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!
ua_duibhne: (o57)

iii

[personal profile] ua_duibhne 2019-12-01 07:08 pm (UTC)(link)
[In truth, Diarmuid had originally only stopped in to find somewhere quiet to ease the throbbing in his head for a short while but the rich, botanical scent in the air made him find a table to actually sit down. God knows he needs it; the equivalent of a small shot of his Bonded's venom- taken in through too many, too careless kisses- is still working its way through his system. He'd hoped that a walk in the brisk, wintry air to the market would take the edge off but no such luck.

Still, there's an upside to it all; not only is Diarmuid familiar with the owner of this establishment, but he's a welcome face. A little animated for the dull pulsing behind his left temple, perhaps, but welcome nonetheless, and he manages a warm smile of his own.]


Anything for a hangover? [Forgive him for not being entirely honest about his ailment. It's believable enough; with that messy ponytail and panda eyes combination, he certainly looks as though he's had a rough night.] It's good to meet you again, Sir Vaughan. I see you've been busy.
Edited 2019-12-01 19:08 (UTC)
ua_duibhne: (o40)

[personal profile] ua_duibhne 2019-12-01 08:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[Diarmuid rests his chin in his palm with a soft, thoughtful hum. The sensible thing to do would be to graciously turn down his suggestion and go with something that isn't likely to give his headache a headache but he's never been one to turn down a curiosity and challenge.]

Let no man say that a Knight of Fianna shies away from pain. [With his free hand, he first taps the box labelled "Ardric's Warmth" and then "Adelheid's Heart".] Let's try half a cup of this blend for the hangover and then something gentler as a palette cleanser, hm?
wiggleon: (Default)

Aziraphale | Witch | OTA

[personal profile] wiggleon 2019-12-01 08:49 pm (UTC)(link)
I. Enchant me by the Mistletoe & Illusory Flowers
[There’s no way he was going to miss this opening, particularly not after Everett oh so nicely helped him find a location for his own bookshop so they would basically be business-neighbors.

Aziraphale doesn’t know much about plants. He likes them a fair amount, and he tried to have some in his bookshop before as he’d always thought they would brighten up the place… but they always ended up dying on him. Probably because he had a pretty bad tendency to get caught up in his books and kind of forget about them, but still.

So, he gets curious about all the plants around, a smile on his lips as he ‘ooh’s and ‘aahs’ at the little flowers causing such beautiful illusions for everyone when they open. He’s always worn his heart on his sleeve so it’s easy to tell how excited he is about all the little spells and enchantments. So excited, and so distracted that he’s really not paying attention to the plants on the tea tables, and the compulsion they bring.]


These are wonderful, aren’t they? I’ve always admired people with a green thumb.

II. A Springtide Blessing
[Aziraphale decided on the Adelheid's Heart first, though he’ll probably end up tasting every tea as the night progresses. He adores tea almost as much as he adores good food, and he’s not shy about showing it: he lets out a small hum of pleasure on his first taste.]

Oh this is just delicious, I insist you must try the Adelheid’s heart if you haven’t yet.
kivatteru: (117)

Wataru Kurenai | Witch | OTA

[personal profile] kivatteru 2019-12-01 09:15 pm (UTC)(link)
i; background music
[ Having been one of the first people Everett pulled into his business before it opened, Wataru is finally elated to be part of this establishment. He likes nearly everything about it - from the cozy setting to the decorations and scents. A place like this one really does give him the feeling he's in a whole different world and yet it's fine, he's not worried or afraid of anything because this is what his friend created with his own efforts.

The unique thing about his job here is that he can provide the music on occasion and direct requests. When it's his turn to put in some relaxing atmosphere, he collects his father's violin and connects his mind to his heart, eventually guiding the instrument along with some few songs of his increasing repertoire. Thanks to learning more than a few things at the Coven, he's capable to radiate the same amounts of soothing vibes as people might have felt back at the masquerade.

Got a specific request? He's available for that and some praising and chatting if you're the friendly type. ]



ii; flower & tea
[ Other than the shop's resident musician, he's also your usual server. Whether you're looking at the flowers or sitting at a table to get tea, he shows up with a little bow and a slightly sheepish smile. ]

Good day. What can I help you with?


iii; kissy plants
[ Two things can happen while he's distractedly standing by the mistletoe: either you or him fall first into the temptation to give the other some affection. However, Wataru is visibly hesitant, cheeks colored pink, and has a difficult time making eye contact. ]

Is... there something on my face? [ Pretty lame way to start a conversation, but it's either that or he's tempted to reach for the person's hand. ]


iv; closing time
[ Even with his body begging for rest, Wataru chose to stay and clean up before close.

