rollfordiplomacy: dns (Default)
[Everett Vaughan] ([personal profile] rollfordiplomacy) wrote in [community profile] middaeg2019-12-01 09:49 am

DiplomaTea | Grand Opening! | Mingle Post

Who: Any and all!
When: December 1st.
Where: The Haven.
What: Grand Opening of a new, mirrorbound owned shop!
Warnings: None.


DiplomaTea, a Florist and Tea Shop, is located on a street corner in The Haven. Today is its Grand Opening, complete with festivities to mark the occasion. The shop has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, though a gothic aesthetic permeates throughout. Skulls, thorns, and lace are in much of the decor.

Above the main entrance hangs a dyed elk skull, decorated with white carnations and tea leaves. Entering leads one to a tidy shop, flower arrangements filling every possible surface. The air within is warm and scented by whichever section one might be in. Even the smells filling the shop are well organized and complimentary.



The floor plan includes plenty of space to walk through and admire the floral displays. Double doors are locked open, leading out to a covered, outdoor porch. Many are sitting to enjoy a cup of tea. The whole shop is pleasantly heated, the porch space a middle ground between the warm interior and cold, rainy streets beyond. A small stage accommodates a single performer with a compact instrument. Live music is playing throughout the opening day. Inside the shop is a long bar to take orders for fresh brewed tea and to make sales.



I. Enchant me by the Mistletoe

Over the door frames and upon the tea tables are a peculiar little plant, wrapped in ribbon. Being near to these cause a certain reaction. It's not so much a compulsion as an idea. An idea to kiss or hold the person nearest to you. Whether platonic or romantically depends on your ideas of them.

If they are a perfect stranger, well, it's likely to fall romantic. The magic is funny like that, keen to fluster!

It is only an idea, lasting so long as one remains near to the mistletoe. Or... until the idea is so indulged. Guests are more than welcome to take the enchanted bundle along with them, the effects should last a couple days. The staff have more on hand to set out in replacement... and magically woven ribbons of their own, which block such ideas from forming in their own minds. They don't need such distractions! It's a busy enough day as it is!

II. Illusory Flowers

A Grand Opening special! Roses and lily flowers with peculiar properties. Everett grows all the flowers stocking the shop himself and his magic mixes with the witch he's bonded to, Sokie. Some of her illusion magic affected this batch, in fun and often times unpredictable ways.

These flowers are still closed, waiting for the right moment to bloom. They are being given away freely, a single flower at a time, both inside and out front of the shop. When they pass hands, the petals open to blossom, and a small illusion springs forth!

Never harmful, but always surprising. Sometimes the illusion is visual, sometimes with a sound or a smell to accompany. Rarely do the aspects seem well matched, fire cracker like eruptions may leave behind the smell of ocean water. Small, ghostly creatures often springing forth, as if born from the flower itself. There's a wide variety that can manifest, even Everett's not sure of all the possibilities.

No matter what it is, it fades from the senses within a minute. All that's left then is a lovely, if ordinary flower.

III. A Springtide Blessing

The shop has much to offer with flower arrangements, but the tea blends are the real centerpiece on display. Everett prides himself on his perfect flavor combinations, which he assures have as much significance to them as any flower. For the grand opening, there are three specialty blends. Blessings of the Springtide, he calls them. All are available for tastings and purchase.




a. Adelheid's Heart

A floral, sweet tea. This is served with lemon and fresh honey, pairing well with tea biscuits. Easy to drink, even for those without a fondness for tea. Refreshing and said to always uplift one's spirits.

b. Enki's Ambition

A sharp, minty tea. Though it is served warm, it leaves a strangely cold feeling when swallowed. Soothing, all the same, and very brisk. Any congestion of the nose or throat is sure to be remedied by a cup of this. The ideal tea when in need of focus and clarity.

c. Ardric's Warmth

This tea is an absolute kick in the teeth. It's harsh and bitter. There's a spice to it that builds on itself, making it more and more difficult to drink in time. The caffeine is highly concentrated, there's no getting to sleep after a cup of this. Everett will reward a free tin of it to anybody who can get down an entire cup in the store. Most people cough or wretch after a single sip, a sure sign that it's been well crafted. It's said to burn out illness and boost one's fortitude against curses.

IV. Warmth in more than Tea

To mark the occasion, there's more than tea blends on offer this day. In two warmed barrels is a bounty of apple cinnamon cider. One with alcohol and one without. The former isn't very high content, just enough to warm the belly and relax with.

This is served throughout the day, but becomes particularly tempting once the sky darkens in the afternoon. Overcast weather settles above the city, then. Rain will begin pattering down over the covered porch come evening, which is bright with lantern light and tea candles set out on the tables.

Grab a seat, if you can, it's the perfect hour to watch people go by or cuddle up with a companion. That or merely pop in to escape the rain, warm up before going the rest of the way home.

