#scarsdale

"Blades? I -could- probably teach someone a thing or two. My preferred fighting style is sword-and-dagger but basics are the basics I'd say. You're interested in learning?":

"Yeah." (An unpleasant smile) "Have about a year to get good."

"You have a year? What's happwning in a year? Hook a girl up with another shot, good sir."

"Beltaine. Is happening in a year." (He uncorks, and pours. Burning dirt; filled to the brim. He watches her with interest)

"Happens every year, I'm told." She takes the shot and downs it, unable to stop herself from making a face this time.

(The face makes him laugh, a harsh rasping thing)

"Burns."

"It does. Yes. But it's not... okay, maybe it is... brutal stuff. I'm much more used to beer." She smiles at her own 'admission of weakness'.

"So get a beer." (Practical, isn't he?) "This is just what was left here. Have....you seen Dria?"

"It's Beltaine. I can branch out a little every now and again, can't I? As for Dria... I haven't seen her. I only just arrived before I came over to join you. Sorry."

"It's the night to do it, I'm told." (A snort, eyeing her narrowly) "Doesn't always turn out well, you should know."

"Well, wehat's life without a little risk now and then? Besides. I've been cooped up at the Roost ever since our quest. I get to spread my wings a little tonight, so to speak. I intend on doing so."

"Trying new things?" (Watching her intently)

"I'm wearing a dress, Ice. This is new for me. I'm tryin g to look natural here but I feel as if I'm already naked, you know?"

"'Already'? You say that like it's inevitable." (A twist of a smile and shrug. Eyes on her) "You're sidhe. Still better at this than I ever will be."

(Blunt, matter of fact) "You don't look out of place."

"I appreciate the vote of confidence, Ice. I honestly do. AS for inevitiable things? Who knows?"

"Who knows? Take a chance." (His eyes glint) "After all, the worst that can happen is it will all go disastrously, unforgettably wrong." (He salutes her with a shotglass)

A wide, bright smile. "And if it does go askew there'll always be a story to tell afterwards, right?"

((Foot fell asleep. one foot in a cast the other asleep. I guess I'm not leaving this chair any time soon))

"Only if there are Eshu around to carry the story of your mortification to the ends of the earth."

"Isn't that what they're there for? I mean, not to sound kithist or anything..."

"And probably embellish it, too."

"So they tell me."

(His own eyes are sliding partly closed. Unused to whiskey, he's apparently more of a lightweight than she is...then again, this is pretty strong whiskey, even Tanner's head may be swimming a bit)

"Well. That's... I think I'm already buzzing. Is that regular whiskey? Or some Nocker concoction?"

"You know, I didn't check." (NOW he does)

"Hmn. Do you really want to know the answer to that?"

"Could be wiorth bragging rights. You know, in a 'I survived drinking Nocxker Hooch' kinf=d of a way." She laughs. Light and airy.

It is certified grade-A single-malt Nocker Hooch. Old enough to vote AND rent a car...

"Bragging rights earned. This stuff is older than either of us."

"Nocker stuff." (Adding, after a beat)

"Well, then. I'd say we just survived another adventure. Aren't we just a pair?" Another laugh.

"Yeah." (A twist of a grin, setting it near her) "You have two options. Do the smart thing, and run, like everyone else. Including my chimera."

"Or see how much worse the evening can get. Maybe become infamous in Eshu stories."

"I've never been accused of being the smartest squire, I'll have you know."

"Is that supposed to obligate me to advise you, maybe look out for you?" (His eyes narrow, studying her with sharp intensity) "Or tempt me to see if it's true?"

A shrug. "Ever feel thatyou want to break the rules and just live instead of being bound up by so many rules?"

"When I want to try something new and different, I try following them instead." (An amused rasp)

"Ha. WE have very different lives, you and I."

"Amazing, isn't it." (Dryly)

"And yet I'd like to think we're friends. Funny how the Dreaming can bring people together, huh?"

"Yeah." (A quick grin, an unpleasant thing) "Funny."

(The dark eyes scrutinizing her, black as pitch)

"Do all sidhe make....friends...so easily?"

"You see them meeting in Firnost one week. And by the next, it seems they've known each other for years." (So it WAS a serious question)

"Not in all likelihood. Ther ones I've met in Firnost seem so open and... less tightly wound than the others I know and live with. Maybe it's firnost or something? I dunno. Sometimes the other sidhe in Firnost make me uncomfortable. Can I say that without sounding psycho?"

"Also? THere's so few few -men' that frequent Firnost when I'm around. Am I missing something?"

(A quick grin) "Sounds about right."

"Don't think we're welcome, as much."