PM to join Aching body or an aching mind? (Natsu)

[Calters]

Timestamp: 82nd of Summer, 514 AV, Mid-morning

Today was not a good day for Calters.
Come to think of it, no day was a good day for Calters.

This particular day, however, was a special kind of bad day. It was a hungover day. When Cal rolled over in bed that morning he noticed three things and none of them made him happy.

First, his head ached. Not just any headache, but a pounding one.
Second, his stomach hated him for all the food he had eaten the day before and was viciously trying to get some of it out, one way or another.
Third, he wasn't wearing pants.

The third confused him a bit. He wasn't even wearing his usual leather strap. That had been tossed to the floor and buried beneath a few of his extra blankets somehow.
Huh.

Calters wasn't so disturbed as some might be, as it had happened before. But the first two things were a bit more bothersome. He didn't want to eat anything and add to the biting pains in his stomach, but he also thought that some light food might help take the edge off. The only problem with that was, his head hurt far too much to make anything for himself. Not for the first time that morning, and certainly not the last, Cal moaned.
"Why?"

In his moping, Cal rolled just a bit too far and flopped onto the floor with a crash. Disappointed, but not surprised, he swore with a sigh.
"Petch..."

It only took Cal a few ticks to realize that lying on the floor was not helping. So, with a frown stretching his face, he set off to hobble down the stairs.

In an effort to get his brain thinking, Calters took to the air the moment he was able. It felt good to stretch his wings and the city really was beautiful from above. However, it was not quite as enjoyable when his entire head felt pressurized. One building, he noticed, had several plants outside. He recognized one or two of them as edible, but was unsure what they were used for. After mentally weighing the pros and cons, Calters found that he would rather land. Curiosity and an upset stomach won out and Calters headed for the shop.

As soon as Cal walked in the door, he knew he didn't belong there.
The Almond Blossom, so said the sign.
The room was warm and welcoming with soft looking seats in front of grand wooden tables and they very air smelling of cinnamon, baking, and faintly of minty tea leaves. Cal blinked as his eyes adjusted to the gentle lighting in the room.
This isn't a place for me. His heart dropped, let down by the high of curiosity. After such an awful day, Cal felt he deserved something and here he was, left with nothing. Stubbornly, he was determined to find something useful in this place. Rather than leave, as he felt he should, Cal folded his wings close to his body and shuffled as far into the room as he could manage, looking around for a clerk or manager.

"Hello?" He called in slight confusion, "Are you open?"

[Natsu Nendo]

To travel the world may seem a worthy quest but the true challange is leaving those you have come to love As it was mid-morning, the Almond Blossom had not yet sprung to life, yet the gentle sound of the door opening reached Natsu's ears. He was just behind the main counter, organizing the drawers and preparing for the day, and so he crawled up onto the ledge, keepeing away from the edges and smiling. He had been working here all summer, and hadn't yet been told if he was supposed to show himself to the customers. Most of the time he was behind in the kitchen, fetching and brewing teas, but as the owner and chef had not yet shown up, he didn't see how he had much choice. " Hello?... Are you open? He gave a bow and spread his small sculpted wings "I am Natsu, and it is a pleasure to welcome you to the Almond Blossom" he spoke as loud as he could, since his small voice did not carry well, and he kept his eyes politely downcast, not wanting to seem as if he was staring. There were many people who came through, of all makes, shapes, sizes, and kinds, and one had to learn to be subtle so as not to be startled. Yet even as he peeked up from his bow, Natsu could not help but become wide-eyed at the gorgeous wings which were folded against this stranger's back. The clay mouse felt his own wings shift forms slightly, attempting to copy the beautiful curve and shaping of the stranger. He could not hold the new shape for but a few moments, but every attempt he made helped him perfect his shapeshifting. With that noted in the back of his mind, he smilied and stood straight, gesturing this slightly rugged-looking stranger over for an easier conversation

[Calters]

Cal had seen many things come through Riverfall. Exotic women of unfamiliar races filed in and out during the festivals. Eccentric artists lined the foliage covered streets, promising beauty beyond compare. They sold paintings and statues and clothing that were almost unbelievable to Calters' eyes.

