(Canterlot) The Elder Tree Teahouse [Closed for Now]

[Elderflower]

[colour=#ffa07a]The Menu:

Teas: Green, chamomile, elderberry, jasmine, genmaicha green, masala chai, fennel rose, ginger honey, black, pu’erh, white, peppermint, eucalyptus leaf.

-Milk and sweeteners optional. Sweeteners include white sugar cubes, brown sugar cubes, honey, agave nectar, and elderflower cordial.

Sweets: Chocolate croissants, elderflower sugar croissants, elderflower cupcakes, sugar cookies, shortbreads, and macarons.

Beverages: Sparkling water, still water, lychee juice, milk, passionfruit juice, and elderflower cordial with sparkling or still water.[/colour]

---

Elderflower closed her eyes for a moment and exhaled. She needed a second, just a short second, to breathe deeply and level out her thoughts. She was almost through the busiest time of day – just two more hours and she’d be able to close up and spend the rest of her evening baking and in the garden, just her and Blue. Almost as though he sensed her though, however, the little fairy wren let out a trill from one of the quieter rooms in her tea house. El recognized that small song of his, which meant it was one of her regulars. This late in the afternoon in that cozy room, the unicorn knew exactly who was waiting for her without going to see. Smiling, she poured hot water over the fragrant pile of green leaves within one of her green iron teapots, and placed it on a tray alongside a dainty croissant powdered with elderflower sugar. Placing a floral decorated wooden cup beside the teapot, she floated the tray in front of her on her way to the room, passing by Blue as he flitted out to check the rest of the teahouse.

“Good afternoon!” she chimed as she entered, setting the tray down in front of a very pleasant earth pony, “Green tea and a powdered croissant as always, Spindle?” She was fond of this regular – he was always very friendly and always had an extremely generous smile.

“Yes, El. This is lovely, thanks – but I’ll let you get back to work.”

Smiling appreciatively, El bowed out of the room. It was a good thing Spindle wasn’t feeling chatty, or she might have missed Blue singing out to her again. This time, it wasn’t a regular – a little bit more of her time would be eaten up, but it shouldn’t be too bad. It made things a lot more fast-paced for her, but her schedule never left her patrons waiting. This was exactly why she was so stubborn whenever her parents told her to hire on an extra set of hooves – she could maintain friendly, efficient service without the need of somepony else. Though she could get stressed sometimes, she was certain the stress of keeping busy was nothing compared to the stress of having to train somepony from scratch and worrying that they weren’t doing things to her satisfaction. Imagine how much wastage there would be (in regards to time as well as tea) if she had to keep correcting a newbie over and over! No way – she was much too particular to care for hiring on another pony.

The next hour and a half turned into a haze of smiling, making brief small talk, boiling water, pouring water, fetching sweets, and so forth. Things finally began to quiet down once she reached the last half hour stretch before closing and El allowed herself another deep breath. She paused for a moment before the open garden doors, taking in the rich scent of her garden. Casting her gaze upwards, she realized that the branches of her elder tree were really beginning to sag with dark berries. Midsummer had arrived! As she took one last, long breath of heady summer air she made a mental note to rope off the area beneath her tree that evening. She always worried that somepony would be tempted to eat the berries from her tree, and that would be just horrible! Elderberries are poisonous unless they are cooked.

The unicorn tossed a stray piece of her mane from her eyes and headed towards her counter while she began washing dishes, cheerfully saying goodbye as each customer trailed out of her tea house. The sunbeams cutting in through the windows were beginning to take on a heavier, golden colour as it warmed the wood of her floors and furniture, and as El began to scrub at the sides of her teapots she watched dust motes dancing in the light. This was always her favourite time of day; quiet, summer evenings held a richness that always stirred her heart with some unidentified fervor, especially during the summer! Unable to resist her own good cheer, the mare began quietly humming to herself.

[Huscarl]

The door to the tea-house opened slowly, as a pony casually walked inside. He looked to be well dressed, a dark green suit (That looked like it had seen better days) suited with a black ascot topped off with a large black top hat, Foalfellow always took care of his style and appearance, first impressions do count and all.

