Dragues - ic

GuanYue

sorrow made you.
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Posting Speed
  1. Speed of Light
  2. Multiple posts per day
  3. 1-3 posts per day
  4. One post per day
  5. 1-3 posts per week
  6. One post per week
  7. Slow As Molasses
Writing Levels
  1. Give-No-Fucks
  2. Intermediate
  3. Adept
  4. Advanced
  5. Prestige
  6. Adaptable
Preferred Character Gender
  1. Male
  2. Female
  3. Nonbinary
  4. Transgender
  5. Primarily Prefer Male
Genres
Modern Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Sci-fi Futuristic, Cyberpunk, Victorian, Steampunk, Dieselpunk, time period fantasies, semi-realism, slice of life, organization/agencies, gangs, dystopian, dark, comedy, medieval fantasy














Lorem ipsum​
In a fantasy world, time has surpassed the usual medieval setting. It is currently modern times, where the high points of civilization are ruled by magitech and industry. However, here along the rocky shores of the Grandmis Ocean resides a small town protected by the high cliffs and mountains and caressed by the ocean mist. Dragues is secluded from most of the hustle and bustle of modern life, and preserves the very tradition that the town is known for: dragons. Dragues is one of the few towns left that trains and houses dragon riders. Once used for battle and warfare, now dragon riders may be predominantly used for trade, transporting shipments, postal service, and entertainment. Nevertheless, they hold an important place in the town's heart.




 




__CURRENTLY HAPPENING

TIME & DATE
Date: Fall 25
Time: 10am

WEATHER
Sunny - Partial Cloudy
No Rain
Nice Ocean Breeze

EVENT
The Hollowed Gourd Festival is in five days! People around the town are setting up for the festival and decorating their places with little carved gourds and spooky decoration. Candy, meals and special pastries are in high demand to give out to children that will dress up for the festival. Along the dragon's cliff is a small makeshift amphitheater being set up.





 
MAGNUS STRANGE

The way Magnus Strange moved around the kitchen mirrored a professional dancer. His moves were graceful and calculated, moving to his own rhythm and no one else’s. Anyone that stepped into his kitchen must dance to his beat. Music didn’t come in the form of instruments or singing but the everyday sounds of a kitchen. The hiss of olive oil on a hot pan; the cry of a boiling kettle; the heavy knock of a blade against a cutting board… it all came together to create Magnus’ music. He paced the small kitchen, keeping an eye on what was being produced for a moment.

Whenever imperfection crossed his vision, Magnus rushed in to correct it. His instructions were curt and short before he moved on to the others. For something simple as a country breakfast, his standard wouldn’t drop for a single second. Eggs were fried to order (and how the customers wanted). Country sausage was sliced and fried in its own fat. The potatoes must be properly brunoised; not a single piece bigger than 3mm. Pancake batter must be a particular thickness and nothing between. And, every single meal must be accompanied by the “complimentary side” of toast and its usual condiments. He demanded perfection even if he served one person this morning.

His high demand for this level of service in the middle of nowhere is constantly criticized, but it falls on deaf ears. If trying to serve the best prepared dish with fresh ingredients is sinful, then Magnus is already planning to take the expressway to Hell. Things in the kitchen started to wrap up as the last dish was served. Today, the morning shift was coming to a close early. Clean up was quick, giving Magnus time to check on supplies for today’s lunch. Noticing that they were short on some spices, Magnus excused himself to resupply at the Market Store. Exchanging his apron for a sweater and scarf, the head chef excused himself as he exited the inn and started off towards the store.
 
VITA DE ZAIN
Vita sat outside her home focusing intently on the pumpkin in front of her, with a marker held in her hand threateningly. Not far from her was a small mountain of failures, split in half, carved incorrectly, some even just obliterated, truly showing her ability to cut. A little huff escaped her lips as she set down her ink weapon and stared a bit too intensely at the very basic face she had drawn on it. The Ruh around her giggling at her efforts, the same way a friend would laugh at her. Though that wasn't enough to discourage the young woman, bringing the pumpkin into her lap and holding it steady, she began to chant a spell "O lux sanctus Ille dux in manu mea malum, et interficiam cum per cor justorum!" As soon as she had finished, her hand was enveloped in a gentle light, and with hands as steady as a surgeon she traced over her drawing, careful to follow the line and not end the life of another pumpkin.

After 30 minutes of dedicated carving, Vita had realized a fatal flaw in her almost flawless plan. She didn't hallow it out. Defeated, she set the pumpkin aside and laid on her porch face down mumbling about how difficult this task was every event. "It's still in on piece..." She mumbled blankly to the floor, turning her head to star down the orange orb. Pushing herself back upright, she brought the vegetable closer to her and turned it upside down, after all, she remembered being told that if you hollowed it out from the bottom, it took more time to cave in on itself as time passed! This time she grabbed a knife, a simple circle, no need to waste magical energy. As soon as she plunged the knife in and moved it just slightly forward she immediately regretted it, somehow the pumpkin had cracked, from where she cut it all the way up to the mouth of the face she had so carefully carved.

Vita could only sit there in shock as she watched all her efforts become another failure, the defeat was just enough to make her tear up in frustration. "It's not easy!" She whined, the Ruh seemed all too entertained by their little witch's shortcomings. The final straw had been plucked, and Vita shot up from her seat, her hands balled in fists as she began to accumulate magic and releasing it on the failed vegetables with a spell followed behind them. "Artearen eta festa deity, iruditu zitzaidan burura horiek!" She huffed proudly as they shifted, neatly stacking themselves in a pyramid shape and placing themselves next to her door. Carved in each pumpkin was a story of a rabbit who tried to reach the moon, though only in pictures and briefly summarized. Basically, anyone who saw this would know immediately she didn't do the traditional way.

