Author: Solstice, Posted: Sat Nov 7, 2020 8:40 AM, Post Subject: Feast for Warriors [P][R]
Wine was nothing new to Mithras; it was among one of the highly demanded tributes that the primal lords would request from their regions of conquest. It was a drink that was strong and complex, meant to be savored on the tongue. Sometimes it could be harsh and bitter like the winds of the iron-feathered garuda, or sweet and alluring like a maiden's kiss. As he listened to their gracious hostess explain the different types of wines, the lion-headed lord learned that there were many names that embodied certain characteristics. The simpler ones were a reference to color, taste, whether or not it was mixed. The specific names given to varieties under each category had their own individual qualities that set them apart from others in their class. Wine was not merely a drink one imbibed at leisure–it was associated with etiquette observed during meals and paired with what was served. He would sate his curiosity at a later time; it was time to order their meal for the night.
When Ciara requested an entire barrel of 'vodka', he was amused at the short exchange between her and the server. While the man regained his composure, the primal lord took a glance at the menu. "I will choose the Petite Sirah for tonight. These names are new to my ears, though I have no doubt that your recommendations will be less than excellent." Mithras grinned, reclining against the back of his seat. Turning towards the waiter, he added: "As for the food, whatever you deem is most suited with it. There's no harm in a few surprises." The waiter hurriedly nodded, still too flustered to raise any objections. His gaze returned to the azure-haired woman. "You wouldn't be thinking on keeping that entire barrel of vodka to yourself now, Lady Hostess?" Mithras asked with a hint of coquetry, a spark of mischief gleaming in his crimson eyes. And by the shocking request of an entire barrel, the lion-headed lord assumed that she was one who could hold her drink while savoring it.
Author: Ciara, Posted: Tue Nov 3, 2020 9:03 PM, Post Subject: Feast for Warriors [P][R]
There was a musician on the stage, tapping on some handheld drums as a fair maiden dressed in a revealing outfit danced for the other patrons. Sometimes they had a pole on that stage for the exciting nights. She smiled to herself, remembering some of those nights. Her attention turned back to Alythea and Mithras as they described their knowledge. Her blonde friend knew nothing while the woman knew the basics. A smile formed on her ruby lips as she relaxed. The danger had passed and it seemed neither of them had the information that would cause her harm. Perhaps one day they would figure it out. But for tonight she didn't need to worry. Tonight they could drink, relax, and be friends. Tomorrow was someone else's problem.
"I was curious about how much you knew," Ciara said "There are several Fae or Faerie, whatever you like to call them, guests who visit occasionally. I'd suggest staying out of their way."
Her words were carefully formed, never lying but never giving anything away either. She allowed the conversation to change to one of the wine. The fact that Alythea lived near the fae but didn't know about wine showed she must have been a creature who lived away from structured society. Perhaps some sort of shapeshifter or maybe a pheonix? There were many creatures she could have been.
"Wine is fermented grapes." Ciara explained, "There is red, white, rosé, sparkling, and fortified. If you'd like a fruity sweet taste without too much alcohol, I'd recommend the Moscato wine. Cabernet Sauvignon is dry and goes great with a large dinner. If you choose Cava make sure its well aged. If you'd like a stronger wine then try the Petite Sirah."
Giving some time to the both of them, she let them figure out more what they'd want. This particular bar was fancy but its alcohol content was long and trustworthy. They wouldn't be putting any extra ingredients in their order. After everybody made their decisions, she waved for one of the waitors. Eventually she caught the attention of one and he came right over.
"I'd like a barrel vodka. Any kind will do. I love them all." Ciara requested.
"A-a barrel?" The suprised waitor stuttered, "Ma'm that might be too much."
Rising to her feet, she walked towards him. Her hand snatched his collar and pulled him close. She pressed her body up against his and whispered into his ear.
"Please?"
He nodded, his face a deep shade of pink and Ciara quickly backed off. The fae woman sat down while the man turned to the others to receive their orders.
Author: Alythea, Posted: Tue Nov 3, 2020 1:48 PM, Post Subject: Feast for Warriors [P][R]
Ciara was a certainly well connected person as Alythea made her way into the establishment. Deep red velvet designs accompanied by fancy gold decor were scattered through the adorned building. It was a sight Aly was certainly uncomfortable with, add shit here. When the group was seated and told to order whatever she liked, Aly’s eyes grew wide, but soon diminished when she picked up the menu and remembered she had trouble with Revaliir language. She huffed in disappointment, here large purple eyes resting on Ciara and Mithras with interest. Ciara was mysterious, her obvious connections and strange songs that recharged her in battle. Mithras grandstanding stunt had certainly earned Alythea’s trust. It was an odd duo, there was no doubt, but a duo she intended on befriending.
