Beauty and the Bartender

[Rhea]

⌘ Beauty and the Bartender ⌘

33rd of Searing, Year 120, A.o.S

---

⌘ Rhea had been in Alfsos running some errands for the guild, and as tired and tuckered out she was, she was more so hungry. Analine was suppose to be meeting her at some Inn she heard had good food and drinks, so Rhea figured she'd meet her best friend there for a quick bite. It wasn't too far out of the way so it wasn't an issue to go and meet her friend.

Standing outside the place she waited patiently for her friend to arrive, not knowing Analine was already there, sneaking up behind her and hugging her from behind. "If I was a bandit you'd be a dead silly girl, you should always be aware of your surroundings." she teased, poking Rhea in the head. Startled Rhea let out a squeal before sighing into the hug from her friend. "I guess so, they are smart to use me meeting my good friend for lunch as bait for an ambushed."

Both women laughed as they entered the establishment. It was a nice tavern and Inn by Rhea's standards. It was quiet and peaceful, the smell of food wafting under her nose, causing her stomach to rumble and beg for food. Embarrassed, she quickly grabbed at her stomach, as if that would quell the sounds of it roaring.

Finding a spot at the bar, Both women looked around to really take in the place. She wondered who ran it, was it one of the eight clans, or under some kinship she knew nothing about. She didnt recognize any of the employees that were on duty working, so she figured it was a kinship she was not privy to.

It meant meeting new people, which made the Iulide nervous. She never liked first impressions, fearing she would say or do something that would make her look or sound stupid. She was very glad she had some support, Analine being more of a people person compared to Rhea's reserved and introverted self. ⌘

---

"Common Tongue"
"Kokalath Tongue"
"Analine Dialogue"
"Hellig Dialogue"

[Patrick]

When they had entered into the premises of the Inn the midday rabble had finally dwindled, a good number of patrons leaving in drones as they were workers heading out, likely finishing the last of their daily routines before sunlight truly faded. Yet even as much of the business had just left not so long ago, the air in the lobby allured the sense of smell to one's nose, as the aroma of a buttery glaze permeated the area from the kitchens.

At the bar were Patrick and Dominik, as Vincent was helping Rose collect dishes so that they could tag-team the chore of washing them together. Naturally, the whole buddy-buddy system was often used to clear the chore list, as both of the parents approved of the efficiency found in teamwork. So while one pair tackled the clean-up in the kitchen, the other out front at the bar worked on cleaning the workstation, while still tending to any patrons who needed a drink or two.

Sure enough, the arrival of two women, both beautiful to gander at, heralded the dawn of newcomer's into their business; a fact which led both Dominik and Patrick to smile wildly to the both of them. To the middle brother, who was in a stained grey shirt wiping a washcloth across the counter, they looked to be possible mercenaries or adventurers.

They had the kind of figure that implied discipline, a type of frame refined from a consistent drive. Yet they entered with no weapons visibly on them, so perhaps they were part of a Clan visiting Alfsos. "Welcome ladies," Dominik greeted them in Kokalath, who was in the brown shirt with a damp spot just over the abdomen area. "You lookin' for a bite to eat? Or perhaps a stiff drink?"

"Or lookin' to rent a room?" Patrick weighed in almost smoothly, as though the two brothers were almost of one mind when he spoke. "Got some Atinawan Mutton still left, if you're as hungry as you look, Miss?" He left off with a curious look to Rhea, his eyebrows elevated as he waited to hear her name.

"Speech"

[Rhea]

⌘ Beauty and the Bartender ⌘

33rd of Searing, Year 120, A.o.S

---

⌘ A smile on her face she looked to the two gentlemen behind the bar, nodding to the one that greeted them, focusing hard on not making a fool of herself. Analine, batting her eyes at them both smirked upon their question. "If the food is as good as it smells then absolutely, and the stiffest drink you have wont hurt either. Make that a double for friend here." she teased, laughing at the shocked looked Rhea gave her.

