ALWAYS OPEN NO SIGNUPS REQUIRED ☕︎ Brewed Awakening

[Fluffy]

​

Here in the city of Lunarveil, humans and monsters live amongst one another. Almost a year ago, the new leader of Lunarveil announced that monsters would be welcome to move in. The fighting is finally coming to an end and the world is making room for monsterkind wherever it can. Unfortunately, not everyone is on board with this decision. Some even want to vote for a separation from each other, where the city is divided in half. Seeing one another in the shops, neighborhoods, and restaurants creates tension, often leading to heated arguments. Violence is also not unheard of, but, there are laws in place for that. Committing a violent act against another comes with harsh consequences, be they human or monster. Hate-fueled actions will not be tolerated in Lunarveil.

Thankfully, not every place turns into an eruption of chaos and anger. There are a few little sanctuaries where humans and monsters can be together in peace. One such place is a whimsical coffee shop called Brewed Awakening. Located in downtown Lunarveil, it's nestled between a hobby shop and a bookstore. Anyone is invited to stop by if they desire a beverage, a snack, some pleasant company, or a combination of the three. This is a cozy, friendly spot where monsters and humans always get along. There is a rule at this coffee shop that all are expected to follow: always treat each other with kindness and respect. Breaking that rule will only get you thrown out and possibly banned. Brewed Awakening does every so often have to deal with rule breakers, but for the most part, customers are polite and sociable.

That same behavior can be expected from the coffee shop team members. The baristas are cordial to everyone, and they merrily fulfill wishes for coffee, tea, pastries, smoothies, and more. The owner of Brewed Awakening is delightful, too. He also happens to be a monster. Specifically, he is a demon, and his name is Scythe. One would usually assume that a demon would want to tempt people with acts of sin, but this one only wants to tempt people with coffee and treats.
Furthermore, he strongly believes in the vision of his kind living peacefully with humans. Scythe wants to see the two sides get along. After so many years of watching them war against each other, it was time for a change. The demon hoped that by opening up this coffee shop, he could create a safe and fun environment for any and all to enjoy.

On this fine day, Brewed Awakening was slowly filling up with customers. They followed the aroma of coffee beans, baked goods, and sandwiches to a front counter, where they could make and pay for their order. Those who are on the go can stand off to the side and wait for their purchase. Those who want to stay have their pick of different places to sit down. Humans and monsters are both encouraged to mingle and share pleasant conversations while they're here. You just might make a new friend today. That's the idea behind this adorable coffee shop. It's more than just a place to buy a coffee and have a seat. It's a place to make connections.

Standing behind the register was the owner himself, who was making transactions and handing written orders over to the baristas behind him. With a smile on his face, he happily contributed to the workday. He was here almost every day to help out and socialize. Brewed Awakening was his current passion. He wanted to share in as many moments here as possible.

"Thank you, your order will be ready in a few," he said to a customer, his baritone voice warm and cheery. Watching them walk off to a table, he looked to the next customer,

"Hello, what can we get for you today?"

 

[littlekreen]

Flynn The Volatile - Character Sheet

A muscular woman with olive skin opened the doors mindfully; just enough to peer to the hidden corners beside the door. The windswept hair and scarred body told of a particular watchfulness of character rather than fear as she looked through the hinge to check the other side and proceeded into the room. Various strange circuitry and mechanics tattoos were seen on exposed skin that wasn't covered by the vertically split leather jerkin that anchored around the back of the neck for support to expose her back except for a strap. Strange metal fetishes and brass complexities hung from a chain around one side as otherwise only carried a small, deep green backpack that seemed heavy and moist. She picked a table with a view of the street to walk over in softly scuffing tactical boots seeming to be somehow satisfied that there wasn't here what she considered a threat.

The bag went onto the table, and she knelt on the floor and held her hands behind her back for the spine to split in an ichorous blue mass full of machinery for a dinosaur skull to push its way out while rapidly recomposing back to a black feathered dromaeosaurid. Three-fingered skeletal hands emerged that turned to black feathered arms with a coil of blue feathers as Flynn hauled herself out using its shoulders and stepped backward in a long-practiced maneuver to transfigure herself from the armored Husk. Pulling her blue fan tail free and swaying the feathered part behind her, Flynn shook her crest as the bi-colored black/blue dinosaur bade a wave of her hand and a growling noise of her native tongue as the spine closed shut its ichorous internals. The Husk stood up and faced Flynn, though now its eyes were hollow gulfs of clockwork and ichor, peering at her with neither eyes nor a certain spark in its mechanical attention. Flynn barely stood above the top of the table in her normal walking position, with her tail swaying behind her. She shouldered the green backpack sized for her while gesturing at the table, and the Husk sat down, inert.

