[Crystal Gardens] We'll regret this in the morning (CG staff and their friends)

[Garit Sevenstars]

12th brightening of Melora, Winter, XV (pf)

The Crystal Gardens bar was shaping up quite nicely; at least that was Garit's opinion. That morning he had recieved several shipments that for him really began to give the bar the character that it was his goal to achieve. Glasses of assorted types hung from a rack over the bar, cup side down so as not to collect dust within them, and a collection of bottles was beginning to accumulate in an attractive arrangement of colors and shapes. Framed by the bottles behind the bar was a large juniper bonsai done in a semi-cascade style. He was quite fond of the plant, but as yet was not sure that he could afford the space it required.

Tonight he was throwing a party of sorts, although it was not without it's relevance to business. His plan was to create a drink that would be unique to the Crystal Gardens, and his guinea pigs were soon to arrive for the taste testing. Garit had arranged a semi circle of tables around the bar such that there should be room for everyone to sit on one side and face inward, the better to facilitate discussion. Each table held a basket of fresh bread and a shallow platter of lightly seasoned olive oil to dip it in, should anyone choose to cleanse their pallet between drinks.

Garit busied himself behind the bar, arranging ingredients and polishing glasses. He felt himself firmly within his element, and the corners of his mouth curled themselves involuntarily into a smile.

[Adelyn Weiss]

Back and knees in pain from putting tiles on the floors of the pathways Adelyn was only too happy for a night of relentless relaxation. It was tempting to stay sprawled on the floor but quickly noted how awkward she'd seem to any employee passing by, and the impression not one Adelyn wanted to leave behind. So with some effort she raised herself to a sitting position and with a large sigh stood up to head in the direction of the bar. The woman dusted off her clothes with strong hands noting just how dirty they were. She laughed feeling again the steady satisfaction of creation; in Paxia rubble was to be moved for the reconstruction of buildings and here at The Crystal Gardens an entirely new project was being completed.

Adelyn made a quick run to wash her hands and her face. Washrooms were located conveniently nearby and she entered hurriedly wishing very much to try that new drink Garit mentioned - the signature Crystal Gardens drink. For a few minutes Adelyn stared at the actual mirror itself, the intricately crafted border around it so interesting. Soon her eyes traveled down from the edges of the mirror to her face, some white plaster stuck to her cheek. She caught a glimpse of sadness underneath her cheerful exterior and she could not, for any reason, imagine why. She did the only thing she could do; Adelyn shrugged it off, washed up, and exited the new washrooms.

"I really need a drink," she mumbled aloud, followed by strangely loud laughter. Adelyn never thought she'd hear that coming from her lips. Ahead she saw Garit hard at work getting the bar all set up. The place looked nice, respectable, and quite elegant. He was most certainly doing a great job at it, and the woman felt pleased to have him on board the family at the resort.

With a big smile she said, "Garit! Thanks for throwing this get-together. I'm pretty sure all of us are in need of some break from the hard work. Even in the cold of winter it's got me breaking a sweat, and that's never pleasant. Do you need any help back there wiping some of the glasses or arranging anything? Though it definitely looks like you've got a lot of it worked out already! It looks great."

[Hay'aan Benedict]

"In need of a drink? Hard day?" came a voice behind Adelyn and there was Hay'aan, coming up behind her sister as she walked towards the party. She smiled a gentle and welcoming smile to Adelyn as she fell into step beside her. "How are things shaping up here?" she asked, looking around with an expression of interest on her face "I've been so busy in the Fire Island that I've not had too much chance to help out. I hope that changes soon.. I think. I love my work, though"

As they stepped up towards the bar, Hay'aan gave Garit a smile of welcome delight "Garit!" she exclaimed, looking at him with pleasure in her eyes "I'm so pleased to see you. How are you?" they had both come a long long way since that night that they met on the beach when she had drawn a sketch of him, and she was pleased to see him here.