The tophat was covering most of the ponies head, covering his eyes in a slick demeanor. He also used the evening sun as a backdrop to his entrance, making it even harder to distinguish any unique features about the pony. The pony walked like a he was of an upper class, and with his attire, it seemed very likely that he was.Noticing her humming, Foalfellow replied with his own hum, though to a different tune. Though similarly, It was upbeat and cheerfull, as he hoped to gain the Unicorns attention.

[DamianMane]

[colour=#8b4513]"Ah, excuse me sir," [/colour][colour=#000000]Copper mumbled as he briskly walked into the tea shop, nearly colliding with a dapper gentlepony as he did. After seeing the stallions suit, Copper couldn't help but feel a little ashamed of his grimy old jumpsuit. He sat down at a table, humming softly. He wasn't sure why he was humming, but everypony else seemed to be and for all Copper knew it was mandatory to hum in a Canterlot tea shop. He was new to the city after all. [/colour]

[colour=#000000]He sat down at a table and picked up a menu. Genmaicha Green? Masala Chai? Pu'erh? Copper had never known there where so many different types of tea. Well, he knew his Earl Grey from his chamomile from his green tea, but he was beginning to think that some of the teas on the menu where made up. He opted for a calming chamomile, which was exactly what he needed. He was exhausted from having packed, travelled, gotten lost twice and unpacked at his cousin's house where he was staying for the next month or so. [/colour]

[colour=#000000]As he was waiting to be served, he looked around the shop and couldn't help thinking how he'd improve it; a ceiling mounted pulley system for serving customers without having to leave the kitchen area, or perhaps pipes on every table in which one put their order in on a piece of paper and used a bellows to propel it to the waiters, or even... Copper sat toying with his thoughts, almost entirely forgetting that he was in fact waiting to be served. Almost. He really needed a cuppa.[/colour]

[Derpyy]

Care picked up his mailbag from his hoof and started out the door. He was ready for another great day of delivering mail. He absolutely loved his job. But he sometimes wished the job could be more exciting. He flew around and made a few stops here and there and continued on his daily route. Well it wasn't really a daily route since he was new to being a mailpony but he assumed it would become a daily route.

Care stopped and chatted with a few ponies on the side of the street for a bit. One said they remembered him when he was a colt but it was awkward seeing as how he had no idea who the pony was. He was almost all of his friends in Ponyville.

And that was what he loved about Ponyville. Everypony was nice and friendly and nopony was really mean to one another. Care smiled and waved hello to a few ponies and the waved back happily.

While he was trotting along his happy way a certain smell made it's way into his nose. He had no idea what the smell was or where it was coming from but he adored the smell.

He follow the smell to find the source and found himself at the ElderTree Teahouse. He had no idea this place existed.

He opened the door and saw two ponies already in the store. He almost bumped into one and said, "[colour=#daa520]Oh I'm sorry.[/colour]"

He moved his mailbag around and looked at the menu. He had no idea what a lot of things on the menu tasted like. But he was willing to try.

[Elderflower]

It seemed as though El wasn’t about to get her last minute calm in the shop. Just as she was preparing herself to start winding down, three newcomers to the shop slipped in through the door looking for service. The unicorn couldn’t feel disappointed about it, though – oh no! Relaxation was nothing compared to the excitement of new faces in her tea shop.

[colour=#ffa07a]“Welcome,”[/colour] she said warmly, casting a gentle smile at all three, [colour=#ffa07a]“To the Elder Tree Teahouse. I am the owner, Elderflower. Unfortunately our garden area is full up at the moment, but you are quite welcome to take a seat here. There is a menu on each table – if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask!”[/colour]

As she spoke, the mare took her time to observe the three stallions who had entered her shop. Each seemed to have very unique characteristics: a shabby yet suave pony in a top hat, one in a pair of overalls that were certainly put to good use, and-

[colour=#ffa07a]“You must be a mailpony,”[/colour] El said softly towards the third stallion that had entered the teahouse, stepping forward into the slanting sunbeams pouring in through the windows, “It must have been dreadfully hot making deliveries on a day like today, especially if you had large packages. Anything on the menu can be served as a cold drink on ice, if you’d like. It would be very nice after a day of hard work.”

While speaking to the mailpony, the wispy gal turned towards the pony in overalls; it seemed as though he had already taken a look at her menu and she would not wish to keep him waiting.