There were enough monsters here of strange descriptions that Flynn didn't concern herself with the display, but the Reachers that lived were furtive creatures by nature. Chthononauts had their enemies, and the nightmares were endless. Sometimes, there were safe places, or secure enough, where you could have a drink and jerky far from home without starving to death inside an existentially armored tank. Flynn had to hold onto the bar's edge to stand up; she didn't stand upright like the humans. Flynn's tongue sparked with a translation spell as she pointed to various prepared foods, "Three sticks of the dried meat in wrappers, a jar of the pickled eggs, two black coffees with cream, and a cup of half sugar half water for the husk." Flynn's slit eyes were focused on Scythe but didn't pivot like a human's as her entire head pointed to look at his horns but with a detached curiosity rather than any sort of distaste.​

 

[kroyote]

ꪻꫝꫀꪶꪖꪀꫀ ───

It wasn't very often that Thelane found herself on land, but once in a blue moon could she find herself in Lunarveil. For a while, she had never been very comfortable to find herself on land, humans were almost always berating her, or other monsters that stood near the docks she'd appear at. However, over the last several years, when she'd poke her head out sometimes could she see a monster and a human actually talking! Unfortunately, it had never brought Thelane enough confidence to venture out of her salty, watery depths, thus she stayed for many more years to come.

Until today.

Thelane's head broke above deep blue water, dark eyes blinking rapidly to adjust to the sun and to get rid of the salty water dripping from long tresses of dark brown hair. Pupils shifted into thin slits as she glanced around the surrounding shore and docs, watching as humans and monsters alike moved back and forth, working together. Her head cocked to the side slightly, surprise crossing her features and curiosity influencing her to move forward, wading and inching closer to the closest wooden dock.

Close enough now, Thelane reached up towards the edge of the dock and pulled herself up and out of the water. She plopped down onto the wood, soaking the area as she had pulled herself out of the ocean. Looking down, her tail dangled just barely above the water.

Sudden rushing of small feet had Thelane's head jerking up, blinking rapidly again, finding a young, human girl running towards her. "Ohmigosh! You're sooo pretty! I love your scales and your tail and your hair is so long!"

Thelane was taken aback by the human child's friendliness, but it was all very endearing. Thelane couldn't help but smile widely, pointed teeth poking through.

The girl gasped and her eyes lit up. "And you have pointy teeth?! You're so cool and pretty!"

"Do you want to see something else?"

The girl vigorously nodded her head.

Thelane looked to her tail, flicked the ends of her fins and slowly, her tail transformed into legs. Cool grey and silver scales laid in strips and dotted her legs, inching up to her waist and almost her torso. The girl squealed and clapped her hands together, opening her mouth to say something, but she was cut off very quickly.

"Oi, kid! Get away from that thing! It's bound to eat ya."

The merperson frowned deeply, as did the young girl before she turned and ran off quickly. Thelane's eyes shifted onto an old man that had yelled.

"Monsters like you belong downtown in that weird coffee shop–"

Thelane had stopped listening to the man. A coffee shop? With other monsters and people like her? Wonderful!

Moving to her feet, Thelane wobbled a bit, not used to walking on two feet. Her hair fell down to her waist in thick, wet strands, thin and damp skirt falling around her ankles, brushing the tops of her feet. Thelane took a small step forward, and then another, and another, beginning to wander and trail little droplets of water after her.

As she wandered, silently praying to watery ocean gods that she was going the right way, Thelane unknowingly found herself in downtown Lunarveil. Thelane probably looked strange to those she passed on the sidewalk, no shoes, a thin and long skirt, barely much anything covering her top half except for her chest, long and wet hair, and flashy bangles and shell anklets, but she didn't think much of her own appearance. Instead, the brunette's nostrils filled with the rich, inviting warmth. Her eyes lit up and her steps quicked toward the smell,eventually finding herself in front of a glass door.

She blinked at the handle, confusion filling her features. Now, what was she supposed to do here?

"Speech."​

(she/her)
Location: Lunarveil docks --> Downtown Lunarveil --> Outside Brewed Awakening
Interactions: xx
Mentions: xx

 

[Manna Beast]

It was still utterly bewildering to think that Lunarveil had not only announced that the monster kind would be welcomed to move in, but actually followed through with it! Striking a baffling sort of awe to linger upon that of mind even well after it had been successfully brought into effect.

Leaving a private sense of natural caution to house itself upon breastbone. Whilst attempting to curb the natural curiosity that wanted to through all that same caution to the wind and just go. To throw open the figurative gates with little remorse and start unabashedly investigating every nook and cranny that one of the monster slated sort wouldn't have before. Of course that would have been unconventional if not entirely rude. Needing to temper down that wily sort of interest that could make ideas seem like grand delights.

Of course, merely because there was a new sense of freedom offered didn't mean he ought to be unwise. The difference was, he had been at least mostly integrated into the mundane realm simply by some talents given to his own demonic sort. It was simply the first of the few new days that he hadn't employed the false shroud of appearance to flit between the masses.

Although one might have preferred it. Simply because there was allowance of monsters in public everyday life now, did not mean it was flawless.

Eyes.

So many curious and weary eyes were ever watching. Some sly. Some openly gawping. Requiring a level of indifferent finesse to keep moving along rather than growing properly horrified at the fact one might be considered a sideshow freak.

He'd heard of the new establishment that may just become a pinnacle for this new legislation. To be one of the first openly stating that they were inviting both human and monster sorts with the same acceptance level. It only pulled him further when there was an suggestion that the place also was sporting a collection of reading material. Hardly one to stray from the chance of being a all too large bookworm! The means of interaction was simply the cherry on top.

