lovestruckletters | Old Timey Tavern Meme

[haha luc I'm sorry]

[It's pouring rain, and as luck would have it the closest shelter...hell, the closest aetheryte couldn't be seen for malms and malms. And while normally Rahksh'a would just suffer through being drenched for a bit in favor of making it to his destination, but this wasn't just a downpour so much as a deluge. Just an absolute crack in the sky that seemed to have no intention of letting up any time soon.

It sucked. This sucked. Even leaping into the sea would not leave them this wet.

But lest they be at the risk of getting struck by lightening while waiting out the worst of the weather beneath the trees, they had to keep going...and it was a blessing that they had, because just a few more painful minutes down the road gave the weary duo their first real spark of hope. A tavern, quite literally the only one for ilms around, though honestly it probably was still not that far off from the next town. Whatever, it didn't matter. Rahk didn't even wait for Romeo to give his approval before staggering towards it like a wet zombie, literally sloshing his way to the door with every step pretty much like trying to walk through a bog in his own boots.

At least they wouldn't be yelled at for tracking in water, not when every other poor sod around was in similar straits. Rahk could see as much once they finally got in, pretty much everyone at a table was either dripping or had shed half their clothes to keep from catching their death. Rahk, meanwhile, simply wanted to lay on the floor and die at this point. It could not be possible to be this wet.

He blindly puts a hand on Romeo's arm and mutters something indistinct before dragging himself towards the bar proper, a reflexive urge hitting him halfway there in a way that prompts him to vigorously shake his entire body, giving a nice shower to a few of the patrons he'd just passed, oops. Their curses fall on deaf ears though as he finally makes it to the owner and wheezes:]

We'll....be stayin' the night. Thanks.

[Before promptly sitting down at the bar and just dropping his head onto it with a sad sounding splat.

Romeo wouldn't be wrong for thinking he actually did die up there.]

[As one who enjoys the thrill of travelling, terrible weather's just a well known part of the deal. On paper, Romeo knew better than to complain over a scorching heat, or a blistering cold, or in this case a godsdamn flood all over seemingly only him and his buddy. Nature is beautiful and all, etc etc, but it never did account for the cost of hair product.

An absolute waste. What was once a stunning work of art is reduced to nothing more than a mess of bangs sticking to his forehead. Romeo was lucky he could even follow Rahk into the tavern at all with the way his vision had been jeopardized, but his mood quickly turns when he hears the familiar chatter of what can only be a bar and its patrons. Now that is exactly what this horrid weather calls for!! Getting absolutely smashed!!

Although he probably should've done it much sooner, now that he's been properly...misted by his companion, Romeo places his incredibly fashionable spectacles on top of his head and takes a seat next to his dead friend. Make that two people ignoring all the cursing right now, Romeo could barely be bothered to bark back at people; if anyone truly wanted to start a fight right now, they'd just have to wait.]

And I would like to request a drink.

[Romeo flashes his best, friendly, "please don't kill us" smile before he begins to shed his own shirt, taking after some of the people before them. Hey, if they're all doing it, why not! Oh, because it's cold... It's only a quick back and forth before the bartender manages to actually get an order out of him and comes back with a tankard of mead. Despite how absolutely delighted he looks when he receives his glorious silver lining to an otherwise rotten night, he can't help but frown when he turns his attention back to Rahksh'a.]

Why not order somethin' while we're here? My treat. It'll warm you right back up.

[Ugh...he's not even sure if he feels like having a drink right now, really. He knows that half the reason they're not being kicked out right now is because they're known well enough that most are going to overlook a slight inconvenience, and it's not like everyone in here isn't also soaked to the bone. The owner of this inn/tavern probably has accepted that they'll be spending an hour mopping the floors tonight...and also wiping down the bar since Rahk is still leaking all over it.

He turns his head just enough so his cheek is resting against the wood, one eye rolling up to look at Romeo blankly for a moment or two. Romeo looks...about as haggard as he feels, yet that optimism of him still knows no bounds. Just a simple bit of ale is enough to put a spring back in his step.]

I'll 'ave what he's 'avin'...

[Rahk finally manages, knowing full well that if he tries to drink as much as Romeo will inevitably put away, he might die of alcohol posioning before he dies of hypothermia from the cold of the rain. Speaking of which, he probably should strip some of his clothes too he just...hasn't mustered the energy to do so yet.

As the barkeep brings another tankard over, Rahk looks back up at Romeo as he's tucking in.]

You sure perked up fast.

