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[grizzly_tea]

[When the feed clicks on, Maribelle is seated in a large leather backed chair, sipping tea next to a vacant fireplace.]

To all of you that wish to attend, my fine establishment will be having its grand opening on the 30th of the month. If you do wish to attend, please wear something a little more appropriate for a proper tea sitting, and not the standard fare of shirtlessness I see from certain citizens of our city. I would like for my staff to please meet me at the shop at the corner of 14th and Willow as soon as possible, so that we might discuss everything.

[She pauses to take a lingering sip of her tea as if considering something, and then sighs and says what she was thinking anyways.]

I am aware of this present threat that people feel is looming over the city, but I have no intention of letting that stop our daily lives if I can help it. I have faith in the powers that be to keep this place intact, or we'll simply all have to die and be forced into starting all over again. What will happen, will happen, and at this particular point I am not involved enough to fret over the details myself. I hope for the safety of everyone involved, and I hope that damage will be kept to a minimum. I-

[She paused mid-sentence, deciding perhaps that remaining neutral was still the best option for the safety of her newly started business. Offering healing to any who need it is all well and good, but if some super powered tyrant was going to torture her to death unless she healed him, she'd prefer to avoid it. It was best if she kept that particular tid-bit under her hat.]

I might also suggest that there are those with rather unusual powers here, and that it is unwise for anyone to create such a ruckus in the future if they do not wish for a painful reminder of how small any one person can truly be in the grand scheme of multiple universes. You may have the power to destroy the universe, but for all you know there may be an ant with the only specific power of being able to eat your power and leave you a crippled wretch. Temper whatever power you may possess with wisdom, and you may all live much more pleasant existences. That is all.

[Action]

[When one walks into the tea time cafe, they'll notice that the shop is immaculately clean, and that it has an atmosphere that seems to dictate a certain level of formality. Maribelle is in the corner of the room with a blackboard and a pointer with several women in proper looking maid uniforms sitting in chairs and listening to her lecture.]

When you bring the tea to customers, remember that you must be dignified at all times! This is not some raunchy restaurant or sleazy pub where people are supposed to ogle you. If anyone does so, you are to ask them politely to cease their behavior while in this shop, and if they fail to do so you are to report to the manager which for the present time being is me.

[She clears her throat and then holds a tray with tea, saucers, tea cups, pastries, and the check balanced perfectly aloft on her fingertips.]

Today I would like to have all of you practice on your balance. It's all well and good to carry a tray in both hands to ensure the safety of your cargo, but I want you to be efficient and punctual while managing a measure of class.

[She seems to notice the person who walked in for the first time, and wraps up her lecture for the time being.]

Over to your right you will find your stations with an obstacle course of my own designing. You are to balance both trays filled with plastic cups of water for practice. When you have all sufficiently proven that you are capable of not spilling or dropping anything with the obstacles you may be expected to encounter, we shall move on to porcelain. Now, begin!

[As the small mob of maids sets off, Maribelle makes her way to the new arrival with a warm smile.]

Hello darling, I was expecting you to show up a bit sooner.

Comments

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[enchantressofore]

... Am I interrupting?

[ Well, to Adela's credit she's clean. Actually she's dressed rather nicely, wearing a loose purple top that really only exposes her arms and some of her collar, black dress pants, and a single black flat shoe. She's still just outside the door so people can get around her with ease if need be, and she's clearly hesitant to enter after seeing her employees darting off. ]

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[grizzly_tea]

Not at all darling!

[Maribelle tugged Adela along to another corner of the tea shop with a pleased little laugh, setting up a table for her so that she might serve her something.]

Please forgive the crudeness of your setting, but we're not officially open yet. However, since you've come all this way simply to visit me what would you like? Or are you perhaps here for a job? There are still positions open after all.

[By crude she means that she is the only one able to currently serve her, and she's not in uniform. The table Maribelle has ushered Adela to has a beautifully arranged white flower bouquet in the center of the table, with fine silverware and immaculate porcelain tea cups.]

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[enchantressofore]

No, not at all, I was curious.

[ She's shaking her head but apparently there's less choice than she thought as she's already getting guided to a table. Well, now that she's here she might as well... ]

It seems quite beautiful... I have quite a lot of work with Smoker for the time being however, and soon enough I may have to go on leave even from that. Your offer is kind, but with that in mind taking on another job now would be irresponsible of me.

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[grizzly_tea]

[Maribelle couldn't help but smile]

You're very kind, but that's quite alright dear. The last thing I want to do is overwork you.

