patisserie lysitherie: preparations

[notimeforfailure]

[a. video, un: charon, ota]

Good evening, Trench. The grand opening of... [she frowns as she says the next part] the Patisserie Lysitherie is currently scheduled for November 15th, pending any horrible Trenchian incidents. So most likely, November 30th.

As we prepare for transition into our new space, I'm seeking a few things.

First, Architects or anyone good with woodworking and metalworking to remodel the existing building and to install a few necessary appliances. I need more ovens. Anyone interested in helping with the business is welcome, too, of course.

Second, if any recreational businesses are interested in a steady supply of pastries - for instance, a café or a bookstore - I'm open to partnerships.

Third, if you've got a cake or a sweet from home you're just dying to experience, I'd like to start collecting recipes from all of you Sleepers. I began this business to revive my beloved nostalgic sweets, but I realize... I'd like to be able to bring that experience to others, too.

[b. Willful Machine, early November, ota]

Augh!

[There comes a loud explosion from a rather derelict building in the middle of the Willful Machine district. A half-dozen thumps and clangs follow. ...Then the upper story of the building drops about three feet, releasing an enormous plume of smoke that settles over wary shoppers and merchants.  A girl covered in a thick layer of dust stumbles out ten seconds later and falls backwards on the ground.]

I suppose... that takes care of the rodent issue.

[The building belches out a gout of flame behind her.]

[c. Lysithea's home (Gaze), early November, for new and old customers, employees, or other general CR]

[With the bakery operations in full swing and the storefront not yet ready, Lysithea's home is in perpetual activity. Whether she's fulfilling orders, experimenting with new pastries, or bullying her employees, Lysithea works tirelessly to make her dream a reality. For the time being, her work as an Arcane Scholar in the School of Mutter is suspended as she focuses on her craft.]

Look out - hot pan behind you!

Yes, yes, of course - I can do a dozen mini-cakes for you by tomorrow; that won't be a problem.

Here to collect? If you would sign this form here and fill out what you plan to trade...

You've procured the cinnamon? Wonderful! How much did it cost us? Did you have to give up the hematite?

[Regardless of why you're here, she'll open the door with smudges of honey and chocolate all over her face and an exhausted, though satisfied expression.]

Comments

[notimeforfailure]

It was a fairly handsome hat.

[Lysithea will admit.]

The same as usual. Fruit, herbal, or black? I traded for a new apple infused tea the other day I haven't had a chance to try yet, if you're interested.

[imaglyphwitch]

Oh good. Otherwise this place wouldn't make sense.

[Like you are right now, Luz].

I think I'll go herbal. It seems like a nice day today!

[notimeforfailure]

We'll go with a nice chamomile, then. I think we could use with some calm after the events of the previous month.

[The kettle is set, the cookies are laid out and in no time at all, the tea tray is ready. Lysithea carries the tray over to the living room, which is slightly less floury, but filled with boxes.]

I'll need you to take that stack if you don't mind - when we're done here.

[imaglyphwitch]

Ooh, good idea! You don't happen to have it with some honey, do you?

[Luz was strangely getting a little more nature oriented, and honey seemed to be her go to these days. Either way, Luz is all starry eyed by the display, and gives Lysithea a bow].

So awesome, thanks! Ah, that's the stuff? Got it. Where's it headed?

[notimeforfailure]

[As if Lysithea would not have a variety of sweeteners on hand. A little pot of honey and a wand is procured with ease, and they are settled nicely in the next few moments.]

Those are all going towards people in the Cellar Door, so I set them together. I think it should be manageable to deliver them within an hour.

[imaglyphwitch]

[Lux couldn't help but chuckle a little at this. This job was practically made for Lysithea, now that she saw her in her element. How could she not have thought this job was perfect for her]?

Oh sure, I can do that! I have to start getting a little more familiar with some of the other cities anyway. Luckily, I do know my way around that place somewhat, but I should see it more often.

[notimeforfailure]

Now that you say that...

I've been keeping my business operations mostly to Gaze, the Willful Machine, and the Cellar Door. Apart from visiting the docks for supplies, of course. I thought I would try to create connections more locally first, but I should make an effort to branch out as well.

[One thing at a time, though.]

How did that Halloween charity event go, by the way?

[imaglyphwitch]

Right, that makes sense. Start by making capital first, and if you can expand, then you can go and make ventures in other places, right?

[Of course].

Pretty well! A lot of kids looked really happy! Thanks so much for your generous pastries!

[notimeforfailure]

I'm glad to hear it.

[She has the urge to ask if any children seemed like they'd want to become repeat customers, but she suppresses her newfound capitalistic instincts.]

Of course, I began this business largely because I thought it might bring a bit of joy and nostalgia to Trench.

...I mean, also, I do love cookies. But... I hope that the establishment can be a small positive light in this place.

[imaglyphwitch]

I figured you would be!

Exactly! That's why I'm taking it upon myself to make sure as much people as possible know about your shop and give you patronage! I used to do this for Eda all the time!

[notimeforfailure]

Oh -- you are?

[She stammers briefly, slightly taken aback.]

