[color=gray] [center][b][color=limegreen][h1]Kazumin Nagasa[/h1][/color][/b] [img]https://i.ibb.co/YX1sZZL/download.png[/img] [/center] [color=limegreen]Time: [/color] The 2nd, Evening [color=limegreen]Location: [/color] Tough Tavern [color=limegreen]Interactions:[/color] [@Lava Alckon] Drake [color=limegreen]Mentions:[/color] [@princess] Charlotte [@Tpartywithzombi] Ariella [hr] Worn shoes crunched and slid along the wet cobblestone path, muddied soles carried him forward with a more aggressive gate than the usual carefree light skips. He walked with a moody haste while his eyes were partially downturned, paying little heed to where he was going. Where he intended to go, even the cowlicked blonde was unsure as he carried on with no real destination in mind. All that mattered was keeping the momentum going, his feet almost gliding along the slick pavement. As he trekked along, the sun had since waned, and night veiled the blackening sky, staved off by the streetlights and lit lanterns glowing with dazzling, crackling orange light. All about, folks moved and frolicked in a myriad of jovial shouts and hums, some belching out songs. Sounds of laughing and tipsy chatters broke the quiet from drunkards that had their fills; tankards sloshed with beer that on this joyous day of celebration flowed unending for any of thirsty need and seeking fun. A merry time for all to share and partake in, but Kazu merely glimpsed them with fleeting peeks before continuing on. Frustrating to find himself unable to join in their festivities for his thoughts festered with sour thoughts that clung to him like his shadow, heavy and stifling the rage burning in his veins. The cooling air felt soothing, rushing against his heated face, but hardly cold enough to settle the fuming that crackled within. Were that he had the chilly breeze of fall to slake the fiery anger; a pile of sorian snow to bury his face and let loose a bellow in hopes of melting away the memory of his infuriating chat with the baron. “[color=ed1c24] That woman is dangerous, Mr Nagasa. She and this so-called group of yours will only cause nothing but trouble.[/color]” An agitated twisting huff of his head dismissing the baron's words, a shifting shrug of his shoulders as he tried to shake off the blasted bastard’s biting words. “[color=ed1c24] Galavating and prancing about at late hours of the night despite knowing very well there are those who wish you harm?[/color]” Tried as he might, he couldn’t shake off the man’s irritating ramble; half the day spent enduring lectures and reprimands. “[color=ed1c24] You assume yourselves detectives? Playing at mysteries and sneaking about like children running about in the dark.[/color]” He rubbed at his forehead in annoyance, wiping some beads of sweat from his knitted brows as he wrestled with calming himself down, hoping he could walk off the building steam, but every reminding bitter word stalked him, weighing down his faltered smile till it was near scowled. “ [color=ed1c24]And again I ask, what reasons kept you at the Vikena estate so late? You speak of aiding Lady Charlotte, and with what, may I ask, yet again? Vagueness and excuses. I demand answers![/color]” He gave what little answers he could, though the topics of magic and his promises to keep mum left him little to tell. This only served to fuel the baron’s tiresome reprimanding tirade. Asteroth’s words spat furiously in his head with a sharp-inhaled growl in response, muting the irritable man's voice momentarily; barely noticing the pair of drunks slovenly walking slumped together singing gayly and joyfully, their bright red faces matching their bellowing singing, off-tune and out of sync as they were, almost like drunken caterwauling. Kazumin stood there rubbing the bridge of his nose; whatever biting comment he might have let slip melted in his throat. The two had since passed by, whether noticing him or not, he could not say, and better for it. What right did he have to spoil their good mood on this night of all nights? A pang of jealousy watching them go, and he was left with the bitter taste of rage on his tongue. Gulping down the anger with an annoyed sigh directed at himself. Warily, he started to carry on, but a quick look ahead revealed the street blocked with city folk sharing food and exchanging conversations, though what he could nary make any of it out through the rambunctious chatter. The sight of fun camaraderie was a wondrous, rare sight to behold, but his dour attitude left him in too much of a meager mood for merriment. Frowning at the thought of dismissing such an