002 💗 Finding her footing [Open]

[ishisstrength]

Who: Justine & You! Yes, you! The one reading this.
When: All June.
Where: Everywhere! Specifically: Knit Wit, Beach, her cottage & at the Coven (Library or Court Yard).
What: June Catch-All; Open Prompts & Quests.
Warnings: In headers! Justine has a way of making things NSFW but that's about it. She will try to keep it tame.


i. Knit Wit

[There are times when Justine feels as if there is very little she can do to contribute to her situation but then, as if from nowhere, she finds the perfect part time work. It's a store packed with thread, yarn and tools needed for needle work. A position at a book store might be more fitting to her interests but only by a narrow margin.

Justine has an eye for beauty and detail and is eager to help anyone starting out or looking for the whatever materials they need. Knowing how to sew is a practical and widely useful skill and Justine is excited to pass on what she knows. Possibly a little too excited. Her elegant demeanor is rarely this giddy about something.

Her lips stretch into a smile as a sweet expression graces her features.] How can I help you? [Her voice is delicately sweet and polite. Justine's life has thrived because of her people skills.

She's dressed in a light blue corset with a pale cream skirt to accompany it. Given the amount of walking around the store she does, her skirt is bunched using thin strips of leather to allow her to walk while also showing a generous length of leg as well as a pair of stockings and her ornate white boots.]

ii. Magic Practice [Hocus/Pocus]

[Justine is often found researching at the Coven's library or participating in the classes that the witches have offered for beginners. She finds it easier to be in a large ground, hiding in plain sight as she struggles with her new fantastical gifts. She has the mental fortitude but nearly all of her energy is spent fighting back the darkness of her own mind and so she struggles when faced with even the most basic magical skills.

She finds it easier to control air, light or water over any of the other elements and chooses to focus on them when not studying the history of the Coven, the plants of this world or the current advancements in alchemy.

Dressed in what she considers to be combat attire, Justine stands some little ways outside the group of those practicing. Her fingers flex as she conjurors a floating orb of water. It only takes a slight mental slip for the ball of water to burst, drenching her and anyone nearby in fresh water. Justine hasn't had a lot of luck when it comes to water…

Some evenings she seems to be eyeing the temporary bonds though she keeps a distance from them as uncertainty gnaws uncomfortably inside of her. She misses the feeling of being completely entangled with another person but a part of her can't help but be scared of what weaknesses it might open her up too. Justine isn't entirely on her own but she doesn't want to lose what measure of strength she's obtained in this new world.]

iii. Sunbathing NSFW-ish

[Justine takes just as much time working to also relax.

She can be found outside of her cottage or on the beach, sprawled in a baby blue bathing suit that she'd made out of the lightest fabric she'd been able to find at Knit Wit.

She can be found lying out on a soft blanket, either on her back or on her stomach with her top off and a book balanced in her palms as dark eyes follow the lines of text. Her skin is pale as porcelain and unblemished by sun or scars. Her legs stretch out on her blanket, lean and lovely and made for things that had nothing to do with locomotion. Raven hair curls over her shoulders though Justine can be found fussing with it as she re-pins the silky strands up off of her neck.

Justine has absolutely no sense of shame but if anyone looks uncomfortable she will put her top back on. It's the polite thing to do.]

iv. Flowers, Arrangement & Flirtations
[ooc: 06/01 – 06/07 is flirting classes, and 6/15-6/18 is dancing. Justine will be at both.]

[Justine doesn't need help flirting or being overly promiscuous but she can't help but be drawn in by the lessons held at the brothels. She's curious to see who will attend and who she might be able to convince to come with her. Her voice, sweet as honey and filled with promise of innocent fun despite the location of the classes. Everyone should learn how to flirt, it's harmless fun and it is just another excuse to dress up.

Brothels don't bother Justine. She's used to them and has more than a few acquaintances and partners who work either in brothels or within the porn industry back in Chicago. It's just another part of being affiliated with the White Court.

The nightly dance classes held later in the month quickly become her favorite part of the spring events. Justine is more adamant about finding people to take to the class with her but she also arrives by herself and submits herself to the chances of a random partner. It's a fantastic way of meeting someone new.]

Wild Card

[ooc: I am open to all quests! Justine will also be open to training and trading if you haven't seen her recent video post here. This log will span all month so if you want your own starter or to do anything from the intro or event logs, please let me know. My plurk is mizuyoko and Discord is PhantomStar#1289. Feel free to hit me up and we'll chat!]

