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

[oceanschild]

[Paris flushes a little.] I'm, um. Just glad you're ok...

[He's lived by the ocean his entire life, so he did at least know what to do, even if he never had to do it often. Aeto comes up out of the water, pressing a slick wing to Justine's side and chirping in concern at her as Paris nibbles on the bread and cheese himself.]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine's attention is quickly captured by the worried spirit.] I'm alright Aeto. I miss-stepped. I'll do better next time. I might even be able to swim with you. [Aeto's slick soft wing presses against Justine's exposed stomach and side, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine. It's similar to the comfort of fur though Justine has never had a pet before. She finishes her bread and cheese and reaches out to Aeto, gathering the water creature in her arms.]

I hope you're having fun while I monopolize Paris's time.

[She looks up at Paris as her arms greedily gather Aeto against her slender frame. Justine is more than happy to comfort and shower the spirit with warm affection.]

I think I will do better when we start again.

[oceanschild]

[Aeto trills, pleased to know that Justine is ok and cuddling into her, bunting her slick head against Justine's chin. She's a little heavy in Justine's lap, probably, but she's very much enjoying the attention.

Paris can't help but smile as he watches them.] You should take a little bit of a break... it's dangerous when you're tired.

[ishisstrength]

[A warm happy laughter fell from her lips as Aeto wiggled her way into Justine's arms. Her laugh is as sweet as a bell, clear and light but rusty as if rarely used.] Okay, okay. [She stretches out her legs to either side of Aeto and hugs the water spirit close, nuzzling against her watery friend's head before releasing Aeto. She continues to pet the eager spirit but looks up to meet Paris's gaze.]

You're right. I know but I want to learn as quickly as possible.

Though- [Her head tilts to the side.] I don't think Aeto is going to let me up for a bit.

Is this how you learned to swim?

[oceanschild]

[Oh no that's so cute... Paris watches, with a little smile on his face.]

No, she probably won't... she's very stubborn.

[Aeto trills her agreement.]

I don't think so... I was very young when I learned, so I don't really remember.

[ishisstrength]

I bet you took to it like a fish.

[She smiles at Paris, her expression warm and open.]

Maybe we should try in deeper water. At least enough for me to keep my head above the water.

[oceanschild]

[Paris laughs a little.] Pretty much, I think.

[Oh, but her idea worries him a little.] Are you sure...?

[ishisstrength]

Yeah.

I won't drown. [She smiles confidently.] You'll be with me and we can ask Aeto to be there too.

[Justine has absolutely no right to be that confident.]

The waves aren't as chaotic far out.

[oceanschild]

[Paris is definitely not that confident.]

...You should wait a little longer anyway. I don't want you to get hurt.

[ishisstrength]

I guess, I'm just worried I'll end up in the water again.

[Justine gently bit her lower lip and glanced away.]

It's already happened once before. A siren's song pulled me towards the water. [It was all Connor's fault...]

[oceanschild]

[Paris winces.]

Mm... Connor told me... I know he felt really bad...

[But... yeah. He understands that.] We'll just wait a few more minutes... ok?

[ishisstrength]

[Justine feels herself smile.]

He didn't mean too. I don't think he realized that I couldn't swim then... I hadn't really expected it to happen either. [She hadn't told Connor but the entire ordeal had terrified her.] I don't want him to feel bad but it's a little frightening. Like losing control.

[She looks up at Paris while pulling Aeto in for a comforting hug.]

Okay. I'm ready when you are.

[oceanschild]

Mm. I understand.

[Aeto nudges at her gently before backing off and padding back into the water. Paris stands, holding out his hand to her.]

Tell me if it's too much, ok?

[ishisstrength]

I thought you might.

[Her smile widens.]

Maybe we can surprise him and the three of us can go swimming sometime. [It might be fun to tease Connor a little bit. After all, the android doesn't know that Justine is learning to swim.

Justine takes his hand and follows him out into the water.]

I will.