Humming her victory she placed a basket filled with small goodies on top of the pumpkin, writing a small letter telling people who approached it to help themselves. Finally done with her self-assigned task her stomach told her it was done waiting, and it was time to get her morning pastry, keeping in mind they would have to head over to the magic shop later for work. Without further delay, Vita strolled along the quiet streets making her way to the cafe with a little skip in her step.




SILAS EVER
The in woke up at maybe 8 AM, Silas woke up at 10 AM if people were lucky. The man peeled his eyes open and stared at the ceiling for some time before rolling his head over to face his window, miserable to see he hadn't just woken up in the middle of the night. He had to bargain with himself to get out of bed, after all, Maggy was probably cooking breakfast, what kind of boss would he be if he just lazied around! Silas snapped upright, nervously examining the room to make sure no one had heard his thoughts. His cook wasn't too fond of nicknames and probably wouldn't have problems slowly starving poor Silas for so much of thinking of up a name.

Following the morning routine of washing his face, brushing his teeth and getting dressed the Inn owner hurried out and down the halls, greeting guests and they passed by. He ignored his growing hunger pains that only seemed to get worse as he neared the kitchen, enticed by the smell of food. Throwing open the kitchen doors as loudly as he did would have been enough to alert anyone he had entered, but Silas being Silas he had to follow it up with more than just that. "MISTER STRAAAAANNGE!" He almost sounded like a needy child.

He was met with silence and the realization he had left for whatever reason. He stood there for 30 seconds with a blank smile that seemed to say 'Guess I'll die.' and with no further action crawled onto the floor and laid down. Taunted by the smell of food that wasn't there.
 
Alicia Malour

This morning was a bit busier than most ones in the Cafe, and yet Alicia didn't mind it at all. She was always happy to have customers around, and more came around the Cafe in the days before the Hollowed Gourd Festival. People wanted special pastries to hand out to the children as part of the sweeter goods they will hand out to those who go around in costumes. A very happy and delightful cause in Alicia's opinion. She personally didn't have the most fun while she was at school during the Hollowed Gourd Festival, but she felt like the holiday around Dragues was much happier than over there.

Most of the baked goods bags were small ones, whatever Sev had decided to bake up for that day, which meant that they had a changing variety, something Alicia felt was especially good for this time of year. There were also the larger, holiday pastries, which would fill the cafe with a very tasty aroma as they baked. Their special coffee for the time of year included a pumpkin-spice blend, which Alicia felt always made the cafe smell more like a farm than anything else. Not that she minded, she enjoyed the different smell it made the cafe had.

As she prepared a latte for a customer's order, Alicia turned to look at their packed bags of baked goods they were preparing for sale for the festival. They were slowly running low on how many more they had, and it was still pretty early on the day. She quickly finished up the latte order with a boat drawing in the cream and brought the coffee to the customer, quickly making her way back to take care of further orders, but also quickly glancing through the window to the kitchen in the back, where Sev was producing a lovely smell "I hope you are preparing some more bagged ones Sev, we're starting to run low!" She quickly told him before turning back to her counter and beginning to work on yet another order.
 
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GILROY & JUDARIUS RHYS

It felt a bit odd living in the mines encampment. It was like a perpetual camping trip or living out in the woods. Even more odd was that Judarius was living in the very same encampment, the very same cabin as his uncle Gilroy when he was excavating the mines. He could see the remnants of Gilroy's presence here in the engravings in the wood. The hook where the lantern hung lower than for an average person's height. Maps, charts, books and an intricate brass and dark wood tool box resided in the corner of the small room. And there were still old bottles of whiskey that had never gotten thrown out. Yes, this indeed feel like somewhere Gilroy would stay. And Judarius had yet to make it his own--spare for some rough sketches pinned to the wall in front of the desk and various gears and metal pieces scattered onto of the wooden surface. Schematics for the newest music box had fallen off the table and laid forgotten on the floor.

Judarius wasn't there to pick it up. He had left after showering and collecting a small satchel of things to head into town. He passed by the cafe, only to pause for a moment to look through the window. They seemed pretty busy. Maybe now wasn't the best time to bother them. He had to pick up his weekly bread basket, but... not if they were so hectic. It could wait. Maybe... Jude found himself lingering outside. Unsuspecting of Vita who was nearing the cafe as well.




Gilroy was feeling less considerate. With a slam of his hand on the market counter, he glared at the worker whom had done a pretty thorough job ticking him off. "Whadda ya mean my shipment ain't here!" He snapped loudly. "I ordered from the mainland three weeks ago! THREE. WEEKS. AGO. Ya know what that means? IT VERY DAMN WELL SHOULDA BEEN HERE BY NOW." His low toned voice ripped through the store, disrupting what calm they attempted to have. "If I don't got these parts I need outta my shipment within the next few days, there won't be any float this year. Ya know who's fault that would be? You people's." Gil pointed his finger upward in a threatening manner.

It didn't take long for the stocky man to storm out onto the town. Pulling out a gold pocket watch, he popped it open and looked at the time. "And he's bloody late. Little runt." He growled, snapping the watch shut and stuffing it back into his breast pocket. Judarius was late for their brunch-in.

Gilroy stepped into the inn and looked around, waiting to see if his usual spot was taken. Seeing it vacant eased his anger slightly. Just slightly. He sat down at his table and began to lay out every blueprint he had brought with him from his knapsack. He began to read over his plans, but only grunted when after a few minutes no one had come to check on him. Where the hell was the staff around here? The inn sure as hell wasn't closed. He looked over towards the kitchen, only to see feet under the door. Not standing upright feet, but feet like someone was collapsed on the ground. He stared for a long minute before getting up.

