"NOW ON SALE! MAJOLICA Mushroom Candies! WE ARE ALSO NOW TAKING PREORDERS ON GRAND WITCH MAJOLICA T-SHIRTS!" Majolica sat floating on her broomstick in the middle of town carrying fancy looking, shiny purples boxes. On the lid of the box was the outline of a green frog in a chef's hat. The words, "Bonbons de Majolica" adorned each box. It seemed that Majolica had made good on the pledge to sell sweets to help partially pay for the Lion's guild's guildhouse remodeling. Behind her, Majolica had set up a makeshift stand out of ice that had been covered with a stained tablecloth so it wouldn't hurt to touch. Behind the stand, two bi-pedal frogs worked quickly. The first frog reached into a sack labeled "mushrooms" and wadded them into small tight balls. He then tossed the balls into a bucket of water. The second frog reached into the bucket, took out each ball, rolled it evenly to get out excess water, wrapped the ball in paper, and placed each one into the same boxes Majolica was carrying. Anyone walking down the street that day and watched this display may have thought that they were simply going insane. Here, in broad daylight were two short humanoid frog-people rolling mushrooms into balls to be peddled as candy by a witch floating on a broomstick. Fortunately for Majolica, this is not what most people saw. What most people saw was an elegant, clean, and luxuriously looking stall. Behind the counter of this ornate establishment, an exceptionally attractive pair of confectioner's made deliciously decadent looking candies. As one of the confectioner's rolled and cooked perfectly delicious looking candy morsels, the second took the ready-made candies, dipped in chocolate, wrapped them in bright, attractive wrappers, and placed them lovingly into each box. Both workers smiled and hummed happily as they worked. Needless to say, illusion magic was great when you wanted to make things look better than they actually were. They also helped the candy not simply taste like perfectly healthy mushrooms that Majolica and her frogs had gathered, but extravagantly delicious chocolate. Basically, these 'candies' were a perfect healthy snack simply sprinkled with magic to change the taste. "Hehehe! COME AND GET THEM!" As the Grand Witch continued to give out free samples, a crowd started to form. Hehehe! I'll have the money to fix the guild house before the week is even out, and I'm making my subjects nice and healthy! All the better to serve me later... hehehe...
After her misadventures in Brisshal, Freja decided to continue her journey in Stokbon and see about getting a better idea of the sheer scope of the game. A convenient excuse she’d given her motives where none was needed; she simply continued to play at her own pace. If she could get into the self-reinforcing process of waking up, kicking ass, and enjoying the downtime, that was proof that the game was working as intended. Her actual goals, her purpose, needs and desires, were liable to shift as she settled into these brave new world, but for now, surely there was no harm in living in the moment. To that end, she found herself wandering down the streets, whistling a nondescript tune, carefree as ever. Presumably she would have to find an inn or some such to rest her feet, but she’d prefer to find one that had good drinks to serve, and with it, good food. Now, finding out what she was in the mood for, that was the hard part, she thought, only to catch a cloying aroma wafting in the air. Chocolate. She stopped her whistling and gave a heavy swallow, immediately noticing the saliva that had collected on her tongue in the span of a few moments. Chocolate and liquor—now that was a thought Freja hadn’t entertained for a while. Mostly because whenever stores sold boxes putting them together, they were usually in “shots” so pitifully small neither lovers of chocolate nor alcohol could walk away satisfied without having the whole box for their fix—after which they were liable to feel ill instead. Better to just enjoy them separately packaged. So it was on that note Freja