LES RUCHERS

Ignacio Mendoza Laurent Twenty-seven Beekeeper 𓆤 Pixie Le Nectar des Dieux

[cantfightmoonlight]

"I do know that. I've spent a lot of time in Paris actually," Leyla admitted with a happy smile from across the counter. "Would you like me to make you some peach ice tea, because I totally can? It might take me an extra few minutes or so, since I'll have to steep it, but if you'd like a taste of Paris, I'd be more than happy to?" She offered. "You could? Though, it might be a little harder though you could always partner with the farm or have samples at the Farmer's Market since there will already be fruits and cheeses to sample as well?" She offered. "Though, honestly, growing up we used to just eat the honey as is or as tishpishti. But honestly, there are so many great Turkish dishes that use honey you could always serve as samples too. But, okay! What do you think?" She asked as she waited for him to try the sample.

"Okay, just be careful. People pass out from heat stroke," She warned, though her concern did soften when he promised he'd go to the Emerald Hotel if it did get too unbearable outside. "Solve the alarm clock?" Her brows scrunched in confusion as she nodded along to what he was saying. "Oh! On the beach. It's great. You get the nice breeze of the water and get to enjoy a beautiful day outside," She reasoned. "Wow! So many languages and oh? You and Daniel are close then?" She asked curiously. "But okay. Next time it is, and good, you should. It's nice seeing you out and about. You know there aren't too many of us pixies running around town."

[crownprincexofbees]

"Oh, yes? Whereabouts? Perhaps we passed by each other and did not know. I worked for an urban beekeeping organization. We had hives along rooftops and balconies. I was often above the streets." Ignacio gave a short laugh. "Next time, yes? Leyla, you are very kind, and I am grateful for your hospitality. But I will not drink up all your stock. That would be very unkind of me." He hummed. "If you would like to share a taste of Paris, tell me your impressions of the city."

He tapped his fingers on the countertop. "I am at the Farmer's Market very often, yes. Many people know what they like, I suppose. And while I do have a greenhouse, climate is climate, hm? I cannot account for very many pollen options. I wonder if our waters here are moist enough for a tulip tree...." He trailed off, brow quirking up. "Ah...I have not had this. It is a sweet? I would like to try it. Do you know Turrón? It is a Spanish...eh, nougat. Almond and honey. Around Christmastime, it is popular, you understand?" He sipped at the sample. "Very good! And from a pixie, this is truth."

Ignacio smiled, then, breaking into a light laugh. "I mean, it never 'went off' when I wanted, you understand? I suppose I was doing it incorrect. My alarm at home now, I must wind it. But I do not often need it. I wake up naturally before 5. Work to be done." He cocked his head to one side. "Ah, yes, I enjoyed it during the games. I suppose it is fortunate we are not sirens. Beaches are challenging places." Ignacio nodded, ducking his head now, somewhat bashful. "I like Daniel very much. Pizza Joe matched us for Valentine's, and so we have been spending time for...hmm, nearly six months now. He is a gentleman. An aesthete. A scholar."

Ignacio sighed. "There are not many of us at all, no. But surely all Fae must understand the allure of the wilds. Why do they fear us, hm? We are the dwellers of all the places they cannot conquer."

[cantfightmoonlight]

"No," She heaved a sigh as she answered him honestly. "I knew it wouldn't be a walk in the park, don't get me wrong. The whole breaking every bone in your body once a month never exactly sounded like it, but I dunno. I thought it would be better? But, so far it's kinda just sucked, I suppose?" Her shoulders lifted and fell into a defeated shrug as she kept moving up the stairs. "Huh. That's kinda like my sister. But she figured out she was pixie at 10, or well, we all did. It's a long story, but-" She glanced back his way, being all too easily distracted by the next words out of his mouth. "Has anyone ever told you that you'd make one hell of a poet? Seriously, you should do Open Mic Night at the Daily Drip sometime. And honestly, I might. The earplugs, not the wax. That kind of sounds like it would be a pain to get out. "De même," Kiraz replied in French, though she was sure her accent sounded off. "Oh, sounds like we've got a scholar in our midst. He and I both. I kind of just tend to get to the point," She admitted with another shrug. "Softening the blow was the one thing I was always told I had to work on during my residency. But, eh, that's like comparing apples and oranges, don't you think? Sure, poetry and science might both involve careful observation and a desire to explore the unknown, but beyond that, they're completely different. Science is about objective facts, not emotions. It demands exact, single-term definitions, not ambiguous and sensory language. And I know Dhruv is more... sentimental than most scientists, but I don't think he could even name you a poet outside of maybe Dr. Seuss or Shel Silverstein and, even then, that seems like a hard if."

[crownprincexofbees]

"That is often the way, hm? What we expect is not what is so. I am sorry to hear it has been challenging. If it is any help, I am not certain I always enjoy being a pixie. Indeed, I am what I am, and I am happy to be what I am, but...it has also made me leave my home. I have found new here, of course. That is valuable." Ignacio offered a soft smile. And with that, he gave a soft hum. "Do I know your sister then?"