Seeing Silas lying there as he neared, he took the opportunity that only Gilroy could. With his big ol' boot, he pushed against Silas' butt to see if he was still alive. "Don't ya know it ain't sanitary to be sleepin' on kitchen floors?!" He snapped and nudged him again.
 
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VITA DE ZAIN
Vita hummed a tune with each step she took, stopping now and then to acknowledge a small burst of Ruh that looked like a little firecracker. A gentle smile touched her lips as she offered it a slight bow, just like the people, the Ruh celebrated The Hollowed Gourd Festival, it was a time for lost spirits to find their place and settle their magic, into items, people or animals. It was a big deal since it was the third point in a Ruh's cycle, it was also the time Vita could see so much magic and Ruh so well defined without throwing up. The sight had put her in a good mood, and as she neared the Cafe, the tempting smell of baked goods and elaborately made drinks had made her small smile an ear to ear grin.

Though Vita's smile quickly vanished and her eyebrows raised in curiosity, a small tilt of her head meant to imitate a confused puppy. A broad frame and a bit of an overbearing presence, but the Ruh betrayed his intimidating stature and exposed hesitance. Though Vita couldn't understand why he was hesitating, just that he was. With her baked goods put on hold, the doe-eyed witch marched over to the lingering man and slapped his back with full force. Though to him it probably felt more of a hard pat since she relied so much on magic her body was incredibly weak on its own, only willing to do the bare minimum of things. "Boo!" She blurted out, trying to add as much energy as she could to her already monotonous voice.

She was pleased to discover it was Darius after all, the smile that vanished earlier now returning to her face. "Are you lost? If you tell me where you're going I'll help you! But it's still very early you should eat before wandering around town or you'll pass out and wake up when the sun has set!" That last bit was more of a personal memory that vexed her to this day and somewhere along the way had developed the idea that Darius left the mines every blue moon, he was secretly some kind of mole man.

SILAS EVER
Silas had lost track of the time, the delicious smell of Mister Strange's cooking slowly cleared from the air, or his brain was just ignoring it to save the man from mauling his own arms off in hunger, and Mister Strange had yet to come back from wherever it is he was going. He's abandoned me. Silas thought dramatically since he hadn't even had a cup of water for the day his body held off on his tears of absolute sorrow and settled for pessimistic thinking. Was it because I entered the kitchen too much? Or maybe because I said all the spices were the same? His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps, and a small flash of hope struck his heart. Though it was quickly extinguished when he noticed the footsteps were much too heavy to belong to his light-footed cook.

The boot on his rear only confirmed his hope was misplaced, this wasn't even Magnus's shoe size. A voice as rough as his words had explained who it was, after all, Gilroy would probably be the only one to step on a dead man's butt. "Sanitation mean's nothing to a corpse, sir," Silas mumbled into the floor, his stomach agreeing with his comment. "Do you wish to occupy the storage unit? Is that a cleaner burial ground for you?"
 
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BEIL HEROUX & MASSIKA


Beil never liked festivals. She liked them even less when her parents decided to show up in her very small, very solitary house to demand they see the man that surely had wooed their daughter into living such a quiet and out of the way life. "Mama, Papa, like I said the last time you were here, there is no man. There is just Eze and you've met him hundreds of times already. If you would like to meet him again I'm sure the stables are open and I would like nothing better than to escort you down to his stall." They just waved her off and settled in her small living room. Books lined the walls, Her gear was lovingly placed on a mannequin in the corner, each piece lovingly cleaned and oiled each night to maintain it's pristine condition. Small runes were etched on the edges of each piece of armor. Sigils for protection, for sight, for luck(not that she actually believed in that), and most importantly for warmth in the upper reaches of the skies.

She knew her parents didn't believe her when she said that there was no man to take their daughter's hand and body so far from where she'd grown up on the upper slopes of the town. She knew that they were slightly disgusted with the way she lived, singularly. It didn't bother her once she stepped into the stables. The scent of warm hay and that smell that was so draconic filled her with such unbridled joy that she couldn't help but let go of her frustrations. She walked down the hall, ignoring everything else other than the smell that filled her senses and her footsteps that carried her to a nearby stall. She could walk the row from her home to Ezekiel's stall without sight or touch. She needed only her ears, nose, and memory to lead her to the massive drake.

A soft chuffing noise greeted her and Beil smiled. "Hello handsome. Did you miss me?" She cooed at the 7-year-old male. He was full grown nearly three years ago and what a glorious specimen he was. She'd thought about putting him out to stud but she was selfish. Plus Eze had never shown much interest in any female yet. Lovingly she stroked a hand down his snout and reveled in the strength as her hands passed over his cheeks. The soft scales did little to hide the bulge of muscle in his jaw. "Let's check the schedule to see if we're going out today huh?" She left his stall door open as she walked down the hall to the tack room, his thunderous footsteps following slowly behind her.

_____________________________________________________________​



Massika was currently carving pumpkins. A pile of what she called 'entrails' piled beside her on the stone of the bathhouse floor. Astrid was currently cleaning out the baths not too far away. The comforting weight of the blade in her hand brought back memories that she would never share. Not with anyone. Her eyes turned away from the blonde to look down at the poor gourd that her knife was currently plunged into. The hollow grin grimaced up at her. It wasn't too scary. When a fire was lit in the base of the pumpkin it would look merely eerie. No sense in traumatizing children too badly. She finished the pumpkin and set it aside with the other handful she'd already finished. They grinned around the room and as soon as Astrid was finished cleaning, they would be placed around the baths, a couple in the corners of each bath. She'd need to carve more but for now she set the knife aside.

