Ayumu Yamazaki [ 山崎 歩 ] (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
kagenonadeshiko) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
thenearshore2016-06-07 02:44 pm
kagenonadeshiko) wrote in thenearshore2016-06-07 02:44 pm
[Open and Closed]
Who: Ayumu Yamazaki, Satoshi, and you!
What: Getting to know the neighbors + attempting to sell Vesta's stuff + Prayer #2
When: March 20 - 23, various times of day
Where: Takamagahara and the Near Shore
Warnings: None currently!
March 20st - Takamagahara, afternoon (Open)
[Outwardly, Ayumu seems perfectly calm as she strolls through Takamagahara. She's clad in a blue haori today, having decided that it'd be better to avoid garments that could restrict her movement outside her temple. She's largely kept to herself since her arrival, far more preoccupied with getting her new home in order and adjusting to living with a child under her roof. It's a big change and grave responsibility, one she takes quite seriously, but it's a daunting task, too. The last youth Ayumu had regular dealings with was Tetsu and he was a good five years older than Satoshi.
Adapting to such a quiet home and cooking and cleaning for two instead of a whole fighting force of rowdy men is difficult, too. She keeps making too much food and there are always leftovers and while that cuts back on the amount of meals she has to prepare, it also cuts down on the amount of time she spends doing her hobby.
Today, Ayumu's chosen to venture outside her temple for the first time since her return following the chocolate affair. She's currently going around to different temples with small plates of daifuku mochi - strawberry-filled pastries traditionally associated with spring. It'd be in her best interests to get to know her neighbors, she thinks, and get to know the layout of the area better.
Feel free to answer her polite knock on the door or intercept her in transit.]
March 21st and 22nd - The Near Shore, various shopping districts, all day (Open)
[ So far, Vesta's pantry seems very well-stocked but it's not going to last forever. With a child in her care, it's imperative that Ayumu take initiative and ward off potential financial problems well in advance.
One positive thing to come of the break in was the understanding that Vesta's temple had valuables that could be sold if Ayumu could find a buyer. But before that, she needs to find somewhere to appraise the items. And that's how she's come to find herself walking down a street of local businesses, carrying a priceless Roman urn in her arms, while she looks for a merchant or secondhand shop.
The Near Shore residents don't seem to be paying her any mind but an old-fashioned Japanese woman carrying an object that looks like it belongs in a museum might catch the eye of any Far Shore residents in the area.]
March 23rd - Near Shore, city hospital somewhere in Shikoku, morning (Closed to Satoshi; Prayer #2)
[The size and style of the hospital building are a little intimidating to Ayumu as they approach the front lobby. She may not know much about the modern world just yet but she does understand the importance of family. Having lost her own due to a strange circumstance very recently, the woman's worries about her mother's health and her ability to take care of her moved her to act on her behalf. She isn't sure what support or comfort she can give but there is solace in working, even if it's different from the type of work she's used to. It's still a job and Ayumu makes it a point to complete those to the best of her ability.
She turns to Satoshi, smiling down at him with a confidence she doesn't quite feel in this situation. The woman's concerns about being unable to support her mother through such a trying time certainly resonated with Ayumu's own doubts as to whether she's fit to take care of a child.]
Are you ready, Satoshi-kun?
[Ayumu's about to ask him if he knows his way around these types of buildings when she remembers that she'd know better than he would. ]
The lady we're looking should be with her mother right now...
[Hopefully, they won't get too lost on the way to her.]
What: Getting to know the neighbors + attempting to sell Vesta's stuff + Prayer #2
When: March 20 - 23, various times of day
Where: Takamagahara and the Near Shore
Warnings: None currently!
March 20st - Takamagahara, afternoon (Open)
[Outwardly, Ayumu seems perfectly calm as she strolls through Takamagahara. She's clad in a blue haori today, having decided that it'd be better to avoid garments that could restrict her movement outside her temple. She's largely kept to herself since her arrival, far more preoccupied with getting her new home in order and adjusting to living with a child under her roof. It's a big change and grave responsibility, one she takes quite seriously, but it's a daunting task, too. The last youth Ayumu had regular dealings with was Tetsu and he was a good five years older than Satoshi.
Adapting to such a quiet home and cooking and cleaning for two instead of a whole fighting force of rowdy men is difficult, too. She keeps making too much food and there are always leftovers and while that cuts back on the amount of meals she has to prepare, it also cuts down on the amount of time she spends doing her hobby.
Today, Ayumu's chosen to venture outside her temple for the first time since her return following the chocolate affair. She's currently going around to different temples with small plates of daifuku mochi - strawberry-filled pastries traditionally associated with spring. It'd be in her best interests to get to know her neighbors, she thinks, and get to know the layout of the area better.
Feel free to answer her polite knock on the door or intercept her in transit.]
March 21st and 22nd - The Near Shore, various shopping districts, all day (Open)
[ So far, Vesta's pantry seems very well-stocked but it's not going to last forever. With a child in her care, it's imperative that Ayumu take initiative and ward off potential financial problems well in advance.
