RP: YSS Kaiyō [YE 46] Aside: Tanjōbi

26日 9月 YE 46
Yamatai
Kaiko Park
Ryusei Ryokan

Despite the wet winter on planet Yamatai, white clumps still found themselves able to congregate on the bushy boughs of spruce and evergreen trees that created a dense mini-forest within Kaiko Park. The foot trail leading up to the ryokan was wet with slushy snow that made icy splattering noises as one walked along it on their way to a private party at the inn. Nestled along the hill so that it could have views of the closest lake and also of the woody Western area of Kaiko Park, Ryusei Ryokan was a singular addition to Kyoto that held a tranquil unity with nature most Yamataians—and especially Star Army soldiers—would infrequently find in their lives.

Manicured in the spring, the garden inside the walls of the ryokan was blanketed in snow. The starkly contrasting dark bases of the stones, pock-marked water, and trees popped out visually from the white, as did the stone path that had been cleared of the slurry. It led from the open wooden gate to the warm inside where the recessed entryway floor already held boots wet at the heels from its few inhabitants.

"I hope everyone finds this place okay," Hoshi murmured to the Kaiyō sensor operator, Asuka. "Would you go out and greet our guests at the gate or help them up the path if they're having trouble?"

The Kaiyō captain hesitated to say the word 'guests' as those invited were the Kaiyo's longtime and newer crew members. Everyone had either been with the Kaiyo since its inception (with the exception of Hoshi) or had joined a year ago almost to the month. It was her first time inviting those that had joined in the past year to the ryokan and had certainly gone all out to make the place feel warm and festive.

It was, after all, both the birthday of her esteemed first officer and closest friend, Ketsurui Aiko, as well as the time of year to celebrate Year-End Holidays. Not to mention, the namesake Kaiyo had finished being built just two days prior on the 24th eight years ago. All to say, Hoshi felt the necessity of celebrating this time of year to its fullest, inviting everyone over for a long stay at the ryokan from Aiko's birthday until Yule Tide Day.

The in-ground iron fire was blazing as it burned aromatic wood, crackling with nuts toasting on sticks over it while in the corner near an alcove was a mighty fir tree whose white twinkling lights and crimson reflective orbs set the room aglow with a magical light. Presents were wrapped up underneath the tree and spilled out over its skirt with a non-conservative abundance. Garlands of popcorn and red and white buntings framed the rest of the room while in the center were pillows and seat cushions meant for laying about and relaxing with food from the buffet, rather than sitting around a table.

Hoshi's boyfriend, Nicholas Saiga, had made most of the food and utilized Hoshi as a sous chef helper for the meal. Hefty ribbons of pink meat spiraled off of a core bone from the centerpiece while candied tubers, sparse but buttery vegetables, and fluffy potatoes lined it. The serving platters were self-heating within a radius, so the food stayed the ideal temperature but still emanated little steam trails above it. There were other dishes- a bacony Nepleslian dish Hoshi had argued would make Molli feel at home, but somehow doubted due to the rat stews the girl had made a point of mentioning as common. There was also some strange punch that the Lorrfolk seemed to fiercely guard the recipe of and from it emanated a ceaseless, sickly sweet, pink vapor. There was no desert present. It wasn't a very Yamataian meal, but most on the Kaiyo were, so the change was welcome.

Asuka had left Hoshi to making last minute arrangements, but the captain realized all was ready and took a moment to look out the large lake-facing window of the wall opposite the entryway, taking in the wintry view. Two years ago, she had invited former crew members during this time and it had been one of her favorite memories to date. Now, with a twinkle in her eye, she wondered how she couldn't create a new set of memories. No doubt they would be even more special. Those she had invited to stay over, she had grown to love and care about more than she believed she ever could. As a smile rose up her cheeks, it pushed out the shimmer in her eye and she raised a hand to brush away the happy tear.

By now, Molli was more than capable of making her own way through Kaiko Park -- though she wouldn't have turned down any requests to accompany some other Kaiyo crewmember that wanted to arrive to their festive captain's get-together. One year ago, when she was struggling to settle into her hastily-bought and uncomfortable life as a newly minted citizen of Yamatai, Molli had spent the Year-End Holidays buried under three layers of blankets in a tiny apartment, alone and miserable. The urge to stay inside had still been present, but the promise of warm company of her fellow soldiers had Molli feeling festive for once.

Which wasn't to say that the Nepleslian was any less disdainful of the cold; she was simply better prepared to tackle it. Sturdy black boots crunched carefully through patches of slushy snow and ice, while the rest of her was covered from neck-to-toe in a form-fitting black bodysuit she'd purchase for its thermal properties. It wasn't enough, of course, so Molli had also splurged on a puffed out navy blue jacket, the kind that skiers liked to wear. It was zipped up and stuffed with a complimentary scarf that covered the lower half of her face.

All of that, and Molli still felt chilly.

Despite the disagreeable weather, Molli was more or less eager to have a moment of respite. More than that, she wanted to start working on her new self a few weeks early. A gloved hand rose to her temples, where two pointed black lumps had begun to peek through her bangs. Horns, curved and bull-like, were a mutation she'd been born with, and a source of embarrassment for much of her life. After a year of fighting with the crew of the Kaiyo, however, the thought of feeling embarrassed at 'un-girl-like' horns felt silly, inconsequential even. So today, the crew were going to see the real Molli.

Of course, she'd still have to file them down before boarding a Mindy.

Eventually, the Ryokan, familiar and inviting, came into view, and Molli's pace quickened as she thought of the familiar faces -- and warmer temperature -- inside. She thought better of going quickly, however, when she remembered the purse-sized bag tucked under her arm. It was a present for Aiko, and Molli was most worried about how the imposing princess would think of it. It didn't help that the swordsman she'd purchased it from had called her an utter fool for thinking a sharpening stone was a worthwhile gift for a warrior princess, who likely had enough sharpening stones to fill hundreds of gardens.

Which is why, in her genius, Molli had carved her own name into the stone as a personal touch -- it was meant to be a surprise for a woman she looked up to greatly. Which wasn't to say the others didn't receive any of her attention; Molli had sent their gifts to Hoshi in advance to place under the Ryokan's tree. She hoped they appreciated them, because her savings account didn't.

Molli passed through the Ryokan's gate, and the Nepleslian's pace slowed as she took in the decorations that had no doubt been painstakingly placed by the Captain. She made sure to kick her boots off and stack them beside the rest before sliding the door open and stepping inside, where the pleasant scent of chestnuts and wood snaked into her nostrils -- complimentary, without overpowering the room. Molli stood in the doorframe and looked around for any signs of life.

"'Ello? Ah'm-" Molli lowered her voice to a low whisper when it echoed throughout the room, "Ah'm here..." Another scent hit her nostrils, drawing her to the platter of food, and one dish in particular. The bacon and beef sandwich platter called out like a clarion light, pulling the young woman back to her days as a child in Funky City. Though hunting rats had been the norm, there were rare occasions where she and her father saved up enough money to treat themselves to some preem dishes in the richer districts, one of them strongly resembling the plate that she stared at now. A small tear ran down Molli's cheek, and she was quick to wipe it away.

One day, papa. Ah'll get ya enough cash.