middaeg | VALENTINES CHARITY

VALENTINES CHARITY - Feoveuer 14th

♥ THE FESTIVAL OF LOVE ♥

"At the Festival of Love: Shine like thunder
At the Festival of Love: Cry like rain
At the Festival of Love: Hear my calling
At the Festival of Love: Hear my name"

...wait, who prepared this poster? The vibe it gives off is totally wrong... ah, well, it will do! ♥

I. Welcome! ♥

On Feoveuer 14th regulars of DiplomaTea will immediately notice that the place looks different. Fresh flowers, garlands and paper decorations are everywhere, all in lovely shades of pink and red. Heart-shaped confetti is falling from the ceiling, magicked to disappear shortly after touching the floor so it would not make a mess. Quiet music is filling the whole cafe, one of the many masterpieces of Amadeus Mozart and a particual favorite of Marie who picked this particular song to play. Even those who have missed Marie's flyers and announcements about the upcoming event would definitely notice that something joyous is going on inside, why not check it out and join everyone?

If you haven't heard before, the posters will explain everything. Today's event, The Festival of Love celebrates the holiday known as Valentine's Day some Mirrorbound might be familiar with. This is the day to celebrate love in all shapes and forms. Spend a wonderful, romantic evening with your partner... or your friends and family, because these kinds of love are important too! Or get some sweets and eat them all by yourself, because self love is also important! All money collected during today's event will go to aid the refugees and help those who have been affected during last month - celebration of love for your fellow woman, man and everyone else.

a. Preparations ♥

Of course an event this big cannot happen without the help of many. Making and putting up the decorations, enchanting the confetti and music, building the booths, preparing the tables, all of this and much more took almost the whole previous day. Everett will also defintely need part-timers to help tending to the increased number of custoers during the event. If you visited DiplomaTea during that time, you probably couldn't enjoy your drink in peace... or maybe you were roped into helping? Marie gives you a pleading look. Every pair of hands is useful, you know!

II. The Festival of Love ♥

Kissing Booths ♥

Two hastily made but lovingly decorated wooden booths have been placed on DiplomaTea porch. For supporting the cause with a small fee of 100 cunes the person inside will gladly give you a lovely kiss... though you are, of course, welcome to throw an even bigger amount into the donation box! The Mirrorbound staff the booths in shifts so nobody will be forced to sit out the whole event and more volunteers are always welcome... come on, don't you want to support the charitable cause? Marie is quite persuasive, she might find a way to convince you even if it's not something you would have usually agreed to ♥ Or maybe your crush is currently in the booth and this is your big chance? Either way, thank you for your support, good people!

Bake Sale ♥

Are you skilled with the cooking appliances? Would you like these skills to serve a good cause? The tables just next to the main entrance of DiplomaTea have been filled with cakes, pastries and other kinds of sweets donated by Mirrorbound - help yourself to some! You have to pay for it, of course, but all the money collected helps the charitable cause! For those who are not fond of sweet things, savory and spicy snacks are also found on the table.

Did you bring a dish? Would you like to buy something? Or maybe you are just staffing the tables and helping with the bake sale itself? All kinds of help are appreciated! Are you culinarily challenged but refuse to admit it? Thank you for your donation anyway, it is going on sale! Did anyone see the Fae who donated these cupcakes? These appear to be enchanted and eating one will cause you to say the opposite what you mean for fifteen minutes. What do you mean, Marie, we are putting these on sale as well? Could it be... that Fae was... No, impossible!