Ducking his head in modesty, Ignacio let out a gentle laugh. "Oui. But English is not my first language. Sometimes I must stumble into things. If I were to perform an 'open mic,' I would play violin. That is more reliable." Ignacio rolled his shoulders. "There is nothing wrong in 'getting to the point.' In fact, I often did as much with Dhruv, and he, I think, sometimes believes I mean to weaves riddles when I do not. Perhaps it is my nature as Fae," Ignacio joked.

"You are a doctor?" A smirk tugged at his lips. "One can compare apples and oranges, I think. They are fruits of similar size and shape. They grow from flowered trees in orchards. They may be made into juice. They rely on humble bees." He cocked his head to one side. "Are they? What of Humphry Davy? Of Ada Lovelace? What of Gregor Mendel, among whose scattered past is a poem he wrote as a young man? 'My art flourishing in the midst of posterity!' he cries. Poetry, science...all mortal effort, storytelling, it bends toward the wholeness of truth, little by little as we are able." He nodded. "What is objectivity? What is in a word? Does language have inherent meaning, and if not, who decides? Consensus? Is consensus truth? Is authority? I suppose The Académie Français would say so, oui." He trailed off. "I think you underestimate the sentiment of scientists, my friend. 'No outer space, just space, the light of all the not yet stars, drifting like a bright mist, and all of us, and everything, already there, but unconstrained by form.' Rebecca Elson. To look at the cosmos and see oneself staring back. Science. Poetry." He clasped his hands together. "But we are here to free an elevator. Not host a symposium."

[lunarnells]

Location ➠ Le Nectar des Dieux Status ➠ Closed to Ignacio (@crownprincexofbees)

After reviewing the consensus from her army of taste-testers, as well as a good long look on her own time, Nell determined Bad Moon Brewery's menu was missing something.

They had ales, ciders, cocktails, one type of gin, lagers, several tequilas, vodkas, two types of whiskey, wine, even zero proof drinks, but what they didn't have—short of the kitchen sink—was mead. There were a few places in Lunar Cove she might go looking, but Nell was after the best, and where better than someone offering food of the gods?

At the barn, Nell knocked on the door, which stood open and unoccupied.

"Ignacio? Are you free?" Free to wheel and deal, she could only hope.

[crownprincexofbees]

"Hm? Oh! Oui. Yes. Come in." Ignacio stood before a pyramid of honey jars, nestled delicately atop a small wooden table. Nimble fingers were finishing weaving together a few floral strands with orange ribbon, and setting the completed wreath atop the construction, already sounded by leaves and other bits, Ignacio gave the whole display a very serious look over. He grimaced.

For his genuine talents and his sincere appreciation for art, merchandising was never quite his strong suit. Too often, things he found attractive or interesting landed someplace cerebral, outside the desirable quaintness his young employee so often told him he was lacking.

Turning around, then, Ignacio smiled, though, letting the wreath dangle around his wrist. "Bonjour. How may I help you?"

[danielrileys]

Daniel laughed, warm and coaxed in honey. The fondness he had for Ignacio grew daily. It was hard to contain, swelling in his chest with each passing minute. It should have frightened him, but instead, for the first time in his life, Daniel embraced whatever fear he had and continued to leap. "You're quite the weaver of poetry and of jokes." He smiled, the corner of his eyes crinkling from how deep his smile was. "Oh well, thank goodness he returned safely."

"I think you should. I can imagine they'd be popular. Yes, it is. Who wouldn't want another one of your incredible creations?" Daniel smiled. "Hopefully this heat wave will go away so we can try mead at a more reasonable temperature. If not, fall is just around the corner. That seems like a more suitable time. Mead making among many other talents. I'm afraid to ask what you can't do."

"Well, I like punny things." Daniel swayed his head back and forth gently as if he were weighing invisible options, then shrugged. "I think there is. a market for it. There seems to be a market for everything." He nodded. "I think that would be a brilliant idea. There are two for you. All you'd need is five more. I'd love to sit here with you. Yes, I am. I'm not surprised one bit that the town put together something like this. I wish it wasn't so hot, of course, but that's out of our control. I won't let a little sweat dampen the fun. Or, well, burn it."

[crownprincexofbees]

Ignacio laughed robustly at that, a warm, hearty noise that radiated from his very core. "Am I? Well! All we have is our stories, Daniel. You know this better than most. You are a keeper of stories. And, oui, we are able to read and to write them; think how fortunate we are for those that passed them onward aloud, you understand? I will be proud to be a weaver then. Even if certain spiders do like to pounce on distracted honeybees." He rolled his eyes and placed a hand on his heart. "There is a time and place for tragedy. I do not think the poor swimming cat can teach us anything about hubris we do not already know, non. Hubris is out-of-fashion now, yes? The drive is always for more. To become large. Not content. No offense to large pirates." He shrugged his shoulders.

"I suppose I need to revamp my web store. Most people like to shop online now, you understand, and my little barn shop is 'out of the way,' is the phrase," he trailed off, meeting Daniel's eye. "Ach! I do not weep for summer. It has its time, just as fall, just as winter. So the seasons must change. So spiders must pounce. It is rather hot, though, oui. I must monitor the hives closely. It grows warmer each year. We have been unkind to the Earth; the Earth grows unkind in return. Mon Dieu." Ignacio smiled, sadly, but he seemed unwilling to linger on grim topics too long. He laughed. "I cannot make a soufflé. But there are other talents still to discover, oui."

