Description: Yurika keeps her end of the deal and introduces Ninon to Ingrid, a fellow frilly, and a discussion of energies and academics is held over tea. To Yurika's surprise, Ingrid has no trouble dealing with the witches attitude.
The premise was simple.. One might even say that it was killing two birds with one stone.
While normally Yurika Kirishima would dread to think of her own friendships as 'stepping stones', it's really how it's been for the musician lately.. It was taxing, as she'd grown rather fond of Ingrid, and it was up to the heavens themselves to decide what would become of their relationship once the musician chooses her path. For the time being, though, it was less about personal gain, and more about time to be more herself which she hadn't been in some time. Plus it seemed fitting to introduce Ingrid to Ninon, and she hadn't spoken to the girl from Norway in some time. So what happened?
She sent out invitations to meet at the Seijyun flower garden for tea, of course. For Ninon's incentive, however, she had added to the witches note promising to meet someone interesting. She'll see soon how that all works out in the end. As one might expect it's a gorgeous day outside, the sprinklers at the very moment cause many a rainbow as they water over the flowers.
Yurika herself is sitting at the patio outside of the greenhouse, at the opposite end of the gardens path. A nice white table is set up with matching metal seats with light blue cushions to match the large umbrella open over the table that easily sits three. The silver-haired girl sits in mostly white gothic ensamble, a short sleeved dress with plenty of lace and frills and a red mantle over her shoulders than match the color of her maryjanes. She's looking quite forward to this, though she passes the time reading a rather saucy romance novel. Tame enough to be reading outside of her bedroom, see.
An invitation to tea is not something someone like Ingrid is going to turn down, at least not when it's from someone she knows. She definitely hadn't seen Yurika in a while, so when she received it she was happy; it's always nice getting to see friends after time apart. Of course it'd also be nice if she didn't allow such large gaps of time to elapse between such visits, but you can't fix that once it's already happened. It's only the second time she'll have been to Seijyun High, and again it seems she'll be going to the Flower Garden. The last time she was here was when she was with Gabriel, an encounter of musical proportions Yurika wouldn't be likely to forget.
Because of this Ingrid actually had to spend some time contemplating whether or not to bring her fiddle. In the end she decided against it, figuring that perhaps the young violinist would like to be recognized for something other than her music every once in a while.
Ingrid appears at the gate to the flower garden, and walks easily along the path towards the greenhouse, directly towards Yurika regardless on the specifics of her instructions. She smiles when she notices the other young woman sitting and reading her book, and a faintly amused expression suddenly falls upon her features. Slowly, quietly, though perhaps not enough for the sister of a Ninja, she moves behind Yurika and looks over her shoulder at the book.
"Oh, my..."
It was a bit different for Ninon.
For one, she did not think of Yurika as a friend. She honestly didn't think of anyone as a friend. She had never thought of anyone as a friend. Yurika was simply something that prevented her from growing bored, someone to talk to that she did not hate, and whom had won at least a tiny sliver of her respect. In every respect aside from the name, she was a friend. But Ninon would never admit to such a thing.
Even though she does respect the girl, the dark-clad girl gave serious thought to not even attending the little gathering. She is no social butterfly, she doesn't need the company of others to feel good about her. She could of simply spent the rest of the day stitching together her newest creation. To Ninon Beart, wearing an outfit not created by her own two hands was like commiting a fashion faux paus. She'd do it to avoid being naked, but otherwise, not a chance.
In the end, however, she decided to know. Yurika has figured out that keeping Ninon interested is the best way to keep her from simply locking herself up in her room and ignoring all the 'lessers' around her. If she learned nothing else from their little forest encounter, it was that.
Unlike Ingrid, she makes no effort to mask her presence. She steps in as if she owned the place, her black looking horribly out of place among the colorful garden, and probably entirely too warm as well. She wouldn't complain. She rarely does. "I have decided to accept your invitation." She says this as if it was some sort of gift. She notices Ingrid, but doesn't bother speaking to her. Perhaps she's one of Yurika's servants or something.