Tucking the length of red up to keep it from potentially being a hazard to himself and others, the towering figure had been mostly mindful about those out and about on the street. It was only when the place of potential refugee coming into line of sight that he had to still the want to trill like the damnable common house cat, before he was pardoning himself to pause merely long enough to see one of curiosity standing before the glass entry way. Hesitating a moment then recalling his entire purpose for being here was to interact. To get past this familiar sensation of containment that was seclusion from the outside world.

Giving head a light shake to disperse the lengthy white from gaze, "Pardon," Deep timbre spoke gingerly as clawed tips waited a moment for the dark and wet –why was she wet…- woman to sidestep. Not about to insist but at least offer some sort of aid. Reaching only when capable to for the handle to bid it open, and in turn, to turn an offering of hand to indicate she was welcomed to enter firstly.

 

[Cicatrix]

Rena sat in a cozy armchair next to the window of the cafe, content with her seating choice. From here, she could people watch, or was it monster watch, she supposed? Either way, it was enjoyable, being in such a calm environment devoid of stares and jeering. The faun had shaggy ginger hair, her fringe almost covering bright blue eyes, the rest long and styled into two braids, mindful of the ram-like horns adorned with jewelry. Freckles covered her plus sized body, and her clothing was just as cozy as the interior of the coffee shop, the style people and monsters alike often referred to as "cottagecore".

Settling into her seat, she produced a ball of yarn and a crochet hook from her faux leather backpack, careful not to knock over her strawberry latte in the process, and continued with her ongoing project. How nice it was to be in a space so welcoming, she thought as she worked the yarn. She had come to Lunarvail in the hopes of finding such peace. Sure, there were still spiteful humans, it would take time for things to truly calm down, but at least in the city there were places like this cafe where she and others like her could find acceptance. Maybe, she thought, if she were lucky, she could even find some friends.

That was the other component of her seating choice; it was in an inviting corner with other plush armchairs and a couch, and she did her best to appear as approachable as possible as she watched the other patrons and the demon at the counter go about their day.

 

[NienieDreamer]

Elaine still didn't remember that night propelry. That horrible night. She didn't know what happened, and everyone told her something different. The firemen told Elaine that they carried her out of her bedroom, passed out from smoke inhalation. The police told her they found her in a ditch, about two kilometers away, passed out but otherwise healthy. Not a single hospital could find her patient files. The neighbors spoke of a 'heroic man' that carried her out, only to leave the scene before first responders arrived. People that had somehow found out her birthday and invited her out said how lucky it was that she did go out.
She remembered it was her birthday. Elaine already didn't like her birthday in the first place. She remembered kissing her grandparents good morning, Elaine remembered her grandmother pushing her to go out with friends.

Her most vivid memory was that of the night. She was working on a book report until late at night. At least, she was going to, until a strange, drowsy sleepiness came over her. Elaine must have fallen asleep. She remembered awakening in a strange, fine mist hanging in her room. The cat was gone. One look at the screen revealed it was stuck on the 'F' key, being entered over and over again.
The doorknob turned. Her heart skipped a beat. When the door opened, a stranger entered her room. He looked around, sighed and went up to the bed. Elaine tensed. "Sleeping spell,'' he muttered.
So, he thought she was asleep? Maybe she could use this, like wait until he was gone and wake up, or...
...Was she asleep? Elaine could feel she definitely was. So, was this all a dream? It didn't feel like one! I could see him so properly; a guy wearing sneakers, jeans, a red t-shirt. He had pale skin, dark eyes and short, black hair.
The guy's eyes fell on her laptop. "Tsk, tsk.'' He shook his head. "Working on your birthday, Elaine?''
He knew her. And somehow, it felt like she should know him, too. He didn't feel like a stranger. No matter how familiar he felt... she couldn't trust him, right? He was a threat, he must be. But surprisingly, and very un-threatening, he then carefully took the laptop from under her and... spent the time to erase all the F's.
Putting the laptop aside, he then leaned over and tucked her in gently. At the end, he leaned his face very close to hers. At first, she thought he was going to give her a goodnight's kiss on her head, or something. Instead, he whispered; "I know you can see me.'' She tensed up, if that was even possible in such a state. He started to leave the room. With his door on the hand, he turned around. "Stay asleep, trust me,'' he implored. And he was gone.

From there on, Elaine's memory got a lot less vivid. She remembered... or swore she could remember something with flames and heat, the guy, no longer calm. She'd gone to the police, the neighbors, the firefighters, everyone she could think of that was involved in that night dozens of times. Elaine had tried to convince people of what happened, and she'd tried to bring evidence that she tried to compile herself. But no matter how much patience everyone had for a traumatized teenager, that soon ran out.
There was a consolation price; the emancipation papers her grandparents had been working on that very day. It meant she would mostly not get bothered by the adults. It also meant she was on her own.

She'd exploited all the human resources she had. Now, Elaine was forced to take more ... extreme measures. Just because no one believed her in Lunarveil, didn't mean that she was going to stop. She'd been loathing this, however. Was it not something supernatural that happened to her? That... took her grandparents from her?