"You have many talents as well. You have a good head for business, hm?" Ignacio nodded succinctly, as though certain on this point. "There are seven colors of honey! Water white, extra white, white, extra light amber, light amber, amber, and dark amber. The naming conventions are not...varied."

Shrugging with good humor, Ignacio motioned to an empty chair, a space currently unaccompanied by his assistant, before settling down himself. "Sweat, Daniel? Hmm. Did Whitman not sing the body electric?" He picked up his book of poems to read. "'Food, drink, pulse, digestion, sweat, sleep, walking, swimming, poise on the hips, leaping, reclining, embracing, arm-curving and tightening, the continual changes of the flex of the mouth, and around the eyes, the skin, the sunburnt shade, freckles, hair..." He trailed off, smirking. "Ah. 'But the expression of a well-made man appears not only in his face...The strong sweet quality he has strikes through the cotton and broadcloth, to see him pass conveys as much as the best poem, perhaps more....'"

[cantfightmoonlight]

"Okay, so no coffee. What about iced tea? That doesn't have milk in it and is cool and refreshing?" She offered up. "I could even make it unsweetened for you?" She proposed. "Yes, matcha is green tea. It does have milk in it if you want it iced, but it's not really much of a latte even if latte is in the name," She explained as she laid out a tray of samples in case he wanted to try them and for the other patrons to enjoy as well. "Here, we have ice tea, sweetened ice tea, matcha tea, a frappuccino and a iced coffee. You can try whatever you like and if its not your speed, please don't feel any pressure to indulge in it. I'm sure one of the other customers will jump at the chance to grab a sample," She assured him. "But, the matcha one does have your own honey, so maybe you can make an exception when it comes to milk after noon just this once?"

"I feel like you should maybe still invest in air conditioning, if only for emergencies? What if it gets too hot that they issue an advisory warning?" She asked, concern filling her gaze before the realization hit her. "Will you at least promise me that if it does get too hot, you'll go to the Emerald Hotel at least for the night? I wouldn't want something bad to happen, is all."

"Have you? That's cool! I love volleyball myself," She admitted with a soft smile. "That's fair. English and Turkish are my first languages? I grew up learning them simultaneously, but that also made things a little tough for me as I sometimes find myself mixing words up or forgetting how you might say it in the other language. And oh! I can make you a cold brew! But, its not really the same as pouring ice cubes straight into a black coffee? I mean, people still do that too, but with a cold brew, the grounds are more steeped in water at a cool temperature for an extended period. It gives it a different flavor, texture and consistency, but would you like to try that too?"

[crownprincexofbees]

Ignacio smiled. "Do you know, in Paris, the iced tea flavor one finds on a menu is often peach? It surprises Americans, I think. Most are lemon here, yes? But often in France, it is Lipton from a bottle. We do not have a large taste for iced tea. We also do not care for sodas. But I will try your iced tea, oui. I think it is a good drink for summer." He smiled. "You have a large selection here. Hmm. Do you think I should offer honey samples? We offer 'testers' for the soaps and cosmetics. Honey is more difficult to appreciate without proper companionship. Fruits and cheeses and things," Ignacio trailed off. "But okay! I will make an exception for the milk and try this one." He pointed to the matcha.

"I will do the same that people have done for thousands of years. I will sit in the shade. I will drink water. I will jump into the ocean. I also have a large basement. It is very cool," Ignacio replied teasingly. "But I promise I will go to the Emerald Hotel if it gets too hot. I did live there until I was able to settle, you understand? I could not solve the alarm clock."

Ignacio nodded. "I am newer to volleyball, but it is interesting. Do you play on a court or on a beach?" He cocked his head to one side. "I speak French and Spanish first. And then English. I also have some German, and I can read Latin and a little Greek. The very kind Daniel is showing me Arabic." Ignacio laughed. "That is okay. Next time, yes? I am going to clear out your samples. But I will come again and be a good customer. I am at my farm so often; I do not make it into Lunar Cove."

[cantfightmoonlight]

"Wolf. It's recent, though," She said, between heaved breaths as they kept climbing. While she was in fairly good shape, the hotel did have a lot of floors, and it was a fairly long way to the top. "And yeah, you could say that. Everything has been annoyingly loud. It's like I'm hungover, but like all the time," She admitted, scrunching up her face at the thought, before she nodded along to his suggestion. "No idea, but I figure I'll be able to hear them if we reach their floor. That's when they'll theoretically be the loudest anyhow," She reasoned. "Nice to meet you," She flashed him a smile. "I'm Kiraz and oh yeah. He's my best friend. I take it you're into philosophy then?"

