Tia Franklin, 24 Chef at Iris Bar & Resturant. Come on by sugar! I have a hot pot of my famous Jumbo and a fresh batch of Bignets waiting just for you!
Erik had no experience in food service, so he had no idea how hard it could be when people called out. He did understand how a team could break when someone was missing. Even if one man was missing from his old fleet, things could go awry. “Thank you.” Erik toasted his glass to Tia. “If I knew how to make a single drink, I’d hop over and help you. Sadly all I know is how to pour water. At best.” Erik knew how hard Tia worked. He’d been there on busy nights. And this woman was a power house. He sipped at his drink with a smile. “So all I can do is give you this.” Erik pulled out a crisp ten dollar bill and slid it over to her. “I’m not taking no for an answer either.”
Tia huffed a laugh “thanks, I apricate the offer” though it wasn’t a bad idea people ordered water with their drinks all the time and it usually slowed her down. She almost considered pulling him behind the counter but she held back and shook her head. She wasn’t going to drag him into this. This was her team, it was her mistake in not scheduling a second bar tender. She made her bed it was time to lay in it. Tia felt her jaw drop at the sight of the money on the counter. Before she could say no he had already told her he wouldn’t take it back “Erik t-this is a lot...I can’t” Although she could. She took the bill an placed it in her shirt. It was the safest place for it. no chance of losing it “thank you, I really apricate it!”
“If my only work experience wasn’t cleaning houses, I would probably start trying to help you out. Instead I just feel like I would end up getting in your way.” Either option sounded good to her, so Anya responded with “A Rosé sounds delicious, thank you.” Anything would probably be better than nothing, and suggestions were always welcome. “Feel free to take your time though, I don’t have anywhere else to be.” She was done for the day, home was the only thing waiting for her.
“it’s no trouble! I think I’ve got it all covered here, surprisingly” She was thankful that the customer's had been forgiving and not ordering much. “Besides you wouldn’t get in the way! there is first for everything! I’ve been lucky enough that I was raise on cooking a serving food and drinks to people. Its in my blood. but it doesn’t take too much, Just dedication and confidence” She noted grabbing a bottle of rosé and pouring her a glass in front of her “Its okay, I think things are finally slowing down. I have feeling most of the people who came in only were there for a night cap.” She joked lightly placing the glass in front of her. “I’m Tis by the way! if you need anything else!”
Alice could not help the smile that creeped across her face, glad to see there was no ill will. While she may care what peoples opinions of her were, she was still hyper aware of them. In most cases she tried not to gain a negative one immediately. “I’m sure it will come to me in a haze in the middle of the night when I’m half asleep.” It always did without fail. “I’m Alice, by the way.”
“That’s usually what happens to me when I’m trying to memorize a recipe! I’ll wake up in the middle of the night a remember a part of it and have to write it down so I don’t forget again.” This was usually followed by her cooking something that she did know by heart in celebration only to realize that she would need to be at work in only a matter of hours. Tia smiled extending her hand for her to shake “Its nice to meet you Alice! I’m Tia!”
What does your muse do for a living in the vale? How do they feel about their occupation?
Tia is a Chef/Pastry Chef at The Iris bar & restaurant. She loves her job. Regardless of how busy it can get and how understaffed they are. Tia is in heaven when she’s in any kitchen. She hopes to one day own The iris bar and restaurant or own her own restaurant.
2. What did your muse do before being cursed?
Tia was Married to Prince Naveen, and was running her own restaurant in her home town. She was very happy. Finally feeling like she had done what she set out to do. Passing on what her father had instilled into her at a young age. Dreams will happen, with hard work and determination.
3. Which do they actually enjoy more?
Since her job in either is quite similar she quite enjoys them both. However I feel since Tia ran her other restaurant she didn’t have her hands as full as she does now. While I believe she is a hands-on boss in her own restaurant I feel it is properly serviced and she doesn’t have two juggled jobs as much. Therefore she enjoyed her original Job before the curse.
4.Does your muse currently ( post-curse ) believe in fate or destiny? What about magic?
I feel like Tia, Like in the movie Doesn’t really believe in magic or fate at first. I’m sure the more the vales secrets reveal themselves the more she will. However she does believe in destiny. She knows deep down that she was meant to cook. To her food is a way to someone's heart and soul .
5. Before being cursed, did your muse have any sort of magical ability or gifts?
No, The only “gift” Tia had was the ability to kick butt in the kitchen no matter what she’s cooking.
6. Do they still have such gifts after being cursed? Are they yet aware of these gifts?
Yes, Tia still cooks some mean dishes and she still has a strong love for said cooking.