[Lord knows that Maribelle was already doing that to herself by taking on her tea shop, working as a lawyer, and already drawing out plans for her law firm and a castle.]

I simply didn't want to turn you away if you were seeking employment. You are a friend of one of my dearest friends, and if I might be so bold as to say a friend of mine as well. Anyone who is willing to work hard should be able to find something to do to earn a living, so I feel it is my duty to help with that however I can.

[She handed Adela a menu that was rather simple, not nearly as elaborate as the setting Adela was sitting at.]

Until our grand opening, many of our dishes can't be prepared so this is the abbreviated version of our menu. These are all things that I am personally capable of preparing and serving you, so feel free to order whatever you like.

[Though she might notice that the prices were not completely on the inexpensive side.]

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[thorons]

[oh wow, so many things to talk about here. robin is definitely proud that her friend is opening up a tea establishment, that is a bonus for sure... as for the other stuff....]

If anything happens, we will stick together and sort out a solution to the problem. [she will definitely be sticking by her shepherds while all these tyrants are out and about and declaring their power.]

Either way- I am happy for you and your business, I know you will run it smoothly.

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[grizzly_tea]

Shall I make a reservation for you for the day of the grand opening?

[Because clearly tea comes before dictators.]

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[thorons]

Of course, I will be one of the first people there in line.

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[grizzly_tea]

Then we absolutely must see to getting you a dress! This is to be a somewhat formal occasion after all, and I want everyone who are personal guests of mine to look their best!

[She lifts her hands up to put Robin in an imaginary picture frame.]

I think you'd look good in a classic white gown, noting too over the top but still something you wouldn't be ashamed of wearing to a royal court.

[Because... clearly tactician robes are gauche.]

[Video]

[sensesyourdiscord]

A tea shop? I'll have to visit! It's been so long since I've had a proper cup of tea... [With Junie, at her house, surrounded by all those flowers...it was summer, but the hot drink was still delicious and relaxing.]

[Video]

[grizzly_tea]

If you come to the grand opening, I will attempt to play the violin for all our patrons for the entire day. I have been out of practice since my violin was not on my person when I arrived here, and I had to wait for the sufficient funds to purchase one while still seeing to all the finer details of my business ventures.

[She shook her head, clearing her mind of her sales pitches.]

I'm getting a little too caught up in preparations today, forgive me. I am Maribelle, proprietor of the the tea time cafe.

[video]

[sensesyourdiscord]

You certainly are a hard worker! You seem to have planned everything down to the last detail. [smiles] It's nice to meet you, Maribelle. I'm Athena Cykes, a defense attorney.

[video]

[grizzly_tea]

Well I am a woman who prefers to-

[Before she could really finish that train of thought, the prospect of another Lawyer made her positively beam]

A defense attorney?! Truly?!

[She seems to practically glow with delight]

In Ylisse I worked as both prosecutor and defender before becoming a court magistrate! I hadn't known if there were any other attorneys here among us brought here. No one seems to have established themselves quite so firmly into the role.

[Video]

[blue_flames]

[When Ike's face appears, he's actually smiling just a bit.]

Gotta admit, I can't help but admire how willing you are to speak your mind. If only the senators I had the misfortune to meet had even half your honesty. But take care of yourself, all right?

Anyway, what's this dress code you plan on enforcing?

[That's the important thing. He's happy enough to sit down and have some good tea once in a while, but not if he has to wear anything too dressy.]

[Video]

[grizzly_tea]

Well that's a refreshing point of view. I can't count the number of people who have been upset with me expressing my opinion on matters, in or outside of the nobility. Rest assured, I have no intention of fighting any physical battles during my stay here if I can avoid it. While I am capable, that is a part of my life I would prefer to put behind me if I can.

[Battles of words on the other hand, were ones she was better equipped to fight than nearly anyone.]

The dress code for the shop is fairly standard, no shirt, no shoes, no service. There's certain health standards I simply will not ignore as a trained healer. I also would prefer customers not to wear anything ripped, torn, or dirty, but I shan't entirely enforce that, but formal attire is required for the opening day. If you are too uncomfortable with that, it might be for the best that you refrain from attending in spite of the many wondrous things I have planned.

[She was really curious to see if Ike even could manage a more dignified form of dressing.]

If you need assistance I'd be happy to help you.

Re: [Video]

[blue_flames]

I've had enough deception to last me a lifetime. Plus you may have noted that I speak my own mind. It's gotten me into trouble in the past, too.