[crownprincexofbees]

"Ah. And are you taking to it well? I suppose I have always been a pixie, but I did not know until a few years ago, you understand? All is the same, and all is different." Ignacio flashed a good-natured smile. "I am sorry to hear that. Have you considered plugs for the ears? Odysseus's men used wax from bees to avoid sirens. I suppose we have been something of a trouble to humans for a very long time. Ach." He trailed off, continuing to bound up the steps. "You will let me know then, yes? My ears are less keen. Should we stop to listen?" Ignacio paused to put his hands on his hips, craning his head upward. "Enchanté. It is nice to meet you, Kiraz. I enjoy philosophy, poetry, science, math, many things. My expertise are agriculture, horticulture, and apiculture. Dhruv strikes me as interested in the tangible. But even biology is founded upon the question of 'what if,' yes? He is more a poet than he knows."

[cantfightmoonlight]

"Right?" She gave him a nod of her head, happy that he seemed to be taking things as seriously as they all should be, given that her poor sister was trapped. "No cell service, but I can hear them. Apparently, super senses have some perks after all," She reasoned as she followed after him, shaking her head again as he asked if she knew which floor they were stuck on. "No idea. But got it. I can likely pry the elevator doors open if we are on a high enough floor and, oh god. Stairs, fine. Let's go," She grumbled under her breath, not exactly looking forward to the climb they'd have to take, but for Leyla, she would do it without question. "Kiraz and you're that hot guy who hit on Dhruv at White Elephant, right? The one with the snow globe?"

[crownprincexofbees]

Ignacio hummed out a noise of affirmation, but he did not stop moving as he pushed his way through the door to the stairwell. "You are a vampire? Or a wolf? I understand that they hear very well, yes." Starting upward, he moved with purpose. "We can go all the way to the top, but closer is better. Do you know which floor they were trying to reach, hm?" He laughed at that. "I am Ignacio. And yes, I did have the snow globe this Christmas. Dhruv and I are 'good mates.' He is very intelligent but does not like philosophy. Do you know him?"

[cantfightmoonlight]

"Have you never had an iced coffee before or a frappuccino?" Leyla blinked over at him, trying not to hide her growing smile when he said that coffee doesn't offer much of a reprieve. "I'll tell you what, I'm going to make you a sample frapp and a sample iced coffee and then you can decide which one you'd like a full cup of?" She offered up, as she moved to begin to prepare a small taster of both for him. "Oh no! You don't have air conditioning? I think you might need to invest it in or at least a window unit. It's way too hot here to be living without it," She explained as she moved to slide the two samples onto a tray. Lifting herself up onto her tiptoes she peered over the counter at him and pointed to the samples as she began to explain, "This one is the iced coffee and this is the frappuccino, but if neither of these suit your fancy I can make an amazing matcha latte which is also iced with strawberries in it or even some of your honey and I'm sure it would be to die for."

"That is true," A light laugh broke from her lips as she took in how genuinely earnest the man before her was. It was cute. "Oh! Like in football? Or well, its called soccer here, but if you were to hurt another player it would be a foul, so no harm, no foul?" She offered up. "Are you not a sports guy? And oh, um, sure? Might as well give it a go, right? And oh... of course, but are you sure?" She asked, having a feeling that a black coffee with ice and nothing else in it likely wouldn't taste too good.

[crownprincexofbees]

"I have, oui, but...coffee...in the afternoon, one has a small espresso. With milk is for the early morning, and that is merely to aid with digestion." He hummed, rolling his shoulders, but on the whole, his palate was rather measured. Sweetness, bitterness, they all had their place, naturally, but he had little taste for the frothier favorites many people seemed to like.

Still, he smiled, not at all unappreciative. "Okay. If you would like. But I will sit here and drink it so that I may enjoy it properly." Ignacio laughed, ducking his head. "Eh, it is okay! I throw open the windows. Sometimes a bee finds her way indoors, and I must politely usher her home, you understand?"

Trailing off, Ignacio leaned in closer to study the samples very seriously. "Matcha. It is green tea, yes? Acacia honey is best for green tea. It is clear and mild, and it dissolves easily, even at low temperatures." He nodded, taking a slurp of the frappe. "Mmm."

"Ah! You know, I am very much a 'sports guy.' I have boxed and played football my entire life. But English is my third language. I do not often...the non-literal idioms are always interesting. I would say perhaps: Y'a pas mort d'homme. It is not the end of the world." He hummed. "Do people not drink black coffee with ice? What about this 'cold brew?'"

[infinitami]

with: @crownprincexofbees where: Le Nectar des Dieux

A bee farm, another familiar face, another soul who had died and been reborn with a new name. Amita was beginning to wonder if perhaps her and Zeina were outliers. Nyra remained the same, but it hadn't been more than two centuries since they met, a small drop of time in the near three millennia Amita had been wandering the earth. (She was a mere five centuries off, but in the grand scheme, that felt like nothing more than a blink of an eye. She'd spent nearly as much time alone in the mountains, after all).

Either way, it was nice to see Petrus again. Now Ignacio, he still seemed to carry himself the same way, smile the same, look with awe and longing at the bees he tended to the same. They had not met under these circumstances before, instead she had found him while visiting a cloister of Spanish monks, wishing to learn from them the way she'd learned from the monks of her own people. They found a kindred in both having studied monkhood, and both having a love for the unloved-- insects. Amita always thought it was, perhaps, a sign that her wings resembled those of her very favorite, the majestic damselfly, whose wings shimmered in the sunlight and, upon closer inspection, sported an intricate design, reminding her of the mandalas she and her own cloister used to make.