"A glass of wine will do if you don't mind." she requested sheepishly, her eyes advertising from both men. She was doing it again, and she couldnt help it. She was always nervous if not reluctant around men. Old scars take time to heal she supposed, so she knew it would take time to conquer this aspect of herself. It was a battle she was not ready for.

One of the men behind the bar offered them some mutton to which Analine accepted, Rhea nodding in agreement with her friend. His question made her realize he was asking her for her name, to which she gasp upon the recollection. "I am Rhea Iulide of Clan Loregard, and this is my friend Analine. It's a pleasure to meet you both." she introduced with a slight bow in her seat.

Her eyes began to wonder around both men, inspecting them closely. They didn't seem like the type to hurt anyone, but she knew from past mistakes, that looks can deceive even the most perceptive of minds. For now, she would enjoy whatever wine they brought for her. Analine noticed her friend looking at the men in detail which caused her to giggle and nudge her.

"I see you checking them out, wondering whats under the clothe too huh? They are kinda cute arent they?" she whispered, giggling to which Rhea nudged her back with surprise. "Thats not what I was doing at all Analine!" she exclaimed in protest. ⌘

---

"Common Tongue"
"Kokalath Tongue"
"Analine Dialogue"
"Hellig Dialogue"

[Patrick]

Patrick and Dominik both watched the two women, attentive to the both of them as they requested their order. The shorter lady looked to be the more socialite one in comparison, as she took the initiative in sharing that they'd both love some grub. Yet of course the differences between them became more apparent, when the taller one ordered wine instead of 'the stiffest drink' they served. Dominik looked a little surprised, just a bit, when the younger looking woman had asked.

Patrick on the other hand briefly chuckled and, in turn, moved towards the kitchen doorway to put in the request for them. The others were still busy with cleaning the kitchen, with Rose and Vincent halfway through the dishes already, while Connor thoroughly wiped down the counter space throughout the kitchen. "Hey, can we get two dishes of the daily special?" The bartender hollered into the room, garnering the attention of all three as they worked, while Connor nearly rolled his head to the side in slight annoyance.

"I'm on it!" Rose responded quickly as she glanced up to Vincent, who looked down at her in turn and nodded for her to go ahead.

"Much appreciated!" The bartender called back as he moved away from the kitchen doorway, a vacant grin worn as his expression when returned behind the bar. Dominik had already started pouring the drink for the younger lady, with a glass cup placed on the counter before him, as the older sibling reached up to where all the hard liquors resided. Oh... Old Ones help this poor girl. Granted she'd literally asked for it, of course, the stiffest drink she was about to get was none other than a glass of the Shitport Special. Probably some of the hardest liquor in their inventory honestly, yet the middle brother said nothing, just knowingly kept from chuckling further as he joined Dominik.

"Any idea what kind of wine she'd like?" The older sibling checked with a thoughtful glance past his shoulder, Patrick doing the same in turn before looking at the selection they had.

"Well, she's quieter than her friend so it's hard to say..." Patrick murmured with heavy consideration for the red wine instead of white. "What about the Helato?" He picked as he pulled out the bottle, careful to slide it out of the wine rack before presenting it to his brother. Dominik's eyebrows rose a bit as he looked to be either curious or impressed.

"Adeno Helato? That's normally best with desserts though innit?"

"True, the undertones are subtle. But we need something that goes well with the dinner." As if prompted into action by Patrick's remark, Dominik placed the bottle of Shitport down to hold out his hands, a brief "May I?" asked as he held his hands up for Patrick. Right away the younger brother gave the older the bottle, moving aside so that Dominik could work his magic as expected.

"Pleasure to meet you," Patrick remarked in turn to the lady who called herself Rhea, "Patrick's my name, and this here is my older brother Dominik." He offered both of them a friendly warm grin, with a brief curious look over towards the kitchen doorway, since they were still waiting on that dinner. Dominik turned to do the same with a different bottle in hand now, with a brief nod for Patrick to draw closer once more so they could talk lower.

