This modest establishment has recently been renamed and renovated following a change of management in Darkenry 1225 AD. It is situated on a corner not far from Audrey’s Otherwear in the Inner Ring of the Citadel. The main entrance is located on a busy street on the northern side of the building. Another bustling street runs along the eastern wall and on the western side, a narrow gated alley leads south towards the rear entrance.
Topped by a roof of mossy grey slate, the two-story building is constructed in weathered stone and freshly painted wood. Creepers of ivy climb around the windows and in the spring, a veritable rainbow of tea roses bloom from planter boxes along the sheltered front porch, and from the pots dangling from the overhanging balcony. During times of dry weather, chairs and tables can be set onto the porch and balcony for patrons who wish to enjoy their socialising semi-alfresco.
The main doors open into a spacious hall with polished wooden floorboards covered here and there by plush carpets. Bright sunshine floods the room throughout the day, but after the sun has set, the cafe is transformed - puddles of soft lantern light mottle the building, illuminating some regions with their warm yellow glow, rendering others shadowy and intimate by their abscence.
Dominating the southern wall is a raised stage where both professional and amateur acts are frequently invited to perform. In the southwestern corner, a green door leads to an enclosed stairwell which is also accessible via the back entrance of the establishment. The stone fireplace set into the southeastern corner warms the cafe during the cold seasons.
A series of wooden booths padded with red cushions lines the eastern side of the room. On wall next to each booth, square windows alternate with paintings and sketches commissioned by local artists. Chairs, sofas and high and low tables clutter the rest of the floor space; these furnishings are tasteful and elegant, in warm wooden and earthern tones enlivened by the occasional splash of pale lemon yellow.
A counter located to the west side of the entrance encloses a small open kitchen, tiled with terracotta, where hot beverages and sweet snacks are freshly prepared each day. From the beginning of morningtide to the end of eveningtide, the rich aroma of brewing coffee and baked goods fills the shop and wafts forth from any open doors or windows.
Customers are attended to promptly by the staff of the coffee house, who invite you to relax, to make yourself at home and to treat yourself to a few of life’s simple pleasures.
Standing in the door way of Simple Pleasures, before moving off to the side, Deianeira paused looking around a bit, though it was still early morningtide, she felt a bit uneasy. "Jenna?" she called peering behind her and out of the door. She'd left the temple first and figureed that she'd try to get to the shop early to get a good place to sit for them. Finding a booth, Deianeira sits down. Her movements are graceful, though and her dark hair is pulled a little tighter into its ribbon.
"Can I have-" she pauses to think about her voice of drink. "A cup of tea, and any baked goods that are just fresh from the oven, doesn't matter." she speaks warmly. Though as a few moments pass her eyes wander to wards the a stage. "A stage. I should try and see if I can get a performance." she muses aloud. "Born and raised here, and I didn't know there was a stage her in Simple Pleasures." she smiles as her eyes, look toward the stage with a little bit of longing. Who am I kidding,I am not that good. I could not perform in front of so many people.
She leaned back into the booth. Letting herself be alone with her thoughts. I am not afraid, but I feel so... unable to play. She strummed an imaginary instrument. "How am I supposed to do this? Mother kicked me out..." she leaned a little over the table looking down at her darkned hands. Her mother's hand were more delicate, she was adhiel, but Deianeira smiled. Mother could never done some of the things I have-not with those hands. She was raised to high society, what chance do I have of following that path? She inhaled and drank her tea when it came.