And while Petrus had not quite believed her about the fae, she did not mind. It was a hard thing to accept, especially when they were already on the fringes of what was acceptable anyway.

Still. Only her memory of the time remained. It was, again, bittersweet.

"And you tend them all yourself?" she asked, walking next to him as she examined the hives. "They should be so lucky. I am sure you care for them as if they were your own family."

[crownprincexofbees]

Ignacio laughed at that, shaking his head back and forth. A tender hand ran along some of the overgrown brush that lined the rows. "They tend themselves, you understand? They do not need me, non. I provide safe space and materials. Boxes. Wraps for the winter. But bees would exist even without Ignacio. And how fortunate we are that they do. And how ungrateful in the grand scheme."

He sighed, a solemn noise but one above bitterness. And while he had carved out this little place and had successfully restored some of Lunar Cove's population, insects were struggling across the globe, he knew. Living in hidden little places was never quite enough, he and his neighbors also knew too well.

"Family is a funny thing, yes? Mine are very far away from here. And still, they are mine and not mine. Not the same as I, I mean." He rolled his shoulders. "But I cannot say how far removed I must be from my original Fae forebears. How sad. And how funny. To think perhaps I have a mother and a father some secret place. Or perhaps not. Or perhaps we have even met since and knew not even each other's faces."

He plucked a flower and began to twirl it between his fingers. "And if to miss, were merry, and to mourn, were gay, how very blithe the fingers that gathered this, today!"

[cantfightmoonlight]

@crownprincexofbees

"Hey you!" Kiraz exclaimed, marching up to the first fae she saw lingering in the Emerald Hotel's lobby. "I need your help. I think my sister and some other people are stuck in the damn elevator," She explained, trying not to wince as she heard them calling out for help from somewhere within the elevator shaft, thanks to her apparent super hearing. She had only bothered to swing by the hotel to see if she couldn't cheer her sister's flying practice progress on, but now she was fairly certain Leyla was in grave danger, and she sure as hell wasn't going to wait around when her sister needed her. "I think I might be able to pry the doors open, but if I do, you wouldn't be able to help get to them, would you?" She asked, knowing that it was a long shot, especially with the entire power being out at the hotel, but at this point, anything was worth a shot.

[crownprincexofbees]

"Hm?" Ignacio looked up at the voice, putting his hands on his hips. "Mon Dieu. The power...." For a moment, his eyes darted upward to the lobby's dead overheads. "Are you able to...is there cellphone service? Can you reach them?" He let out a low contemplative breath. "Do you know...which floor are they stuck? It is easier to move up than rappel down, you understand? If we can get above, I can fly them up to door from the ceiling hatch, yes? Come. The stairs." He motioned with his head. "What is your name?

[cantfightmoonlight]

"Hi! How can I help-" Leyla started to ask as she caught the familiar face walking into the Daily Drip. But her business owner persona eased as her eyes lit up in curiosity at the mention of a present. "Oh! You didn't need to get me anything, but thank you!" She exclaimed happily as she took the honey from him. "Do you want me to get you anything, yourself? Coffee on the house or a pastry?" She offered, feeling bad about accepting a gift without offering him something in return. "I like your shirt by the way. It's very punny and oh! Of course! I mean I was sort of just stationed where I was told and same went with being told to stop casting illusions, but happy to help in any way I can, and no, that's okay. I bet on Ken using his money anyway, so no harm no fowl," She offered only to glance up as the lights of the coffee shop began to flicker. "Oh shoot! Sorry about that. That's been happening all day. I think because of the heat or something, but about that coffee or tea, how do you like it?"

[crownprincexofbees]

Ignacio smiled. "It is my pleasure. It makes me very happy to share what I have helped create with others. A drink would be lovely, merci. But it is...very hot outside, yes? I like coffee very much, but there does not seem to be any relief approaching." Glancing over his shoulder, he furrowed his brow as a soft sigh rolled through him. "American summers are rather warm. I do not have an air conditioner." He hummed, but despite the glimmer of frustration, he manage a brighter smile as he turned back.

"Thank you. I thought it was very funny. Bees are are always themselves. I do not know what else they would be," Ignacio explained. "I do not think I am very good at the flag game, however. It seems to have many variables. What is the meaning of that? No harm, no foul? I am to learn the idioms." Ignacio looked upward as the lights flickered. "Hmm. Would you like help with the fuses? We have double luck. Surely we can make it work?" He smiled. "May I have black with ice?"

[danielrileys]

Daniel would like to say it was days like this that he chose to stay indoors, but he would always pick the comfort of his home anytime. However, the heat did make venturing outside uncomfortable. The vampire braved the sun for the Pride festivities happening; otherwise, he would have stayed home. The sun may have been beating down on him, but Daniel was in bright spirits. These moments of unbridled joy made the heavier moments that happened distant memories. He immediately perked up at the sight of Ignacio, making a beeline straight for the pixie.