One positive thing to come of the break in was the understanding that Vesta's temple had valuables that could be sold if Ayumu could find a buyer. But before that, she needs to find somewhere to appraise the items. And that's how she's come to find herself walking down a street of local businesses, carrying a priceless Roman urn in her arms, while she looks for a merchant or secondhand shop.
The Near Shore residents don't seem to be paying her any mind but an old-fashioned Japanese woman carrying an object that looks like it belongs in a museum might catch the eye of any Far Shore residents in the area.]
March 23rd - Near Shore, city hospital somewhere in Shikoku, morning (Closed to Satoshi; Prayer #2)
[The size and style of the hospital building are a little intimidating to Ayumu as they approach the front lobby. She may not know much about the modern world just yet but she does understand the importance of family. Having lost her own due to a strange circumstance very recently, the woman's worries about her mother's health and her ability to take care of her moved her to act on her behalf. She isn't sure what support or comfort she can give but there is solace in working, even if it's different from the type of work she's used to. It's still a job and Ayumu makes it a point to complete those to the best of her ability.
She turns to Satoshi, smiling down at him with a confidence she doesn't quite feel in this situation. The woman's concerns about being unable to support her mother through such a trying time certainly resonated with Ayumu's own doubts as to whether she's fit to take care of a child.]
Are you ready, Satoshi-kun?
[Ayumu's about to ask him if he knows his way around these types of buildings when she remembers that she'd know better than he would. ]
The lady we're looking should be with her mother right now...
[Hopefully, they won't get too lost on the way to her.]
March 20th, Euterpe's fancy mansion
[Sheryl happens to be heading towards the front door, right as she hears the polite knocking from outside. Once the door opens, Ayumu will soon be greeted by the sight of a woman in a white tank top and blue shorts, long pink hair up in a high ponytail — or is it blonde with pink highlights? No one knows .
It's not everyday that Sheryl receives visitors to her mansion, so she's quick to let wide-eyed surprise flicker briefly across her face, but it comes and goes. Her expression shifts into a jovial one, and she glances at Ayumu with a smile.]
Hi there! Can I help you?
no subject
The woman who greets her at the door is exotic and beautiful as well. Her hair is pale as Ayumu has heard which is common for foreigners or so she's heard but it seems to have an unusual pink cast to it. It's truly remarkable.
She quickly recovers from her surprise, however, and offers a friendly smile of her own.]
Hello. My name is Yumi and I'm new to the neighborhood. I came to offer my greetings and bring you some treats.
[Ayumu lifts her plate of pastries.]
no subject
There's something about the classy woman in a haori before her that emits a god-like aura, not unlike herself.]
Oh, my... these look incredible, Yumi! How delicious!
[She quickly reins in her excitement, however, looking sheepish at how she's acting in front of Ayumu. It's her cue to compose herself, stretching out a hand.]
Sorry, I got carried away, didn't I? [A small chortle.] My name is Sheryl. It's nice to meet you!
no subject
[Ayumu chuckles, charmed by such a candid response. Oddly, it reminds her of the first time she met Tetsu and his excitement over the first meal she'd shared with him. And just like with Tetsu, she doesn't mind Sheryl's enthusiasm one bit. It's flattering and it shows in the way Ayumu seems to glow under the praise.]
Nice to meet you, too, Sheryl-san.
[Ayumu hands her the platter.]
I hope you enjoy them!
no subject
Her hand brushes upon one of the pastries and takes it gingerly, all before she gives Ayumu a grateful smile.]
Thanks for the treats. Time to eat!
[And after a quick nibble of the mochi, her face instantly radiates with joy, a healthy glow around her cheeks.]
Aaah, it's so good! I think I've seen these in this Hinamatsuri festival, but I don't know they're called... anyway, yours is so much better!
no subject
[Ayumu watches the woman enjoying the treats with unabashed delight. Sheryl's not the only one with a hint of pride in her expression. It always tickles Ayumu pink to see people enjoy her cooking so much. It's a much welcome lift to her spirits which had been a bit down of late.]
You're very kind, Sheryl-san. But I'm happy you like them!
[She truly is. One of the pleasures of cooking for the Shinsengumi was their enthusiasm for her meals. It's an unexpected surprise to see it invoke a similar reaction in a stranger.]
Please have as many as you like! I have more at home.
no subject
At least she doesn't have to go out for restaurants today, even if trying out new sweets has always been one of her hobbies.]
So that's what they're called, hmm? They look really cute, like edible snowballs.
[Still looking ever so radiant, Sheryl takes one more bite of the mochi before she leans on the door, pleased expression intact. There's enough space for Ayumu in case she wants to enter.]
Please come inside. It's been a while since I received any visitors.
no subject
[Ayumu moves past Sheryl to walk inside.]
They do, don't they? Mochi are fun to make! There are quite a few different kinds...
[She'd delighted in making them for the Shinsengumi back home and experimenting with different types of filling. Okita, in particular, seemed to enjoy them a great deal with his sweet tooth. It really is a pleasant surprise and a comfort to see them bring a similarly bright smile to someone's face.
