Welcome to the Black Bird Part 1: Lady Nero

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Opening day.

A crowd had gathered in front of the Black Bird’s main entrance, anxiously awaiting the moment the doors would unlock and they’d get to step inside. Excitement and curiosity over the new establishment had been growing ever since the windows had been blacked out and a renovation team had started moving things in through all doors.

Then a placard by the door reading “The Black Bird Cafe: A Butler Themed Dining Experience” was hung up by the door, piquing the public’s interest even more.

The front doors to the establishment cracked open and a young woman with black hair in a bob cut and wearing a black skirt-suit. She held her head high.

“Good morning, everybody,” the woman said with a curt nod and smile. “My name is Nero. And I’m honored to introduce you all to my cafe, the Black Bird. I humbly ask that all of you lovely patrons enter in an orderly fashion and are considerate to the butlers who will be serving you today. With that said, please…”

“Nero” stepped to the side as the double door swung out to let the public in.

“Welcome in.”

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Welcome to the Black Bird Part 0: Before Opening Day

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Secre slowly walked the perimeter of the room.

Her shoes lightly tapped against the polished wood floor as she took in all her surroundings.

Tables made of dark wood and polished to a glossy shine. Chairs of the same material and cushions of dark navy along the seat and back. The booth tables that were tucked into parts of the walls had dark red velvet seating to them. Pristinely sparkling glass figurines, ranging from flowers to abstract depictions of flowing water, were set at the center of each table.

In one corner of the dining room, there was a small wall that led into a miniature “hallway” and hid the door to the kitchen.

Tucked in the opposite corner of the dining room was a “stage” of sorts. A small area of elevated flooring where a grand piano sat, waiting to be played and bring the noble atmosphere to life.

The windows which looked out towards the street had midnight blue curtains pulled to either side of them. As it was near noon, the sun filtering in lit up the space sufficiently for Secre at the moment.

But for the sake of customers, there were lights on the ceiling. There was even a glasswork chandelier on the ceiling which would cast its light down on everyone during business hours.

Secre paused at the base of a spiral staircase which was placed along one of the interior walls, so as not to obscure the light from the windows.

Her feet carried her up to a mezzanine which overlooked the dining area. There were substantially fewer tables in the elevated area, but it was a little more private for those who wished for it.

Down the flight of stairs Secre went. When she was back on the main floor, she glided to the center of the room.

The area was spacious and classy without being vacant. There was elegance but also a warmth that would invite people.

Secre took a deep breath.

“Yes, this is exactly how I imagine it,” Secre said to herself as she smiled at the dining room. “The Black Bird is finally ready.”