[Crystal Gardens] Grand Opening Celebrations!

[Hay'aan Benedict]

The three brightening long celebration was something almost guaranteed to go down in Demosian history. Those who had paid attention to such things had seen the long and often arduous journey which had been undertaken by the group who were the group in charge of the Crystal Gardens. No detail seemed to be too small and people had been seen working long into the early candlemarks of the brightening for months now. But those long candlemarks were over and here, finally, was the finished product. The beauty of the Crystal Gardens, in all its splendour, was open this darkening for the culmination of three brightenings' of celebrations. The previous two brightenings had been an excellent success and so there were lots of people expected this darkening. The beginning of the celebrations, two full brightenings ago now, had been marked with free tours of the Crystal Gardens. These tours had given visitors a taste of the delights of the Crystal Gardens, and many came away amazed at the beauty and variety that the resort had to offer. The tours allowed those visitors to take stock, to gaze in awe and to see the variety of services which were offered. Having taken the tour, visitors were then afforded the opportunity to take advantage of the Spa facility that after-morn, at reduced rates. The take up had been excellent and there were many happy customers leaving at the end of the first brightenings celebrations. All of the Spa's fantastic services were on offer, and there were many happy customers who left having taken advantage of this one-time offer; lower than usual prices amidst an atmosphere of pure indulgence. It provoked a feeling of calm and restfulness on those who were present. But there was no time for resting on laurels at that point, for that evening there were boat trips giving an alternative view of the Crystal Gardens, all lit up and beautiful, with the restaraunt offering a wonderful array of food, again at a special opening rate. The boat trips also gave visitors the chance to meet with the group in charge of the Crystal Gardens, for on every journey there was one of the project managers Viskyia, Adelyn, M'cai, Michael, Garit, Eben and Hay'aan on board. They were there, ready to chat and discuss anything with the visitors, providing that personal touch which meant so much. The evening ended as the suns sank into the skyline on a group of very happy, albeit thoroughly exhausted, staff. The first brightening could simply not have gone any better, and they fell into their beds, ready for the next brightening. That next brightening, the second brightening of the Grand Opening Celebration, had been equally as successful, with the morn being filled with an "open house" on the guest cabanas. These were opened up and available for anyone to walk around. Each cabana was opened and staff were on hand in order to answer any questions that might arise. The key staff were again available throughout this morning, showing people around and answering questions. It was important to maintain a personal touch and it was through such networking as this that a lot of return business would occur. Each one of them, therefore, was there with their own unique skills and abilities to add to the mix. Having shown people around the cabana's, the afternoon was a spectacular display held in the aviary. The bird show was truly magnificent with the overwhelmingly beautiful display of birds of all colours and sizes. The flying display and tricks that the birds performed held the attention of all, from the oldest adult to the youngest child. The tours and talks were busy and as the evening started to fall, the flying show awed and amazed all those present. It was here that one member of the key staff shone above all other. M'cai managed the process and it was she who was the pivotal point in the afternoon's events. It was no wonder, then, that during the show the other staff deferred to her, each one of them doing what she needed when she needed it. Her love of, and skill with birds was unmistakeable in that afternoon. The bird show led in to the bonfire party at the Octagonal Bar. This was an evening to try out the wide variety of drinks on offer from the Crystal Garden, many of them made specifically by Garit himself. There was something for everyone's taste here, from sweet to spicy, chilled wine to soft drinks. Those who took advantage of the range of drinks were left knowing that Garit was a talented man who could mix tastes and textures, sights and smells to the delight of all senses. The suns set on the party that darkening, and the revelry went on much later into the early candlemarks of the morning. And so had dawned this brightening. The final brightening of the opening celebration. As the suns had risen this morning, there had been dawn meditations, guided visualisations and relaxation classes. Relaxation all around. Viskyia Crow and Adelyn Weiss had led the meditations, giving people the opportunity to get to know the owner and manager of the Crystal Gardens better. The other staff had taken part, joining in the crowd with enthusiasm and good will. The guided visualisations were varied and generally peaceful, although those who had such an eye for detail might notice the recurrance of a misty form, a woman who was wise and beautiful. Either way, the morning left those who took part feeling refreshed and ready to face the rest of the brightening. With one's spirit refreshed, it was time to turn attention to one's body. So it was that, in the afternoon, the salon had opened it's doors and invited in visitors for it's many and varied beauty treatments, all at reduced prices. Hair, nails and skin had been focused on, cleaned, revitalised and made up, with the salon being exceedinly busy. The staff had borne this with good humour and good will, however, performing to the best of their abilities at all times. And so, at last, it came time for the final party. The ballroom was decked out in a rainbow of colours, resembling the plumage of the birds that had awed and amazed only the brightening before. There seemed to be lights flickering everywhere and flowers filling the place, their scent amazing. In fact, even though it seemed that there were a hundred different colours, the flowers were arranged very carefully, so that each table had a theme. From the table with the vibrant red gerberas and the deep red tulips to the table with the yellow roses and hibiscus, each table had a colour, or pair of colours, of its own. Not only did this make it easy on the eye for those sitting, but it allowed the staff to identify tables easily. Formal was definitely not the order of the brightening at this party. Music played rhythmic and melodic, to those who might know, with a definite gypsy feel to it. The drinks flowed and the food was laid out along one side of the ballroom, for people to come and take what they would, when they would. The selection on the buffet was fantastic, and each plate of food was delicately arranged and presented. Outside the ballroom in the open darkening was the massive awning. This meant that people could go outside and dance, should they so wish. It was out there that the music was playing and also where the stage was constructed. The stage itself was simple enough, and at the moment housed only the musicians. Later on it would house the key staff at the Crystal Gardens as the evening drew to an end, to introduce the fireworks and give out prizes. Grand Opening Celebrations: Brightening 1: MORNING: Guided tours of the Crystal Gardens (free to all) AFTERNOON: Spa afternoon for those who attended the guided tours - with reduced price treatments. EVENING: Boat trips across the lake and a "themed" evening in the Restaurant. Set menu at reasonable price. Children's events hosted during the day, for those who wish toleave their children whilst taking time to look around. Brightening 2: MORNING: "Open house" on the guest cabanas. AFTERNOON: Aviary opens, with tours, talks and refreshments. Bird show leads into.... EVENING: Octagonal bar hosts a "house drinks" evening ~ ending in a "bonfire on the beach" party. Children's events hosted during the day, for those who wish to leave their children whilst taking time to look around. Brightening 3: MORNING: Relaxation and meditation morning AFTERNOON: Pampering and treatments, hair and beauty (all at reduced rates) EVENING: Final grand opening party, with fireworks at midnight. All held in the ballroom. Competion for a variety of gifts, including the chance for one lucky couple to win a luxury two-darkening stay at the Crystal Gardens.

