A Grand Opening | video ►un: bloodrose

[immortalrose]

[Guess who’s been working their tail off in hopes of opening a new little flower boutique in town? This grumpy purple gentleman over here. Augustine begins this video with a clear shot of the boutique in question. The footage is a little grainy here and there but thankfully it’s doable at least. His knowledge regarding technology is a bit lacking at best but Augustine at least knows how to record video.

The storefront is mostly black and gray with a couple of dried herbs hanging from the glass awning above. It looks a bit worn, almost as if everything was made from random scraps of metal and glass. A testament of his resourcefulness despite being very frustrated over the lack of resources he can afford. Judging from the footage, this shop is just a few avenues away from the busy marketplace in the Harbor. While it’s not the most ideal location, it’s better than nothing.]

What I failed to achieve in life, I plan to achieve in death.

[Now entering the establishment, the video pans slowly through the cramped shop showcasing all of the exotic flowers and plants on display. Gardening was always his favorite hobby but flower arranging is his second passion. There’s a couple of noticeable bouquets on display with some flowers artfully displayed within decorative skulls and shiny brass tin chalices. Don’t ask if those are real human bones because he won’t answer.

This video tour comes to an end once Augustine sits his phone high upon a wooden shelf nearby. The purple dhampir is finally in view and he looks as dapper as ever. While he still retains his usual aloof nature, Augustine certainly seems quite pleased with himself. Proud, even.]

Welcome to Anthanasia’s Hortus, the newest florist boutique in town. For those who don’t know me, I’m Augustine Gheorghe Rosethrawn, the proprietor of this lovely little shop–

[Just as he was about to continue, a blinding bright light suddenly appears besides him in the form of a glowing blue faery with bright blue wings and a nasty attitude. While the pixie's silhouette can barely be seen, its shrill squeaky voice can be heard quite loudly.]

This cheeky old vampire thinks he's a gardener despite stealin' all my flowers for himself! He got some nerve, don't he? He's all proud of himself for settin' up shop in this dirty old hole in the wall.

[Looking absolutely mortified by the sudden appearance of this unwanted guest, the faery continues defaming his character for all to witness.]

You know what else he's been doin' around here? Whinin' and moanin' about his misfortunes like some wee babe. I get sick of just listening to him! Honestly, you would think someone as old as him would be more at peace with oneself but he's not!

A cryin' shame, really.

[His shock gives away for anger as he tries to swat the faery out of his face but he misses. It flies high above his head for a moment before getting just eye level with him again.]

He thinks himself as some sort of hero for helpin' find the Mourning Lantern but he's just another HEARTLESS idiot who thinks he knows everything!

[An honest to god hiss escapes the dhampir as he tries in vain to grab the faery. However, she thankfully vanishes just mere seconds before he could crush her within his bandaged palm. Yes, his right is hand is bandaged for some oddity. Maybe something happened before hand? Probably. Nevertheless, the faery leaves him to deal with the aftermath.]


…Well, it seems I have a pest problem.

---

(ooc: anthanasia's hortus is open for business! if anyone's interested in the shop, feel free to reach out in DM or the likes.)

Comments

[heavenstorn]

Sometimes with faeries there's no way to win.

[ His smile is sympathetic--though it shifts ever so briefly into teasing as he clarifies: ]

I speak from second-hand experience, not personal inclination.

[ Though speaking of his own experiences... ]

The pixies I've known have little care for coin. They were children, in truth. Trinkets or sweets might work better as a bribe.

video → action

[immortalrose]

Of course, of course! Take your time.

---

[This gives him enough time to spruce up the place a little, not that he needs too. His shop is a little crowded with various odds and ends but it's rather clean. That's a feat within itself since the marketplace nearby is known for all the dirt and grime.

Augustine brings out a table and two chairs from the backrooms, all items he managed to scavenge from the Barrens. He gives them a good dusting before looking for a decent enough tablecloth. It's then that he starts working on the tea, some jasmine tea he brought from a shop nearby. While he would prefer something that possessed more a citrus note, he doesn't mind jasmine too much. Augustine just hopes Gilia will like it.

Mentioning Gilia, he's planning on surprising her a free bouquet.]

[wrists]

it would be worse if you killed an animal. then again, a cold-hearted murderer might be just the person i need to call on in the future, so this information is most timely.

it seems to know quite a bit about you for something that just appeared. a punishment for something, perhaps? maybe from the hierarchy?
what crimes have you committed? besides your skull collection.

