You Guys Had A Rough Month(s), Time To Drink

[unheiring]

Who: Anyone and everyone.
What: It’s a bar log, throw your characters on here.
When: After the Arbor has gone away but before the snakes come to play.
Where: The Watchtower Bar
Warnings: Alcohol, per usual.


Well, it’s been a long few months. A lot of you have died. Some of you probably repeatedly. But there’s good news to be had. The bar is still open, and between Luca and his spirit companion, there’s plenty of hands to pass everything around. In fact, Luca actually seems to be encouraging it. Anyone found to be in a state of melancholy is encouraged to stop by.

It isn’t just alcohol, mind you. Anyone in need of a hot meal will find one waiting for them on the hearth. Rather than stew, he’s serving something else this month. And of course, there is the usual assortment of cheeses to go around.

He’s also set up something special. All of the tables are more pushed to the side than usual, leaving a fair bit of room at the center of the room. Set up nearby are the records he’d received for the holiday, playing some more lively tunes. Need a dance? You’ll have one. Just mind the hearth, he can’t exactly move that.

Luca, of course, will put it best. “Come and revel. The months have been long and cold, and we know not what tomorrow brings.”

Comments

[kingincognito]

I dare say you will fit in well with Clive and I yet. Stubborn is a family trait.

[ Joshua certainly does not hold it against him. In fact, the firm approach was just what he needed to shake the stupidity out of him.

But the fact that Dion is able to bend so well nearly distracts him from the fact that he is 1) bowing to him, and 2) smiling at him like that. The slight flutter returns, and he smiles, glancing down the hallway in a way that certainly isn't coy. Dion really is mending well... ]

Very well, then. Please, feel free to continue escorting me, Your Highness.

[bajamutblast]

[Now that the mood is lighter between them, Dion finds that he's remiss to hurry his way on. Yes, he needs time to process the outflowing of emotion, but he doesn't know that he needs it right away. He doesn't mind holding his arm as if for Joshua to hold, either. Not that he minds if it isn't accepted. It's more a matter of teasing than anything else.]

I must admit, I am curious to know where you call home. You brother is with you two, I assume?

[They are inseparable, after all.]

[kingincognito]

[ It may be a tease, but all the same, Joshua takes the proffered arm. As part of his own tease, he will certainly play the part. ]

It isn't far. Just down this hallway. But yes, Clive stays with me, despite his own room being directly beside mine.

[ It's a fond point of contention, and Joshua laughs just as fondly. Not that Joshua doesn't want Clive staying in his room with him, but because: ]

I have asked to move his bed into my room, but he insists on sleeping on my couch.

[bajamutblast]

[For all his bravado, Dion actually hadn't expected Joshua to accept his offer. Despite the fabric barrier, wherever the man touches, Dion finds that electricity rises up. He has to draw a breath, one that he hopes Joshua does not see lest he worry over the man.]

If you would like, I could do the moving for him. How can he protest, if the work is already done.

[It doesn't surprise him to hear that Clive is acting this way. He had a penchant for suffering, especially as far as his brother was concerned. And really, how truly miserable was sleeping on a couch for a man who was intimately familiar with using the cold hard ground as a mattress.]

[kingincognito]

[ Thankfully, he does not seem to notice! His eyes are ahead, on the door that is quickly approaching. His touch on Dion's arm is light, at least, keenly aware that it is an act and nothing more.

If it wasn't, his hand would certainly be more firm. He is trying his best to make sure it isn't. ]

I would gladly help you, honestly. It would do him well to be able to sleep on a proper bed. Even if we must squeeze it in the room.

[bajamutblast]

[Truly only an act. It isn't as if Dion harbors a deep sense of longing, or anything like that.]

When I am better recovered, then. It is the least I can do for Clive, to ensure he actually rests.

[He is dead serious about this by the way. He will be forcing Clive to enjoy a damn bed, thank you. Even if he has to tie him down.

Wait - ]

[kingincognito]

[ Oh, nothing of the sort at all. ]

You are truly a kind man, Dion.

[ Even if Dion ends up seeing it as repaying a favor to Clive, it would be a favor for Joshua, too. He would owe him a debt himself, for once.

But the door to his room is here, now, and he is reluctant to let their trip end. But... it's probably for the best. He doesn't want to push it.

Still, he regards Dion with a warm smile, letting go of the man's arm. ]

This seems to be the end of our journey. But I have arrived safe and sound, all thanks to you, Dion.

[bajamutblast]

For once, I will not argue your claims.

[He says it with a half smile and a sidelong glance at Joshua. It's getting easier to accept Joshua's kindness with each passing word.

Like his companion, he's a bit remiss to let go. He steps back when Joshua does though, giving one last half-bow. Some part of him wishes, though, that it might have gone on just a little longer.]

My relief in knowing you are safe is inexplicable. [There's a joking tone to his voice, but only barely.] I trust you will remain such for the duration of the evening? I would hate to have to chase you down later in the night.

[kingincognito]

[ It's nice, this little play of theirs. Good to see that Dion is drawing out of his shell a bit. The half-bow makes him smile, and he half-bows in return. ]

Of course, Your Highness. I shall remain in my quarters til the morn.

[ Though, the promise of Dion knowing that he's left his room makes his chest feel... warm, in a scandalous sort of way. He has heard passing glimpses of stories such as these being told in taverns in his travels. But surely Dion would never - it's only a part of the act.

He moves toward his door, placing his hand on the knob and opening it. But he pauses before fully entering, turning to give Dion one last warm smile. ]

Thank you, Dion. For everything.

[bajamutblast]

[Like Joshua, Dion is hesitant to outright leave. He's grateful for that instinct, considering the fact that he is rewarded with such a smile. It pierces straight through his chest, and he almost feels unbalanced by the force of it. Nevertheless, he returns the expression with an equal amount of warmth, before becoming overwhelmed and glancing away.]

You need not thank me. There is far more that I would yet give to you.

[Is that too much? That's probably too much.]

I - should take my leave though.

[He gives one last bow, a bit hasty, before quickly turning tail to head back toward his own room.]