thought to herself, ’Well, why the hell not,’ and let her nose lead the way. It didn’t take long, either; some semblance of a crowd was already forming, and even without that, she was hearing a girl give a sales pitch for candies, affirming Freja was headed the right direction. Or so she thought. As the girl continued, and the crowd took their orders, Freja couldn’t help but repeat what she’d just heard. “Mushroom candies? Wait, what? No, where’s the choc—oh, get out of the way,” she said, happy to exercise her privilege over the NPCs of being one of those “unique” individuals they couldn’t quite work out yet knew to be special by pushing her way through the increasingly unruly crowd with little repercussion. Only, things got weirder once she managed to swim through to the front of the congested masses, and she expressed as much all over a confused face as she looked up and into the stall. “The hell?” Frogs. No--frog chefs, the size of men, busy at work at crafting confectioneries like it was the most natural thing in the world. They were headed by a girl who could best be described as your very typical (albeit very cute) witch--brimmed hat, animate broom, the works. Here, in the heart of town, in broad daylight, running a stall, for mushroom candies. The craziest part was, the whole operation actually looked like it was well-organized. Freja looked at one of the sample boxes being handed out so generously. There was no doubt this place was where she had been smelling the chocolate, and her craving had only intensified. “So these are mushroom candies,” Freja said to the witch, taking one of the samples, and unwrapping it. It was, indeed, chocolate, and few pieces had so strong a wish to be eaten in one bite as this one. “Chocolate mushrooms. You’re not going to tell me they’re truffles, are you?” Bad joke aside, for something that sounded so unappetizing, this thing looked too damn delicious for Freja to wait a moment longer; she popped it in her mouth, and . . . “Sho gooood. . . .” Lo, bliss. Whatever skepticism she had before melted in one bite as quickly as the "chocolate" seemed to melt in her mouth. Next thing she’d hear those frogs were actually cream cakes that came to life. What a world.
The sweet, tantalizing smell of chocolate was what drew Vertigo to one of the main streets of Stokbon, the twenty-three year old merely following her nose as she concentrated on it. The young woman hadn't had chocolate in such a long time, even in as she worked in a cafe that practically hand-made their own chocolate and hot chocolate. Tail twitching gleefully, the Caenis absently pushed a few NPCs out of the way, ignoring their indignant cries. It wasn't like they had feelings, anyways... "Chocolate mushroom candies?" she inquired under her breath, the Caenis' ears picking up the incredulous voice of someone at the front of the crowd. Steadily inhaling the smell, Vertigo ran her long fingers through the bangs at the front of her face, content with just scenting out the goods. As she made her way to the front of the mass of people and NPCs, Vertigo's eyes widened at the sight at a pair of frogs. What on earth? The person in front of her (who was hopefully a player) was stuffing her face with one of the chocolate samples and looking more of a chocoholic than anything. Eyeing the young woman contemplatively, the twenty-three year old nimbly picked up a candy and carefully unwrapped it. While it looked (smelled and probably tasted) like chocolated, Vertigo couldn't help but sniff it cautiously. If it was actually chocolate, she would stuff it in her face. "Are you sure this chocolate doesn't have anything unsavory in it?" she inquired bluntly, her tail swishing behind her and one of her ears flattening slightly. Golden eyes warily eyed the frogs and the floating broomstick, nose twitching as the chocolate hit her nostrils with all the intent of something that she desperately wanted melting in her mouth. Even if the young woman moaning, "Sho goooood," she couldn't help but feel suspicious. As was her nature, of course.