Today, Elaine had walked to the café, taking deep breaths all the whilst. Or trying to, at least. What was she doing? Wasn't this dangerous? What would her grandparents say? Well... they'd always been majorly accepting of supernatural stuff, but they would likely warn her against investigating more. Elaine couldn't stop, though. Something was pulling her forward.

So now, here she stood, in front of the café where it now seemed a small crowd had gathered. Elaine was too nervous to speak when she decided to go ahead and enter the café; too nervous to say 'excuse me' to the soaked lady, too nervous to thank the guy holding the door opened. Instead, she rushed past, into the café, where her eyes and head darted around before she then rushed to the most secluded, out of the way, lonely corner she could find. And then, it was time to just... watch. If the guy she saw that night was supernatural, maybe he'd come here. Or maybe she'd overhear some information about the 'tragic fire' in a new light.
Elaine hadn't yet ordered anything, and whilst she had taken some books to go over and try to read, she couldn't at all get her mind to focus.

 

[Lyrikai]

Stifling a loud yawn with a massive fist in his stony mouth, the gargoyle shifted his posture and heard the bench chair beneath him creak in protest. "Oi, wot daft eejit made these seats. Ye think they'd at least do et reit an' build summat 'at dun creak under my arse like et was gon' break any minute." To express further protest, he wriggled in his seat some more and snorted his annoyance at how it creaked and groaned beneath his large form. Though his body had a fleshlike appearance, felt and moved like living granite, it was stone and stone had a lot of weight to it. Most places Thaddeus went, he was immediately turned away for being far too different, far too peculiar for anyone to know to deal with or how to accommodate.

Inns refused the great brute that could snap the legs of their beds. Most eateries refused a hulking beast with giant stony wings that did not fit properly into their booth. Monster inclusion, indeed. Even in the world of the strange and the mysterious, there were still prejudices and some were still ridiculed and made fun of. Boy, if he had a dollar for everyone some laughed and pointed and made fun of him for breaking furniture just because he was big, he would be one wealthy gargoyle.

Stone jaws clacked together, hoping none here were about to notice his dismay or pass a few giggles in his direction. Of all the places around the city, this cozy little coffee shop was the one place he could go where no one kicked him out for having to duck through a doorway and needing a little bit extra assistance in finding a seat where he could fit the expanse of his wings; a place where he could properly grip a cup of coffee in his hands without accidentally crushing porcelain or glass which was too fragile for the strength in even his weakest grip.

Lifting the cup to his lips, he took a long sip. So far, all seemed well. It was awfully busy in here already, but he did his best to keep a low enough profile that none shoved all of their focus on the big gray statue of a man. Though, his protest didn't help any. Even here where he was welcome, he still feared accidental destruction and the owner kicking him to the curb. Maybe the confines of a city just wasn't the place meant for him.

 

[Fluffy]

Intrigued as ever, Scythe watched as a feathery dinosaur emerged from a scar-covered, humanoid shell she was wearing. By now, he was used to seeing all sorts of amazing individuals, yet he still found himself fascinated by everyone he met. There was always something new to learn from them. This world never got boring for him. He certainly liked it a lot better than where he came from, even if he wasn't entirely welcome here.

The demon kept his ruby gaze on the dromaeosaurid approaching the counter, the tips of his fangs showing in the friendly smile he made. There was a genuineness to it rather than a phony grin he glued on to look proper. No, he was honestly delighted to see his customers. Hopefully, he wasn't frightening or unsettling any of them with his smiling. Plenty of humans have told him that he shouldn't smile because the fangs disturbed them. So, he learned to have more of a neutral expression when he was out and about. Here, though, he let himself smile freely. Because, here, he was treated with respect. For the most part. Once in a while, he'd get an unhappy customer who had a bad experience and then took their anger out on him. That was an inevitable part of customer service, he supposed.

So far, today has been a very good day. Although it was busy, he was still pleased to see so many different faces here. Speaking of which, he ought to be looking downward to see the face of his next customer. Lowering his head, he met her eyes and listened closely to the translated words she spoke. At the mention of 'dried meat in wrappers,' his sights flicked over to the display case of goodies, but then they were right back on his customer. He even resisted the urge to look away again, this time at the 'Husk' sitting at one of the tables. He was so curious about that, and the dromaeosaurid herself. Maybe one day, she would share a story with him.

Straightening up, Scythe entered the cost of each item, his clawed finger tapping at buttons swiftly. "Okay, we'll get all of that put together for you," he said warmly. "Here's your total. And I'll be grabbing those things for you right away." After pointing to the screen that faced her, he turned away to start collecting the snacks and drinks she requested. At Brewed Awakening, they were prepared to serve all unique tastes. Scythe made sure his shop was stocked with more than just pastries and coffee, such as pickled eggs! A jar of which was brought over first, but then he thought to ask, "Would you like someone to bring your order to the table?" As he talked, he heard the gargoyle speaking on the structure of the seats here. He must not have been very comfortable where he was at. Scythe made a mental note to look into a set of more durable seats for those who were bigger or heavier. He wanted all to be comfortable at his cafe.