"Spitfire." Patrick nearly soured his lips at the man, an amused look shot to Dominik as the older brother raised a finger. "The undertones are rich and compliment that spicy kick it's got... which, in turn," He left off for Patrick to catch on with the point.

"Gives cooked meat, such as mutton, an extra hint of flavor! Good choice Dom!" The middle brother remarked to the older, while the youngest brother stepped out to join them at just the right time.

"Two Atinoran Mutton specials!" He called out as he reached the bar, placing a plate of the meal before each lady. "Hope you ladies enjoy this wonderful meal, cooked by me by the way, and if you happen to want more just ask." He remarked with a hearty chuckle, along with a competitive glance shot to Patrick and Dominik. The middle brother merely rolled his eyes, watching as the younger trotted back into his domain moments later. Dominik finished pouring Rhea's glass of wine then, letting Patrick take the drinks as he resealed the bottles and shelved them once more.

When Patrick placed the drinks down for the women, Analine was given the glass with clear yet strongly odorous alcohol, while Rhea was given the glass with rich red content. Along with the cooked mutton they had received, their dishes also had baked rolls, and smoked leeks that reeked of vinegar. Yet it was the conversation that the two ladies had, discreetly between them just as the brothers did earlier, he had barely caught wind of in providing their beverages. They were being cute? Or they were cute?

While he hadn't the slightest idea of the context, he couldn't help but grin as he stepped back towards the other counter, leaning heavily into it with his hands placed at the edges for support. Dominik did the same in a sense but with crossing his arms, looking to Patrick curiously before focusing on the two gorgeous women before them. There was a short moment of denial that was nearly stated aloud, yet the conversation still remained discreet as they both were about to begin eating. "Let us know if you need anythin' else." The eldest brother remarked as he twisted to resume cleaning the counters behind them, a thoughtful look cast to his younger brother as Patrick mimicked the idea.

Only he started wiping the counter space almost half a foot away from where Rhea and her friend sat.

[Rhea]

Beauty and the Bartender

33rd of Searing, Year 120, A.o.S

Taking the initial bite, the flavor of the food was amazing, damn near mouthwatering. Both Rhea and Analine devoured the plate of food before them, savoring the flavor without looking like wild animal eating. It was a good experience, not to mention they had two handsome men to look at while they ate.

Once done, they set the plates to the side and took their drinks, tasting those and finding them to be just as good as the food. "Goodlooking, can cook, and knows their spirits and booze, I think I could have one of your babies boys." the raven-haired beauty teased, causing Rhea to spit her wine out almost out of both shock and embarrassment. She knew Analine was wild but she hoped she would show some class and restraint being that this was there first time here. The Iulide didn't want to make a bad impression and it gets back to her clan.

Shaking her head she couldn't help but look at the two men serving them, hoping they were not offended by her words. "Forgive her, she can be a little too much at times, but if anything you should take it as a big compliment." she noted, Analine elbowing her causing the two women to laugh. "If you have the time, I'm rather interested to hear how you guys got such a nice place in the capital. Its a very well decorated place I might add, very homey." she added with a polite smile.

Both women were sipping on their drinks, waiting for either male to answer, a looking of genuine interest in their eyes.

---

"Common Tongue"
"Kokalath Tongue"
"Analine Dialogue"
"Hellig Dialogue"

[Patrick]

Admittedly the two brothers couldn't help but grin in confidence, after hearing the sort of praise that one of the women gave them. Though of course it wasn't without raised eyebrows for the two, both Patrick and Dominik looked quite pleased that their patrons were enjoying the meal. "I mean," Dominik started in a casual tone, "the act of makin' them alone is just as fun." Patrick nearly chortled as he smiled wryly to his brother, as Dominik clearly made it obvious that he lact the suave tact other men possessed. Nevertheless the warm smile the older sibling gave to Analine lingered, even when his gaze shifted between the two women and his younger brother.

