sunfloras | 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕚𝕕𝕟𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕘𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕕

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open,
rp

𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕚𝕕𝕟𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕘𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕕

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?".

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Oh, right of course! Here just take off your cloak and hang it on one of the chairs. Oren can magic away the water and mop up the rest.

[She points at a chair before hurrying to the counter to start brewing some tea.]

I'll make you an herbal tea, so nothing too stimulating, but definitely warm. Um... Yeah, this chamomile blend should do it.

[As Monts makes the tea, Oren, the tall, dark-haired man with silvery eyes is already out with a mop. He looks at Vangeance and wordlessly points first to the chair to hang is a wet cloak and then to the table closest to Monts. Help yourself Vangeance, you get all the service for tonight.]

[ As Monts bustles about making the tea, she might hear Vangeance speaking softly to Oren -- 'I'm sorry to trouble you, thank you' -- and the rustle of wet fabric as he removes his cloak and mantle. And then another muffled sneeze before his footsteps slowly approach the counter.

He's borrowed a little hand-towel as well, and he's taken care to mop the worst of the water off himself before leaving the doorway area. His uniform is still soaked through, of course, but ... well, can't do much about that. ]

It's a lovely establishment you have here. I apologize for making such a mess.

[ At least there aren't any other guests he's troubling by dragging in all this water. ]

There you go again. That's the Vangeance I know!

[Excessively polite and incredibly sincere to boot. Monts is happy to hear it again. As the water boils in the electric kettle, she scoops some of the tea into a filter.]

And better here than that dreary island, right? Is it okay if Oren dries you up with some magic? That way you'll be more comfortable and you won't have to take off anything.

[This is where Monts would jokingly go, "Unless you want to," but she remembers to hold back on that side of her personality when it comes to him.]

The owner is out currently, but I know she would have loved to meet you. She'd be fussing over you in your state and probably offering all sorts of hot food.

[ 'The Vangeance I know' earns the raise of an eyebrow behind his mask -- what exactly does she know him as, he wonders -- but Vangeance otherwise only gives a small nod and a grateful smile. ]

I'd appreciate that very much, if it isn't too much trouble.

[ Given his own magical attribute is basically useless for something like this, a helping hand would be great. And also, he may or may not be using this as a chance to observe Oren's magic, just a little bit. Natural curiosity, given his job. ]

Aah, then perhaps I should be glad to have come at this timing? I wouldn't wish to trouble anyone too much with my presence. [ And even as he's turned to Oren to accept that help, he casts a warm smile towards the counter for Monts. ] Especially since I'm glad to see a familiar face here.

[Don't think too hard about it Vangeance, his personality from the brief time they acquainted themselves with each other is what stuck out to her.]

I'd hardly think it'd be much trouble for Oren. Just sit tight and I'll have tea ready the moment he's done.

[The water is done boiling and Monts checks on the temperature (very important for certain blends) while Oren stands near Vangeance hand outstretched and positioned to hover over his torso. The golem's eyes glow softly with brighter silver light and Vangeance will feel a warm gust of wind envelope his body. In an instant, he is completely dry. Oren wordlessly draws back and walks away, turning his attention to the wet floor.

The gentle scent of chamomile fills the cafe and Monts smoothly makes her way over to their masked customer with a small pot of tea and two cups. Yes, she is joining him.

She sits down, setting down her load and pushing a cup towards William.]

Now that you're comfortable... Welcome to the Midnight Grind.

[Monts takes the pot and pours for him first.]

It's our policy that new customers' first drink is on the house. I hope you enjoy.

[ The warm gust of wind does earn a squint and a small start, but he can't complain when it works so effectively. It does wonders for making him presentable once more, as well as chasing away the lingering chill of the rain, and Vangeance gives a soft sigh of relief as he touches a hand to his chest, feeling the now-dry fabric. ]

Thank you, Oren.

[ He already feels much better, free from the rain and the damp weight of wet clothes. The mellow scent of chamomile filling the air is the perfect bonus.

Vangeance takes his seat across from Monts, giving an appreciative nod when she pours the freshly-brewed tea out for him. ]

That's quite the generous policy. But I appreciate it very much.

[ As expected, there's a picture-perfect poise even to the way he picks up his teacup, giving it a gentle swirl to savor the scent of it for a moment longer before taking a sip. ]

... it's wonderful. [ He gives Monts a warm smile over the rim of the cup. ] A wise selection. It's exactly what one would want in a situation like this.

Neat, huh? Oren's quite a guy.

[Whatever Monts, the tall pretty man is just gonna mop up this floor now even if he could use magic to clean it... But he is also very thorough so yes.

Monts pours herself a cup and inhales the scent of her tea before taking a sip. She nods in agreement with Vangeance's compliment.]

When it's cold and you don't need to be super alert, chamomile is the way to go. I'm just happy I got to serve you first before the owner.

Speaking of first though! You're the first one from the island that's found the cafe so far. You have no idea how encouraging that is for me.

[ So this is what Monts is like in her home territory, among people she's more familiar with. He's always wondered that about the people he's met on that dreaded, foggy island -- how they'd be when at peace, in the comfort of their homelands, away from danger. Something about her easy familiarity with Oren is nice to see, and Vangeance's smile warms just a touch. ]

I'm grateful for the kind welcome.