While he waited for an answer, he glanced over at the door. Someone was politely holding it open for others to pass through. Scythe made sure to smile at a lady who entered the cafe, but he wasn't so sure she saw it. She seemed very focused on her mission of tucking into a corner and reading a book. That was perfectly acceptable. Scythe didn't mind it if people just wanted to come in and work on something. They could always order later.

To not appear like he was ignoring his current customer, he dropped his gaze back onto her. He wondered if it would be weird to compliment her feathers. They were pretty, he thought. It might not be the same as commenting on someone's hairstyle, though, so he kept the words to himself for now.

 

[NienieDreamer]

Elaine didn't just bring any books; she brought her supernatural books. Before coming here, she'd done research. A lot of it, too. She was now comparing the pictures and texts in her books to who she saw in the shop. Almost definitely a demon that just smiled at her. Elaine couldn't help but shudder. Her grandparents had always raised her to have respect for the supernatural community, and as a younger child, she'd had just that. She'd studied them her entire life, in fact. The emancipation? That was because they wanted her to go to a special school, where they said she'd learn even more about them; much more. More than she could ever imagine, were the specific words they used. But after she'd lost her grandparents, Elaine couldn't help but feel trepidation and even a deep instilled fear for the supernatural. After all, what happened that night... it must have been supernatural, with that guy and the mist...

So far, Elaine had thus recognized a faun, a demon, possibly a siren and/or mermaid, possibly... another demon? But he had pointy ears, like an elf... She'd also spotted a gargoyle complaining about the seats, and, uh... what looked like a feathery dinosaur? She didn't know what that was. Certainly, though, when she saw the lady sitting at the table with the eyes bleeding, she froze and stared. Uh... now that, that scared her. She quickly looked back to her book, not wanting to aggravate anyone by staring.

Elaine herself looked human; nothing out of the ordinary about her. She looked to be just a kid, high school age. She had light skin, was wearing denim overalls over a black and white striped shirt, and her long blonde hair was done half up half down. When she'd started reading, she'd put a pair of rectangle, black glasses with a medium frame -not thick nor very thin- over her blue eyes. She wasn't really reading, though. Mostly, she was glancing around, and keeping her eyes and definitely her ears open; if anyone started to talk about anything of interest, she could hopefully either catch some information or ... if she had to, join the conversation.

 

[blackdragon805]

Ella groaned as she poked her head into the shop. The lamia's hood flared as she stared daggers at a gnome who had trod on her tail. A great way to start the day. She slithered her way up the counter. "One blueberry muffin, if you pleassse, Scythe. And a small coffee. No cream, no sugar. Asss black as that empty pit you call a sssoul."

Her green eyes flickered around the room. Most of the patrons she knew by reputation, if not by name, but there was someone new in the corner. A blonde woman... a human? Interesting, very interesting indeed. Not many of them came in here. Worth getting to know, at least.

"Excussse me, missss? Do you mind if I join you while I wait?"

@NienieDreamer

 

[NienieDreamer]

Elaine's heart was pounding and her breathing was a little too fast for her liking. She knew she was on the verge of either hyperventilation, a panic attack, or both. But she had to do this; she had to know what happened, at the very least for her grandparents. To her, this wasn't an attack on the supernatural side of Lunarveil; Elaine wasn't looking to start a war. But she was looking for whatever happened, and maybe even to bring justice to whoever did that. Was it the guy she saw that night? Something else? She wanted to know, no, she needed to know, at the very least know. Then, she'd cross the bridge of justice when she got to it.

She subtly glanced up when she saw the new creature enter, but she didn't recognize the species. Naga, maybe? It could be a Medusa... She flipped pages in her book, but her memory served her correct; those and maybe a few others seemed to be the only mention of a woman with the body of a snake. Something else in her memory told her that that couldn't be right, though. But she couldn't scratch the surface of that feeling.

And then the woman was next to her. With a small gasp, she shut her book and leaned over it. Not very subtle, maybe, but she didn't exactly want to advertise what she was doing here. Elaine tried to say something, sputtering a bit, mouth opening and closing, and eventually settled on gesturing a shaky hand towards the chair across from her. What else was she supposed to do? Besides, she wanted to be here to scout out and get information, this is what she wanted, right? But how...? Elaine was not exactly looking for small talk. Her first step, though, was to slide her book back in her bag next to the table and get out a different one. This was the storybook her grandparents would always read to her from, but the original one perished in the fire. So this one didn't have all of her grandparents notes, or her childish scribbles, which hurt, but it was all she had at the moment that wasn't a book about the supernatural.

 

[sele]

- RUTHIE ALBRIGHT -​

Ruthie stood in front of a shop window, staring in – staring through, really. Through glass, through herself, through her own reflective ghost layered over goods in the window display. Electronics? Boxes. Sales. Everyday things that everyday people wanted. She was Everyday People, though her thoughts were far from normal consumerism at the moment.

One of the flashing screens through the window showed – in pixel-perfect clarity – a news spot about the latest legislation, now in effect. In brief, her uncle's face manifested in the news summary – he'd been involved in lobbying for this outcome. As for Ruthie, she'd not minded too personally how the world shifted, as long as she could go about her own business.

