[color=lightgray][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/YGxzxVR.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/AVwIuBJ.png[/img][/center]
[color=D0B4EC]Time:[/color] Evening 
[color=D0B4EC]Location:[/color] Tough Tavern
[color=D0B4EC]Attire:[/color] [url=https://i.imgur.com/cNnyMvV.png]Outfit[/url], [url=i.imgur.com/2SBcciZ.png]Amulet[/url]
[color=D0B4EC]Interaction:[/color] [@CitrusArms] Stratya  [@Potter] Olivia [@Lava Alckon] Drake [@Tpartywithzombi] Ariella [@Samreaper] Kazumin
[/color] 
[hr]
[color=lightgray][center][color=red][h3]FLASHBACK TO SOLA 29 EVENING[/h3][/color][/center]

It had only been a few nights ago that Charlotte had slid onto a barstool, her hair ribbon neat and blouse buttoned to the throat. Marcy, with her lipstick darker than sin as always, had leaned in on her elbows.

[color=D0B4EC]“You must hear from half of the city before breakfast,”[/color] Charlotte said, finger tracing a ring in the scarred wood. Marcy shot her a look that plainly said, [i]What are you after?[/i]

[color=D0B4EC]“I was wondering,”[/color] Charlotte continued, hesitating only a moment before blurting it all out in a single breath, [color=D0B4EC]“if you ever hear of… people who go missing, or anyone who needs help and can’t afford an investigator. I’d like to help them.”[/color]

Marcy barked a laugh. [color=lightgreen]“Oh, [i]that’s rich[/i]. A prim, skinny thing like you playin’ bloodhound? To help slum people? Why the [i] fuck[/i] would you do that?”[/color]

Charlotte blinked, then let out a bashful laugh herself. [color=D0B4EC]“Hardly prim,”[/color] she said, tilting her chin, [color=D0B4EC]“and not playing. I just… well, I know what it’s like to need help and not know who to ask.”[/color]

Marcy’s expression softened though her tone remained the same. [color=lightgreen]“You sure you’re not just bored?”[/color]
[color=D0B4EC]“Perhaps a little,”[/color] Charlotte admitted with a sheepish smile, [color=D0B4EC]“but mostly curious. And capable.”[/color] She gestured toward the busy tavern. [color=D0B4EC]“Trust me. I’m more useful than I look.”[/color]

Marcy snorted, but as the night went on and the mugs kept pouring, their talk grew easier. Between orders, she leaned in close and shared a rumor here and there, and by closing time they had somehow devised a system.

[center][h3][color=red][i]Ignis 2, evening — Drunkard’s Day[/i][/color][/h3][/center]


Yet again, Charlotte found herself sitting at a tavern she didn’t belong in, alone in the corner booth. However, she wasn’t alone all too long.

A familiar saunter caught her attention as Stratya Durmand approached. The Knight-Captain arrived with two pints and a grin broad enough to be a challenge. She thunked one pint in front of Charlott and vanished as fast as she’d come.

Charlotte’s mouth eased into a real smile. She slid the offered pint closer to her, both hands wrapped around a sweating mug. She watched foam slide down the rim, then took a steadying sip.[color=D0B4EC]“Captain, you are a mercy.”[/color] She nudged the aisle spot open with a knee so Stratya could take the ready seat if she wished to return.

It was then that her awaited company appeared. She had written to Lord Drake Edwards, hoping his calm presence might ease the thoughts that had been pressing so heavily on her heart. So much had troubled her of late, and after what Alexander had said, she truly hadn’t known whom she could turn to, despite the idea she couldn’t bring herself to really doubt her dear friends just yet.

Her expression brightened at the sight of Drake, and then still more when she saw Ariella had joined him. A flicker of hesitation crossed her mind about the conversation she had planned, but it vanished beneath the warmth of their presence. Charlotte stood to greet them, smoothing her skirt with one palm and offering the briefest curtsy that still counted.  [color=D0B4EC]“It’s no imposition at all. I’m so very glad you’re both here. Thank you for coming.”[/color]

From the doorway, with her hood lowered, Olivia slid into the din and behind Charlotte’s shoulder with a soft [color=8FBC8B]”Boo.”[/color] 

Charlotte jumped despite herself, then laughed under her breath and touched Olivia’s wrist in greeting. [color=D0B4EC]“What have I done to deserve such cruelty?.”[/color] She jested then shifted along the bench to make room. [color=D0B4EC]“Come join us. We can all build a fortress of mugs.”[/color]

Olivia’s whistle then cut through the clamor, and Charlotte followed her gaze. There sat Kazumin. Charlotte caught his eye and lifted her mug in a small salute, then raised her hand to Marcy for another place setting just in case. Back to her little circle, she let breath leave her slowly. 

And it was then the Captain returned and fetched more pints. Charlotte’s gaze fell upon the captain as she sat across from her once more.

.[color=peru] “[abbr=What fine company to have a Drunkard's Day with, nae better.]Wha’ fyne comp’n’y tae have a Drrunkarrd’s Dae wit’, nae bet’er.[/abbr]”[/color]

Charlotte’s smile grew, her tone affectionate as she leaned in slightly.
[color=D0B4EC]“And all the finer for your return, Captain. It seems fate is kind to me tonight.”[/color] she paused, tone turning playfully curious, [color=D0B4EC]“Now that you’re here, my dear, you simply must tell me all about that date.”[/color][/color]