CHARACTER VALUES
Does your muse have a high or low standard of morals? How do they feel about those with standards different from their own?
Tia is a very hard working girl. So, it's hard for her to sometimes understand that her friends aren’t going to act or feel the same way she does about certain things. However, that doesn’t stop her from respecting that certain people have different values than her.
2. What do they think is the worst thing that can be done to a person?
Tia thinks that being lied to is the worst thing that can be done to a person.
3. Do they believe redemption is possible for everyone?
Tia will sometimes let others redeem themselves but it's really hard to be given that opportunity with Tia.
4. What’s their view of lying?
Tia can’t stand it. Why not just tell the truth and get it over with? Why hurt more people by hiding something when you could just be honest.
5. When did they last make a promise? Did they keep or break that promise?
She promised a Neighbor of hers to make them some gumbo to try. She did keep it and now they do it every other week or whenever its best to do so.
ABOUT THE VALE
What are your muse’s thoughts on the vale? Do they enjoy the life set out for them?
Tia likes the Vale but she can’t help but feel stuck or like she’s taken 20 steps back.
2.Have they ever tried to leave the valley? If so, please explain.
No, Tia feels stuck but not so stuck that she needs to leave. She loves the vale and she loves her job and the contribution it makes to the town. She just wants to make people happen with food.
3.What made them want to venture beyond Avalon vale?
4. Where do they spend most of their time while in town?
When Tia isn’t at work she’s shoppin, reading a book, at the local coffee shop, In the library looking for new recipes to make.
5. Do they frequent other parts of the valley? ( i.e. the forests or river )
Tia isn’t much of a nature person but she for some reason has a high tolerance for frogs and they tend to find their way to her and she has no clue why.
6.What are their thoughts on the forests? ( both dark and enchanted ) Has anything ever happened to them there that would make them believe the stories?
Tia hasn’t had anything happen to her as of yet and if she has then she's more than likely blocked it out by over working.
IF THEY REMEMBER SOMETHING
1.Do you muse have any memories from before the curse? If so, what do they remember?
2. What do they make of these memories? Do they believe them?
3. If they remember, does your muse have plans to do anything about it?
IF THEY REMEMBER NOTHING
Do they feel as though things are as they should be? Or does something feel amiss?
The only thing that feels odd to Tia is just the fact that she feels like she's been in the same situation before, or that she’s back to square one. Almost like Deja Vu
2. If so, what exactly causes the feeling? Is it a person or place?
Tia Just feels so tired mentally and physically. Though she doesn't show it, She just feels stuck and she can't explain it. Like she’s already done all this work and it's paid off but she's unaware of how or in what way.
3. Does your muse have any interest in discovering the reason why?
She wants to, however tia has a tendency of blocking out her thoughts and ideas by over working. She feels it's pointless to discover why she has these feelings when it could lead to nothing and so much time working hard could be lost.
“Thank you for joining me on this experience,” he said as he was trying his first ice cream since childhood. “Vanilla?” he said before placing the tiny spoon in his mouth and was pleasantly surprised, “Not bad, what do you think of it?”
“its no problem really. its just Ice cream” She laughed softly. Though she had been craving some herself. “its a good start” You couldn’t go wrong with a classic. “Its alright. Not my favorite. There are so many more flavors to try!”
Usually when Anya was off of work, she would go home and sleep. Today, however, she had time to actually stop somewhere and tonight, she found herself wanting a drink. She rarely drank, but it seemed like a good idea. Though it seems like she chose the wrong night to do it, since it seemed quite busy, but she grinned when she did get to speak to someone. “Absolutely, I’m feeling even more exhausted just watching you.” At the question of what she wants, Anya paused, “Any suggestions? I really don’t drink too often, just felt like a good night to have one. Though, it seems like everyone else had the same idea.”
Tia laughed lightly “Its usually pretty busy but nothing think this! and of course my bar tender for the night didn’t show so here I am front and center instead of cooking your food tonight.” she pouted in a joking matter, through deep down Tia had wished she was in the kitchen. “Well, My go too is always a nice Rosé or a white Zinfandel. IF you want something a little more ambitious than wine I can see what I can do!” She really hoped her suggestions were okay, she rarely drank as well but from what she had of wine and such those seemed to be the two she liked the most.
