songerein | open mingle 🍷 grand opening

Entry tags:

open mingle 🍷 grand opening

Who: Diluc Ragnvindr, Barok van Zieks, and anybody!
Where: At Day's End bar and winery
What: After a few months of preparation, Diluc and Barok's Fine Drinking Establishment is finally ready to open! So they're doing that. With a party! Bring your own toplevel.
When: A few days before the flower festival
Warnings: I mean. Alcohol?

Welcome to the grand opening of At Day’s End!

As a nod to the upcoming holiday, the bar has been decorated with carefully arranged flowers in addition to the planned garlands and lanterns to evoke a comfortable but festive atmosphere. Although the pair didn't exactly anticipate the sudden influx of emotion-steampunk-land natives, they have temporarily removed a few tables in the interest of opening up the floor for more visitors, and the weather is thankfully warm enough for the doors to remain open. Attendees are encouraged to try small tastes of different drinks before deciding upon a full glass, giving an easy opportunity to mingle with others.

At Day’s End serves a variety of locally-crafted wines and spirits as well as non-alcoholic options such as juice, coffee, and tea.

ALCOHOLIC SPECIALS
- Cider Special: Applebloom Cider - Apple cider brewed with apple blossoms. Light and floral. Usually only available during Windblume in Mondstadt, and similarly will only be available during the month of April in Songerein.
- Red Wine Special: Midnight Harvest - A sweet red wine with a very fruity taste and hints of nutty flavor.
- White Wine Special: Winter Moon - A dry, crisp white wine for those seeking a less sweet drinking experience.
- Cocktail: Thorns of Springtime - Whiskey, honey, chamomile tea, and elderflower liqueur. Served over ice.
NON-ALCOHOLIC SPECIALS
- Gray Valley Sunset: It’s just fruit punch with a fancy name.
- Rosé Bloom: A mix of juices made from only the finest red and white grapes, according to van Zieks.

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[ It's not difficult to guess at the general's reputation, and Sholmes can well imagine it's not in her nature to be worried over a kind portrayal. No successful officer is overly-liked. Respected, perhaps. Feared, maybe. ]

As I understand it, there is a confounding issue when it comes to Noctaere. One which may defy cold logic. [ A cool, spring draft darts through the open doors, ruffling flower arrangements and guttering lanterns. ] That is, a Noctaere may not only be a simple manifestation of nightmare energy—it can just as readily corrupt one of our own.

[ The breeze has carried in a fresh batch of invisible pollen and Sholmes stifles a sneeze in his elbow before asking, thickly: ] Would such knowledge stay your hand, General?

[For just the flicker of a moment, Beatrix's attention moves onto rustle of flower arrangements and the subtle sound of lanterns shifting, even if but minutely. Herlock's words settle within her and for several breaths, she doesn't address. Immediate responses from her tend to be ones to be feared. Rarely is she moved to a counter without a pause. Perhaps simply more logic.]

My personal preference...

[She begins, choosing her words carefully, knowing that it wouldn't be impossible for her to simply slay and ask questions later. Knowing Noctaere can be people corrupted and tainted by nightmares... It's reason for her to not immediately assume that Save the Queen will solve all conflicts.]

Would be to purify Noctaere creatures. If we could manage to do so. I do not imagine that will always be within the realm of possibility. It could be that the Noctaere I have fought against or slain could have been people. How would we have way to know if the corruption made one unrecognisable?

[Beatrix shakes her head.] I must admit that I do not have all of the answers.

Surely there are some clues. Just as one can recognize a friend from afar by only their gait and posture, some unique traits or behaviors must suggest the individual, however subtle.

[ He seems to remember he's holding a drink, and takes a thoughtful sip. He couldn't be more pleased by the juxtaposition: such a refined, evening soiree spent discussing the dire matter of nightmare monstrosities. What a refreshing escape from such stodgy topics as taxes and politics! ]

As to non-lethal handling and purification, I must wonder how unique the solution is to the victim and their own special torment. [ Sholmes reflects on his first dreamwalk and the negative emotions that—he's quite certain—invited the nightmare energy into Mikotoba's dreamscape. ] Or does a handy cure-all exist? A simple, positive gesture? Ah! Perhaps true love's kiss will break the curse and return the monster to his senses! What a charming tableau!

[ Now he's just riffing. Is this what he means by exploring all possibilities? Who wants to be the first to test that hypothesis? ]

But I fully agree, General, we need more reconnaissance!

If one knew another well enough to determine a unique antic, that would suit, yes. I certainly do not know everyone here. I would find it difficult to believe anyone does. There are no shortage of bodies like yours and mine, after all.