A wicked smile curled one corner of her mouth before she sifted through the pumpkin entrails to find a handful of seeds. One she popped into her mouth and bit down on it. They would taste better roasted but they weren't too bad on their own. Lots of fiber, and good oils. The next several she tossed at Astrid. Each hit their mark. "Let us go get breakfast. You are probably hungry."
 
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GILROY & JUDARIUS RHYS


It wasn't very long before Judarius felt a rather rough pat on his back. It didn't hurt. It didn't even sting. It was just surprising to someone that didn't expect it. He looked over, then looked down to see that none other that little witch Vita was there with him now. "Oh, hey." He replied, smiling a little. The little spook she gave did nothing more than just add to his smile. "Yeah, very scary." He mumbled in response.

Her question made him a little confused... and then a little embarrassed. Did he look lost? Probably with how he was staring through the window. He turned so that he was no longer facing the store front. He hoped it didn't creep anyone out inside. But of course, it was probably just his luck that someone would have seen him from inside and probably mentioned it to one of the employees. There was no way he could go inside now...

"I was, um," he started, trying to find the right words to what exactly he was doing. "going to go meet Gilroy at the Inn. He wanted to go over some blueprints with me for this year's float." He glanced back at the cafe for a quick moment, the back to Vita. "Did you..." he pointed his thumb at the cafe. "Did you want to get something to eat here? We can get something together before I have to go."


The Inn owner was an odd boy. Gil wasn't entirely sure how Silas came into owning it, nor did he particularly care. It was hard to keep up who's kid took over what or what new face picked up what business. It didn't matter so long as those people were doing their damn job. As far as Gil was concerned, and this very moment, Sil was not doing his damn job. Unless, of course, his job was now being a doormat.

"If yer gonna be a corpse then I'll throw ya out to the pigs and take over the Inn myself!" Gil growled as he used the tip of his boot to knock Silas over more, practically rolling him around on the floor now. "Yap yap yap, that's all I'm hearin' from ya."

"Whatt're ya doin' on the floor anyhow?" He continued, stopping to extend his hand to help Sil off the ground.​
 
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ASTRID BLUM


Whoever decided that they were going to enjoy the baths the night prior seemed to have caused a huge mess for the bathhouse. Astrid had cleaned up after them last night, but there was apparently so much more to be done that she had no choice but to have a crack at cleaning everything the next day. It cut into Astrid's mood, really. She had to skip on carving pumpkins with Massika. She huffed and puffed and complained mostly to herself as she scrubbed the walls of the tub with a hand brush. Sleeves and pant legs rolled up as far as they could go, she was determined to get these ratty limestone stains out!

It took a couple hours before any progress was made. By then, Astrid had already pinned her hair up, pulled it down, pinned it back up and pulled it down again out of frustration. Her foot even hurt from absently kicking the side of the stone tubs. The stains finally loosened up and washed away, and Astrid felt accomplished. With a small victory cheer, she dropped the brush and stretched her arms up over her head.

And then that's when she felt it. A disgustingly sick peg or something hitting her head. At first she ignored it. She was just feeling things. But then it happened again. She could hear faint snickering echoing in the bathhouse. Or maybe it was the snickering she thought she heard in her head. "Do you mind?!" She snapped, huffed and turned to look at Massika. She wasn't really mad, but of course she had to act the part. Hands came down and she looked down to see little pumpkin seeds lying around her feet. She picked one up and tossed it back at the bathhouse owner, severely missing her mark. She laughed at her miserable attempt and then walked on over to the woman.

"I'm starving! My hands hurt too from all that scrubbing." She flexed her hands and then looked over her fingers. "Look! I broke a couple nails too. It's going to take some serious TLC to get this all fixed up..." She whined and pouted, but then shook her hand and extended it to help Massika up. "Where do you want to go?" She smiled, but then her eyes light up as she recalled something she wanted to bring up. "Oh yeah, I just remembered I had something I wanted to talk to you about. We can discuss it more when we sit down to eat but... We need costumes this year!"​
 
VITA DE ZAIN
Vita stared at him intently, watching his Ruh change in color as if it were fidgeting in its seat, she pressed her had against her mouth to stifle a small giggle that came out sounding more like a hiccup. It wasn't until Darius began to suggest that they have breakfast together did she blinked herself back to earth, of course, she was going to go into the cafe to get something, though he wasn't initially part of her plans. She was lucky she had a constant poker face, or her entire thought process would have been exposed and probably make him feel more sheepish than he already did. "Yes!" She announced proudly, placing her hands on her hips. "Grandpa might get mad that you're late though, but you're hungry, and if you pass out you just won't show up at all."

Vita grabbed Darius by the arm and marched towards the cafe, if he didn't move along with her she would trip over her own feet, but even if she did she wouldn't let him back out now. After all, it's been some time since she had enjoyed breakfast with someone who was actually alive. Not to mention she was sure if she just left him there he would stand there till the sunset. She couldn't understand why he was so nervous to enter the establishment.

SILAS EVER
Gilroy was as crass as ever, practically kicking Silas to the other end of the kitchen, and though he knew that Magnus always kept his knifes tidy and tucked away in their respective drawers he couldn't help but feel the fear of the cook's wrath would get him in the end. Silas whimpered as Gilroy offered him a hand. He took it without complaint and immediately felt hunger hit him if it was just breakfast that he was missing this wouldn't be as much of a problem, but this was yesterdays lunch and dinner on top. "Magnus's out. Prolly get 'sum spices or the likes," He was obviously sulking as he spoke.