He'll give any other employee still in the shop a tired smile, but will also perks up if a customers walks in and, with polite patience, he softly tells them, ]


Good evening. The shop is closing soon, but there's still a bit of time left.


v; wilkdcard
[ Any different prompts in mind? Hit me up over at [plurk.com profile] gaiamemories or via PM for plotting! ]
ua_duibhne: (o35)

1/2

[personal profile] ua_duibhne 2019-12-01 09:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[Diarmuid watches with interest as the tealeaves infuse, colour swirling through the water in the first cup in a blush of pink that quickly turns carmine the longer it brews. The scent, however, isn't nearly so pretty. He scrunches his nose slightly.]

Is that so? [He glances back up at the faun.] I'd rather not let it steep too long and completely obliterate my sense of taste.

[That and he's too curious to wait much longer. With a nod of thanks- he's sure to take that back once he's gotten this down his throat but whatever- he draws the saucer closer. The smell is even stronger now but he doesn't hesitate even as he raises it to his lips. Bottoms up.]
ua_duibhne: (o52)

2/2

[personal profile] ua_duibhne 2019-12-01 09:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[mistakes have been made

It takes a moment for the realisation to reach Diarmuid's face and, even when it does, he has enough self-control not to immediately spit the tea back into the cup. His brow creases, a tear welling up in the corner of his eye as he struggles to actually swallow it. Thank the gods it's hot; at least the taste has been somewhat overtaken by heat, even if it doesn't stand a chance against the bitter burn.

Gulp.]


... is it supposed to make my mouth numb?

[He sounds a little hoarse. Oh dear.]
quickwhip: quickwhip. (Default)

i

[personal profile] quickwhip 2019-12-01 10:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[ There's one Trevor Belmont just minding his business and looking around at everything this new place has to offer here because why not?? When suddenly he's approached by the faun and... yeah. Alright so... not what he was really expecting to hear in terms of gifts and all? But hell, the thought gets him to pause for a moment before he gives a short chuckle under his breath. ]

Can't really say I have any enemies here to send flowers to. [ Yet?? Not that he would ever. ] Do you... sell some of these tea to make... not here?
quickwhip: quickwhip. (Default)

[personal profile] quickwhip 2019-12-01 10:52 pm (UTC)(link)
[ How bad would it come off to say any rivals he's had are dead? Well, not like all vamps are dead back home actually... and then there's the church... but Dracula is a pretty big one, so. Better to just not say anything, yeah. ]

Oh... it's not for me. I was actually thinking for someone else.

[ And he's just going to STARE now because he suddenly realizes he has no fucking clue what sort of tea the blond in question likes. Welp. Solid plan here, Trevor. ]
quickwhip: quickwhip. (Default)

[personal profile] quickwhip 2019-12-01 11:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He should have thought this through better. Trevor and gifting: a disaster, apparently. But no, this is fine. He can do this. How hard can it be to pick a tea, right? ]

Ok, well... what sort of this tea would you recommend for someone who's a bit moody, kinda depressed, sulks a lot... is sad about being here?

[ Wow, what a way to describe this mysterious person in question, right? ]
quickwhip: quickwhip. (Default)

[personal profile] quickwhip 2019-12-01 11:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[ And follow he does, curiously looking around at this and that within the shop as he goes, making sure to not really touch anything lest he end up accidentally dropping it or something.

He nearly runs into the faun with his looking around but catches himself before doing so when he's presented with the selected tea and blinks for a moment before he leans in to take a curious sniff. ]


I guess that smells right.

[ Doesn't smell disgusting?? ]

How do you make it then?
callmeven: (75)

ventus | turnskin | ota

[personal profile] callmeven 2019-12-02 01:41 am (UTC)(link)
[ a - mistletoe ]

[he'd been lured inside by a combination of the chill that seeped in past his fur and the sweet smell of flowers and tea. ventus is curious by nature and learning that this is the grand opening has him eager to explore more of the cafe / shop. he takes a seat at one of the tables with the mistletoe sitting in the middle and he leans over to give it a curious sniff.]

It smells nice... I wonder what kind of plant it is?

[ b - illusory flowers ]

Oh- Thank you!

[he says with a grateful smile when he's handed the flower, but his attention is drawn away when it starts to bloom right then and there. he's enraptured by the little illusion of what looks like dandelions being ruffled by an imaginary breeze. it lasts all of a moment before the scent of iron hits his sensitive nose and he immediately drops the flower to cover his affronted sense.] Ugh!

[ c - tea time ]

Mhm...

[he's sitting outside staring down a perfectly innocuous cup of tea - ardic's warmth - already put off by the strong scent of it that seems to burn his senses. but when he'd been told the tea worked well to boost against curses...

he thinks of vanitas and his growing magic. it wouldn't hurt to be prepared.

which is easy to say, but trying to drink the tea is another tall task on its own.]