Iris had become Erik’s new favorite place to dip the bill. It was a nice place to meet and chat with towns folk. It was a different atmosphere than usual bars he had been to. This place had a down to earth, calm feel about it, usually. Today was just a little too hectic. Erik had been sitting at the bar, waiting patiently as he watched the only bartender make her way down to him. “Are you the only working tonight?” Erik glanced around that he wasn’t the only one out tonight. “That’s impressive to say the least.” He smiled at the nickname. “I’ll take a highball.”
Tia Sighed when she got to Erik, not even realizing he had come in that night. She was happy to see him though. She shook her head at him “No we have our regular kitchen crew but my new nightly bar tender split and now its up to me to cover tonight.” She spoke very matter of factly. “Thank you, I’m trying my best:” She sighed beginning to make his dink. It was starting to slow down a bit as people began to get their food, Thought who else could walk throught the door now? It felt like the whole town was there. She placed the glass on the counter and nodded “there you go/”
Alice glanced up at the other woman, starting to feel a little bad about snapping at her like that now. “Don’t worry about it, that was a little rude of me” She couldn’t help but laugh at the next question. “What the melody I was humming. Oh no, I couldn’t write a song to save my life. I don’t remember where I heard it before.” She couldn’t place it and it had been stuck in her head all day. The fact that she wasn’t sure bothered her a little.
“its just fine. no harm done” She offered her a smile. Tia really didn’t mind, she had been the staining after all. She probably would have acted the same way if some Stanger at the restaurant had be staring at her has she prepped for the dinner rush. “what a shame. Well if you ever think of where its from I’d love to listen to the whole thing!” She was seeping with eagerness, usually something she lacked on her days off. If she could even call them that.
“ – oh, you’re doing just fine!” lina smiled at her, waving a hand, “you can get to me last if it helps, i’m a very patient person,” the blonde hating seeing how fast she seemed to be running around, even if it was her job. lina knew she’d never be able to keep up the pace like that. “uh, just some water, please. i don’t drink, but this was the only open seat i could find.” she laughed.
“thank you-” Tia took a moment to breath “I think I got everyone taken care of so its so problem at all” She nodded in relief to hear that the girl just wanted water. “Glady!” She grab a regular glass and went to the water to fill it up placing it carefully on the counter in front of the Stanger. “if you want any food just let me know. I’m TIa, the holler if can’t it my attention right away its quite loud in here”
Strangely, he had enjoyed it - the simple soda mixed with grenadine with a cherry on top; the woman who had helped raise him and many other lost boys had made them on special occassions. He thought of her in the moment while sipping the drinkthrough a straw. For a moment he had been twelve years old again. Growing up really sucked. “I did,” He called after her confirming the fact as she put the empty glass into the sink. He watched her pour another liquid into a martini glass. It was green, a favorite color of his. “Well, I did say surprise me.” He lifted the martini glass and raised up as if in toast. “To you,” Before swalling down a mouth full of whatever it was. “Interesting…I like it. I could get into a lot of trouble with more of these. Definitely helps ease the day.”
It did surprise Tia that he had enjoyed his drink. The one maning the bar before she took over was pretty good at making their fair share of drinks. Too bad their shift had ended and their replacement was a no show. Yet another new hire she would have to find a replacement for. She would cover for the time being and her Sue chef could handle the kitchen in the mean time. “I call it The Frog Prince It’s a working title but don’t you think it works” The name came to so easily she almost forgot where the idea had come from. Thought where it came from didn’t matter. She was lying through her teeth, trying to make it seem like she knew what she was doing. She knew a little bit about mixology her specialty was in Pastries and food dishes. She smiled, letting a laugh escape her lips. “isn’t that the whole point of drink like that? They taste so good you can barely taste the alcohol they contain so you can unwind and have a little fun?”
her eyes were twisted at watching the figure move back and forth in such a fast pace. ❝ you’re doing wonderful, trust me! but don’t stress yourself out! ❞ isabelle mentioned to her, hoping she could take her advice. she understood how stressful a situation like this could be; especially when it feels like you have an ENDLESS list of customers. ❝ if i could, i’d most definitely hop over this bar and help you. although … that would probably end in a disaster considering i have no idea how to make drinks. ❞ she releases a chuckle, brightening up the mood. ❝ hm. well, do you have any recommendations? ❞
Tia scrunched her face “Nah I’ve got this. I practically raised to do this” She was thriving. Though her messy hair and apron begged to differ. “That’s Alright sugar we’ll figure things out as we go, its all apart of the job” her shoulders lifted into a shrug. She pulled out a glass “Well you can never go wrong with some wine, but if thats not your thing we certainly have anything else you might want.