"I would just cook something but, not only do I not know how to cook but the last time I did he knew and he was not happy about it at all. Plus, I'm not sure when he'll be back, so I'm sorry for the inconvenience this has caused you." He offered Gilroy a curt bow, as whiny as he was he was still the Inn keeps boss, and Gilroy was still a guest. Even if he did kick him more times than needed to make sure he was actually alive.
 
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Ramona "Blue" Agate
A day off duty was anything but a day off for Blue. She had a strict, almost militaristic routine she’d damned herself to long ago. A blessing she’d welcomed since moving from the city, was that her routine was much more peaceful. Her morning run, which started long before the sun rose, was silent. No cars, trains, steam-- just the distant mews of the stabled dragons and the calming sound of the wind whistling through the mountain. It even smelled better, a truly pampering situation she’d given her senses. Her morning run was more than just exercise, it was revitalization. And yes, she drew these thoughts out in her head almost every morning. Not trying to convince herself it’s good here, simply drawing it out. As she did everything.

After the run, it was time to extensively clean the house, except for Severenn’s room and the kitchen. It was agreed on upon moving in together that there’d be a separation of rooms- and the chores that went with them. Living Room and Bedroom were in Blue’s jurisdiction, she’d only be allowed to go into the kitchen for little things, and never to arrange any of anything inside. It was a struggle... but she left it alone.

After the rest of the house was cleaned top to bottom, Blue had a few other things to do. One- socialize. Something she wasn’t the best at. However, she had a duty as one of this town’s officers, and that meant she needed to remember everyone’s faces. So a mid-morning stroll was more or less people watching.

And possibly going to find some gourds to decorate when she got back. Her direction changed to a vendor for just that. And so began her journey... and epic one.... Of picking the best gourd she could find. (Queue Blue scrutinizing every gourd she could get her hands on... extensively.)​


Severenn Byrne
Severenn has been up since the wee hours of the morning, the majority of that time till now he’s been holed up in the kitchen of the cafe. It’d been the same the night before, and then he blinked and was back. Such was the life of a baker- one who prepared for more than just cooked on demand--.

Eat your heart out, Maggy-pie.

--There was much to make, bake, bag, display. Dozens of gourd shaped pastries, themed cookies, little cakes, desserts, specially made rolls. On top of that were the regular, everyday breads he made fresh every day, as well as the regular orders Severenn, at this point, expected to come. And he was just one (fashionable) maid.


Busy as he was, he was careful to avoid getting a mess on his beautiful warm toned dress. Deep mahogany fabric adorned with reds, browns a yellows- it looked a lot like the changing colors of leaves in the seasonal transition. You won’t see Sev decorating a gourd, but you can bet your happy ass that he will decorate himself for any reason he could find. Even his oven mitts were themed...

Heat wafted out of the oven as Severenn pulled out a tray of pumpkin shaped desserts from the oven. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips- they were all perfect. He had to take his motherly gaze away from the cute little pumpkins to look around for available counter space. It seriously looked like a broken-hearted-basic woman’s kitchen in here with how many sheets and pans were filled right now. As soon as he found a spot to slide the tray to cool, the voice of his co-worker only reminded him of the obvious.

“Yes, yes. Of course we are. I cook with love and my love is the tastiest.” He muttered while fluttering around an island counter to the other side of the kitchen. He had a rack of just-cooled-enough dozens ready to go out. Like a machine, he quickly plated/bagged/dressed all of them then set them on a servers tray. “It looks like the blood, sweat, and tears I’ve wasted in that kitchen seems to be paying off, hmm?” Sev mused while setting out the fresh goods on display.​
 
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Cass smacked his cheeks, indulging in the sting to arouse him from drowsiness. “You’re a mess,” he quipped, scrutinizing the tired eyes of his reflection. God help him, his shift started in less than an hour and he looked like the devil had consumed him.
It wasn’t like him. Cass with a hangover was an accomplishment of a different caliber. Alcohol never made him feel like shit. But all the mixed drinks and sugar from the night before kicked him in the gut with sardonic laughter.
He’s to blame. The man was stubborn. He wanted to perfect the holiday drink menu without assistance. Of all things to be shy about, he was too bashful of having others taste test his first batch of experiments. So down it goes, all on his own, glug glug.


"MISTER STRAAAAANNGE!"

Cass flinched from the echoing voice from somewhere within the inn. It was definitely his boss. Taking another look at himself, his expression turned sour. Oh no. He could hear him already, reprimanding him for his poor work ethic. Of all people, Silas was the last he wanted berating him. He could already see his snide smile. No no no no no. He splashed at his face and aggressively brushed his teeth.


Descending the stairs, Cass was fresh and groomed as ever. Composed with a lazy smile, one wouldn’t guess he’d felt like his head was splitting in two. Peeking into the doorway, he took a glance at the jeweler and the inn owner with a curious tug of his brow. “Huuuh. What are you two doing in the kitchen? Come on out, you cheeky devils.” Cass waved his palm, ushering them towards him and out the kitchen as if they were wild animals. “Both of you take a seat while I get you started.”
 
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Tanith's routine started before the sun's, at 5 AM sharp she would wake up whether she wanted to or not. Her eyes would peel open to reveal a terrifying glare in her golden eyes as she slowly sat up from her spot, and after precisely 40 seconds of contemplation on why she was even alive at this hour, she would begin to get ready for her desired activity for the day. Today it was a hunt, so she tied soft white hair back into a tight ponytail and dressed in an earth green dress, she gave herself a once-over in the mirror letting out a heavy sigh. No matter how much she tired dye could never stick to her hair. With footsteps so light that it would make even Artemis jealous she hurried out the inn with her bow and arrows, and a small knife wrapped around her waist along with a backpack and sacks. The idea of a white-tailed burger helped motivated her to come home with some kind of winnings and helped wave away the sleep.