Yurika has absolutly no doubt about her relationship with Ninon. She knew quite well they weren't friends, and she was very pleased with that thought; because she had learned in Thailand that having friends... Is an extremely painful thing to have when they're your enemy. Or even as an ally on some occassions. Ninon simply being a companion worked for her, and she would be just as happy with that with Ingrid- As such, meeting with the norwegian so little works out just as well.
At the moment, the musician is lost in her own little world, in an atmosphere like this it's easy for herself to leave her guard down.. So when she suddenly hears Ingrids voice, she makes a suprised yelp, jumping in her seat and looking quickly over her shoulder with red cheeks. She quickly slips the bookmark in place and gets to her feet, trying to regain her composure best she can, "M.. Miss Holmann, surely it wouldn't have hurt to greet me before being so close."
She's flustered, and reasonably so, though also very embarassed she got caught in such an unladylike situation. She has a reputation to upkeep after all! There's another pause however, she recognizes the footsteps of Ninon, which prompts her to look over her shoulder, and just de-rail the subject. "Ah, so I see, I'm quite pleased you chose to accept.." Yurika says to the witch; her mysterious little smile not quite as effective with her cheeks red. "I wanted you two to meet, I had a feeling that it would benefit both of you.. This is Ingrid, she's quite the lady. And not a student from here. Ingrid, this is Ninon, she's an extremely talented witch, and my mentor." Yurika of course gestures from one girl to the other as she makes introductions, and then gestures to the seats already drawn out.
Ingrid pays little attention as Ninon approaches, her attention mostly focused on Yurika. Perhaps if the witch had paid a little heed to her she would have responded in kind, but as it is she ignores the footsteps until she speaks to Yurika. Before that, however, she must address the comment that was spoken to her. She quickly backs off a bit so that Yurika can stand, and nods. "You're very correct, Yurika, allow my to apologize for intruding so thoughtlessly." Never mind that the silent approach and Yurika's reaction was fully intended.
The Norwegian turns to face Ninon when Yurika speaks to her, taking in the interaction. Upon being introduced, Ingrid offers Ninon a curtsy. "Pleased to meet you, Ninon. Did you say a witch?" Ingrid seems to contemplate for a moment, "The last time I met one of those an interview I was given was mystically transfigured into a commercial for a dating service." The witch spoken of could be who other than Naerose? "I suppose what I'm trying to say is: Are you a good witch, or a bad witch?" Yes, she's certainly having fun with this so far.
It is really nothing personal. Her treatment of Ingrid is nothing out of the ordinary for her. It is actually somewhat polite by her standards. After all, saying nothing is better then being insulting, and Yurika knows exactly how insulting the goth loli can be. And Yurika hadn't even made Ninon all that angry with her.
She looks faintly amused at being introduced as Yurika's mentor. The two had fought, and Yurika had won. Had it been a fight to the death, Ninon would be dead right now. But she held herself as if she'd barely been trying, and either the musician had bought or was good at pretending.
Only when introduced to the pale-haired visitor does she first pay attention to her. Her amused smile fades as she takes in the girl. "Concepts like 'good' and 'evil' mean very little. I would not call myself good. I do not care about helping others. If they cannot defend themself then they deserve what is coming to them. I believe that might makes right. Most of all, I believe in my own power. At the same time, I could not also call myself evil. I do not go out and harm others for no reason. Beating the weak will only satisfy the weak." She's silent a moment, to give the visitor time to take all that in. "So there is no simple answer to your question, because it is a poorly worded question. However, if I had to pick one, I would call myself 'bad'. I am more concerned for myself over others. If you wish to meet a 'good' witch, you will have to seek out my sister. I believe she may have brain damage, however."
