Set in the original region of Arciel, Legends Rising is a route-inspired, but not strictly route-based, Pokemon roleplay. Pick a faction, pick a class, and strike out into the wild to take on the League, master Contest coordination, research the mysteries of Pokemon and Arciel, and much, much more. Will you be a classic trainer? A criminal? A farmer? Choose your destiny on Legends Rising.
The dishes weren't coming in- Tiara was stationed in her usual isolated corner of the kitchen, softly humming to herself as she watched the chefs rush around the kitchen almost robotically- it was the start of rush hour, where people came for dinner with their kids, and then you'd start to get the older patrons and it'd keep going- but yet... no dishes were coming out. Hands tugged at her apron to busy herself, maybe... she could clean whie she waited? Of course she really didn't want to get in anybodies way... as Tiara began dwelling on this she felt a faint pull on her arm, and to her surprise it was one of the senior chefs. "Five of our wait staff called in sick- it's chaos out there!" and she could only blink in response...
Five?! Had they all infected each other?! Would she get sick too? Ahhh- that explained the chaos, but... but then... she pursed her lips, there was a reason she was being told this, wasn't there... "Uh- that's... unfortunate, but i'm not trained in waitressing!" she gave them an uncertain smile, tilting her head towards her usual washing station as if to further prove her point, but the chef was adamant. "Just smile and jot down what's asked- it can't be that hard! We're more packed than anticipated- and we'll pay you extra for tonight- rate and a half?"
...Oh... oh... yes please. Tiara desperately needed the money, her neighbour had punched a hole through the wall and as of right now she'd had to cover it with a thin sheet, since she couldn't exactly pay for corrections right now- and... let's just say she'd heard some fairly sketchy things go down that she'd rather not ever heard again. There was another uncomfortable look as she moved to bring a hand up to her hair, quickly prying out the hair net. "Welll... if you insist then... i'll do it- is there any spare uniforms?"
Tiara was rushed around then to the changing room, where she pulled her hair right up and worked to quickly put the uniform, a size too big, on, before practically being herded out into a world unknown to her- the world of waitressing. She stood there, practically frozen- what did she do- where did she start!? He-
She saw Koray then, was... he put to the task to? She attempted to catch his eye, looking as helpless as a dishwasher could, and practically mouthed 'help me' to him.
Of course Koray would be called in on his day off. Of course he had to be a waiter today instead of a chef. At least Dad was going to owe him big time for this but at the same time, Koray was looking forward to exploring more of Arciel. Sigh, oh well. At least he'd convinced Dad to pay him double for his time on top of the tips he'd get as a waiter of course. That was a little bit of a perk of being a waiter he supposed. "Come on, Rowan... let's do this," Koray muttered, making sure his uniform looked decent enough. Combing through his hair one last time, Koray asked the host which tables were his located and if there was anything he should know about the families. So far, his tables weren't seated yet so that meant he had a little free time.
It was only then that he noticed Tiara was in a waitressing uniform looking completely lost. Looks like I'm not the only one. Maybe they could help each other out? "Hey, you got roped into waitressing too?" Koray asked, giving her a warm smile, "It'll be alright, just be yourself and be nice to the customers. The host will be able to show you which tables are yours. Relax, you can do this." Oh, it looks like one of his tables was seated. Time to see if he could do this.
Shortly after the Koray had the chance to tell Tiara that it'd be alright, does the clamor of the watering hole begin. A woman comes over to Tiara, showing her a piece of paper with the tables labeled out across them, and pointed out the sections that were hers - it looked like it was just one family for now, a mother, father, and their child; perhaps to start her off small.
Koray himself has only one table to begin with, too. A couple, two women, who were fervently looking over their menus, and for their waiter. When one meets eyes with Koray, they offer a smile, but are polite enough not to call him over, especially since it seems he's coming over himself.
Thankfully the assistant chef noticed her and was quick to attempt to explain the situation- it seemed he 100% got roped into it as well, and he wasn't supposed to be working today which made it all the more worse, but hey, what can you do? "...yeah, bunch of people called in sick." At his smile she gave a rather awkward one in turn, right... be herself, and be nice, go to the host and don't look like you'll crumble if something goes wrong because they'd be able to tell- mmhm, right! "Okay- uh- i'll try!" though if she got a customer who lost their crap at her she'd probably not be able to handle it properly, she wasn't trained at all!
