Autumn, October 5th - Greetings & Dog Walkings

[zenoh]

Video - Public

[ The recent influx of new arrivals haven't flown over Ayame's head. She pays a good amount of attention to the network, despite her obscurity in there. She often just doesn't feel the need to reply most of the time. That, and coupled by her aversion to extensive socializing. But today is a little different. Feeling herself hollow with her recent depressing woes, and stories from a couple of her friends who both miss someone who vanished from Genessia, had inspired Ayame to make the best of her time here and meet as much people as she can. Who knows, it might be good for her business too.

Ayame makes a video while wearing traditional Japanese clothes while she sits in Atelier Sakura, her kimono shop in Fayren. She had some help from some liquid courage in the form of whisky on the rocks, swirling inside a glass with gold trims. Ayame takes a little whiff of her whisky before her eyes flick toward the camera ]

Good afternoon, Genessia. We have quite a lot of new members and returnees. Many interesting faces, and I simply would like to extend my greetings to all of you now. I myself awoke in Genessia around this time of year, last October. Well, here's to us becoming friends in this strange new world.

[ She gives a smallest bow along with a raise of her glass ]

Welcome. My name is Ayame Sasaki, I run tailoring businesses in this world. Hopefully your queries have been met and you're on the way to adjusting, or re-adjusting, to this place by now. Should any of you be in need of assistance, custom attire, or employment, I can provide those for you to the best of my ability. My clothing stores could use some helping hands. No prior experience is required.

[ Ayame gives a small smirk along with her words. Then, her attention darts to the side where the sounds of small footsteps on wooden floors are coming from, revealing itself to be a massive wolfdog that nuzzles on Ayame's shoulder. She gives the dog a rub under the chin, to which the dog gives a pleased whimper ]

Ah, Himiko...

[ Ayame follows with some Japanese words directed toward her pet, moving her glass away from Himiko's probing nose which was sniffing the whisky's aroma out of sheer curiosity. Looking back at the camera, Ayame intends to at least end the video with a proper close. ]

In any case, I'm very much looking forward to meeting all of you in the near future. But if you'd excuse me, I have to take the dog out for a walk. Should you be around Fayren or Genessia, or browsing around the network, don't hesitate to say hello or tell me about your experiences with this world so far.

Until then.

Action - Fayren or Genessia City Streets - Public

[ Right after that public video, Ayame is out on a stroll with Himiko tied to an energy leash created by Ayame's own power. Under the autumn scenery of trees and crunchy leaves on the sidewalks, Ayame just follows along, even bringing the glass of whisky along with her. Himiko just so happen to be the opposite of her master; and is very friendly, hyperactive, and easily distracted. While on their walk, Himiko would bark at small rodents, or approach people just to sniff at their legs. Come say hi! Just don't hurt the dog... ]

Comments

[Action - Genessia]

[plutie]

[Plutia hasn't paid all that much attention to the network since she arrived a day or two ago. Something like that. She isn't keeping track. Surprisingly, she's managed to keep her temper under control, although finding good pudding has been difficult.

...at least until she finally came across a sweets shop, which is where she is when Ayame begins to walk by, the young girl's face practically glued to the window. She's even drooling a little.]

...wow, that looks sooooooo good!

[zenoh]

[ Ayame has known of the sweets shop at this intersection. She's been there a few times, and likes some of their custards and flans. When she catches a glimpse of Plutia, Ayame feels Himiko want to approach the little girl. Luckily, Ayame manages to tug at Himiko's leash before the dog could glomp tackle Plutia. Instead, she teleports right next to her, squatting down and looking through the window at the display ]

Their flan is quite exquisite.

[plutie]

[It's a good thing Ayame interrupted her, because it looked like Plutia was literally two seconds from licking the window. The pajama-clad girl glances back at the woman as she's suddenly right next to her.]

Really? I should buy some, then!

[And she begins rummaging through her pockets to pull out the now somewhat crumpled red bills she found on her when she arrived.]

...is this enough?

[zenoh]

More than enough...

[ Ayame quickly glanced at the crumpled bills, seeing how much Plutia has left. Definitely more than enough to buy one whole serving of flan from this seller.
Ayame just gently pushes Plutia's hand close. Seeing how this is a kid who's alone,
and wearing pajamas, Ayame's protective instincts kick in. ]

Did you wake up from a cave full of glass pods by any chance? Allow me to pay for it today, young lady. Only if you tell me your name. I'm Ayame.

