[img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019bec7f-c81e-7137-a57c-2a96932c6835.webp[/img]

Warm light from the hearth bled across the tavern, turning the low ceiling into a haze of amber and smoke. Yumi sat at the edge of a scarred wooden table, both hands wrapped around a mug that was definitely emptier than she remembered it being a moment ago.

A soft giggle escaped her lips. Her eyes widened in surprise, as if the sound startled her as much as anyone else.

[color=4c87bf]"I feel a bit... funny,"[/color] she whispered, her words just a little slower than usual. She tipped the mug, frowned when nothing came out, then laughed again and set it down with exaggerated care.

Around her, voices blended together — stories of close calls, victories and losses — but she listened with a small, unfixed smile, nodding along even when the words slipped past her. Every so often, she'd lean forward, chin in her palm, as if the effort of staying upright had become a fascinating challenge.

[color=4c87bf]"I juss cann believe ish already been a year,"[/color] she slurred suddenly, the thought spilling out before she could catch it. She blinked in surprise, like she was trying to figure out who had just spoken. She giggled again when she realized it was her, embarrassment blooming in her cheeks. A waitress came by and placed a fresh mug before her, which prompted an enthusiastic cheer from the huntress, who quickly drank a hearty swig.

[color=4c87bf]"Man, thish shtuff ish good,"[/color] she continued. Her gaze drifted to the fire, the flickering lights reflecting in her eyes. Her smile softened as her gaze grew distant and thoughtful. [color=4c87bf]"Sho much has happened thish year."[/color] She started counting on her fingers. [color=4c87bf]"Firsht I died, thenn I woke up inn a foresht. I met shome people and did...shomething? I dunn really 'member that part."[/color] She frowned and tilted her head as she tried to remember what happened. After a moment, she shook her head. [color=4c87bf]"Ah, it'll comme back to me. And then we had all that bizniss inn Nann Gaauu. Man, that wash shomething elsh, huh?"[/color] Her eyes widened a bit and she let out a low whistle as she reminisced on that particular event.

A group of people laughed nearby. Despite not knowing what about, Yumi joined in, a bit louder than she meant to, her shoulders shaking as she ducked her head and hid her face behind her arm.

She raised her mug again in a clumsy little toast, nearly knocking it against the table.

[color=4c87bf]"Here'sh to shurviving another year!"[/color] she declared, her blue eyes shining brightly. [color=4c87bf]"And to the neksht year being..." her nose wrinkled a bit as she searched for the right words, "um...lesh terrifying. Or at leasht terrifying in a fun way! Oh! And to not dying again!"[/color]

With a little too much confidence, she quaffed a generous mouthful, only to cough into her sleeve and laugh at herself a heartbeat later. As she burst into giggles again, she rested her chin against her hand as if the world had become delightfully unsteady.