[It's true, one of the perks of being a large Roegadyn man meant that Romeo could hold his liquor far easier than most people. Came in really handy when some loud mouth asshole needed to be put in their place, although Romeo would be lying if he didn't say the real fun was a Roe drink off-

Didn't look like he'd need to put that to the test tonight though, and Romeo gives his fingers a good wiggle before he giddily begins to nurse his drink at a normal, noncompetitive speed. He'd almost coo over Rahk picking the same drink as him, but the soaked Miqo'te's comment gets him started.]

Aye, it's like I've always said, I put being depressed behind me. ...Have I said that yet? I've definitely been sayin' it in my head this whole time. ...Perhaps I said it before I met you...

[He scratches his cheek a little, attempting to recall every single conversation they've had since they've started traveling together. Of course, since no normal person can accomplish such a feat -- Warrior of Light or not -- this fails.]

In any case, I told myself I'd try to be more positive after the, well...the calamity... Heh... [Another cheek scratch, but this one is more bashful than contemplative.] It started simply with "well I'm alive, ain't I?" and just took off from there, y'know? For example, sure, I may be drenched, shirtless, in the middle of nowhere, but they do have mead. In the middle of nowhere, even! Besides that, they have room for us, which is really sayin' somethin' considerin' all these people, yeah?

When you get right down to it, this really ain't the worst we've been through. I do believe I haven't lost a drop of blood today.

[He takes another sip before- Alright, maybe just a little cooing. As a treat.]

...And I do enjoy that you've decided to match drinks with me~

[Being able to say you simply "put being depressed behind you" is some hell of a feat, but knowing Romeo as long as he has...Rahk honestly isn't too surprised. In this day and age, simply laying down and accepting your miserable fate is too easy. It's not even the cowardly choice, it's just...for adventuring types like them, flat out not an option. So if he thinks about it in that context...yeah, it makes sense.

But then Romeo keeps talking, causing one of Rahk's ears to flick a bit as he listens. It's tempting to close his eyes and sort of zone out, Romeo's voice is pretty relaxing to listen to...but he manages to remain conscious with his eyes half open at slivers, watching the way the Roe gestures as he talks. Yeah...he's got a point. Being alive is better than the alternative, that's just that. And being dead tired and soaked to the bone is far from the worst thing. It's inconvenient and miserable for sure, but he could think of a thousand worse scenarios.

He's content to just listen to him talk like this...until he's brought back into the topic of conversation, his eyes finally opening wide. It's not enough to convince him to lift his head back up, but consider his attention grabbed.]

It's...I mean. I like mead...

[I picked it as a dialogue option recently in fact thank you very much-]

So...not my fault you got good taste...

[Grumble mumble]

Ah, but would that have been your choice if I hadn't ordered already?

...Just know, if you plan on sayin' yes, I won't believe you.

[Haha, check and mate.]

Although, seein' as you like mead so much, do try to drink it all if you'll be drinkin' on my gil. ...Actually, no, I take that back, I can simply finish where you left off. Very well, continue napping on the counter.

I'll just have to carry you when you pass out completely.

[No matter how relaxing his voice can be, that is definitely a tease to his tone. Poor, poor Rahksh'a, going to have to be cradled like a kitten at this rate.]

[There's another pause...before Rahk finally sighs and forces himself to sit up, shaking his head again since he's been just laying in his own growing puddle of rainwater for the last minute or so. Sorry Romeo, you're still in the splash zone.]

Can't rightly say...I'll drink almost anything most days, as long as it isn't straight up bog-water.

[Mead though...it's a good choice.

He reaches out to pull his tankard towards himself, thinking he probably will be able to finish it all. Probably. It's a pretty big container but like...not bigger than he can handle, surely.]

Whassat now? You think I'm that weak-stomached? You clearly don't know me as well as you thought...

[Well...it's not like he wasn't already soaked, or so his optimistic mantra forces himself to believe when he squeezes his eyes shut as the water hits his face.]

...

[He shouldn't.

He knows damn well Rahk has a gambling problem, a good friend wouldn't exploit that.

...but this mead has the slightest hint of berries, and he'd really like the excuse to drink more...]

............Would you be willin' to wager that?

[This can only end absolutely terribly, given the way the previously dejected Miqo'te's ears and tail suddenly perk with interest.]

...what sort of wager are we talking here?

[Reaching into his pocket, Romeo produces a pretty decent sized bag of coin and smirks as he drops it in front of Rahksh'a's much more attentive gaze.]

If you can guzzle down a Roegadyn's fill of mead without me havin' to carry your arse back to the room, it's all yours.

[Ugh. Ugh. Rahk knows this is an awful idea from the outset, but Romeo also knows that coin is the perfect way to get him into basically almost any sort of shenanigans, especially so if there's a bet on the line. Trying to win that is almost better than the reward itself...

