Mrs Cosie is flattered; but mostly baffled. And she gives Angus many many "What on Faerun-?" looks.

Angus can only shrug and make a "These crazy customers, right?" smiles right back.

It kind of works. There is after all an awful lot of weirdos in the neighbourhood. Even more so since he started working here. It's As Everyone he's ever met seems to be rocking up to Neverwinter. Especially to check out the Old Mill Tearooms.

"Heeeey Aaaangus."

It is a good and a bad thing Mrs Cosie had asked him to sweep the front steps. Good because his colleagues don't see him look up squatting from his dustpan. Bad because it means he looks like a real plonker, even from her height.

Mavis. Or more Mavis and a large group of giggly friends, mostly girls. And a dwarven woman supervising Angus assumes to be Hecuba and some other mothers. They're making a weekend of a big city trip out combining some eighteenth birthday party or another with Looking at the universities.

Which of course had open days on at the same time. Angus himself had set up the Murder Mysteries Club and Caleb Cleveland: Kid Cop fan club booths last night ready for it. And now it turns out the big table with RESERVED at the back of the shop for 'an afternoon tea with all the trimmings' for a party of twelve that Angus had got ready was also for them too.

Angus had an odd sort of not quite rivalry with his 'other cousin' Mavis. Not like a prank war or anything academic. But they'd been very competitive over things like how many books the other had read over summer or who's dad did the craziest thing last. It was friendly. Sweet even. but there was always some sort of catty underlying competition of trying to get one up on each other.

Mookie isn't with her at least, (her brother maybe older now. But even as a tween he is still as ever a rowdy little scamp.) And Mavis is Nothing like Magnus or Taako. Mavis didn't even draw attention after hello.

She doesn't have to. When back inside and sat down eating, her friends are Twisting around in their seats Looking, whispering and giggling. At Angus. Or about him.

More so as the attention causes Angus to blush and sweat and fumble and screw up orders.

"What's that buzzing noise?" asked Pam, confused.

The buzzing noise is Angus's pocket. Because his stone is blowing up. Mavis unfortunately seems to have given out his stone frequency. Absolutely not okay. And it's going off like billy-o. Which is distracting, even on vibrate. Angus had only had it on him not in his locker because he's been waiting on a call from Professor Miller about his latest mock exam scores. He has to turn it off in the end. Lucas is very unimpressed to be left to go to voicemail.

Lucretia and the Bob Squad return too. With extra Robbie. Well sort of. thankfully not on that same day as the Mavis incident. And also, thankfully separately rather than a big group. AND a lot more meekly, too.

Team Sweet Flips are trying to go for a covert thing? Wearing everyday clothes and trying not to be noticed. or at least pass for a totally normal Orc and Dragonborn couple. Carey even keeps her hands to herself, hoping to get on Mrs Cosie's good side. It doesn't work. Mrs Cosie, on recognising them instantly, tracks their every movement from her stance in the kitchen doorway; to make sure there's no misbehaviour. Even if the wives are just on a coffee date.

Avi calls in the next day. He makes finger guns at Angus as he passes him cleaning tables. Which was cool. And makes a joke about 'rough day at the office' and hip flasks and spiking his drink. A joke that doesn't sit right with the nervous but prim Dotty who gives him his drink. Which wasn't as cool. Angus knew Avi didn't mean it that way. But the impression that the guy in charge of firing people earthside is an alcoholic or working while drunk can't look good for the BOB.

Robbie leans on the counter as he orders three cakes to himself, and he hasn't brushed his teeth again. Which wasn't a complaint on Robbie's cleanliness, just the fact the guy ate a ton of raw garlic nowadays. Something to do with being worried about getting possessed again. (thanks Barry!) Angus tries really hard not to wrinkle his nose, even with his customer service voice. But he can't help but cough when Robbie leaves the café for a smoke outside, sticking to high heaven of pipe weed when he comes back in. Robbie doesn't so much eat the cakes as mostly just make a mess of crumbs. He does however make a half assed attempt to sweep up after himself. and curiously, is greeted warmly by Mrs Cosie with many tellings-off (affectionate).

