[Hymn #15] [Movement]

[nightcrossed]

[[OOC: This and subsequent entries take place after the hiking thread (which is still going on, as far as I know) And her maid outfit is as close as I can get to a cafe uniform so, enjoy.]]

[Tear sat at one of the cafe tables with a sheet of paper and a pen, comprising a list. The room was mostly vacant and the atmosphere relaxed. The restaurant's manager had set her about the task of coming up with ideas to attract more customers, and she was brainstorming dutifully. It didn't hurt that an influx of customers brought with it the potential for tips, which she didn't particularly need, but were bound to be useful eventually for lessons or supplies.

So far she had written down the obvious: extending the menu, lowering prices, advertising, offering some form of entertainment, following some sort of theme which might be popular with the other residents (or maybe switching themes every week so that returning customers would have something to look forward to). It had also crossed her mind that hiring more staff members might draw a larger crowd - after all, there was only so much she could do by herself, and she didn't much want to run herself ragged if it could be avoided. Although, it was fairly obvious that Tear was the type to do just that unless someone convinced her to stop.

Tear paused in her work long enough to adjust her headband and help herself to another sip of tea.]

Comments

[fluorite-flux.livejournal.com]

*seems to spring up out of the ground next to her, leaning over her shoulder to look at her notes* Brainstorming? ^.^

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

[Luckily for Tear, she had learned a few things since her hiking trip. One of these was to not throw knives at people who appear in unusual places. Unless it's Raven.]

...Oh, Fay-san! I didn't notice that you came in.

[She smiles slightly.]

Yes, the manager's trying to figure out how to attract more customers, so I'm working on a list. I think the main problems are that people just eat in the cafeteria because it's free, and that they're unaware of the cafe's existence.

[fluorite-flux.livejournal.com]

*chuckles* I am sorry to have startled you, but you looked so deep in thought.

Hmm, I think I understand what you mean, but there are other eating establishments around here that seem to do just fine. Perhaps this place needs a "hook?" A "signature," so to speak. A dish it is famous for, for example.

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

Oh, no, it's all right. You didn't exactly startle me, since I've come to start expecting people to appear without warning. You can thank Raven for that.

I suppose something like that might work. The cafe's sweets are very good, and if we offered a unique recipe that no one else has access to, I think it might attract attention. I'm not sure what recipe that would be, though. All of our dishes seem pretty ordinary. I could check out some cookbooks from the library, but I'm not about to go experiment in the kitchen myself.

I'm not exactly highly recommended when it comes to cooking, at least not these sorts of foods...

[fluorite-flux.livejournal.com]

Perhaps something seasonal would be good to start out with. I hear there are many recipes that involve the use of flowers and cherry tree leaves. People might come in here to pick up sweets themed for flower-viewing. ^.^

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

Something with flowers? That sounds like a good idea.

You wouldn't happen to know which plants are safe on this island, would you? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with any of them. I'm not even sure which trees are the "cherry trees" you speak of.

That was one hinderance I ran into while hiking... I couldn't be sure if the flora were poisonous or not.

[fluorite-flux.livejournal.com]

Ahaha, you raise a good point. I am not terribly familiar with plants myself, but I do know which ones the cherry trees are, thanks to Aerith. There are a few books in the library on such things, though due to the varied amount of books, I can see how it would be difficult to sort through them all ... *ponders*

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

Yes. Sometimes it's difficult to find exactly what you're looking for in the library. I'll probably try again when I get the chance to visit. I have a few books that need returning anyway.

[Leans forward slightly. Proof she's listening and quite interested.]

So... which ones are the cherry trees?

[fluorite-flux.livejournal.com]

The ones that are blooming right now that have really adorable white blossoms. The flowers have just five petals and are almost heart-shaped. ^___^

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

Oh, so those really beautiful trees we saw while we were hiking are cherry trees. I was wondering what they were called. I can't remember seeing anything quite like them before.

Maybe I could gather some of the leaves and blossoms from the trees if I placed several baskets under them. It wouldn't feel right to pull them straight off the trees, but the wind might blow some off on its own.

[fluorite-flux.livejournal.com]

The wind may accomodate, but I think that if you took just some from a few different trees, like harvesting fruit, it would be all right. Some of the recipes I have read require a few more blossoms and leaves than might simply blow off of a tree.

(( OOC: WTF edited for wrong icon sorry @.@ ))

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

I guess that would be okay...

Still, I'd feel bad for doing it. I guess just a few here and there from a number of trees wouldn't hurt them or hamper their ability to grow, though.

[fluorite-flux.livejournal.com]

Right. ^___^ In fact, there are some cases where it is better to prune trees. It helps them to grow better.

Would you like some assistance when you are ready to do your harvesting?

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't know about prunning trees, but I'll take your word for it.

Hmm... I'm not so sure it'll be a difficult task, but I wouldn't turn down assistance if it was offered to me. I was thinking of collecting a few as soon as possible since I'm not sure they'll still be blooming if I put it off too long.

((OOC: Assuming there are any left after Hibari's done with them. XD))

[fluorite-flux.livejournal.com]

Come to think of it, from what I have read, they are lasting quite well. Usually I think they would be beginning to drop by now. But, I would be more than happy to help. The weather has been just lovely for it after all. ^.^

(( OOC: They're just going to regenerate XD ))

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

So normally they'd be shedding their flowers already?

[Tear puzzles over this.]

I wonder if this is the Island's doing again. It had no problem controlling the weather... it wouldn't surprise me if it could control the plants too. I guess it's a little too early to tell for certain.

[She's thinking again.]
'But if it could possibly control the plants... can it control the people? Well, it did take our memories away, so in a sense...'
[/end]

I definitely need to do more research on these plants.

Sure. The more the merrier I suppose; you always prove to be pleasant company.

[fluorite-flux.livejournal.com]

I think it is quite possible that it is the island's doing. Ahaha, perhaps it is trying to make up for that cold snap in March? XD

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

I suppose that's possible.

But now that I think about it, if the flowers don't quit blooming, won't that be bad for people with allergies? It might become difficult to breathe if the air gets too thick with their fragrance.

[fluorite-flux.livejournal.com]

They have been mostly pleasant so far. I do hope that is not what is in store for us, however.

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

Yes, I agree...

When would be a good time for you? I still have another hour or so left for the day, and then I have to close up.

[fluorite-flux.livejournal.com]

Anytime that is good for you, really. ^___^ I have a great deal of spare time on my hands.

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

Well, if you'd like to go with me this evening...

Things should have cooled down by then and there won't be as many bees. I noticed they were flying around the flowers during the heat of the day.

[fluorite-flux.livejournal.com]

That is an excellent idea. I would be more than glad to go this evening. ^___^ Ahaha, I bet the bees are very happy right now as well. XD

[a-severed-fate.livejournal.com]

Yes, I'm sure their numbers are flourishing right now.

Okay. I guess I'll meet you outside of the apartment building, then? I should probably grab a few things before we leave.

((OOC: Would you like me to make a new journal entry for this expedition or would you like to just say it happened? Or do you have another idea? o.o))

[fluorite-flux.livejournal.com]

Sounds perfect! I will see you then. ^___^

(( OOC: Whichever you would like to do is fine! I'm up for whatever. XD ))