[sprig]

Username: sprig
Buttermilk's Name/Link: Voltaire
Answer to Prompt:


Out of the corner of his eye, Voltaire caught a glimpse of Azai setting up chairs. He walked over to offer a hand. "I don't think I actually properly introduced myself the other day," he half laughed, arranging chairs around a nearby table. "I'm Voltaire." Azai smiled softly and stretched out his hand. "Azai, pleasure to officially meet you." They exchanged a pleasant nod before returning to the work at hand. Once all the tables and chairs were set, Voltaire took his place at the same table he had been at before. He liked the view and the way the breeze drifted sweetly through.
After a little while, Azai returned with a delicately designed tea cup. "Peppermint rose, right?" Voltaire beamed. "Oh wow, I can't believe you remembered that! Thank you!" He took a sip and couldn't help but exhale in delight. "So I had been thinking about if you came back, what question I would ask and I finally got one. Do you have a nickname? I love nicknames." Azai was silent for a moment before adding, "Voltaire is a writer, no?" Voltaire nodded. "He was. He was famously known for being an advocate of freedom of speech and religion. My dad gave me the name in hopes that it would spark a desire to also be a writer. And, well, we know how that went." He sat quietly in deep thought for a few seconds before gesturing for Azai to sit across from him, which he did.
"To answer your question, I really didn't have any nicknames growing up. My dad believed nicknames were for people who's names were weak to begin with, and he wanted me to be anything but weak. Plus, he says that if he gave me a name I should go by it proudly. So I always have. My mom used to try to call me different things, Vol, Taire, Tae. But they never could stick because my dad would be an end to it the moment he caught a whiff of someone not calling me by my given name." He trailed off, obviously disappearing in a distant memory. "Anyway... Sorry." Voltaire took another sip of his tea and swirled it around a bit in the cup. "I became a writer because of my dad. Sure, I ended up being pretty good at it and it came natural. But even if it hadn't, I would have forced myself to be good because thats what my dad wanted. And all I want is for him to be proud of me and proud of something I accomplish." After a few moments went by that felt like a lifetime of silence, Voltaire pulled his journal from the satchel that was sitting on the ground by his chair. He flipped it open to reveal several pages completely filled. "I wrote this about the other day. Not just the festival, the people around and the different booths, I wrote about you too. You made me feel a sort of peace I didn't know I knew how to feel. Or maybe it was the tea. Or a combination of the two, even." He chuckled. "Anyway I just wanted you to know you made an impact on me. I think this is a pretty neat place and I'm happy to have stumbled upon it."

(553 Words)

[Black.Wings]

Username: Black.Wings
Buttermilk: Bullet
Prompt: “So I had been thinking all night about another question to ask you, and I've got one: Do you have a nickname? Doesn't have to be a silly one, but I was wondering that, and maybe if you'd share how you got it!”

Bullet wanders back through the door to the café. “Hi love, I’ll take another of the same from the other day.” She takes a seat across from you. “Mmm pumpkin, I just adore pumpkin don’t you love? Funnily enough that’s one of my nicknames from my travels.” She swirls the whipped cream into her drink. “Back in my younger days, when I just started traveling I was a bit less careful. I hung out with a bad crowd. I had a bit too much one night and woke up in a pumpkin patch. There were pumpkins smashed all around me and a poorly carved one stuck on my head. Looking back now it’s pretty funny.” She cracked a grin you hadn’t seen from her before. She took a long swig of her drink. “The farmer was furious! I had to extend my stay and work off all the damage I’d done. I was the only one who was held responsible for all the damages. The others all laughed at me and called me pumpkin. I’ll never live that one down. I don’t associate with them anymore.” She finished off her drink but didn’t leave right away. “Now tell me about you love, I’m sure I’m not the only one who doesn’t call you by your name.”
216 words

[honeybunchesofoats]

Username: honeybunchesofoats
Buttermilk's Name/Link: .....hey! look!
Answer to Prompt:

The castle windows were thrown open to try and cool off the massive space. It was still unusually humid for the middle of fall and Icarus and his sister were draped across the common room sofa. Icarus' dress shirt was unbuttoned, tie long forgotten. At one point he had run back to his quarters to change into some shorts before coming back but they didn't help the sweat he could feel gathering at the back of his knees. He scrunched his nose in disgust. He lifted his head slightly to observe Kyoko, who was still fully dressed in a long sleeve silk ruffled shirt, cravat pulled taught. He also wore corduroy pants that made Icarus' skin crawl just thinking about being in. The only indication the purple haired teen was affected by the head was his hairstyle. His normal long ponytail was pulled into a messy bun on the crown of his head. At least Icarus could blame heat exhaustion for the flush on his cheeks. The boy was painting the twins, and had been for multiple hours. He always got like this, especially when he was painting more than just Icarus as a subject. He locked in, and wouldn't speak until he felt like he was at a good stopping point. Typically it was only after Icarus was able to force him to step away from the piece.

Allura groaned and rolled from her back to her stomach, she laid in a thin cotton nightgown, uncaring that it was unbecoming of a princess to host company in such attire. 'And she's supposed to be to good one...', Icarus scoffed in his head. One of Allura's feet connected with the back of Icarus' head. The blonde gasped and brought her hands to her mouth in shock, but soon erupted into a fit of giggles. Her laughter was cut short by a yowl of surprise as Icarus surged towards her and the pair began to try to wrestle each other off the couch. Kyoko stopped painting and popped on a hip, lifting his fingers to pinch the bridge his nose and smudging the exact shade of Icarus' eyes between his brows. Allura shoved Icarus to the ground and screeched to announce her victory.

"I win fair and square loser!! And as punishment i hereby dub you...Nimrod! All hail Nimrod, Idiot of the Seven Isles!!", she cackled at her joke. Icarus grabbed her ankles and pulled her off the couch with him in a sneak attack maneuver. He laughed maniacally but stopped abruptly as soft giggling filled his ears. Kyoko was snickering into his hand, beginning to double over and clutching his stomach. Icarus had never heard the boy laugh before; he was stunned. He felt a surge of pride in his chest.

"See! Even Kyoko thinks I'm funnier than you Allura, face it.", he declared but the artist shook his head in reply before he had fully caught his breath.

"Nimrod! She called you...Nimrod!", he broke out into a fit of laughter again and Allura rolled around on the floor, joining in. The feeling in his chest began to burn with embarrassment. He was about to gather his things and leave the room before Kyoko made his way over to him and rested his hand on the prince's shoulder.

"Please don't go Nim."

The painter meant is as a joke but Icarus bit his lip. It sounded like a pet name, one that he had to admit sounded nice coming out of the older boy's mouth. Icarus looked between his sister and his friend and sighed before agreeing to admit defeat and relaxing back into the cushions of the couch. (609)

[♔Voltaire♔]

You and Azai chat until the sun begins to set, the fiery oranges and reds above signaling the close of another day at the festival. His eyes follow yours to the watercolor sky, a soft sigh spilling past his lips.

"Well, it seems the day has come to a close. I hope you enjoyed your drink! Come back tomorrow if you'd like- same time, same place." his eyes crinkle at the corners as he gives you a cheerful smile, moving to take a clean rag in hand to prepare to close up for the day. "Take care of yourself on your way back!"

Azai waves goodbye to you as you lift yourself off the seat and make your way back through the Autumn Festival grounds. You smile, thinking about the conversations you've had with the charming young man, his response to your answer ringing in your mind.

⸙ Joke's On You ⸙

Beedle boi is cool and all, but what if someone gave you a nickname that rhymed with Beedle? Like Needle, Azai giggles, seemingly pleased with his idea. "Needle Beedle, or Sneedle-" he lists, snorting and giggling to himself. He's having way to much fun with this.

⸙ paopu ⸙

Azai snorts, shrugging his shoulders relaxedly. No worries, man, I don't have one either! I just thought it'd be a fun icebreaker question, you know? Cut me some slack, it's a barista's job to ask the hard-hitting questions. It made ya think at least, didn't it? Also, I see you didn't bring any of your jewelry or metalwork for me to see. Maybe next time?"

⸙ DarkestWerewolf ⸙

"V is short, sweet, and to the point- I like it! It seems you have lots of nicknames from lots of people who love you. Isn't that sweet? To be loved is to be seen, as they say.