Auction ♥

Want to support the cause with a bigger sum? As a part of the main event, a couple of items will be auctioned. To show their support, the Coven donated several valuables that could definitely be of use for both Witches and Monsters:
an ornate golden ring Fae-blessed to provide the wearer 12 hours of invisibility (which does not have to be used consecutively, it's 'turned on and off' by rubbing the stone set into it, and does not conceal the wearer from other Fae)
a suit set and a dress that will both transform magically to fit whatever Monster form the wearer has (and will also take on the wearer's color and design preferences)
a book on imbuing baked goods with minor luck spells - good and bad both.
Place your bids now! But that's not everything that will be put on sale today - donations from Mirrorbound are also accepted and will be auctioned! Do you have any items you no longer need and could contribute? Maybe it's something you have crafted yourself? Or a voucher for any kind of services you can provide? Whatever it is, thank you for your donation! Yes, even if it's enchanted. Especially if it is enchanted!

Not donating or buying anything? You could certainly help with the organization part! That pile of items over there... Mind checking out what we even have there and assign starting bids?

A Word from our Sponsor ♥

DiplomaTea is offering a couple of special offers on this special day, all proceeds will be donated! Extra large mug of cinnamon cocoa you can share with a special person to warm up your bodies and hearts. You can also drink it yourself if you want to, nobody will judge you and certainly not Everett. However, even if you came here by yourself... Are you sure you can finish it by yourself? How about splitting the cocoa with someone who also came alone? That's the spirit of the day!

For those interested in a drink that can provide more thrill than simple cocoa, Everett is offering a tea blend called Ardric's Warmth. In his own words, it tastes like a live firecracker and has enough caffeine to raise the dead. And yet, this blend seems to have its dedicated fans in Aefenglom, especially among Dragons. Dare to try it? Or maybe someone tricked you into drinking some?

Inkchanted Corner ♥

Caster Cú Chulainn is doing a promotion on behalf of his and Waver's tattoo shop, Inkchanted. Still undecided if you would like to visit their place? Unsure about a permanent tattoo? You can try it out here and help the cause! For a low fee you can have Caster draw a small, enchanted painting on your skin. It can make you give off a charming aura, perfect if you are still looking for someone to spend the evening with or trying to grab the attention of that particular person. Or maybe you are celebrating self love and just want a spell that will allow you to eat a lot of sweets without consequences tonight? Perfect! Another idea? Be sure to communicate it well, you would not want to end up with an enchanted painting that gives a different effect you originally wanted... though even if you do, the magic will only work for a few hours. You can wait that long, can you?

Magic Show ♥

Trucy Wright, one of the recent arrivals to Aefenglom is on stage and about to perform her splendid magic show! Huh, that's nothing special in Aefenglom, you might think. Magic is an everyday thing for every Witch after all. However, this young lady here is not a Witch, so how does she do it? With totally real magic, of course! Get your seats and pay close attention to everything she does, but you are not very likely to notice anything - this girl is a professional, after all. In using real magic, of course! Or maybe you have similar skills? You are welcome to join her on stage and perform your own well-practiced trick. If it's not as well-practiced as you thought... well, at least you made the audience laugh? In need of a charming assistant? Just pick someone more or less willing from the audience!

III. Cleanup ♥

Tired after a busy day? Congratulate yourself on a job well done, we managed to collect a nice sum that will certainly help a lot! But before you can rest in your bed, there's more to be done. Taking off decorations, removing the confetti enchantments, washing the dishes, collecting the trash and cleaning the whole place. We cannot leave Everett alone with this mess after he was so nice to allow the usage of DiplomaTea for today's event, can we? You can stay and help, can you? Maybe there are some leftowers from the bake sale to sweeten the deal?

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It wouldn't matter, it's all for a good cause. [Hiccup is just honestly an overwhelmingly optimistic person who wants to see the best in people and thinks a couple of positive interactions make someone a friend. There isn't really anyone he's met in Aefenglom whom he'd consider an enemy; it's all acquaintances and friends.

He sobers a little, when he hears she's still recovering; that much he could have guessed. He was there that day when everyone was finally pulled out of that dungeon. Granted, after he found Newt, he kind of disappeared from the rescue efforts to tend to his Bonded, but... still.] I can imagine. I'm- I'm sorry to hear that. [He's sympathetic, but doesn't push the subject, because he witnessed in a lot of cases just how bad it all was.