OOC:
Please feel free to post in this thread, detailing which day you are coming to and one of us will pick it up.
Welcome to the partay!

[Adelyn Weiss]

The brightening Adelyn had been looking forward to all winter was finally here - the Grand Opening of the Crystal Gardens Resort. In her manager's outfit, a knee-length jungle green skirt and a white short-sleeved shirt with a collar, Adelyn felt the epitome of professionalism but also consequently a bit warm. Though admittedly she enjoyed the color of the skirt as it was a darker variation on her eyes and brought them out nicely. At this she couldn't help but smile despite running around madly making sure everything was in order.

Adelyn had made rounds to the front desk, the hostess booth in the restaurant, the kitchen, the spa, the bar, the pool area, and so on. At every location the manager of the resort made it a point to ask people how they liked everything so far: "Serale! Welcome to the Crystal Gardens Resort and Spa. I hope your stay here is pleasant and if you need anything just let me know! Is there anything I can do to make your stay even better?"

And like this Adelyn collected some information directly from guests as to how she herself could improve and also how the staff or the resort as a whole could, too. She'd be sure to mention these to staff or if they were important enough, at the staff meetings.

Her body felt extremely tired and she knew that at the end of all this she would seriously need a massage especially with the brightenings being as long as they were with the celebrations. Though Adelyn's smile did not falter, of this she made sure, and if by chance she happened to see one of the members of the Reverie she stopped to chit-chat for a bit as well.

OOC: Don't be afraid to join the thread!! (:

[Catalyst]

As Adelyn bustled about the resort making sure things were functioning smoothly, she almost tripped over a very small person who rounded a corner just in front of her. He had the look of an elf, but stood only 2 feet tall, a vertical deficiency he somewhat made up for by wearing an elaborate hat with a number of tall ostrich plumes in the hatband. Had he set the hat on the floor, it would have been a similar height to himself.

His clothes were made of patches of brightly colored cloth sewn together in a garish and haphazard fashion, and his shoes featured curly points on the toes. His hair was bright forest green, and he carried a small cloth bag.