Giving Koray a two fingered salute she quickly made her was over to the host, who directed her to a quiet section of the restaurant, phew, okay... she couldn't manage that. A three person family, and.. they already had their menus. Right, she took a notepad with her and with the best smile she could muster up made her was over. She had to think back to the times she helped her mum and dad out at the winery, it was sorta similar, right?
"Hi there, i'm Tiara and i'll be your waitress for tonight!" She put on her most cheerful voice, moving to smile at the kid before glancing to the parent, right, uhm... "Are you guys ready to order? Can I get you started with anything? Drinks? Entrees, or have you figured out what you want?" Oh, Tiara that probably wasn't exactly right but... it got the message across. She attempted to keep her smile on her face, pen at the ready.
Koray gave Tiara another reassuring smile before heading over to his tables. It seemed that this bunch seemed fairly easy to take care of. Approaching the table, he did notice that they were trying to make contact with him. "Apologies for the delay, how may I help you ladies?" Koray asked, readying a paper and pen for their orders. As it turned out, they needed help ordering and asked for suggestions. After taking their drink order, he pointed out a few of the specialties and offered advice based on what the women felt like at the moment. They seemed satisfied with his knowledge on the food and ordered a family size meal to share along with an appetizer and side salads. Koray would give a nod before heading off to the kitchen to put in the order.
It took a little bit of convincing to make the head chef believe that no, Koray was actually a waiter today. And yes, he had to get back out there. With a bottle of wine in tow and a couple of glasses, he went back to pour the women their beverages of choice before heading back over to the host to see if he had anymore tables in the meantime.
Well, this family seems nice, but... indecisive? You eventually get an order out of them. It consists of an appetizer, two entrees, a kid's meal, and three beverages. All of the food orders are requesting some sort of modification, addition, or substitution.
The women appreciate their beverages. The host has been so pleased with your waiter-ing thus far that he assigns you another table - a group of college kids celebrating a birthday. They're eager to order a first round of drinks.
It was hard for Tiara, who'd never doen waitressing before, to stay patient as the patrpns at her table discussed their choices between each other, the wife reccomended a few different things to her husband, who mulled it over for a minute or two before decising on something completely different, and in the process forgetting to order for their child. Tiara was quick to scribble things down, only for the wife to say she required her dish with aoli sauce, without potatoes or carrots and with added bacon, while the husband wanted chips on the side and all the evegatbles removed, and the kid wanted extra cheese on their pasta.
"Let me... double check everything real quick." Tiara pressed the clicker of the pen to her lips as the read the order back to them, going at a decent pace only for the wife to stop her and corret that she only wanted baby carrots rather than no carrots at all, she as quick to bob her head and bowed it after. "uNDERSTOOD! I'll go put in your order now and your drinks should be out soon."
That was what you were supposed to say, right? Ahhh, nevermind. Tiara was quick to retreat to the kitchen, pausing for a moment as if she'd never cashed in an order before before handing it into the closet staff. Uh... oh yeah, drinks! A coke, a orange juice and a... uh.... beer? She wasn't sure how to get the beer but she was quick on her feet to fill up two glasses with the required soft drinks, before going to one of the staff who'd worked with alcahol before and asking them to make a beer drink, before retreating and going to give the customers their drinks- you got this Tiara! Balance!
Why was I so worried about today? Being a waiter wasn't all that hard after all. Well, at least so far. Maybe it was due to a lucky streak but well, the women were really nice and appreciative of what he knew. Perhaps the next table would be similar? Initially seeing the group of college kids around the table had Koray a little apprehensive since everyone was his age (if not older) than him. That's ok, just smile and act normal.... you can get through this. This little pep talk did help some and Koray approached the table.
So far it seemed that all the college kids wanted were some drinks. Easy enough, an appetizer and someone was talking over the others about a free dessert for the birthday boy. A knowing smile came to Koray's features as he took all of their orders. This group wasn't so eager to ask about food, they just wanted some drinks to get this party started. After explaining to the group that he would return shortly, Koray walked back to the kitchen. He was certainly feeling confident after dealing with both tables. Ah, but there went Tiara with more drinks. It looked like she was doing just fine too. That was a good thing.
It took moments to put in the order for the appetizer and gather up his drinks. So far so good. Now if only all his tables would keep being this easy, that would be an immense relief.
The host is thrilled with your order-taking efficiency! Enough so to assign you a third table - this one looks pretty sedate at least, an older man and, judging by appearances, two of his adult children. They're looking over their menus and pleasantly chatting with each other.
