Drinks Are On Me (Bar Log)

[unheiring]

Who: Anyone and everyone.
What: It’s a bar log, throw your characters on here.
When: Mid month, during carnival terror.
Where: The Watchtower Bar
Warnings: Alcohol, per usual.


[Life goes on in the Grove. New faces come, and some of them leave before Luca even has the chance to properly get to know them. This month, the memories of everyone's ideal life likely continue to hang over their heads. And that actually sucks, thanks. So Luca makes sure to roll out the proverbial red carpet. Between that and the nightmare that is the carnival, the usual sign outside the bar is quickly updated: Free Drinks all Month

It's worth noting that the usual age restrictions are gone. Anyone is allowed to enter the tavern at this point, though Luca isn't going to be handing out drinks to anyone below 15 (he swears that's normal in Renova). Still, it's probably evident why he's been more amenable to the younger generation. A number of tables have been moved away from one of the walls, and Luca has taken the time to pencil out where a potential open doorway may go eventually. There are even stray papers behind the bar that you might catch sight of — looks like someone's planning an addition.

How interesting!

As usually, Luca puts out plenty of food. Probably more than usual. Is he trying to compete with the carnies by putting out actually edible dishes? Maybe. Enjoy your roast beef, pheasant, and rotating stews, I guess. There's also a cheese plate out this month, strangely absent over the last few. Maybe someone is feeling a little hopeful? Who's to say.

Enjoy your bar log. Drink, have fun, and break things. Luca's not your dad, and his ghost dad will probably just grin from his corner.]

Comments

[tempurahair]

[Kyojuro only sees the food at first. He's already been thoroughly impressed with the bar, but to have food brought directly to them? This is clearly an unrivaled venue. He will need to come back here again!

Such delighted thoughts come crashing to a halt as he glances up at the bartender. Those eyes are both impossible to miss and horribly familiar. He cannot help himself - his hand shoots out to catch Kiera by the wrist. It isn't a tight grip just yet, with effort they could pull free.

After all, despite the obvious sign, he couldn't feel them. His senses are sharpened like a blade, and surely there is no way for a demon to muffle themselves to such a degree.

Kyojuro rises to his feet, scanning both the creature before him and his surroundings. How would he engage them, if it came to it? There were so many human lives at stake in such a small building.

No. No need to panic. He had managed well enough on the train, a space far more cramped than this. He could handle both them and himself in a fight, if it came to it. But only if it came to it.

Kyojuro doesn't mince words. Not now.]

What are you?

[cryopathy]

[the way kiera's eyes snap down to the hand on her wrist sure seems like the reflexes of a demon. but the smile never quite fades from her face, especially since she can tell she could easily break free.]

Beasts, you're forward, hm? [they tilt their head, batting white lashes innocently.] Why, I'm the proprietor's sibling -- and between you and me, he's liable to, at best, throw out patrons who harass the staff!

[tempurahair]

[He glances to the side, sizing up Luca as he does. Unlike his sibling, he doesn't seem to embody any demonic traits. The feathers of his neck are the only things that stand out, but that could surely be explained by most anything.

But if he sided with a demon...

No matter. Kyojuro's grip does not loosen, nor does it tighten. He keeps his gaze level on this strange creature, trying desperately to get a read on them. What had he missed? How had he missed it?]

And what of your patrons? Is it harassment to consume them? [Maybe he should just be straightforward.] If there is a threat to the people of this Grove, I would like to know of it!

[cryopathy]

[what the fuck. nobody else in the grove has so much as batted an eye at kiera's appearance, not even when it was much worse and she was actively restraining herself from biting them. is he some sort of rogue vampire slayer from their world, vigilante even as far as the rebellion was concerned?

the smile falls from her face even as the back of her neck hackles, but she forces her voice to remain soft.]

I can assure you we are not that sort of establishment, and I am not that sort of person. I would appreciate it if you released my arm.

[tempurahair]

[There's a long moment of silence. Kyojuro makes no attempt to hide the fact that he's studying their face in the gap. He isn't like Kamado, can't smell dishonesty, but he likes to think he has a good sense of character all the same. Ultimately, he isn't convinced that they aren't a demon. But that isn't what he asked for, is it?

He's granted Akaza mercy, despite knowing the horrors he's wrought. He accepted Nezuko's clemency. If the citizens of the Grove have no issue with this establishment and this person, then he will not cause grief.

All at once, that blazing aura simmers down. He offers them a grin, wide and genuine.]

I am glad we could establish that! It is wonderful to meet you! You and your sibling have excellent cooking skills! I look forward to many more evenings spent here!

[cryopathy]

[the look they give him is still very flat, despite his apparent change in demeanor. like him, they aren't fully swayed into believing he isn't going to cause them trouble, but they're also not going to pick a fight in the watchtower. luca would never let them hear the end of it.]

Right. So long as you can remain civil, we will continue to welcome you.

Ser Kiera Aurelius. [this guy sure as hell doesn't get to be casual with them.] I'm sure you'll find that any threat to the Grove will, in fact, be met with a knight's sword.

[tempurahair]

[Sorry, Kiera, but this man is used to dealing with people like Sanemi and Giyu. He is not at all put off by her icy demeanor. In fact, as if somehow missing the cue to back off, he leans forward extremely eagerly.]

A knight! What a coincidence! You could consider me a knight as well!

