(Open)Unicorns and Pumpkins

[Seraphina]

It was fall! And more importantly, it was almost Halloween, one of Sera’s favorite times of the year. Dressing up and decorating were just in her blood, and she flourished at Halloween.

Garden Grounds was decorated for Halloween with various pumpkins, but they weren't carved. No! Sera painted them this year. Various designs and colors, all mixing well together in different places around the shop. There were special Halloween cookies and treats in the case, as well as fall themed coffees, teas and warm cider. The smell of the cider filled the shop.

And just as she promised Sonnie, Sera had found a cute unicorn horn and tail! It wasn’t a huge one, but small and delicate. Plus, with Halloween right around the corner, she looked like she was in the holiday spirit! And all the compliments all evening had helped. Or maybe that was the white leather skirt? She wasn’t sure, but she had been having fun all day! Her white gloved hands busy wiping the counter and softly humming to herself.

[Sonnie Wu]

Who just arrived in Garden Grounds with a shopping bag in her hand? Why, it was none other than the one... the only... Sonja Wu!

Dressed in blue jeans, a green hoodie and her hedgespun boots, Sonnie smiled and strolled up to the counter. Her hair was worn in twin braids today. "Oh my! Have I sighted a rare California Unicorn in the wild? Where did I leave my camera?"

Her eyes shifted across the venue, "Wow, the place looks great, Sera!" The Beast gasped and peered at the cookie display, "And look at these! Can I have a ghost cookie?"

[Cei]

Cei's introduction at court complete, the Incubus was now free to roam without looking past his shoulder. While not entirely flush with cash, there were some funds available from past dalliances- and feeling rather peckish (and without a concrete place to stay), what better ground for glamour and goods than a coffee shop?

No chest plate today- instead a simple plain black shirt that stretched just enough against his frame to display the physique, and a pair of dark blue jeans. And if one were looking closely they might see the faintest outline of scaly swirls and other patterns beneath the shirt as well- the only definitive proof that Cei was in fact Fairest, and not simply a human fair.

He'd not expected to see Sonja Wu- though he was by no means disappointed. And had he never been exposed to such beauty the Incubus might have done a double-take seeing Seraphina. Still, not wanting to seem too familiar in this place, and seeing the... She HAD to be the owner yes? Surely she was not resigned to such labor?... Regardless, seeing her somewhat occupied the Incubus merely took a seat at an empty table and waited.

[Seraphina]

A wide smile appeared when Sonnie entered, “Hey Sonnie! And you just might have!” she says, doing a little turn to show she even had the tail. “And no pictures! We must keep the sightings rare!” she said a whisper with a wink. Laughing, “Though I have to say, I really like the little head piece.” A hand gently touches the horn and decoration. “And everyone’s loved it! Might have to wear it more often.” Yup, it was happening.

“Thank you! I love decorating, it’s so much fun!” hence going to school for it. “Of course you can! And aren’t they just adorable?!” she moves to get Sonnie the cookie, “Want some coffee or tea to go with it?” or anything else the shop had. “I see shopping bags, get anything good?” and why wasn’t she invited?

It was hard to miss the Courtless Lost as he entered. Between his looks and his body, he stood out.

But she wasn’t a waitress. Offering a friendly smile and nod, “Did you want coffee?” asks the Nix.

[Sonnie Wu]

She nodded seriously, watching the Nix do her little turn on the runway. "Yes, of course! Like Bigfoot! The evidence can't be concrete, or you'd lose your mystique!" Her face broke into a grin, "It's adorable on you! You could wear it on your birthday, too. And National Unicorn Day!" Was there such a day?

"Coffee would be great, thanks! Something hot on a cool day!" Sonnie accepted the cookie, then hid her shopping bag behind her with a giggle. "I just picked up a Halloween costume for Fugly! It's a surprise!"

Naturally, she instantly noted Cei's entrance, raising an eyebrow at how he drew so much attention just by being in the room. But Sera had the same effect on people, she noticed.

Fairest suck at blending into the background.

They wouldn't last a day in the Screaming Jungle.