Luck was most definitely on Tiara's side, she was able to get the drinks out to the customers and thankkkfully she didn't mess up her order! Tiara was obviously nervous about all of this, having never, like, ever waitressed before, but it actually seemed relatively easy! Had Kathy and the girls lied to her about just how difficult it was? A hand was run through Tiara's hair before she was back on her feet and checking back on the status of the orders, her gaze momentarily flicked to Koray, as if to see how he was handleing it all only to see him move like this was his actual job, and not cooking.
How was he so... fluent with the customers? So at home at waiting on them? Like, Tiara was decent with people, she knew the cheesey lines to throw to make somebody giggle and she was best friends with all the miners and their wives- who she belted with all the time at karaoke nights, but it wasn't exactly the same as catering to them. Eyes danced across the room, she... didn't really know what to do. Nobody else was entering her area, even if it was small, and she momentarily had paused in the middle of the room, eyes looking this was and that before she finally settled on moving towards a recently empty table, clearing it and moving the dishes back into the kitchen where...
Who was going to clean the dishes?! Would she have to do all that after her waitressing was done? Ohhh, she'd have so much to clean but... with a sigh she stacked the plates by her station before going back into the busy area. It would all work out, somehow.
Koray was surprised how well he was doing given this was his first time working as a waiter. It was refreshing, really. Perhaps the fast pace of the kitchen had prepared him for working the floor? In comparison, everything was flowing smoothly and he was able to address his now three tables rather efficiently. This newest table seemed to be easy enough. A quick introduction would be given and as it seemed that the table was already ready to order, notes would be jotted down and repeated back. "Your appetizers and drinks will be right out, if there is anything I can do in the meantime please don't hesitate to ask." That followed by a slight bow seemed to please the table.
Oh, and it seemed that food from a previous table was ready as well. That was good, it was easy to hit two birds with one stone that way. The new table's order would be put it while the food from the first table and beverages from the newest table would be delivered. So far so good...
Right as you were about to leave, you actually see a young dishwasher person come in and start taking the plates from the counter. Looks like you wouldn't have to clean up after all! A small party of four is sat at one of your tables, a man, a woman, and their small children. They seem to be wrangling them in... for now.
All is well enough. You handle your tables with care, and it all moves smoothly. Someone just finished their drink, and you quickly swoop in to take care of it. They seem impressed with your service.
Oh! They managed to get another dishwasher on! Tiara couldn't be more thankful, sending them a small smile before falling back into step with this waitressing stuff, as her gaze fell back to her section she noticed some new arrivals, a family, actually! Ahhh... she'd heard stories from Kathy and the other waitresses about how some kids could be picky eaters and take ages to decide what they wanted, so she'd have to try her best!
One breath in, and Tia was on her way towards them! She approached with the best smile she could muster up, pushing some hair out of her face before pulling out a notepad... right... here goes nothing. "Hello everybody! Are you guys ready to order?" Thankfully, the parents seemed to have everything sorted or... so she hoped, they rattled off their orders quickly and turned back to their kids, and Tiara was quick to write everything down, echoing their order back to them before delivering it to the kitchen...
She could only hope her other tables orders were ready and doing great!
Even with three tables, Koray had managed to develop a rhythm. It was like a dance to figure out who needed attention first, and in a way, it was actually pretty fun to step outside of his comfort zone. There wasn't a lot that needed his attention right away it seemed. The first table was ready for their check, but he managed to convince them that it would be a crime to leave without a taste of the wonderful desserts they offered. Perhaps it was the way Koray was able to describe each dish in detail. He'd made them dozens of times after all.
All of his tables would order dessert and were sitting around chatting. It seemed that all was well, and Koray was more than ready for whatever else could come his way. This isn't so bad after all~. Hopefully his confidence would pay off. If he kept this up, the rest of the evening would be a breeze. Let's just hope it stays that way. Every customer was different after all and some wouldn't have the same delightful temperaments he'd dealt with thus far. As long as it wasn't anyone overly rude, Koray believed he could handle whatever came his way.
You take the orders for the second table just as the kitchen is finished cooking for the first. By some miracle all of the special orders have come out exactly as requested.
The first table you're waiting on orders a pair of small desserts - nothing you can't handle. As you walk back and forth from the kitchen you notice the truly massive birthday monstrosity the second table has ordered. It smells delicious.
Tiara was hype to find out that the orders were ready, sending the chef passing her the order the best smile possible, she knew he was under a lot of pressure right now, especially due to how busy they were starting to be. Tiara had seen just hot hectic things could be, especially when dishes got too much, but she was sure he could manage the front lines! She gave the dishes a once over before taking them out, ensuring everything was perfect and what her table had ordered.