[colour=#ffa07a]“Good day, sir,”[/colour] she smiled as she approached him, [colour=#ffa07a]“I hope you’ve been having a lovely day. Has anything on the menu caught you eye? Keep in mind that any tea on the menu can be served cold if you would like.”[/colour]

Even though she had been looking forward to winding down a little in her last stretch of work for the day, Elderflower was filled with a sense of joy at the prospect of new faces to treat and serve. A half hour of easy work held little value in comparison to the chance to make more smiling faces using tea! Standing before newcomers to her shop, the air heavy with the scent of tea, sweets, flowers, and varnished wood, nothing could fill her with a greater sense of comfort – a feeling she wished to share with the ponies of Canterlot!

[Derpyy]

Care had an overwhelming sense of friendliness come from the mare that was behind the counter. He couldn't help but smile at her. He always enjoyed a pony that was kind and friendly.

He couldn't help but think that she seemed to be working a bit too hard. He felt a sense very very small sense of pity for her. But he didn't want to belittle her at all. He figured working a restaurant was way harder than delivering mail.

But Care loved his job.

He scanned over the menu after he heard what the mare said to him.

She told him that he could get a cold drink. And she was right! It was quite hard delivering mail on this hot day. But Care had to do it. He still had a few stops after this. But they could be delivered later.

He also had a sense a pride come over him when he heard her say he must be the mail pony. Care laughed a bit and then scanned the menu again.

"Yes I am a mailpony.". He smiled at her. "Would it be alright if I got a sparkling water? That sounds very refreshing.". He then pulled out some bits and put them on the counter.

"Well it must be hard having to prepare drinks for countless ponies all day. Especially in this heat!". He glanced out the door and sighed.

"But hey. It's how we make a living.". He laughed and smiled at Elder. "I'm Care by the way. Care Package.". He smiled a warm smile at her.

[DamianMane]

[colour=#FFA07A]“Good day, sir. [/colour][colour=#FFA07A]I hope you’ve been having a lovely day. Has anything on the menu caught you eye? Keep in mind that any tea on the menu can be served cold if you would like.”[/colour]

[colour=#8b4513]"Thanks, but I think I'll have a warm chamomile please. Ah, no milk or sugars either, please. Oh, and a shortbread if you don't mind." [/colour]Copper smiled up at the mare who had introduced herself as the owner. That intrigued Copper, as he assumed she had simply been a waitress. But looking around, he couldn't see anypony else who looked like they worked here, implying it was her alone.

[colour=#8b4513]"So, miss Elderflower, do you run this place entirely by yourself then?"[/colour]

[Huscarl]

[colour=#a52a2a]"Lychee juice if you don't mind madam" [/colour]In a quietly sly, but soothingly persuasive tone while taking a short, but polite bow. Sure, his suit was far from being in well condition, though there was a certain aura of intrigue around him. However, he did feel somewhat violated by the two stallions who had so rudely barged in front of him. Nevertheless, he still tried to retain his dignity by ignoring them to a certain extent. He was more offended by the pony in the jumpsuit however, as he had so carelessly walked into the shop and ALMOST collided with him, Foalfellow brushed this off as pure clumsiness on the stallions part, and briefly looked daggers at him.

Moving out of the way of the others seemed like the best option. He moved almost like a snake to a seat in the corner of the tea-house making sure to smile to the Mare, and ever-so gently brush his fox-like tail into the other two other stallions faces in a show of disrespect before promptly taking a seat. This seat wasn't too far away however, as it was the perfect position to go unnoticed and to eavesdrop onto the other ponies businesses. Finding out the inner workings of the 'Elder Tree Tea House' would be the best bet before he could execute his plan...

[Elderflower]

[colour=#daa520]"Yes I am a mailpony.". He smiled at her. "Would it be alright if I got a sparkling water? That sounds very refreshing."
"Well it must be hard having to prepare drinks for countless ponies all day. Especially in this heat!".
"But hey. It's how we make a living.". He laughed and smiled at Elder. "I'm Care by the way. Care Package.". He smiled a warm smile at her[/colour].