[She smiles briefly at Aeto and then walks forward. Losing the sense of the ground is a little startling but they move slowly and Justine gets the hang of floating by kicking her legs frantically beneath her and moving her free arm out over the water. It isn't the best way to do it but her head is above the water and that alone makes her laugh while also gripping Paris's fingers a little more tightly.]

Like this? [She asks, breathless and eager to do this right.]

[oceanschild]

That would be nice.

[Connor does actually know she's learning, because Paris told him, but... they could still surprise him, probably. And with the both of them there, they could definitely make sure that she was ok.

She's probably working a little bit too hard, honestly, so Paris tries to figure out how to critique her.] You, um, probably don't need to move your legs so much. Just like... [He points down at his, making small but deliberate kicks to keep him afloat.]

[ishisstrength]

[She doesn't realize that Connor and Paris have spoken about her swimming lessons and even if she had known, Justine would have still suggested that they all swim together one evening.]

I won't sink? [Justine asks, a worried note to her voice as her dark eyes look down at the turning water. She tries to match his pace and only dips momentarily before finding her equilibrium.]

Like this? It feels like I'm going to sink...

[oceanschild]

Mm, you'll be ok. You need to be more, um... consistent like this, I guess? But it'll work and you won't waste as much energy... I-I think a big thing in swimming is that panicking will make it harder, because you get tired faster...

[ishisstrength]

[Justine huffs softly.]

It's very easy to panic. [It likely doesn't help that Justine is predisposed to panic attacks. Having Paris there helps. She truly trusts him not to let her drown.]

Like this.

[She moves her legs a little more slowly and for the first time she begins to move in time with the waves.]

[oceanschild]

I know. But... I promise you'll be ok. We'll watch out for you. [Both him and Aeto.]

Mmhm! That's much better. [Once she gets into the rhythm of it it shouldn't be too hard for her to stay afloat.]

[ishisstrength]

I know.

[Her smile is confident though it doesn't fully reach the depths of her gaze. There were different levels of belief and even if it didn't show, she does believe him.]

Really? [A little jolt of excitement thrills through her.] Can we do more?

[oceanschild]

[Paris nods.] Um, let's try... try swimming towards Aeto?

[The spirit chirps, swimming over so that she's roughly only as deep as the two of them are, just a little further down the shoreline.]

So you'll want to be a little less vertical, and you'll use your arms and legs to move you... [He carefully lets go of her, just long enough to show her what he means, a simple breaststroke.]

[ishisstrength]

Okay.

[Her heart stops when he lets go of her hand but she manages to keep her head above the water.

The motions that he shows her look simple enough. Matching body movements are easily for Justine and after a few flaily like strokes, she finds the rhythm of the movements and slowly begins to move towards Aeto.

When she reaches Aeto she throws her arms around the spirt, dipping them both briefly below the surface of the water before kicking her way back to the surface.]

[oceanschild]

[Paris swims next to her the entire time, there to catch her if she went under. But she makes it, however slow and unsteady she might be, and when she and Aeto bob back above the water, the spirit trills happily in excitement.]

Yes! You did a good job! [But he'll reach out to her to support her again, pulling her somewhere she might be able to stand to give her a break.]

[ishisstrength]

[Justine takes his hand, allowing him to lead her back towards the section of the ocean where she can stand. Her feet carefully find the ground beneath her but she doesn't bother to let go of him.]

Thank you. I admit, I'm a little tired now.

[She hasn't been keeping track of the time but looking up at the sky now, she realizes that it's been hours. Justine is physically fit but the water has somehow drained away her strength.]

Maybe that's it for today but I'd like to meet up again soon. [She still doesn't feel confident being alone in the water and even if he doesn't swim with her, she'd like the safety that his presence inherently brings.]

[oceanschild]

[Paris nods- given how much energy that last bit took from her, he might not have let her keep going, in all honesty.] Mm. We should definitely stop now, then.

[He'll move back towards the shore, holding her hand still as they make it through the gentle crashing of the waves, just to make sure she doesn't get pulled under again.]

But... I'm still happy to teach you, so... just tell me when you'd like to come again.