If it wasn't... Well, Tiara wasn't too sure with how to deal with a mad customer, but after double checking she was sure that everything was great! All the special additions were in place, she was certain the table would like it! Tiara moved then, towards her originally assigned table with as best a smile she could manage, gently placing down the orders infront of who ordered. "Here you guys go! One for you sir, one for you ma'am, annnd one for you buddy! Everything's in order, yeah?" Her head was tiled, and once all was affirmitive Tiara moved back a little.
She let her gaze wander, noting how busy the other areas seemed to be... surely she'd be able to manage a bit more tables, right? Take some weight off of the others... Tiara wasn't really sure if that was waiting etiquette or not but... she was up for trying! Without another thought she began towards the host, "Is there any other tables you need me morking? It's a little quiet right now on my end and I wouldn't wanna overwhelm the other staff..."
The desserts the tables ordered were simple initially, nothing to be troubled over. It only took a few moments to deliver the desserts and head back to see what was in store for the second table. Koray certainly hadn't been expecting the giant cake the staff was putting the finishing touches on. I didn't even know we made special orders... Maybe the party had called ahead? That would be the only way the pastry chefs would've had enough time to make something like that. Either way, it smelled delicious and it was a treat to get to see the pastry chefs work on something so large.
As soon as it was finished, Koray was able to get one of the pastry chefs to walk the large cake to the table and even add some sparkler candles to it as a finishing touch. Koray would join in on singing happy birthday, impressing some of the table by the fact that yes, he could sing pretty well. There were a few other tables that even applauded which... was pretty embarrassing still, but at least he was giving a good impression.
The last table had just finished eating and were interested enough in the desserts the other tables were having that they ordered something as well. Hopefully he'd get a good tip out of them. Koray was feeling pretty good about things so far.
The host tells you that a part of twelve just called in and are said to be there in just ten minutes. While he could set up the tables and things, if you wouldn't mind lending a hand, that would be great.
A party of twelve?! Of... of twelve?! Tiara's face paled at that as she stared at the host for a few seconds, right.. right- okay! It was just what she was doing before, but with more people. She could do it, and talk her way through it, maybe! But for now, setting up! She followed the host over to the table they'd begun preparing and counted the number of chairs currently at the table... so they'd need, one more! "i'll grab a chair!" Came her first response, as Tiara rushed off towards the small storage area besides the bathroom, managing to grab a chair and carry it over before placing it at the head of the table.
The host went on to show her how to properly set up the knives, forks and spoons and how to wrap them in a napkin. The first try had Tiara biting her lip, it was... actually kinda difficult! But with the hosts help she was quick to get it, wrapping the cutlery up like a newborn baby- or... maybe that wasn't the best way to describe wrapping up cutlery, but Prince would have approved of the humour!
And then... next was the menus! The host had left her so they could go welcome more customers which meant collecting twelve menus to set out on th table was all up to Tiara- right- uhm.... weren't they kept by the hosts station? Tiara took a deep breath befoe heading over, stll keeping her best waitress smile on her face incase any customers were looking before shifting around the station next to the host, only pausing when a small group enters and stared at her as if they assumed her to be the host. "Oh- uhm! You'll be served in just a moment by my co-worker, sorry!"
That... was what people said, right? Tiara bowed her head, and now with her succesful gathering of menu's went back to the table she was setting up, placing the Menu's down at each spot and counting it out before nodding her head, alright... okay cool that was perfect! Easier then she thought it was going to be! Like a girl on a mission she quickly ventured over to the kitchen to check how the orders of her other table before the chaos that was... twelve peple in a party came to her.
With everything going so smoothly, Koray was about to see what else he could do when he overheard the host say something about the party of twelve. That... was quite a lot of people and Tiara seemed to be panicking about it. Oh dear.... Giving Tiara a winning smile, he started to push some tables together. "Hey, relax. We got this~," Koray stated, winking briefly at her before helping to set up the table. Napkins would be placed, sets completed, plates set up, everything that the party could possibly want.
In short order, everything was prepared for the party of twelve and all that was left to do was wait. Going back to the kitchen just in time to see Tiara, Koray stopped her momentarily. "Hey, you're doing a great job. Just be yourself, alright?" Hopefully the advice and encouragement would help given how frazzled the girl had seemed. He had just been taking things in stride and was set to deliver the last round of desserts to his remaining table. So far he'd gotten good tips, that was an extra bonus for coming in on his day off at the very least.