​

[colour=#ffa07a]“Of course you may,”[/colour] El replied sweetly, closing her eyes as she returned the smile,[colour=#ffa07a] “Water is the best drink to have when you've been working this hard. Please, have a seat and relax a little while you’re here – it is very nice to meet you Care Package!”[/colour]

As she spoke, the mare’s horn began to glow with a golden light and from behind the counter a glass of cold, sparkling water floated up into the air and over towards the mailpony. The tall glass had a wedge of lemon on its rim, and a bead of its sharp juice was sliding down to join the condensation on the smooth surface – what a perfect image of refreshment! She turned her attention towards the overall-clad stallion, then, her horn still glowing. It was hard from this side of the counter to see exactly what was happening, but the sound of kitchenware moving around behind the scenes could be heard in the chorus of birdsong and chatting ponies drifting in from her garden. It was quite clear that Elderflower knew the teahouse like the back of her hoof, working so intuitively with her back turned to her counter and kitchen area.

[colour=#000080]"Thanks, but I think I'll have a warm chamomile please. Ah, no milk or sugars either, please. Oh, and a shortbread if you don't mind."
"So, miss Elderflower, do you run this place entirely by yourself then?"[/colour][colour=#a52a2a]

​[/colour]


[colour=#ffa07a]“Your tea is currently steeping, sir,”[/colour] she said to her customer as a shortbread on a small, dainty plate floated over to set itself on the table before him. And at that moment, as though the little fairy wren had been eavesdropping in order to create a perfect entrance, Blue flitted in from the garden to nestle himself into El’s pale pink mane, snuggling up against the warm magic radiating from her horn.

The mare giggled, then, her smile widening,[colour=#ffa07a] “As you can see, I’m not entirely alone here. When it’s very busy and customers are spread out in the different areas of the teahouse, Blue will sing out to me to tell me when somepony enters or is ready to order. It’s still very busy work, but being in my teahouse and sharing my love of teas and comfort with other ponies in such close proximity to my garden…there is nothing I love more!”[/colour]

The wisp of a unicorn made sure to turn back towards Care as she spoke to the stallion in overalls, as he had also sparked a conversation about her work. With three customers arriving at the same time, she couldn't simply ignore one for the other – she always did her best to avoid making anypony feel left out. Speaking of which…

[colour=#A52A2A]"Lychee juice if you don't mind madam"

​[/colour]


[colour=#ffa07a]“Good afternoon sir,”[/colour] El called out to the dapper pony that tried to slink in like a shadow, unnoticed. As she approached him a small, green cup thunked down softly in front of the jumpsuit stallion, followed by a matching green teapot which poured out a perfectly steeped waterfall of chamomile tea, stopping at the perfect level before settling down on the table itself as it shed its golden aura. Blue puffed up his feathers and snuggled a little more comfortably into her mane as she approached the third stallion, a faint look of concentration on her small face. Lychee juice was a little more difficult than tea or water – not many ponies had been ordering it lately, so she had a little more difficulty pouring and mixing without seeing what she was doing. The unicorn’s smile never left her, though, and before long a medium-sized glass of lychee juice plunked down on the table and the magic faded from her horn.

[colour=#ffa07a]“You may leave your bits on the table when you leave,”[/colour] she said kindly, tilting her head to one side as she smiled, [colour=#ffa07a]“If you need anything else, please let me know!”[/colour]

El had the sense that this pony wasn’t feeling particularly talkative, and even though she felt curious she could hardly push conversation onto him – she must always respect the customer’s wishes, after all. She felt sure that if he needed to speak, he would – so long as she made him aware that she didn't just ignore her customers (in case they’re shy sorts!), she felt perfectly at ease leaving him to his own devices.

[Derpyy]

The mare replied very sweetly to Care it made him smile even while he was turned around. She had fixed his water in a jiffy and served it to him. He found a seat and sat down

. He took a big gulp of the water from the glass. It was probably one of the best drinks he had ever had. He then quickly whole thing down.

He let out a satisfied Ahh! When he finished the water. He glanced back over at El as she was working away and serving the other ponies.

He saw an animal come up and he heard mare call it Blue. He figured that a mare that nice would never ignore any pony. He hoped she didn't get that feeling that he thought she ignored him or anypony.

He watched as she fixed other drinks and a shortbread for a pony.