But never had he seen a statue such as this one. Namely, a statue that could talk and move.

Calters' mind went blank at first, then rushed in with a series of thoughts as he studied the miniscule winged mouse upon the countertop. He must hate my staring, was the first among many but Cal couldn't seem to look away. Somehow, it registered deep in Calters' mind that the tiny creature was beckoning him closer. The Akvatari tried to remember what the creature had said.

"I am Natsu, and it is a pleasure to welcome you to the Almond Blossom."

Calters frantically tried to think of a way to move closer without destroying anything in the building. Finally deciding that the creature was strange enough not to judge him, Cal knelt down on what would be his knees and pulled himself forward with his arms. It was humiliating, but Cal tried not to show it. Instead, he coughed nervously and tried to examine the creature a bit more subtly.

It might be polite to respond... But Cal had no notion of what he was supposed to say. After an awkward tick, he spit out the only thing he could think of.

"Natsu, I came here looking for a cure to my headache but I found this instead so..." Wincing at the terribly worded sentence, Calters stopped.
"Uh, let me start again. Good morning Natsu! Do you serve anything herbal here?"

[Natsu Nendo]

To travel the world may seem a worthy quest but the true challange is leaving behind those you have come to love The Pycon could not help but flutter his wings slightly in embarrassment at the staring eyes of the newcomer, and the clay in his cheeks took on a slightly redder complexion. He brushed aside the awkwardness the best he could, instead trying to subtly study the creature before him. His tail and wings seemed slightly foreign to him currently, and Natsu wondered if the gentleman had been drinking something a little too strong, or perhaps was in the midst of waking still. Although the clay being had to focus quite intently so as not to tilt his head with curiosity at the customer's movements, the mention of 'something herbal' made the Pycon's tail perk and his face split into a wide grin "As a matter of fact we do good sir! Although we aren't quite open yet, I would be more than happy to run and brew you something... on the house of course. Teas have somewhat become my specialty, no pun intended, and it is always nice to share my talent" Natsu chuckled at his joke and ducked behind the counter, grabbing onto a small rope attatched to the ledge and sliding down to the floor. As he came around the corner and turned to ask what type of tea the visitor was interested in, the winged mouse noticed from his new vantage point that the creature seemed to be devoid of pants. Again Natsu considered drinking to be the answer, but he was not one to judge, however it was probably for the best that he be told relatively soon, before more customers entered. As the clay on his cheeks turned red once more, Natus spoke up "Pardon me sir... I was wondering what type of tea you were interested in... and also-" The clay figure glanced downwards subtly, not wanting to speak the words out loud for fear of futher embarrassing both the customer and himself, as he made an effort to not stare at what would normally be hidden, turning himself away slightly to be polite.

[Calters]

The creature- Natsu, Cal reminded himself- seemed relatively friendly. Especially considering the fact that Calters had waltzed in before they were even open, asking about herbs and...without pants.

Agh, I can't believe I forgot! Calters bowed his head, blushing fiercely. He gnawed on his lip, trying to think of a quick solution. You had one thing to do in the morning. One thing! Just cover up. And you forgot! I can't even understand how you could be so careless!

Making a quick decision, Cal concluded that it couldn't get much more awkward between them, so he might as well try to prevent further troubles. He stumbled over the words, but eventually got them out.

"I'm so sorry. I don't know what I was thinking. Would you happen to have a cloak or...a napkin?" Cal felt he should laugh there, but couldn't force one. Instead, he wrung his hands miserably and bowed his head again. Luckily, he still remembered the tea he had come for. Cal listened to his own voice rumble lowly as he spoke.
I'm sorry again. And um...any kind of green tea will be great. Thank you."

[Edith]

"G-g-good morning" Edith stutters through an all eclipsing yawn as she paws open the door of the Almond blossom. As soon as she steps through the threshold she is assaulted by scent of cinnamon, rising bread and something sticky-sweet she associates with cut grass. And it smells so good.
 
