A. Z. Fell & Co OPEN FOR BUSINESS

[wiggleon]

Who: Aziraphale & EVERYBODY, consider this an open mingle post
When: right before the snatched plot
Where: A. Z. & Co, the book shop / café
What: The opening of the book shop! Finally
Warnings: N/A for now


“Welcome!”

Reads the white and golden banner in front of the shop. After much work, panic, steps back and indecision Aziraphale has finally decided the book café is finally ready to actually be open to the public. You shall find the angel at the entrance, nervously playing with his ring between greeting people and making sure everyone has everything they need. He’s made sure to tell everyone about the opening, putting up as many posters and sending as many fliers as he could afford, while also relying on the good old mouth-to-mouth to make sure everyone knew when the great opening was going to be. It will last a few days, as these things tend to do, so nobody should worry if they aren’t able to make it to the big opening on the first day. It’s not like Aziraphale expects a big success, money is definitely not the reason he’s doing this. But if it’s enough to keep his little book café open, he’ll be delighted.

Aziraphale and those who’ve agreed to help and work with him will be seen puttering around the place, making sure everything is as perfect as it can be.

a. The books

A. Z. Fell & Co is a pretty big business- but no one who knows Aziraphale should be surprised, because the more space he has for his books the better. And the shelves are as filled as they can be, he’s definitely made sure of that. It’s taken him… a lot of time, and a big part of his money (bye sweets he craved, bye expensive foods, how he misses miracling things his way) but his collection has ended up pretty nice if he says so himself.

Most of the books are from the city itself. There are a few story books, magic books, some theater plays and everything else Aziraphale could get his extremely demanding hands on. Back home he’d specialized on antique books, but he can’t be as picky in this place… but he’s definitely tried his best to get as many old books as he was able to. He visited many libraries during his visits to Dorchacht, both before and after the revolution, so even though he hasn’t managed to bring as many books from there as he’d have liked to there’s definitely some as well, if anyone is curious about it.

But a lot of the collection is from books from all over the many universes people have been pulled from. Aziraphale got some books from his own book shop back home, thanks to the mirrors. But people have also offered their own, and even written their own versions to be featured. It’s a perfectly imperfect collection that not even all the antique books he had back home could compare to. Not even the signed first editions. The angel is still very humbled at how much people have offered to help. And if anyone needs help with the translation, the enchanted reading glasses should do the trick, deciphering every language into one the wearer is able to understand.

Now, Aziraphale’s priority has always been to keep the books safe. And to that purpose, he will do his absolute best to make sure the books are kept in the store, where they belong, where he can take care of them. And so, even though using spells to attack has hardly been his priority, he’s asked some local witches to help him cast spells on the books so they cannot be damaged or stolen.

He’s asked different witches, so not even he knows what the spell could be. Ink exploding right on the thief’s face, the book howling bloody murder, some may even snap their pages shut on people’s faces and noses- Aziraphale would be against anything seriously harming anyone, but hey, if they were trying to steal his books, maybe they deserve it!

b. Study table & writing workshop

Right on the upper level, there’s a table labeled for studying. The first thing that anyone will notice if they approach the table is how sounds seem to be… muted, somehow. Not entirely gone, you can still talk if you so wish to, but anyone looking for some calm, or a place where they can get some respite and simply read a book will certainly enjoy how Aziraphale did his best to soundproof this room as much as he was able to.

And near the blessedly silent table, Aziraphale has set up what looks to be a little writing workshop. Many people have shown interest in writing stories about their own world, and even sharing the books they remembered reading, and it’s brought him close to people he’d have never met otherwise. So, his pet project is to allow everyone to share their stories. Culture, history, recipes, mythology, fiction… Aziraphale has yet to find a genre that doesn’t have its hidden gems, and so every kind of book is welcome.

He has enchanted some quills to write whatever a person narrates for them whenever they are activated. It doesn’t last as long as he’d have liked, so people have 15 minutes worth of spell before the quill needs to… recharge, so to speak. So nobody should expect to write an actual book, just a short story at most, for now. But he’s still rather proud of how much he’s advanced with his spells, so he’ll proudly tell anyone who wants to use the quills how they work, and give a little notebook for free for people to try it out and tell the story they wish to tell, and he has no qualms about people writing anonymously if they so wish. It is meant as an exchange of cultures.

c. The food

Ah, here’s the other love of Aziraphale’s life. The café is meant to be a place where people can enjoy a drink and some food as they read (though he will remark to please, be careful with the books!). So of course, they sell beverages and pastries. And since Aziraphale’s tastes lean towards haute cuisine, they are sure to be quite something. The angel will also make sure to congratulate the baker, making sure everyone knows Caren, alongside some other local bakers are to thank for the pastries.