Majolica watched excitedly as a crowd formed around her stall. Hehehe! This is too easy! I'm going to be Rich Baroness Grand Witch Majolica before I even know it! As she eyed the crowd, Majolica noticed a full-figured, redhead in twin tails making her way to the front of the crowd and inquire about her Mushroom Candy. "Hehehehe! They aren't just mushroom candies, they're MAJOLICA MUSHROOM CANDIES!" The Grand Witch giggled as she shouted out the name so everyone could hear what her stall was peddling. "Majolica Mushroom Candies are super yummy delectables created by the soon to be ruler of all of the world, Me! Grand Witch Majolica! Hehehe, I came up with the brilliant idea to make these allll by myself. See how happy everyone is that's eating my candies! Hehehe, I'm the most powerful candy maker in the world! There's nothing the Grand Witch isn't the best at! And, I don't know what a truffle is so who cares about that anyway? Just eat the candy, dummy! First one is free! Hehehe!" As Majolica watched the woman's face light up when she tasted the candy she turned to the crowd. "DEAR LOYAL PATRONS! Hehehe. I HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE! I, GRAND WITCH MAJOLICA HAVE RECENTLY DECIDED TO LEND MY AID TO THE ONCE GRAND LION'S PRIDE GUILD, hehe! THE GUILD HAS FALLEN ON HARD TIMES, BUT IT SEEMS TO ME, GRAND WITCH MAJOLICA, THAT IT'S TIME THEY GOT BACK TO WORK PROTECTING EVERYONE FROM DANGEROUS EVILS! Hehehe! SO, STARTING TODAY 40% OF ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF MAJOLICA'S MUSHROOM CANDIES WILL GO TO THE REBUILDING OF THE LION'S PRIDE! THAT MEANS THAT EVERY BOX BOUGHT IS MONEY SPENT ON BUILDING UP A GUILD TO PROTECT ALL OF YOU! SO HELP YOURSELVES TO CANDY, AND HELP YOURSELVES BY HELPING OUT THE LION'S PRIDE GUILD! HEHEHE!" With her speech done Majolica shot a wink and a thumb up to @Freja Sitka "Hehehe, and they said Majolica couldn't do business... so, curvy lady, you're a player right? Having fun? Want to become a sworn ally and protector of Grand Witch Majolica? Hehehe! If you agree you get to do fun things like throwing yourself in front of a sure-death kill shot meant for me so I can live! Hehehe... You also get a portion of any treasure we happen to loot from enemies or any enemy kingdoms we tear down and claim as our own! Right now, my group is a splinter faction of dark protectors in the Lion's Pride guild, called 'Witch Ops' ehehehe... it sounds super cool doesn't it? Hehehe." Majolica then looked around suspiciously and within whispering of Freja. "Keep this on the low, hehe, but I'm also going to make some Majolica t-shirts and if you join, maybe I'll give you a free one..." Majolica backed away and gave Freja a sly wink. As she did, she noticed @Vertigo making her way towards her and the woman. As the Canis woman asked if there was anything unsavory in the chocolate, Majolica chuckled. "Hehehe! These are Majolica's Mushroom Candies! They're healthy and nutritious and obviously, they taste perfect! Hehehe! All that's in them is mushrooms, and maybe some seasonings or a magical secret ingredient or something, hehehe! I can't give away all my trade secrets after all! Hehehehe! But, nothing in Majolica's Mushroom Candies are harmful, because Grand Witch Majolica, that's me, is soon to the ruler of this whole world, and you can't be a good ruler if your subjects all hate you, obviously! So, everything made at Bonbons de Majolica is meant to be perfectly healthy and edible to make sure all of Majolica's future subjects are happy and love her! Hehehehe! Majolica held out a candy to @Vertigo smiling. "So, have a candy and then we can talk about how bad you want to pledge your life to Grand Witch Majolica's service and share in her future victories in spoils! Hehehe! If you're not in a guild, you can start by joining the Lion's Pride Guild, then becoming apart of my splinter group of dark protectors, 'Witch Ops' hehehe. It's a secret though so don't go telling everyone and also, you might get a free t-shirt..." Majolica winked at Vergio and giggled.
So Seraphy, neophyte member of Lion's Guild that she was (though more or less everyone else there was as well, there already seemed to be a burgeoning pecking order), had been sent to check up on Majolica and make sure that she hadn't set Stokbon on fire. But how am I going to FIND her, Seraphy wondered... for all of about two seconds. Someone in the guild had said 'you'll know where when you get in a 100 yard radius,' and sure enough, at 99 yards from the main street square, Seraphy heard a shrill shout. Huh? Really? Just like that?! By this point, a sizable crowd of people had formed, lander and adventurer alike. "Hawawa.... I really hope this is okay..." Apprehensive, but hoping for the best, Serpahy followed the LONNNNNNNNNNNG snaking line of people to the table where there she saw the witch (@Grand Witch Majolica) who just so happened to be floating about peddling her wares on her broom. Seraphy waved while tottering over. The crowd was getting to her. "Ah! Majolica! It's me Seraphy, from The Lion's Pride. I was sent to watch over-uhm! Watch and help if needed! Yes! Because you're so smart! The Guild said I could learn a lot from you! Actually, I'm something of a chef myself, hehe..." Aaaaaaaahhhhhh This is too much for me Lions! I'm not too good with people! Seraphy looked around. "Uhm! Actually!" Seraphy leaned in close to Majolica's ear to whisper. "Do we have enough supplies for all these people?? I'm worried that there might be trouble if we run out."
