag Meh from the scene of the crime.

Hitting her master was a bad enough thing let alone some strange noble in this place. Of which there were quite a few. So she merely took her hand back and from Meh and used it to take another bite.

[jennifer]

Jen's brow darkens at first when Naya denies that they could ever get along. What proof was there? Jen had already gone out of her way to be welcoming and friendly towards these two. Her ire vanishes, however, at the sight of their brands. The pain that the branding must have inflicted is beyond Jen's imagination.

Slavery isn't practiced in Artol but Jen has heard of it happening elsewhere in the kingdom. Especially against non-humans. None of the stories Jen heard mentioned anything like this, though she really should have guessed that it could happen. Naya's anger is no longer a mystery. Suddenly this outing for food makes much more sense as well. She gains a sudden desire to reach out to these two nekos in whatever way she can.

Jen speaks in grave earnest, looking each of them eye-to-eye in turn. "Naya and Meh. The knowledge of life enslaved is lost to me. The perils and suffering you must have endured might never be known. But, if you wish it, I would offer my friendship. I have little in this castle save my own room and clothes. Even so, perhaps I could secure some food and drink for you, should your master neglect such things. You have only to ask. I will not ask your trust in return, for I know well that it cannot be earned so quickly. Yet earn it I must, for I would learn more of you and offer comfort, if I can."

[Naya-Meh]

Meh’s head cocked to the side as she looked at the girl before her. Naya sat to her left the anger at the others comment on her face. Her sister could be so… weird sometimes. But Meh decided it was her mission to keep Naya from harming others… and to try to have her get along with them. Her road was long and hard, she had found that out long ago. Ohh well that just meant Naya was hers until then~.

“Ohh no Master Lumi is a great master… but Naya’s stomach is like an all devouring beast.” Meh said with a laugh… though it was only partly true. Naya DID eat all the time, but she supposed it was because she was always working so hard at everything. Meh just wished she would work on her restraint.

“We don’t need your friendship anyways!” Naya said beside her. Meh sighed inside Naya could be so… what was the word? Ohh well she deserved another punishment… it wasn’t like Meh ‘enjoyed this’ ok… maybe she did. She hastily stood up and moved over sitting in Naya’s lap then sank down wiggling her but and pushing Naya’s legs apart until her butt touched the chair. Naya was pinned. And now Meh would get her sisters food. If the girl who wanted to bea friend looked she would see Naya’s panties… it would also tell Meh if the girl could be trusted in those ways. After all… there was no reason for her to look down and see Naya’s short skirt pushed up and revealing her sisters Crimson undergarments.

[jennifer]

After what Naya said before, Jen isn't surprised when Naya refuses her offer. She is a little sad though, it seems that these two might be happier if there were more people they could trust. "Ah..." Jennifer sits speechless as Meh 'punishes' Naya. She doesn't understand what's going on at all. Maybe it's a Neko custom? Whatever it is, Jen feels rather awkward about it and looks at her food instead of the two nekos for the time being.

"It does my heart well to know that you get fair treatment," she says, trying to push on with the conversation without embarrassing herself too much. "Even if I can only offer my company and conversation, they are yours when you wish to have them. 'Tis true that one can eat and drink and toil without friends, yet I've not met a person who is sorry to have them. I pray the day comes when I prove myself less deserving of your wrath, Naya." Jen quickly tries to meet Naya's eyes while addressing her, then goes back to concentrating on what's left of her food.