"Ah! Good morning madam!" he said brightly. "I have come to bring Captain Smartypants her monthly stipend, and if time permits to visit the complimentary buffet table that I am sure you make available to all your more important guests. If you could point me in the direction of either of these destinations I should be grateful. I have just had a frightful time with a foul-mouthed parrot and prefer not to wander at random."

[Adelyn Weiss]

OOC: REWRITING THIS because of Kaelon's breaking of the site earlier. *is very much upset* (sorry for the crappy quality but I don't particularly enjoy re-writing things I already wrote and posted.)

The woman nearly tripped over and much to her surprise it was not on a plant or an inanimate object but instead on a real person, of a very short stature. His outlandish appearance warranted uproarious laughter because in addition to it he had a very funny way of speaking as well. Though Adelyn had to remain polite to all guests, even one as funny as this one. It was not often anyone stood shorter than Adelyn and she had grown accustomed to looking up at people, certainly not down.

Placing her hands on her knees she lowered herself to look him in the eyes, "Good morn to you, too! I don't think I know a Captain Smartypants. Is this a guest staying here at the Crystal Gardens Resort? There are ways to verify stays here." Though Adelyn had looked over the records of all guests up to this point and surely no name such as that was written anywhere. But people like to be appeased not with mere words but substantial proof of facts. And the fact remained no one by the name of Captain Smartypants vacated the premises, at least not to her knowledge.

"There is no buffet, in fact... but all guests, especially the 'important' ones go to our great restaurant with such a variety of cuisine there must be something there you'd like!" she smiled politely, holding in her giggles.

With a simple nod or word Adelyn could take him to the front desk and verify for any Captain Smartypants, hoping the staff currently manning the desk would not laugh at her or worse, at this strange guest. "May I ask, what is your name? Guests don't much like to be bothered, but if you come with payment and a familiar name I'm sure we can find the person you're inquiring for..."

[Odette Rose]

1st of Cryxatum, Era 15PM
Darkening

After barely arriving from the journey to Demios, Odette ventured into the extravegent opening for the Crystal Gardens. Her son tugged on her long brown skirt convincing her to come to this social gathering. Against her wishes her son,Eli, led her to the archway of the hotel, and they start to explore this novel location.

Suddenly as they approached the pool, Odette made a sudden stop. She gazed at the pool in shock, as if a ghost was floating right in front of her. Eli, used to his mother's crazyness, skiped on his way to the other festivities that had took place.

Odette has stood for atleast a candlemark in the same position looking at the ripples of the water. Her mouth at this point started to form a smile, a very eerie smile. It stayed as a smile for quite some time until she walked to the edge of the pool. Her body was slanted in the direction of the pool, and she jumped into the coolness of the water. SPLASH!

[Adelyn Weiss]

Odette

Darkening had set in quickly for the young woman. Exhaustion surely took form on her petite body, and the only thing she could do to keep from passing out on one of the very comfortable lounge chairs by the pool was the fact that in a few candlemarks trips across the lake would be taken. The manager tried advertising this fact to all those guests around her that looked like they had nothing else in mind to do around the resort.

She sighed very briefly, making sure to wave at Garit, who happily had been concocting new drinks at the octagonal bar. With deliberate slow steps she finally did make her way to the pool, the azure water twinkling magically with the reflection of the colored lights set all around. And it looked like a rainbow in her eyes, a sort of reverie taking over her senses. Emerald eyes focused solely on the water, the tiny ripples swaying ever so gently. Spring brought along cold windy weather to the Fire Isle and guests were all out of the pool by now.

Suddenly snapped from her thoughts because of the sudden movement of the water, Adelyn looked up to see a woman - fully clothed in a long skirt and shoes and shirt - dive straight in. Adelyn's mouth opened wide at the spectacle, the wet woman's actions so unexpected at this time of darkening. Perhaps Adelyn should have paid closer attention to her surroundings. Surely the woman wasn't drowning? No, certainly not, for the woman had thrown herself into the shallow end. And three feet of water doused her skirt, nothing more.

Adelyn laughed just then, at the carefree attitude of this woman's actions. She headed for her and yelled out, "Miss! Are you alright? The water might be a little cold... unless that doesn't matter to you." No other words came to mind as to what to say and so after them she remained still and awaited a reply.

[Catalyst]

The small man frowned. "I do not rightly recall Captain Smartypants' non-military name. Something with a dried grass product at the beginning of it, hay or straw, something of that nature. I believe she works here or advises you, or some such thing. You may let her know that General Billious Thunderbussel is here to see her."

