[♔Voltaire♔]

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You can barely hear your thoughts amid the felicitous chatter and laughter of the other festival-goers, weaving your way through the fray for a bit of respite. It's been a long while since you've experienced such excitement, and the event's festivities leave you both fulfilled and anticipatory for more. Still, there is only so much hustle and bustle a single individual can take before it leaves them overstimulated. You know you've hit the edge of the festival grounds when you can finally hear the satisfying crunch of the leaves beneath your feet without straining your ears for the sound, your fingers curling into your palms as you blow into the soft flesh to stimulate blood flow. Oh, what you would give for a warm cup of cider, or at least some type of warm beverage to warm the autumn chill that's settled into your bones; and as if your prayers had been answered, you spot a small pop-up cafe before you, the iron tables decorated with sunflowers and mums, cornstalks decorating the posts and tickling the bottoms of the amber fairy lights that hang from them. A young man flits about behind the makeshift bar, tidying up the space before his blue eyes catch yours, the sparkle appearing in them filling your belly with a profound warmth.

"Ah! Welcome to the Pop of Color Cafe, have a seat! My name is Azai, and I am honored to serve you!" The young man urges cheerfully, gesturing to a stool at the bar. You take the offer graciously, admiring the rustic and warm feeling of the space as Azai prepares a mug for you. He places the menu before you, detailing the many special autumn-themed beverages at your disposal. He allows you a moment to browse the items listed, before piping up. "Anything that's caught your eye?" You nod, and he takes your order, quickly making your desired beverage and setting it gingerly down before you. He watches you take the first sip, his eyes lighting up when he sees the satisfaction mirrored in yours.

"I take it you needed to get away from all the commotion. I am the same way myself- the crowds can be a bit too much, so when I am hired to work pop-up cafes for these events I like to have them set up and away from all the crowds. I hope you don't mind if we chat a bit while you unwind though, I am a bit of a yapper at heart." He chuckles sheepishly, his cheeks dimpling as he smiles. "So, since you’ll be here for a bit, let's yap! I love getting to know people, so humor me won’t you?"

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Welcome to the Pop of Color Café, Azai is here to serve you! Azai adores getting to know his customers, so be ready to answer his questions! This is a development and effort-based booth.

The cafe is open every other day, as Azai needs to be able to have time to restock on brews, so make sure you come back when we are open!

Each prompt has a limit of 150 words minimum, however because Azai could listen to you talk for hours, there is no max limit to how much you may write! You may also use art as an entry, downsizing the word limit minimum to 50 to help with explaining what the art is depicting. Have fun with your answers, and please note how many words you've used at the end of your prompt!

Prompts will update sometime around 11:30 PM EST every other day. Please do not edit previous forms after the booth is closed for judging, or your form for that day will be disqualified. Each reply that fits the requirements of the prompt will be rewarded 6 cranberries, and on a rare occurrence, answers that Azai seemed to enjoy will be rewarded with extra.

Are you a non-owner, but still want to participate? Please use either of our two mascots!
Bluebell | Buttercup

[♔Voltaire♔]

Be sure to check back here every other day for a new prompt!
Prompt 3 ends: Sunday at 11:00AM EST!

[♔Voltaire♔]

The booth is now open for posting prompts 💛

[Joke's On You]

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

A profession?

Sure! Beedle definitely had a profession. Right?

Beedle liked beetles, so... that meant that he had to be an entomologist! To his dismay as he continued to ponder on the Azai's question, perhaps Beedle didn't have a profession just yet.

"I was going to tell you that I'm an entomologist... but I don't think that's quite right. You see, I don't believe that I like all insects. Beetles are where my heart truly lies in terms of my love for insects. They are all so unique. You have rhinoceros beetles which have earned their name by having their own horn that resembles that of an actual rhinocerous. Then you have stag beetles with their humongous pincers. But it's also important that you don't forget that some of your smaller more unsuspecting insects are classified as beetles. I'm talking about ladybugs and of course- our favorite nighttime insects- fireflies."

Beedle had no problem going on a constant ramble about his love for beetles now that he had gotten himself going. This is when he thought of another idea.

"I may not be considered to be an entomologist since my insect love only stems from one species of insect, but perhaps... I can start my own profession? A beetle business if you will! I can be the beetle keeper. Sort of like a bee keeper- but for beetles! People from all over can come to me with the beetles they find and I'll ensure that they get a good home in a nice big enclosure, humidified well, with leaves, grass, sticks, and anything they need to truly help them survive in an enclosure."