Comments

Swimming Lessons {Closed to Paris} 06/03

[ishisstrength]

[Justine isn't able to find a swim suit in the stores that she likes. They have bathing suits but the Victorian sensibilities reflected in this city aren't to her liking.

Luckily, Justine finds the sewing store, a light sheer fabric that feels pleasantly soft against her skin and the other odds and ends she needs to construct her own swim suit. It's for that reason that it takes so long for Justine to reach out to Paris and let him know that she's ready for their lessons.

She meets him at the same dock as before. Not because it's a good place to swim but because it has somehow become their meeting place. She's dressed in her new baby blue swim suit as well as a wrapped sheer white fabric that looks like a slinky see-through dress twisting around her lovely frame. She has a small basket under one arm with a container of fresh water and some fruits and dried meats for her and Paris. She doesn't know how long their lesson will take but she's prepared to spend the day in the water.

Her feet, clad in brown strappy sandals, hand over the edge of the doc as she waits for Paris to meet her.]

[oceanschild]

[Paris had been told about swim suits, but... he's used to swimming in his clothes (or with nothing at all) and he doesn't really see a reason to change that now. So when he arrives, he's just wearing a loose set of what would probably be called capris in Justine's time, and an equally baggy white peasant blouse where he hasn't bothered to tie up the top bits.

He's not sure why what she's wearing now almost feels more revealing than the time he met her when she was naked, but he definitely blushes where he figures out how see-through the outer fabric is and how little is underneath it. Aeto toddles along behind him, chittering in greeting.]

Um... Hi, Justine. [He won't sit, since this really isn't a good place to swim.]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine is far from opposed to swimming naked but she'd assumed that Paris might have issues with that after their meeting in the baths. The last thing she wants is to drown due to embarrassment.

Her lips curve into a warm smile when both Paris and Aeto come into view. She greets the spirit first, running the tips of her fingers along the silky smooth head.] Hello. Thank you again for meeting me. [Her gaze flicked up to Paris.] And for teaching me to swim.

[Justine gives Aeto one last pat before rising to her feet, her basket tucked securely beneath one shoulder.] Ready to go? [She trusts that he's found a good spot to teach her to swim.]

[oceanschild]

[Aeto trills, pressing her hand into Justine's fingers.] Um. You're welcome. I-- hopefully I can be a good teacher. [He's never really tried before, so.]

Y-yeah. I found a spot that's more, um, beachy this way. Do you need help carrying anything...? [She looks ok but. He wants to make sure before he leads the way, off the dock and towards the end of the Harbor district.]

Nightmares {Closed to Harry Dresden} 06/05

[ishisstrength]

[Of all the futures branched before her, Justine never thought she'd be living with a wizard of the White Council nor had she thought that she'd live with Harry Dresden, Thomas's half-brother. It's lent itself to a confusing mixture of feelings, both safety and worry gnawing at her chest as she struggles to repay his help. It isn't entirely possible but Justine is trying; for herself, for Harry and for Thomas.

She wakes early and cleans the house, she prepares meals and handles whatever domestic chores might arise. Over all, it's been a pleasant living situation but it can't last. One night, the pleasant serenity of their home shatters when Justine awakes from a nightmare, screaming.

She can feel the phantom touch of claws around her throat, piercing bites sinking into her pretty pale flesh as the black sinewy monsters suck her dry and what makes it all worse is that she can't fight back. Her body is still, numb, helpless and enjoying the narcotic bliss of the Red Courts venom. Thomas had curbed her nightmares before, using his powers to lock away her memories but he holds no power in this world and the memories return in full force, plaguing her dreams.

Justine finds a thin layer of sweat dotting her skin as the sheet she'd been sleeping beneath clings to her exposed flesh. Her heart thunders in her chest as cruel voices claw at Justine's thoughts. She kicks against the bed, trying to curl into herself or flee through the wall but her panic only mounts. Her magic summons a little whirl wind in her room, knocking books off their shelves.]

[iminthebook]

Harry has been enjoying their living situation. He has felt like they are growing closer, like clsoe friends, even, even as he sometimes feels like he is stgill a stranger. He watches ehr do so much worjk, trying to chip in and do hsi share, and somehow she always fgets to things first. It makes him wonder how to repay her. It seems like he never will be able to.

But he tries, with kindness, and with studying magic with her, and with walking with her sometimes, with doing any heavy lifting she needs, and more.