Care chuckled slightly and said quietly, "Must be hard to run this place." He said this when she said she doesn't run the place alone and she was talking about her animals.

Care had no business of his own but he was sure running a business wasn't that easy. To him the mare looked stresses behind the sweet face.

He heard her saw to leave bits on the table when you were ready to leave. Even though Care was done with his water he didn't want to leave. He stayed seated in his chair.

[Huscarl]

Foalfellow found the mare's craftsmanship and positive attitude refreshing. A pony who continues to smile when doing such a meaningless task must be living life by their own accord, as he took note of her every movement while poring his drink.

[colour=#ffa07a]“You may leave your bits on the table when you leave,”[/colour] she said kindly, tilting her head to one side as she smiled, [colour=#ffa07a]“If you need anything else, please let me know!”[/colour]

He nodded in acknowledgement of her kind words, taking another short polite bow and extending his fore-hooves out to his sides, just as a showman would do, as intended as a display of respect. He left the other ponies to their own meaningless adventures in the Teahouse. Now, Within earshot of conversations, perhaps he could finally learn something about the place... He left the drink on the table, as he pulled out a book from one of the suits many pockets to encase himself in a charade to make himself look busy. The books name was 'Living in Hope', perhaps somebody in the Tea House would notice it.

[gamerkane]

Peace ran as fast as he could in an attempt not to be locked out. His new job was running later than he had expected, and he didn't want to miss what had become his daily ritual of drinking El's tea. In a short time, the door was in front of him. Taking a deep breath, he regained a regular breathing pattern and opened the door. As he entered and made his way to a table, the blue stallion scanned the room."[colour=#0000cd]How's everpony doing today?" [/colour]he asked with a gentle smile on his face.

He decided to take a seat at a table near what he could only assume was the mailpony. Looking down at the menu, the tough decision came to him. He had tried most of the teas, but hadn't figured out which one he liked the most. Instead of thinking about it too hard, he decided to ask the owner when she came.

[Derpyy]

Care watched as a blue pony entered the room.

To Care he seemed rushed. Care chuckled a bit as he entered the Teahouse and asked how everypony was.

Then he came down and sat next to him.

The pony started to examine the menu. Care looked at his empty glass and smiled at it. He remembered the crisp clean taste the water offered his taste buds.

He then looked over at the blue stallion and said, "I don't know if your question was rhetorical or not but if it means anything I'm doing alright."

He laughed a bit and said, "Doing better since I drank that water.". He pointed at the counter where he picked up his water. He smiled and said, "I know I just got a glass of water but that mare sure can make a great glass of water.". He looked down at the empty glass and said quietly, "Such a shame she can't deliver this stuff.". He then shook his head and looked back up at the stallion.

He stuck out his hoof for a shake and said, "I'm Care Package by the way.". He chuckled a bit.

[DamianMane]

As he contentedly sipped his tea, Copper looked around the tea shop and the ponies inside, including the young stallion who had just entered, who the mail pony, Care, was now chatting to. How friendly everyone seemed to be here! Well, with the exception of the stallion in the suit who had glared at him a moment ago. Even then though, Copper had simply smiled back. Always be polite, a principle Copper always tried to stand by.

Copper's thoughts drifted from the suited stallion to the quaint little shop's proprietor, who seemed to be trying her hardest to see to everypony all on her own. How easier for her it would be to have an extra pair of hooves around the place... A pair of hooves that might be given a few bits for helping out... Bits that Copper couldn't make while he was away from his workshop. Copper looked back up at the mare. A part time job while he was here certainly would be useful, but he didn't want to be too up-front about it. He decided to try and work it into the conversation.

[colour=#8b4513]"So nopony else works here then, miss Elderflower? Bar your charming little helper there, of course," [/colour]Copper said, motioning at Blue while smiling warmly.

[gamerkane]

The mail pony decided to answer his question and start up a conversation. He looked at the pony as he described what was evidently the best glass of water ever. A small chuckle escaped him just before he was asked for his name. [colour=#0000cd]"I'm Peace Keeper." [/colour]He introduced himself as he shook Care's hoof. [colour=#0000cd]"So, what do you do? You know, for a living." [/colour]He asked more to confirm his hunch than anything else. Even if he was a mailpony, there was no way that Peace himself could be one. Or could he? Delivering good news would be something right up his alley.