She turned around to look, wondering if the others were coming. Those that walked through would see that this brightening Hay'aan had decided to wear red, loose trousers, tight at the waits, a red and gold blouse which was tucked into them, strapless and ornate, and a red and gold wrap. Her hair, as was often the case, was loose and hung down her back. There were a few red beads in it, but other than that it was free to move and sway down her back.

She was excited about this, and she hoped that it was a good evening.

[Garit Sevenstars]

Garit looked up when Adelyn came in. "Oh no, I couldn't very well ask you for help. I've spent the last few candlemarks fussing about the bar while you honest folk have been hard at back breaking labor. I feel guilty enough about it as it is. But never fear, this evening is secretly about business and you shall all be helping me out tremendously."

Looking over her shoulder, he saw Hay'aan. "Welcome Hay'aan! I am doing exceptionally well, and all the better for seeing you. I'm enjoying the portrait you did for me tremendously, even if in saying so I must admit to the level of egotism inherent in admiring a picture of oneself. Please do make yourself comfortable."

"Have you two had a chance to eat your supper? If not, I have a plate of sandwiches here and a pot of hot potato soup as well. We have a number of challenging drinks to try this evening and you shall be glad to have some food in your stomach, especially when it comes time to marry the volcano. I shall wait until more people arrive before I explain the program so as not to bore you by repeating myself."

Garit was all smiles this evening, clearly in his element. He began to light a series of candles, which reflected off the freshly polished dark wood of the bar like starlight in the bay.

[Viskyia Crow]

Viskyia wandered in, looking a bit tired. The day had been a long one, and recently with the Crystal Gardens opening looming in the near future, it was busier than usual. She was dressed plainly, like she normally did... in a tunic and leggings, wide belt, and hair braided. She'd been doing double duty at the jewelry store overseeing Hay'aan's training, getting the emeralds gathered for her Mastership project, and the children had been hassling her relentlessly. It was, she knew, because the house had been in some chaos since all the guests had moved in, and their routine had been upset. She'd been finding it hard to take on all the roles she was trying to maintain.... jeweler, mother, friend, aestiva leader, resort owner, and now the added title of Michael's partner. In so many ways, she wandered in needing something refreshing and fun to recharge her after the grueling day spent dealing with suppliers at Fire Isle, and managing a problem with the finishing touches on the shutters with The Crystal Gardens. Drik was working overtime too, getting the last minute finishing touches ready.

Furloin, Viskyia's gnomish assistant, trailed in behind her wearing the most outrageous red zoot suit possible. He hadn't been around much because he'd been keeping the shop going while Viskyia had been distracted elsewhere. He flopped down at one of the tables, and immediately began flirting with Adelyn, namely because he suspected she didn't know Shaasskah and would be opposed to striking someone smaller than herself... whereas Viskyia had no such qualms. "Well, Serale, Ms. Weiss... looking nice, if I do say so myself. Are we ready to experiment? I happen to know a lot about booze myself.. .I brought some of my best gnomish recipes!" He grinned, gently elbowed the woman, and looked around to see who else was there.

"Serale Garit, thanks for the invite... I see everyone's wandring in. This should be interesting...." She said, grinning slightly, and sitting down tiredly. "Hopefully, you know some perk-me-ups. I could use some energy right about now." She said, tilting her chair back and looking around carefully wondering what was involved in starting this whole process.

[M'caiyha Vosmaeri]

M'caiyha made her way from the aviary to the bar. Her long forest-green hair had been tightly braided into two plaints, starting at her forehead and into a pair of reverse braids that went all the way down to the last few inches of her hair. They hung over her shoulders. It wouldn't have surprised her if one of Viskyia's girls had asked if they could try jumping rope with them. She wore her usual clothes, the hooded tunic with the big pocket over the sleeveless turtleneck with the matching pants and her boots. A wide leather strap was looped and hung from her belt on one side, and her gauntlets dangled from the other.

She also seemed to be sporting a pair of royal blue wings.