⸙ BadgerBuddies ⸙

Azai's face falls as Jack gushes about the nickname others have given him. It's clear to see the name was given lovingly, and the poor guy is none the wiser. "You know, Jack, I think you should watch 'Anabelle's Wish', he responds softly. It's a great movie, and I think You'd enjoy it. Whether you watch it or not, just know you can do whatever you put your mind to, and that I will be looking to the skies the moment you learn to fly. I promise."

⸙ sprig ⸙

Azai's brows furrow, his eyes scanning over the pages of Voltaire's notebook, but he can't seem to truly focus on the words before him. He finds himself too hung up on what the poor guy in front of him has shared concerning his upbringing. "I'm sorry, Azai mumbles, the words soft, troubled. He swallows thickly, worrying his bottom lip between his teeth for a moment before speaking again. "I know nothing that I say will most likely shift your perspective, and that's okay. That's not my intention, I just... Nicknames aren't a sign of weakness, Voltaire. They're a sign of the strongest thing a person can do. And that... is to love. He remains silent for a few heartbeats more, continuing softly soon after. "It breaks me to hear that your dad didn't see it that way. That he saw it as a hindrance to the potential he seemingly forced upon you. I... I hope you know, or soon come to realize that the only person you need to answer to is yourself, yeah? That you are your own person, not a vessel to make up for the shortcomings or failures of another, or to strengthen the successes of them. You have a heart that deserves to know love, to feel it in ways only the heart can. Passion, love... That is what strength is. The ability to allow yourself to feel what others deem as weakness.

⸙ Black.Wings ⸙

"Not the blackout in the pumpkin patch!" Azai wheezes, barking out a laugh. "Ugh, I remember my first bender, not my finest hour. But seriously, I don't really have a nickname. Everyone just calls me Azai, and I don't mind that! He shrugs. "My name isn't really a name you can make a cute nickname out of or anything, so I don't really get FOMO from not having one. It just comes with the territory of having a difficult time to make a nickname for."

⸙ honeybunchesofoats ⸙

"The universe most definitely was not smiling upon you that day, oh my god! Azai snorts, biting his lower lip to stifle the giggles that threaten to spill from him. "N-Nimrod? Like, for real, that's your nickname? Dude, I am SO sorry, but that is the most hilariously unfortunate thing- no wonder you want to go from riches to rags! He shakes his head, gathering himself before doubling over, hands white-knuckling the chair. "Hahahah! Lord Nimrod! HAHAHAH!"

⸙ bluex ⸙

"Babybel, eh? That's a cute nickname, I mean, moms always tend to have the most embarrassing nicknames for their kids, it seems, he chuckles sheepishly, his face softening with tender empathy. I know what it's like to grow up with embarrassing nicknames, so no worries, your secret is safe with me!

⸙ case ⸙

"You know, if you didn't explain to me where the nickname 'Buzz' came from, I'd have been none the wiser. I am not much of a movie guy myself, but now that you say it, I do recognize the quote, he mumbles, seemingly lost in thought. "But I understand the comfort of keeping to yourself. I can be that way sometimes too, especially when it comes to my personal life. You feel more secure knowing others don't have a way to betray you via your private information. It makes sense."

⸙ Butter Dragon ⸙

"I have a buddy a few towns over who's nickname is 'Junebug', but her full name is Juniper. It's such a fun nickname and a fun name in general to have, I am sure!"

⸙ Vol ⸙

"I don't want candy, I dont eat candy
but the PARASITES in me want the candy."

Everyone has recieved 6 cranberries!

[♔Voltaire♔]

The fairy lights flicker back on after a long night, signaling the beginning of a new day.

Day 3 is now live! Check the second post for the next prompt, and make note of this booth's closing time!!!

[Butter Dragon]

Username: Butter Dragon
Buttermilk's Name/Link: Junebug
Answer to Prompt:
“What is your favorite memory? It can be about anything!”

"It's hard to choose, there's just so many! But... I suppose it's when Beck first arrived. She was the second one to join me on the farm that was also a cow. I was nervous, and maybe a little jealous too. For over a year I had been the favorite, gotten all the attention, and I guess I was scared of that changing. So at first I avoided her, but eventually come dinner time I had to say hello. She was so sweet, and excited to meet me, and I just couldn't hold onto my negativity when talking to her. That evening wasn't remarkable in and of itself, but it was when I realized the world was bigger than I thought and that it didn't have to be scary. In fact, it could be wonderful. I'm glad she came, and these days I can't imagine having lived all these years completely alone on the farm.
[155 words]

“Have you ever fallen in love? Maybe with a hobby, or a person. Tell me about it.”