[Although Yujin's council may very well make that a possibility. Perhaps they ought to create an archive of those present, or those who once were there, for surely as often as bodies arrive, so too do they depart. Current status would be useful. She makes a note to bring that up to the man in question. If anyone has a head for such things, it seems to be him.

Her thoughts slowly turn as she plays back what he's said, though she's almost certain he's teasing about the whole thing. There's no way he's serious... right?]

...True... love's kiss?

[Beatrix feels the furrow of her brow is telling enough. She almost can't squeeze the 'l'-word out of her. It sounds ridiculous. Anyone believing in such an idea sounds ridiculous. Romance itself is... Well. Maybe not ridiculous, but it can be awfully silly at times. Best in a book and little else beyond that. She shakes her head, loosing something of a sigh in disbelief.]

Perhaps this is something that ought to be brought to the attention of Reverein's public. Acquire a public opinion and feedback. It affects all of us, after all. It ought to be addressed by all of us.

[ The suggestion has the desired effect; there are few greater pleasures in this world than subjecting stern people to a sudden fit of absurdity. ] Let us hope it's not the case. It would make for quite the task: to not only discern a Noctaere's identity but to match them with the object of their deepest affection—assuming there is such a one—and entreat them to pucker up!

[ It sounds like the makings of a fun game if the stakes weren't so very high.

Sholmes gives Beatrix another discreet once-over. She certainly has an anachronistic look about her—like knights of old, albeit with more style. And yet, she talks of airships and cannons? He can't quite picture her world or align it to his sense of history and civilization. ]

For someone who serves a monarch, you have quite the drive for democracy. Or does your queen share power with an elected parliament?

I—no. I am not going to believe anything like that until I see it with my own eyes.

[It really is as simple as that. She's not even willing to entertain such a notion as a hypothetical. She can just imagine what it'd be like if he's even remotely onto something. Would... she just withdraw herself if it ever became something like that?

...No. Probably not.

Herlock's assessment of her person is rewarded with a long pause.]

Her Majesty utilises full power over her kingdom. Serving my queen does not mean I always support what she intends to do with that power and influence. Do I think my kingdom would benefit from a council? Perhaps one day. Are they ready for it now? Doubtful.

[ Fortunately, Sholmes drops the topic of fairytale kisses, satisfied that he's put the general off balance.

He finds her explanation far more interesting, anyway. Of the military types he's met, most of them tend to be blindly loyal to Queen and Country. (With the exception of some jaded old-timers, perhaps.) He chalks it up as a mechanism for justifying frightening and violent work; questioning one's duty leads to a tortured conscience.

Sholmes is, as ever, grateful he's but a freelancing consultant, answering to no one but his client du jour and his own moral compass. ]

Surely a woman like you has no qualms about voicing her dissent. [ A musing swirl of his drink. ] What does your queen make of it?

[He's a bit prying, isn't he.

Beatrix spends some breaths simply taking him in, once more dipping her nose into her glass of wine. What does Brahne make of it? Make of Beatrix's oft pointed remarks. Truthful. Serrated. Never particularly shy to mince words if she's going to bother sharing any of them. Avoiding everything else she doesn't want to discuss.]

Once, she valued my input. [She begins and after a moment's consideration, she shakes her head.] Things change. Circumstances change. People change. It has been some time since she was particularly interested in my insight.

[And she has stopped sharing it.]

[ He would assure her that he'd make a terrible detective if he wasn't extremely nosy. And speaking of noses, he pardons himself to blow his again. When he turns back, it's a rosy red. Those damned open doors are an assault on his sinuses. ]

War has a way of changing circumstances and people rather quickly, doesn't it? Do you suppose she is the one who changed, or you?

[...By this point, she's almost certain he's under the weather. The thought encourages her to shift the way she's holding her glass. She can't afford to be under the weather herself.

Didn't he say something about allergies? She supposes that's not exactly the same, but still.]

I would wager to say that both of us have been changed by the tides of war. I would find it very hard to believe anyone involved in a war would be untouched by it. That said, her change occurred prior to the war. Given that we continue to be in it at present, its circumstances have changed me.

[...In more ways than one, perhaps.]

[ He notes the movement and quickly assures her: ] Don't fret. It's nothing catching. Merely my body's acute intolerance to these lovely, dastardly flowers.

[ The nosiness doesn't stop; Sholmes is close to a full read on her character, but some vital context is still missing. ] Is the war a matter of defending her current borders and the subjects therein? Or is she akin to my own Queen—ambitiously expanding her empire across continents?

[...Still doesn't mean she wants his Sholmes cooties in her wine glass. At least she has the sense not to say that.]

The latter, I think. [Beatrix furrows her brow in thought, realising that she doesn't actually know the answer to that. She knows what she's guessed, but... What if she's wrong?] At least, at a point I thought that was the case. She moved stating a nearby kingdom was planning to make the first move. In retrospect, there was no evidence of that.