He sizes Romeo up, then, as if...trying to imagine how much a Roe can drink in one go.]

Okay. You have my attention, big guy. But let me ask you first...what exactly counts as a Roegadyn's fill, hm? Just so I know what I'm getting myself into, of course.

That's the fun bit.

[Romeo leans in, his smirk only growing more sinister. Anyone who knew him would know it's all for show, but that doesn't stop the tavern owner from looking just a little concerned.]

It differs from day to day, you'll just have to keep up with me.

[Rahk grits his teeth behind his lips, thinking hard...his tail hasn't stopped lashing now since Romeo made his proposal.]

...you got yourself a deal.

[He is going to die.]

[Romeo's massive hand slams against the bar.]

Ha, brilliant! Very well, then! Barkeep, another round for me and my friend here!

[With a hearty swing of his arm, Romeo grabs his tankard and chugs down the remainder of his drink with the sort of speed one might see in their nightmares. His other arm has the honors of wiping his mouth.]

Best finish before the next drink arrives, Rahksh'a~

[Oooh boy, talk about raising his own spirits. He'd almost forget he's soaked to the bone with the way he laughs, gods bless Rahk's inability to say no to a bet.]

[Well...that was. Terrifying.

But Rahk hasn't taken more than a small sip of his own mead so far, and it was good! Great, even. And it's still great a few more hearty swigs after as Romeo ordeers them another round.

Until he realizes where Romeo just completely drained his tankard, he's only gotten his down maybe a fourth of where it was before.

And thus, it starts.

A whole tankard of mead on its own is a lot to put away at once, but Rahk isn't someone who doesn't drink, persay. It does take him a few more moments of knocking it back before he too has emptied it but oh, gods, it hurts the moment he puts it back on the bar with a clumsy hand reaching up to wipe the corner of his mouth. He already feels so full and the alcohol hasn't even hit him yet...]

I- I've finished, see? S'easy!

[There's a beaming sense of pride as Romeo watches Rahk take on his tankard, making sure to keep his comments to himself as to not distract him. That wouldn't be fair, after all, even if they'd only be supportive or about how cute it is to watch him push himself.

...It's totally fair game when Rahk finishes, though, and Romeo gives the miqo'te a hearty pat on the back. By some sort of mercy, he's at least much more gentle than he is to the bar table, but there is definitely a bit of force into it.]

I'm proud of ya, lad. [And as if on cue, the tavern owner returns with their second round.] Now do it again.

[To lead by example, Romeo takes his drink and wastes no time guzzling it down. Really, when this is all said and done, he has got to get the recipe or something. Perhaps Chris can carry a keg or two...]

[Okay. This is fine. He can do this. He is too determined not to try, especially when there’s a wager firmly on the line. So what if this is a little unhealthy? It’s fine, it’s not like it’s going to kill him or anything.

…right……

Regardless, the barkeep eyes them both warily as they realize what’s happening, bht Rahk just ignores them as he stares at the pieces of his reflection he’s able to catch past the frothy head of the drink before he snatches it up by the handle and just starts to drink, not even tasting it because he knows if he lingers too long on that he won’t be able to keep going. It’s going to wear out it’s welcome extremely fast…

A normal amount for Rahk would be one, maybe two drinks tops before he’s done for the night. Usually just one is enough because he’d like to, you know…be able to walk to his own bed? But as he’s working through drink #2, he’s starting to feel that buzz finally kicking in. And it’s going to be more than a buzz in short order, because against his own better judgement he ends up downing the entire second tankard just seconds before the grim realization of what he’s done starts to trickle in. But it’s too late.

It won’t REALLY hit him until later, and the worst part? The more that mead hits, the more confident (and stupid) he becomes.]

Gettin’- [He starts, cut off by a hiccup so painful it makes his chest ache] nervous…ov’r there, I bet! Aye?

[By now, Romeo rests his elbow against the bar table, nestling his cheek in a steady hand. Watching Rahk is almost more fun than the drinking itself and he can't help but give a big smile when he watches his buddy finish round two.

...Oh? Still able to speak full sentences, are we? Well it would appear they still have a long ways to go.]

Not particularly, no.

[If the alcohol has any effect on Romeo, it certainly doesn't show. ...And that would be because it doesn't, the best two things of mead can do to him is a pleasant buzz.

Romeo holds his empty tankard upside down and shakes it a bit to show that he has, in fact, downed his second already. He'd feel bad about tricking Rahk into a losing battle, buuuuut chances are all that coin he tempted Mr. Confident with will be paying for their rounds. In fact, Romeo never stated what HE'D get if HE won.