[Derpyy]

Care smiled at the pony who was talking with him.

He smiled at him as he asked him what he did for a living.

He pulled up his mailbag and said, "I deliver mail all over Equestria! I'm Equestria's awesomest mailpony!"

Care chuckled a bit.

He then looked at Peace and said, "What do you do?"

[Elderflower]

[colour=#daa520]"Must be hard to run this place."[/colour]

​

Blue had nestled so deeply into the unicorn’s mane by now that just the powdery-blue tuft of his crown was peeking out from beneath the soft body of pink and cream hair. He had, however, begun to chirp lazy little tunes. With a small sigh and a roll of her golden eyes (which were completely facetious in manner, as she did both with a wide smile), El turned back towards the mailpony to answer him.

[colour=#ffa07a]“There are good days and bad days,”[/colour] she replied honestly, her smile shrinking ever-so-slightly,[colour=#ffa07a] “But it’s all worth it – I love what I do and I would have things no other way. I sacrifice most of my free time, but the teahouse is never open on Sunday so I have plenty of time to relax then!”[/colour]

Of course she conveniently left out the small detail that she spent a great deal of time on Sundays weeding her garden and preparing dough for her sweets. That way, if she ever felt too tired or simply didn’t have time during the evenings to prepare her baking for the next morning, there were always alternatives. She was surprised, actually, that Blue wasn’t nipping at her for the little white lie. In his own way, he could be just as big a nag as her parents when it came to the topic of her work – he supported her mother and father 100% in the idea that she needed to hire some help.

[colour=#000080]“So nopony else works here then, miss Elderflower? Bar your charming little helper there, of course,”[/colour]

​

[colour=#ffa07a]“You’re correct- oh! Oh how rude of me!”[/colour]

Elderflower turned completely to face the stallion with the overalls and approached him, looking perhaps a little more flustered than necessary. The sudden movement rattled Blue a little and caused him to let out an annoyed little chirp, but the mare hardly noticed.

[colour=#ffa07a]“I don’t even know your name, sir! I should have asked, I am very sorry!”[/colour]

[colour=#282828]"[/colour][colour=#0000CD]How's everpony doing today?"

​[/colour]

Before El could receive an answer, though, she was interrupted by the arrival of yet another stallion. This face, at least, she recognized. Peace Keeper was fairly new to Canterlot and she was getting used to seeing him show up for a pot of tea every day – he was late today, however!

[colour=#ffa07a]“Well hello, Peace Keeper,”[/colour] she called over to him, finally regaining her composure and falling back into her typical, soft-spoken manner, [colour=#ffa07a]“I was wondering if you would be visiting again today! I’ll be with you momentarily.”[/colour]

Normally El hated to keep a customer waiting, but she couldn’t just walk away after asking somepony for their name! It seemed she needn’t worry too much, however, as the very friendly Care Package was quick to strike up a conversation with the blue stallion. A rather embarrassing conversation for her to overhear, actually – praising something so simple as a glass of water! It brought a faint blush to the mare’s cheeks. She brought her attention back to the pony before her, then, and smiled brightly – hoping to really play it cool.

[colour=#ffa07a]“Sorry about that, where were we?”[/colour]

As she waited for a response, she darted her eyes over quickly to the dapper character in the corner. He had taken out a book and was keeping to himself, still. The unicorn had the impression that there was more to this character than the reclusive personality he was currently exuding, and each movement he made caused her to grow more curious, but she wasn’t one to force an issue. Patience was a character quality one needed when working with gardens and tea, so she had plenty to spare! She’d learn what extravagant pony was all about sooner or later.

[Derpyy]

While Care was in a conversation with Peace Keeper he heard Elder start chatting with him and the other ponies in the store.

He blushed just a bit when she heard him say how it must hard to run this place.

He realized that delivering mail had it's good days and it's bad days as well.

Bad days in the mail business were the days that Care had to deliver mail with Derpy Hooves.

He smiled and laughed to himself. He loved Derpy but when she was on the job she was so...Derpy.

Care waited for Peace to tell him what he does for a living but his train of thought was derailed when he heard El say that no other pony works here.

Care then had a overwhelming sense of sorrow for himself and every other pony and Elder herself.