[Like the time Sanaki was teasing Elincia for her own amusement and he flipped out on both her and all of the senators present.]

About that. What about an outfit chosen by the goddess Yune herself?

[Ike's Vanguard outfit looks OK, and is plenty comfortable for him. But maybe he could get by wearing one of those...what were they called? Polo shirts? Assuming he could find one with sleeves large enough to not get torn by his upper arm and shoulder muscles.]

[strongest_in_the_universe]

[Since she is obviously addressing him...]

And do you consider yourself to be this power-eating ant, little girl?

[grizzly_tea]

[She chuckled, surprising even herself that she was amused.]

Not even in the slightest. I wouldn't dare stand in your way to be perfectly frank, I simply would advise caution because there are those far more powerful than I am even aware of that reside within these cities. Perhaps if I were forced to by my lord, I might put up some form of feeble struggle against you, but I certainly hold no illusions that I would even be a match for an ant from your world.

[She was one of the less sturdy members of the army, more of a healer that tried to stay away from being attacked than someone who would charge the front lines.]

I think I actually wish you good luck, because I worry about what may happen to you if you do come into confrontation with all the different entities of power the exist here. Does that satisfy?

[strongest_in_the_universe]

Oh I see, you're just mouthing empty platitudes then. Ask for concern, You needn't worry at all on my part but rather save it for those suicidally stupid enough to defy me which is already in the dozens.

[Action]

[justicereigns]

[Walks in.]

[Gives a start at the uniforms...]

[Walks out.]

Sorry, must be in the wrong place.

[Action]

[grizzly_tea]

[Maribelle ignored Smoker's abrupt visit and departure until she was satisfied her staff could manage themselves for a while. Then she could race down the street and...]

Vice Admiral Smoker! You get back here this instant!

[Action]

[justicereigns]

[Stops in his tracks.]

[Good lord, she was more terrifying than Hina.]

[He doesn't say anything, just stands there, like a dog ordered to sit.]

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[whiteas]

If you don't mind my asking, do you serve coffee and what exactly is the dress code? There are a number of people from different worlds here, many of which exhibit very different styles of dress for specific occasions.

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[grizzly_tea]

As much as I may think of tea as the superior beverage, I serve a large variety of coffee blends as well. Many of my companions only drink coffee, so I plan to do my best to accommodate them.

[While she had brought up an excellent point on the matter of a dress code, Maribelle couldn't help but chuckle.]

That's why it's a bit more of a common sense sort of dress code. This place does serve food, and there are certain health standards not all worlds might observe. No shirt, no shoes, no service, and I don't want any of my patrons wearing clothes with noticeable tears, rips, or holes lest I be forced to give them a sewing lesson.

[That was everything right? No wait!]

Another thing to remember for some of the less civilized patrons is not to wear anything especially dirty. The last thing I want is for others to be smelling the patrons rather than their purchases. Now I think everyone should agree that's reasonable enough, but you'd be surprised how many would lack enough sense that they'd waltz in looking and smelling like a pigsty. I suppose I may make certain exceptions on a case by case basis.

[Like if someone didn't have hands, or couldn't use shoes, she might provide a means for them to wash their feet before being seated. She gave a long sip of her tea with a contented sigh.]

You're Weiss Schnee are you not? I've been meaning to speak with you.

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[whiteas]

It sounds fair.

[ Weiss is glad she doesn't have to go explaining about cultural differences. That was one of the things she had to learn here- and the hard way, at one point, unfortunately. But Weiss was a fast learner even if she had a habit of playing the tl;dr game with other people about anything she had learned. She's definitely not used to not feeling like she has to lecture someone, even if this girl had said it in a rather pomp-and-circumstance manner that reminded her of home in a way that made her both comfortable and uncomfortable in different ways. ]

Though I have to ask about people who wear open shirts or shirts that show off the stomach? [ If Sun's abs aren't welcome, as much as Weiss has tried to argue against Sun's war against shirts, then she probably won't end up going. You can't ban her friends and expect her to throw her money at you. Even if her friends are morons for not buttoning up their shirts in the first place. ]

I am. And you are..?

Action

[deathscythemeister]

[Maka smiles and looks around before smiling a bit wider at Maribelle.]

I'm sorry about that. I got a bit lost. i'm still trying to memorize the layout of the city. I hope i'm not to late to join in?

[Looks over to the girls in maid costumes and suppresses a wince. At least they're not provocative.]