"It's a very big compliment," Patrick assured Rhea in turn when she spoke on Analine's behalf, "our cook very much appreciates a happy patron after a hearty meal." Of that he had no doubt, as Connor always put his heart and soul into his cooking, probably why half if not most the meals he made were borderline excellent. It was then that they were requested to elaborate on how they came to own the place, even though both brothers couldn't help but softly chuckle when they heard the implication.

"We don't really own the place ourselves," Dominik remarked before Patrick could answer, "our parents started the business before we were born, so we were pretty much raised into the profession."

"Not that it's all bad," Patrick himself finally weighed in, "I mean it's a family run business so we sort of have small claim, but in reality it's our father who owns the establishment. Someday though he'll pick someone to run it in his stead."

"Yeah, but hopefully not for another long while." Dominik added before moving towards the shelves to collect a couple of mugs, filling each one with an almost perfectly balanced pint of ale, with little to no foam coating the surface. "But to answer your question a bit more thoroughly, we pretty much just grew up in this place. Our mother made sure we had a childhood worth enjoyin', and tutored us herself when we were old enough to begin studyin'." He elaborated as he held the other mug out towards Patrick, who accepted it with a brief thanks given to his older brother.

"Not really a whole lot to the story really," the younger sibling chimed in with a brief shrug, before sipping at his ale with a satisfied exhale, "but if there's somethin' specific you want to know, don't be afraid to ask." He assured Rhea while he placed the mug on the counter, his verdant and honey-colored eyes fixed on the lady as he grinned once more. "What about you two? Can't say we've seen you in before, you from one of the local clans or...?" He didn't want to seem rude and imply them as outlanders, when clearly they spoke Kokalath as though it were their native tongue. So instead he simply left the sentence at a linger, hopeful the attractive lady might finish it for him.

[Rhea]

Beauty and the Bartender

33rd of Searing, Year 120, A.o.S

"I have to say that's rather impressive. You must be very proud of your father's accomplishments. I share the same sentiment for my father." she expressed, giving them both a quaint smile. Rhea sat at the bar, swirling the wine around in her glass as she sipped it, that besides the aroma, was rather crisp to the taste. She was never a true drinker, but it would've been impolite to come to someone's establishment and not drink something they picked out for you to enjoy.

She had to say the glass she had was far more than she needed, after all, she was in unfamiliar territory and didn't want to lose her wits about her. She just took in the sights of the patrons around her, making sure not to bring attention to herself. She was kinda jealous, to be from a not so well known kinship. If she could have switched places with them she would have.

It wasn't so easy being a daughter to the finla, but she was proud of that blood that ran through her veins. Hearing the question posed to her, she giggled as she took another sip of her glass. "I am from Loregard, I am the daughter of Adelguth Iulide, Finla of Loregard." she was hoping that the realization of her lineage would not affect how they treated her. It was one of the reasons she was shy as of now.

She had come to realize that many would try and gain her favor if only to meet her father. She was no one's tool or stepping stone, and it was why Analine was so close to her. She was the first person to truly befriend her for herself. She was hoping that these men would be different from the others. Her eyes looked to Patrick, a slight fear filling them, she didn't want special treatment just because she came from a prominent family.

---

"Common Tongue"
"Kokalath Tongue"
"Analine Dialogue"
"Hellig Dialogue"

[Ruin]

Review Request: viewtopic.php?p=4198#p4198

XP: 8

Magic Experience: None.

Injuries/Ailments: Perhaps another time.

Awarded Lores:
Investigation: Asking questions to get to know other people
Etiquette: Introductions are key
Etiquette: Being polite is a must from nobility
Etiquette: Holding conversations with the common folk
Etiquette: Accepting the hospitality of others
Etiquette: Commending others on their accomplishments

Loot: Nothing lost, nothing gained.

Comments:
Damn what a cliffhanger, I guess we'll never knew if the brothers think differently on Rhea because of her heritage. I particularly liked the dynamics between both pairs here, Analine is quite outrageous!

Patrick: If you'd like to request rewards, please shoot me a DM on site and I'll edit them into this post.

Build to last,
Ruin.