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

[nerine]

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.

[laeradr]

[ 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.

[nerine]

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.]

[laeradr]

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.

[nerine]

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.

[laeradr]

[ 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. ]

[nerine]

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.

[laeradr]

[ 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?

[nerine]

"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.

[laeradr]

[ 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.

[nerine]

[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.