And therin lay another difference between Ninon and Aislinn, while Ninon isn't very social, if prompted she can talk quite a bit. This is both good and bad, particularly bad if she's talking about things such as.. Oh.. What she's talking about RIGHT NOW. Yurika's smile is shakier then, eyes shifting between Ninon and Ingrid, completely uncertain what Ingrids reaction will be. But she's the patient sort, the musician couldn't picture Ingrid just suddenly telling Ninon off about morals or whatever. It should be interesting, in that case.
That said, Ingrid's apology is clearly accepted and all is forgiven, even if she still feels a bit embarassed. However she feels she has to interject at the end, "D- Don't take offense, Ninon is.. Simply like.. that. Believe it or not she's actually in a good mood today. You know that reminds me, I never did ask you what your hobby was. What is it that you take great interest in, Ingrid? Also, shall we have a seat?" The cups, plates, and saucers are already set down, and there's even a small cake at the tables off-center. In a bit of a comedic twist, half of it is angel cake, the other is devils.
Ingrid's little joke seems to have spurred on a bit of a monologue. The young woman listens intently as it's given, allowing the concepts put forth by the gothic witch to roll around in her head before she responds. Of course Yurika interjects before she can manage to. "I'm not put off in the least, Yurika. In fact I believe that much of what Ninon is saying is very correct. I wouldn't call her evil simply because she prefers to set herself ahead of others. If what she says is true, that she doesn't harm the weak, then I would have no problem with her whatsoever."
The Norwegian smiles to Yurika and takes a seat at the offered spot at the table before continuing. "However, Ninon, there is importance in such concepts as good and evil. What most people might consider evil is actually more nebulous; many people who commit 'evil' acts do so with good reason, perhaps due to some previous trauma in life. Even putting such people aside, however, there /are/ a select few who exist only to cause harm to others; whose capacity for evil and bad deeds can overwhelm the mind and spirit. Because of that, I wouldn't go so far to say that such concepts 'mean very little'."
It really is amazing that such a philosophical conversation can be brought about by a simple little joke. "As for my interests and hobbies... I suppose my main ones would be encountering and speaking with others." Very much the opposite of Ninon in that sense; Ingrid thrives on social contact.
"Hm hm hm."
Ninon covers her mouth with her hand as a strange little giggle escapes her lips. It sounds more amused then anything else. "Your response, however, was not worded nearly as poorly. I should expect nothing less of one Yurika refers to as a friend. She is perhaps the only one I have met since coming to this town that has proven to have some worth. I do not agree with your assessment, though. One person's good, it is another's evil. I could refer to you as evil right here and now and you could not prove me wrong, simply because concepts like that stem from opinion. And I, for one, care little for the opinions of others when they relate to me. I know who I am. I am Ninon Beart, and I carry the power passed down through the family line for generations, from family member to family member, and finally to me before grandmother passed away. Why should I care for the opinons of others?" Of course her sister carries the same power, but in Ninon's eyes, she may as well not. That said, she also takes a seat. May as well be comfortable while she's here.
Just as Yurika has suspected.. Things indeed were getting very interesting. Though Ingrid could tell by looking at the musician that she was mildly disappointed by her answer. Yurika herself doesn't talk very much about other people.. Or rather, she doesn't often have good things to say about them. She meets weird people who tend to annoy her often. The girls seated, she picks up her kettle, white with flower designs. The girls would notice inside the cups already have 6 or 7 rolled up white buds. She pours hot water into the cups. Tea fanatics like herself would know it's an ingredient for chinese white tea, and actually very difficult to prepare 'correctly'.
Cups poured she then cuts four slices, taking one of the devils cake for herself, "Please, help yourself." and takes her own seat afterward. She then has to smile again, if anything, Ninon is one of the most confident people she had ever met. Arrogant, yes, but that simply comes with the territory. Ninon brings an extremely interesting point in Yurika's mind, though.. Yurika had often considered herself 'evil'. She was forced to question her position then.
Ingrid honestly wouldn't have a clue about the proper Chinese procedure for making tea. Truth be told, she was a coffee person, but that just goes with where she grew up. "Why thank you, coming from you I'll take that as a great compliment." That's how she responds to the first of what Ninon says.
