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[ Tsutha's been at the cafe for a little while now, and Sylvia's glad to have her onboard. She also seems to be making a lot of progress in being a barista, and Sylvia's been happy to train her during their shared shifts. Today was one of those shifts, and now that it's over, Sylvia wants to sit down and have a chat with Tsutha. Not as her co-worker, but as her friend.

She approaches Tsutha before the other girl can leave. ]

Good work today! Feel up to winding down with some coffee?

[ Coffee or hot chocolate sounds like a good idea. It's cold outside, after all! ]

[ Barista work suits Tsutha, in a way she didn't really expect it to. She'd originally signed on to work at the Purramid Café because of the Sphinx cats, but she's found the work of taking orders and making people drinks to be just as fulfilling. The clientele of the café is different than that of the Sly Seadog, where Tsutha had spent her Noveuer as a waitress and busser. While the harborside tavern reminded Tsutha of the various establishments she had frequented back home in Shartis, the Purramid Café felt more... refined, maybe? More "modern," though she's not really sure what "modern" really means.

Either way, she's having fun. And Sylvia has been a great help to her in teaching her the ropes. So when her friend asks her if she wants to have coffee after their shift, Tsutha is of course on board with the idea. ]

Sure! What do you want, I'll make it!

[ It's certainly a refined establishment with a different customer base, that's for sure! Sylvia finds it rather cozy, and she hopes Tsutha does, too. She's especially proud of her when she says she'll make their drinks. ]

Just a good ol' cup of coffee, no add-ons!

[ Guess who, surprisingly, takes her coffee black? This girl. ]

Let me know if you need any help, yeah? But I think you got this!

[ It's time for Modranicht, and Sylvia's roped her housemates into helping her decorate their new home. She has a a wreath and some garlands on her already, and she's currently trying to make sure that a wreath hanging on the wall is centered and straight. She takes a few steps back to see if it's at the right angle and everything, but it seems like she's having trouble being able to tell. ]

Hmmmm. ... Hey, does this look centered to you?

[ She'll turn to either of her housemates and ask. ]

You got it! One "good ol' cup of coffee" coming right up!

[ Make that two good ol' cups of coffee, actually, because Tsutha has discovered she likes hers black as well. She does a good job of pouring the cups and (carefully) bringing them over to the table where Sylvia is sitting. ]

Here you go. Drink up!

Hmm?

[Saori had stepped away to make hot chocolate for them and returned just in time. She even has marshmallows of various sizes and whipped cream.]

I think it could be moved a little bit to the left. In the meantime, I think it's time for a break.

[Bailey's main concern, so far, has been the tree. Their family had never had a real tree - their mother mostly agreed to celebrate to appease her kids, so she didn't want to spend the money each year, and their grandparents hadn't bothered because keeping a tree fresh into January was too much effort for them and they refused to budge on when they celebrated Christmas.

So they're kind of excited, especially with the faun magic that encourages the needles to be just a little bit more green.]

A break? How long have we even been going?

[They honestly don't know...]

To the left!

[ She'll go ahead and try to move it over a little, then. Saori's judgment is sound, after all. But at the suggestion of a break, Sylvia stops, too, and looks back at her roommates. ]

Huh...has it really been that long? In that case, sure, we can break for a bit.

[ Things are looking pretty fancy, after all! ... And that hot chocolate looks even fancier, holy moly. ]

Oh, hey! Is that for us?

All I know it's been at least two hours? Honestly I've lost track too. But yes, come grab a cup for yourselves, you two.

[Outside of hot chocolate making, Saori took charge of arranging the decorations on several tables, switching out the curtains and other pieces of the house to match the season as well as cleaning since it was getting close to the new year. There are some traditions she cannot ignore. ]

My goodness, Bailey, the tree looks amazing! You've done such a wonderful job. I do sometimes envy fauns and their magic.

Two hours?

[Geez, and they're not even done...

They take a mug, perking up a bit at the compliment.]

Ah, thanks... It's kind of nice knowing the tree isn't going to get all crispy while we've got it up, but I'm not nearly as good as magic as some fauns.

[Like the faun who unleashed all those hybrids on the city months ago that Bailey just won't mention...]

[ The evening is chilly but no less lively during Modranicht. It's only the first night of the festivities, but she's used to holidays being fleeting, what with Christmas being only one day out of the entire year, and it's why she felt antsy and eager to go out and see the decorations on the first day. She's grateful she has her Bonded to accompany her, and she's got her present for him in her bag. She fully intends on giving it to him at the end of the night.

They're taking a stroll through the city, but when they pass under a lamppost, she finds that her feet are suddenly glued to the ground. Completely stuck. Her eyes widen in mild surprise and confusion as she tries to move her right foot, but to no avail. ]

Huh? [ She looks down at her feet, completely unaware of what's hanging above of them. ] What the heck?

Thanks, Tsutha! You're the best.

[ Good taste, both of you! She takes her mug and gives it a little taste test -- ]

Mm, perfect! Just like I showed you!

[ It gets a pass from her. She's very proud of her friend, and she takes a larger sip before finally placing the mug back on the table. ]

How're you liking it here so far?