[immortalrose]

The crime of existence according to some.

Your assessment of me is rather off. I merely kill those who threaten me. Nothing more and nothing less.

[He honestly doubts anyone here in the Netherworld will mourn the deaths of a few harpies. If so, oh well! He utterly hates those ugly buzzards.]

My, my…! You have such a wild imagination. I cannot help but wonder if such energies could be put to better use elsewhere.

Have you ever considered becoming a novelist?

[wrists]

so you do kill. that's useful.
existing is only a crime for some. why would it be one for you?

[ so the little faery was correct in her assessment that augustine has been whining about his misfortunes... laurent would feel a modicum of sympathy, if he chose to feel such things.

then, surprised... and a little suspicious... how could he have known baby laurent was a nerd? that child is dead. mostly. ]

i was an avid reader in my youth, but found less and less time for it the older i became.
second sons of kings tend to lead vapid, comfortable lives, but duty had other plans for me.

[immortalrose]

Tch.

[He can't help but glare Cedrik for that little dig. Leave it for the supposed "rabbit faery" to rub salt into his metaphorical wounds. He doesn't care what Cedrik says, he suspects that long-eared fellow to be a faery in disguise.]

Trinkets and sweets, you say? I've tried offering her trinkets before but not sweets.

[Does he even have any candy available? Probably not.]

The faeries of my world are more than just children. Most of them are actually wandering spirits much like us.

[immortalrose]

That's a story for another day.

[He's on the defense here. It seems the dhampir doesn't like it when people try to stick their noses in his affairs. Especially not little princelings in need of an attitude adjustment.]

Such a shame. I'm quite fond of books but reading the same book thrice is rather dull.

[wrists]

what if i purchase a bouquet from you in exchange? have you sold any?

[ this is both a fair description and assessment. ]

have you visited the library in serene? i hear it's built in the trees. i intend to go and see if there's information on the hierarchy.

[midway]

So you've acquired a pet?

[craters]

If you get cursed, I'll help you break it! 💪💪 I've got your back, Augustine-san!

[immortalrose]

…I hesitate to call her that.

[That's code for, "I don't want to be cursed by this little bugger". He's certain that the pixie is still snooping on him.]

I do believe this menacing pixie is an envoy hailing from the Oakwoods or something likened to one. When I last ventured there with an acquaintance of mine, we encountered a mysterious fae-like child there.

[He's talking about Puck.]

[immortalrose]

[Okay, that's cute. He can't help but smile just a bit.]

You have my gratitude yet again but at this rate, I might end up owing you two meals.

[immortalrose]

[Damn it! Talk about calling him out. His little shop just opened and not a single sale yet.]

Buy two bouquets and I might be inclined to tell you.

[Bribery is such a terrible thing but he can't say "No" here.]

I have but only in passing. Due to unfortunate circumstances, I was preoccupied with more pressing matters at the time.

[boarwitness]

Samples still sounds like theft.

Did you ask?

[is he........... ruleslawyering flowers?]

[craters]

I could make a pretty solid argument for three...

（ she's teasing him. it's just so easy. ）

[immortalrose]

…You can't be serious.

[This guy here is about to get banned from his shop.]

[midway]

Interesting! She's taken a liking to you, I take it?

[immortalrose]

Well, if you consider someone shouting to the high heavens about your personal life to be a good thing--

Then I suppose so.

[immortalrose]

Don't you dare! I'm still struggling to find all the ingredients for your first meal.

[He's plotting on making something special for Sakura. A staple dish from his homeland that he vaguely knows how to make. That is assuming he can find a bottle of Pinot gris or Sauvignon blanc.]

[midway]

[ isn't that what friendship is about... ]

Have you tried getting her to leave?

[craters]

You're actually going to make me something?

（ quelle surprise??? she would be perfectly happy with a roasted fish from the docks, augustine, you overachiever. ）

[immortalrose]

[Good thing he doesn't have any friends---No, wait. He sorta does.]

What do you think?! I've tried to coax that little devil out of my shop but she refuses to leave!

I've offered her all sorts of gold, trinkets, and flowers and she still won't budge.

[immortalrose]

Of course, why wouldn't I? After all, you've shared not one but two meals with me.

It's only fair that I make you something nice.

[craters]

（ people having reciprocal thoughtfulness as a result of things she's done?? still a bit wild to her, negl. ）

Well... I suppose I can't protest too much.

May I ask what you're thinking about making? Or is it a surprise?

[midway]

And she refuses to communicate what it is she wants?