By the time she had walked into town, it was 10 AM, maybe closer to 11. The town had become much more lively than it as five hours ago, and she could only mumble her grievances. She hurried through the city a pair of antlers hanging out her backpack as she marched through the village until she made it to the in, a smile that seemed almost malicious crossed her lips as she practically ran inside and zipped past the people, unsure if she really heard someone call her name. She despised being in the kitchen to be entirely honest, but she didn't think Silas would invest in her idea of getting a freezer as great in her own room. With a sigh of relief, Tanith slid the bag off her back, kneeling down so its drop wouldn't be as severe. She made quick work, carefully removing packaged meat from her bag and placing it on the bottom shelf, ensuring that all the labels were in order, especially the one that wrote Tanith's on both sides of each piece of meat and organ. It looked like a sloppy and slightly terrifying Christmas had just happened. Tanith huffed proudly at the sigh, a small spark fo disappointment rising as she remembered she couldn't bring back the entire deer, the smell of blood already piqued the interest in nearby wolves.

What comes from nature goes back to nature. She heard an older hunter say.

Once wholly situated she gathered the pelt and antlers and carefully put them in her bag, she could fix this on her own and probably sell them for some good money at the magic shop or something. A fur pelt for the tailor maybe? Or a new blanket for the winter, the possibilities were endless, but her imagination wasn't, the sound of Cass's voice reminded her she was still standing in a freezer, the cold finally trying to set into her bones. She snatched the pack up and stepped out of the freezing hell. Tanith stood there for a moment finally registering that she was in the presence of three people, and that was two too many.

"Tanith!" Silas exclaimed, opening his arms inviting her to a hug, one that was rejected with nothing more than a glare.

"Mr. Ever," she replied curtly, offering him a small bow but not peeling her eyes away from him. The young man felt as though she had eyes that could peer into his soul and seal away his joy.

"You're early," He began a little more tentatively, nervously rubbing the back of his neck remembering how anti-social Tanith was.

"Better than late."

Silas felt as though this was an attack on his consistant tardy streak, espically when Tanith requested him. Some how no matter how hard he tried he couldn't quiet get there on time.

"Cass was going to make us something,” he scrambled to find pieces of a conversation he had planned out, it was obvious he was no good at dealing with Tanith. Silas didn’t even have to make a suggestion, Tanith’s attention shifted from Silas to Cass.

“I want jelly.” It almost sounded like a demand than a deceleration. She offered the three a curt bow of her head and hurried off to her room to put away the remains of the deer before sitting down in the dinning area. Who brings a corpse to brunch?

Silas was obviously defeated after the encounter and let out a long sigh as he dragged his feet over to a small drawer near The utensils and took out a fat worn out folder. Food costs, materials, and average made per night, in short paper work. “Anything will do for me, Cass, my comrad. Be sure to give me your paper work before 5 so I can place some orders on time.” Between Hunger and being used as a human doormat for a certain amount of time Silas was gone. The young man nodded to Gilroy and placed a hand on Cass’s shoulder that almost said ‘good luck’ and went out to the dinning area, throwing his work on the table and spreading it out for him to see.
 
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When offered the hand Massika had to battle her pride to take it. She slipped her own hand into Astrid's but didn't actually require the anchor to stand up. While she was still holding the blonde's hand she looked over it. Massika thought she might have a couple salves she'd bring out to help heal the dry skin and cracked nails. If not she'd head over to the store to pick up the ingredients. Though some ingredients might not be at the regular store. The thought of talking to the little witch sent a shiver down her spine. The shop owner, however... Him she didn't mind talking to. Massika had come to terms long ago with the snap impressions she made of the people she met. There was something about the stony expression of the witch that unnerved her. Or maybe it was the fact that the witch used magic so casually. Massika was used to magic costing either the caster or the target a price. Needless to say, she didn't want to know what the witch did to keep the price from escalating.

Massika smiled a little and let go. "It will be a point of discussion. I promise nothing. But we do need to run errands while we are out."

It didn't take long for Massika to closes down the bathhouse. She usually closed it for a couple hours every day while she ran errands and Astrid either came with her or was busy. If Astrid wasn't with her, Massika left it open. The late morning and early afternoon weren't busy times for the bathhouse anyway. However, Massika had dealt with enough vandalization in other towns that she'd learned to be safe rather than sorry. Plus Astrid had already ruined her pretty nails once today. "Do you want to go to the bakery or to the inn?"
 
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REMIGIO GARZA


Remigio's morning began like it did just about every morning for the last dozen years. Wake up, get ready, and head straight out to the stables. The light barely touched the ocean in the distance when he made his was over, and there was barely anyone there as ready for the day as Remi was. It was cool, quiet, and perfect for a sweet good morning to his dear Veithe

"Good morning~" He called out, resting his arms along the stable door as he looked inside. Curled up toward the back of the stable was his dragon. Upon hearing him, she looked up and let out a low rumble that to anyone else would sound rather threatening. Remi's smile only grew and he opened the stable door to let himself in. "Brought you breakfast." Before entering, he picked up the two large buckets of meat and scraps he had brought over. It was the stable worker's job to feed them, however, Veithe had decided that she would much rather snap and hiss at the current stable worker rather than listen, and Remi was (once again) requested to feed his own dragon. "I heard you're not behaving yourself." He dropped the buckets down by his feet, then turned to close the stable door behind him. Last thing he wanted was for someone to sneak up and try to enter Veithe's territory without permission.