More thought is given to the rebuttal, "Hmm... I'm afraid I must continue to disagree with you, if only in part. You are correct that people vaguely define good and evil on their own terms... but allow me to warn you that there are absolutes." She lets out a little breath, "Perhaps one simply must have stood in the presence of true evil in order to understand..." She gives the both of them a small smile, "But please don't misunderstand me; I don't wish to bend your minds to accept my beliefs, but instead to keep my words in mind so that if you are confronted by such a person you can recognize them for what they are." One could probably surmise that such a person would be terribly dangerous simply to be around.
Ingrid lifts her cup of tea and sips from it delicately, setting it down upon finding it a bit hot just yet. As for the cakes, she takes equal parts of the two halves. "Thank you for inviting me to this, Yurika. I couldn't imagine if I'd missed it."
As for Ninon, she also knows little about the proper way to prepare tea. That sort of thing was what she had maids for, back at the manor. She hadn't actually enjoyed a good cup since she'd left her home behind. In some small ways, she could allow herself to grow grateful for Yurika's presence solely for the treats that were laid out on the table. It's like having her own maid again, only this one can murder you with a song.
"Hmph." Ninon sips from her teacup, naturally holding it with her pinkie. She may be rude and arrogant, but she is hardly uncultured. "True evil? What makes one evil more true then another? Again, it is merely opinion. I believe it was you yourself that said it was possible to commit acts others consider evil while having good intention. And your good intention could, in turn, be considered evil by others. That is why there is no true good or evil. Even if there was, it would not matter." She helps herself to a sliver of cake, naturally picking the devil's food side. Angel's food would likely burn her on contact. "I have found nothing in this world that I should fear. Nothing good, nothing evil, nothing at all. Should I die this day, I will die knowing that it was my own fault for not having the strength to escape my death. While it would be regretable, I do not fear death and I fear nothing in life. To live a life of fear is to not live at all. If you want something, you should stride forth and grab it with your own two hands. Otherwise, it isn't worth having in the first place."
Hmm, come to think of it, Ingrid did mention before being a coffee drinker, didn't she? Which she thought was extremely unusual for someone so young. But she could always ask about that later. Ninon, however, is saying some things that Yurika hadn't heard before. On the other hand, matters such as the current subject aren't things she has any really strong opinion on, either. In fact she has very few of her own opinions as it stands currently. "Thank you very much, and really it isn't an trouble at all. I'm quite glad you had decided to come. And as you can see, Ninon is quite passionate in her ways of life, truely a remarkable witch, isn't she? I often wonder where the confidence comes from.." she takes a sip from her cup, a thoughtful one. "Speaking of which, if you don't mind the subject of fighting techniques; I particularly wanted Ninon to meet you because I thought she'd be very interested in seeing a small demonstration of your particular energy, Ingrid. Her own energy reminded me a little of yours."
Ingrid "One Chang" Holmann says, "What version of BeipMU?"
"I think you may have misinterpreted what I've said. I didn't mean that someone's intentions might be considered good, but rather that many people have circumstances that lead them to do bad things when perhaps they're not 'bad' people. However, there are 'bad people' around, and it's very hard to mistake them for anything else when you meet them. If you blind yourself, however, you might just miss that." She takes a bite of her cake, and then a larger sip of her tea, which is now cool enough to drink.
And then the subject shifts from good and evil to fear. "Is that so? It's understandable, considering your beliefs... but would you not be fearful if someone that was capable of stealing your power for themselves threatened just that? To be made into one of those weaklings who can't protect themselves, through no fault of your own, but simply by the act of another? I'm not trying to scare you, but such abilities do exist. I must say, however, that I find your way of living very admirable, and I try to live in exactly that same manner."
Ingrid smiles to Yurika and nods, "Yes, remarkable would probably be a good choice of words to describe her." She tilts her head a little at the mention of a demonstration of energy. "Reminds you of mine?" This brings a rather curious look to Ingrid's face, "You don't say... that's a very interesting thing to say, Yurika. How did it remind you?"
