𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕚𝕕𝕟𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕘𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕕

[formidable]

OPEN POST It so happens that on a dark and stormy night in a city, (somewhere, anywhere really), someone may spot a beautiful gilded wooden door nearby wherever they are. Side of a building? In an alleyway? Near a dumpster?? Usually, it appears somewhere that's out of sight and out of mind, where the majority of people can't see it. The door looks warm and inviting and it's just a secret begging to be opened up so you can find what lies within... ❂❂❂ ... It's surprisingly normal inside; a surprisingly normal cafe actually. The interior is a warm mixture of red brick walls and sleek wooden floors and tables, along with comfortable looking sofa chairs and a large couch with a coffee table to accompany it. The ceiling is decorated with colorful hanging lanterns that cast interesting shadows on the walls and floors. A large black bookshelf sits next to the counter where there are various books and novels that have an age to them from past readers and customers. Behind the counter are the usual machines, bottles of syrups, jars of coffee beans, and tea blends in decorative jars. The black chalkboards aligned on the wall are strangely empty except for the special of that day and a lavishly illustrated logo which can only be the establishment's name. ❦ THE MIDNIGHT GRIND ❦ There's no other way to say it. This place is cozy. There is someone behind the counter, but depending on when you come in, it's going to be a different barista who will serve you. Or you can say hi to other customers and hang out with them! ❂❂❂ The Midnight Grind is a magical cafe with a door that appears in any location, across different universes and even time periods. It is a place to relax, eat, and drink, and collect yourself before heading back to whatever business you were in the middle of. It is run and owned by a witch named Iona J. Oakes, her golem companion Oren, and their main barista, Monts. Volunteers to help out with busy shifts are welcome and will be compensated appropriately. ➤ it's just a blur ➢ "Why'd I Wait?".

Comments

Oren

[oren]

[This is Oren! You'll see him at every hour of every shift. He cooks, he cleans, he makes coffee, he serves, he runs the cash register... Man, he can do everything!

He also has incredibly fine features. Long black hair tied back into a ponytail, tall, a slim beautiful face, and silvery eyes that seem to look right into a person's soul... This sounds all very romantic, but he doesn't seem all that talkative.

But who knows? As he pours you coffee or tea, or gives you a pastry or sandwich, strike up a conversation and you'll find he has lots to say.]

[clockworksoul]

[ Sometimes you’re out for a walk and you spot a strange door in a place where you’re very certain that there wasn’t a strange door before. And sometimes, though you may be highly intelligent, you’re not actually all that wise so you throw caution to the wind and open said door.

(You would think all that time in vampire and horror-ridden Barovia would make you more cautious about things, but not really.)

Thankfully there isn’t anything nasty waiting on the other side of the door when Declan opens it, and instead he finds a marvel of magic and technology that makes him go all starry-eyed. He instantly makes his way to the counter, and heedless of who might be working behind it, he leans over, trying to get a look at the espresso machine and everything else back there. ]

Oh, how fascinating!!

[ I’m sorry he’s like this. ]

[oren]

[The dark-haired golem glances up from the espresso machine that he's been wiping down when Declan enters the Midnight Grind. After being in this business for a few years, Oren always makes note of several things; the appearance, the reaction, and the mood.

Overall, this young man seems like the decent sort; not totally human, the ears say that much. Still, Oren stiffly acknowledges Declan.]

Customers are not allowed behind the counter.

[clockworksoul]

[ Ack! He actually jumps a little, clearly he hadn’t noticed the fellow behind the counter, and straightens. He brings a hand up to the back of his neck, offering a sheepish grin. ]

So sorry about that! I got so excited that I didn't see you there!

[oren]

[It's kind of hilarious that Declan said that since Oren is rather tall (though he was probably crouched down before he shooed him away so).

Oren's voice is monotone but his chosen words aren't too unfriendly if that's any consolation.]

Understandable. Different machine. Exists in some places. Others it doesn't.

[His sentences are rather choppy and it's as if he's kind of exerting effort to talk.]

You're new.

[A statement not a question.]

[clockworksoul]

[ Declan literally has a -1 to his perception rolls. Oren could have been dancing on the counter and he still might have missed seeing him.

But oh, the manner of speech catches Declan's attention, and he cants his head curiously, but doesn't pry just yet. That would be rude! (From the man practically trying to crawl across the counter a moment ago.) ]

Ah, yes, I suppose I am! I wandered through this strange door and now here I am! Is this some sort of pocket dimension? Like if you stuffed a whole café into a bag of holding! Or is it a door of holding?

Where are my manners? Declan Steelsong, at your service!

[ He dips into a little bow, tipping his hat. ]

[oren]

This is the Midnight Grind.

[Oren usually doesn't greet the new guests. This is the part Iona loves the most while Monts also likes introducing the cafe to first-timers. But hey, it changes up every once and a while so he continues.]

Kind of a pocket. The type that exists everywhere anytime.

Name is Oren. [He bows his head after Declan tips his hat and bows.]