The dragon slowly rose, then stretched before taking steps forward to meet Remi. With a hiss and a huff, she smelled at his shirt, then along his shoulder and face. She lowered her head just slightly to push it against his chest. Remi let out a small chuckle and wrapped his arms around her snout, then carefully petted along her jaw. "I forgive you, but the postal service does not. Try to be good, will you?" He pressed his own forehead against her's before letting go and reaching down for the various slabs of raw meat. With a quick toss, Veithe was quick to catch it and devour.



After Remi and Veithe's quick morning flight, the instructor was forced to part ways with his dragon for a few hours to check on the status of the new recruits and to make sure everything else around the compound was in order. With the Hollowed Gourd Festival coming up, it was expected that there would be a small show on Dragues Cliff that would include a lot of fire breathing and gourd launching. There was something similar every year. But this year felt different some how. Remi couldn't put his finger on it though.

The feeling was pushed back as he made his way to the tack room. He read over the various lists and assignments that he was given for the day. There were a few deliveries to the lower lands that needed to be done, on top of the normal delivery transport. They were simple jobs.. until he came across a very peculiar delivery demand. "An iron crate?" He mumbled to himself. Who in the world needed a crate of-- ohhh Rhys.

Remi finished putting up the list of assignments and names of the riders that would go on them when Beil and Ezekiel made their way. He looked over, hearing the booming footsteps nearby. "Well if it isn't two of my most favorites." He teased, turning away from the board. "You're later than usual. I take it something held you against your will." His joking was set aside for a moment when a thought crossed his mind. "You haven't seen the new recruits come in yet, have you?"
 
Tanith set her things down in her room, carefully removing the antlers so they wouldn't pierce the pelt. After throwing her day clothes on the bed, she hurried into the shower, thoroughly but quickly washing the smell of the forest out of her hair and scrubbing down her body to see the blood and dirt go down the drain. After that ritual was done she turned the water off and wrapped her hair in a towel; it would take a minute to dry, it only looked so fluffy because it was thick. Getting dressed was an easy thing, a simple white dress that could easily be mistaken for a nightgown if it weren't for the long sleeves, and a choker with a red string to keep it around her neck.

The girl picked up a small notebook with a pencil shoved in it, it really bent the spine out of shape and would probably destroy the soul of any bookworm. She threw the towel off her head and made her way back to the dining area, she could already smell food, though she knew Magnus wasn't the cook, the smell wasn't as refined, but she wouldn't say it was terrible, mediocre at best to a nose whose only been spoiled by one of the towns best. Tanith settled into her usual seat, curling and uncurling her toes as she waited before her food to be brought to her, she never liked shoes and would only wear them if she were to go hunting in winter snow. Frostbite was no joke after all.

It wasn't long after Tanith sat down did Cass meet her, placing a new jelly that she didn't recognize, but she could catch the faint smell of coconut. "There are people who are better certified to test desserts, like the owner of the bakery." Despite what she said she picked up her spoon and carefully stabbed the dessert, it was harder to hide the joy in her eyes when she did that, something about cutting through jelly was just fun. For a moment she was silent, it was more an awkward silence for Cass who seemed to have had to stand there in wait, but without fail she had given him his feedback. "I think the coconut flavor is a bit overpowering to the jelly. Maybe level it out with something." Despite her comment she continued to eat it, she wasn't one who was very picky about food and it wasn't like it tasted bad.
 
GILROY & JUDARIUS RHYS


Vita was an odd one, but for some reason, Judarius couldn't help but admire her for it. Her and her magic tricks, she never really seemed like she tried to hide herself. Rarely did she ever seem like she had a real care in the world either. It was a bit refreshing for the miner. With her confirmation, he gave a small tilt of his head. "Let him be mad. Not like he doesn't yell already as it is." He replied with a shrug. After he would explain that he was at the bakery (and if he came to the Inn with the basket of breaded assortments), then he would most likely be let off the hook. It was the perfect excuse to go inside now.

What Darius didn't expect was to be toted around by the girl nearly a foot shorter than him. He was locked in. Decision was made and there was no backing out now. There was a pang of nerves that twisted in his stomach, but quickly dispersed as soon as the cafe doors were opened. Instantly he was met with the wonderful smell of pumpkin and spice and baked goodness. This was definitely one of his favorite times of the year in the cafe.

Looking over, he could see Alicia and Severenn hastily working, trying to get the goody bags finished for the customers that had lined up for them. "Wow, they've really outdone themselves this year." He muttered in surprise on just how much they were cranking out in such a short amount of time. He looked down to Vita and gave a small smile once again. "Have you tried their seasonal danish? It's really good."





Magnus? Out of the kitchen? What kind of bullshit was that? The man was a kitchen creature. Gilroy wasn't even sure if Magnus knew any other part of town besides that kitchen. Not like it was any of his concern. He just wanted his damn food. After hoisting the Inn owner up to his feet, he let go and crossed his arms over his chest. "Spices my ass." He scoffed. He would have continued, but Silas was already looking pretty defeated. When was the last time this scrawny kid ate anyways? The apology was accepted with a nod. Though Jude seemed to have more brass in his timid body than this guy, Gil couldn't deny his sense of accountability. A redeemable quality.

Just before Gil turned to push the kitchen doors open, he heard another voice call out to the two. It was the barkeep. An eloquent lad, and it really grinded Gil's hears, but at the same time, he really didn't have any qualms with a lad that could easily depict what drink he was in the mood for that day. "Don't tell me ta do what I'm already doin'!" He growled at Cass, leaving the kitchen like he initially planned and headed back to his table. Judarius still wasn't there. Why the hell was he running late?