As he sat there, he pondered on what he was saying. Could his profession truly just be dedicated to studying and keeping beetles? Was that still considered to be an entomologist? He didn't know, nor did he care, now that he actually was sitting in the seat across from Azai, in his own head.

"You know what Azai? You picked my brain today. I may not actually be considered to be a true entomologist, but I will guarentee you that whatever profession I pick up- it will have something to do with caring and studying beetles." Beedle smiled at Azai, giving him a kurt nod.

"Speaking of beetles..." Beedle said aloud, his smile turning into a grin. "Would you like to hear some fun facts about beetles? I have plenty!"

And that is how the rest of the day would go on. Beedle would sit there continuing to blabb about his obsession to anyone who cared to listen. Whether that be Azai or someone else entirely. Now that he knew he wanted to do something with beetles for a living, he would make sure people knew everything he knew about them. [464

[Knickknacks]

Username: knickknacks
Buttermilk's Name/Link: Reese
Answer to Prompt:

Reese’s eyes practically start sparkling when Azai approaches her with a question.

“I’m so happy you asked!” She claps her hooves together, trying to stifle an excited laugh. “I don’t have a… formal job, per se, but lately I’ve been working really hard as a sort of unofficial researcher! A scholar, if you will.” She adopts a mock-serious pose before breaking into giggles and continuing to speak.

“More specifically, I’m kind of studying abroad right now? Trying to decide on a subject for my thesis, but I kind of stumbled into Cherry Creek on accident, and Beverly and Delphi–the two ladies who practically run the place–have said I can stay and study there if I contribute with farm labor! So my time is pretty much evenly split between reading everything I can get my hooves on, and helping Beverly’s kids and all their friends in the orchards. It’s kind of the best of both worlds- I get lodging, ample time to do my research, and also work that gets me off my butt and out of the barn every once in awhile!”

[182 words]

[paopu]

Username: paopu
Buttermilk's Name/Link: Kit
Answer to Prompt:

Kit stared at the talkative bull in front of him, a bit at a loss of how he'd ended up here in this particular situation. He blinked at Azai a moment, trying to wrap his head around if he actually cared or was just trying to make small talk, before deciding, with a small bit of confusion, that he seemed genuine. Weird. But alright. He could work with that.

The fluffy cow sipped at his coffee. "Ah, um, well, I make things?" he replied awkwardly. Ah yes, very helpful and specific Kit, well done with that one. "A lot of different things, but mostly armor. And swords." He took another sip, trying not to let his awkwardness seep too much into his tone. "Sometimes jewelry. I like when I get to make jewelry. Or put details on armour." He smiled a bit to himself as he thought of the delicate work. "Which is all to say I'm a blacksmith."

159

[DarkestWerewolf]

Username: DarkestWerewolf
Buttermilk’s Name/Link: Venus
Answer to Prompt:

Venus let out a hum before a small but sad smile appeared on her face.
“Well….I’m currently working as a childcare teacher. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a rewarding job and I love watching the little ones grow. But would I say it’s my dream job? Truthfully, no. I love the ocean and honestly I’d love to be a marine biologist or any job that would get me up close and personal with the marine life. But…..I’m afraid of the ocean. Listen, I know it sounds ridiculous. I have a fish-like tail. It really isn’t in-character but seeing how deep oceans can go and how scary they can be really gets me weak in the knees. I’m working on it though, I swear. While I’m not drowning in doing up lesson plans and making sure the little moos are not climbing the walls, I’ve been taking swimming lessons on the side. Still just in the beginning stages but I’m hoping that it’ll be a good first step in helping me build that courage to eventually overcome the fear.” (178)

[BadgerBuddies]

Username: BadgerBuddies
Buttermilk's Name/Link: Jackalope
Answer to Prompt: “A profession… well I ain’t got no profession, and that’s cause I’m waitin’ n’ planing for my dream job! Boy, I know exactly how I’m gonna do it too. Been plannin’ for mosta the year now and it’s almost time. You ever hear about Santa Claus? Hooooooowee, that guy sure is real swell. I’ve always taken a liking to that jolly ol’ feller. Spreadin’ joy and kindness and whatnot each year. Would do my southern heart some good to get in on that kinda action. ‘Spose I don’t look much like a true reindeer, but honest I got the heart of one! Plus the antlers. I’m thinkin’ if I hitch a ride with Santa on Christmas Eve back to the North Pole, and help him n’ all the elves get ready for next Christmas, he’ll have to sprinkle me in some magic dust ‘er something, however he makes them magic reindeer fly, and let me join his team next Christmas. Honest, I’m strong n’ fast, I know I could pull that sleigh!”