He’s right next to diplomatea, and he’d never dream of competing with his friends, so even though he offers his own brand of tea (and British people who visit may recognize certain flavors, as Aziraphale may not be British by birth but is definitely a Londoner by heart), anyone coming from the Everett’s with their own tea is more than welcome. There’s also coffee and cocoa, if anyone so wishes.

However, he’d thought it would be fun if he gave the pastries a little kick for the opening. So even though people can absolutely delight in versions of the pastries that haven’t been enchanted (he’d never rob anyone from enjoying food), every pastry also comes with a batch with a surprise spell in it. Aziraphale is a very easily distracted sort of fella, though, so there can definitely be many mishaps…

These spells are very simple, basic spells. And effects may vary slightly depending on the person, so go wild with how badly it affects the character.

- Sfogliatelle : Fluffy and delightful, these are a favorite of Aziraphale. And so anyone who takes a bite will feel… rather content. Quite happy, actually. With their worries slowly fading away, people who take a bite will feel quite pleased with everything and everyone and will not hesitate to let everyone know. People who go for the Sfogliatelle will also feel quite affectionate and just simply- quite vocal, about everything and everyone they love.

They just have to let them know.



- Bombolone: A filled doughnut that can come in two flavors, chocolate and custard. Anyone who takes a bite of this deliciousness will feel quite high. Literally, that is- they will suddenly find themselves able to fly, thanks to a simple levitating spell. Nothing too crazy, just a feet or two off the ground at most, but isn’t it fun to pretend to be Peter Pan for a while?



- Biscotti: Not going to lie: these are pretty delicious with hot cocoa. And that’s the thing, though: anyone who goes for the enchanted biscotti will not be able to lie. IT can be for a few minutes, or even for a few hours but they will simply not be able to tell a lie anymore. Guess they will have to test how good they are at omitting the truth if they want to hide something…



So eat, drink, read… and hopefully have fun! Go crazy tagging each other

Comments

hiccup haddock iii | ota

[thisisamazing]

[c. Food]
[Hiccup is there on opening day to support his friend. Aziraphale has been very kind to him, and he's eager to see the shop finished anyway, so he makes it out late in the morning, Sharpshot poking his scaly little head out of Hiccup's coat but otherwise content to stay where he is. He's behaving, of course; Hiccup wouldn't let either of his dragons run rampant in here.

He's looked at some of the books by now, curious but not really having the time to sit down and read - because if he starts, he won't be able to stop, and the rest of his day isn't totally free. Now he's gazing thoughtfully at the tea, snacking on a sfogliatelle or a biscotti (both are totally novel to a viking who still hasn't eaten much processed sugar in his lifetime).] Hey, do you, uh- What kind of tea is this? [He might be wondering if his Bonded would like it.]

[or wildcard me!]

wilcard

[blackbonded]

[ ooc; let me know if this is okay. ]

[ While Aziraphale is mingling with guests, Shiro comes in with a cart of tea sandwiches. He goes around the room asking the guests there for afternoon tea if they'd like to try anything. ]

They're freshly made.

[thisisamazing]

[Sharpshot looks up from where he's curled around Hiccup's neck and squawks at Shiro like he's a little guard lizard. Hiccup looks up, then shakes his head.]

Oh, no, I'm fine, thanks. Just waiting to congratulate Aziraphale.

c.

[wiggleon]

That would be a type of white tea, Hiccup, dear.

[Aziraphale looks delighted to see his friend here- he wouldn't have been able to open up the shop if it hadn't been for him, after all. He owes much to him, and even though Hiccup refuses to let him repay the favour with money he will still make sure to repay him in other ways, and making sure he knows his help is appreciated.]

If you're not sure what to try that's not a bad guess, as the flavour is not as strong as other teas.

[thisisamazing]

[Hiccup turns to face him with a wide smile, happy to see him here and see the shop finally open.] I didn't know tea came in white. [His main tea experiences have been types of black tea and different herbal or fruit blends. Basically whatever is popular or common in Aefenglom because they certainly don't have it on Berk.]

Oh, no, that's- I've had a lot of tea by now. My Bonded, you know Newt, he's- he's British. [So. Tea. That's a big thing they have together.]