But that's not how life goes with pushy extroverts for family – less so when they have agendas. Uncle Adrian. He'd enthused that Ruthie go visit that cafe open to monsters and humans alike. It was an open-minded thing for her to do, he'd insisted. It'd look good for him, she'd thought, not attending himself but still having a relative go represent the Albrights. He could point to her as a talking point.

Maybe she was being cynical. Maybe she'd just felt defensive being pushed out of her usual routines. Maybe all of it was true – including her uncle's good intentions and wish to look good about it, too.

The ghost in the glass slipped away.

Ahead – Brewed Awakening. Given the various shapes and sizes well beyond mundane humanity that went in, though, Ruthie'd not have needed the sign to know she'd found her destination. When faced with imminent arrival, she internally rifled through rationalizations to center herself. Be normal. More like: be boring.

Go in, seem like you belong enough to just... blend in, somehow?... ah yes, of course, mingling with monsters? Normal. Everyday. So commonplace to be forgettable! Simple!

Rationalization was not exactly working well to convince her into confidence.

Ruthie exhaled, then just faced her situation and pushed onward. There were a few unfamiliar creatures at the door, just showing themselves in. See? Be like them, just go on in. So in their wakes, she did.

Across the threshold, she began rehearsing a potential order to seem as perfectly 'normal' and at ease as she could. Outwardly, while probably a little tense in the shoulders, she likely did look unexcitably (Unexciting? That, too) composed.

Just your everyday face in the crowd! Just waiting in line to place an order! Here by choice, not put on by a pushy politician for an uncle or anything! Oh, there's something out of the ordinary going on here? Who knew, haha!

Okay, Ruthie's rationalization game was pretty lame. But she sure was trying! Waiting in line so intensely ordinary with intensely ordinary thoughts! Behold! Wait, DON'T BEHOLD!

|| Tag: Open || Location: Brewed Awakening ||​

 

[Manna Beast]

There was a near miss of an additional soul zipping by, evidently attempting to be as discreet and unseen as physically possible. Which in this world, wasn't probably too hard. Regardless, there wasn't much he was about to call out in that and merely let the door linger till the one that had seemed to hesitate or wait for said door to open; slipped through.

Allowing himself to finally enter the abode. With a stoop at first –not in the mood to thud skull upon the door's upper jamb. Preferring greatly to avoid any additional gawping eyes in the way of awkward encounters. Letting the wash of various smells between baked delights, paper and everything in-between to concocted itself into a medley of gentle appreciation. Giving freedom to assess the very space and finding it steadily busy.

Likely a good thing for owner. It wouldn't be very functional if the place wasn't pulling in coin to cover the various expenses.

There was a steady line for the clerk –evidently another demon by the horns jutting from crown- and the various bodies that were all shapes and sizes. In particular he was a bit stunned by the very variety. It did a heart well to see the differences all in one place and thus far without any screaking or horror accompanied with it.

For now, while there was a want to claim something hot to drink, he'd wait. Let the line die down and well, his curiosity for the myriad of books was incredibly difficult to ignore. Pardoning around any potential body to excuse himself to preen over the spines with no particular interest outside of just anything and well, listening to the room. Letting the awe sit and a comfort bloom.

 

[CarnelianUndead]

It wasn't like Ezra hadn't been to Lunarveil before. Business had been taking him there for visits for years but now 'monsters' were welcomed in. He considered that as he stepped into the coffee shop, it was chock full of monsters. If it weren't for his own red eyes and pallid skin and the barest hint of fang, Ezra seemed pretty darn human.

He worked at it. It was important to him to be a responsible face for the family business and showing up with a bloodshake mustache sounded like a faux pass he didn't want to deal with. Someone had to be the responsible one after all.


Ezra wore his mid-back length hair up in a tidy bun and wore a suit with a tie and a handsome silk pocket square of green to match said tie. He shuffled into the line, his phone buzzing with a text and then ringing.

It would have been fine had it not been his brother because the phone was now playing the song he'd chosen.

Loudly.

My friend has problems with winter and autumn
They give him prescriptions, they shine bright lights on him
They say it's genetic, they say he can't help it
They say you can catch it, but sometimes you're born with it
My friend has spite, he gets shakes in the night
And they say that there's no way that they could have
Caught it in time
takes his toll on him
It is traditional, it is inherited, predispositional
All day I've been wondering what is inside of me
Who can I blame for it? I say it runs in the family
This family that carries me to such great lengths
To open my legs up to anyone who'll have me
It runs in the family, I come by it honestly

Ezra fumbled the phone, it felt entirely too long to get it to turn the hell off. If he'd been alive, he'd be sweating. As it was, he was just grey around the edges.

 

[sele]

- RUTHIE ALBRIGHT (and her attempt to "fit in") -​

Standing tense in line (BEING NORMAL!!! Behold how normal), Ruthie felt a distinct void about herself in terms of a tail, horns, nocturnal eyes, fancy ears, CLAWS AND FANGS AHHH (no no, BE NORMAL).

She hadn't realized it, but a nervous, squeaking sound wheezed in her throat.

"HELLO I'M RUTHIE."

She'd suddenly, very mechanically and with excessive volume, had declared. What brought that on??? When some demon-ish thing politely pardoned his way through, careful as he'd slipped by. His tail had mildly slithered by against the back of her arm – that'd set off the trumpeting declaration as to WHO she was. As though a button had been pressed and her anxious floodgates spilled forth all of their force into......................HELLO I'M RUTHIE.