When Angus mentions it to Florence between classes the next time he sees her, Flo dishes the lukewarm goss.

"Pringles? Lovely guy. We even dated for a bit. and I still go to his sister's candle nights parties. He and Ms Cosies are fourth cousins three times removed? He's her favourite younger cousin though, she can never say no to him." Florence giggles. Then says very seriously. "I'm glad we don't work together anymore, mind. You know he almost set the kitchen on fire? Got stoned on his break and let all the buns burn. I don't know how he ever got into such a prestigious place as the Bureau!"

"Must be some really good reason." Angus says. It's true. No one had ever given him a straight answer on that. Only that Robbie was good at maths. And jokes about the Director needing a weed/ drugs guy.

"True. Can you imagine working with a guy like that though? On the Moon?" Flo laughs.

"Not really," Angus laughs back. Which is also true, Angus can't imagine. No word of a lie technically Robbie had been in jail the entire of Angus's workings as a seeker. But he has heard enough stories…

Speaking of the Director and the moon base, Angus doesn't see Lucretia. (Although they have arranged to have their own coffee and catch up for next week on the moon. it was supposed to be this week, but Lucretia's schedule is more hectic and changeable then his own.) She must have come in on his day off as promised? and Angus has a horrible feeling both her and Lup have also been in together when he's not there. There's thankfully no more tales tipping five gold.

but Mrs Cosie does get a delivery of fine spices, flours and herbs that she is adamant didn't order, but someone else had already paid for. a gift it seems. It's almost a crate. It takes Angus, Dale Big Brenda and Gora'thien the Blood-Soaked to get it inside.

"there's all sorts in there. All quality. Bulk bags and with a trade standard seal." She says puzzled. Cosies' old mill gets the odd delivery outside of its usual. sometimes even samples from other businesses or her suppliers giving her a freebie. Or a friend sending something for one of the many many halfling holidays? Candied ginger or Candied peel for example is traditionally sent out to one's far away friends and relatives when one is celebrating a birthday. (it's what keeps the shops ginger biscuits and orange cakes in such good supply!)

but never did the tea shop get sent this fancy or this much! Halfling Hospitality is very welcoming of gifts. But they are bit wary of surprises. Including surprises of massive parcels with no sender information to send a thank you note to.

The itemised delivery form is passed around the staff as Mrs Cosie wonders if anyone knew who was behind it. Angus nearly shrieks when he sees the order. Not so much because of what is on it. But the so-called company making the delivery was from a certain Boob S. Quire.

A Boob S. Quire who signs their name in very familiar neat print with a flourish on the first letter.

Angus has to go out back, and physically bite into his hat in frustration, before returning to work like nothing had happened. Dammit Lucretia!

Brad is the only normal one of the bunch. Well as near normal as an orc in a polo shirt can be. although it does seem like he's flirting with Quorf the Sorcerer as he takes his order. Brad orders flat white to go, pays, and comments on the weather to the person behind him in the queue. and only gives Angus a spell of encouraging bardic inspiration. Subtle. He then smiles bye and drops a few bronze coins in the tip jar before he leaves. Like a normal fucking person. Which in a way is worse! Because then Angus must put up with a lovesick Quorf the Sorcerer sighing for the rest of day. and wishing aloud repeatedly he'd given his stone number to the handsome orc dude. or gotten Angus to write it on his cup. It makes Dale very jealous all the while.

(Angus didn't write Quorf the Sorcerer's number on the cup. but he does play matchmaker a little. He lets Brad know the Quorf called him handsome, works Wednesdays and his favourite band is the Spice Ghouls. But he doesn't interfere further than that.)