[ d - wildcard ]

[hmu with some prompts ven is a blonde akita turnskin]
Edited 2019-12-02 01:42 (UTC)
firewalled: (To die)

Rich Goranski | Dragon | OTA!

[personal profile] firewalled 2019-12-02 02:14 am (UTC)(link)
Flower arranging? Just like in my Japanese animes!

[Getting this business ready for opening had taken a lot of hands, and Rich's own hands... well, claws... had been one of the many pairs hired for the task. Rich has been happy to put in the effort to help out someone as earnest and kind as Everett, and the job offer certainly wasn't one he wanted to turn down. It's not much in line with his usual talents, but it's a cozy store, and relaxed enough that he feels open to learning.

He's picked up on bouquet arranging as his first new interest. He already had a particular... interest in flower languages (as Myr would be sure to attest to), and arranging flowers to convey a sort of story was inspiring, creative, and certainly relaxing.

A few of his pieces are set up on a counter, while he can be found behind it, dressed quite dapperly in a scarlet vest and slightly ruffled shirt that appears to be the uniform. He's paused his formal arrangements to make flower crowns, which he's offering to the younger patrons that enter the shop. (He's quite fond of his own.)

It's a lot of work, but no matter what, when a customer walks in, he's sure to pause and offer a wide smile.]


You want one of these too? They're a special opening day gift.

Falling head over heels isn't as romantic as it sounds

[Unfortunately for Rich, he can't always stay behind the counter. With so many customers in need of a warm drink, he sometimes is delegated to serving orders to the customers... and that's one talent that he's not as naturally gifted with. It's likely to see him stumbling, spilling hot water or sugar when trying to pass over the cups, and stammering over the names of the teas or ingredient lists when taking orders.

If you're particularly unlucky, you may literally bump into him trying to wobble his way back to the kitchen area. Hopefully you only get a splash of water or tea on your clothing, but regardless, Rich is obviously mortified, dropping his tray on a table nearby and desperately grabbing for towels.]


Oh shit, shit! I'm so sorry, I really should be more careful. You're not burned, right?

Fiction: a perfect excuse to project all your relationship troubles onto your protagonist

[When Rich is on his breaks, he often finds a place to sit and think for a while. He certainly has a lot to think about, with the recent... disappearance he's dealing with. It makes his heart sink to realize how badly he misses Michael, and it sinks even lower with the guilt of wishing he was back here when he shouldn't be wishing that on anyone. His stomach often feels wobbly and nauseous, and the brooch in his pocket leaves a heavy weight, along with Justine's necklace.

Sitting and moping by himself can't be good for business, though, so before too long, Rich decides to pour his extra feelings into his writing instead, hunched over his notebook. He's apparently working quite hard on something, only pausing to take sips of his tea... and despite it being the fabled Ardric's Warmth, he barely sniffles after each swallow. Maybe his dragon senses are just used to more spice and heat, or maybe he's just really focused on his work. Take a peek?

Or, perhaps, take note of the mistletoe he occasionally mistakenly sits under? Maybe a hug would help warm Rich's heart...]

curruid_coinchenn: (will there be no one waiting?)

ii

[personal profile] curruid_coinchenn 2019-12-02 04:27 am (UTC)(link)
[ Berserker comes in sometime later in the evening. It's not really his sort of spot, to say the least, but he knows the shopkeep. Maybe he'll have something he's interested in. Everett seems like the kind of person to have ... unique offerings. ]

Cigarettes, if you have them. I'm tired of rolling my own. [ A beat. ] ...And maybe a gift for someone.

[ He might be feeling a little guilty for accidentally poisoning Diarmuid. Again. ]
bloodwit: (contrived)

viren, ota

[personal profile] bloodwit 2019-12-02 04:44 am (UTC)(link)
i. warmth in more than tea
[ it's hellishly wet outside.

viren had been prepared by dressing in... more layers than usual, brought an umbrella with him in case luck cursed him. he's had time to grow accustomed to this weakness. he has his own mug of cider, contented in the warmth that the shop offers. but as to the tea candles: the more flames the better, he's found. alas, he may be an employee, but he's no satisfactory customer service.

he leans over to someone's occupied table. and pretty much unceremoniously plucks one of the candles from that surface, settles it near to his own.
]

[ this is a little rude, though. he should probably be a little nicer in a professional setting. so, added without even looking at who he may thieved from, ]

If it bothers you so much -

[ he gestures to an empty chair; inviting as his words may objectively be, his tone is still cold. ]

- you may join me.

ii. afterward
[ while it's a flower shop, the varieties of plantlife are -- more plentiful than any he's ever seen in one.

