middaeg | A. Z. Fell & Co OPEN FOR BUSINESS

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A. Z. Fell & Co OPEN FOR BUSINESS

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

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[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!]

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]

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.]

[ 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.

[ 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.

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! ]

[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.

[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.

[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.

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.

Oh! Um--

[Momiji does not relax! He does, though, give a quick, quizzical blink at the drink passed back into his hand, before it hits him what's happened and he winces.

It's not like the menu here is all that complicated, this is silly--]

Sorryyyy, what was that supposed to be again?

Huh...? No!

[The mild confusion on the puca's face turns into a redfaced stare when he looks up and realizes he's just accidentally insulted the shop's owner on his first day. He definitely hadn't meant it like that!]

Noo, it's good, just! I think the cocoa's making me sleepyy--[That last syllable elongates a little bit weirdly, against his will, before he's forced to conclude with a sniff:] Er. Sleepier.

So, I was just people-watching, mostly.

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!

You've been working pretty hard, you know. Why don't you take a few minutes? Everyone's got food and drink and Aziraphale's out there playing host.

[ The orders now where just special tea blends people wanted to try. There was still pastries left and Earl Grey to keep them for a bit.]

Uh, my name's Shiro.

[ Calling a grown man 'boy' is kind of insulting and Shiro isn't the type to accept such things even when he's pretty sure Aziraphale doesn't really mean it in that context. ]

And, I'm fine. Taking orders and restocking food and drinks isn't that hard. It's easier than making all these [ he points to the mountain of pastries ] things. I'm not really good in a kitchen.

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 )

Edited 2020-01-13 01:43 (UTC)

Shiro, then. [Crowley is over 5000 years old, he looks in his 40s and he still calls him 'boy', so he definitely doesn't mean it in any insulting way. But he's happy to go with the flow, his smile doesn't even flatter as he's corrected.]

I am actually quite bad in the kitchen as well- or at least I think I am. I've always been afraid of trying, I didn't really have to back home. I had to have most of them pre-prepared to make sure we'd have enough and we only had them to put them in the oven...

I hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew.

[Any chance that Aziraphale would have been offended quickly goes away as Momiji goes on and he can’t help but smile into his hand as he nods in understanding. By now he’s seen enough people react to the pastries to be ale to make a guess about the one he must have gotten his hands on. The spells were just meant to be a bit of fun, something to experiment with, so he’s not going to push it any further- but he has to admit it is quite fun, to watch him get so flustered.]

That sounds like fun. Hopefully people will keep coming in and out to make people-watching entertaining, indeed.

Are you enjoying the food? I tend to enjoy anything sweet, so I am quite a biased judge…

[ He smiles. ]

Well, that's one way to get it done. I'm used to MRE's but I have to say, [ he looks over at the tower of pastries ] none of them were as good as anything like this.

Oh, they look positively heavenly don't they? And they taste even better. I am quite happy that we can offer them to our clients- though it makes it a little more dificult to make sure they take good care of the books.

Have you had a break yet, Shiro? I wouldn't want to overwork you.

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?

[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?

Thank you. [..] For calling me that.

[ "friend," that is. ]

[ this is embarrassing. it's like he's on the train to embarrassment hell, running his mouth, and he can do nothing but watch himself embark on it. and he's in too good of a mood to really to try to derail it. this is an absolutely bizarre mood he thinks he hasn't felt in years. ]

[ he can't even feel that upset at his suspicions being confirmed!! that damn pastry.. ]

Why yes, I did! Though I had not realized they were enchanted [ obviously ] — My compliments to the chef.

It is. But... no, I'm just listening. I'm not even sure how I'd begin my story.

[He guesses with being activated?]

I haven't been alive very long in comparison to most people here, but I feel like there's a lot to tell still.

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A. Z. Fell & Co OPEN FOR BUSINESS

hiccup haddock iii | ota

Everett Vaughan | Faun

Momiji Sohma | Puca

wilcard

Wildcard

1

Shiro | VLD

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2

i. kinda

c.

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Connor | Merrow

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viren, ota

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Writing Workshop

i.

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