While speaking with Vertigo, yet another adventurer approached the Grand Witch. Hehehehe! Like Majolicas to mushrooms! No one, adventurer or NPC alike can resist my candy! Hehehehehe, it's an economic victory the likes of which this world has never seen! Now who is this one... she looks... flowery. "Seraphy? Hehehe, are you a fan of Grand Witch Majolica's? Of course, you are! Everyone's a fan of the all-powerful future ruler of the world Grand Witch Majolica, hehehe! No. Copying. Though! There's only one Grand Witch and that's me. You don't have a hat or a broom so you can't be a witch either, hehe." Majolica hopped off her broom and put her hand on Seraphy's shoulder. "So, you want to work for the Grand Witch... hehe." Majolica looked smugly at the other two adventurers eating chocolate and winked. "Well, hehehe, you don't look like you can run through armies of evil orcs chopping them all down like a lawnmower. Can you shoot fire? That would be neat to have on my Witch Ops team, you can use fire to burn things and bad guys up then be like, "heh, need a light?" with a toothpick in your mouth." Majolica looked over @Seraphy before sighing. "We'd have to toughen you up though. You're too frilly to be the joking tough guy... can you start doing a lot of weights this week? I'd like you to look like an Amazon as soon as possible. Oh, hehe, you said you can cook right?" Majolica nodded towards the frogs. "Hehe, Well, I guess you can help the frogs, hehehe? But in Bonbons de Majolica, Suzy and Frank are the head chefs, so they might make you wash dishes or something, hehehe. Suzy and Frank are the frogs, by the way, anyway, It's a seniority thing! Hehehehe!" Majolica turned to the two frogs chefs and shouted. "Hey! Hehe, Suzy and Frank! This frilly girl wants to help make candies!" The frog chefs looked over and croaked. Majolica nodded and turned back towards Seraphy. "They say you can help but it's their kitchen and their rules, hehehe! Also, this is not a paying position... hehe, you're.... an intern! Intern Seraphy, hehehe, report to your station! And Majolica has plenty of candy to go around, dummy. Even if I didn't, it just means that next time I come back with candy people will be even MORE excited because I'll have enough for anyone! Hehehehe! Now! Off to work with you, Intern Seraphy! Hehehehe!"
As Majolica grandstanded, Seraphy muttered answers. "I left my broom at home..." "Work? I can help out. I think. If you'll have me..." "Or-orcs? Uhm?! I cannot! Ehhhh? Why a toothpick...?" "I-i-i would rather not bulk up... my clothes wouldn't fit..." "HUH?! WHAAA? Bu-but I'm not---- Wait did you say frogs?! Uhm----!" Just as she was about to protest, Seraphy remembered her mission: "Watch Majolica. Put out any fires." The quiet elf was beginning to worry that her orders were quite literal. "Okay. I will do that. Thank you, Majolica!" Seraphy nodded, determination sparkling in her eyes. The confectioneries did seem interesting, just, just, oooooh~ I shouldn't be suspicious of a fellow Lion should I? The frogs were severe, maybe even crabby, but underneath that, one could sense pride in their work. They were like old maestros of the kitchen. Yes, they were barking orders at Seraphy who was fast at work washing dishes and performing other small gopher tasks with a surprising finesse, but it wasn't out of cruetly, it was because they honest to goodness cared about doing a good job. "Keep it up Missy! That's the spirit! No rest till' Sunset! HA HA HA!" "You just keep movin those fingers little deer! Just look at the crowd, we're in for the long hall! HYEE HYEE HYEE!" Why do they sound like a grannie and grandpa? Seraphy wondered.