Ethgri had latched onto her braids behind her back, one in each foot, and was flapping away, and the big wings fanned out from her willowy frame. Aira, in the mean time, rested in the crook of her arm on her back. Both of M'caiyha's hands were tucked into the pocket on her tunic, and as much as Aira might have liked to have climbed in there too, seeing what was going on was always fun as well.

"Serale," she took a seat, forcing Ethgri onto her shoulder. "Hope we're not too late." Even though she'd been working hard all day, she was far too cheerful.

Must've been the mangoes.

[Jasmyn Jewel]

*~Time Stamp~*I hate to be a pain in the arse about this but can we be more specific with our TS here? We have the Ball in Melora and the Slumber thread in Melora. Will this take place 'after' the slumber party?

Jas had been at the Crystal Gardens since early this morning. She wanted to help as much as she could with the new massage room since she was more then likely going to be spending many hours and brightenings there. The Esh wanted everything to be perfect.

The day was passing quickly. Lucky for her she knew that the bar was very close to her parlor. She gasped, her eyes widened. She just remembered that there was suppose to be some sort of gathering at the bar! Jas hoped that she wasn't too late. The female held on to her clip board and began to jog top her destination.

It didn't take long to get there. Jas entered silently, a little winded... reminding her that she needed to take time to work out. It was wise for her to be in the best shape possible for when she started her new job. Quickly she jotted that down on her board, not that she could forget now that she’s received a helpful reminder.

The Esh'lahier wore her usual. That was another thing that she needed to do, go shopping for some clothing. She added it to her list but before it placed a money sign, indicating that she needed money before she could go shopping. Never the less she still looked rather radiant. Her hair was pulled back into a fish bone braid while her silver bangs hung decoratively down her forehead, some straying into her eyes and some not. Immediately she recognized everyone there.

It seemed that all were there except for Poe. Jas was actually glad of that though she doubted that Visk was. The Esh flopped down next to their fearless leader and sighed with exhaustion. It felt good though. "Serale to everyone. What are we doing?" It was right down to business for Jas. She had so much to do yet but little did she know that she'd likely not be leaving this room for quite some time.

[Garit Sevenstars]

OOC: It is definitely after the ball, I will leave it up to you guys to decide if it's after your slumber party or not.

Garit greeted each person as they arrived. "Serale Viskyia. Say, I've been meaning to ask you, how many more hints do I have to drop before you let me baby-sit your children? Even a rough estimate would help me plan."

To M'caiyha he said "That is quite a hair style you have there! Not everyone could pull off such a fashion statement, and I believe you are safe from imitators."

"Welcome Jasmyn. Since you ask, I shall go ahead and explain what we're up to tonight. A few more people may well filter in, but we shall handle them as they come."

"As I'm sure you're all aware, one of the best forms of advertising is word of mouth. To make the most of this avenue, we must provide our guests not only with happy memories, but also with good stories that they may tell their friends in excited tones. I've been making plans as to what the bar will contribute to this effort, and it seems to me that we need to offer a unique and exciting drink that is unique to the Crystal Garden. It should be enjoyable to consume, that's a given, but I would also like to offer something that people will mention when they tell stories of their vacation."

"So, tonight we're going to test out several of my ideas. I would appreciate a frank and no-nonsense appraisal of each one- it won't do me any good to spare my feelings if it means the bar suffers as a result. There will be a number of drinks to sample so do not feel that you have to drain each and every glass, although of course you are welcome to."

Garit brought a tray loaded with shot glasses from behind the bar. "This is the first of the evening’s offerings. In a technical sense, it is actually 5 drinks, not one. If I decide to serve this drink I shall have special glasses made that have 5 wedge-shaped sections that fit together to form a cup shape. The idea here is to create sort of a taste poem. You drink each section in a prescribed sequence with each flavor playing off and building on the last. Tonight we must make do with shot glasses, and the correct order will be from left to right."

Garit distributed the glasses, which were set on the tray in rows of 5. The first was a very light concoction, a sparkling water with a hint of fruit and just a slight tang of alcohol. Each following drink was a contrast to the one before it, exploring a new direction of taste that had a small similarity to the preceding drink. The last was a mulled wine with spices left a pleasant taste in the mouth.

