trusthell | i'll wait, so show me why you're strong

[ Generally, people need time to cope and gather themselves after a... thing... like that. Unfortunately, that's not how Vanille sees it. Her thing is avoid, and once she gets out of that hellhole that's the courtroom, she makes her way to the supplies closet, then to the library. She spends some time setting up things, pushing things aside to make room. Once she's finished, and she's met up with the Party Brigade, she makes enough invitations for everyone. She slips them under everyone's doors, or hands them out if she sees someone walking around.

Inside the library, there are candles set up to provide some soft, comforting lighting. There are pots of tea, courtesy of Mercy, pancakes made by Viktor, and books (picked out by Estelle, of course) laid out on the surrounding tables. The others have provided their own touches, and Vanille's even managed to make something: sugar cookies, which are actually very good. They're flavored lightly with all sorts of flavors--not all in the same cookie, okay--and each plate is marked with whatever flavor she's put in them.

After a successful trial, it's healthy to indulge, right? Let's mingle. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'm glad, then.

[ Orihime's been the same way. Her food's left almost completely untouched because she feels so distraught it's making her feel ill. ]

Do you mind if I sit next to you for a little while?

[She shakes her head.]

I don't mind at all. Honestly, I would appreciate the company a lot.

Okay, then...! Don't mind me!

[ She's just going to sit right next to her. ]

How's the book you're reading?

It's a really good book. It's a book about a princess who loves her people and serves them.

[It reminds her of Adelina a lot.]

[ Oh... Orihime starts to realize why Estelle picked up that book specifically. She lets out a quiet, wistful sigh. ]

You're a princess, too, aren't you Estellise-san?

I am, but in name only.

[In other words, sometimes she doesn't really feel like one.]

Oh--should I have been calling you 'Estellise-hime', then?

[ Unless she doesn't like that? ]

Edited 2017-01-30 07:47 (UTC)

[She tilts her head.]

'Sama'? I'm afraid I don't know what that means.

Ah, it's mostly...a way to address someone of a higher status than you.

[ More Japanese 101! ]

Um, if that's weird to you, though, I can always just stick to Estellise-san!

Edited 2017-02-02 13:02 (UTC)

Estellise is just fine. If you wanted to shorten it further, you could call me Estelle as well.

Ah, okay, Estelle-san it is!

[ ... ] Um, is there a reason you don't want to be referred to as a princess?

[She's not really used to honorifics, but oh well.]

I just like to be referred like everyone else is referred to. Just because I have my position doesn't make my any more special.

You really think so?

[ Considering how status is such a huge thing in Japanese society, this isn't something Orihime's used to hearing. ]

That's really humble of you, Estelle-san... I think if you lived in Japan, most people would call you a princess no matter what.

Really? I mean, it's not a bad thing, but I like being referred the same as everyone else. It just feels... friendlier.

[Yet when she's called 'Lady Estellise' it feels forced and a reminder of the fact that she was the caged princess.]

Well, if that's what you prefer, then I'll stick to 'Estelle-san', then!

[ because what is power distance ]

I suppose that would be okay, then.

[It's better than that 'sama' or whatever it was.]

Do you have a preference as to what you want me to call you, or is Inoue still fine?

I guess most people call me Inoue, though some people call me Orihime as well? Ah, it doesn't really matter to me.

[ People from different worlds and cultures, all in one place; she's gotten used to all the names. ]

Which do you want to be called by?

[Maybe that will help her make that choice of what to call her.]

Your profile mentions that Orihime is your given name, right?

Mhm!

[ nod nod ] In Japan, we usually call each other by our last names. First names are more familiar and informal.

But since everyone here's from a different world, I'm okay with 'Orihime', too!

So, do you wish to be called 'Inoue' or 'Orihime'?

[She's not sure which one to choose.]

I--well, I, um...

[ Oh my god HOW DOES SHE ANSWER THIS ]

You pick!

[ this is just going in circles ]

W-well, what do your friends call you?

[SHE'S NOT MAKING THIS EASIER ON HER.]

...Well...most of them call me Inoue?

Then, should I continue to call you Inoue?

That works with me!

[ all this thinking only to get back to square one ]

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