You're the best, Saori!

[ She'll go ahead and take one of those hot chocolate cups, then! Yum. ]

And yeah, the tree looks great! Man, maybe we should try to make some homemade ornaments, too...

[ It does make her a little sad that their past roommates aren't here to share this with them, and it shows briefly on her face. That expression, however, is quickly replaced with another grin. ]

Have you guys done your gift shopping yet? I've got some pretty sweet gifts for you two, if I do say so myself!

Edited 2020-12-16 23:31 (UTC)

[ Bailey, Saori and Sylvia have only recently moved into Classy Housing after seeing that there was no need to live in a mansion anymore. Three people occupying such a large space seemed a little daunting, and Sylvia would rather have a larger group occupy it if they really need to. While they're downsizing, she doesn't exactly mind it; it means that there's less space for them to have to take care of, after all.

It also means, however, that they now have new neighbors. She thought it'd be a good idea to make a good impression on them (in case any wacky shenanigans happen at their house...), so she's decided to cook some batches of stew for them. It's got meat and veggies in it -- a classic bowl -- and she has a pot of it ready for the next house (Ferran's!).

She gives the door a knock. He may able to smell the stew from indoors! ]

[Ferran spends most of his time in his home in the kitchen or in his study, and today he's in the latter, meaning he's upstairs when his new neighbor knocks. One benefit to having such a quiet place of his own that he can still hear the door despite that, and he sets down his brush before calling in the direction of the entrance:]

Coming!

[He would think that he'd get a heads up about a visit from those he knows... but then again, he can't say he knows anyone well enough to guess if they're the type to stop by unannounced. Oh, well.

When he opens the door, he meets the stranger's eyes with a look of curiosity, his still-papery mothlike wings fluttering faintly.

It might be unexpected, but his surprise isn't necessarily of the unpleasant variety. He offers Sylvia a mild, polite smile. He hasn't exactly had a lot of visitors, so he's not sure of the purpose, even if that smell from the bowl gives him a few guesses. Ferran's been so busy visiting his two bonded in the past week or so—one having moved herself, the other injured and bored out of her mind—that he hasn't had the chance to notice anyone moving in.]

Can I help you?

[ Those wings are actually really gorgeous, and Sylvia looks at them for a quick moment before her eyes go back to Ferran. The bowl of stew is hot, and it'll only be hot for so long, after all! May as well hand it over while she still can. ]

You can, actually, by accepting this token of...neighbor-ship?

[ Friendship...neighborship.......same thing?? (Not really.) But first, she'll introduce herself as she holds out the pot towards him. ]

Hi there! I'm Sylvia and a few friends and I just moved in to this area, so I thought I should say stop by and say hi with some good food!

[ And it does smell rather tasty, if Ferran likes stew! The Puca looks very proud of her cooking, too. ]

Thought it'd be in the spirit of the holiday season, too, you know?

[A neighbor, huh? Although the glance at his wings makes him a little self-conscious, he's determined to ignore them for the most part until further notice, so he simply smiles a little wider.]

Oh, welcome! And thank you. I'm Ferran, it's good to meet you.

[Ferran takes the offered pot without too much hesitation, only worrying about the temperature for half a second, and the contrast of faint green stains on his fingers and the transparent red scales on his wrists is more noticeable when he lifts the pot to smell it properly. It does smell nice, and it keeps him from having to make something himself later, meaning he can spend more time getting his gifts ready...]

Ah— [He steps back, giving her enough space to move past him. Winter here is worse than the kinds he's used to, and his new wings (and Fae nature in general) aren't making it easy.] Please, come in. It gets so cold here.

Anything for the both of you. I think I came across some colored paper while I was cleaning up that can be used to craft some paper ornaments. Plus I was thinking about making some gingerbread cookies too.

[Saori does notice that flash of sadness but stops herself from saying something. Instead, she goes with the flow.]

I look forward to your gift then, Sylvia. I'm almost done with mine, but it's been getting pretty busy at the izakaya too so I'm cutting it really close.

Oh, we should make paper spiderwebs...

[Or cookies decorated with spiderwebs? That sounds better, honestly...

They give Sylvia a concerned look, but. No point in dwelling on it now.]

I've got a few things... Some people are really hard to shop for, y'know?

[What do you get a centuries old, unwillingly-turned vampire...]

Oh! Okay, don't mind if I do, Ferran!

[ She looks a little sheepish as she steps inside. It's...wow. This really is an extravagant place. The entrance is neatly kept and seeing all this space makes her excited to start decorating her own place. Especially since the holidays are just around the corner. ]

It's real cozy in here... Do you live with anyone else? Should I make more stew?

[ She only made enough to feed up to two people, so! If he lives alone, though, well... Must be nice, she thinks -- but she doesn't know how long she could personally last without her roommates. ]

[~~How is a fairy supposed to trap people in his domain if it's not appealing enough to enter?~~]

Oh no, it's just me. At least for now.

[He's not opposed to the idea sometime in the future, but for now he appreciates having the option of complete privacy. Even if he wasn't still in the process of... sliding into Faedom, he really prefers to have a place he can mope and such without being bothered.