(172 words - hope Azai enjoyed that word dump, Jack didn’t even leave him room to respond and just kept babbling 😂 although I’m not sure Azai would know how to respond to this foolishness lol)

[sprig]

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


Voltaire sat at a table on the far side of the make-shift cafe where it was quiet, but he was still able to observe the goings on around him. He pulled a brand new journal from his satchel and laid it open on the table. The smell of the fresh leather mixed with the various teas and coffees ordered by the people at other tables was like a dream. He flipped open the cover to the first page, and pulled a pen from his bag. It was a vintage gold fountain pen, given to him by his father.

All of a sudden, a cheery young man bounded up to the table. "What can I get you? Tea? Coffee? Juice maybe?" Voltaire set his pen down and gently closed his journal. Even though it was empty, it felt like an invasion of privacy to leave it open when a stranger was peering over his shoulder. "Do you have a rose tea?" He asked politely. Azai chuckled. "Do I have rose tea... Ha! I have Red rose, pink rose, peppermint rose, yellow rose. You name it!" Voltaire wrinkled his nose briefly. "Peppermint rose will do fine, thank you," as he returned to the task at hand of filling the first page in his new book. Azai giddily walked away, but was back within moments with the tea.

"So, what do you do for work?" Voltaire jerked his head up to see Azai still standing there. "Oh, I-um," he stuttered. Azai plopped into the chair across from him, placed his elbows on the table and his chin in his hands. "I uh-" flustered, Voltaire tried to think quickly how to describe his living. "Well I am hoping to become a journalist, of sorts." "What do you want to do with that job?" Vol blinked. He had never really talked about it out loud before. "I'd like to travel, and write about the things I see, the way it makes me feel. I'd like to help others experience the world from the comfort of their own homes. I want to go on grand adventures, to explore and hope to become a better person by learning from others," His voice cracked and his cleared his throat. "Its just not easy finding a position where they will pay you to travel." He half said out loud but half whispered. Azai nodded. "I get it. I do, I mean it was pretty much impossible starting up my shop- but here we are." He stood and straightened his apron. "Keep at it. I have every faith," and off he went to clear some tables on the opposite side of the booth.
Looking down at the journal before him, Voltaire took a deep breath. He opened once again to the front page, and taking out his pen he titled it "Confidence of a Stranger".

(475 Words)

[Winter Shores]

Username: Winter Shores
Buttermilk's Name/Link: Crush
Answer to Prompt:
Crush sipped on her drink, desperate to get the chill out of her bones. As she set the cup down the steam wafted towards her. She sighed, almost longly. She whispered to herself,” A profession you say?” Crush swirled her finger tips around the rim of the cup, “I mean…I would like one..someday.” She took another sip of her drink and looked up at Azai. “I suppose I do have my interests, but none of them have sparked a job position. Its so hard to work in the field and find a position that you both love and that is worth staying in. Its so hard, you can feel the desperation somedays.”

Crush closed her eyes, memories of her mother flitting through her head. Her mom had a lot of jobs over the years, some more fleeting than the next. Crush has promised herself that the job she found would not only be one she loved, but one that was secure, but how could botany provide for her?

“Truthfully, I think I would like to work with plants, I know it sounds so basic,” she sighed deeply, “there is just so much we don't know about them yet! Plants that could heal us or make us feel better. They can be used in foods and medicinal remedies, teas, and candies! And-and its not even just the green leafy plants to think about! You have your fruits and vegetables and everything in between like herbs!!” Her cheeks started to flush as her voice rose with each new piece of information she shared

“S-sorry,” she mumbled as she took another sip of her drink. Crush looked around at the other occupants of the booth café. They seemed to be coversing with joy and amusement. She couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness. “You must enjoy your job, you get to meet so many new people and hear so many stories. I think I prefer the solitary life,” she chucked a bit, “talk to the plants, ya know?”
[337]