"My power is not something so easily mastered by another." Ninon replies without hesitation. "Someone could try and lay claim to it, but there are numerous reasons it would not be worthwhile, not the least of which being should anyone attempt it, I would make sure that, even if they were able to take away my power, it would do them little good. I am not a murderer, for various reasons. However should someone try to steal my very pride, I would not hesitate to grind them into dust. I do not care if such abilities exist, they do no good to someone who lacks the strength to move. Still..." She eyes Ingrid. "You are quite curious, aren't you? Living as I do is not a difficult thing. You simply must have confidence in yourself. If you cannot trust in your own abilities, your own talents, if you cannot believe in yourself...no one else will, either. You should pay attention to that, Yurika. Trusting in one's self is the best thing one can do for themself. This is why I am not fazed by others. This is why I do not fear. I know myself, and I won't allow myself to fail." She takes a moment to sip from her tea. "So to answer your question, I will not fear even such a person, because I will simply prevent them from taking my power. And even should they succeed, if they do not kill me right then and there, I WILL take vengeance on them. I do not need my sorcery to be dangerous. There are other ways. Many other ways."
Yurika's dark eyes shift as she looks from one girl to the other.. She takes a small sip from her cup and for a brief moment, loses herself within it. She doesn't want to be a brag, of course, but this is certainly one of the best teas she has ever prepared, she was worried she hadn't made it quite right- Not that any of the other two would have known if she had messed up anway. She would agree with Ninon on the point that Ingrid does seem to be the very curious type; and it's at that moment that it clicks in to why Ingrid enjoys socializing above many other things.
A passing glance is given specificly to Ninon however, as she notes, "Is that true? It does seem a little unusual that you know martial arts, but I'm sure that works to your advantage often.. Hmn.. I wouldn't want to find out first-hand what that secret weapon of yours is.."
And then the musician looks to Ingrid once more, "Well, in appearance as well as execution it is just as mystical. Fewer kicks are involved from what I've seen however, as well as different colors.. It's not like fire, or wind in property. As you can tell, I'm not very good at describing it. Which is why I was wondering if you could show us what it looks like."
To Ingrid the tea simply tastes slightly weak; she is as she said before a coffee drinker, and that does tend to make tasting such subtleties as delicate teas a bit more difficult than it would otherwise. Of course she's not going to complain; it's still good and refreshing. She listens to Ninon and seems to think deeply on what she'd just said, and nods slowly. "Yes, I believe we are, in fact, very much alike in that way Ninon. Now during this lovely meeting would not be the proper time, but perhaps we should speak further on this subject some day." That would be the subject of having one's power taken away.
"Yes, I suppose I am curious. I do rather enjoy meeting people and learning their views and ideas on different subjects." When Ninon talks to Yurika about having confidence in one's abilities she nods along without comment, but clearly showing she approves of what's being spoken of.
However, when Yurika talks of the different energies looking different and not being wind or fire or something of the sort she seems slightly disappointed. "So it's not how it feels, then? Hmm..." Ingrid smiles once again, however, "If you wish a simple demonstration I suppose I could oblige." She holds up her hand, so as to get the attention of her two companions, and then waves it in an arc, glittering, golden energy sparkling behind it on a trail. She then holds her palm out and a small shining ball of energy forms in it. Nothing terribly dramatic, but showing it's visual properties off easily enough.
"I do not enjoy the martial arts." Ninon responses smugly. "I find them barbaric compared to MY arts. As I told you once before, however, I cannot deny their uses. Ninon Beart is not a fool. I know that my sorcery may not be enough to win my fights on its own, loathe though I am to admit to it. Also, I do not enjoy pain. So I trained my body as well as my mind. Which reminds me...." The girl gives Yurika a mysterious little smile. "I shall need to speak with you in a more private place sometime soon. It need not be today, but I have something that needs discussing. I shall leave it up to your imagination to attempt to figure out what it is."