[ He brushes his fingers across the cup's surface in a thoughtful gesture. ]

Truth be told, I'd thought many would wish to forget the events of that place as quickly as possible. Or think of them only as unpleasant dreams. Something to be left behind entirely. So I'm relieved if my presence isn't an unpleasant reminder for you -- I wouldn't have blamed you, given the nature of the island.

Well, it's not a place I would like to return to for sure.

[Monts takes another sip of tea as she leans back in her seat.]

But I never thought that it would be pleasant to leave the people I liked behind. It would be a shame to just forget everything even if it was sprinkled in with the bad.

Hell, Vangeance. I feel like we barely got to know each other. It was Christmas there last I remember... I hope you were able to keep the succulents?

[That's clearly the most important thing to takeaway from this whole experience.]

I have, thankfully.

[ It's said at the same, gentle lilt he always talks in, punctuated by a brief pause only so he can take a sip of his tea. There's the quiet clink of ceramic when he lowers his cup, the liquid barely rippling from the elegant movement. ]

I've yet to be returned to my homeland, for better or for worse. I found myself in your establishment while exploring the island. So I've been able to continue caring for them.

[ He offers her a small smile. One that says without words, 'don't worry about it.' ]

Though I can't say for certain, I believe I'm doing an acceptable job. They haven't lost their vibrant coloration, and they've retained the same shape.

So that island is still around... Hm.

[Monts glances at the entrance of the Grind thoughtfully before turning her attention back to William.]

You know... The door of the cafe works a certain way. I'm not sure if it would be helpful for you since I initially couldn't even find it while I was in that place.

[She puts her cup in her lap, idly swirling its contents around.]

What I'm saying is... If you open it up again, ideally it should lead you back to your original world.

[ He'd been just about to pick his cup back up, and there's the faint quiver of ceramics jostling at that. The tiniest startled reflex, accompanied by a brief, wide-eyed blink.

-- aah. To think that he'd be offered a way back home like this, in the most unexpected way.

There's a pointed pause before he finally finishing picks his cup back up. But he doesn't drink from it just yet, staring into the liquid's surface for a moment in thought. Then finally, he speaks, mild and placid: ]

I see. 'Ideally.'

[ He cants his head ever so slightly, as if considering looking back towards the door behind him, but refrains in the end. Instead, Vangeance takes a drink, then nods. ]

I suppose I'll have that surprising waiting for me once it's time to leave, then. [ Surely, she understands. The slight worry of disappointment in case she's wrong. ] But I hope you won't mind me taking full advantage of your hospitality, first.

[ It would be so rude if he just up and ran for the door, okay. He's not about to do her that dishonor. ]

Hm. We'll worry about the logic of it all later then. I certainly feel like keeping you as our guest for as long as possible.

[She rests her face in one hand, thinking about what to do next.]

I don't suppose you've had a proper meal yet? Oren could whip up something tasty, but easy to finish. You don't strike me as someone who's a big eater. Correct me if I'm wrong of course.

[ He'd just raised his cup to his lips, but pauses at that first bit. Even with the cup in the way, maybe she can hear the smile in his voice. ]

That's quite the brazen way of saying it, Monts.

[ Not that he's not a little bit flattered. A small sip before he puts the cup back down, and Vangeance leans forward a little bit in his seat. Not enough to ever break etiquette, but just enough to indicate interest. ]

Of course, I'd be grateful for anything you'd offer me, but it doesn't feel right to accept without some form of payment, either. Is there anything I can help with, at least?

"Brazen," is my middle name, actually.

[A joke of course, but also true when it comes to her.

Monts is thinking of a way Vangeance could help out (Oren's already done mopping up the rain puddle) and it's getting rather late in the evening for her. She tends to work late at night mostly out of habit even if it's less likely for customers to come into the Grind. Although...]

... Do you want to learn how to use the espresso machine?

[She holds up her hand before Vangeance can answer.]

Now hear me out. I'm not sure if we'll get anymore customers at this hour, but if we do Oren and I won't object to a helping pair of hands. The owner isn't usually working at these hours because Mother over there--

[Yes, Mother Oren]

-- Makes sure she stays away from work, lest she becomes a true workaholic. So what I'm saying is, I can show you around the cafe and teach you some basics that we do around here.

[ Even that raised hand doesn't quite stop him from silently mouthing the words, 'espresso machine?'

But, well -- details like that aside, he has no objections to what Monts is saying. So as soon as that explanation is done, he answers pleasantly: ]

It would be my pleasure.

[ No doubt his knights back home would be livid at the thought of their beloved Captain helping out at some little eatery in the dead of night. Vangeance just smiles to himself at the thought of it, even as he looks around at the rest of the Grind's interior. ]

I can't claim to be familiar with any of the work involved in operating a place like this, but I'm willing to learn. And I'd like to learn more of what kind of work you do.

[She crosses her arms with clear bemusement.]

I mean, besides it being a fluctuating space operating on unknown magicks... Yeah, it's rather mundane most days and nights. We do get interesting customers from all over and I wouldn't be surprised if someone from your world patronized our store at some point. Not that I'd be aware of it, nor would Iona.

[Her tea is at a comfortable temperature, enough for her to drink the rest of her gulp down the rest of her tea and set her cup down with a satisfied sigh.]

Finish up your tea and we can get started. Oren can make you a light meal in the meanwhile.

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