She brings with her a boatload of weariness and an aching neck. She had spent all night in a beach cave she had discovered earlier this season. The plan was to try meditation and practice her Reimancy. But she kept falling asleep when trying to meditate and then strain to produce any sort of dijed. In frustration the practice had gone on all night. It is now early morning and the woman has yet to see her bed. A strong, hot tea is needed before she can be expected to truly start her day.  
 
She isn't even sure if the Blossom is open at this ungodly hour. But the sight of another customer at the counter reassures her and she waltzes in regardless. And what a strange customer indeed. The tiny waiter, being on the floor behind the counter, is effectively out of sight, leaving her weary mind to gap at this pretty seal creature instead. He seems to be one part human, one part butterfly, one part sleek sea lion and all parts awkward. A combination she directly attributes to the Akavarti visually, but besides the name and a far away glance the species is very unknown to her. The human part, the part she can relate too, shows a young man about her age with pretty ashy-blonde hair. He's handsome in a way an Akalak can never be, all fine bones and smooth skin. As she walks up behind him to find herself a seat she cant help but feel something is missing in this picture. What is it?
 
"Oh,” she says in realization, “I don’t think you should have that out in public", she supplies unhelpful. Being not only an ex-prostitute, but also decidedly gay, a mans nether regions causes her about as much excitement and anxiety as a cold shower. And she too sleepy to find his unfortunate situation particularly amusing quite yet. “Y’can borrow this” she throws her blue cloak across his back to preserve his modesty. 
 
She slides onto the chair beside him and yawns again, covering it delicately with her hand. The ridge of scar tissue in the right corner of her lip tightens and gives the expression a comical lopsided appearance behind her splayed fingers. She eyes the other customer behind sleep-heavy lids.
 
"Been drinking sweetheart?", she says sympathetically, though her lips twitch in suppressed amusement.  

[Natsu Nendo]

To travel the world may seem a worthy quest but the true challange is leaving behind those you have come to love Natsu's sculpted eyebrows raised slightly at the second visitor. Though the first had a... dare he say adorable awkwardness about him, this female was brash and straightforward, though seemingly just as tired as the first customer. With the same smile he had before, Natsu turned and bowed to the female, his clay wings opening as he dipped and closing as he stood. Grateful though the male was for the cloak, the Pycon couldn't shake a sense of disappointment as he covered himself. Natsu did his best to brush aside the thoughts as he called over to the Human-esqu figure at the table "I'm afraid all I can offer currently is tea, as the chef and owner are not due in for another few hours" As the figure scuttled to the grand kitchen in the back, he grabbed a few fresh tea leaves, green for the... Akvatari if he wasn't mistaken, and a mixture for the other to select from. As he scampered along the floor, his small tail swished back and forth behind him, keeping rythym with his steps and slowing to a stop as he approached near the main counter. "Green tea for the gentleman, and for the lady, a selection of stronger herbs. The earl grey is my favorite with a hint of honey" the Pycon confided in her. Though he had not consumed very much tea, seeing as a creature such as himself only truly eats and gains nourishment from clay, the few times he had tried it it seemed to have no negative effects, and besides which it was a welcome break from the monotonous taste of earth. He wondered what brought the two strangers here. Natsu had met many interesting characters while serving at the Almond Blossom, and each had a story as individual as their looks.

[Calters]

Cal gratefully accepted the strangers' cloak, mentally yelling at himself the whole time. He gave her a tentative look and nodded at her question. Yes, he had been drinking. And he was still half asleep, but he felt no need to mention that. He hoped it wasn't as obvious to everyone else as it was the woman.

Cal tried his best to wrap her blue cloak around his lower waist but it was difficult with such a garment. It didn't quite fit and constricted what little movement he had previously had. Annoyed with the cloak and concerned that he would do something overly clumsy to hurt someone, Calters pulled out the nearest chair and plopped himself down. He would have preferred to have been a safe distance from the woman but thought it impolite to move.

She seemed very perceptive albeit in a strangely relaxed way. If a winged and tailed creature standing in a tea shop early in the morning didn't faze her, Calters wondered, what things must the woman have seen? Her harsh voice indicated age, but her body and form told Cal that she was much younger.

