swirl no. 1

[autumnish]

She was running. Just a minute ago. She was chasing a bus, because although the next bus wouldn't delay her by more than ten minutes, fifteen max, chasing buses is an inevitable part of Aarhusian daily life. Everybody does it and so, Aki did as well. Then, she turned a corner and now, she has no idea where she is. It doesn't look like the square she was heading for, it doesn't look like a square at all.

In the blink of an eye, she's landed herself in a small, vintage-style cafe with blue-patterned porcelain and highly decorated cupcakes, beckoning for her to take a rest, enjoy a break, it seems like an invitation, the oddest she's received in her life. Aki comes to think of Alice, her great adventures in Wonderland and at the risk of running into her very own Queen of Hearts, she moves over to the nearest of the large armchairs and sits down, gingerly. Lets her eyes follow the many rows of books displayed on the shelves that are hanging on the wall. Touches her teacup with careful fingertips.

Whom might she not be joined by, in a place as dreamy as this?

Comments

[earthangelic]

"How very Strange is this place?"

Demeter look over the counter to see the different tarts and pastries on display. She wonders if this place was a illusion create by demons like her world.

"Don"t believe what you see."

[shardofwinter]

It's hitting that time of year where Reynard has to begin making preparations for the months ahead, which is why such a roughly dressed man is in such a pretty place. He tips his hat and smiles at the pretty young lady sitting all alone and brings the box in his arms to the well dressed woman at the till.

After his business is done, he slows to a stop as he passes by the young woman again. He puts on his most charming smile and warmest voice when he asks, "How is it a lady as beautiful as you is sitting alone?"

[lost_her_voice]

In contrast to the delicate patterns and sweet cupcakes, the woman approaching with her own cup of tea looks terribly out of place. Her leather duster is well-worn and dusty, as are her boots. The only color on her is a delicately patterned scarf wound around her neck so that no skin is showing.

When she spots Aki, the corners of her mouth turn down. She sets down her cup of tea and pulls what looks like a solar-powered pager from her pocket. She types something on the tiny keys and then shows it to her.

You're in my seat.

[sumarusfinest]

It's nice to visit cafes that are not his own. Officer Suou takes comfort in watching others with similar passions flaunt their expertise and talents. He always learns something new, watching others work.

And the tea here is very relaxing too, he's found.

"Try the house blend. Green tea, lemongrass, and a hint of orange peel. If you're looking for a recommendation, that is."

[westfallcorndog]

The best part of the Nexus is also the worst part of it: There's too much variety. Like, way too much. It makes buying a gift for a friend – some dried tea leaves, in this case – a real expedition. Today Harrowheart finds himself trawling cafés, landing at this one in particular. It's quaint, it's cozy, it's the kind of place he'd want to recommend to friends if he can remember how to get back here.

One of his severed, magically floating hands grabs a tin of tea off the shelves and begins to inspect it when he notices the new woman who takes a tentative seat nearby. The way she looks around, the uncertainty of her actions... She seems new. And what a nice distraction it would be to meet a stranger!

Harrowheart invites himself to sit nearby her, grinning as he does. Unlike most of the relatively-normal looking people here he looks... Dead. There's the hands, for one, but there's the everything else, too. Veiny blue skin, glowing blue eyes, and a vague aura of coldness that surrounds him.

"What're ya drinkin'?" he asks.

[bestdadinamestris]

It's hard for the intelligence officer not to notice such obvious unfamiliarity with the Nexus and all of its strangeness and newness that people often encounter their first time here. Even he was confused when he first arrived when he was sure he was unflappable. The way the young woman looks around with wonder and confusion makes him smile as he's reminded of his young daughter back on his world, and the way he's certain the little girl would react to ending up in a place like this.

Hughes closes up his files and turns in his seat to face the young woman, still smiling softly. "Feeling a little lost?" he asks in a gentle tone of voice in an attempt to not startle her. "This place can be overwhelming at times, but you're in no danger, I promise."