𝐂𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐒

Catching her wasn’t remotely difficult, and he only budged a little to make room for slowing her fall as he propped her on her feet. His muscles weren’t just for show, after all! She curtsied, which was surprising, but still cute. She definitely wasn’t in the kind of clothes made for climbing trees. 

A few passerbys seemed to have stopped, and while he enjoyed the attention it was time to get up into that tree. “Alright Stella. I’m Galo, and don’t worry about me. I’m a professional.” A brief toothy grin was flashed to her as he grabbed onto one of the branches, hoisting himself up easily.

The tree was pretty slippery, but he was used to working in these kind of conditions. Usually covered in gel to not get burnt, he knew how to correct for the movement. Grabbing each branch as it came, he got further and further into the tree. The cat hissed at him, and he slowed down.

“It’s alright kitty, not gonna hurt you,”

Not that the cat was sure of that, and he definitely knew he’d get scratched. That was fine, consequences of the job after all. Pulling off his sleeve, he slipped it over the cat. His burn hissed at the cold as it met the air, and even he sucked in air through his teeth. Using the outside of the medical sleeve, he wrapped it around the cat, tying on the other straps of the harness and hanging it around himself.

Supporting the cat with one hand, he felt its hing legs dig into his stomach. Wincing slightly, he let himself down with his bad arm, clenching his teeth as the new skin stretched uncomfortably. Settling down back to the ground, he turned to the people watching.

“The name’s Galo Thymos, the Universe’s Numbler One Firefighting Idiot! Thanks for coming out today!” A few claps, mostly confused stares, he turned back to Stella.

“Here you go, one cat safe and sound.”

    As the crowd gathered, Stella stood at the base of the tree, gazing up nervously as Galo made his ascent. He was quick on his feet, that was certain, and he did seem like he had done this before. She could hear the cat hissing up a storm, leaves rustling as it clung desperately to it's branch. She couldn't see much through the foliage, but she could hear the young man attempting to comfort the cat.

The small crowd that had formed watched enraptured as he descended triumphantly, rescued cat in tow. There was a small smattering of applause and then they dispersed, action over for the day as they returned to their daily routines. A firefighter, huh? Stella could see a burn mark scarring his arm, likely having been covered by the sleeve before. It looks painful, but she decides that it's best not to comment on it. She didn't want to be rude, after all.

Oh, but he'd been scratched, hadn't he? Rummaging through her small bag, she procures a handkerchief, one of the few things brought with her to this new world. Without waiting, she begins to lightly dab at his wound, hoping to staunch the small flow of blood from the scratch.

     ❝ Thank you so much, Galo! I'm sorry that he scratched you,         the poor thing must have been scared. ❞ 

She had to thank him somehow, he took the time out of his day to save a total stranger and a stray cat. Not many people would do that, after all. Taking the tabby from his outstretched arms, it's claws dig into the fabric of her dress. Thankfully the material is thick, so it didn't hurt much, but she stills gives a small wince.

     ❝ I'd like to treat you to tea as a thank you, if that's alright.        Oh, but then the cat wouldn't be able to stay... Hmm, are you        alright coming to my house? It isn't far from here at all. ❞

Mermaid Cove Mall was a spectacle to behold, with it's endless array of shops and constant waves of people, it was almost like a little city in itself. The biggest draw was shopping, of course, but that didn't stop the skate rink's popularity, tucked into the center of the building. It was unusually busy that day, crowds pouring in around the clock, ebbing and flowing like the tides. As the hour turned, she made her way inside to meet her waiting friend, maneuvering her way through the throng. 

    ❝ I'm sorry I'm late! Is it usually this busy in here? ❞ 

 Seating herself next to the young man, Stella began to lace up her roller skates, tying each shoe firm. She's never been roller skating before, but it couldn't be that different from ice skating, right? Though she'd never been ice skating either, not since she was very small, family still whole and unbroken. She's a bit nervous, but that doesn't mean she won't try! 

Stepping up, she immediately starts to tip to the side, arms flailing as her feet struggle to find purchase on the ground. She's wobbling like a newborn fawn, legs going in completely opposite directions as she attempts to right herself. Clinging to the railing, she calls out to the young man, eyes wide and nervous. 

     ❝ Um, wait, Narancia, maybe this isn't the best idea-- ack! ❞ 

 As soon as she lets go of the railing she tips over, hitting the floor of the rink with a thud. Ouch.

The dazzling lights and attractions of the Golden Ward were delightful yet dizzying, to say the least, especially for someone who was used to staying cooped up in an isolated mansion all day. Mermaid Cove Mall was a labryinth to Stella, who only knew small towns and smaller shops. There was so much to choose from, it was simply overwhelming. 

Browsing through the racks of the large department store, she lifted a cardigan up to herself before setting it back down. In truth, she had no idea what she was looking for, but she couldn't wear her maid uniform forever. Biting her bottom lip, she sorted through the racks, pulling out a dress before putting it back. It was no use, she had no idea about modern fashion trends. She was from the Victorian era, after all. 