[plutie]

[The odd girl beams at that response. She's never been given a whole lot of money. Usually Histoire goes shopping and whatnot. For good reason. She tilts her head to the side and taps her chin in thought.]

Hm...yeah! A little while ago. [Plutia, that was a day or two ago.]

But I wanna buy it. Histy never lets me go shopping by myself.

action; Genessia

[orlokbutterfly]

[Gale was out and about in Genessia, primarily hanging out in a park since he wasn't in any hurry to get to any of his clubs today. Sure, one still needed some finishing up, but... that meant going to Everglade.

Instead, he was pacing around and staring perplexed at the small tablet in his hand, tapping the stylus against his head in thought. He wasn't paying much attention to anything around him thanks to the headphones that were blaring music in his ears, but he was quick to notice a certain wolfdog sniffing at him.]

Himiko?

[He stopped pacing and looked up, pulling his headphones down to his neck, because if Himiko was there, then that would mean a certain woman would be following her.]

Well, look who it is. Hey there, Ayame.

[zenoh]

[ Himiko knows Gale at this point, since they met at the costume party. Gale seems to be good with dogs, as Himiko had an instant liking to him. Not that it's hard, Himiko's a friendly soul. She gives a bark at Gale, standing on her hind legs as she tries to nuzzle at his face.

Ayame meanwhile is amused at Himiko's reaction. She gives her friend a smile, raising her glass for a quick sip ]

You must have had a nice lunch that Himiko couldn't help but sniff your clothes. Off to Hangar Queen?

[orlokbutterfly]

[Oh, Himiko, you're far too adorable for your own good. He gives a small laugh, hugging the dog when she was up on her hind legs and petting her head. He had to dote on her, he couldn't help it. He really was a sucker for dogs.]

Heyyy girl, good to see you again too.

[He looks back to Ayame with a smile.]

Whoops, she caught me then. I did cook a steak for lunch earlier since I didn't feel like eating out.

[He suddenly pauses when he realizes what he said, quickly giving an immature snicker before he shakes his head.]

Nah, I might skip Hangar Queen today unless I need to go in. I'm mostly out here for a brainstormin' session. How 'bout you? Just takin' Himiko for a stroll?

[zenoh]

[ Ayame feels herself blush a little while Gale snickered, shyly glancing away for a second and remembering how she and Gale had a one-night fling after the costume party. It's not a bad thing, but it definitely changed their relationship forever. But she regains her composure almost immediately, just in time to answer Gale's question ]

Yes. She was feeling antsy in Fayren and wanted to see modern civilization again. I thought you like adventures in the great outdoors, hm?

[ Ayame looks at Himiko who returned to have all fours on the ground. The dog hangs her mouth open with her tongue out, looking at her master with a whimper ]

I love bringing her on small camping trips around Fayren whenever we have the time. She loves seeing the ocean.

[ Ayame bends down a little to give Himiko's fur a gentle rub, which the dog appreciates ]

Brainstorming, I see. What's on your mind?

[orlokbutterfly]

[Gale chuckled, crouching down beside Himiko before getting an idea. He reached under his jacket and into a small pouch on his belt, unwrapping a small piece of jerkey and offering it to the dog. It won't hurt giving her a treat from his snack reserve of the day.]

I can't blame 'er. I like the outdoors and all, but I think staying out there for too long would start driving me batty. How's your Fayren business, by the way? I haven't been able to swing by since, well, I'm not too fond of Fayren honestly.

[He's got bad memories with that one instance, which led to him getting killed. It was pure desperation that carried him there the second time. Sure, he met Ivina there, but that was the only blessing he got out of that one.]

Well! That "Halloween" thing is comin' up, yeah? I was just getting thoughts together on throwing a party at After Life. Seems a little too perfect to host a party for a spooky event at a place with that kinda name.

[Video]

[rando_dork]

I'm going to find you.

And then I'm probably going to have to pet your dog.

That's just how it's going to be.

[Video]

[zenoh]

Very well, then. We'll be at Genessia by the Fayren archway in 15 minutes. Meet us there?

[ Ayame smiles faintly before shutting off the feed, just leaving the store with Himiko in tow. As promised, she made it out of the Fayren archway and into Genessia City in 15 minutes. Himiko much prefers the ambiance of the modern city, and is happily barking and skipping her way further into the city, tugging at the energy leash linked to Ayame's hand. Ayame comments to her pet: ]

My, you cannot wait to meet a new friend, can you?

