songerein | [Open Mingle] Entry 003

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[Open Mingle] Entry 003

Who: Kazuma Asogi, Soldier: 76, Susato Mikotoba and anyone else.
Which: Open mingle
Where: The Wild Harvest, located on the ground floor of Kazuma's home.
What: Soft opening for a small pub called the Wild Harvest.

A new pub has opened in Reverein, though the news is only being spread through word of mouth, or if people just happen by the place this month. Kazuma isn't exactly new to managing a pub, but he wanted to be sure he does it right this time. So he's keeping things small and simple, while the crew work out any issues that may come up during the month.

The place already has a much more welcoming feel to it compared to the Hydeout, like a quaint little neighborhood pub. Right next to the pub was a garden, part of it growing into the pub itself. There's a herb station setup if people want grab something else to add to their dishes, though at the moment, the selection is limited until they can grow more plants. There are garnish and spice noodle dragons also roaming about, and they will occasionally add a little extra to a customer's food or drink.

The menu itself is moderately simple, listing various eastern and western style street food dishes. There is also a note that reads: Can request something to be cooked off menu, as long as there are ingredients.

A sign has been put up near the entrance, listing the seasonal specials for the month.

Hot Chocolate (Alchoholic and Non)
Eggnog (Alchoholic and Non)
Cinnamon Apple Spice Tea
Meat Stew.
Roast Fowl.

Note: Meat will vary depending on what's available for the day.

Another can be found at the bar, this one being a "help wanted" sign. While Kazuma is satisfied having a crew he can trust, he could probably do with a full time bartender and bouncer. There are only three staffed at this pub right now. Kazuma is handling the front the best he can. He's not as conversive as his Hyde counterpart, but he'll try since he'll be the one most people will see. Occasionally 76 can be seen at the bar handling drinks, otherwise he'll be preparing the food along with Susato in the kitchen. A few times she'll peek out from the back to help clear tables, talking to the others during down time as she adjust to working a restaurant.

[This is basically an open mingle log for people to use the pub setting for whatever they like! Kazuma, Susato and/or 76 may also tag in, unless specified. Pub and garden area are open to the public.]

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Really!?

[She's a little surprised that he decided so quick, based on two drinks—she'd almost expected a full-on interview of sorts, but... then again, she does wonder how many other bartenders there are in Reverein that might even be interested in doing so?

That surprise doesn't dim her excitement, and she claps her hands together, her grin spreading as far as it'll go.]

I promise I won't let you down. This'll be the best bar this side of Reverein.

[With a wink, she eyes the glass.]

We're gonna need to come up with a name for that though.

[A light chuckle.] Please. My only requirement is that you enjoy what you're doing.

[Despite "cleaning up" the place from the last one, Kazuma isn't exactly one of those people in black suits with a clipboard. He prefers more hands on approach with things and it helps he already knows her. He now looks down at the drink she had produce for this place.]

Hm. The color reminds me of a sunset, or a sunrise. The taste of someplace rural. [...] Rise and Shine? [Maybe don't...let him think up names.]

[Well, she's got that covered. It was never something she looked into doing until she finally did it, but there was always something rewarding about it. Being able to give someone comfort after they've had a hard day, or being there when people—and friends—are having a good time always made her feel better at the end of the night. It was fun, and she enjoyed it, so that'll be a cinch for her.

Her eyes light up as they move back up to him.]

You know, that's actually not a bad name at all.

[It's cute!]

For a special, you want it to be a name that people remember. Something that sounds nice enough that they'll want to drink it.

[With a flourish of her hand, she pours a little more into a second glass to give it a try herself.]

Plus, I think it's only right that the owner have the honours of naming his first exclusive drink.

Ah, you think so...? [And here he thought it was too silly. She's right though, he should be the one to name the drink, but...]

I'm admittedly not the best at coming up with interesting names. But...if you think it's a suitable one for the drink, then I have no rebuttal. [A small grin as he glances around the pub.] It does still follow the theme of a new start.

[Tifa's smile warms. People are their own worst critics, and for someone who doesn't think he's very good at picking names, he picked an almost too perfect one for it. Even more so as she mirrors him, gazing around at the pub.]

Is there a story behind all this? I didn't get much from 76, but I did wonder.

Well. . . [He leans back. Where to even start?] The last place I ran was more of an impulsive decision. Not the most welcoming of places to be at, serving all kinds of shady folks. It was...more of a front for base of operations. [She doesn't really need to know how his dark side took control, basically kicked out the previous owner and claimed the tavern as his own. Did we forget to mention there was an underground fighting arena?]

I hadn't thought to open another one here at first, but my friends thought it was a good idea to have a fresh start. Make it something I want. So...that's how it came to this. [Gesturing to the whole place.] Simple, open, a place where people can just relax. I feel it's something people would appreciate when things get bad in this world.

[Tifa does arch a brow at the beginnings of his story... reminded immediately of Seventh Heaven, and how that bar, just like this one, had turned into a front for their own base of operations, housing an eco-terrorist base right under Shinra's noses. She loved that bar, though... It was her home, and her livelihood, despite its shadier dealings on the mission days.