it's nearer to around closing time, fewer customers milling about, that viren becomes... curious. perhaps he incorrectly thinks he has just a moment of seclusion in a deeper corner of the shop, when he draws out a glass container that's been fitted with a grated top. inside flit a few glowing butterflies. he carefully lifts the top, allowing one of a bright orange hue to flutter to a cluster of flowers.

he watches it perch with a focused intensity, its wings slowly opening and closing. but for the most part, he's quiet, expecting to remain uninterrupted.
]

iii. wildcard
( come to me... )
whomthebelltolls: (Sleeps like the dead)

Lady Maria | Witch | OTA

[personal profile] whomthebelltolls 2019-12-02 05:04 am (UTC)(link)
[1: Hold My Flower]

[There's a Hunter in the shop. Honestly, what she is wearing might just be more of a disguise than the enchanted masks from the Masquerade before. After all, she's so very rarely out of her trousers and in to an actual skirt. What's more, she doesn't have her hair gathered back into the usual ponytail; instead it's gathered onto the back of her head into a bit of a loose bun, held there by a small hair ornament, the faded gold and dark stone sticking out against her silvery-white hair. It can't hide her height, which is the most dead of giveaways, but it sure might be a contrast to how she's usually seen.

She pauses before going deeper into the shop, however, enjoying the sweet fragrance of flowers, and immediately making her way toward the most pungent. Her sense of smell isn't as good as it used to be, and there's no reek of blood and beast upon the air here, but she's still drawn to the most strongly-scented of flowers. Maybe she'll pick up some ideas for her garden. She will definitely pick up some of that alcoholic cider, though, and carry it close to her as she browses around the flowers.

She has to duck under some of the hanging flowers to move around, so she isn't paying attention to the mistletoe hanging about.
] Hm... wisteria...? Ah - yes? [Hello, person who is next to her, inexplicably while she wasn't paying attention. She starts a little, having to hold the cup up quite far to not accidentally spill it down onto whoever she just almost turned right into. Oops.

Also that might've just dipped some stalks right into it.
]

[2: All I Can Do Is Just Pour Some Tea For Two]

[Enki's Ambition. Warm on the front end, frosty on the back. Sort of the opposite of Maria herself, but she finds herself enjoying the sharp, chilly, menthol effect. Even if it makes her nose run.

Sniff.

Hey, she can't complain that much when every sniff brings a whiff of the nice flowers with it, but it sure is clearing things up nicely in her sinuses. She sits, quietly, in the corner with her cup of tea, at a table alone, though one is perfectly free to walk up and engage a conversation while she's there.

After some time, though, she stands and heads back to the counter. She has a curiosity.
] I have seen a couple people's faces after trying one of the teas here. ... Which of them is so strong people have been choking?

[She may be talking to an employee, or to just a random patron. Her last tea was quite good, after all.

Sniff. Gods, it's like being a child at Cainhurst again, after coming in from playing in the snow.
]

[3: Wildcard!]

[HMU for anything. Maria's gonna be there for a couple hours. Sipping tea and cider, enjoying the flowers, probably going home with some nice cuttings to see what she can do with growing some of her own.]
digiorno: <user name="peaked"> | dnt (♛ & to forgive)

2

[personal profile] digiorno 2019-12-02 05:57 am (UTC)(link)
[How Giorno managed to insinuate himself alongside Maria without her noticing while crying is anyone's guess. He's not crying loudly, but he's crying redly, scowling down at the cup of tea in his hands as he blinks away tears.]

[Let it be known he's still fucking drinking it, though. He's no coward.]


The Ardric one. [His voice sounds thick. From the crying. This tea better meet him out back—] I'd like to see you do better.
digiorno: (♛ too strong)

iii

[personal profile] digiorno 2019-12-02 06:00 am (UTC)(link)
. . . That's the worst advertisement I've ever heard.

[And yet it's working. He peers at the box owlishly, clearly intrigued.]

Are attack teas also a Springtide traditional brew? What blessing does pain bestow? [Smartass.]
digiorno: icon by me! art credit? (♛ you're moments ago)

three: the sad about boys prompt

[personal profile] digiorno 2019-12-02 06:20 am (UTC)(link)
[Giorno said hello to Rich when he first arrived and asked the usual questions — do you work here, what do you do, give me a flower crown (arguably not a question). He's not one to make friends easily, but he likes Rich, thinks he's interesting, and so keeps an eye on him as the afternoon wears on.]

[It's easy enough to catch that pattern. Something's not right. After some time, he levers himself out of his comfortable seat and wanders over to Rich, pretending not to notice his stupid joints hurting. The mistletoe doesn't particularly worry him; he tucks his chin over Rich's shoulder as soon as he's sat down, considering what he's writing with calm nosiness. Everything on earth is his business, thanks.]


You don't look happy. [Oh. Well, there it is, apparently.]

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