netherwork | A Grand Opening | video ►un: bloodrose

[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.)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Awh! Have you even tried making friends? Maybe she's just lonely and acting out!

I've tried offering her gold coins but she doesn't seem too interested.

Maybe I ought to offer her something from nature, like fruits or maybe vegetables.

Maybe this is a novel thought, but have you tried asking her if there's anything she likes?

…You're suggesting that I should converse with that malevolent little monster of pixie? Perish the thought!

[This has to be the most dramatic text ever.]

I am absolutely suggesting you 'converse with the malevolent little monster of a pixie.'

[If only she could hear him sigh.]

Very well, I suppose I could at least try. Although, if I end up getting cursed---it will be your fault.

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

[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.

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

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

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.]

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. ）

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.

（ 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?

It's supposed to be a surprise but I suppose I could give you a hint.

[That and the fact his slightly worried that Sakura might have food allergies.]

It's a hearty meal consisting of chicken, lardons, and an impressive medley of vegetables such as carrots and mushrooms. The meat is browned in wine and simmered to a crisp, while the mushrooms are expected to be sautéed in butter.

You're not allergic to garlic and onions, are you?

[He's been fortunate so far to find decent enough vegetables in the marketplace. As for the bacon, that's a bit harder to find.]

Edited 2022-11-05 20:02 (UTC)

（ that sounds... delicious, but also completely, entirely foreign. oh, she'll try it, though! the cuisine in each of the shinobi villages can vary wildly between regions, and while she has her favourites to be sure, she's not stuck on one type of food or another. ）

That sounds amazing!

And no allergies to speak of. At least, not to anything in my world...

But don't worry about me! Even if I am allergic to something here, I've got some tricks up my sleeve that can punch anaphylaxis in the face! ୧ (୧◕ᴗ◕ ✿)

[It is completely foreign and definitely not the easiest dish to make. Trying to find some sort of substitute for white wine that doesn't taste flat is difficult. Nevertheless, he plans on making this dish.]

I would rather that you didn't have to punch anything! [He has no idea how much punching Sakura does on the regular as a ninja.] But I certainly hope you'll it.

It's a fairly popular dish among the locals of Hawthorne.

So it's like a little taste of home, huh?

I can understand that...

Color me curious but what sort of cuisine fancies you the most?

I already know you have a taste for venison.

Edited 2022-11-08 01:52 (UTC)

Well, that was more necessity than actual preference...

Most of what I'm familiar with is on a cultural basis, of course. I've always had a preference for things that are sweet or savory... sour too sometimes! But I don't handle spices very well...

I'd eat dessert for every meal if I could get away with it, though! 😋

Sweet and savory? Well, that's easy enough to fulfill. I know some people tend to like a spices a bit more but I rather stick to savory as well.

[He could choke if he ate the same curry based dishes that Cass is used to. That woman can literally eat anything regardless of spice. Unfortunately, he cannot.]

You would be quite round if you did that, Sakura. Not a fitting image of a healthy conscious physician.

[Was that a joke? Holy hell, it was!]

Nevertheless, even if I can't find any cooking wine--a savory chicken stock will do.

I think I burn a few too many calories for that in my day to day life 😋 But if that changes, I can always enlist you to roll me around!

Will any wine work?

Sorry, it's not something we drink much of where I'm from.

But someone gave me a bottle in exchange for treatment, and it's just sort of sitting on my desk for the time being.

Oh no! I'm being conscripted for a ludicrous scenario. Whatever shall I do?

Nevertheless, I believe any wine would possibly work if in a pinch. I would just need to water it down a little so it wouldn't overpower the flavors.

Do you know if it's a red or white wine?

I'm gonna say 'agree'...

And... to look at it, I'm not sure it's either of those things...? It seems pink to me.

（ ha, ha, because of her hair, get it. ）

Someone gave you a bottle of rosé wine?

[Well, hell! He's a little jealous now. Just a tad. He's a wine connoisseur after all.]

That should work just fine as long as it's a dry rosé.

I'm reasonably certain it's a liquid...

（ over her head completely. sorry, augustine. ）

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