Her ears perked as Ciara mentioned the fae. “It’s a rather unused term, isn’t it?.” She said, causally without thinking. “Where I’m from they preferred Faerie.” Alythea pronouncing the extra syllable. “Like our valiant friend here, I too hail from different lands. However, I was in close proximity with the Faerie. Beautiful, mysterious creatures.” If she was being honest, the unicorns and faerie weren’t on the best of friendly terms. The two were very different and held very different opinions on the future of the vast forest they called home. She held respect for the faerie back home, but also a sharp apprehensive and careful stance. “My people and I learned very quickly they were not to be pushed around. Beautiful and mysterious, yes, but also terrifyingly powerful.” She found the question odd, as if she was one to judge oddness. Alythea certainly would not ask if they had heard of unicorns. While she was beginning to trust the new pair, she would keep her secret, revealing it if the time called for it. Instead, she added, “I find it odd, though. What do you know of the Faerie? Surely, you must have some contact with the faerie folk? She asked, her eyes following a waiter that carried a bucket of what the humans called wine.
“Not to change the subject, however, I do truely wish to try the so-called wine the people often talk about.”
Author: Solstice, Posted: Sat Oct 31, 2020 6:24 PM, Post Subject: Feast for Warriors [P][R]
Vilpamolan, the infamous port of the southeast. Reviled by the neighboring kingdom of Adeluna as a rat's warren of the lowest of the low, the pirate city had few laws where other cities had many. The atmosphere was certainly less constrained when compared to lands held together by a ruling body, but it was not quite the same as the tribal collectives common in Onnen. Following Ciara's lead, Mithras noted the tavern they would be visiting as patrons to be more guarded than the others. The fae woman was a frequent visitor here, as the primal lord ascertained from the guard's familiar attitude towards her. They were welcomed as guests, and a welcoming atmosphere greeted them. Padded chairs with vibrant fabrics implied luxury, and there were more private seating areas should patrons prefer to sit away from the rest. Taking a seat, their gracious hostess explained that she was given a favor by the owners of the establishment in exchange for her work entertaining the guests.
The menu had many terms that the lion-headed lord was unfamiliar with, but he intended to ask Ciara once her question was answered. There was no hurry, after all this was a celebration party. "I was not familiar with the term prior to my arrival in this particular realm. From where I once hailed, there were many spirits of wild and wondrous power. Tricksters, warlords, sages, and saints. Spirits of the air, the land, the heavens, and the seas. I have been told that these 'fae' are the fickle and flighty sort–relishing in pleasures of the senses and carried by their whims. Powerful yet free-willed spirits, no less. As for my opinion, they seem no different from the primal spirits of the elements." His crimson eyes watched her. Though he could not guess her reasoning behind such a question, there was one thing he was sure of–it was of great importance to his companion.
Author: Ciara, Posted: Sat Oct 31, 2020 3:53 PM, Post Subject: Feast for Warriors [P][R]
There was one place she knew would serve delectable foods and even better alcohol. She guide the other two towards a large building guarded by a series of strong men. In a city like Vilpamolan, such protection was needed for taverns like these. A sign hung above the door that read -The Golden Raven- painted in golden cursive. There was a tall burly man standing in front of the door, only allowing certain people in and requiring money for others. He was armed and looked physically intimidating, but the moment he saw Ciara, he gave her a friendly smile.
"Ah Miss Ciara. Will you be performing tonight?" He asked.
"Not tonight darling. But I do have some friends I'm bringing for the first time." She mentioned with a dazzling smile.
"Oh of course. Please enter." He said opening the door for her and the rest of the group.
They passed through the door and entered the beautiful tavern. In the center was a well built stage for dancers and musicians to perform. The tables surrounding the stage were made of fine dark wood and each of the chairs had a little red cushion. Along the walls were soft ruby sofas with a table in between for guests with more coin in their pockets. The most expensive position was in the middle and having a direct view of the performance. But instead, Ciara requested one of the sofa tables to the left. The waitress nodded and gave them the table before leaving.
"Feel free to order whatever you like." Ciara said as she sat down on one side of the table, "I get a discount for working here as a performer. And the last time I talked to my bosses, they promised a free meal for me and any guest I brought. So go all out."
A parchment paper listing all their foods and drinks was in the center. Ciara already knew what this place offered, so she hardly needed to look at it. Instead, she was trying to focus her attention on her new allies. Both were extremely powerful people with probably fascinating stories. After the fight she wanted to know them better, not just because of their powers but because of how they reacted in the fight.
"Out of curiosity, what do either of you know about the fae?" She asked.