And when screams wake him, Harry is out of hsi bed and running before a second had passed, a staff in his hands as he races to her door and flings it open, a spell on his lips... which dies as he sees the room and the whirlwind, and her condition.

"Justine? Justine, its okay!" He concentrates, and each time he says her name, warmth pulses toward her, warming the room filling it with his scent and his warmth, giving her what he can as he steps slowly closer, not wanting to startle her. "Justine, it's Harry. I'm here, and you're safe."

A+ Icon choice

[ishisstrength]

"No." She whispered, her voice frightened and desperate. Her nails dig into the sides of her head sending pinpricks of bright scarlet blood down her cheeks. "No. No." She crawled towards her headboard and the sheet pulls away to show her slender figure.

Justine felt like she was back in Bianca's laundry room, trapped and waiting to be completely devoured by the monsters of the Red Court. "Stupid. Stupid." She shook her head. 'Stupid little whore.'

Justine!

Harry's voice cut through the memory and she finally opened her eyes. "H-Harry?" The wind storm slowly died down but Justine doesn't move from her position against the head board. She can't. No matter what she see's. It doesn't feel safe. "Harry." Tears dot the corner of her eyes as she smears the bright trail of blood against her cheek. "Harry. They're going to eat me. They're going too-" Her voice cracked and her tears fell freely down her cheeks.

tyty

[iminthebook]

Harry strode to her side and reached out, offering her his hand, like that day so long ago, like the day they had started working on magic here, like the day they had fought together...

"You're not there, Justine. You're safe. You are not in the... the vampire den."

His voice was low, gentle, and calm, even as his emotions roiled as he, too, remembered that day, the day he had tried to do the right thing, and almost fucked everything upo so badly. He remembered the eyes and the touches and... he shuddered and focused on Justine and still held out his hand.

"I wont let them hurt you."

Flowers and the City {Closed to Augustine} 06/08

[ishisstrength]

[Justine doesn't need the brothels help when it comes to flirting or taking her social skills to the streets but she attends the classes anyway.

She's curious about the devious nature of the city and wants to explore it. There is much that can be said about a city by the aspects that most try to keep discreetly hidden. Of course, Justine has no such sensibilities. She's familiar with the life style and affiliation of the White Court which has its hand in a wide range of sexual enterprises.

That brings her to her place on the street. There are many beautiful men and women out tonight, both the masters and the students of the class. Justine is dressed appropriately, showing enough cream pale skin to entice those walking by. The point of the class is to busk for money or entice those of interest. Justine isn't overly interested in any of that. She's here to have fun, with no firm plans of where the night might lead.

That is when she spots Augustine. They'd spoken briefly when she'd first arrived and while Justine knows very little about him, he'd been intriguing. Now is her chance to learn more.

Her heels echo on the paved stone as she walks up to the tall man. The tips of her fingers trail from his elbow to his wrist, lingering there while giving him ample time to pull away.]

We meet again. [Her voice is sweet like honey and her features lovely. She looks less like the frightened doe he had met upon her arrival and more like the confident young woman who thrived beneath her nervous fears. Justine smiles, her dark eyes glinting in the afternoon light.] Do you remember me?

Re: Flowers and the City {Closed to Augustine} 06/08

[immortalrose]

[The rhymatic clanking of high heels against the pavement heralds Justine's arrival long before Augustine sees her. For once Augustine isn't wearing his trademark red cloak but rather a black jacquard suit that looks a little too good on him not to be tailor made. He originally had no interest in wandering the streets today, especially since his mood been as changeable as the seasons. However, Augustine forced himself to get some fresh air for the sake of getting his mind off things. Still, he feels rather awkward wandering around town. No one seems to mind having a vampire strolling around freely. That's a good thing but also a little befuddling.]

...Justine? [Augustine can't help but stare at the woman with a look of sheer disbelief.] Wow---I-I well, hello.

[The inelegant stammering happens just when Justine's delicate fingers caress down his arms and over his wrist. The entire action catches him off guard but it's not unpleasant. He's not used to receiving this short of attention regardless of generous looks. Augustine is too much of an introvert, a shut-in to notice such things but Justine's flirting makes him stammer like a school boy.]

That we do. [He finally answers one his mind finally catches up.] It's a pleasure, as always.

[A gentle smile touches his lips once she asks that question. Augustine takes her hand within his and kisses it in a gentlemanly fashion. Two can play this game, woman.]