Ingrid finds herself with a captive audience when she begins to display her power. Ninon, while not looking impressed, DOES look interested. Finally she holds out her own hand. "Interesting. I should like to test your power further some time. I shall look forward to the chance to do so. Expect to have me seek you out. Now, if you'll allow me..." In her hand a small ball of flame forms, swirling around as if the ball were chasing it's own tail. This continues for a moment before it begins the ball of flame begins to swirl so rapidly that it disappears into a burst of hot wind. What is left in her hand appears to be a solid ball of light. However after a moment, it begins to crackle as if electric, and, without any motion from the girl, flies up out of her hand, bursting in mid-air like a tiny fireworks display. The sparks fade long before any flowers are at risk, however. "As you can see, Yurika is only partially correct. The sorcery of the Beart family line is versatile. I am not limited to merely one method of conjuring it forth."
Yurika glances upward for a moment in careful thought.. Did it really feel different? Well, not in the extremes of what she had felt when Ingrid had hit her with her energy, no.. So she slowly shakes her head to relay that response. Yurika does look impressed by Ingrid's display, it actually appears to be a lot more beautiful when not on the recieving end of the energy, just as she had remembered.
Yurika gives another glance to Ninon then, and her smile is slightly smug herself, "I find them barbaric in many circumstances myself. As I have told you before, I don't really enjoy hand-to-hand combat, but these days, in this era, things like that can't be helped. And is that so? I admit I'm suprised to hear that, but I'm simple enough to find." And then comes Ninon's demonstration. Yurika's eyes widen, and she nearly chokes on her tea- This example is much more flashy, of course,and it's just as Yurika had remembered it as well. Now Ingrid could definatly see why Yurika had such a difficult time trying to describe it!
Ingrid smiles to Ninon, "If that's you wish I'd be willing to participate in a more detailed examination of my powers. I may not be as easy to find as Yurika, but I shouldn't be too difficult to find." She is, after all, listed in the phone book under an uncommon name. Ninon's own demonstration raises Ingrid's eyebrows, "My, that is fairly impressive. You must have great control over your sorcery in order to do such elaborate tricks." The other option is that that exact little trick was well trained and practiced, but there's no need to bring that up.
The Norwegian brushes her hair back behind her shoulders and drinks some more of her tea, again taking a small bite of cake afterwards. "Hmm... fighting does seem to be more and more prominent these days, doesn't it? Though I suppose that may simply go with the location; in my hometown there was never so much emphasis placed on one's combat ability. In fact, I don't think there was a single person with the capabilities the fighters here have shown." Southtown does have a staggeringly high fighter to nonfighter ratio if you compare it to other places in the world.
In a manner of speaking, Ninon's magical trick WAS well praticed. It is no mere parlor trick, however. As Yurika found out firsthand, she is more then able to bend that power into far more destructive forms then a simple flashy display. While Ninon had not come out ahead that time, it didn't bother her. In her own mind, she had just been there to display her strength to the musician. Had she really wanted to cause her much harm, then she would of done so. At least this is what her arrogance allows her to believe.
"It was precisely for this reason that I came to this town. Even in my own home, Southtown is known as a place where numerous warriors gathered. I placed myself in the middle of this on purpose for a single purpose, and that was to prove my own prowess. You can only claim to be strong so many times before you are asked to prove it. I could think of no better place to put my sorcery to the test. And eventually, I will find someone I cannot defeat. I am confident in my own abilities, but I am also not a fool. When that day comes, then I shall learn from that person. Learn, until I crush them. Then, I will move on." She turns to Yurika. "When we first spoke you told me that I did not understand the purpose of this school. It means nothing to me. I attend it solely to pass the boredom, I do not need further education, nor am I particularly interested in Japanese culture. To me, it is little more then a staging ground for my efforts to prove both to myself and to others that the Beart family sorcery is not to be taken lightly. I just wish that SHE had not followed me here.....but that is a topic I would rather not get into."