opportunity for group fun and possible friend-making, but there was no point in downpouring on the atmosphere. He hated getting angry enough, and the thought of spreading it would spit in the spirit of a drunkard’s day. Shaking his head as he turned, spotting a nearby alleyway, somewhat dark with a pungent odor wafting from the shadows without. The faint hiss of a cat, perhaps, or the wind? A Shortcut, uninviting as it looked, though better than wading through a crowd of drunks, that may risk setting him off. Taking a deep breath in vain attempt to calm himself, though it did little save for settling his nerves in preparation for the stench, with hopes to make it through quickly, and gave an overeager kick of his heel, rushing his way into the alley. Darkness enveloped him at his sides while light dimly bled in off from the opposite end. Vague shadowed outlines caught his vision, mishapened and hidden, giving the unsettling impression of dark specters. Continuing on to see the dumpster to his left, standing crooked by the left wall as if something had slid it, and stacks of boxes set against the right wall, an old tarp draped over it further hindered thoughts of peeking, not that he wished to stick around the dank, dark alley any longer than necessary. Pushing on, the smell of trash was thick and nauseating in the air. As he passed, a horrendous, rank smell caught his nose with a surprised gagging cough, making him stop in his tracks. His eyes took notice of dirty sock-covered feet sticking out from behind the dumpster, and dread sank into his gut, roiling from the foul odor reeking heavily of stale booze and ripe musty clothes that smelt of sweaty sewage. Seeing this had Kazu’s face pale and for a moment, he feared he stumbled upon something he shouldn’t have.”[color=limegreen] Aw..ya can’t be serious? H-Hey..y-ya alright?[/color]” The blonde weakly called out cautiously. No response came as he slowly inched his way towards the dumpster, inclining his neck to peer around, but only saw the back of mangy and dirt-mottled hair, their back to him wearing some old, beaten-up jacket or whatever was left of the torn fabric, barely rags on the unknown figure. With a nervous gulp, Kazu tentatively started to reach out.” [color=limegreen] Hey..mister you…still breathin..?[/color]” He asked as if expecting a response; a part of him told him to leave it be, but he needed to make sure, for one couldn’t be sure, considering today’s holiday and all. “[color=limegreen] Hngh…come on. Say something..or…anything…[/color]” The blonde angrily whispered the words, heart beating furiously from prior stress and nervousness as he prepared to touch the stranger’s shoulder. HIs face rankled from the intensifying aroma with each inching second closer smelling like a ripened body. “ [color=limegreen]G-Guess ya don’t want any of this fine bottle of whis-[/color]” A sudden dusty groan rumbled from the stirring figure with a weak wave of a gloved hand, the tips long since ripped off or torn, exposing thick fingers blackened from years of filth.” Graaahh..drinth *mumble* muh bourz *snort* *mumble*” The passed-out drunk moved without warning, had Kazu jump back, clutching at his chest with his main hand while chopping the air out of reflex.”[color=limegreen] Agh! Bloody fuckin hell![/color]” Cried the stressed-out blonde, now patting at his chest, panting.” [color=limegreen]The hell's wrong with ya? Damn, drunk stooge giving a bleeding heart attack here![/color]” Said, glaring down at the filthy drunk stirring in their delusional mumbling, when realizing there was no booze, he returned to his slumbering posture, letting out a gravely snore. Sensing the man would not stir again, even if kicked, and with an airy chuckling scoff.”[color=limegreen] Tch..least ya can go back to dreamland. Little solace that brings.[/color]” Studying the discarded geezer with pity, seeing there was no help he could give the farmhand, he turned away to make his way towards the alley’s exit. Relieved upon stepping free of the alley, the unpleasant stink of the memory, though, did little to improve his mood, with a jittery edge lingering. Pausing to take in a gulp of fresh air while his eyes scanned his surroundings, he quickly recognized the area as he turned his gaze along the path to the left, where the tough tavern came into view. Upon spotting the tavern, for the first time this day, he felt like things were going his way. With an almost elated gasp, Kazu began moving with a quick pace to the point of nearly rushing to make his way to the building. The idea of drinking wasn’t what he had in mind; he was uncertain of the effect booze might have on his mind after Marek’s magic drinks had screwed with his head. Done by his own choice, knowing his tendency to jump at the chance of pushing the fun, but lord did he overdo it sometimes. Yet, his body trembled and fumed still, made worse by the near corpse scare.