He thought to himself, 'El needs to deliver this stuff!'. He glanced over at El and saw her chatting with the other ponies in the store.

Any drink that was this good was worthy of being delivered all over Equestria.

He felt bad for interrupting El and the other ponies but he had to know.

He glanced down at the empty glass again and then at El, "Miss Elder have you ever considered delivery?". He put on a warm smile. He waited for her to reply. He didn't care how long it took her because he knew how busy she was.

[Huscarl]

Foalfellow waved his right fore-hoove slowly, with a smirk on his face as Elderflower's eyes darted over to him. He most definitely was not concentrating entirely on his book.

Sitting in the corner allowed him to gain a new perspective. He could now observe everypony in the shop, and determine their characteristics by silently sizing them up in a refined, educated manner. There was the smiling stallion in the worn jumpsuit, seeing that he was in a jumpsuit (and a grimy one, nevertheless) was a sign that he was working in some type of labor job. One of those more 'hooves-on' jobs. You could always find some type of work for ponies like that.

There was the one who had introduced himself as 'Care-Package' who seemed friendly enough in his inquisitive nature. He also seemed willing and able to help out with deliveries. Once again, another useful trait that you could always find work for.

There was the pony who had just entered, 'Peace Keeper'. an Intriguing name, though difficult to determine what he is good, or bad at. One could easily imagine what line of work he would be doing though.

and then, there was Elderflower. Foalfellow thought, while looking around the tea-house. Dropping his book to the table and taking a modest sip of his Lychee Juice. It was nice, refreshing after a hard, honest days work...... If only he would of known what such a thing is. Before picking up his book again, and cunningly leaning back. It wasn't the end of the day yet...

[gamerkane]

Peace nodded in acknowledgment of El's greeting [colour=#0000cd]"Take your time." [/colour]There really no was no rush, as he knew she wouldn't let him leave without something to drink. Returning his attention to Care, a small sigh escaped him. [colour=#0000cd]"Well, right now I'm helping one of the local shops with inventory, but it's not what I really want to do." [/colour]He was really just taking the job to help pay the bills for the moment being. [colour=#0000cd]"Although, I don't really know what I want to do. I know I want to help ponies relax, but there are so many different ways to do it, that it's hard to pick just one." [/colour]That was one of the reasons he truly enjoyed coming to Elderflower's shop, it was such a relaxing place.

[DamianMane]

Copper watched the wispy mare turn and dart around the shop, who was looking rather flustered after all of it. And who wouldn't be, with four customers to cater for all on their own?

[colour=#8B4513]"Oh, I'm Copper. Copper Mechgear. So tell me Miss Elderflower, doesn't it get a tad difficult running this wonderful little shop of yours with nopony else working here?" [/colour]Copper asked, hoping the mare wouldn't be offended by his suggestion that he hoped she would pick up on.

However, this was not the only thing on Copper's mind. In his peripheral vision he was paying a lot of attention to the other ponies around him. Partially to the mailpony, Care Package, and the stallion who had introduced himself as Peace Keeper. But mostly Copper was keeping an eye on the pony in the corner, the one in the suit. He appeared to have been surveying the shop and those in it. Or perhaps Copper was overcomplicating things and the stallion was just gazing around absent mindedly. Copper turned his attention back to Elderflower and awaited an answer to his question.

[Derpyy]

Care then looked back at Peace as he started talking to him.

Care heard Peace say that he helps out at a shop with inventory.

Care then heard him say that he wants to help ponies. Anyway he can. But he doesn't know the best way.

Care started to think that Peace was a very nice pony. Care liked to be nice to any and everypony but for him..delivering mail came first. No matter what.

Care smiled at Peace when he finished talking.

He raised his eyebrows and said, "You sound like a nice pony.". He chuckled a bit.

"Helping ponies can get you far in life.". Care smiled a friendly smile at Peace.

He every now and then glanced back and forth between Elder and the other ponies in the store.

One pony was in a heavy coat. Some of the ponies seemed very peculiar. He didn't judge though.

[Elderflower]

[colour=#daa520]"Miss Elder have you ever considered delivery?"[/colour]

​

That question made El’s thoughts stop in their tracks. Delivery? It seemed a bizarre concept to her, something that had never crossed her mind.