Hey, the shop looks great! I'm so glad you're finally getting to open.

Everett Vaughan | Faun

[rollfordiplomacy]

Closed to Aziraphale

[With the opening of the book shop just next door to his own store, Everett is eager to pop in. He'd given the suggestion of such a location, so it's all too pleasing to see Aziraphale went through with it. Spying the goodies, he'll not be aware of the enchantments at hand and get both a Sfogliatelle and a Biscotti for himself, to go with his coffee. While he'll take a seat, he practically jumps from it when he sees the owner make an appearance.]

Aziraphale, old boy! The shop turned out marvelous. Are you quite pleased?

Wildcard OTA

[This is turning out to be a busy month for Everett! It wouldn't be impossible to catch him around the opening of the shop, however. He'll be perusing books and eating the available goodies with some eager curiosity, once he realizes the effects. The two shops, A. Z. Fell & Co and DiplomaTea, share a front porch space, so the faun is bouncing between]

Wildcard

[blackbonded]

[ ooc; let me know if this is okay. ]

[ While Aziraphale is mingling with guests, Shiro comes in with a cart of tea sandwiches. He goes around the room asking the guests there for afternoon tea if they'd like to try anything. ]

They're freshly made.

Sorry for the delay!

[rollfordiplomacy]

[Everett's eyes sparkle at the beautifully presented, little sandwiches. If his establishment was missing anything, it was proper snacks to go along with the drinks, all he really offered was simple cookies from another bakery. Aziraphale moving in next door solved that issue neatly.]

They all look wonderful, old boy! [he'll eye the cucumber one in particular, reaching a gloved hand to delicately take one for himself] Did you make them yourself?

[wiggleon]

[Aziraphale smiles, excitedly clapping his hands once as he walks over towards his friend.] Couldn't have been possible without your help, my dear friend.

I am pleased, indeed. I was hoping to create a place where people could come, read and relax and I think I've accomplished it. It's not- I don't expect it to explode, obviously, but I'm quite happy to provide the city of a place like this.

[rollfordiplomacy]

Nonsense, nonsense, you did all the real work! I only provided the seeds of an idea and some suggestion for care, you tended the rest of the garden. Have good pride in the fruits of your labor! [whimsical plant metaphors, what else could be expected of a faun, really? He gives Aziraphale a firm pat of confidence on the shoulder]

Your books, your pastries, my flowers, my tea- it all works so well together. I'm glad to be in business alongside you, old boy.

Momiji Sohma | Puca

[selfishwish]

1. Opening Day!

[Someone, of course, has to help out with the footwork involved in getting ready for the shop's first day! Aziraphale has plenty on his plate organizing it all and seeing that everything is in its place. So, Momiji's spent the past couple weeks running errands: retrieving ingredients, placing orders, or finding finishing touches on the angel-owner's request.

And, come opening day, he's on-hand to lend a hand and make sure everything's run smoothly. None of it's very fancy work! But he can be found running to restock pastries behind the sales counter, directing guests between displays when Aziraphale isn't on hand, or clearing off tables.

It's actually cozy enough work, though the little rabbit likely looks a touch harried and sleepless. He's still recovering from this month's full moon, so forgive him if he seems distracted or hands you the wrong drink or points you in the direction of Aefenglomian poetry when you wanted East Asian cooking. Thankfully, he isn't taking any orders, at least...]

2. Stories & Sweets

[Later on, there's time to get off his feet and curl up with a big tome of fairy tales. He bundles into his seat, knees tucked to his chest, with a big mug of cocoa and a little plate of biscotti beside him. (Those seem like the safe option for getting in a relatively uneventful snack, from what he's seen!)

By the time he's halfway through his drink, his eyelids are heavy, and he's more drowsing whenever he looks back towards the pages than anything else. But he'll still perk up and wave towards anyone he knows or anyone who's just looking for an open seat:]

You can sit there, if you want! I'm just pretending to read, now, anyway--

[He announces cheerfully and then blinks hard, perplexed. "You won't interrupt me" is what he'd meant to come out of his mouth, but, lax as his concentration is at the moment, the other person definitely would! Sneaky biscotti.]

1

[blackbonded]

[ Shiro has been helping Aziraphale with the grand opening so he's come to know most of the people involved. He's mostly playing waiter today, taking orders and delivering them to the patrons. He's no good in the kitchen so he's glad to have other people to rely on.

When Momiji hands him the wrong item for the second time, Shiro smiles and shakes his head, handing him back the drink. ]

Relax.