But her expression softens while she listens, taking a sip from her own glass and looking around when he gestures to the pub.

"Make it something I want," he says, and that right there is what makes places like this so special, she thinks. It's a piece of the owner's heart, laid out bare for all to see, whether they intend it to be or not, and that's what draws people to places like this.]

I think there're a lot of people who might be looking for the same thing... In no time, this place'll be packed and you won't know what to do with yourself. Mark my words. I'll bet a hundred gil on it now. Actually, make it two.

Heh. I hope no one expects me to expand. [He likes to keep things small, easier to maintain this time around.]

But I'm glad...if this place will help others. Maybe it'll inspire others to open their own place. [Was that a nudge to Tifa? Or just to keep his place from getting too crowded?] Either way, busy or not, I'll keep this place running.

[She senses that nudge and soaks it like a champ.]

Ahh, maybe it will. A little healthy competition never hurt anyone. Could even get together for big occasions and do events with each other or something.

[If there's one thing that Tifa does really like about this place, it's that sense of community here. The willingness of so many people to work together on something.]

I think it would be fun... but that's a long way's off still, if ever.

I certain it could be something someday. People have already started things on their own. [This pub, the communal garden, a smithy.] I'm confident this place will be thriving with more places eventually.

[He takes another sip of Rise and Shine.] Anything you're hoping someone will start here?

That's a good question.

[And it's something that Tifa hadn't really thought about yet. The garden was doing well at least! But there are so many more things they could do with such a diverse group of people...

Perhaps that's why her first answer would be...]

Restaurants! More places to eat, with food inspired by where everyone comes from. I'd love to taste some food from someone else's home.

[That feels like a bit of a cop-out, but that would be her top answer. As for something else...]

A sanctuary for all the animals, too.

[She thinks back to the dogs who had been stuck inside that tree, or the family of them at the riverside who looked like they could use a good place to live, with warmth and food... Surely, there are other animals out there that are like that as well.]

Hm. Trying food from non-Earth based worlds would be interesting. [He finds it interesting that even if the world isn't exactly "earth", there are still similarities in how food is prepared in other places.]

. . .There has been an influx of animals of the canine kind lately, haven't there? [A light shrug.] But that sounds like something to consider sooner than later.

[Wonder who could be behind the canine influx...

Tifa can't help but snort out loud at the irony of his comment, and off in the distance, the corgi bums are wiggling with delight at being thought about.]

In the last world I was in, there were these little animal cafes. People could go there to eat and drink, and meet the animals that needed homes to go to. It was probably my favourite place to go.

[Although she never did have the chance to visit often.]

[That got a reaction. Was his remark really that funny? Hmm.]

An animal cafe...I guess we're halfway there. [They're not hovering by the bar at the moment, but certain little spice and garnish noodle dragons do occasionally come around.]

It's a nice idea, having a place to meet animals looking for homes and such. I can see us having one here in this world one day.

There are a lot of different kinds of animals here... I think they'd at least appreciate a warm place to go, or somewhere to cool off. Even if they aren't looking for homes.

[Those beetles come to mind, especially, though... it does beg the question of whether they would scare more people off than draw them in. But the one she'd met was so friendly and willing to help that it was... endearing in a strange way.

Her expression softens.]

If it ever does happen, you'll be one of the first to know. But I think this'll do for now. I'm already feeling right at home.

Hm, sounds more like the cafe should be attached to a sanctuary then. Just to take in all the animals that'll eventually appear.

[A nod and a smile.] I'm glad to hear you feel that way. If there's ever anything you need while working the bar, I'll do my best to accommodate.

If I do, you'll be the first to know. I shouldn't need much, but if I find anything I think might be good for the drinks, I'll grab it.

[She arches her brow at him.]

And I'll make sure you taste test any new specials I think up first.

Heh, me and 76 perhaps. One of the cooks is far more acquainted to drinks than I am. [Ok but he prefers the really strong stuff. It's why they have moonshine to offer.]

[Tifa nods solemnly. She's met 76 and at least knows that much about him, so when she blinks open an eye, it lights up with an idea.]

Well then, maybe we can make a thing out of it next time.

[Just like she and 76 talked about at the fire pit that day...]

A double taste test. Some food, and a drink to go with it. It'll be fun.

Hm. People do say certain drink and food combinations work better than others. [A nod.]

All right then. Something to look forward to during our staff get togethers.

It's settled, then.

[And from around the bar Tifa slides, to join him at a seat on the other side.]

Can't wait to get started.

[Surely, there are things that will need to be sorted prior to that? Until then, she'll help out where she can, and search the shops for things to make the bar even more welcoming than it already is, whether it be with a nice set of coasters, some decorations, or ingredients to whip up some new drinks.]

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[Open Mingle] Entry 003

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this feels like a good place to start wrapping! 💕

Sounds good to me!

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wrapping!! 🎀