Thanks, Luz. I... didn't know you were advertising on my behalf. I can see Eda asking you to do all sorts of things to drum up business for her shop - you don't need to do anything extravagant, though.

[imaglyphwitch]

Of course!

Why would I need to do that? Your goods will speak for themselves! I just need to point people in the right direction.

[notimeforfailure]

My, you're quite the flatterer, Luz. No, I'm just thinking about Eda and what kinds of things she'd probably ask you to do...

[deck herself out in signs and flashing lights, perhaps]

I can't say that everything I make is as successful as you claim, but I do appreciate your endorsement.

Do you, er...

Ever hear anyone giving feedback afterwards?

[imaglyphwitch]

I'm just going by what I know about you and your adherence to standards!

Lots of chores. Lots of getting your hands dirty.

[Did she miss it. No. No she did not].

Just do your best to put out good quality things, and I think you'll be fine!

Mostly good things! Though I did hear some people complaining about slighty burnt butter cookies...

[notimeforfailure]

Slightly burnt?!

[This is a a crime of untold proportions. Lysithea gasps.]

You must report such things to me immediately, Luz! The cookies were burnt? That's completely unacceptable! I won't allow my goods to be anything less than perfect quality.

More importantly, it's an affront to nature to spoil such treats by burning them1 I can't imagine what could have happened. I'll need to check everyone's work more carefully - individually!

[imaglyphwitch]

Slightly burnt, Lysithea! That's not the same as being actually burnt! It just means one batch happened to get a little crispy! Just find out which one it was and see if you can adjust things so that won't happen again.

Um. You really want to do that? I think that might be taking things a little far.

[notimeforfailure]

Slightly burnt is burnt, Luz. It's right there in the phraseology.

[obviously]

I take these things very seriously, you know. Just think if you went to a clothing store and it was slightly overcooked and the sleeve was an inch too long.

[Are these things really comparable?]

I'll have to write an apology letter...

[imaglyphwitch]

Slightly means it could have been all burnt, but it wasn't, Lysithea. If it was burnt, that trust me, you'd have gotten an earful.

That's different. Clothing is way more uniform, and it would be only more egregious if it was done by a tailor. Sometimes baking takes some fine tuning. I'm sure you'll get the hang of it soon enough. You've already made some amazing products so far!

If you really think you have to?

[She knew how seriously her friend too these matters].

[notimeforfailure]

Nothing is more important than customer satisfaction.

[Lysithea's cheeks puff out slightly.]

Many were the times when I sampled a product and thought - why, the dough is too crumbly! Or - the sugar is still granular! Inferior offerings, presented as if they were acceptable for consumption.

[is she even still talking to anyone or is she just talking to herself now]

Not on my watch! The patisserie will be associated with quality only.

[..........]

Who was this customer, anyway?

[imaglyphwitch]

Well, you're the boss! Can't argue with that!

[Seriously, she won't. It was Lysithea's business and dream, and Luz wasn't about to treat it casually].

Ah, so you're a stickler about the deliciousness of the product! I can't argue with that!

[No, no, as someone who partook in sweets and cared just as much, Luz is actually with you on a spiritual level].

Oh, I don't know. I just thought they were some complainer. I'll make sure to get their name and contact information next time!

[notimeforfailure]

Oh, please do. If you run into them again, please let them know we'll be happy to replace any goods they find unsatisfactory.

[And with that, her fervor seems to have exhausted itself as Lysithea gives a sigh and allows herself to take a sip of tea for the first time in a few minutes.]

This can be stressful, but...

I like this kind of stress. It's... more fulfilling than the stress of battle. Much lower-stakes, of course.

[imaglyphwitch]

I'll be sure to do that. Besides, anyone can make a batch they're not super happy about every once and awhile, right? I'll make sure from now on to get the name of every customer I serve and what they think of the product!

[Luz chuckled].

You know, I'm not surprised. I did think you were going to try for Arcane arts when you for here though: I never dreamed you'd open up a bakery!

[notimeforfailure]

Well, I'm still going to do that.

[Lysithea smiles a bit ruefully.]

Magic will always be the primary passion of my life. But since I've focused on nothing else for some... sixteen years, I think there's time to pursue other interests. My work at the School is on temporary hold right now.

Actually... I'd like to combine the two passions eventually.

[imaglyphwitch]

[Luz had a feeling she'd say that. Well the first part anyway].

You'll have to show me how much better you've gotten at it later, ok? I'm incredibly jealous and am still in need of a teacher.

[Sometimes it was hard to get ahold of Willow].

Really? How do you think you'll be able to do that?

[notimeforfailure]

Magical cake.

[Lysithea says matter-of-factly, as if that were obvious.]

Or perhaps it would be enchanted cake? Cake infused with different kinds of magic for different effects. There could be combat cakes, of course - for use against monsters as bait or as weapons. Or perhaps cakes that could be used supportively. To bolster natural healing or strength.

Given the varied powers of blood here, it should be simple to imbue objects with blood effects.

The, er, issue is... that I don't know if I want to make blood cake. I'd have to try a different approach.

[Lysithea sips thoughtfully.]