(Private)Keys and Coffees

[Seraphina]

Garden Grounds had closed early for the evening, a sign stating a private event was taking place. Which of course was simply the Nix meeting up with Vincent to show him the small living space.

Once you enter the front door, the smell of coffee, warm apple cider and fresh pine fill the senses. No one smell overpower another, all seeming to work well together. Aside from the holiday smells, the shop itself was transformed into a festive wonderland! But nothing too over the top of gaudy, everything was classy and just created a warm, inviting environment.

On the counter, there were tall vases, some filled with candy, and some with gift bows and ornaments. Each table had it’s own centerpiece, some had green moss balls in jars with lights, others had roses in water and even some with white candles with pops of color.

Various other decorations were placed around the room, as well as red and white poinsettias.

Despite the sign, there was fresh coffee brewed and a few pastries and cookies set aside on a plate. The Nix was at the counter sipping a coffee and flipping through some paperwork. The thing no one tells you about owning a business? The paperwork, there was always paperwork. Despite this, she was quietly humming to herself, dressed casually in jeans, black tank top and a long flannel. Her long hair hung around her shoulders and cascaded down her back, sweeping the floor.
Vincent Black ragnarokxg

[Vincent Black]

Vincent walked up to the place he was given by Sera, he was wearing a long black coat, a grey hoodie, a black t-shirt, blue jeans, and black Dr Martens. As he entered he was hit by all of the various smells surrounding him. As soon as he was able to get his senses in order he saw Sera, "Good Evening, this place is really great. And the smells are amazing if I must say so. Also happy to see that it is decorated for the holidays." He meant it, the Holiday Season was his favorite time of year before he was taken, and had remained so.

Vincent noticed the plate of pastries and cookies, "Mind if I have a cookie, and a coffee if there is any made?"

[Seraphina]

A warm smile was offered when Vincent walked in, “Thank you! It’s certainly been a labor of love over the years, but well worth it.” She was quite proud of what the place had turned into. Glad she had listened to Mhairi and opened it. “I switch out the live wisteria for artificial as to not overwhelm the senses too much.” A gesture to the flowers hanging down and covering the ceiling. Though she did already miss the smell of the flowers. “It’s decorated for every holiday, it’s one of my passions, decorating.” Also, what she had gone to school for.

“Of course not, please, help yourself.” They had been set aside while boxing up the leftovers from the day. “And you’re in luck! I brewed a couple of fresh pots, a holiday blend and the house blend.” She would pour him a cup of whichever he preferred. “How’ve you been?”

[Vincent Black]

"I will take a holiday blend with two cream no sugar." He admired the place he was in a lot, "I really like this place, you must get a lot of customers. i know I would be a regular if I found a place like this to come and have a coffee at." Vincent looked around the place a bit, "So where is this apartment you have here?"

[Seraphina]

Getting the coffee together, she places it in front of him, “Thank you! And I do, especially the college students. It’s usually quiet enough in here or on the patio that they come for study groups and whatnot. But weekends are usually karaoke or whatever event I decide to throw.”

Taking another quick sip, “Oh! This way.” Carrying the mug with her, she leads him past the counter and into a break room of sorts that had a few doors off it. Walking towards one, she opens it, showing a small hallway with a door to the outside, and one off to the side, which she unlocks, revealing stairs. A light was turned on as she heads up, “I haven’t had much time to really turn it into anything too special. It’s not like, zoned to be an apartment yet. The red tape that I need to go through for that is unbelievable.” Expanding to include a shop where she could sell her designs in person and get this space into a proper apartment.

And…she was wasn’t wrong. It wasn’t anything fancy. At all. There was a couch with coffee table, a bed that had fresh bedding on it, and that was about it. A bedside table with a lamp and a small dresser, obviously there had been some effort to make it livable. Fresh flowers and plants were scattered about. “Edna’s is technically more equipped to host someone for a long period of time. I just got it setup as a safe place to crash if need be. There is a half bathroom, but that’s about it.” It might not be fancy, but it was cozy, little touches added to make it feel as homey as possible.

[Vincent Black]

Vincent looked at the place, it was very simple the way he liked it. "Does it have access to Wi-Fi? If not, that will be something I will need to get connected. But otherwise, this will work out perfectly for me." He meant it, the place was cozy and small enough that he would be able to keep an eye on everything. Plus, it being attached to somewhere public would also be a plus as it should keep out any prying eyes. "Also is there any restrictions or rules I should be aware of. Do not worry, I do not plan on having any parties."

[Seraphina]

A nod, “Yes, I have Wi-Fi for the shop, and it reaches here.” Needed to have a good connection for the college kids. “It’ll work?” her face had lit up, “So the sheets are fresh, I changed them this morning. Spare set in the dresser, as well as a few towels.” Translucent hands work a few keys off the key-chain before handing the key ring to him, it had two keys on it. “There is a lock on the back door as well as at the bottom of the stairs.” That way he knew he could enter through the ally if he wanted, or the shop.

“Uh, I don’t think so.” Laughing, “The shop closes at (insert time) during the week and at (insert time) on the weekends. Fridays are usually karaoke night, one of the busiest nights and a fun time if you’re into that sort of thing. So, if you wanted to have a gathering, feel free. Or feel free to hangout in the shop, the customers are sometimes great for information and tips on the best places to go. And coffee or tea is always free for members of the Freehold.” Her mind working on what else he would need to know. “There isn’t a washer or dryer, so you’ll have to hit up the laundromat, sorry about that.” Maybe she could get something for the shop.

[Vincent Black]

Vincent took the keys as he said, "No worries, I do not mind going to a laundromat. I do not have much in the terms of apparel at the moment so it will not be too bad." Vincent looked around and was happy that he lucked out and found such a nice place to settle, even if it might be temporary. He also liked the idea of being able to walk out during business hours and get a coffee. That was really his biggest addiction since getting back. "Karaoke sounds like fun, and it will give me a chance to get back to being a little more social. Thank you once again."

[Seraphina]

“I actually enjoyed the laundromats when I first arrived, met some cool people there.” A little-known place to meet friends, well, if you were lucky.

“It’s a ton of fun! I also add a bit of charity to it sometimes. Donate to charity to sign your friend up to sing, and if they don’t want to, they need to either match or exceed your donation. Makes for a crazy night with lots of money raised.” They were fun nights. “And don’t forget the Winter Coronation is coming right up, great way to meet everyone and make friends.” Making friends and allies was important in their world.

“You’re more then welcome! Always happy to help, so if you need something, just let me know. I’m almost always in the shop, but if not, just give me a call.” Helping people was her thing. “Oh! If you want to get out and be social, I’m going to be hitting a new club and you’re more then welcome to join me.”

[Vincent Black]

"I would love to join you, the club scene is not usually my thing, but I need to get out and learn about the city." Vincent was grateful for the invite. He did not have many friends, and the ones he did have did not live nearby. "When do you plan on going? I only ask so I can make sure to not make any other plans for that night."