[colour=#ffa07a]“No, actually,”[/colour] she said rather thoughtfully, a knot forming in her brow as she considered the suggestion, [colour=#ffa07a]“I have not. I don’t think delivery is suited to this business. Here, I sell atmosphere as much as I sell tea and sweets - it would feel...wrong to offer up any of my drinks or treats on their own. And besides, I am much too busy to take on the additional work of preparing deliveries. I’m sorry if that’s frank, though. I do appreciate your enthusiasm and suggestions!”[/colour]

She finished speaking with her usual bright smile, nodding as she did in order to emphasize her sincerity.

[colour=#0000cd]"Although, I don't really know what I want to do. I know I want to help ponies relax, but there are so many different ways to do it, that it's hard to pick just one."[/colour]

​

[colour=#ffa07a]“That is an admirable goal, Peace Keeper,”[/colour] she said after the blue stallion, warmth seeping into her smile, [colour=#ffa07a]“Even though I am driven to work with tea, it’s the desire to help others find a sense of tranquility that influenced the design and creation of this teahouse. Tea, gardens, comforting sweets – all of these things help heal and soothe, especially in a quiet and comfortable environment. I always do my best to help others feel at ease by the time they leave my teahouse.”[/colour]

Peace Keeper was a very kind individual, someone who always gave her the impression of great generosity and warmth. El admired his goals and determination!

[colour=#000080] "Oh, I'm Copper. Copper Mechgear. So tell me Miss Elderflower, doesn't it get a tad difficult running this wonderful little shop of yours with nopony else working here?"[/colour]

​

[colour=#ffa07a]“Copper!”[/colour] El repeated, then added with a laugh: [colour=#ffa07a]“It’s lovely to officially meet you!”[/colour]

The mare had to take a moment to continue speaking. It would be a lie if she said she wasn't taken aback at all – sure, she had heard many comments before on how busy she must be from her regular customers, but never had anypony been so…forward about how she coped with her work. Worrying her bottom lip a little with her teeth as she considered the question, El watched as a young unicorn couple trailed out from the garden to exit the shop, offering up a friendly wave as they went. The mare was certain that the few other stragglers still taking their time and relaxing back there would be leaving soon enough as well, leaving the shop still and quiet once more. Although she had the creeping suspicion that the crowd gathered in the front of her shop now was just getting cozy, meaning she’d have to put off her clean-up a bit. That was fine, though – she would much rather invite them to stay into the evening than break up a good atmosphere. Just thinking about it brought her natural smile right back, and she knew she had the answer.

[colour=#ffa07a]“Difficult? I guess I get a little tired from time to time, but what’s a little bit of sleepiness compared to a life this happy? I’m a very lucky pony, after all. I’m not just living out my dream – I’m sharing it with others and bringing them happiness as well. What more could a mare ask for?”[/colour]

Her answer was perfectly genuine – tired or not, no life outside of her work or not, how could she complain? Such a fortunate life shouldn't bear any complaints!

Just to make sure, once she had her say the unicorn let her gaze flicker back towards the silent, dapper stallion. He was still keeping to himself, though he had put down his book. She attempted to catch his eye and offer him a little nod, just to let him know she wasn't forgetting him.

[Derpyy]

Care heard Elder say something about how she never considered delivery.

Care was disappointed. But he figured she had a good point.

Care smiled at her and continued to watch her work.

Care then spoke up and said, "Well..I'm just saying...ponies all over Equestria need to taste these drinks. And mail delivery...is right up my alley."

He laughed a bit. He waited to see what Elder would say.

[Huscarl]

Compliments. It seemed as if everybody in the shop was due to owe Elderflower compliments. Out of all of them, Copper seemed to be spewing them left, right and center. This irked Foalfellow slightly.

"Well..I'm just saying...ponies all over Equestria need to taste these drinks. And mail delivery...is right up my alley."

[colour=#B22222]"There is more that this place could benefit from than just a mail delivery service..." [/colour]Foalfellow added, breaking his silence from his corner, still with his eyes seemingly glued onto his book. He spoke with a refined, gentlepony manner. He smiled slightly, knowing that his words would surely cause some sort of a stir in the Teahouse.