All prompts are open to any and all to play around with! The Grand Opening is from morning on the 1st of December well into the night. OOC Questions can be asked on the permanent locations post or Everett can be asked ICly in his TL here. DiplomaTea's permanent open post available through the Location Page is open to anybody who wishes to use the setting in the future. Have fun and tag around!
bloodwit: (my name is brutus)

[personal profile] bloodwit 2019-12-11 10:35 pm (UTC)(link)
[ viren is, unfortunately, quickly feeling his attitude slip from his typical peevishness to ... willfully difficult, in a sort of needling way that he finds indulgent. a "scene" is quickly becoming more appealing with the other man's remarks. he could, for sure, stand to reel this back - particularly as he works here. ]

It's not entirely without reason - I did end up with another flame.

[ an eyebrow lifts. ]

I suppose I could have joined you, instead, brought my own with me. But... [ mm. ] Nonsensically, I've changed my mind: my invitation's rescinded.
tryhard: (objection: you're a dumbass)

i'm so sorry he's Like This

[personal profile] tryhard 2019-12-11 10:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Until the very moment he said that, Waver had absolutely no intention of joining him in his stupid 'invitation.' But now, of course, there's nothing he wants more. Just to prove a point! ...though what that point is, he can't exactly explain because it's just as stupid as the thing he's criticizing.

Now, they're both just being stubborn, and Waver refuses to be the first to back down. This idiot interrupted his pleasant afternoon and Waver has decided to make himself a pain in the ass right back.

He has not, in fact, realized that this is one of the employees. ]


Too late. I'm going to join you.

[ Grabbing his book, Waver slides right into the empty seat across from the dragon and drops the volume loudly on the table. The effect is kind of ruined by the fact he belatedly has to reach over and carefully ferry his teacup to set on the table, far more gently, beside it.

Green eyes meet the dragon's stubbornly, daring him to do something about it. ]
bloodwit: (a16)

im def not this is GREAT

[personal profile] bloodwit 2019-12-11 10:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[ the eyebrow viren had lifted -- lifts higher. the smile disappears momentarily, especially as the book being dropped fans the candles, has their flames flicker dangerously. he watches as this boy ... reaches much more delicately for his tea. he will admit, it's irritating (a bit funny, too, if he were honest) to have the revocation of his gracious invite ... well, thrown back in his face.

viren rolls his shoulders, gives the turnskin a dry look. then he raises a hand to study at his claws, pretty and groomed as they are. his tone turns condescending,
]

See, now, was that so difficult?

[ the hand lowers to hover over one of the candles, soaking in the warmth. he gestures with the other. ]

Even if you still managed to be... noisy about it.
tryhard: (let me explain u a Thing)

oh GOOD haha

[personal profile] tryhard 2019-12-15 10:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Not nearly as noisy as you deserve for being so rude.

[ Waver gripes, fussily adjusting his teacup and saucer and flipping the book back open to whatever page was on. When he lifts it, the covers shows it's a treatise on metallurgical alchemy. Not exactly light afternoon reading. Or maybe it is, for this guy. ]

I'm putting my drink on your bill.
bloodwit: (and to you)

[personal profile] bloodwit 2019-12-17 11:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[ alchemy happens to be one of his favorite subjects here. the other eyebrows lifts to join the one that'd raised, a touch surprised as to what this fellow monster appears to be studying.

he may remark upon the book, in a moment. he lowers the hand, resting it atop the tabletop; the claws languidly drum against it.
]

Will you?

[ his lips quirk back into a smile. ]

I don't have a tab open [ despite his own tea ], so that may be difficult. But — please, by all means.
tryhard: (I'm being so sincere right now)

[personal profile] tryhard 2019-12-17 11:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Don't worry. I can tell the staff myself.

[ Waver stares pointedly at the man's tea. Money is exchanged for goods and services! ]
bloodwit: (i too have a destiny)

[personal profile] bloodwit 2019-12-17 11:44 pm (UTC)(link)
... I've heard you, yes!

[ the smile's abruptly vanished, replaced with a baring of fangs. viren - enjoys attempting powerplays on others a bit too much, and has been lacking in opportunities since arriving.

he misses it. that doesn't stop his irritation, though.
]

And I'm telling you, but Everett's, my word trumps other employees.

[ — this was, at no point, ever laid out as the law of the land. alas. ]
tryhard: (no way jose)

[personal profile] tryhard 2019-12-17 11:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Waver blinks. Then, he glances around surreptitiously, as if expecting someone who appears more qualified to butt in and set this matter straight because it sure seems like... ]

Hang on. Are you saying you work here?