Pushing her thoughts aside, the Beast smiled and waved at the recent arrival to the freehold, "Howdy, dude!"

[Cei]

Sonja and Seraphina seemed to be good friends- or perhaps they were just generally friendly? It was sometimes impossible to tell with some Springs. The Courtless returned the stares in kind, grinning and speaking simple words that made the guests question a great many things. He wasn't trying to build a crowd- this time.

Luckily the fair one, Sonja, arrived; as bubbly as she was in court.

"Dear Sonja. It's a pleasure to meet you again. Please, sit!" An open seat was available- kept open, despite the several glancing invitations Cei had sent.

"I still have much to see in this lovely city- is this a common haunt of yours? And would you recommend anything?" And an implied question as to whether changelings met here often, as well.

[Seraphina]

Sapphires widen with excitement, “Exactly! So glad you get it!” she says with a giggle. “And thanks!” she struck a pose, “My birthday?” looking thoughtful, as she thought about it. “Huh, well, that’s a possibility.” Did she remember when her birthday was? She hadn’t celebrated it in years, and wasn’t sure. “But most defiantly on National Unicorn Day! I’ll whip up some special unicorn drinks and cookies and we’ll celebrate here!” it could be fun.

As Sera was pouring the coffee, she looked at Sonnie with suspicion, “Oh? A surprise?” the cup was placed in front of the Beast, “I love surprises! And can’t wait, he’ll look adorable in whatever you got for him!” how could he not?! Have you seen that face?

Since her question was ignored, Sera busies herself getting her own cup of coffee, adding a bit of the glitter to it, cause glitter. Elbows prop up on the counter as gloved hands held the cup and carefully sipped. Watching, curious.

Though there was a soft, musical chuckle as he asked the Beast for recommendations.

[Sonnie Wu]

The Courser nodded vigorously as Sera discussed having a Unicorn Day celebration in her cafe, "That sounds great! The only thing better is National Monkey Day!" She looked curiously at the Treasured, when she looked uncertain about her birthday. Did Sera not celebrate her birthday? Some people didn't, and those people were wrong. An idea sprang to mind, "Oh! Unicorn cupcakes with little candy horns on them!"

Sonnie grinned, "I figure he needed a costume for when we greet trick-or-treaters!"

Accepting the cup of coffee with a smile of thanks (had she paid for anything yet?), the Beast spun around and danced over to Cei's table, sliding into a seat. "Nice to see you again, Big Guy! And yes, I frequent this quaint little place. Recommendations?"

Tell him I'm on the menu!

Shut up!

You got cookie frosting on your chin, dumbass.

Sonnie coughed and wiped her chin with a napkin, "The, uh, cookies are delicious! And Sera makes the best coffee!"

[Cei]

Upon further examination it had occurred to Cei that she might very well match the description of a Beast instead of a Fairest... Not that Cei was one to judge much. Fairest didn't hold a monopoly on beauty.

"I'll have to come by more often then. It seems like the perfect place to make fond memories... Mmm... Actually, a snack sounds wonderful. Would you mind waiting for me a tad? I'll only be gone a minute." With that Cei abruptly got out of the chair and made his way to the counter, to what he assumed was the place's host.

"Dear Sonja has recommended cookies, and informed me you make the best coffee- and I'd love to have both, please. I'm afraid I don't drink the stuff much, so I'd leave the choice there to your best decision. As for cookies... Those adorable black and orange spider web ones look delicious! Mmm... So does the mummy. Both, if it's no trouble?" He so adored sweets.

[Rhodes]

Visiting Seraphina at work was always entertaining. Rhodes hardly ever announced he would be dropping by, because he loved to see the look of surprise on her face. And so he was dressed in one of his favourite red suits, winds and leaves spinning merrily around him, unseen to mere mortals. For this was the Season, and he was the King.

The Flowering entered Garden Grounds, smiling broadly at the stunning woman he immediately spotted behind the counter. He strolled up to to Sera, a small bunch of white roses in hand, and leaned on the counter. "Hello, my darling. How's business today?" Rhodes smiles happily at the Nix. "I don't suppose I can convince you to take a short break?"