Ruthie wished she was a turtle sort of monster then, to shrink down into a shell and depart forever.

She did her best and withered down into her now-hunching shoulders while her ears burned hot and she squeaked again through an apologetic, extremely embarrassed smile. THIS WAS DEFINITELY NOT 'BEING NORMAL.'

And then a loud ring tone started singing RIGHT behind her. An adrenal chill chased right up her spine and away went all of the color in her face. She might have looked as though she'd seen a ghost for the first time bursting around a corner at her.

How would she possibly recover from these weirdo outbursts? If anyone was acting 'monstrous' here, it was skittish, fumbling Ruthie Albright. Everyone else was incredibly civilized and polite within their spheres about the coffee shop.

"Ah.. AHAH." She coughed out a laugh through her desert-dry, tightening throat, robotically turning toward whoever was behind her in line – the one with the loud ringtone. "SoRRy AboUT ThAT. Ah. HA. LeT mE Buy. You'.RE CoFfFE."

What was language? She somehow at least managed to beep-boop through the worst shred of conversation she'd ever choked out AT someone.

|| Tag: @Manna Beast , @CarnelianUndead , Open to all the poor souls who have witnessed Ruthie's existence || Location: Brewed Awakening ||​

 

[DANAsaur]

Playfair Display Cardo [font=][/font]

Coils and Coffee

Mirelle Naelith stirred at the soft hum of the city outside, the distant chime of her alarm signaling the hour. She blinked slowly, stretching beneath the damp woven blankets piled around her nest. The air in her small apartment was thick with humidity.

Too humid.

Then, as her sleepy mind caught up with the time, a cold realization gripped her.

She was late.

Mirelle gasped, her tail instinctively coiling beneath her as she jolted upright, her webbed fingers fumbling for the clock beside her. The glowing numbers confirmed her fear—twenty minutes behind schedule.

A frustrated groan bubbled in her throat. "Zihressh, velk'nir zhyra.…" Gods, not again.

Her sharp glare fell on the humidifier next to her bedside table. The machine let out a faint hum, its water reservoir nearly empty from running all night. She had set it too high again, desperate for moisture in the dry city air, and it had pulled her into a deep, dreamless sleep.

A knot of unease tightened in her stomach as she scrambled to slip on a black dress. She could not afford to be late. What if Scythe scolded her? Worse—what if he decided he had no patience for an employee who could not show up on time? She had already pushed her luck. Adjusting to the rigid schedules of the city was more difficult than she thought. If she kept slipping up, what if today was the last straw?

She forced the thought away, fastening a simple black dress over her shoulders. No time to dwell. She had to move.

It had only been a few months since Mirelle moved to the city. She had always imagined a place where she would not wake up with moss clinging to her scales or spend every day defending herself from hunters lurking beyond the reeds of the swamp she called home. Mirelle wanted a life of luxury. A place where she could be at peace.

So, when she had the opportunity to visit Lunarveil, she did not hesitate. The city was different. Lunarveil was tolerant, accepting, and filled with laws protecting creatures like her.

But safer did not mean comfortable. The streets were too dry beneath her coils. The air lacked the rich weight of mist. And worst of all—the humans.

Still, she had been lucky to find a job.

Mirelle barely had time to shut the door behind her before she was slithering down the uneven streets of Lunarveil, the rough cobblestones unforgiving against her scales. She winced as they scraped against the jagged stone, longing for the soft, sinking mud of home. Every movement felt heavier, each pushed forward an effort against a world not built for her. Her gills twitched, instinctively searching for moisture in the air, but there was none—only the dry, sharp wind of the waking city.

The streets bustled with life, and as she hurried, she felt the eyes on her.
Some humans stared in silent curiosity, their gazes lingering as if memorizing every flicker of her bioluminescent markings, every shift of her tail. Others were not so quiet.

"Is that the one that works at the café?"
"I heard she came from the swamps. Can you imagine?"
"I bet she can unhinge her jaw and swallow a man whole—"

Mirelle clenched her jaw and kept her gaze forward. It did not matter. They always talked. Always stared. She had learned that charm softened their wariness. A warm smile, a tilt of her head, a quiet, docile demeanor. It made her less frightening. Less… monstrous.

But right now, none of that mattered. Mirelle had to get to work.

As Mirelle neared her destination, the scent of roasted beans curled in the air, rich and bitter, mixing with the faint aroma of wood and the ever-present hum of city life. It was not quite the same as the brackish scent of the swamp, the thick perfume of decay and rebirth, but somehow, it smelled like home.

She huffed a breath of relief just as the door swung open. A customer stepped out, nearly colliding with her. She flinched back instinctively, mumbling a quiet apology before slipping inside.

The bell overhead then chimed softly as she entered.

Behind the counter, Scythe, the shop's owner, was already busy taking orders.

Mirelle ducked her head and slithered behind the counter to put on her apron, turning to her boss afterward with her hands behind her back.

"I'm sorry… I overslept," Mirelle admitted, her voice soft and smooth—disarming. "I swear it won't happen again. My apartment was too humid last night. It… makes me sleep like a... what was the expression.. baby?"