[clockworksoul]

A pleasure to meet you Oren!

[ Genuinely!

Declan looks around again after straightening. The interior is familiar and yet wholly alien at the same time. The lights! The machines! He's in artificer heaven!! ]

I was hoping perhaps you could tell me some more about the devices behind the counter, but if it is too much trouble for you to speak, you needn't worry. I'm just happy to have stumbled across this place!

[oren]

Pleasure's mine.

[The Grind does have decent coffee-making tools and other drinks as well. Oren can only assume that Declan is a sort of craftsman; it's not dissimilar to how Berna would 'ooh' and 'ahh' over certain crafting tools for her own art.

He pats at a spot at the counter.]

Sit. First drink free for new guests.

I don't mind talking. Not smooth, but not unable.

[clockworksoul]

Is it? How exciting!

[ It’s the little things, like free drinks. Declan happily slides into a seat at the counter. Since he has, like, the bare minimum amount of decorum, he removes his hat, setting it on the countertop next to him. ]

I– Hm, is it rude to ask why that is? I’ve a friend who doesn’t speak at all and she’s something of a construct.

[oren]

[Oren pauses as he sets out three cups to get samplers ready (since he figures this time it might be enjoyable for the new customer to try different drinks).]

Long story.

Short version, power drained. Before, spoke normally. Moved smoothly.

Otherwise, I still function.

[clockworksoul]

Oh, truly? Is there something I might be able to do to help? I’m something of a dab hand with magic, you know.

[ No, Declan. How could he possibly know that? ]

Assuming it’s magic power that you mean. I would wager that if I were to try to detect the magic in this place, it would be off the charts.

[oren]

[Oren holds up a hand.]

No need. Creator maintains me. Can't reverse damage.

[He gets to work on a coffee sampler as he continues talking (black coffee, a cafe au lait, and an iced mocha).]

Unless you know how golems work.

[Even then, Oren's status as a golem is rather unique so...]

[clockworksoul]

Golems? Not precisely. I know a bit about homunculi and that sort of thing. Would it be too intrusive if I were to just take a look?

[ Please best friend who he has just met!! lemme roll for it in true d&d fashion ]

[oren]

[gonna have to roll for a nat 20 for that oof Oren just gives a sloooow blink at Declan.

And then slooowly shakes his head.]

Too forward. Intrusive.

[also may or may not have a complicated love for the witch who made him hmmMMmmm But he will give him this!!]

Made of a combination of crystals and other earth materials.

[clockworksoul]

[ Oh. Manners, Declan. ]

Ah, right. My apologies. I get rather ahead of myself sometimes.

[ He's going to make a note of that, though!! For Research Purposes. ]

[oren]

It's fine. Curiosity natural.

[At least Oren's a lot nicer these days.

He's done making Declan's drink sampler of black coffee, a cafe au lait, and an iced mocha all served in cups of relatively similar size though the first is in a mug, the second in a shallower cup, and the iced mocha in a tall thin glass.]

Try. Let me know which you like.

[clockworksoul]

My curiosity is sometimes a bit more unwieldy than most!

[ But he’s also clearly easily distracted by new, shiny things. The samples are presented to him and he looks them over with no small sense of wonder. He’s familiar with coffee, of course. He couldn’t live without the stuff. But this is fancy.

He tries them in order, and comes to the conclusion that they’re all good but– ]

Oh that last one was by far my favorite. A cold coffee drink! With chocolate! How incredibly... incredible!

[oren]

Iced mocha.

[Oren, though never the most expressive does seem pleased that Declan likes it.]

Coffee exists? Where you're from. Hot and iced? Or just one?

[clockworksoul]

Oh, yes we have coffee, though I’ve only ever had it hot.

[ He laughs, scrubbing at the back of his neck with a hand. ]

I would hardly be able to get moving in the morning without it!

[oren]

[Oren nods in understanding.]

Iced coffee common on our end. Several types. Not all sweet. Most are.

[Everyone and their mom has ordered a Starbucks style frappuccino at some point during the Grind's run so far.]

All drinks good. You can come again. Bring more guests.

[Gotta do what Iona does, bring in more business by being inviting! Even if he does speak weird.]

[clockworksoul]

I shall have to endeavor to sample the whole menu, then! The sheer possibilities are rather exciting, and I wouldn’t even consider myself to be a connoisseur of the stuff.

[ A shame that his most stalwart and constant companion neither eats nor drinks. The things that happen when you primarily hang out with a warforged. ]

Does the door typically appear in the same spot? Or must I seek you out? Waterdeep is a very large city, you know.

[oren]

Menu can change. Owner doesn't really write it down.

[Like c'mon Iona... You're killin' your rock buddy here.]

Black coffee, lattes, and mocha are consistent.

As for door, depends. Customers say they usually find it in same spot.

[clockworksoul]

Haha, well then. It’s a good thing I’ve got a good memory! Just let me know what you’ve got on offer at any given time and I’ll keep it all in here.

[ He taps a finger to his temple. ]