A sigh leaves carmine lips as she steps back, away from the rack and near the mirror. Gazing into the mirror, she observed her delicate features. A porcelain hand came to rest against her cheek as she gazed, her identical image staring back at her. She really needed to find something, at least a coat for winter, as there was nothing in her closet back at her living quarters save her a single dress, extremely dated in current standards. 

Out of the corner of her eye she spots a young woman, chestnut locks cascading down her back like ribbons. It couldn't hurt to ask, right...? She at least looked as if she had been around for a while. Boots clicked on the white tiles as she stepped forward, voice soft as she called out.

The Cotes Ward was a beauty, that much was apparent at first glance. With the endless cherry blossom trees, serene lake and winding paths through the city. While Stella herself resided in the Archimedes Ward, she couldn't help but want to wander the city to find out everything she could. No longer was she trapped inside a mansion forgotten by time, surrounded by a bird cage of roses. Here, she could finally be free to interact with the world. 

Humming a light tune, she wandered the cityscape she soon came to find out was called Little Tokyo, content to simply browse storefronts, observing passersby through the glass. She's coming out of a cafe when something small and furry bumps into her, nearly knocking her off her feet. 

    ❝ Wha-?! ❞ 

Righting herself, she stands with her hands on her hips as she watches a small fox run past her, weaving through the crowds with practiced ease. A small huff leaves her lips, mostly in surprise, before she realizes with a start that her bag is missing. Wait, did that fox...?! 

She dashes forward, maneuvering her way through the throng of people to chase after the furry thief. She didn't have much to her name, just her cellphone given to her by the city and a small handkerchief, but still! She couldn't sit by while her property was stolen, small animal or not! She is hot on the chase when someone enters a vision, young woman with obsidian locks and a pair of feline ears adorning her head. Wait, ears? Ah, she's going to crash...! 

She comes to a sudden halt, staggering a few steps before coming to stand beside the young woman. Collision thankfully averted, Stella gives a quick apology to the beautiful stranger, words leaving carmine lips in a flood. 

“Eh?” Looking up, shielding his face from the sun, teal eyes dart around for where the voice had come from. Blinking a few times, he finally spots her. A face peaking out through the branches. Was she stuck up there? He’s seen a lot of animals up in trees, but usually only little kids get caught up there.

Oh, but she’s asking for help. For a cat - that made a bit more sense!

“It’s dangerous for you to be up there too, you know!” Walking over to the base of the trunk, he assessed the tree. It wasn’t very old, but since it was getting colder everything would be a bit weaker as it started going dormant. She was on a decent branch for him to get up into, but it wouldn’t hold both of them. On their own, each of them were light enough, but if he climbed up with her, he’d send them both tumbling down.

“First let’s you down from the tree. Can you get down on your own?”

“If you can’t that’s okay, I can catch you.” Holding out his arms, he positioned himself where her legs were danging. It’d be easy enough to step backwards, but hopefully she would let herself down forward.

“Go ahead, whenever you’re ready. Then, yeah, I can climb up there myself.”

Jump down, from this height? She surveys the scene below, measuring the distance to the ground from her perch on the branch. She really should have thought this through first, before blindly climbing up the tree without a plan to get down. Well, there was no helping it now, and if he was willing to catch her, then that was probably for the best.

      ❝ Alright, I'm coming down now, um, please watch out! ❞ 

Inching closer to the edge, she dropped herself forwards, into the waiting arms of the stranger. Oof, a bit of a rough landing, but she's no worse for wear. Stepping backwards, she plucks a stray leaf out of her hair before gazing up at her rescuer. He didn't look like anyone from her own era, or her own world for that matter, but she expected that, coming to realize that this place was full of people from different times in history. Ah, but she should thank him, shouldn't she? Remembering her manners, Stella gives a small curtsy.

      ❝ Thank you very much sir, I probably wouldn't have been able          to get down by myself. Oh, my name is Stella, it's nice to meet you!          But, will you be alright up there? The cat is pretty high up now and          it's a bit slippery...  ❞ 

The Golden Ward was a constant rush of sounds and sights, almost overwhelming the senses. A cool sea breeze swept through the ward, cutting straight through Stella's delicate frame. Shivering, she brought her arms to wrap around herself. Was it the best idea to visit the Municipal Beach so close to winter? Probably not, but she can't help it. She's never seen the sea before, after all. 

And what a sight it was, even on the overcast day it was. The ocean sparkled like jewels in the dim sunlight, waves rolling and crashing onto the shore. Carefully, the young woman bent down, tugging off her boots and socks before tiptoeing her way to the water. There weren't many people around, so a quick dip never hurt... Slowly she stepped forward into the waves, cold immediately sending a shiver down her spine. A shriek rang out, vaguely she realized it was her making the noise as a wave washed over her, nearly knocking her backwards. 