"I understand. It's funny. I think puns are the best form of jokes." Which was naturally expected from someone who lived up to his old man title. Ignacio's excitement was endearing. The sight of it made Daniel's heart flutter. A hand reached up to rub his chest, thinking he could calm the rogue butterflies. "I think what you have out is wonderful. I think you should have invested in T-shirts. I would happily buy a Bee-yourself one. Maybe in a nice air-conditioned place, mead can be enjoyed, but stickers are just as great." He was already picking which ones he wanted. "They're lovely." The joke dawned on him. Daniel chuckled as he took the container from Ignacio. "Everything you have set up is very funny and clever. You have! I think you should start selling more punny things." He held the jar up. "At least, keep this guy around all year long. I think the gay bear would sell well."

[crownprincexofbees]

An easy smile settled on Ignacio's lips. "Ah, do you now? Oui. It is good to play with words. Here. A joke. An American cat and a French cat have a swimming race. The American cat is called 'One, Two, Three,' and the French cat, he is called 'Un, Deux, Trois.' At the end, 'One, Two, Three' is the victor because the 'Un, Deux, Trois' quatre cinq." He clapped his hands together, quite proud of himself. "Do not fear! He returned to shore!"

"Hmm. Maybe I should sell them in the future, yes?" Ignacio cocked his head to one side. "I must place my own branding upon them. It is like...advertising, hm? But ach, the heat, it is not good for the mead. It affects the taste. It must stay where it is cool. But in the winter, you can mull it on the stove with spices, you understand? Very careful to not burn off the alcohol or degrade the honey. It is an art as everything else."

Laughing, then, Ignacio ducked his head. "Is that where the market is? In punny things? I must get some more." He regarded the bear bottle as if in contemplation. "Perhaps I can make a rainbow of honey. Alfalfa is light and mild. Buckwheat is dark and robust. And so on. Would you like to sit with me in the shade for a while? It is rather sunny. And I would enjoy the company. Are you enjoying the celebrations?"

[crownprincexofbees]

Closed starter for @cantfightmoonlight (Leyla) Location: Lunar Cove Pride

While business had gone swimmingly for much of the early afternoon, a steady stream of customers stopping by to peruse Ignacio's wares, the mounting heat now seemed to be ushering revelers indoors for some relief. Taking advantage of the brief lull to leave his young employee in charge of his vendor booth, the pixie made his way toward the Daily Drip with a jar of honey in his hands.

"It is 'Bee Yourself.' That is funny, yes?" He smiled at a passerby who had complimented his t-shirt, which depicted a rather proud-looking bumblebee with multicolored stripes. Turning back, Ignacio allowed his smile to soften when he saw Leyla. He brought one hand to wave.

"I have come with a present. To thank you for guarding the farm with me and for letting me know it was time to stop guarding the farm," he explained. "I also hope that my unlikely victory at boxing did not upset your wagers too much."

[crownprincexofbees]

Closed starter for @danielrileys Location: Pride Parade

Despite the mounting heat, Ignacio seemed to be enjoying the shelter of his little farmer's market tent, set up now among the others dotting the day's festivities. Business had been going well for much of the afternoon, but the pixie was evidently taking this brief lull in the crowd as a reprieve, flipping through a book and cooling himself with a handheld electric fan. Looking up when he heard someone approach, however, he managed a bright smile when he recognized Daniel drawing closer to the table.

"Look! It is funny, yes?" He smoothed down the front of his t-shirt, which depicted a bee with multicolor stripes. "Bee yourself, you understand? It is a pun." There was a sense of triumph about this explanation. "I have stickers and coasters in addition to the honey and cosmetics. It is too hot for mead." He held up a golden glass honey jar in the shape of a bear. "New containers! It is a gay bear. This is funny too, yes? I am getting quite good at English turns of phrase."

[cantfightmoonlight]

@lunarcovestarters for: open @lunarcovestarters time & location: Friday evening, Boxing

"Let the betting begin! I've got ten dollars on Ken. That is ten dollars on Ken. Is anyone fixing to double it? That's another for Vivek." Lennon had been racking up the bids for the fights. Was it the most sanctioned thing to be doing during the Town's Sports Tournament? No, but it had been proving to be a rather lucrative pop-up business, and she had done a good job on keeping it on the down low thus far. "Hey, you wanna get in on this? Five-dollar entry and then whatever else you want to bet on your fighter of choice."

[crownprincexofbees]

"Non. Merci. I am afraid I am not a gambler, and I am also competing myself. It would be improper." Ignacio managed a smile, looking up from where he was beginning to wrap his hands. Extending his fingers, he seemed to test out his work before stretching his arms above his head, as though limbering up for the fight ahead. "I very nearly boxed for a living. Could have been professional. What is the saying? Float like butterfly; sting like bee, yes?"

[rivkahsreadingrainbow]

"Oh, really? Well, you should come by sometime, I can get you set up with one. They're completely free, so why not get one, hm?" Rivkah offered up a wide smile. There was little else she loved more than helping someone get a card for the library. They were lucky to have one in such a small town. "Oh, are you the one that owns the cute bee farm, then? I love that place." She listened to him describe it, the experience of regeneration having always been a strange thing to her. Not that it felt wrong or inconceivable, but the idea of having lived another life felt oddly karmic to her. "I perhaps think I might like you as yourself, too. I understand the sentiment. How strange it would be to have lived and not remember." She hummed to herself before moving on. "Yes, it does seem that way sometimes, doesn't it? But here's the secret," she leaned in, conspiratorial, "there will always be good people to counteract them. You just have to believe that."