[...Perhaps then, her queen is simply power hungry. Can such a thing truly be? She doesn't want to think it.]

I wish I knew what thoughts she held. The truth of the matter, I cannot say, Master Sholmes.

That comes as little surprise, given that you are no longer a trusted advisor. [ He hums, pondering. ] A shame, really—a good leader is careful to entertain contrary views.

[ A slight bob of his head and he adds, breezily polite: ] Not to say that your queen isn't worthy of her station. I'm sure she's wonderfully regal and has perfectly legitimate reasons for such concerning subterfuge.

[ Sholmes' smile is pleasant enough, but it somehow offers no comfort at all. ] Perhaps your opinions will find a more receptive audience in this council.

[He probably doesn't mean for its effect, but the reminder of her 'fall from grace' is akin to a pointed little dagger, digging right in and rooting around. It's hard to listen to the criticisms of her queen, knowing that once upon a time, Brahne never would have even considered taking such a dark path.

She doubts she can say anything more useful on it. Thankfully, Herlock gives her something else to address. At the notion of the council, she frowns for just a moment before she draws up a hand and draws some of her hair back behind her shoulder.]

Possibly. The council is yet to be made, which I am certain you are aware. My only part in this is to bring forth the idea of the guard. Although I did make mention to a man I know here that he ought to seek a place within the council. He led his own people back home. I feel he would be beneficial to the people here.

[ As per usual, Sholmes blithely tramples his way through a delicate topic, only vaguely aware of the damage left in his wake. But he marches on to the next subject with equal ease. ]

We have a number of candidates accustomed to public service, don't we? Dr. Mikotoba, Lord van Zieks, Mr. Seventy-Six ...

[ His eyes drift to those two men currently at the function, exhales and shakes his head. ] Although I'm just as certain each of them would roundly decline such a seat.

[ Then he looks back to Beatrix, brows arched. ] Pray, tell me more about this gentleman you're prodding. Was he amenable to the idea?

[Do they? She doubts she knows van Zieks well enough to make that kind of conclusion. Perhaps with that level of professionalism, however, she can see it. Mikotoba, yes. Seventy-six... That one she doesn't know.

Beatrix's good eye follows Herlock's gaze for some moments and she thinks, yet again, of Diluc. He was quick to decline for what she believes to be understandable reasons. He would be well-suited, however. If not for council, then surely for defence.]

I do believe that is why we are meant to elect our members. None of us with these ideas want to hold the arrogance to take these positions. I suspect many of them feel the same way. [That they want to earn the trust of Reverein's inhabitants. If all of them are truly meaning with good intention, then it could have the potential to be a very successful council.

She looks back over to the detective when he asks further.]

He was also modest, but not wholly... against it, I do not think. The modesty, however, solidified for me that I thought he would be a good fit. He was once a lord, yet at present no longer is according to the information he shared with me. He seems to hold a great deal of respect for leadership and what qualities one in such a position must hold to be a good leader.

[Her head tips thoughtfully before she continues.] His name is Dohalim. He is about your height. Perhaps just a touch taller. Red of hair. Brown eyes. Difficult to miss.

Elect, and then press them into service? [ He considers this, then shrugs. ] A bit aggressive, but that may well be what it takes to fill the council seats if none are forthcoming with their own campaign.

[ He drains the last of his glass and sets it aside with a satisfied sigh. ]

Given your past experience, General, you're well-positioned to judge the fitness of a potential leader. Assuming, of course, their disposition doesn't shift unexpectedly. [ Jostling that painful little knife just a bit more. ] But I shall keep my eyes peeled for Mr. Dohalim and perform my own assessment.

[ AKA, subject the poor man to a litany of invasive questions. ]

Press them? No. [She shakes her head at him.] But if those elected find that others have faith in them for such a role, it may better persuade them to have faith in their own abilities, regardless of the weight of responsibility such a role comes with.

[How good of a ruler is one who does not have the trust of those they rule? Tyranny leads to fear and whilst fear can and has proven to be effective, Beatrix believes such a pathway to be a temporary one. People eventually will grow past that fear, will they not?

At his input on her position and again, another press without realising, she suspects, Beatrix's expression turns just a touch with a lack of amusement.]

I am best fit for judging soldiers, not leaders. [Although with that said, Beatrix has no doubt that Garnet will be a fine queen. The bar may not be terribly high considering Brahne's actions, however.] That said, I do feel confident over Lord Dohalim's background and intentions. Your assessment of him would be useful. It would not do for just one person's opinion to make such a judgement.

You put such stock in the opinion of a relative stranger! [ He tilts his head, amused. ] I suppose it will have to do; most of us are still just that—barring any previous ties in the waking world, of course.