Quickly she stepped back onto the sand, shivering from head to toe. Not her brightest moment. A soft melody brings her out of her thoughts, voice drifting in the wind as it reaches her ears. Glancing around, she spots a young woman standing a few yards away, singing a soft tune, and her breath momentarily leaves her. She'd never heard a voice so beautiful in her life. 

 So engrossed is she in the song is she, that she does not notice the waves creeping closer before it is too late. Peace broken, a wave crashes over her, soaking her dress in the cold spray of ocean water and Stella shrieks once more, falling backwards into the surf. 

    ❝ Kya! Not again! ❞

       ❝ Come here, little kitty, I won't hurt you. ❞ 

A gentle hand is outstretched, honeyed tone filled with kindness as she crouches down in front of a stray cat, half hidden behind a trash can. It's clearly underfed, ribs sticking out from beneath it's tabby fur, as it hisses, drawing further back behind the container. Many pedestrians pass her by, some casting quizzical glances her way, but she pays them no heed. Reaching into her small knapsack, the young woman procures a slice of bread covered by a thin slab of meat. She had been saving it for lunch, but, well... 

 She's set the small offering down, and the cat reluctantly comes from it's hiding place, inching forward before a loud ring of a bell from a bicycle frightens it, yowling as it bounded up a nearby tree. Clearly, it's scared out of it's mind, shivering as it's claws dig into the branch. It doesn't seem like it can get down anytime soon. Stella frowns, gazing up at the feline as she rests a hand onto the rough bark. It can't stay there, or else it will fall into the middle of a busy sidewalk and get injured. 

There's only one thing to do. 

Tatarian aster hues glance upwards once more, as frightened mewls reach her ears. With little hesitation, she begins hoisting herself up, grabbing hold of a low hanging branch as shoes struggle to find purchase on the rough bark of the tree. Leaves obfuscate her vision and she sputters a bit, but the cries of the frightened feline harden her resolve. 

Just as Stella has nearly reached the branch where the tabby clings for dear life, she hears a vague hissing noise. Casting her gaze upwards, her eyes widen as she sees in waver in it's perch for a moment before making a great leap, bounding further up the tree. Perfect, just what she needed. A deep sigh leaves roseate lips, eyes briefly fluttering shut as she leans her head against the trunk. 

This isn't how she planned for her morning to go, that's for certain. 

Poking her head through the foliage, she gazes out at the sea of people rushing past to get to their destination, most too concentrated on their task to spare a glance her way. She spots him then, bright cerulean locks standing out from the crowd. He has a kind face, and on the spot she decides to ask him for help, calling down from her perch on the tree. ( Briefly, she wonders why he isn't wearing a shirt in the middle of the day, but decides to push it to the back of her mind. There are more important matters at hand. ) 

       ❝ Um, excuse me! Do you mind helping me get this cat down           from the tree? It can't get down on it's own. ❞

now that stella is settled in, it’s time for a small starter call!  please give this post a ❤ if you’d like a starter!  please reply with a * if you’d like it to be pre-established. capping at three! uncapping this!

Oh god, she has a broom.

Run, while you can.

@jootato​​ asked : “Hm? Oh, I’m listening.” :3c

♡ ─── alice in wonderland prompts / accepting

           ❝ Jeez, Jotaro, don't tease me, just pay closer attention this time. ❞ 

Dulcet tones give way to a slight whine at the young man's apparent lack of attention towards her explanation. Brandishing the pen clutched between delicate fingertips, Stella raised her hand upwards, pointing towards the ceiling and out towards the stars. 

            ❝ I know we can't communicate outside of this city, but my letters are for                a different destination. I burn the letters after I'm done writing them so                the flames can carry them up to my dear sister and relatives in heaven,                see? ❞ 

Gathering the sealed envelope into her hands she rose, steps skipping a bit as she made her way to the fireplace, gently tossing the letter into the flames. Immediately it began to burn and blacken, curling up into itself before breaking into pieces. Smoke rose as the fire crackled, and Stella wiped her hands together in triumph. Turning to face the other, she smiled, head tilting to the side a bit as she continued.

           ❝ There, don't you see the smoke rising? It's sending my wishes to them! ❞ 

Seeing the young man's expression, her smile turned into a slight pout. 

a young woman with no family or funds to her name, her carriage mysteriously crashed before it could reach its destination. 

thankfully, she was saved by a stranger and brought to a manor completely surrounded by poisonous roses... with no discernible way out.

with nowhere else to go, she decided to work in the manor as a live-in maid with four other inhabitants-- but as it turns out, they are actually vampires!

stella decides to become the “ food “ of the vampires to help ease their suffering and so that they won’t have to hurt others for sustenance.

a bit naive and flighty, but she means well, promise!

probably won’t use proper terms of respect for you if you’re a lord or above her station.

called “ little rabbit “ by friedrich, one of the lords of the manor.