She laughed a little. "Made up words, hmm? Like what?"

Rivkah shook his hand gratefully. "Oh, yes, I'm well acquainted with her. Hmm, wise words. I feel as if you, yourself, might be a poet."

[crownprincexofbees]

"I shall. And I am a Fae, so you may take me at my word for it, you understand? Do you still have films to borrow? I do not have a television, but perhaps I should get one. If I did, I would not have cable. I will need videos." Ignacio smiled, but these words came contemplatively, as though he were truly thinking of a more controlled way to introduce appropriate media into his peaceful, quiet abode. He brightened. "Do you find bees cute or only the farm? There is no problem if either, of course, but some would like honey and no bees. These are impossibilities, yes?"

He hummed. "You are kind. I imagine the humans who live in Lunar Cove, they know sometimes what it is to live and not remember. Do you know...I believed myself human for many years. Fae, after their first life, can be born among them. How strange. To belong to mortals and also not." He nodded. "I do. There is much good in the world, much beauty. We are custodians of it, and my vocation does not take that for granted. The bees left Lunar Cove for a time. They have returned. And you? You guard well the books? Knowledge?" Ignacio grinned. "Like kerfuffle. It means...a confusion, you understand. A large mess."

Ignacio sighed, a dreamy noise. "So some have told me, but I merely read the words of others. Or perhaps we are all poets. We have been for many, many generations, striving to make sense of what we are, of what we feel. This time of year, I think of 'Alysoun.' How we still yearn seven centuries later. Ich libbe in love longinge, for semlokest of alle thinge."

[danielrileys]

A feeling of pride pooled in Daniel's chest. It was warm, foreign almost. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt this, but seeing Ignacio blush made Daniel want to keep that shade of red painted on his cheeks forever. "You could have fooled me. That's incredible. You are, I mean, from the bits I've heard, you sound quite elegant." It had been a while since Daniel had spoken Arabic. He was more than rusty. The thought alone was embarrassing. "أنتِ أجمل من قوس قزح بعد عاصفة رملية." (You are more beautiful than a rainbow after a sandstorm). A hopeful, albeit nervous, smile fell onto his lips as he looked back at him. "It's a complicated word. Everything we feel and do is tied to the human experience, even though we're no longer human or never were. The differences between us are minuscule yet keep us apart. I believe the spirit thrives on feelings. Reminds us that we're alive." He hummed. "I suppose I've never thought too hard about whether I was attractive or not. We're almost trained to care more if others find us so." Daniel had been told he was handsome all his life. It wasn't due to insecurity that he didn't see it. It was just something he never thought of in fear of coming off too vain if he leaned into it.

He stared at Ignacio for a moment, something dangerous cracking under the surface. Affectionate? No, that was silly. Admiration had to be the correct term. Amazement would even work. Daniel would never cease to be impressed by Ignacio's effortless ability to make everything he said sound like pure poetry. "With time, it's easy to forget that not all stories were once in books. That they were once lived and told by us rather than people who haven't lived these experiences but are intrigued by them." He tilted his head in thought. "It may be a cop-out, but I do actually like Dracula. Carmilla would be a close second. Modern vampire stories feel more...embellished." If anything, Daniel stayed away from most Vampire media. His own lived experiences were enough. "No, I don't think you should be," Daniel replied easily. "There's nothing wrong with being dull. Sometimes we need the slower moments in life. To sit in the stillness and enjoy the world around us. Jean-Claude is a nice name for a cat. I also have a cat. His name is Newt. Maybe one day the two of them can meet. I think they are."

Daniel nodded. "I have. They're stunning. Huh, I guess I didn't know that much about the fae until now." He knew a bit more about sirens thanks to Sienna, but the rest of the fae species felt like a mystery to him. "I understand." He replied, his own eyes looking at their hands and swinging them a little. "I trust you. You do. I would never have guessed that you were. What's making you a small bit nervous right now?"

"It's a newer development. You did, but that's okay. I do like it, yeah. I saw Star Wars in theaters in the 70's and have enjoyed the series ever since. Oh, thank you. I would be happy to show it to you." Daniel was amazed that his face hadn't melted off from how hot his cheeks felt. "Yes, you are. It's charming that you find that surprising. Yeah ... we will. I would like to see you more often. I'm glad I can be."

"Oh, yes, I'd be happy to show you. I haven't exactly had much free time since moving back, but I kept a few pieces. Of course, I will. I'd be happy to. It might not taste the same as it once did. I still would love to taste it and hear what your thought process behind pairings is." His brows scrunched in thought as he recalled his very basic knowledge of the French language. "Chat means cat, correct? First book having cat in the title ... hm. I wouldn't say that's light reading for a child, no. I do. This won't be your last life, I'm sure. Do you remember every life you've had before? I would consider myself an old soul as well. Literally in the sense I've been around for over one hundred years." His eyes softened. Life before Lunar Cove was a bittersweet memory. A dream that haunted him every now and then. "I was raised in London. I had two younger siblings, a sister and a brother. My father was a coal miner. Life was simple. We didn't have much, but we had each other. I cherished my siblings more than anything. It's why I chose Riley as a surname this time around, for my sister. I've tried to honor each family member any time I've had to change my name. In the 60s, I moved to Manchester. It was there ... I turned. I had a wife. I lost her. After that, I drifted from place to place. Never staying too long so people wouldn't notice I never aged."