Anyway! Ferran can only take half credit for decoration—the furniture was mostly here when he arrived, anyway. His additions have mostly been a few cushions, wall-hangings, rugs and the plant-creatures that currently have mostly-free reign of the downstairs now that it's gotten so cold. An owl with spinach leaves instead of feathers peers at the visitor from its perch on the mantle as Ferran heads through the living room to the kitchen.]

I'm still surprised they just let us move in like this, honestly. [But he's not planning to look too hard in that gift-horse's mouth.] Make yourself comfortable—can I get you some tea?

Edited 2020-12-20 22:18 (UTC)

You're a great teacher!

[ She still has some trouble with the fancier drinks, and definitely hasn't progressed far enough to make any pretty latte art or anything, but she can handle a plain cup of coffee like nobody's business. ]

It's great! This is probably the lowest stress job I've ever had. Well, it might be the only real 'job' job I've ever had, but still. I really enjoy working here!

Ooh! Sounds neat, though I don't think I'd be very good at making those...

[ The spiderwebs sound very intricate and all. ]

And yeah, I get you guys! It's been hard to make time for shopping but you both were definitely at the top of my list!

[ She is fairly confident they will like her gifts. ]

But yeah, some people are super hard to shop for, no matter how well you think you know them, right?

[ ~~this is how sylvia dies~~ ]

Tea sounds great, thanks!

[ She's not picky about the flavor; she's more of a coffee person but tea is just as good. She makes her way towards the nearest place to seat when she catches a glimpse of the owl. It's staring right at her with its wide eyes and she blinks at it curiously. ~~She wonders if it considers her its prey, since rabbit ears and fur, etc.~~ ]

Is that your pet owl?

[~~rip.~~

Is it prey, or is it predator? As a spinach owl, it might not know what to think about rabbits... and it simply continues to watch.

Ferran answers from the kitchen, setting the kettle to boil and retrieving two cups. A nice black tea is good for pretty much any occasion, he thinks.]

Yeah—I picked her and a few others like her up when they were roaming the city last month. I'd never seen anything like them back home, but they're the most convenient pets I think I could ever have.

[Cute, convenient, and he gets to snip off fresh vegetables? There was no way he could refuse.]

Paper spiderwebs? That's an interesting choice for decorations. Sounds pretty close to making paper snow flakes, so maybe it won't be too hard to make.

Yeah, I got one of those on my list too. I'm hoping he'll find the gift amusing at least.

[Or rather tracking him down to deliver the gift would be the trickiest part. Even with her bond, sometimes it was hard to figure what he's thinking.]

[ It's time for the scavenger hunt, and Sylvia's managed to round up a team -- Tsutha, obviously, and another girl looking for a team named Leanne. She seems nice enough and Sylvia's all about making new friends. She's determined to find what she can though for those sweet, sweet prizes. They're looking for singing mushrooms now, and with her enhanced hearing, she's certain they'll be able to find them. ]

Alright team, what's the game plan? Should we split up or stay together?

[ Tsutha's excited to be joining the scavenger hunt alongside Sylvia. It's been months since she teamed up with her friends to go on adventures, and while Sylvia and this girl Leanne aren't the familiar faces of Walter, Marzia, Mazon, and Adari, they're still a team and Tsutha couldn't be more hyped to be a part of a team again. ]

Well, do we all know what we're looking for? We probably shouldn't split up unless we know we're all gonna look for the right thing.

[Leanne was also excited about being in a team! Though she didn't want to leave Rikku's side. Getting away and potentially bringing her witch a prize would be well worth it! Plus, it should be good to meet new people. Leanne beams at the other two girls, her tongue flicking out to keep tasting the air.]

If we stay together, I can help carry anyone for a part of the hunt. I also agree that we shouldn't split up unless we are gonna look for the right thing.

She's an interesting one! Looks like she's made of...plants?

[ She tilts her head a little, squinting at it to try and get a better look. Huh. Definitely looks like its wings are made of some kind of vegetation. Interesting. ]

I should've done that myself. She looks like she has a good temperament.

[ Hoot hoot. ]

D'you think owls make good companions?

Yeah—it's the same with the rest. They're basically plants with animal personalities...

[Hoo, says the owl, shuffling its leafy wings. With preparations done, Ferran steps closer so he doesn't have to raise his voice, leaning his shoulder against a wall as he folds his arms and smiling faintly at the birdlike creature.]

I haven't met any actual owls, but I can't complain about Minerva. The way she keeps watch is comforting, honestly.

It's a Ukrainian tradition - it's supposed to bring good luck. My grandparents insisted.

[They look a bit helpless at the conversation about gifts, laughing softly.]

It's strange because it's not like I could just get something super practical... What do you get a person who doesn't need anything? Socks?

Sure! Yeah, that sounds great!

[ She was never really good with strategy anyway. Good thing her teammates are wiser than she is! ]

Alright, so...singing mushrooms, yeah? Be careful of the other stuff, could be dangerous.

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bailey + saori

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akechi

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ferran

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tsutha and leanne

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