prison blues & plot cues [OPEN]

[aquaveiled]

WHO: Himeka & you!
WHAT: Some info sharing from her time in Hayle
WHEN: July 10th, pre-Event #2
WHERE: Dungeons

[ ooc; I default to brackets but I am happy to write in prose! Whatever you feel comfortable with.

Prisoners and welcomed are all encouraged! I put together two different scenarios that may cater to either more easily, but feel free to hit up what makes the most sense. ]

i. cell number one

[ Normally looking at least a little optimistic, Himeka leans against the bars to the cell, forehead pressed between them as her eyes dart back and forth down the hall. She had been returned to her cell after her days in Solitary not more than an hour prior. It felt good to be out, as much as one can consider "out" equating to "behind bars". But for someone who blossoms in the presence of others, being shut off had been a difficult time indeed. The light in her eyes has dimmed and she looks as if sleep has been elusive.

As glad as she is to see one of her younger cellmates hale and whole as one can be given the circumstances, she is missing someone she considers a dear friend. Estinien had also been sentenced to solitary confinement, so it only made sense that he would be released as well. Right?

Whether they walk towards cell one with a purpose--perhaps they had heard of the few prisoners who made an escape between the snow-covered mountains of northern Thorne, only to be recaptured days later--or by pure chance, Himeka immediately perks up at the sight of another. She straightens in place, tail swishing back and forth behind her with a surprising amount of mobility. ]

Hello! Excuse me!

[ She sticks an arm out, waving to try and catch their attention. ]

You haven't seen a man nearly twice my height with light hair and a sour expression nearby, have you? Mayhaps in another cell?

ii. dungeon common areas

[ Time allowed outside of their cells for a little bit of recreation is fleeting. She finds herself anxiously looking forward to the appointed hour more than she has before--not just to stretch her legs, but to search.

Though she does not waste the opportunity to grab something to eat for their sole meal of the day, Himeka makes unusual rounds about the dining hall. Eating sparingly during her discussions, she moves from one table to another, taking a set uninvited with familiar and unfamiliar faces. ]

I hope you don't mind--there was an open seat.

xx. wildcard

[ ooc; If you still want some plot clues or just want to chat and don't find an option that works, feel free to hit me up on the discord server or at doggystyle and we can work something customized out. ]

Comments

[aquaveiled]

[ She would be happy to impart on him the strangely specific roundness of some of Eorzea's animals, but mayhaps another time. She watches with a hopeful expression when Jaskier disappears, the promise of a quick meal momentarily alleviating some of her worries. At least the hunger will ebb--they really do not feed them enough down below.

Of course her thoughts go back to Estinien... he must still be in solitary. That is what makes the most sense. Jaskier said he would check.

And clearly she has reason to believe in him. When he actually returns, she's gone back to leaning against the cell, eyes never straying from the corridor lest she catch any sign of her friend. But as soon as she sees him, she perks up immediately, tail swishing happily behind her. ​]

You're back!

[ Oh--oops. Himeka covers her mouth. A little too loud...

Still, she happily takes the parcel, quickly looking this way and that to make sure there are no guards within earshot or line of sight to notice. Then she sets it in her lap and unwraps it like a present--for that is exactly what it is--and her stomach grumbles loudly almost on cue. ]

No, no, this is perfect! Thank you, Jaskier. Lint and all. It just adds texture, you know.

[ She immediately shoves the whole piece of cheese into her mouth, but tucks the orange away into the top of her tunic. ]

I'll make sure that my friend has something to eat when he returns too.

[ When he returns. ]

[cointosser]

[The volume surprises even him, and he starts, almost hitting his head on the bars. Well. She certainly has no lack of enthusiasm.]

Of course! I did promise. [Or he as good as did. He watches her tail flailing back and forth with interest and, dare he say it, it's becoming captivating already. It certainly reflects her mood, doesn't it? Borch, he thinks, would have been much more comely with a tail.

Then again, that would have ruined the point of his little ruse, wouldn't it?

Somehow, the horrid way she eats cheese only further endears her to him in this moment. Texture. Gods, bless her. She must be starving.]

Yes, of course. Estinien. I didn't see him, but the guards around that cell are, ah... less than friendly. [For good reason, he imagines, after how close they were.] I'm sure he'll return. And if my black market for the dungeons keeps running so smoothly, I would hope to have more than an orange to offer him next time.

[aquaveiled]

[ He's not wrong--most people would be more comely with a tail. It's a pity not all are blessed with it. She does feel sorry for them.

She is rather used to getting to eat or snack whenever she wants. It's become something routine that before she embarks on an adventure or knows that she's about to encounter some great enemy that she hork down something--at least a salad or whole leg of chicken or something. Not to mention the portions they receive once a day in the mess hall.

Really, for as much as she's suffering, she worries for her friends more. Relena is yet young and Estinien is twice her size and needs twice the amount to keep going. Both the bread and orange she will save for them.

Still, an answer to his whereabouts in any form is good. ]

Then you're right--there wouldn't be a need for guards if no one was in there.

[ And the only noises she'd heard were really from Estinien and Epinone so...it has to be them. It has to.

Himeka does continue to find some humor in this despite herself. He seems to make it easy. ]

We would be in your debt. You must have a rousing customer base already! No one else that has come to watch and gawk has offered food.

[cointosser]

[She's certainly the first prisoner he's met that has made any attempt at humor, let alone actually struck the target. His lips twitch as he holds back a laugh; the last thing they probably need is any guards suspecting them of becoming cozy. (Even if they're too far past for that.)]

Be assured I have no plans on stopping it now. [It's the least he could do. And it wasn't even much effort.] I find that extremely rude of them. At the very least, you can count on me, Lady Dragon.

[He gives a bow, standing. It's past time, he thinks, to return to his room. Not that he doesn't love the present company, but --] I promise I'll return tomorrow, or some other date. [He brushes dust from his knees.] I've been moving under their eyes, and I hope to keep it that way. [So far, so good.] It was lovely to meet you, Himeka. I'm sure it shan't be long before I return.

[aquaveiled]

[ This does fill her with renewed hope--not just for Estinien, but perhaps for the fate of all the prisoners should there be more like-minded individuals residing above. Perhaps there are less bridges to gap and more that can be done in gaining the favor and freeing others? Surely she and Estinien would have some ways to go after their attempt, but...

But it's good news. And by the twelve she will take it. ]

Thank you, Jaskier. Though I hope the next is in better circumstances.

[ And if it isn't...well, she can at least look forward to some cheese.

Himeka watches him go before she stands, ready to squirrel away the bread and orange she's saving for her friends, but pauses. ]

Wait..."Lady Dragon"?

[ Huh.

Well that's an old hat. ]