Gil grumbled and growled to himself as he settled in his chair and lowered his bifocals from the top of his head to rest onto his nose. His attention went back to his plans. He barely noticed Tanith making her way through. But as she headed toward the stairs, a glimpse of something caught the corner of Gil's eye. Those antlers she was carrying. Boy did they have a very nice shape to them. "Huuurmm..." Gil mumbled to himself, lifting one lens after another on his bifocals in order to see more clearly. He was starting to get ideas. He needed those antlers though.

After a while, Gil had gone back to writing on various parts of the blueprints. What used to be a schematic was now much a collage of random chicken scratch notes and random ideas. He was so far deep in thought, he barely noticed when Cass came by to drop him off his dish. He paused only when the smell overwhelmed his nose. He looked up to see Cass had already moved onto another table. "Stick to yer dayjob." He said loudly, not planning on telling Cass how he really felt. Well done on the quick food.
 
The girl gave him a firm nod, satisfied by his resolve but didn't quite believe that he wouldn't back out at any given chance. Vita had to push open the doors with the help of some magic, on her own they were far to heavy for her, and if she were to let go of Darius to add some strength into the shove, it would only give him the chance to escape. That was a no can do! As soon as Vita had opened the door, she was hit with the smell of autumn, and her stomach was hit with hunger pains. Her near-expressionless face lit up as soon as she saw Alicia dancing around the Cafe taking and handing out orders.

She was quickly brought back down to earth at the sound of Darius's voice, though she could sort of hear him mumble something. Her face instantly lit up once he had asked his question, maybe he was some kind of psychic? "That was what I planned to have for breakfast!" she exclaimed, her grip tightened on his arm, and she hoisted it above her head as if it was some kind of trophy. "The strawberry shortcake here is my favorite thing, but it sounds like you come here often." she hummed finally deciding to let go of his arm, they were far enough in the cafe for Vita to literally trap him if he tried to leave.

Silas smiled at Cass as he placed the plate on his table, moving away some papers to move the food closer to him. Half the paperwork was signed, numbers scribbled onto scratch paper and a small list of things written in penmen ship that wasn't Silas's. The innkeeper took a short break from his morning work to shove a few spoonfuls of food into his mouth while he watched the few people that sat in the inn's dinner. Gil's crass voice was shot at Cass, but she chuckled as this was probably as close to praise as his barkeep would get from the man, Tanith seemed to get along with him too. Maybe there's a charm I'm missing? He thought in despair as he wrote down floor mats on a separate piece of paper, those looked like they needed to be replaced when he was getting chummy with the floor.

He had finally finished the food, it tasted as though God had graced him with some mercy, and while chewing the last bit of food he gathered up his finished paperwork, organizing it in the folder and rose from his seat. He had to make a few payments to the bank and place some orders later today. He couldn't help but glance once more at Tanith who didn't miss a beat at shooting him a glare. That probably meant she dropped her rent off at the bank already.
 
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xxxJosiah Sutton


His day started like any other. Josiah was up early, earlier than most. After a brisk stroll through the quiet, sleeping town of Dragues, he returned to make his breakfast. Today there was a wonderful autumn chill in the air, which warranted some of his better coffee, with a pinch of fresh ground cinnamon added. Breakfast consisted of eggs and some meat of some sort, usually ham. On the side, he normally had his own homemade jam on toast, but he had picked up a loaf of cinnamon bread from Sev earlier in the week. Toasted cinnamon bread with melted butter was practically to die for. Fall was his favorite time of year, half for the food and half for its affect on nature. He was a sucker for the changing leaves, after all.

His breakfast finished, Josiah went about with his favorite time of day. Reading and listening to some music. He liked the peaceful couple hours where he could just sit and read, soft music in the background. Sometimes he would sit outside and listen to the sounds of the waking town, but today he stayed inside.

With his relaxation over, he changed for work. While he likely wouldn't need to head out into the woods for some time, he still liked to dress the part. He was, after all, the "old woods guy". He liked to keep the aesthetic. Changing into some regular blue jeans and a brown flannel, as well as his trusty work boots, he stepped out of his house. His wasn't nearly as decorative as some others, and he preferred a more natural approach. Corn stalks against either side of his door, uncarved pumpkins and gourds lining his stoop. He shuffled along, rubbing his palms together for a bit as he walked. It was slightly chilly still, not that he minded.

As he walked to the shop, he noticed a small handful of children, and he reminded himself to grab candy for them for the festival. He'd visit the shop later on in the day. For now, he paused in front of the apothecary, reaching for the handle to check if it was locked. It wasn't, meaning Ezra had beat him to the store. Like usual, considering she lived there. He stepped inside, the small bell above the door signalling his entrance. He gave Ezra a warm smile, nodding to her.

"Good morning Ezra. Beautiful day today." He said, letting the door close behind him as he wandered behind the counter. "Hope you and your sister are well." He moved back to their small store room, looking through the shelves of various imported herbs and medicine.

"I'm thinking of making my way to the other side of the range later this week for some hunting, so I might be gone a day or two. I'll make sure to have enough stuff ordered for you to keep the place running." He gave a small chuckle, coming out with a box filled with some herbal teas that he liked to sell. He had noticed the day before that the shelves were low, so decided to fill it now while he remembered.

"Have you done anything to the greenhouse yet today?" He asked, moving over to the shelf where the tea sat. He began to unpack the boxes, setting each flavor in their correct spots.


mentionsEzra Eden (@Candi Cosmo)

 
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