"'Fallen in love' feels like such a sudden term. Something that one might think of happening in a moment, or at least at some specific notable moment even if it was building before then..."

Junebug stomped her foot, trying to find the words to express herself. She couldn't quite explain when it happened, simply that, now, it is.

"I suppose that I fell in love with life. Maybe that's cliché, or maybe it doesn't even count at all, but I think it does. I used to be somewhat disillusioned with life. I didn't hate it, it wasn't bad or anything, but it always just sort of seemed to happen around me. Once I got comfortable with my life on the farm, I guess the routine just made me blind to all the lovely things around me. And, in that, I think it was the arrival of the other cows that live here that made me see that brightness and color again. Whether it's watching Beck care for the ducklings when they stray too far from the farm, or Foster when she finally gets up the bravery to talk to others. It's my friends that have brought the most love to my life. More than any one person, thing, or activity ever could."
[212 words]

[sprig]

Username: sprig
Buttermilk's Name/Link: Voltaire
Answer to Prompt:


As the festival began to wind down, Voltaire sat down at his favorite table for the last time. "I'll try something different today, how about a nice hot caramel latte?" He called over to Azai, who nodded and started to work on the order. "Do you have a favorite memory?" He asked as the latte was set on the table. Voltaire took a sip from the cup to give himself a moment to think before responding. "Actually, yes. When I was little, probably 4 or so, it was my birthday. My mom had covered the doorway to my bedroom in brightly colored streamers, and filled the hall with balloons to match. When I went into the kitchen she had made waffles with strawberries and whipped cream to put on top. We all ate together as a family, and I got to pick what we had for dinner. It was simple but I loved it."

After a few hours, Voltaire had long finished his drink, and needed to stretch his legs. He stood, leaving his belongings at the table, to walk around the cafe for a minute. Azai saw him, and waved. Voltaire wandered over, and ordered another coffee, this time a vanilla one. While he was making the drink, Azai called over his shoulder "Have you ever fallen in love?" Voltaire laughed. "No." He shook his head. "Well, not really fallen, I guess. I love my parents, obviously, and my sister." He thought for a moment more, before speaking again. "Actually, does falling in love with writing count? I feel like back in the day, I wrote because my dad wanted me to. But after time passed I really did fall in love with the craft, with creating something beautiful with words." He smiled faintly. "Anyway speaking of, I need to get back to my table and finish up my pages about the festival." And off he went.

(318 Words)

[BadgerBuddies]

Username: BadgerBuddies
Buttermilk's Name/Link: Jackalope
Answer to Prompt: 

Oh boy. A two questions? You’re sure you want to do that?

“Ya know, love’s a strong word. But yeah, ‘spose I have before. Not in tha traditional sense ‘r nuthin’, but I did have that strong feelin’ in my heart n’ an emotional connection. There was one day I was takin’ my usual walk in the woods, collectin’ anything that looked spiffy that I came across on the pathway. Well, to my surprise, the most spiffy thing I’d find that day wasn’t a thing, but a person. I heard soft sobbin’ n’ whimperin’ coming from down a rocky ledge. Thankfully it wasn’t too steep r’ else I might’ve put myself in a right pickle there too. A child had gotten lost in them there woods, and then took a tumble running trying to get out n’ find home. Thank goodness I’d found ‘em, ankle looked broken, no way they could’ve gotten out on their own. I laid myself down in that red clay dirt so the kiddo could hoist themself up on ma back. I knew these woods better than anyone, so I knew I’d be the best person to get his lil’ one ta safety. We went slowly outta them woods, but I think the tot felt secure up there on ma back, able to enjoy the scenery now that they were safe. It felt nice ta be the big protector of such a lil’ creature. Made me start to wonder if I wanted ta go and be a kid’s pet, or even if I didn’t maybe be a father to my own babies some day. Have someone to take care of. Makes ya feel good, important….. loved. We thankfully were able ta find the kid’s parents once we crossed through the clearing out of the woods. It was a heartwarming experience for sure, and I still hold that lil’ one in my heart.”