Of course I do, Justine. How can I forget? You seem happier than before.

Flowers and the City {Closed to Augustine} 06/08

[ishisstrength]

[Her dark hazel eyes glitter in the dimming light, briefly revealing the deep forest green that occasionally circles her iris. Of all the reactions, that isn't what Justine had expected. Augustine had been more assured when they'd first met and she'd assumed that it'd take more than a light touch to penetrate his armor. Apparently, she'd been wrong.]

Hello. [Lips and eyes work in perfect harmony to display the warmth of her greeting.

The stammering notes of his voice are sweet and enchanting in its earnest sound and Justine finds herself smiling a little wider.] I've adjusted. As much as I can in this strange city. I couldn't wander around lost and confused forever, could I?

[His lips brush against her skin summoning a light pink warmth to Justine's cheeks.]

Would you be opposed to company tonight? [Justine's lips lightly bite her lower lip as she waits nervously for his answer. It's true that she'd had more devious plans tonight but she'd prefer Augustine's company and there is nothing saying that she can spend her devious evening in Augustine's company. Maybe he'd enjoy the distraction as much as she yearned for it.]

I

[showsnopiety]

Two things.

[Caren turned towards Justine, peering up at her. Not someone from her world, not someone, she thought, that would offer complications. Which was a good thing, considering what she desired here.]

I'm in need of clothing, but I don't have any funds to speak of-not unless the Coven has a clothing allowance for newcomers that I am unaware of. Second, that I do have experience with linen and clothing repair. I understand from job postings that this shop has an opening.

[She does have a need for clothes. She does have a functional blouse, tights, and shoes-as well as a hat that she's taken off when she walked inside-but that was it. It was obvious these were her only, if only due to their rumpled state and obvious attempts to keep it clean.]

I

[ishisstrength]

Yes. I think I have a few options for you.

[Only because these are all questions that Justine had upon her arrival.] The Coven does offer robes to those who require clothes and they are comfortable but not very flattering.

If you want to work here you can get a discount on some supplies. There are openings both part time and full time. [She tries to remember all of the questions to make sure she covers everything.] There are shops where you can purchase cheaper clothing but they still require some money.

If you wish to work here full time, you might be able to come to an arrangement in order to purchase clothes more quickly.

[showsnopiety]

[Caren couldn't help it; her nose wrinkled briefly.]

The robes might work temporarily, but I doubt there would be many in my size, much less with flattering coloring.

[It's true. Not many people have white hair and gold eyes, much less be...as petite as Caren is.]

I'm willing to work as much time as needed. Full time, part, fill in- I'll take it.

[It's not just money. She saw Connor, and she knew she was a monster. She might not have functional sewing hands later.]

[ishisstrength]

They have many sizes but you're right about the cut and color. [Justine shakes her head.] They are unpleasant.

[Style is one of those things that Justine is rather passionate about. It isn't just because of her exposure to Thomas and the White Court. She likes having a mask of beauty to hide behind.]

I'll get the paper work you need to fill out and ask to put you on the schedule. [She pauses thoughtfully.] For now, let's try and find you one suitable outfit. Then you can save up and purchase more. [This is all very serious stuff.]

II

[fieryimpulse]

[Magic should come easily to Chandra. She was literally born with the gift, granted a soul of flame and given a birthmark upon her soul by fate to allow her to walk between worlds. This place has taken that from her, and she's frustrated, but she is nothing if not studious. She's spent her first week in this strange world relearning how to do certain things, her focus almost exclusively on one thing: Fire. Evocation. Things that go boom.

But she's beginning to branch out a bit, to take a mental break. Working with something she'd begun to learn before leaving Dominaria. She no longer felt Multani's mark on her, but the ancient spirit's words resonated deep inside, nestled close alongside the knot of memory that was of Nissa. Her fingers worked quickly, deftly moving through some of the motions in an attempt to make plants grow. It worked. A patch of new growth sprouted in front of her, and giddy with excitement, the coppery haired woman began working out another spell, ready to grow her first flower when...

Splash!]

What the hell?!

[Spluttering, the spell fizzling out, Chandra looked around for the source of the water. Justine...]

Geez! You messed me up!

II

[ishisstrength]

[Her eyes drop to her hands as the beads of water paint dark streaks down her palm. She's soaked from head to toe but the splash hadn't just hit her and she comes to realize that when the woman next to her begins to speak. Her voice is tense and annoyed. Justine doesn't blame her but accidents happen and she isn't used to using magic.