It's not just to the Birds, the High-Church's or the BOB either. Over the next few days, along with Taako (again) Angus sees every one he's ever met. And then some he's only heard of from Tres Horny Boys' stories.

Hurley and Sloane, for example, walk into the shop both clad in beautiful spring blossoms. Angus didn't think dryads could stray too far from their tree. Goldcliff was quite a ride away, wasn't it? Or that dryads even drank tea. but never mind, they still ordered a pot of red bush tea and a jango cake each.

June and Paloma are up in the city on holiday and like Magnus become very regular visitators over the week. Although Mrs Cosie doesn't use magic in her actual baking, she and Paloma have some great chin wags lasting many an afternoon. and probably ended up on each other's Candle nights card lists.

Klarg and his bug-bear family do indeed like the tea shop. They also arrive with Jess the Beheader in tow all in their gear, between bouts and touring. They mob Angus much like the Bob did. And pile free merch and t-shirts on him and folks working or in line. Klarg must have tried at least fifteen different teas.

Graham in his polished train uniform, complete with Juicy on the pants, is now a regular. A regular who always always orders a horrible combination of drinks. He becomes the reason for Dale throwing the bottle of strawberry syrup (pump and all) out the back door with a call of "and stay out!". Another time Graham the Juicy train Conductor comes in, he orders what he then christens a Mocci-mocca-do-dah. Twinkle tries making themselves the same drink to try it. It smells foul. and taste wise they, Angus and Ruby spend the shift feeling rather sick from it.

Garfield the Deals Warlock enters. He sees Angus wiping tables. And leaves the tearoom with a loud, "NOPE. NO THANK YOU."

And not five minutes after another Taako visit, Lucas fucking Miller shows up.

He doesn't do or say anything in particular. or even acknowledge Angus, bar a hello. Or do anything to make it clear he was a headmaster or Miller of miller Tech. But he is an irritating person and thus an irritating patron just by being himself.

Ren returns. this time with Mayor Cassidy in tow. Or more, on her arm. If it's a coffee date, then angus is happy for them. but did it have to be on one of his shifts?!

And then there's that One guy. The vibes are bad. Even after he leaves…

Then there's a customer that Angus is sure is a reporter asking silly questions. but Angus is quick to avoid him. Only to then sigh as another customer asks, "when will Magnus be back?" when Angus tries to take their order. Folk i.e. fans have come to the tea shop because they heard Burnsides was there last week and are expecting him to return.

Some people, strangers, have also noticed a pattern of when Kravitz or Lup will come in too. something Angus had been dreading. Bird spotters have started popping in. or just standing outside not ordering anything. Which was weird and bad for business. Two even come in cosplay.

One creep even has an autograph book. and maybe twigging that 'Ang from the tea shop' is also Angus the world's greatest detective, Taako's apprentice, the unofficial eighth or ninth bird, said creep just spends the afternoon ordering coffee and staring at Angus. Like he's waiting for something to happen. After an hour, Mrs Cosie comes out of the kitchen and instantly notices that the nerd with the book is making Angus uncomfortable. and politely kicks the creep out the shop. But he's still hovering around the back entrance even when the tea shop shuts for the evening.

The guy only takes the hint to leave when Flo suddenly changes into a bloody big wolf right in front of him and chases him off down the street. backed up by Big Brenda and Gora'thien the Blood-Soaked swinging their weapons and half a dozen spells of the more magically inclined workers.

But they all think it's one of the young girls the guy was near- stalking. Angus doesn't say anything to let them think any different. If that creep was able to work it out, how long till more weirdos start showing up to Mrs Cosies neighbourhood?

It's all too much. He doesn't want to quit his job but by Thursday Angus is exhausted. By Friday Angus is beginning to dread going into work. He even takes the day off from his extra credit lectures just for a nap!

Unfortunately, Saturday, the day of the Merles' BBQ, was the very worst.

And the very very VERY worst of Taako visits to the teashop…