Once indoors, Ayumu makes a soft sound of amazement. The temple's exterior had been breathtaking but the interior looks even more beautiful.]
Oh! Your home's lovely!
[And to a woman of the Bakumatsu period, full of many wonders.]
no subject
[That sure piqued her interest, perking her eyes wide open with genuine curiosity in her glimpse. Once Ayumu steps inside the mansion, Sheryl closes the door behind her, the portraits within the room shifting images from flowers to Sheryl in various clothes and poses. While the interior is a mixture of Greek-style designs, everything else is futuristic — the holographic display of the ceiling actually reveals floating clouds moving against the deep blue sky.
Sheryl extends her arms, a proud look on her face, grinning. Everytime she steps foot into her home, it's like she's back in Frontier again.]
Welcome to my fancy abode, Yumi! Please make yourself comfortable, okay?
no subject
She looks up at the ceiling and her eyes widen with awe and her gaze becomes transfixed on the image of the sky as well.]
It's like a realm of magic!
[As soon as the exclamation leaves her lips, Ayumu blushes a little, embarrassed by her outburst. How silly she must look, gaping at everything like a country child seeing Kyoto for the first time. She clears her throat and focuses on answering Sheryl's question.]
Ah! There are different kinds, made at different times of the year. There's kinds made around New Year's - kagami mochi and kinako mochi. Sakuramochi for spring which uses cherry blossoms, hishi mochi for Hinamatsuri...
no subject
[There's a small laugh coming from Sheryl as she follows Ayumu's gaze, keeping her eyes riveted on the holographic ceiling. For a brief moment, a melancholic look spreads across her features, the image of a blue-haired man who loved the sky filling in her thoughts. It's like the Heavens had read her mind and built this temple as close to Frontier's technology as possible, but with the Greek-style decorations added for foreign appeal.
She's quick to change her expressions into an amused one, though, hearing her guest's surprise at the decor. She giggles, resting a hand on her own cheek.]
Ah, hishi mochi! That's the one I had for Hinamatsuri, but my goodness, so many new mochi for me to try.
[Her eyes flicker over to the direction of the living room, and she casually strolls over to that area, a hum in the back of her throat.]
I wonder what they all taste like. Maybe there's a chocolate kind, or even a strawberry flavor?
no subject
[Ayumu had never even seen it before prior to the candy delivery mission she'd been given immediately upon her arrival. It occurs to her that there may be far more types of mochi in the future. After all, meat had only just been introduced to Japan in her time.]
Ah, these have strawberries in them! I'm sure there will be many more types of mochi for me to try making. Today's Japan has so many more things than it did in my time.
[She brightens at the thought of trying out new recipes with different ingredients. Though she missed the sad look on Sheryl's face, Ayumu turns to her anyway with a cheerful smile.]
Would you like to taste test them, Sheryl-san?
no subject
[Sheryl is craving some chocolate right about now despite the daifuku mochi she just ate earlier. Oh, the woes of having a sweet tooth. She actually lets out an excited sound at the mention of strawberries because, gosh, that's one of her favorites.]
Is that so? I never thought strawberries can be made like this. So many different textures! [There's a slight bounce to her step as she turns to sit down on a sofa, her feet dangling back and forth.] And I'd love to taste them anytime, Yumi. I'm truly honored.
[And blessed... she's getting spoiled.]
no subject
There's a genuine smile on Ayumu's face, though. Sheryl seems like a very warm, kind, and lovely woman. It's nice to see make such a friendly acquaintance, especially after one of her earlier attempts at befriending someone was met with outright hostility.]
The next time I make more sweets I'll be sure to bring some by then!
[It definitely feels good to be appreciated.]
Are there any other dishes you enjoy, Sheryl-san? I'd be delighted to invite you to dinner sometime.
no subject
[She really can't. It's not everyday that Sheryl receives a promise of sweets from a polite and considerate acquaintance, or a promise of anything good. She'll endeavor to get to know Ayumu really well, being the social butterfly that she is, and perhaps give the other woman something nice in return — like a French stew. It's only fair.
An owlish gaze settles across Sheryl's face at the question, prompting her to tilt her head as she drums her fingers on her knees.]
Hmm... Italian? French? Aah, I'm not too picky with food, just as long as it tastes really good.
no subject
[Cooking calms her and people enjoying what she makes just makes it even more pleasurable. And it'll give her something to keep her occupied so she doesn't brood too much. Having a purpose, even a small one, keeps the temple from feeling too empty.]
Ah, I should probably get going though, Sheryl-san.
[She seemed to be on her way out the door when Ayumu interrupted her.]
no subject
Leaving already, Yumi? Ah, that's too bad.
[But maybe Ayumu has a lot of errands to do; she has been delivering mochi, after all. Sheryl rises from the sofa to follow her, opening the door.]
You're welcome to visit here anytime you want!
no subject
Thank you, Sheryl-san! I'll be sure to drop by again when I have time.
[She smiles sincerely at the woman before stepping outside.]
Next time I'll have even more treats for you to try!