[Adelyn Weiss]

OOCNot to make this more dramatic or anything but *personally* I am for more specific TS and I feel this *should* be after our slumber party thread because after it we're all a lot closer to one another. AND... how do you say "today" or "tonight" in Aelyria??

Garit kindly refused her assistance, for which she was secretly grateful for, knowing she knew little about alcohol and would certainly place things in the wrong location. Even so she asked, "You sure? Well, so long as you've mostly got it all done then I'll sit here and let you do your thing. I'm actually quite excited for this 'business' we're taking care of. I heard just what you're up to and I can't wait to try some drinks."

She looked back at the sound of Hay'aan's voice and smiled at her. For a moment as she looked on at the woman Adelyn couldn't help but think that out of them all, besides Viskyia, she was closest to Hay'aan or maybe just liked her the best. Now it wasn't like Adelyn to go on choosing favorites but she felt a stronger sisterly affection toward her. At any given moment Adelyn could just run up to Hay'aan and give her a hug and it'd be real. "No worries at all. There are plenty of hands to go around this place even if there are a million things to do. Slowly the place is coming together and I know how busy we all are spreading ourselves thin all over the island. Now I know this sounds silly considering we've known each other a few cycles now... but just what is your profession here in Demios? Not sure if I heard Viskyia correctly, but she mentioned you'd be working with her at Fire Isle Jewelery? How's that going for you?"

Shaking her head Adelyn expressed that she had indeed not eaten much yet, "I'll take a sandwich, please! You're so considerate to think of these things, Garit. And I'll have to stop on by and see the portrait Hay'aan's drawn for you!" Grabbing the sandwich, not even bothering with a plate the woman sat down at the chair closest to the bar hoping to stay together and not spread out too far away.

She crossed her legs, the light yellow loose linen pants she wore creasing as she did. Rather than wearing her normal short boots the girl wore sandals, sporting more Demios-appropriate attire. The white strapless tank she sported clung stickily to her body, but her lean body allowed for it without looking bad. Furloin, Kyia's assistant, sat beside her and failed miserably at flirting with her. Rather, the girl laughed teasing him and continued, "Thank you, Furloin. You look interesting yourself. Oh, that's marvelous; we can all try some of your recipes, too." After pulling her hair up in a quick messy bun, her bangs still on the side of her face, she waved to Viskyia casually. "Oh certainly. We all could. Garit's going to have his work cut out for him tonight!"

Soon M'caiyha and Jasmyn came in. The former's entrances were always surprising and delightfully comedic. Not only did she stand much taller than the rest, but she carried with her those two birds. And what character they had as well! As most of them were all in attendance Garit began his spiel. Her eyes opened wide as she heard the ~first drink consisted of five shots in all. Adelyn took her row of five and placed them in front of her in the correct order. Taking a slow sip of the first and then simply chugging it down, she was done with the first of five. "This is a fantastic idea, Garit, especially the idea with the custom 5-wedged shotglasses. A little intense, but fantastic." The first wasn't too strong, but quite flavorful and fruity, and she liked it. She waited before taking the second for everyone to finish the first.

[Michael Poe]

"No! No, no, no, no, no! Don't you dare!" The pasty-faced delivery boy turned to look at him, his eyes screaming that it wasn't his problem, and he didn't care to make it so.

"Sir, if you have a complaint, take it up with my boss."

"Listen, you little snot-nose. I tried to be nice, I tried to be courteous. I tried to say 'please take these back and I'll discuss the issue with your boss in the morning', but you're not listening!"

"Take that up with my boss, sir."

"You can bet your prepubescent ass I will...and with any luck, come mid-brightening, you won't have a job."

"Whatever you say, sir. Have a nice brightening. Serale." Before Michael could say another word, the young man rode off in his cart, being pulled by the horses, and the human's palm very, very quickly found its way to his face.