Natsu- polite little statue that he was- didn't seem at all worried about the rugged looking woman. Rather, he graciously brought her a selection of teas to choose from.

"Green tea for the gentleman, and for the lady, a selection of stronger herbs. The earl grey is my favorite with a hint of honey."

Cal accepted his with a nod and a whispered thank you. He stared at the little leaves for a heartbeat before slowly turning to face the woman. He opened his mouth and shut it quickly. He bit his lip and twitched his wings. Cal squinted and frowned and thought hard about how to speak to the stranger. Why is her skin deformed like that? Is she a different race? Overused djed perhaps? Maybe she was simply born with it. Would she be offended if I asked or would she be as relaxed as before? After much debate, he furrowed his brow, opened his mouth again and asked the most important question he could think of.

"So, do you like music?"

[Edith]

"Oh? Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't see you." Edith bounces off an apology to the Pycon, while a voice that sounds suspiciously like her mother berates her for her rudeness in her mind. "It's fine. I'd really appreciate a tea."
 
She watches the Pycon go with something close to wonder. For all Gorob's talk of flow and movement in his sculptures, he couldn't compare to the little figure. What is he, anyway? A mouse or a squirrel, she supposes, with a pair of feathery wings attached at the shoulder. Her interest is perhaps exasperated by her work as a potter, and she finds herself wondering about the stupid little things: how does he stay moist? How durable is he? Does he bake in warm weather? And can she please, please pet his wings?
 
The creature returns and a selection of tea is laid in front of her; dark, spicy chai's, robbios and a black leafy one that smells strongly of licorice. It's this one that the Pycon suggests.
 
"You've read my mind sir. I'll have that Earl Grey", she nods.
 
As she watches him bustling around with the tea, Edith find herself wondering... "Have you ever had a proper, Pycon-sized teacup?", she blurts out. "I wonder if I could make one." her unfocused eyes stare at his paws as her tired mind buzzes through the logistics of such an undertaking. "If you even drink tea, of course. Do Pycons eat? I don’t think I've ever seen one consuming anything."
 
Out of the corner of her eye she sees the Akavarti shift in his seat and stare at her like he's willing a conversation to be born from the nether. She meets his stare from the corner of her eye while his mouth opens for the second time.
 
"Do you like music?"   
 
The question is unexpected, and she laughs softly. "Of course", she smiles, charmed. "Is that what the Akavarti are? Musicians? Maybe if the tea master allows it, you can sing us something. What do you say, Pycon sir?" 


[Natsu Nendo]

The pycon chuckled slightly at the thought of a teacup the perfect size for him. It would only hold a few sips of tea at best, but seeing as that was all he ever drank at one time, it actually was not a bad suggestion. He nodded at her question, replying "Yes, Pycons do eat, though usually only clay. I do, however, partake of teas every once in a while, so a personal size cup might be quite nice"

It was a strange pair which had arrived in the Almond Blossom, but they seemed to be getting along well enough, so Natsu left them momentarily to return with one cup and then another on seperate trips. Seeing the adorably clumsy nature of the Akvatari, he opted to ask the assistance of the human with the water for the teas, for the protection of all involved. Scampering back across the polished floor, he gave another bow and spoke to her "Pardon me, I hate to interrupt, but could you help me with the water for the tea? Normally the chef transfers it to a special device which keeps it hot but makes it so I can pour, but as he isn't here I require some assistance, merely to carry it here and pour into both cups... oh, and I would love very much to hear a song" he replied to the question which had been asked of him.

In only a few more bells the Almond blossom would truly come to life for the lunch crowd, but for now Natsu was more than happy to entertain a few guests. It was a strange feeling to be alone in this place, the large open rooms echoing with the sound of his tiny steps... people made him feel safe. Humans, Akvatari, Vantha, Konti, it did not matter to him, as long as he was not alone. Over the last season he had come to value his friends more, and above that he learned the value of life. The two beings who sat before him were just two more sides on an endless die, continually rolling across the world. He had stared death in the face more than a few times, but each time instead of becoming more afraid, he became determined. Before he was to greet the afterlife, he would make a difference in this world. Even if it began with two complete strangers and some tea.