It sounded ridiculous. What kind of person overslept because the air was too comfortable? But for a creature like her, it was the closest thing to being home.

"I can take over the register if you'd like," Mirelle suggested before wincing. "Or I can wait tables. Either way is fine."

She braced herself, heart pounding.
Would this be the day she lost her job?

​

 

[blackdragon805]

The girl was scared. Not surprising, considering the reputation of snakes and supernaturals alike. Still, something she should have thought about. Especially since she was a mind mage. Ella made a note to keep aware of that.

"There's nothing to be afraid of, miss. Nobody here wants to eat you. If we did, would we really be ordering baked goods?" She extended a hand- fully humanoid. "I'm Ella. Could I have your name, please?"

@NienieDreamer

 

[NienieDreamer]

(I'm not sure if you're talking about Elaine being a mind mage, but as of right now, she's fully human! The best a supernatural creature could sense is some power hidden/locked away deep down!)

Elaine still hadn't opened her other book, but it was fine. Everything was fine. She just switched books. Totally not suspicious. Though she hated not being able to try analyzing every species in here. Elaine was practical; she liked knowing what she was up against. She still didn't exactly know which species the woman across from her was, but she'd have to deal with it.

To her own surprise, Elaine actually burst out a short laugh. She put her hand in front of her mouth. "... Sorry. Just, um... yeah.'' For a moment she almost let her guard down, until the woman asked for her name. Names and supernatural... that was really dangerous, right? Or at least, it could be. But again, just like shaking the hand, which choice did she have? If she gave a false name and someone found out, that may as well be seen as distrust, and she could get banned or something. She took a deep breath.

All she could hope for was that this Ella wouldn't recognize her name. Elaine hadn't watched the news since the fire, unable to bear it. But such a big event should have some news coverage, right? In fact, how could Elaine be sure her picture wasn't plastered all over said news? What if someone in here recognized her? But she couldn't think about that right now, she was in a conversation.
Again, a deep breath as she took the hand, not making eye contact. "Elaine.''

 

[Lyrikai]

Thaddeus tried to adjust himself more into his chair and it groaned and creaked beneath him. "Oi," he grumbled in annoyance, "One 'o 'ese days Ah' gon' find meself a place 'at ken handle me weight' 'an no one gon' give ye stares, ol' Thad." He was sadly shaking his head, struggling to hold himself up so his full weight wasn't pressing down on the bench. Leaning over the table, his big stone hands gently cupped his mug as he took another sip. The sooner he finished this, the sooner he could just get out of here and get out of everyone's way.

This little cafe was getting awfully packed with people and he feared for every new person that came through those doors, ordered their coffees, and took their seats that someone would see the gargoyle and laugh at his discomfort... or perhaps sneer at his ugliness. Gargoyles, after all, were known for being big and scary and grotesque and he was getting more and more self conscious by the minute.

Ducking his head, he flinched as someone's phone went off and another was spouting off something awfully loudly in this quiet little coffee shop. Sure, he was a loud one, too, but goodness why did everyone else have to be, too? "Are ya awright, lass?" he had begun to ask out of the goodness of his heart for the poor soul in line that looked like she was about to have a panic attack. Of course, in that moment, he had pushed himself up too quickly and the bench chair beneath him finally gave out. He found himself on the floor a second later, his tail sweeping behind him. "Oi, damn et!"

 

[Manna Beast]

It wasn't simply just one thing. It was multiple things all at once! Pulling him swiftly out of the wanting intriguing to merely browse and pluck along the offered books. Instead suddenly pulling the length of leather coil back to himself to tuck it well against himself – having rudely forgetting to keep the spaded tail to himself- with ears slightly lifting at the myriad of noise.

From the burst of song that had been one's ringtone, to a girl breaking into… well he wasn't sure. It sounded awkward if he was about to be mentally blunt about it, till there was just one more that had pulled focus to the sudden burst of noise.

Probably one of the largest patrons to the quaint café –truly showing itself as a refuge more than anything now- and a broken chair. It took a great deal for himself personally not to immediately shroud himself into the unseen but forced some wit into his head to stave that off. Separating himself from the means books to step over and offered a hand at least to the curiously interesting fellow. His vernacular alone was utterly mesmerizing, paired with the strength of accent. "Here," Keeping his voice even and a gentle offering of a toothy grin. Paired with a look towards the girl that was clearly embarrassed or anxious and gentleman that had been caught unaware by an loud but curious singing ringtone. "Can I offer you a help up?" Glancing to the stony hide fellow, "And,"

He was going well outside his comfort zone but that was the whole purpose of this, was it not? To meet other people! Otherwise he could have stayed at home. "Perhaps I can be the sense of a distraction for you all? And perhaps selfishly use your state in line," Fire rimmed gaze flickered back and forth to girl and man, "To get a few drinks. For yourselves and for ourselves? I'll pay certainly." The ourselves was an open invitation to the fellow with the strong accent.

If it would lessen the potential discomfort and provide one singular focus for each of them, then he was going to be fine with offering the means of diversion.

Tags: @CarnelianUndead @sele @Lyrikai