[Video]

[rando_dork]

[It took Gwen about fifteen minutes to get the motivation to get out of her apartment and on the streets. Unfortunately her dog watch isn't on as high alert as it should be, mainly because her eyes are on her cellphone and she's got headphones in.

She's a teenager, give her a break.]

[Action]

[zenoh]

[ Ayame kept on walking straight down the street in front of the Attleton gate, ignoring the looks that some people give her for bringing a glass of whisky while walking a massive dog. Ayame sees Gwen walking the opposite way at the same time Himiko noticed her. Given the girl had headphones on, it would be futile to call to her from a distance. Instead, Ayame kept on walking and lets Himiko do the rest, the dog slowing her pace to sniff at Gwen's shins, giving the teenager a bark. ]

Himiko...

[ Ayame warned to her pet. Barking all of a sudden startled some of the other pedestrians ]

[Action]

[rando_dork]

[The bark is enough to startle Gwen out of musical daze. She quickly turned around to see Ayame and the dog she had promised to meet.]

Well hey there. Who's nearly scared me to death? Pretty sure it was you.

[She knelt down and began to scratch behind Himiko's ear, then glanced up to Ayame.]

Hey there. Uh, yeah, kind of new here.

action;

[gamerrep]

[Chiaki was taking her time and walking her three Pokemon companions; Mimikyu, Eevee and Bulbasaur. They had started to move on a little ahead as Chiaki held out her hand calling out to them.]

Don't go too far, wouldn't want you to get lost now.

[She paused for a moment when she spotted a dog and a familiar face she was pretty much aware of at this point.]

Ah. Hello again.

[zenoh]

[ Ayame greets Chiaki with a flutter of her fingers, letting go of her hold on Himiko's leash for a brief second to do so. But it made the dog run off a little before Ayame could grab the leash again. Why she doesn't just use a hands-free one, given she's using her own powers to make this glowing tether, is unknown ]

Good afternoon, Chiaki. Pleasant weather today, isn't it?

[ Himiko gives a bark at Eevee, as if to say hello ]

[gamerrep]

Ah, yes it's really nice weather. Nice enough for a walk.

[Which is different for her at least, taking a break from her usual hobbies to spend time with her Pokemon. She knew she was definitely much better than she might have been a year ago.

Eevee wagged her tail happily, lowering themselve down while the other pokemon had come back to Chiaki's side.]

Though after that I don't know what I will be doing. What about you?

[zenoh]

Going back to work. My shop doesn't close until 5:30

[ She lives a life of fun and excitement, Chiaki. Himiko approaches the gamer to look at her, slightly pawing at her leg ]

While a walk is nice every now and then, you truly have nothing to do afterwards? That's a depressing position to be in. Have you considered what I told you? About picking up a new hobby?

[gamerrep]

[She nodded slightly, that made sense really. Chiaki didn't own a business nor did she feel the need to, so it was never a worry of hers. Looking down at Himiko she couldn't help but smile slightly. They seemed pretty cute in her eyes.]

I usually have something I need to go to, but not always when not working at the arcade. So sometimes I do have some free time. [She had, but she wasn't sure what to do or just try something different daily.]

I have, I just need to think of what or just find something different every so often.

[Video]

[voiceoftheking]

[There was something of a weight off of Medusa's shoulders when she came onto the video, compared to her introduction. Something had gotten better.]

Thank you for the welcome, Ayame. I may be in need of your tailoring skills. I've picked up a few things since my arrival, but I have to admit that they are not quite what I'm used to.

[zenoh]

[ Ayame's on a stroll down Fayren's cobblestone streets when she got Medusa's video response. Initially holding her phone by hand, she lets it float right next to her as she continues to walk with her pet ]

I always welcome new customers, and there is no shame in that. This world can be quite different from what many of us are used to. Some of us are luckier than others to be from worlds very close to what the five cities are like. May I ask what how long you've been here?

[voiceoftheking]

A little over a day, so not very long at all.

[She seemed somewhat at peace with being there, despite the parts of her that were eager to go home.

[zenoh]

Ah, it looks to me you're doing quite alright for such a short span of time. You must be quite the resilient one. Might I ask for your name, miss?

[voiceoftheking]

[Was she? That was good to hear. She had been distraught when she arrived. It wasn't an image she had wanted to continue to present.]

My apologies, I am Medusa. The adjustment period was helped greatly by a reunion with my husband, and the continued assurances by the people here that time at home would not pass. There are plans we have to make. Some time to plan is exactly what we needed.