The mention of Newt gets a little smile out of him though, a tinge of ruddy red to his freckled cheeks.] If anyone would know how to help, it's Newt. But you should come by anyway, even just to have tea; we uh- we're always happy to have you over. I- I moved in with him, at the beginning of the month, since he's still... recovering, also.

I'm- I'm alright, actually. Things are going better. [Which might have something to do with him moving in to the Phoenix Tear.] Mostly trying to get the repairs done at the Phoenix Tear.

You're too kind.

[Like Elliot. Well, not exactly like Elliot. She has a feeling she can walk over Hiccup easier then she can try walking on Elliot on certain matters. For someone who's so squishy and soft, he's got a backbone of steel.]

It's fine.

[He might have heard her testament at the trial. Or not. She didn't know if he wanted to watch it. But...what was that about Newt...were they...? Oh well. She'd have to gently tease Newt about this later.]

Before...well, before, I'd invite him over to help me preen and brush my tail. It was too long to brush myself. But...if he's welcome to it, I'd certainly enjoy a visit. I could try to do some assessments if there are physical injuries he needs help with.

[She made a soft noise, glancing around.]

...not to be intrusive, but will some of the proceeds from today be going towards Phoenix Tear? I understand they've been instrumental towards helping refugees.

[He did go, and watched the whole thing, even when it sickened him. At some points he had to retreat into his own thoughts, letting the stories wash over him instead of trying to take them in. Newt had been present, and so Hiccup had been there with him, a constant, protective presence.

He's glad to talk about other things, honestly.] I think he just needs time. It was... a lot. But I don't think he'd say no to a social visit. He's- he's got this weird idea sometimes that people don't like him or think he's strange. [Not everyone, of course Newt knows he has friends, but Hiccup likes to make sure he knows he's appreciated in the world.]

Ah... No, probably not. It's- it's better used elsewhere, the proceeds. I'm funding the Phoenix Tear repairs myself, and Newt has some money from the- you know. The reparations. We're a lot better off than some.

[He was good to Newt. Which was good, since he needed the support.]

That's fine. If he needs time, then tell him...I'll wait for him to be ready? But any time he wants to come over, I'll be there.

[He's not that strange. She's strange too.]

I didn't know you had funds Hiccup. You've been saving up?

[Yeah she...also has reparations but she's not sure what to do with hers.]

I'll let him know to keep in touch. He gets focused on something and forgets to do other things. [Hiccup laughs a little, fondly, as if he doesn't do the same thing himself when he's working in the forge with Percy.] I think he'd be fine with a visit, though.

[Hiccup shrugs modestly here.] Not really, just, I have money? Dragon scales sell for a lot, for armor and potions and things, and Toothless- he sheds like crazy. I have to clean them all up anyway, so I might as well- you know, make sure I can take care of us. [He's a jobless rich dragon scale baron who lived in a shack in the woods and then with Newt.]

Which- if you know anywhere else that needs some extra for repairs, just let me know, I... wanna help.

Then I'll see about seeing him sometime soon.

[She'd likely be wearing her covers for her limbs since seeing their less pristine state would only upset him.]

So you...accidentally made a monopoly on the dragon scale market...I...see.

My house doesn't need repairs but...I do know a few places that could use the help. It'd be easier with a map but...the barracks, for one. I know a few people who were homeless before others took them in.

Not really a monopoly, I think that's how Eren makes his money too? [He can't have a monopoly if there's another guy doing the same thing. Luckily they aren't in competition - Hiccup only has a few buyers he still trusts these days anyway.] But it funds the Forge and partially the Phoenix Tear, so I'm pretty grateful. [Also he would hate a real, full time job.]

I'll check it out, I can definitely help out around the barracks. I've been doing a bunch of the repairs on the Phoenix Tear myself and that's not far to take whatever materials I've got left. If you know anyone in particular who needs a hand, just send them my way. I'm glad to do whatever I can.