2

[wiggleon]

[Aziraphale blinks at the Puca's honesty, tiling his head in surprise. He'd only come to ask if he wanted another hot chocolate, since he seemed to be enjoying his own and most of the work was already done anyway.]

Oh? And why is that? Are you not enjoying the book? I could recommend another one if you'd rather.

Shiro | VLD

[blackbonded]

i. Greet and Meet

[ Shiro's been helping Aziraphale with getting the place ready for the grand opening so when the day finally arrives. He's there to help. He greets the guests as they arrive, helping them find a book or if they're there for afternoon tea, then he'll lead them to a long table with the rest of the guests. ]


ii. Tea Time

[ By the time afternoon tea rolls around Shiro can be found at the heart of it all, refilling any trays that seem low on pastries or tea sandwiches. He'll also be taking any special tea orders. ]

Hello. My name's Shiro.

Can I get you anything today?


iii. Wildcard

[ ooc; hit me with anything you'd like! ]

i. kinda

[wiggleon]

[Aziraphale smiles, placing a hand on Shiro's shoulder and looking quite pleased with how things are going in the little shop.]

Have you taken a rest already, boy? Make sure to eat and drink something, as well- I can take over greeting people for a little while if you'd like.

Connor | Merrow

[plasticasshole]

The Books;

[Connor had never read a real book before arriving to Aefenglom. The odd article had been scanned here and there for pertinent information, but that's about it. Justine had introduced him to books here, and now every so often he likes to read one.

He reads a lot faster than the average human. It takes him maybe three seconds to scan a page and take in all of the information. Therefore, he sees no point in taking a book away from here. He's sat in a little corner with a book about a detective trying to find a serial killer, because of course he is, but if addressed he'll lift his gaze and smile.]

Yes?

Writing Workshop;

[You know what else is fun? Listening in on people as they "write" their stories. He'll focus on the one that seems the most interesting and sit nearby- not really trying to hide what he's doing, mind you. He hopes nobody minds. He could write one himself he supposes, but... not today.

In any case, if there are any interesting stories being written here, he'll pick up on it.]

Wildcard;

Hit me at novicecity or novicecity#8049 on discord if you want something else!

Writing Workshop

[wiggleon]

It's interesting, isn't it?

[Aziraphale walks over, talking softly to try not to interrupt whoever is talking to the quill right now, writing down their own stories. He hadn't thought about this workshop as a place where someone could listen in, but now that he sees the merrow doing it he has to admit it isn't a bad idea.]

Are you waiting for your turn?

viren, ota

[bloodwit]

i.a. sfogliatelle

[ while the pastry inspired a feeling of elation, it didn't do much for the suspicions (why is this happening?) that followed the moment he'd taken a bite of it. the sudden rush of affections he felt was — peculiar, not to mention uncalled for, and thus demanded that he push his plate away. now was not the time for that.

it's a bite too late, though. perhaps he's browsing through a shelf of books (with even a cheery, light whistle), when he glances to someone nearest. provided he recognizes the individual, he suddenly!! does have something to say!

if you have a positive relationship with him, or even a neutral relationship with him, ]

I, ah... [ he clears his throat! just in case they weren't sure he wants their attention. ] don't find your company to be dreadful.

[ there it is, the Reveal. ]

i.b. biscotti

[ the effect of a biscotti is somewhat more insidious (or that's how viren would view it, at least). as he's kept to himself after that ordeal with the other pastry, he's yet to notice its truth-telling enchantment. for now, he has some book of aefenglom's magic within his possession; the hour is one of the more crowded (yet, surprisingly relaxed) times of day, it seems, with few truly isolated seats.

provided there's an empty seat at your table, you should now find yourself in the company of one (1) dragon. ]

ii. writing workshop

[ when viren sits at the writing workshop area, he finds that he's not alone. he remembers hearing of this setup from aziraphale himself, had found the idea both educational and entertaining. so, as he's yet to activate any quill, he then lifts his gaze to fix it upon the other.

with a slight incline of his head, ]

If you share with a story from your home, I would share with you one from mine.

iii. wildcard

( you know the drill )

i.

[wiggleon]

[That startles a chuckle out of the angel, and he covers his mouth with his hands so as not to be disrespectful to Viren.]

Why, the feeling is mutual then, my friend. I definitely do not find your company to be dreadful, either. I see you've been enjoying the pastries?

ii.

[digiorno]

Oh?