“Honestly, I’m kind of dizzy just watching you and somehow in your back and fourth, I ended up with a non-alcoholic shirley temple,” And to bring home the point to stipped throw a straw that made the noise of sucking on air and maybe specks of liquid. The glass obviously empty. “I’m rather nostalgic over my childhood, so points for that.” He offered with a smirk, “But it’s been a long day, so anything honestly as long as the majority of it is something alcoholic.”
“my apologies, although it seems to me you quite enjoyed it” she joked with a nodded to his glass before taking it from him. She placed it in the sink before turning to the wall of drinks she had on the wall. Grabbing a few bottles and mixing them together. Turing to face him she grabbed a martini glass and set it in font of him. Pouring the liquid out from the metal mixer she smiled “This should do the job.”
The restaurant was slammed, more so than usually. When word go to Tia that their bartender had flaked she did what she could and improvise. Running to the bar and severing everyone she could as fast as she could. Stopping at one induvial a bit longer to catch her breath. “I’m killing this right? please be honest?” she said with a laugh “what will ya have honey?” The nickname was what she called everyone.
Feet and skirts dangled from the tree limb as Alice hummed the melody of a lullaby she had forgotten the words to. Perched in the tree the young blonde wrote in her journal, needing to get the words out before she forgot them. The need to write struck her at random, like an itch that would not go away until words were on paper. As she went about the task she had quickly become aware of a pair of eyes on her. Whilst she had little shame she still found starting rather rude. “Are you just going to keep gawking at me or are you at least going to come say hello.” Alice called out, not bothering to look up from her journal.
On her way to the restaurant she heard a slight hum that mesmerized her. Continuing to follow the path before her she manage to find the source of the sound. Not realizing she was staring until the blonde called her out on it. She lowered her head in shame before speaking to the girl. “I am so sorry, you’re voice just sounds so lovely. Did you write that?” her voice was dripping with curiosity.
Sophie sat tucked away in a corner of the cafe, coffee and book in hand. The noise of the cafe seemed to fade away into the background as she absorbed herself in the book. It was a respite from the mundaneness that was the shop, a moment where she didn’t have to dwell on those things. Suddenly feeling someone’s presence snapped her back into reality. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t paying attention. Did you say something?”
Tia was finally able to take a break. The restaurant was slammed and her sue chef had finally arrived. She wanted to stop by the café to recharge a bit on coffee and pastries that weren’t her own. She was stopped in her tracks when she saw a stranger sitting with a book that caught her eye. She had asked her a question but it was clear she hadn’t heard Tia. “No worries hon!” she beamed “I was wondering if that was any good” she said lifting a finger to her book.
⍣ ◦ º ◦ was that [ kiersey clemons ] i just saw? no, my mistake, it was [ tia franklin ] though they seem an awful lot like [ princess tiana ] from [ princess and the frog ], don’t they? i heard they’re [ 24 ] and they like [ flower covered aprons, vanilla scented perfume, fresh baked goods, wild flowers, and nature ] and work at/as [ chef at iris bar & restaurant ]. { loved by pixie, she/her, est, 22 }
001. stats
NAME: Tia Franklin
NICKNAME: Tee, Frankie, Lilly pad.
GENDER: cis female
AGE: twenty-four
SEXUAL ORIENTATION: bisexual
OCCUPATION: Chef at iris bar
002. information
Tia doesn’t remember much of her life outside of the vale. The only thing she remembers is her love for her family, best friend, and cooking.
Tia’s family was closer than any family you’d ever meet, She adored her father and loved cooking and baking with him.
When Tia was only 15 her father passed away
This made Tia stronger and more head strong as she grew up. Though growing up in the vale was never easily.
Not being in the wealthiest family meant once Tia could work it had to be the first thing she did.
She got a job at Iris’s Bar and Restaurant thanks to her fathers Gumbo and her Beignets
003. personality
Tia is head strong and stubborn but full of heart and will do anything for the ones she loves. Since she had so grown up so quickly she finds it hard to get along with people her age due to this her circles run small. Cooking is her therapy, she tends to take her cooking way more serious than most. She's often hard on herself if her dishes don’t meet the customers expectations or even her own.
004. headcanons
Tia almost always has her hair in a bun, no hair in any of her dishes.
She usually is covered in Powered sugar or flower.
She wants to own Iris’s Bar and Restaurant one day but feels she’s not ready for that yet. Thought her heart aches for it.
She loves experimenting with recipes, though her fathers Gumbo and Beignets are of limits.
Tia has a strange obsession with frogs and she's not exactly sure where it came from. She has a terrarium of two red eye tree frogs.