Yurika only feels slightly inadequete here.. She can't channel her energies, at least not visably without assistance of her musical instruments.. On the other hand, she does has enough control to mimic a lot of her brothers techniques. Though that is rather irrelivent to the conversation as well since she wouldn't freely talk about it. The note about Southtown gets a nod from Yurika- It's problematic for her in some ways, but the weight of it working out for her works the same way. But much like the others, she has much to learn about the fighters about Southtown.
The musician takes another sip of tea, a passing glance to Ninon then. "Mmn? Is that correct?" Though she can't say she's really very suprised. "Well if I felt your presence would threaten the reputation of Seijyun, that would most certainly be a problem. It would certainly be nice of Ingrid chose to attend here as well. But I'm certain that's wishful thinking."
"That's why I moved here as well. I needed to begin training against opponents on my skill level, and this seemed a likely place. In retrospect I'm very happy of my choice. I've learned much, and the people are very enjoyable to meet as well." Ingrid gives Yurika a smile, "If I were to attend one of the schools here I'm sure Seijyun would be my choice. However I've brought along my private tutor, as my parents wished." That also has the added perk of studying on her schedule, not when the school requires you to attend.
She eats some more of her cake, finishing off the piece she took and then drinks more of her tea. She wouldn't want it to look like she was spurning it, after all. She then returns to the previous topic, "I'm not so sure you'll be able to move on for quite some time, Ninon. I don't mean to insult you in any way- there are some startlingly powerful fighters that live or visit Southtown on a frequent basis."
"Hm hm." It's a laugh that doesn't carry much humor in it. "I'm not offended. I would be disappointed if it was otherwise. If I came here and found that this city were 'strong' warriors gathered was filled with weaklings, what would I have? Merely a waste of time is all. I came here hoping to find someone that could seriously test my strength. I have never had to push myself very hard before. Making myself stronger then my sister required no effort whatsoever. Making myself stronger then the people here, however, will. I want to be pushed. It is the only way I will get stronger. Fighting the weak will do me no good whatsoever. As for the people here, they seem to be good for little aside from battle. Yurika here was the first I met that had any culture whatever. I feel more at home here then anywhere else in this city, though I lack my personal maid. I am not so helpless as to need her, but that doesn't mean I don't miss her presence. You wouldn't be happening to need employment, hmmm?"
The musician takes another calm sip from her cup, however even a woman such as herself can't keep her composure after Ninon's final question to Ingrid, making her suddenly choke a bit and turn her head to the side, coughing into her fist.
Yurika really can't believe Ninon just asked that. She really can't. The other thing is.. Slight worry. Ninon seems almost hell bent on proving just how superior she is, and becoming as powerful as she can be.. It reminds her, perhaps a little too much, of Kurow. Yet it didn't /seem/ that Ninon's goal was world domination. She doesn't bother asking about it though.
"I understand completely. It's very difficult becoming stronger without having people to train with or against." Ingrid makes a small humming sound when she says the people are fairly worthless. That's a bit sad, but everyone feels differently. Ninon doesn't really seem the type to go about trying to make friends, though. "Yes, being away from one's home can be trying at times, but I've luckily been able to move past it." As to the question of employment. "Hmm... I'm afraid I don't think that would work out very well, Ninon. To be honest, I don't think you'd lend yourself very well as a student, and our fighting styles are likely incompatible, despite the similarities. I do wish you luck in your endeavor to become stronger, however." She takes a sip of her tea.
"....Hmph. Funny." Ninon could also find herself not entirely disliking Yurika's little friend if she allowed herself to. She, at the very least, doesn't regret choice to accept the offer to tea. Her day could of been a great deal more boring then it was. "I trust you understood my true meaning. You did not come across as a fool." Her tea cup masks the hints of embarrasment on her face. She was the one that should of embarrassed Ingrid, not the other way around! By the time her cup is placed back on its saucer, she has concealed herself behind her mask of smug self-superiority once again. "Though you were wrong about one thing. I make an outstanding student when something interests me, or can be useful to me. I care little for this school, but I will not be seen as a failure. My marks are proof enough of that." True to her word, Ninon had found the time between being beaten up and acting arrogant to excel at her schoolwork.