It wasn't often that Daniel shared his past with those who were not there to live it with him. He feared that the melancholy he so often drowned in would cause others to sink. Telling Ignacio, even the small bits he had, didn't make him feel like the undertow of nostalgia was trying to take him under. The sadness he clung to was met with hope. He was floating freely. The sensation was new but not unwelcome. The vampire nodded, hanging onto every word Ignacio said. "Hm, that's a good one. That seems to be the beauty of life. Even in the darkest of nights or the harshest winters, the sun always comes back. We get to try again. We are, as you said, resilient."

[crownprincexofbees]

Ignacio smiled and slipped into a short laugh. "Merci. I do owe some to my mother, you understand? She is responsible on the raising funds for the opera in Paris. Sans Le Fantôme. So...I must learn, for her sake, to present in a certain way. Polite. Metropolitan. She and my father are an interesting pair. He is a man of not many words. Works with his hands. Would have liked for me to be a boxer, really, not a beekeeper. But holds room for gentleness. Perhaps I am the blossom of both." His face brightened as Daniel spoke. "Magnifique. And how does it mean?" Ignacio repeated the phrase back without thinking, his supernatural mimicry matching the other's pronunciation pristinely from tone to tone. An almost apologetic hand came up to cover Ignacio's mouth, as though he had run away with himself. He smiled.

"I believed I was human for many years. It is not so different. People often fear what they do not understand. So it is with the bees, yes? They do not wish to sting," Ignacio continued softly, contemplatively. "You have rather noble features, Daniel. The sort the authors imagined when writing of knights and heroes. Fit for tapestries. But it is good to not think on it, oui. Warmth of spirit and...eh, the skill to shine a light outward is more important. You have no troubles there either, I promise. I am interested in that light." These words came earnestly, although colored with teasing, flirting mischief he was making no effort to conceal.

"'Our sacred demon of ungovernableness. Child, be strange. Dark, true, impure and dissonant. Cherish our flame. Our dawn shall come.’" Ignacio sighed distantly, rolling his shoulders, evidently quoting something or other. "The stories we tell are us. They become our reality. I shudder when they are turned against us. Or used to...homogenize us, you understand? Rob us of all that makes us complete individuals. People now ask computers to create books." He extended a hand out at the shelves and broke into a laugh. "Dracula and Carmilla. The frightening wilds. Come to society to turn it on its head. I use the phrase correctly?" He made a flipping motion with his hands.

"Oui. I agree. Stillness awakens truth. But, ah! He is Jean-Claude with claws. It is funny, yes? Newt. Is he as fiery as his name? I would like for them to become friends." Ignacio hummed. "Merci. I am a small nervous because I would like for you to like me, Daniel. And I am....aware that I can be somewhat intense. So others have told me. I speak of knights and wilderness and King Penda. Some find that unwelcome. It does not stop me from doing it. I am what I am." He shrugged his shoulders but spoke plainly and openly.

"Good. It is a date." He brought up a hand to gently pat Daniel's cheek, if only to see just how much redder he could make it. It was his turn to blush, however, and craning his neck, Ignacio gave a bit of a roll of his eyes, ducking his head. "I must be coming off like a teenager. Mon Dieu. Hmm. Tell me of Star Wars! Why do you like it?"

"Bon! Ah! We have much time, Daniel. We are both...somewhat immortal, yes?" Ignacio teased. "You may bring blood if you wish. I am not squeamish. Come when you like. The invitation is open. Ach! Is that rude? I am sorry. I am...you are welcome. That is all I mean." And he was vaguely aware that vampires did require extra, more literal steps. With that, though, Ignacio finally parted hands to clap his own together. "Oui. The Cat in the Hat." He laughed heartily.

"Perhaps it will be. Perhaps I will live it so fully and so completely, I will simply move on. That is the goal, yes? But no. I have glimpses. Sensations. In moments or dreams. Actions or smells. Incense. Cold stone. The bees. I think I have tended to them many times before. A previous version of myself...we attended the same school in Paris. He in the 19th century." He smiled softly. "Perhaps we knew each other some way when I was older, hm?" This came like a joke. "I believe Ignacio is nicer than Henri was."

Listening intently, then, he studied Daniel's features, taking each word. "I am sorry, Daniel. That must have been very difficult. To lose one you love. Do you wish to share about her?" He nodded gently. "It is difficult, to leave one's home. I know this well. I am glad we have found a form of one here." He trailed off, considering.

"A vampire who longs for the sun. What an intriguing man you are, Capitaine. No less intriguing than a pastoral farmer who longs for untended woods." He patted his own chest. "But I am keeping you now with poetic foolishness. Let me to your work. You will telephone me, yes? To visit, and to watch the small Yoda?"