adventageous | Inbox: Aefenglom

[It makes sense, of course, that Alice wouldn't know who she is on sight, and Karin is quick to shake her head, discouraging the other young woman from excusing herself.]

No, no! Nothing like that. I actually came here to talk to you.

[Alright, good start, although she quickly realizes that introducing herself would probably serve her well.]

I'm Karin. I didn't want to trouble you while you were still settling in, but— I've wanted to meet you for some time now.

[So this is the Karin Yuri had told her about. To be honest, that explanation makes a lot more sense than a harpy wanting a spot in the Coven study.

Alice give the other woman a warm smile.]

It's nice to be able to put a face to you. Yuri isn't exactly the best at describing things, but he did mention you and said you've been here for some time now. It's an honor to meet you.

[After all, a friend of Yuri's is a friend of hers.

Alice pauses for a moment, thoughtfully, then goes back to packing up her stuff. Her studies for the day are officially over--this is more important.]

Would you like to go out for tea or something? I think that'd be a nicer way to get to know each other than hiding in here.

[Her smile pulls a little to one side, nervous but able to find some amusement in how Yuri most likely tried to explain the situation to her. He was good at a lot of things, but eloquence wasn't usually one of them.]

It probably doesn't help that I'm not exactly how he remembers me. When we saw each other again, he asked me if I was a chicken.

[It had been pretty on-brand for their friendship, honestly.

Alice's offer takes her by surprise— something she almost immediately chides herself for, because it's not like she hadn't had something similar in mind. She nods, allowing herself to relax just a bit.]

I would love that— if you're not too busy. I'm sure you've had a lot on your plate since finding yourself here.

A chicken? [Alice has to stop herself from laughing too openly, but a small chuckle does manage to escape her. ~~Why is she in love with such a moron?~~]

Please tell me you were kind to him for that. I've seen him slapped for less.

[Something about her tone of voice makes it clear that even if Karin had slapped him, she wouldn't be upset about that fact. Alice will insist always and forever that there are many times where Yuri doesn't deserve the abuse he gets, but as a result of calling someone a chicken isn't one of them.

Regardless, it isn't long before Alice is fully packed up and ready to go.]

I'm not too busy at all. To be honest, I've mostly been splitting time between the place I'm staying and the Coven. It'll be nice to get some fresh air.

He got off with a light scolding, this time.

[She can't help but laugh a little in reply— well, of course Alice would have no illusions about who Yuri is. Karin definitely has slapped him in the past, but she tries not to make a habit out of it. He got her back when she needed it most, at least, so they were even.]

Well, in that case, I'd be more than happy to be your excuse to get out and about for awhile. Unless you have somewhere in mind already, I know a pastry shop that also has excellent tea?

[Not to mention her Bonded works there, so the service should be pretty good.]

I'm not sure if you have a sweet tooth or not, but I definitely do.

[Alice laughs again.]

I see. I'll have to keep an eye on him to make sure he behaves himself in the future.

[It's a good sign that she's already feeling at ease in Karin's company. Alice had to admit that part of her was nervous, not knowing what the other woman knew or thought of her.
Or anything beyond 'she's Yuri's friend who helped him a lot,' really.]

Pastries sound lovely. It's good to treat yourself every now and again.

[Yes, she has a sweet tooth.]

I don't know that he's ever behaved himself, no matter how closely someone was watching— but I think if anyone could make it happen, it would have to be you.

[Alice has been such a large presence in her life even without them ever having met. Her opinion of the other woman is already largely well-formed, to be honest, but Karin is looking forward to getting to talk to her rather than to simply hear about her. Yuri was a little too buttoned-up about his feelings to tell her certain things, but she'd always been good at reading between the lines.

She smiles warmly, gesturing towards the door in a motion that is politely human despite the talons it displays.]

Whenever you're ready, then. And it's my treat. Sort of a welcome to the city?

[Karin's comment gives Alice a moment of pause. Yeah, she's right. Yuri will do what Yuri will do--the best Alice can do is nudge him in the right direction. She loves him, but...]

Are you sure? I've earned a bit of money in the short time I've been here if you want me to contribute.

[She can't help but let politeness take over, even in the face of friendship and kindness.]

But, either way: thank you.

Please, it's no trouble— I'd like to, if you'll allow me.

[Whether or not Alice can afford to pay her own way is irrelevant; given the kind of person Karin knows her to be, she's certain that she's already made good use of herself and been plenty industrious since her arrival, but Karin herself feels the need to play hostess to a certain extent.]

I've had a few months to get used to how things work around here. If I can, I'd like to help both you and Yuri find your feet, as well.

[For her part, Alice doesn't put up a fight. Karin is, after all, Yuri's friend. And a friend of Yuri's is sure to be a friend of hers, even if they're just getting to know each other. She'll accept Karin's offer.]

Thank you very much. I appreciate it, and I'm sure Yuri will too.

[Even if he puts up a fuss about it.]

How long have you been here? Yuri only described it as "a while."

[She nods, both to confirm that they're on the same page as well as in response to Yuri's observation, vague as it had been. She begins to head towards the Coven's grand foyer at an easy pace, trusting Alice to follow along.]

A few months now. It was early summer when I arrived. In some ways, it's gone very quickly, but in others... well, a lot can happen in a few months.

[She gives a thin, self-deprecating smile as she gestures broadly with one hand to her... all of her. She didn't always look like this.]

It's a lot to get used to. For the most part, though... I actually do like it here. It has its charms.

[In response to Karin's gesture, Alice gives the other woman an appraising look. It must be tough, transforming in such a way without really getting a say in the affair. Karin seems to be handling it well, but Alice can't help but suspect that it's been a Time getting there.]

For what it's worth, I think that the happenings look lovely on you.

[It's not a backhanded compliment--there's a certain grace in the birdlike features that Karin now possesses. Besides, Alice has been through too much to shy away from the weird and monstrous. ~~Also, have you seen some of the shit Yuri turns into??~~]

As for the city itself... a lot of it reminds me of when I was little girl. It's strangely comforting, all things considered.

[Her smile softens just a touch; there's certainly a level of self-consciousness regarding the changes she's been through, but she's learning to embrace the bulk of them. There are more ahead, she knows, and they're unlikely to be any easier than the ones that had come before, but she appreciates Alice's words of kindness all the same.]

That's very kind of you to say.

[As for the city:]

It is a little bit like home, in some ways. More monsters and magic than back then— at least, what I knew about when I was a child. [They both know full well now just how much of both are present in their own world.] It's not so different from western Europe. Even some of the food is the same.

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