[He pulls out his... sword? It's nothing more than a hilt and the faint jut of a blade, only a single Kanji remaining. He shows it to her as he practically grins ear to ear.]

I was one of the best in the Demon Slayer corps, Ser Kiera Canorus! I hope you will forgive my abruptness, but your eyes reminded me of the creatures I once fought against.

[cryopathy]

[he's... weirdly jovial, for a guy whipping out his sword -- or what's left of it -- in a tavern. kiera almost starts, but despite the seriousness from a moment ago, he doesn't feel threatening anymore...

the thing that actually makes her recoil is the comment about their eyes. it's only slight, the most movement in her eyes themselves, looking abruptly away and down.]

Ahah... Of course. Well, I would also rather they not appear this way, but I don't seem to have any control over that.

[tempurahair]

[Kyojuro can read enough, just from that expression alone. His grin wavers, settling into something a touch more solemn. A faint spark of guilt wells up within his chest.]

I apologize for bringing up such a sensitive matter. And for making such assumptions about you and your sibling. I should have known you were both good people, considering just how much the citizens enjoy your presence. [When he does smile again, it's smaller, but a little more... heartfelt?] And I can see why!

[cryopathy]

[at least he seems honest about not pursuing that anymore. really, they can't blame him -- if they met someone who looked like them, they'd be at their throat instantly, too. probably far less straightforward than this man, even.

he should be glad to see his smile returned, also somewhat restrained.]

My brother is quite a bit kinder than I, but I appreciate it. [their brow quirks at his last addition. are they to take that the way they think they ought to?] I don't suppose I get the pleasure of learning your name, ser Demon Slayer?

[tempurahair]

I am not so convinced! Kindness tends to run in families, you see! My own brother, for example, is not so different than I.

[He perks up just that little bit more. His hand is thrust out, callused palm open for the taking and shaking.]

Kyojuro Rengoku! Former Flame Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps! It is a pleasure to meet you, Ser Kiera Aurelius!

[cryopathy]

[kyojuro is lucky that sibling talk is probably the fastest way to get on their good side.]

You as well, Mr. Rengoku, now that we understand one another. Younger or older brother?

[tempurahair]

Please, just Kyojuro is fine! It seems everyone is on a given name basis here, as it is!

[They have a lot in common, it seems! Mainly that talking about siblings is the easiest way to win them over.]

Younger, by six years! Fourteen to my twenty!

[cryopathy]

Alright, Kyojuro.

[they suppose they won't throw a fit if he drops the "ser." maybe.

their somewhat smarmy smile quickly broadens into a more genuine one that turns up their eyes.]

Oh, just a little lad! [kiera is delighted by the notion, apparently. though it's a bit difficult to imagine a smaller version of this man. idly, they wonder if his baby brother's eyebrows also take up half of his forehead...] How sweet!

What was that other thing you mentioned? Your rank, perhaps?

[tempurahair]

[And here he is, matching Kiera's freak. His own smile is practically blazing with adoration. Unfortunately, it also makes him much louder and more enthusiastic.]

Indeed! Young, and with a kind heart. He will make a most excellent man one day, and I only wish I could be around to see it!

[He nods three times, each more forceful than the last.]

I was a Hashira, one of the strongest of our corps. It is my duty to patrol a specific territory within Japan and ensure that any humans are kept safe from demons!

[cryopathy]

[interesting choice of words. logging that away.

less enthusiastically, they nod once in realization.]

Ah. Given that context, your apprehension makes perfect sense. I suppose I should thank you for looking after our fellow residents.

[tempurahair]

You need not thank me! It what I was born, raised, and trained to do. Never mind the fact that I was apparently quite rude in trying to carry out that duty!

[Nothing fazes this man. Like at all.]

[cryopathy]

[ah. there's the frown again. kiera cants their head slightly to one side, brows pulling up in concern. child soldier, recognize child soldier.]

Water under the bridge, my friend. In fact, allow me to offer you a drink on the house. [shut up luca, they'll put their own shells in the till.] What's your poison?

[tempurahair]

[Kyojuro blinks twice, glances toward the bar, and then back toward his newfound friend.]

I should hope the drink is free! I understand the bartender said every drink was! [And he doesn't even give them a chance to respond before bursting into uproarious laughter anew. This man is insufferable.]

Just water will be fine for me, though!

[cryopathy]

[haha. caught in the act, kiera gives an airy laugh.]

And here I was, trying to charm you! Water it is. Would you like it chilled?

[tempurahair]

That would be magnificent! Thank you, kindly, for your hospitality!

[cryopathy]

You're quite welcome.

[and get a pitcher and a glass they will! probably going to frost them both behind the bar, though, so he doesn't get some idea about her having demonic powers or something. she returns with them both on a tray, setting it down at his table.]

Anything else I can do for you at the moment?

[tempurahair]

[He stares in wonder at the perfectly chilled glass. Amazing. They truly have everything in this bar.

He takes a gulp of the water, then sets it down with a pleased, if steady, exhale.]

Tasty! [He turns his attention back to them.] That should be more than enough for me, though. Thank you for your time, Ser Kiera Canorus! I hope to see more of you in the future!

[cryopathy]

[that shout definitely doesn't make them jolt. not even a hair.]

You as well, Kyojuro. Feel free to wave me down if you change your mind.