NEWCOMER MINGLE
The ferry makes a soft landing against the jetty as it has done every few days throughout summer. Aina the ferry captain, usually wearing the proud orange short sleeve of the Kollo project, has bundled up in a black wind proof jacket. The island administrator Olivia has made no such compromises, determined to cling to summer as long as possible. She greets the newcomers with a smile, handing out brochures and showing them the way to the cabins.
Around noon there'll be a small get together to welcome the new arrivals. Nothing too fancy, though the blueberry pie that's being served is almost certainly homemade and made with blueberries picked from this very island. Coffee, tea and apple cider is also available.
A FARMERS LIFE FOR ME
It's harvesting season on Norrhamn and for once, plenty of free workers to go around... right? Those who venture up to the farm will find themselves roped into the activities by hook or by crook - doesn't matter if you got farming experience, there's always something you can do. Roofs need to be patched, hay needs to be baled, vegetables picked and fruit preserved for the long, cold, harsh, dark winter that's just around the corner.
Your work won't be in vain though. If you stick with it and stay until the evening, Einar and his family will treat their volunteers to a feast to show their appreciation. There will be such autumn delicacies as värmlandskorv, kroppkaka with salted pork and lingonberry jam, and fried salted herring with pickled cucumber and red onions on crisp bread. Stay really late and we're breaking into the good snaps, my friend. ]
[ You'll have to forgive John, he can be a little rude even if he means well. He's a good listener, at least. And he doesn't doubt Ashura's story one bit. ]
Shit, we talking freakish lake folk or some kinda man-eating plant species?
[ Ashura has never tried to stand on to much formality, despite his
station in life, and living here for the past few weeks, he has learned to
let go of some of the stiffness of it all. ]
A denizen of the lake, I suspect. Something to do with the lilies, so do
watch out for those. Whatever the case, we are not the only residents on
this place, though I can't say to what degree.
[ He smiled gently. ]
The village is safe, though. And quite accommodating; very quaint.
I feel that's what everyone is coming here for - a reprieve, of sorts, for
however long we might have it. Though I suppose it would be a touch boring
if it was all days of sipping tea in the garden.
[ He more fully faced the other and tilted his head from his six foot
height. ]
I am Ashura, by the way. I am losing my manners already, so this place is
doing it's job.
[ For a moment Ashura blinks at the hand, as if not sure what to make
of the gesture. His culture did not shake hands, certainly not a royal. But
he supposed the other wanted him to do something with said hand, so he
reached out and touched his palm to John’s, his own hand calloused despite
how soft it looked on top. As for his name, he merely chuckles,
appreciating the other’s effort. ]
A pleasure, John. And just Ashura will do. Part of the charm of this place
is a lack of titles.
[ John shakes Ashura's hand, though he certainly notices the other's obvious confusion with it. He may not know a lot of people who don't shake hands, but he'll keep it in mind -- he's certainly not impolite on purpose. Just, y'know. Accidentally. Sometimes. (Lots of times.) ]
Well, alright then. Ashura it is. [ He smiles. ] Guess it's a bit like back home, with everybody wantin' to start over and being on the same level and all that.
[ John for his part definitely never had a title, and never would... ]
[ The new gesture is amusing for him, and he can at least tell that
John means well by the gesture. Besides, he was supposed to not stand on
ceremony here - that was the point of coming. It was not a bad thing to be
more casual. ]
Is that a common hope for your people back home? It does sound rather
pleasant. I found my life rather... solitary because of a lack of that.
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Shit, we talking freakish lake folk or some kinda man-eating plant species?
no subject
[ Ashura has never tried to stand on to much formality, despite his station in life, and living here for the past few weeks, he has learned to let go of some of the stiffness of it all. ]
A denizen of the lake, I suspect. Something to do with the lilies, so do watch out for those. Whatever the case, we are not the only residents on this place, though I can't say to what degree.
[ He smiled gently. ]
The village is safe, though. And quite accommodating; very quaint.
no subject
[ John shudders. Oh, you can tell this man can't swim. A grown man his age really ought to have learned by now... ]
That's good to hear. I'm kinda lookin' for peace and quiet... never been great at it, but I figure practice makes perfect.
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I feel that's what everyone is coming here for - a reprieve, of sorts, for however long we might have it. Though I suppose it would be a touch boring if it was all days of sipping tea in the garden.
[ He more fully faced the other and tilted his head from his six foot height. ]
I am Ashura, by the way. I am losing my manners already, so this place is doing it's job.
no subject
[ John nods. He's not much shorter than Ashura, but he sure is prettier than most of the guys John's met. ]
Shit, sorry I didn't introduce myself, neither.
[ He wipes his hand on his jeans and holds it out to shake. Very American. ]
My name's John Marston. Nice to meet you Mr. Ashura.
[ He'll butcher the pronunciation, but boy, does he try. ]
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[ For a moment Ashura blinks at the hand, as if not sure what to make of the gesture. His culture did not shake hands, certainly not a royal. But he supposed the other wanted him to do something with said hand, so he reached out and touched his palm to John’s, his own hand calloused despite how soft it looked on top. As for his name, he merely chuckles, appreciating the other’s effort. ]
A pleasure, John. And just Ashura will do. Part of the charm of this place is a lack of titles.
no subject
Well, alright then. Ashura it is. [ He smiles. ] Guess it's a bit like back home, with everybody wantin' to start over and being on the same level and all that.
[ John for his part definitely never had a title, and never would... ]
no subject
[ The new gesture is amusing for him, and he can at least tell that John means well by the gesture. Besides, he was supposed to not stand on ceremony here - that was the point of coming. It was not a bad thing to be more casual. ]
Is that a common hope for your people back home? It does sound rather pleasant. I found my life rather... solitary because of a lack of that.