Something about the witch’s vim and vigor was contagious, Freja realized. She couldn’t help but give a round of applause as Majolica gave the crowd an earful of hammy marketing, even when it was peppered with all the nefarious asides and cackling that would leave a Saturday-morning cartoon villain blushing with envy. Hell, when Majolica announced what she planned to do with the money earned, Freja was half expecting even that to carry some wicked caveat that would further her world-conquering goals. Or maybe every villainess needed heroes to stand against her. Whatever the circumstances may be, she just couldn’t bring herself to find this witch as anything other than endearing. So of course, when Majolica turned to give Freja a wink and thumbs-up, she had to fight not to mirror the gesture—but that certainly didn’t stop the “curvy lady” from grinning and giggling, and her mood only seemed to grow lighter as the girl leaned over to talk to her . . . and make an offer, even more transparently and charmingly dastardly than her charity run for world domination. Had it been anyone else offering up the job of a glorified meat shield so bluntly, she thought, she’d have given a bored, vaguely-amused stare. Here, though? “Hahaha! With a sales pitch like that, how can I refuse?” Her answer came loud and booming, almost as if trying to match up to the witch’s own theatrics. Honestly, though, it was tempting, if only to enjoy the shenanigans someone like this would get up to. The witch turned her attention to another girl in the crowd—presumably another player—and spun a similar yarn, and yet another showing up to assist the stall. Freja shook her head in amusement; the entertainment alone was worthwhile (even if the chocolate was all but fake; truthfully, Freja didn’t have it in her to be mad about that now), so she took a small pouch of coin and threw it on the stall’s counter to pay for a box of those so-called chocolates. “Name’s Freja, by the way. So about your business offer,” she leaned towards Majolica with a hushed tone, “I actually walked out of the Monster Hunter’s recruiting office not too long ago . . . buuuut! I hope that won’t be a problem, because that Witch Ops stuff sounds way too fun to pass up! Oh, and the t-shirt, of course. Don’t worry, the secret’ll be safe! I can even be, say, that outside force to rush to your rescue if all looks bleak for the rest of the team, like . . . the Green Power Ranger from the original show—” Freja stopped short, realizing how nerdy—and old—she was making herself sound, yet knowing it was already too late. “Just . . . not . . . a traitor,” she added, hiding her embarrassment by popping another choco-shroom into her mouth before it invited more humiliation.
"Hehehehe, yessss! Well, Witchs Ops is basically in lion's pride... but... hehehe as long as you adhere to the rules it should be fine! Rule 1 is that that you protect people and don't harm anyone who doesn't deserve it! Hehehe, If it's a bad guy, no mercy! But if it's a regular person we help with a smile! Hehehe. If another hero needs help, we help as long as they're a good guy, but we get to be smug about it, hehe. Witch Ops are dark heroes after all... hehehe..." Majolica did a happy dance. "Hehe, another thing! someday we might have to liberate the people of this world to make their lives better! Hehehe, the easiest way to help people is if they choose you as their leader! Or you make yourself their leader! Whatever, as long as they're okay with it! Hehehe rule two... I don't know yet! Hehe, but we can have an official initiation later!" The Grand Witch held out her hand to shake. "Welcome aboard Witch Ops initiate Freya! Hehehe! You can get your t-shirt at initiation which will happen at a later date! After initiation, you'll also get a title and rank! Hehehe!" While holding out her hand, Majolica had a thought. "Hehehe, also, what can you do? With Ops members have to be strong so we have work to do! Hehehe, we have to be able to take down a whole nation if we need to! Hehehe! I'm good at dark witch magic, broom things, and illusions~" Majolica wiggled her fingers as she said "illusions." @Freja Sitka @Vertigo @Seraphy