Yurika in the meanwhile is simply just being proud of herself, and quite happy that the two actually do seem to be getting along. Though, while it's clear Ninon doesn't believe she needs associates of any sort, Yurika has her own thoughts and ideas, working through it all rather subtly. She's beginning to think, however, even if she didn't set this up, Ninon and Ingrid wouldn't have had much trouble getting philosphical and mingling with one another. Alas.
"I see, I see.." Yurika replies with a pleased smile. Her cup finished, the school bells chime, signaling the hour, and the musician taps her chin lightly, as if conteplating something, then speaks up, "Ah, girls I apologize but I'm afraid at this point I need to get back on schedule.."
Yurika stands up, looking to Ingrid, "I don't think I told you, but I am running for student council president this year.. So I have quite a bit of preperation to get to. And don't worry about what is left over, I'll clean up."
Ingrid simply smiles at Ninon. She of course understood the question, even that it was a joke. She isn't going to openly admit as much, however, not in this company. "I suppose I was wrong, then. Please forgive me, if that was the case." She looks a bit sad when Yurika stands to leave, and moves to do the same. "There's no need to apologize. Thank you for setting up this little party, Yurika. I can honestly say that I've enjoyed myself. We should do this more often."
She tilts her head, "Student council president? That sounds like a very fitting position for you, Yurika. You have my best wishes."
"Yes, I believe you mentioned that. I suppose the only better choice would be for me to run against you myself." A faint smile touches Ninon's lips. "Fortunately, I do not care enough about the school to do so. I imagine that the position will be yours. I cannot guarantee my vote before seeing those who would run against you, however..." Finishing the last of her tea, she stands. "I shall take my leave as well. I have things I wish to do. Do not forget that I wish to speak to you when you have the time, Yurika. We have much to discuss, you and I. Much to discuss indeed." She turns then to Ingrid. "And as for you.....it was not entirely unpleasant meeting you. I shall look forward to testing your strength in combat. Do not be surprised if I appear suddenly to do so. Until the next time our paths cross, I bid you both farewell." And with that, the garden is down one frilly dress.
Yurika's dark eyes shift once more to Ninon, giving her a small smile, "I would agree.." Though inside she's both cringing and her heart skips a beat. She's confident about most competition, but apparently Ninon, despite being a newcomer and her 'trying' personality is a threat to Yurika?? Who knows. But when Ninon states she's just kidding.... Did Yurika's shoulders just slouch a little bit there? There's no telling for sure since she's gathering the saucers and cups afterward. "And of course I won't forget, I'm honored that you would actually be requesting my audience. Do take care."
As for her opponent, there'd be information on that soon enough. Just keep an eye on the school papers or the flyers that are likely to come up soon. "I'm glad you had a wonderful time, Ingrid, I am hoping we'll be able to do it more regularly.. And thank you very much for your wishes, I hope that the other students feel the same way. Either way I'll try to keep in touch, perhaps I'll be about when you and Ninon have your ah.. Test."
Ingrid remains quiet as Ninon and Yurika discuss the school elections. Other than wishing Yurika well she doesn't have anything to say on the matter, though observing the other two's interactions over it are rather intriguing. To Ninon she smiles, "Wonderful, it wasn't entirely unpleasant meeting you either, Ninon. I'll do my best to keep myself prepared so that I can show you my full strength when that time comes. Farewell."
After Ninon departs she smiles to Yurika, "I'm sure they'll find you entirely suitable to become their president, Yurika. I'd enjoy it if you could be there, but," She gives Yurika what appears to be a secretive little smile, "I'm sure it won't be nearly as luxurious or grandiose as our fight was." With that comment she gives a curtsy and departs as well.
Log created on 19:50:18 08/22/2007 by Yurika, and last modified on 04:58:35 02/09/2009.