"I swear to Her, as soon as I learn how, I will haunt your damn dreams, kiddo..." he cursed quietly before calming himself and shaking his head. "I didn't mean that. I'm just upset about the situation. Let the anger go..." Lately his temper had been slightly on edge. Some might look for a deep and meaningful reason, such as his darker nature was now closer to the surface and thus easier to access. With the power it brought him, it also carried a price.

That answer, of course, was only half right. He'd spent candlemarks hashing out the exact details of the locks with the locksmith. He'd told them exactly what he'd needed, and how he needed one for every shutter set, as well as at least three key sets--one for him, one for Adelyn, and one for Kyia. There had been a hard time working out the details on that point, and after much effort, had finally gotten it across what he wanted and how he wanted it done. The construction and delivery was several brightenings past due, only to have them deliver the wrong size of locks...and several of them. This would take several more candlemarks to iron out. Candlemarks he didn't want to spend hashing out with that mentally-challenged lock-savant.

With a sigh he meandered into the building proper, a look on his face saying he felt throughly washed for the brightening. As he meandered in, he hardly took notice of anyone or anything as he slumped to the bar, falling into the chair, his forehead hitting the countertop.

"Something hard if you please, Garit, and a lot of it," he muttered quietly into the countertop. He rolled his head to gaze at the series of five shot glasses and felt a slightly lively grin caress his mien, a tired--but still present--twinkle dance in his dark brown eyes.

"That looks like it should do swell...set me up with some...quality control, you know. Have to make sure the stuff isn't tainted or poisoned, after all. For the good of the Garden and all that."

[Garit Sevenstars]

Garit was busying himself getting ready to present the next drink, but watched Michael as he entered and greeted him with a smile.

"You look like you've had a tough day," Garit said. "There seems to be a lot of that going around and I do hope that it isn't catching."

Garit set up a row of glasses for Michael. "You should be advised that today we are testing drinks, and I have 4 others to follow this one for those who are interested. However, should you require something not on the schedule for medicinal purposes we need not be rigorous."

Speaking to the rest of the room, Garit said "I do want to remind the more frazzled of you folks that this is only life we're engaged in here. There's no cause to take it so seriously. We shall either overcome our obstacles or they will defeat us and we shall learn something for next time. I do not mean to take your troubles lightly, but rest assured that together we will cope. If anyone is feeling their load is unmanagable, let me know and I shall you organize your schedule and possibly hire a temporary worker to bring you relief. I'm getting quite practiced at the art of job interviewing."

[Jasmyn Jewel]

Jas' question was answered when Garit came in wielding drinks and then explained vocally. Obviously he had been hired as the bartender, though this was the first time that Jas would be meeting him. The Esh's taste buds began to water; the anticipation was endless as she thought of sampling the concoction. This... could... be... fun! Jas 'would' have to be careful though since she's clearly a light weight. Yes her size does indicate that she wouldn't be able to handle her liquor that well.

The Esh sat up straight. Garit's presentation wasn't what he'd serve the guests but he was simply making due with what he had for the time being. Once the shot glasses were sat in front of Jas she went ahead and began the taste test. It was genius of the half elf to think of teasing the taste buds in such a manner. It was like climbing a mountain in anticipation of viewing the glorious stars once one got to the top, what a grand climax that would be, or so Jas thought since the each drink seemed to compliment and enhance the last.

Soon the third glass was up to her lips when Poe walked in, just as the liquid touched the end of her tongue. Jas rolled her eyes just a bit as she watched his antics, though she had to admit that he was rather comical. This night was just getting even more interesting. Who knew where this evening would lead them? It was funny to think about, to anticipate and even to speculate.

Down went the third drink. Jas took this quickly, just in time to hear Garit's little speech. It warmed her heart to know that she was encompassed by people who seemed to care. She knew then that if she ever needed any help that they would all be right there to guide her, even pick her up if the need may be and she would be there for them. The Esh held up the fourth shot glass and said rather boldly.... "Here! Here! I'll drink to that!" She allowed this one to roll over her tongue as she blinked and then groaned happily. Clearly it was satisfying.