Jack paused for a moment, which he doesn’t normally do. He quickly started speaking again before Azai could get in any words, though. “Well, I ‘spose that right there is also one of my favorite memories. Can’t think of nuthin’ else quite like that. Really changed how I see things, and how I see myself.”

Oh. That was surprisingly heartwarming compared to the more typically out-in-left-field stories that come out of Jack’s mouth. It’s a good reminder that everyone is capable of love and also deserving of love, and that everyone has their people (or cows) out there who love them. It’s also a good reminder that quirky may seem off to us, but it is not bad. Jack has never hurt anyone with his oddness, he actually has a heart of gold. Maybe it’s time for others to be a bit nicer to Jack, as Azai has been throughout the length of this festival. Thank you, Azai, for being such a good egg<3

(480 words)

[Joke's On You]

Username: Joke's On You
Buttermilk's Name/Link: Beedle
Answer to Prompt:

"Have I ever fallen in love? Psh! Of course I have Azai, I figured that if talking to you has done anything, it has given you the opportunity to see how much I love those silly little bugs I share a name with. Though the reasoning behind why I had fallen in love with these insects is because of one of my favorite memories that I remember so distinctly to this day. So I guess I get to answer both questions, but I just wanted to throw you for a bit of a loop answering the question about falling in love first." Beedle said with a grin.

"Anyway- When I was young, I didn't have many friends. I didn't have the fortune of growing up in an area where there were others my age, which meant I was often off playing by my lonesome. It was me just running around each day using my own imagination in any way possible in order to keep myself entertained. While I still had fun, there was nothing that could ever amount to being able to play with another being, I want you to keep that in mind."

Beedle got comfortable in his seat as he continued to reflect on his dearest memory.

"One day I was sitting in a gorgeous field. It was filled with dandelions. Sure, they're weeds, but they made the field shine with more yellow than I had ever seen in my life at that point. Anyway, my imagination wasn't doing its usual thing on that day. So I chose to sit in the field and pick at the grass and the dandelions. I would also be blowing the puffs on the ones that were white out of sheer boredom. This is when a rhinoceros beetle perched up on a dandelion I was holding up to my face. It was a gorgeous sight and didn't mind my being there one bit." Beedle smiled, closing his eyes, trying to picture the very scene again.

"I just held that dandelion in my hands as it sat upon it and just admired everything about it. At that point I had never seen a rhinoceros beetle either- so this truly was a special moment for me. I had every urge in mind to touch it but held off due to not wanting to scare it or harm it in any way. It sat there for a long while before it flew off. When it flew off, I decided then and there that I would remember that moment for my entire life. And that I would go home and draw the very scene that happened that day. And that's exactly what I did! I went home and drew it. I still have the drawing to this day. It's not very good since I was young, but still! It's about my favorite memory and captures the moment where my love for beetles stemmed."

Nodding his head. He smiled. "Yes. I've fallen in love. And it all started because of that very memory I shared with you." [510]

[DarkestWerewolf]

username: DarkestWerewolf
buttermilk’s name/link: Venus
answer to prompt:

“Such interesting questions! I’d love to answer both.

Now let’s see, favourite memory….hmmm….off the top of my head, my favourite memory would be spending time with my friends. But not in the usual conventional hangout that most would go for. As of late, our meet ups tend to be going for runs together. We’re training for a marathon! I was initially really hesitant but I caved and decided there’s no harm in trying. So I’ve been training but it was only recent that I started training with them since we all run at different paces. One of my favourite memories was our first run together as a group. It was late at night and truthfully, I’m afraid of the dark. Despite my slower pace, they kept encouraging me while staying by my side. It made the run less tiring and more fun. Not only that but I had set a new personal record too!

As for when I fell in love…I can share the time I fell in love with my job. As I mentioned before, I’m a childcare teacher. It’s truly a job that demands genuine love and passion. The children in my class weren’t easy to handle. I was still new to the place and the little ones were also new to my class. However, I still did my best with them. I didn’t think too much of it until nearly half a year later when we held our parent-teacher conference and all the parents sang praises and compliments about how their child is doing so well and has grown so much under my care. It was extremely heartwarming to have known I played a part in their lives and to also hear how grateful the parents were. I think that was when I truly fell in love with being a childcare teacher.”