She still can't believe that she has magic.]

I'm sorry. I hadn't intended to.

[Justine doesn't ask if the other woman is alright. It's just a little bit of water and it doesn't look like she's melting.]

What were you trying to do? [She doesn't notice the little patch of green.]

[fieryimpulse]

[Chandra's answer is to point down at the patch of green...and to redo the spell, quickly, using her emotional frustration to make the magic happen. It works, this time, and a brilliantly angry orange flower sprouts up from the grass.]

That. Making...something...grow? I don't know, this is...weird, and really outside my wheelhouse.

...And it was supposed to be pink.

[ishisstrength]

[Justine stares curiously at the patch of grass and then at the flower at it's center. She had accidently made roses grow once but she hadn't tried any earth or plant magic since.]

Oh. How did you do that?

[She took a small step forward before kneeling down to take a closer look at the orange flower. Thin pale fingers lightly brushed against the silky petals before Justine stood and took a small step back. She doesn't want to intrude and she knows that this woman is still upset at her but she can't help but feel curious about the process it took to make the flower grow.]

I am sorry for breaking your concentration before. [Justine adds gently.] I can practice further away so I won't disturb you.]

wildcard!

[vytal]

[ yang desperately needs her outfit to get fixed, not only because it's bothering her aesthetically, but because she needs to make sure she's as combat-ready as possible. she's still looking for new outfits to wear, but none of them are quite her style. guess that's what happens when you land in an entirely new world that's not anything remotely close to remnant. it's why she's trying to keep the clothes she brought with her upon arrival as spick and span as possible.

she arrives at justine's place at her scheduled time and knocks on the door. when justine answers, yang greets her with a wide smile. ]

Hey!

wildcard!

[ishisstrength]

[Justine enters the door wearing odd clothes compared to the Victorian stands of this world. Her shirt is a loose light pink cotton that she'd sew to fall elegantly off her shoulders. A lock is framed by the hem of the thin fabric and the center of her clavicle. A light blue and white corset holds the material in place, hugging tight to her breasts and abdomen. There is only a soft hint of pink beneath the corset, an inch of porcelain skin and then a pair of pink cotton booty shorts. The fabric looks as if it's been doubled over a few times making it appear darker and more sturdy than her shirt. Below that is a pair of stocks that covers the tips of her toes.

Her hair is loose, falling around her shoulders in messy black waves with a strand of dark blue and purple decorating one side.

She looks very comfortable and as suspected of someone offering to fix clothing, over half of what she's wearing was handmade.]

Hello. [Justine smiles.] Come in.

[She gestures towards the main living room where there are several plush couches for Yang to relax on.]

[vytal]

[ her clothes don't strike yang as particularly odd. she's seen stranger on remnant. besides, justine looks fashionable enough, and yang can appreciate that. she walks through the door and takes a seat on one of the couches. ]

Thanks for doing this for me. My poor jacket's been waiting for repairs for a while, now.

[ or...however long it's been since they left for atlas. ]

So... What's the plan? We cutting right to the chase?

iv

[scaling]

[ Dancing classes are definitely a new experience for Akira. It's a skill he hasn't ever touched on before, never really needed to, but the brightly-colored flyer advertising them seems inviting enough, as does the idea of meeting new people.

Turns out that showing up and allowing himself to be randomly paired off doesn't result in a new acquaintance, but rather, an old one that he hasn't seen in over a month. He almost doesn't recognize her at first with the vast difference in demeanor—she looks much better than she did when they were pulled through the mirrors. ]

—Justine?

iv

[ishisstrength]

A-

[Her lips part in surprise as she recognizes the young man who had found her clinging desperately to her mirror.

Uncertainty and panic twist uncomfortably in her stomach but Justine forces the feeling away. This is a new meeting and while she hasn't changed but this isn't like before. This is who she is and she wants him to see it. It's far better than the parts of her he has seen.]

It's nice to see you again Akira.

[She smiles.]

It looks like we're partners. How have you been?

[scaling]

You too.

[ The surprise melts away into a hint of a smile. A partner who wouldn't look at his partially-transformed ears with distaste would've been enough for Akira, but this is much better. ]

I've been getting by. You? You look like you're fitting right in. [ Justine appears like she might even be adapting even better than he is, which is funny considering the reverse was true of their reactions to the arrival last month.

Some of the other pairs are already beginning to practice, so he moves in, offering a hand. ] Have you done this before?