[Giorno has to admit, he's surprised. It seemed to him to be an idea that few would be willing to take advantage of, at least at first — but not everyone is so reticent to share little things from home, after all.]

[After regarding Viren for a cautious moment, he nods affirmation.]

I'd be willing to do that. [Briefly, he offers a smile.] Hopefully we don't come from places that are too similar, or it might get boring.

ib, i'm sorry, i'm shameless for viren cr & also ... truth serum

[faithlikeaseed]

[Myr's got a book of his own with him at the table, which probably comes as some surprise given his inability to read it. Thick, leatherbound, it's a well-kept thing but also long worn by hands, so the little bit of cheap metallic leaf gracing the sun symbol on the front of it is all but worn off. Nevertheless the Faun has one hand resting on it like it's something precious that someone might walk off with.

He's also got a biscotti of his own, sampled and left aside for now. It wanted for something to soak in, he thinks, which meant waiting here a while longer on his ordered drink.

The sound of Viren's approach brings his head up from whatever internal rumination he'd been engaged in. He...thinks he might recognize that tread.] Good evening, messere, [...and if he got it wrong, well, being extra-polite to a stranger wouldn't hurt.]

giorno giovanna | vampire | ota

[digiorno]

a + b. the books + the quills

[As he's becoming increasingly leery about patronizing non-Mirrorbound businesses, Giorno finds himself more relieved than he expected to be at the opening of a bookstore, even if he doesn't know the owner. He drifts in as though in some powerful current, and once the door's closed behind him he's glad he did: it feels like an old private library, the sensation of dust permeating everything in a way that speaks to old books rather than actual dirt.]

[Time passes and finds Giorno wandering the stacks, then curled up in an armchair with his legs tucked up under himself. He pores through books on a variety of topics, including the biomythology of the Cwyld, a fragmented political history of Dorchact, and (the subject of his greatest focus) a play from at least a century before the present day.]

[Once he makes his way to the workshop, he's immediately fascinated by the quills. It's just a couple of minutes before he's situated at a table murmuring to a quill as it scribbles down his words. Which, as it turns out, aren't his words at all, but are in fact a passage from Les Miserables, for anyone familiar with it. This seems like a waste of an enchanted quill, to be honest.]

c. the food

[These are Italian desserts. Giorno has exactly enough presence of mind to leave his stack of books just inside the bookshop portion of the shop before diving into the sweets with childlike abandon. The precariously-piled plate he ends up with holds mostly mundane desserts, including the sfogliatelle because he's not an idiot, but also . . . some of the more unusual biscotti.]

[So. With a crunch,] Finally, some decent cuisine. Most places in this city can't manage dessert for shit.

[. . . He does have spelled biscotti, but for the record, he would probably have said that anyway. He has opinions.]

the quills;

[wiggleon]

I remember this!

[Aziraphale didn't mean to just barge in, or interrupt him as he read to the quill. But he just got so damn excited at seeing someone read- or, well, write? one of his favorite classics.]

We must be from a similar world, if you remember Hugo's books.

FOR AZIRAPHALE, IN THE RIGHT PLACE.....

[faithlikeaseed]

[Even if he hadn't responded immediately, Myr had heard that Aziraphale was interested in books that had come through the mirrors... And he happened to have two of his own. Even if his two copies of the Chant were too precious to part with, the thought that a Witch might be able to make copies--that the Chant might spread even to this far-flung corner of the worlds beyond Thedas--pulled at him with, well, a religious conviction.

Thus he presents himself bright and early at the café on opening day--not hard to do, when he works right next door and had been doing some tidying for Diplomatea's own start of business--with a thick tome in-hand. Bound in leather embossed with a sun symbol, its pages unevenly cut, it's got something almost scriptural about it--an impression that's borne up from how carefully Myr holds it, as he waits to speak to the café's proprietor.

When his moment comes, he brightens visibly, as a man might to know a dream's about to be realized.]

Messere Aziraphale? I'd been led to understand you were seeking books from beyond the mirrors.

<3

[wiggleon]

[Aziraphale is happily tending to everyone that needs his help or advice, just doing his best to make sure the opening of the book cafe was as much of a success as he'd always wanted it to be. This is what he'd always wanted: just a place where everyone could enjoy the written word, where people could share knowledge and opinions without the angel having to worry that they actually wanted to buy his books. So he's in an incredibly good mood as he turns to look at the man, a big smile on his face.]

I most certainly am! Why? Is there anything I could help you with?