...Eren does? I had no idea.

[Then again, has she ever seen him work? Then again...mostly she thought he was embracing that hobo life.]

I can help carry some of the materials if you're taking them to the barracks. But I'll let you know if there's someone in particular need.

I've taken in a few people who had their apartment ruined in the barracks, but I'm fine with keeping them.

If they don't ruin my garden, then it's fine.

I could be wrong, but- but he sure just dropped a pretty high bid on the weapons I donated, so- [Hiccup laughs a little, shaking his head. It's probably ironic that two Mirrorbound with ample funds both live that hobo life.]

That's really nice of you. I'll definitely let you know if I need some extra hands. [He smiles a little wider.] It's- If nothing else, it's good that so many care about helping each other out.

Oh, you have a garden? What, uh, what are you growing?

Did he really?

[She makes a noise. Ah, his priorities...but she smiles a little. She gets it, a little. Maybe.]

Least I can do when there's need. It's one of the things I was taught when I was younger. But-it's good we're an emphatic crowd.

As for the garden-flowers and kitchen herbs at the moment. I've been thinking of growing a proper vegetable garden. I arrived too late in the year to plant one when I arrived.

Ah, same. My father. "A Chief serves his people." [He chuckles a little.] It's good that it's a common sentiment. We're in the same ship.

If you want any help tilling the soil or laying some irrigation, let me know. I'd be glad to help out.

It may have been a little different, but that's a topic for another day. I'm certainly no Chief candidate.

[Or heir, in Hiccup's case. It's difficult to picture Hiccup as a leader of a village. Not that he doesn't have the charisma but...he did seem to be far more independent. Maybe it's because he's living that hobo life.]

But garden help-that would be welcome. If you have any particular vegetables, I can give you a portion come harvest time.

Another day then. And I thought the same thing. [He laughs quietly. Guess who grew up with a bit of a 'I'll never fill my dad's shoes' complex. Things are going pretty well on Berk for doing things Hiccup's way, though.]

Of course! Just let me know when you need me. If, uh, you plan to grow any parsnips, I wouldn't say no - they're not... very popular around here, but they're common at home. One of those weird things that you- you don't know why you miss it?

It'll be an excuse to get together. Hopefully I won't bore you to tears.

[Or horrify him. She smiles, knowing whatever she says on his future position , Hiccup will smile and nod and think as he wills.]

But I'll call you, if you call me. Parsnips though...are a good alternative to carrots so...I have no problem in making an entire parsnip corner.

[But weird things that remind her of home...she smiles, just a little.]

I understand it though. I find myself missing the strangest things sometimes.

Like...did you have an awful bed at home? I did. And I find myself missing it at times.

You could never. [He laughs quietly. Horrify... maybe. He is a gentle boy and evidently not prepared.

His grin widens a little when she mentions awful beds.] Yeah, I did, actually. I know what you mean. I guess it isn't that unusual to miss things that you used or saw every day but don't here.

You're too nice.

[She says it nicely, for all she means ut. But horrify, bully him later? It'll happen, most certainly.]

But...I suppose it isn't unusual to miss everyday things. Ever if they weren't that great.

Even if some parts might be better here, it's not weird to miss what you're used to. Though I think Newt would disown me if I tried to get him to sleep on a straw-stuffed sack with me. [He smiles crookedly at his own joke.]

We'll have to get together sometime, though. It was good getting to talk to you again.

He just might. He's a man with standards.

[She smiles at his joke, just a little. Knowing Newt, it is pretty funny. But hearing a dismissal, she nodded, and started drawing away.]

We will. Contact me on the Watch, or vice versa, and we can have tea or coffee together. I'm looking forward to speaking to you again already.

[Cheesy as it sounds.]

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VALENTINES CHARITY - Feoveuer 14th

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