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[color=seagreen][h1]Drake[/h1]

[color=greenyellow][b]Time:[/b] Evening of the 2nd[/color] 
[color=greenyellow][b]Location:[/b] Edwards Estate -> Tough Tavenr[/color]
[color=greenyellow][b]Mentions:[/b] Ariella, Charlotte, Thea, Kazumin[/color][/color]

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The night was calm, with a bit of an overcast from the previous day's rain. Wet cobblestone lined the roads of Sorian, droplets splashing up with every wobbly footstep and sliding shoe scraping along the pavement. The lights of taverns glowed warmly against the cold glass of windows that were covered from top to bottom in dew drops and condensation. Sounds of festivities, merriment, and joyful chaos were sewn into the streets. This…was Drunkard’s Day.

A debaucherous and rambunctious night like tonight would be something Drake paid no interest too. While he enjoyed a good whiskey or bourdon, the unfettered lack of restraint of the common working man was just a tad too energetic for his tastes, especially after having galavanted across several parties, meetings, and social outings that came back to haunt him in the form of delayed paperwork.

Yet despite the man’s gnawing desire to finally crack down on the pile of tasks, documents, approvals, correspondence, ledgers, and various other documents to sign and proof-read, he held a single opened letter in his hand. Folded neatly, with a fine calligraphy across the parchment with a simple invitation. [color=BBC7E1]“It feels far too long since we last spoke. Tell me... Might you be free on the night of Drunkard’s Day? I suspect your duties will keep you occupied, yet… truth be told, I could use the ear of a friend. The Tough Tavern may not be grand, but I think a small indulgence of respite would serve us both well. I should very much like the company.”[/color]

Drake handled the letter delicately, and furrowed his brow for a moment. [color=greenyellow]”I am happy to meet with you, Charlotte. But at Tough Tavern? That is…a troublesome area to say the least.”[/color] He furrowed his brow for a moment, and pondered the logistics of it all. It was a holiday after all, surely everyone would be caught up in their own activities to notice or care about two heirs of the larger noble houses meeting for a drink. The last thing he wanted was more fire to fuel any scandals.

But he would be lying if he said he did not wish to speak with her. It had been many days since their last meeting and he felt like he hadn’t put nearly as much effort into their friendship as he would care to admit. So against his better judgement he went - but not before grabbing his new firearm from the cabinet under his desk and holstering it in the harness he kept under his chest for safe keeping. Just in case someone were to pull something, he’d make sure it would end quickly. [color=greenyellow]”Nobles are being accused and jailed within a night’s notice. And rumors are going around that the Damiens have been attacked in public! I am not going to become another headline - at least not as the victim.”[/color] 

Drake huffed after the rare violent thought crossed his mind. He took a moment to gather his thoughts, breathed deeply, and dressed for a cold night with a chance of rain. Drake grabbed his coat and umbrella and made for the door - before the distinct sound of feet against marble met his ear drums. An inquisitive Ariella was quick to notice her brother’s departure and decided to intervene. Drake smiled nervously as his sister quickly yet playfully “interrogated” him - asking where he was off to, what he was to do, and after only a few minutes he cracked and spilled he planned to head to the Tough Tavern to have some drinks and chat with Charlotte. 

Ariella’s eyes glinted, teasing Drake at the prospect of seeing another woman late at night with someone as fair as Thea already at his hip - a noticeable blush colored his face as he exclaimed [color=greenyellow]”It’s not like that!”[/color] Yet she pressed the facade until the young man pushed for the door. That was when she quickly stopped his arm with hers, and smirked. [color=slateblue]”I’m just teasing you. If you’re going somewhere fun, I’d at least like to tag along. Make sure you’re not up to any mischief. That’s my job after all.”[/color] The woman winked as Drake rolled his eyes and motioned for her to follow. The pair then hopped into one of the family carriages and made way for the Tough Tavern.

Drake stepped out first, helping his sister out shortly after - exchanging slight banter back and forth as he dismissed the driver for the night. As the pair turned to head inside, a downtrodden Kazumin nearly bumped into them, prompting some quick back and forth dialogue pertaining to “watching where one is going” and “not dealing with anymore crap today”. The ever faithful charismatic type, Drake decides to smooth things over with a potential offer of drink later, seeing the man was clearly having a rough time - but made no promises to impose further on his meeting with Charlotte. If Charlotte wanted more company, she could always invite him to the table anyway.

Inside the tavern, the noise immediately flew into the streets as the trio worked their way inside. The shock and change of atmosphere threw Drake for a loop - causing him to wander for a few moments before finally spotting Charlotte at a booth in the corner of the bar. Amongst all the rabble, seeing her small figure calmly sitting and waiting patiently for his arrival was definitely a sight. [color=greenyellow][i]Out here all by herself? She’s quite brave for risking that kind of encounter - but at least we’re all here now…[/i][/color] 

Drake handed Kazu a few gold coins. [color=greenyellow]”Help yourself to some drink - I have some matters to discuss with Charlotte before we get too…inebriated.”[/color] The man smiled and made his way to the table with his sister in tow. Drake bowed gently as he neared the booth. [color=greenyellow]”Charlotte! It’s been far too long. My sister was dying to say hello to you when she heard where I was going and who I was meeting. I hope it doesn’t impose too much if we made small talk - unless you’d like to talk more privately?”[/color] While not wanting to exclude his sister just yet, he did bring her here without Charlotte’s knowledge. If what she needed to talk about was private it may very well call for a 1 on 1 - but he’s also seen the way Ariella interacts with the other ladies of the noble houses. She has an eye for knowing what to say and when to say it - something he truly does admire in her.


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