[ Waver stares at him a moment longer, apparently having had no idea. And then starts laughing. ]

Even better. My drink's on the house to apologize for your rude behavior. Let's go with that.
bloodwit: (though i feel the endless)

[personal profile] bloodwit 2019-12-18 12:03 am (UTC)(link)
[ viren stares for a moment, then he g r o a ns. ]

That's not —

[ his mouth works itself into a frown. ]

You realize that is usually offered to you, yes? Not just announced.
tryhard: (nerds are totally in right now)

[personal profile] tryhard 2019-12-18 12:15 am (UTC)(link)
Yes.

[ Waver replies blithely, staring him dead in the eyes. ]

Just as I'm sure you realize that, usually, one would ask before reaching into another person's space and taking something meant for them.

So we'll call it even.
bloodwit: (but the people)

[personal profile] bloodwit 2019-12-20 10:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[ by this point, viren feels irritation at just how contrary this turnskin has been. (is this what it feels like, to interact with himself? is this it? he fortunately lacks the self-awareness required for that assessment). ]

No, I don't think we will.

[ his tone has hardened. ]

You will receive nothing on the house, nor will it be on my bill. You, and only you, will be paying for your drink.

[ you know, it's tea. like less than a few bucks. if he weren't in a Mood(tm), he probably wouldn't care that much about putting someone else's drink on a tab under his name. ]
tryhard: (bork bork what a dork)

[personal profile] tryhard 2019-12-29 02:04 am (UTC)(link)
[ Waver doesn't look upset at this. He just cocks his head, canine ears swiveling forward intently. ]

Are you the owner of this establishment?
bloodwit: (this event will be history)

[personal profile] bloodwit 2019-12-30 11:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[ viren's lip twitches, barely (mostly failing) at resisting an open sneer at that. ]

No, and I have implied as much. The owner would be Everett.





[ do u want to speak to the owner, waver... ]
tryhard: (nerds are totally in right now)

[personal profile] tryhard 2020-01-04 01:58 am (UTC)(link)
Does that mean he's your boss?

I wonder how happy he'd be about you being so rude to customers...

[ real classy 'can I speak to your manager' move here, Waver. go get a suburban soccer mom haircut while you're at it!! ]
bloodwit: (pure and noble heart)

[personal profile] bloodwit 2020-01-05 07:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[ viren had made a noise that was probably like acceptance of that conclusion, yes, everett is my boss.

... but, oh. it's with the next statement that his composure, unfortunately, slips just a little further. no longer does he resist, baring his fangs in an open snarl, a low growl leaping from his throat.
]

Go ahead!

[ he has no idea how everett will react to any complaint. will he be fired for it? perhaps. should he take a deep breath, think rationally on this? too late. good fuckin' lord, has this been discovered this day: he's woefully ill-suited to managing customers in a kindly manner. ]

Tell him, if you must. [ with rancor: ] See how many free drinks it gets you.
tryhard: (prickly mage activate)

[personal profile] tryhard 2020-01-05 11:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Oh, boy. What a reaction. Waver can't help it; he suddenly bursts out laughing. Seems like he hit a nerve.

Well. That's what the guy deserves for being a jerk. ]


Oh, calm down.

[ He shakes his head, fuzzy ears bobbing softly with the motion, and waves a hand dismissively. ]

I'm not trying to get you fired. But you're real bloody terrible at customer service, you know that?

[ Waver should report him, probably. Maybe. He's still half-thinking about it, but pissing him off that much is its own reward, and he doesn't actually care that much for the handful of coins the drink costs. Besides, he doesn't even know who Everett is, and asking around for him just to tattle on one of his employees seems like a waste of time and too petty even for Waver.

He shrugs. ]


They should probably keep you in the stockroom or something.
bloodwit: (you should play it)

[personal profile] bloodwit 2020-01-06 12:11 am (UTC)(link)
[ viren's shoulders raise and tense, the growl growing in intensity before he, very consciously, forces it to abate. he takes a quick breath, and then another, before his jaw relaxes from how he'd been clenching his teeth. ]

[ his claws dig into the table (leave marks - he would probably have to do something about that, too), briefly, but he eventually raises his gaze to the turnskin across from him. the stockroom!. ]

That -- won't do.

[ that's probably the worst about it, though, is that the customer's not entirely incorrect (as opposed to always being right, apparently). ]

What's your name, boy?
tryhard: (bork bork what a dork)

[personal profile] tryhard 2020-01-06 01:43 am (UTC)(link)
[ Wow, he's really riled up... Waver doesn't actually comment or stoke the fire further, though. He's made his point.

Nor does he have any reason to hide. ]


Waver. Velvet.

You?
bloodwit: (but hey it's worth it though)

[personal profile] bloodwit 2020-01-06 11:28 pm (UTC)(link)
—Viren.

[ no "lord, high mage of katolis" today, apparently! though his eyes remains narrowed, his mouth does to return to its typical frown. ]

I would say it's a pleasure, but even if the circumstances were better, it's not. ... Regardless, perhaps we will be seeing more of each other around.