* [b][color=limegreen]Just one. One beer won’t hurt, will it? As long as I don’t get drunk, it should be fine..yeah?[/color][/b]* He asked himself, laughing meekly, unsure as he went, barely paying the world notice as he sought for something to soothe his seething temper. In his haste to seek such familiar comfort that he nearly brushed into someone, the gentleman, quick in reflex, narrowly avoided the two bumping into each other, albeit not completely. A brushing of shoulders was enough to set Kazu off. The words had exploded from his mouth before he knew it, nor without meaning to, but his jittery nerves left his body aching for a chance to let loose. Recognition only came after realizing the man was Drake, but his temper had gotten away from him for a moment, leading to a brief back-and-forth spat. Much to his surprise, Drake proved a skilled, level-headed man, keeping a calm tone and offering a drink. Even more surprising was that the man continued to betray impressions, the way he spoke kindly without talking or looking down at him like most of his status did. This one perplexed him, but he was in no mind to think on it much, as he thought to decline until he noticed the young woman with him initially. Embarrassment and guilt etched his face, hidden with a downturned scratching of his hair and sheepish agreement. Reluctantly, he had followed, choosing to trail behind where he berated himself for losing his cool so pitifully. He rubbed at his face while making his way inside to be greeted by raucous singing and laughing as bar maids ran to and fro dropping fresh tankards of booze or carrying off empty ones. There were faces he recognized; most were new, and some were left passed out at their tables. The air smelled strongly of booze, a comforting and pleasant aroma unlike the trashy alley booze that still stung his nostrils. Kazu deeply inhaled what he could to wash the stink with freshly baked bread and meat dishes that brought an elated rumbling from his starving gut. [color=greenyellow]”Help yourself to some drink - I have some matters to discuss with Charlotte before we get too…inebriated.” [/color] Feeling the gold coins dropped into his hands pulled his attention to Drake with a raised brow.” [color=limegreen] Hang on, now. Ya ask to share a drink an- Oh! Charlotte’s here?[/color]” His eyes widened in surprise, almost bringing a grin to his face, as he leaned around till he could see her.” [color=limegreen]Some matters, ya say? Well, alright, but don’t keep me waiting long. Ain’t no point starting without a drinking buddy.[/color]” Nodding, giving her a wave.” [color=limegreen]And best be sure to bring Cha- erm, Lady Charlotte, over too when done.[/color]” Awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck, forgetting to not speak so casually around most nobles. Much as he was excited to drink with Charlotte and see how she was. He was also relieved and appreciated to have some time to get himself settled and in order, as he had no wish to ruin his first drunkard’s day with some of the only friends he had in this wicked kingdom. After a friendly departure to Drake and the woman, Ariella was her name, and a fun free spirit she appeared to be. A familiar face he recalled at the feast. Briefly frowning as he remembered the dispute she had with that woman, her mother or aunt was his guess. He had questions, but better saved for another night and time. From there, the cowlicked blonde quietly strode his way to the counter, sitting near the left corner end where a few empty seats sat. With a tired grunt, he plopped onto the seat, the stool old and wobbly when shifting, the counter had some various empty mugs and tankards waiting to be picked up, and a bowl of nuts placed in spaced spots along the wooden counter, where further down the barmaid could be seen taking orders. Sensing he had a bit of a wait he placed his elbows on the countertop to bury his face in his hands, where he let loose a blubbering sigh. There he sat muttering his frustrations against his palm, only ceasing when the barmaid pulled up. “ [color=limegreen]Aye.. two of yer strongest beers if ya please, Miss?[/color]” Holding up two fingers without lifting his face, not trusting proper talk till he got some damn booze in him. [/color]