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.

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(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

[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]

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.

[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.

[wrists]

i want one with big blue and yellow flowers in a golden chalice. the other one can be to your tastes so i can see whether you're even good at this at all.

[ he could give it away, perhaps. if he had anyone to give it to. which he doesn't, so he puts the thought out of his mind. ]

getting yourself caught up in trouble?

[immortalrose]

Very well. I'll be sure to have everything done by tomorrow or so.

[The first bouquet seems easy enough. He ironically started growing calla lilies a couple of weeks ago. They'll be perfect for the first bouquet but now he needs to find something blue. Maybe a couple of hydrangeas would do?]

That's a question I should be asking you, your highness. Where you able to sneak beyond the palace halls?

[He hasn't forgotten about that conversation.]

[wrists]

i'll visit the shop tomorrow then.

[ ah. that. ]

getting inside seems as though it will require more research and planning. the palace is surrounded by magical energy that makes infiltration difficult. we did, however, manage to draw up a reasonable map of the potential entryways. it also seems that the guards are not infallible nor immortal. they seem to succumb to their shadows just as we do.

[immortalrose]

Something like a barrier of some sorts? I figured as much considering that I doubt the Hierarchy would leave very little to chance when dealing with roguish newcomers and monsters alike.

If the royal guards are Restless like you and I, then maybe they can be bribed.

[wrists]

does it make you curious what they're hiding in there? i intend to try again. there must be some sort of method to getting past this barrier.

it's a good thing you just opened a shop and will soon be drowning in coin. imagine if you funded a worthy cause such as this.

[immortalrose]

As much as I don't want to admit it, I am curious. Not curious enough to end up at the Gallows for trespassing but certainly curious enough to fiddle with their little barrier. However, that's neither here nor there.

Are you trying to conscript me into your shenanigans?

[wrists]

and what talents are you hiding that make you fit to fiddle? i've never asked about you.

i'm merely pointing out that it may behoove us to be proactive and not reactive. we're under the hierarchy's thumb while knowing little to nothing about them.

[immortalrose]

Talents that I don't often speak about in public.

Fair enough but don't think for a second that I will be strong-armed into aiding endeavor that I don't approve. I'm willing to fund this little project of yours as long as you pull your own weight.

[wrists]

are you asking for a private meeting? are you going to take me to bed, too?

you might recall that i'm the one who ventured into radiance and killed a guard for the chance to put together this map. i would worry more about making sure your business is fruitful than about me pulling my weight.

[immortalrose]

Don't get your hopes up.

[One could almost hear the scoff within his reply.]

You killed a guard? [Oh no.] This is a dangerous game you're playing here.

Very dangerous but it seems you're more than just talk.

[wrists]

do you only fuck women?

[ these are the kinds of things he asks with the same intonation he would use to comment on the weather. ]

well, he attacked me first, likely for trespassing, and he was nearly consumed by his shadow anyway. i would hardly call it a loss.

[immortalrose]

The hell!? Of course not but that's beside the point here!

[Wtf, Laurent!]

You can justify your misdeeds however you like but I must warn you not to broadcast them so willingly.

[wrists]

it was merely a question, not a proposition. if you wish it to be, you'll have to ask me properly.

[ and be prepared for a rejection. ]

this crime is known. there's no sense in hiding it. any other information i can glean of the hierarchy will be kept to trusted individuals.
can i consider you one of those?

[immortalrose]

It would be a cold day in the Netherworld before I would sully myself in such a manner.

[Yeah, no. Lauren is definitely not his type.]

I won't mutter a word regarding your findings but you do have an odd way of recruiting others.

[wrists]

[ those words catch him off guard, his spine stiffening in sudden — shame? anger? he has no intention of beginning a dalliance with anyone here, his lack of experience in such things notwithstanding, but no one knows the truth. that augustine would say something so pointed, intentionally or not, sends panic fluttering through his chest.

a mere coincidence. nothing more. and yet it stings all the same. carefully, he tempers the hot flush that threatens to rise in his cheeks, the fury that edges in. ]

as long as you prove yourself both useful and trustworthy, i don't care what you think.
have my flowers ready.

[immortalrose]

Fine, fine. No need to be so impatient.

[He knows full well that his warning will fall on deaf ears with this one. Much like everything else he said so far. Nevertheless, he will have Laurent's order ready long before he arrives.]