He frowned at the news that the complimentary buffet table existed only in his imagination. "I should have thought that you city folks would be prepared for important visitors from the wooded half of the island, but I shall not now chafe at trifles. What exchange rate do you offer for this 100 Thunderpeal piece?" He displayed a wooden disk cut from the cross section of a branch, the bark still attatched to the edges. General Tunderbussel's noble profile had been burned onto the surface with a piece of hot metal. Across the top was written '100 Thunderpeals' and below the portrait was written the motto 'In the forest we hide.'

oocI *thought* I saw a response, then when I went to reply it was gone. Feel free to ignore me if you get busy, I just thought I would get the thread going.

[Adelyn Weiss]

Frown lines formed on the delicate and soft skin of her face, "Straw...? Hay...? Oh oh! You're talking about Hay'aan! She's not quite dried grass if that's what you're implying there mister!" She wagged a finger at him playfully, "Hay'aan is a wonderful woman, though what's this about military names and such? Are you sure you've got just the right person General Thunderbussel?" She shrugged and agreed to lead him to Hay'aan, the beautiful Air'riela gypsy Adelyn had come to love.

Unsure of how to answer him because he indeed was a strange fellow she decided to simply ignore his question about this made-up 'thunderpeal' because as far as she knew no such thing existed. The dwarf or whatever he was had probably lost his mind by the sounds of it but she made no comment about it. Instead Adelyn gestured for him to come her way and together they would find this 'Captain Smartypants'... furrowing her brows she asked him curiously, "And why do you call Hay'aan Captain Smartypants? I'm not sure just how to take it. Follow me; we'll find her around here somewhere."

[Catalyst]

General Thunderbussel rolled his eyes, and spoke as if he were explaining a simple concept to a student who had failed to do her homework. "Hay'aan, as you call her, is a Captain in the Weaver Forests Legion, and Captain Smartypants is her proper title therein. Last time I saw her, she was off to Grapebelly Gorge for a bit of Spidersilk hunting, her cap at a jaunty angle and her spoozlestick at the ready. I am glad to hear that no tragedy befell her. These are dark times in the woods, and one must keep one's wits about them. In fact, I have come to warn her to keep careful watch over her offspring, lest they be snatched by shadowy figures mid darkening."

General Thunderbussel took but tiny strides, owing to short legs. He quickly grew tired of rushing, and sprang suddenly into the air. His shape shifted and wavered, and when he landed, he had taken the form of a cabbit, who hopped easily along side Adelyn.

[Hay'aan Benedict]

The Grand Opening Celebrations were well underway and Hay'aan was, indeed, around. So it was that as Adelyn and General Thunderbussel rounded a corner she was there, just putting a chair neatly into its place slotted into the space of a table. She looked up and saw Adelyn with a... cabbit and she smiled. Her expression told of her confusion at spotting Adelyn with this strange companion, but that was quickly outweighed by her delight at seeing Adelyn there walking along on this most important brightening.

"Adelyn!" she said with a grin, looking at her with an expression of pleasure "How do you think it's going? I think it's going really well... are you... having fun?" she asked, looking at the cabbit and wondering just what it was that Adelyn was up to, wandering along with a cabbit in tow.

[Catalyst]

As Hay'aan spoke, the cabbit seemed to grow and change, with colors emerging from within its fur until it had become a familiar figure, General Thunderbussel. Today the general wore an outrageously tall feather in his cap, and carried a bag over his tiny shoulder.

"Ah! Captain Smartypants, there you are. I have brought your monthly stipend." He held forth the bag, which was made of rough canvass and contained a variety of handmade wooden coins of various whimsical denominations. "I had also thought to test the quality of your resort, but it seems that visiting dignitaries are to be snubbed in the department of complimentary refreshments, and your lackey..." He indicated Adelyn with his thumb "...is not conversant with the exchange rates of local currencies, and studiously avoids the subject. Otherwise, I am most impressed. The atmosphere is both refined and elegant, and emits an alluring physic afflatus. The pool is especially inviting, and I have learned some startling new terminology from your parrots."

[Odette Rose]

"Hey what is being served at the resturant?! After this little dip my stomach needs nourishment." Odette said with little giggles. Even though she was only in the shallow ends of the pool she wanted to be completely drenched and wet her unwashed hair. There was flees and lice living in the strands of her hair. She did not mind the least bit since these small little creatures were her friends at times.

She ventured into the freezing deeper water and went underwater. She felt how cold the water really was, and how at the same time it was rather refreshing. She waved at Eli who was at the edge of the pool worrying if his mother was ok.
Eli lent a hand to his mother and helped her out of the pool.