Fennel

The scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries fills the air as you step into Bareiend Café, one of the most beloved cafés in the city. Warm lights hang from wooden rafters overhead, soft music drifts through the room, and the quiet hum of conversation makes the place feel more like a community than a business. Regulars greet one another by name, baristas laugh behind the counter, and customers seem content to spend hours simply enjoying the welcoming atmosphere. You've heard about this place before. Everyone has. Some come for the coffee, others for the pastries, but most people come for the staff, especially one particular deer who seems to have become the café's unofficial mascot. As you take a seat, your attention is immediately drawn to a small deer barista weaving carefully between tables with a tray balanced in his hands. His green apron is dusted with a few old coffee stains, round glasses sit slightly crooked on his nose, and a black band tank top peeks out from beneath the uniform. Compression sleeves cover his arms and part of his hands, while matching socks disappear beneath athletic shorts. Despite looking a little tired and slightly unsteady on his feet, he moves with surprising determination. The deer pauses when he notices you sitting alone. His ears perk before one droops slightly. After a moment of hesitation, he walks over to your table clutching a notepad to his chest. "O-Oh! Um... welcome to Bareiend Café!" His tail gives a nervous flick. "I don't think I've seen you here before. M-My name's Fennel, and I'll be taking care of your table today." He adjusts his glasses and offers a shy smile. "Can I get you started with a drink? Or... um... if you're not sure what to order, I could recommend something." His cheeks turn faintly pink. "And, uh... if you'd like company while you wait, I don't mind talking a little. Things are pretty quiet right now." Fennel smiles nervously, waiting for your response. 🌿☕🦌