[Viskyia Crow]

Furloin grinned at Adelyn's response and turned to Viskyia to elbow her. "See? At least one of your friends aren't afraid to try gnomish recipes. Might be your the only coward in the group." He announced, nudging her boldly then getting out of the way of any forthcoming return nudge. The jeweler and the gnome had been together for a long time and Kyia just simply rolled her eyes. "You forget, I _have_ tried your recipes, which is why I'm skeptical." She said with a grin and made the extra effort to move enough to reach him to nudge him back. The gnome laughed, swatted at her, and grinned at the array of shot glasses laid out.

Viskyia raised a white brow, smiled, and nodded to Garit. "You can babysit anytime you'd like... but there are six of them. I think you need to be part Legionaire part Mother part punching bag and wrestling fiend. They wear out my housekeeper and gardener on a regular basis." She didn't know how to classify Nik, so she left him out for the time being. That in itself was an interesting situation, and one that couldn't quite be easily explained. "Just drop by anytime you have free time... I'm sure Jobbe and Bunny would love the break. That'd be great. The kids love paying babysitters in cookies and hugs too." Viskyia said, smiling slightly. The truth was, she'd be glad when the resort was open and all the planning was done. Life could settle down again, and then she'd have a bit more time for everyone. The kids deserved it...

Viskyia glanced at the shots and smiled slightly. Absently, she wondered how she'd get home if she started the evening out with ... five shots? She loved wine... the pale stuff, but never drank much. Her last big hangover had been in Zinn'Sunn with Amelia when they'd hit the town. It was one of her funnest nights ever... one she hadn't regretted. It wasn't often that the jeweler let herself simply relax and have fun. That was one of those times.. .this, she decided, was going to be another.

Furloin glanced up when M'caiyha came in and grinned. "Lovely wings, girl... matches your hair. You need a green and blue multiple tone watersilk tunic to really bring it out and finish off the winged look. I think I'm going to make it happen for you... black and green I think, bright... yes...." He grinned, flirting again. Viskyia grinned and kicked out a stool across the table from her for M'caiyha. She was glad to see the woman, who had been something of a surprise in her life as well. A friend, a mentor and someone she felt she didn't need to watch out for, M'caiyha and Viskyia had a whole lot in common. Far more, in fact, than Kyia had first assumed.

"Hey Ethgri... I'm not afraid... after the flock at home, the customers at work, and a rowdy gnome" She paused to give Furloin a look... "I'm ready for your antics. Hey M'caiyha... have a seat... hey I think I'm jealous of Aira. Must be nice to be carried around like that all day... silly spoiled birds." She laughed and reached over to point gently at Ethgri. "But you be nice... I'm planning on being too far gone to care after a while, but tomorrow if I'm missing fingers, I'll know who's gizzard to search." She threatened with a smile then grinned at M'caiyha. A shot glass was raised in salute.

Viskyia grinned, sipped the second shot, then moved on to the third, slowly working her way through all five. Michael's voice could be heard arguing with the locksmith apprentice from the interior as she picked up the fourth. Eyebrows quirked and she shamelessly listened to the converstation. A smile played across her face. He was so serious, so determined to do everything right. And she could feel the growling undertone to his voice and she found herself unable to help watching him as he strode into the room... no prowled. She wanted to laugh, not at him, but at the way it made her feel... the way he made her feel. She rose, once Garit had delivered his first recipe to Michael and wandered over to him for a moment. As Michael's head hit the bar and he groaned out his frustration, Kyia's smoothing hands ran up his shoulders, kneading gently, as she leaned forward and whispered into his ear. "You shouldn't threaten eat little boys... or at least have them fired. Even if they are more sass than common sense. He doesn't know what hes poking with a stick." She left a kiss on the top of his head and wandered back to her seat, still grinning. Down went a fourth shot.... she hoped she wasn't taking too long between drinks to miss the overtones and she glanced at Garit to make sure.