[ His smile turns toothy, bringing to mind the self-assurance of a used car salesman ... if either of them knew what that was. ] However, your faith is not ill-placed—you'll not find a more studied expert on the subtleties of speech, attitude, and physical presence. It will take little more than a few exchanged words to determine if Lord Dohalim is suited to bear the yoke of leadership.

I shall report my findings, General at a ... hum ... future time. [ Sholmes offers a jaunty salute. ] I think it's wise not to speak in absolutes. For reasons I'm sure we both understand.

I would put stock into anyone sharing their opinion besides myself. I am not arrogant enough to assume my opinion is the only one that matters.

[Besides, she knows fully well that she could potentially be biased when it comes to Dohalim or anyone else she considers remotely close in this world. As such, she has no idea at what point she may become blind to some of the flaws that any of these individuals hold. She'd love to claim she can view them all objectively, but she has no idea how true that actually is.

Besides, the moment he talks a little more about his own skill set of observation and deduction, she knows he has a point. He's a detective, after all, and though Beatrix isn't fully certain what one of those might be, she gets the feeling he prides himself on his observational skills. One can learn quite a lot from simply watching and listening. Isn't that what she does in a great deal of her spars?]

You need not report your findings to me. Perhaps to Mikotoba, however. Or whoever should be a part of this council. If Dohalim suits it, then we ought to say so. When that time comes.

[After a pause, she wears the smallest, most subdued smile.] No absolutes. [She's gotten the picture very well that he might not be the best at meeting those.]

Ah, I see you wish to avoid my consultation fee. Perhaps some other time you will formally engage my services. [ This is said cheekily, before remembering he still has a handful of calling cards. He produces one for Beatrix, a bit ragged from its time in his pocket, but neatly letterpressed with his name, emblem, "Consulting Detective" and the address "221B Baker Street, London"—the last of which has been crossed out in favor of a hastily-written "Around Reverein." ]

I have no qualms about voicing my opinions in a public forum—about him or other worthy candidates. [ He shifts his weight from the table and gestures broadly. ] In fact, I find it quite exciting to be present for the birth of a new, local government. I cannot wait to witness its turbulent youth—to watch as it struggles against partisanship and the constant threat of dysfunction!

[He offers her his card, which at first, she has no idea what it even is. She reads it thoroughly, however, front and back, wondering why such a thing is even necessary. It's not as though she needs a card to explain who she is. Maybe Herlock's reputation just isn't on the same level as her own. Or his world is considerably more massive.

It is likely an unfair comparison, she decides rather quickly.

Eventually, she moves her eyes from the details of his card back onto his face, touched occasionally by his allergies and all.]

'Exciting' is not necessarily how I would put it. This proposition is very likely to birth apprehension among many here, and it is not even something I would be inclined to sway otherwise. People in power can be a frightful thing. I do not think there is anything enjoyable about potentially being faced with a consistent line of... dysfunction, as you so aptly put it.

[But maybe he only feels this way because he's not likely to be so directly involved. Perhaps it's all just a dinner and a show.]

[ Those in his world who are still starstruck by the legendary detective might consider the scrap of paper a valuable memento. And those who aren't? Might as well be burdened by some trash. Sorry, General. Such is the duality of Sholmes. ]

I suppose that did come across as rather pessimistic, didn't it? Quite the contrary, I believe such obvious tension is healthy. When governing bodies—or their constituency—become too copacetic ... Well, I can't help but wonder if there are dark currents under that deceptively still surface.

[ Also very pessimistic of him? But he has certain professional prerogatives. And, you know, vividly fresh thoughts of judicial officials sanctioning a decade of extralegal executions to help impose law and order. ]

[It's either out of respect or simply something she means to research a bit more on later, but regardless of the reason, Beatrix tucks away his card into her very professional ensemble (which is, by comparison, very much not at all professional next to him).]

Realistic, is how I would put it. Pessimistic, perhaps. But it might as well be the same thing as realism. [Or that's just how she sees it, anyway. Beatrix hasn't been known for being particularly... optimistic. She doesn't employ false hope. Or much hope, in general.] Either way, you have a point. Even in the smoothest operation, it is oft only for appearances. No matter how we go about it, it is not going to be perfect.

Regardless, this scrappy band of intrepid pioneers will weather the challenges of community politics, I'm quite certain. [ There. A bit of optimism, even if his tone is too theatrically chipper to be believably genuine. ]

Now, I have been holding in about a dozen sneezes and they will soon breach containment with terrific violence—if you'll excuse me, I must remove myself from polite company.

[ Sholmes' kerchief reappears to cup his lower face, muffling his parting words: ] It's been a pleasure, General Beatrix. Till next we meet!

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