It's nothing, for the record. Nothing but a good time.

And with that, Romeo motions for their third round.]

[Well. It’s on to drink number three, and…

Rahk is dead silent on this one. He has to genuinely focus on staying upright in his chair because just as he’s starting it, it’s hitting him like a chocobo at full tilt, the mead is. It’s not a bad feeling if you can overlook the weight of the booze in his belly, but he’s also practically leaning over on Romeo at this point.

He even misses his mouth a few times now that he’s started slowing down, earning a few exasperated looks from the bartender.]

[Oh, yup, that...that sure missed his mouth, and Romeo almost manages to spit out his own mead when Rahk starts leaning in a little close. He doesn't, of course, being a trained professional and all.

Don't fall over now, buddy.]

So, how 'bout it? Ready to call it quits? [Already????] Sure there's a nice, dry bed you can collapse into.

[Rahk so far has had two and a thirds tankards worth of mead, yet while he absolutely should stop…he just looks at Romeo sidelong and exhales on a shaky laugh.]

N’waste good- good…ale? Must’be outta your….bleedin’ mind! Gotta finish wh- what I started…

[Despite Rahk's sloshed words, Romeo's face gains an expression of pure horror when he pieces that sentence together. What...what has he done?!]

Oh bloody hells, you think mead is an ale....

[Then...does that mean he doesn't realize it's usually more potent? He swears, he didn't go into this with the intention to kill his friend, he just wanted to have a silly drinking game.]

Y-You did it, lad! You finished! Lemme just...take that from ya...

[Slooooowly going to reach for Rahk's current tankard.]

[Rahk shakes his head blearily, though even if he's resisting, Romeo will barely have to try to pull the tankard from his hand.]

Like 'ellss I will! I still gotta...gotta...

[He blinks hard, feeling a sudden rush of dizziness as the consequences of his actions come charging at him full force, reminding him of the decisions he's made.

Then, just like earlier, he ends up with a face full of the bar as he slumps forward on top of it.]

...

[Romeo only waits one ellipses worth of time before he gets up and scoops up his passed out comrade. You know, for some reason this all played out differently in his head. With an apologetic nod towards the tavern owner, Romeo gathers up their things and begins sloooowly making for the room they've claimed.]

I'm...we're...gonna...call it a night...

[He leaves the gil as payment, giving another nod as if to say keep the change. When he finally feels like he's awkwarded his way out of a conversation, the nervous Roegadyn turns around and makes a mad dash for their inn room. It's a short dash, obviously, and it ends with Romeo tossing Rahk's body into the bed unceremoniously.

He bites his finger, looking at what he's done, guilt overflowing his very soul. Romeo doesn't even have the courage to check for a pulse, Rahk could very well be dead and it's all his fault.]

[Well, that...went about as well as could have been expected. A single tankard of ale? Rahk's buzzed, maybe hinging on drunk. Two? Definitely drunk. Three...

Absolutely smashed. Which means he's not asleep right now so much as he is just...straight up unconscious, at least for now.

But even without checking, Romeo will be able to see his friend's chest rising and falling even as he's just...laying face down on it about as lively as a corpse. At least he isn't dead, he's just going to need a...while...to recover.

He could also be easily forced awake, but...would he...?]

[Well, that's at least a good sign. Romeo can finally stop replaying the hypothetical scene where Y'shtola fucking kills him for absolutely destroying their very valuable teammate.

Still, this is just the beginning. Rahk hasn't gotten any less soaked and remains resting in his gross, damp clothing. He could get, like, sick...or something, which also leads to death. Which, in turn, would lead to Romeo's death, or so his imagination tells him.

With a very timid prod, Romeo attempts to stir his friend awake.]

Come now, Rahksh'a, you still need to dry yourself, and...I'm not exactly comfortable undressin' ya while you're...inebriated.

[Oh definitely don't get comfortable Romeo, you're not out of the woods yet. Especially not when Rahk is basically "not dead", and that's about the best you can say about him right now.

And unfortunately, it seems, he's not in the business of moving despite being very damp and uncomfortable besides.

At least Romeo will be granted one reprieve in knowing that Rahk is, in fact, alive; it's the way he makes a sound when he's poked, a dull sort of mrrrp under his breath as his tail curls a bit closer to his legs.]

[info here. esfir is your friendly neighborhood catgirl who has comically bad luck and started fantasy lush in her world.]

Old Timey Tavern Meme

Roaming "Romeo" Badger (WoL OC) | FFXIV | OTA

hello there

haha all my non-pompadour icons are from endwalker but no spoilers

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nvm I don't have enough endwalker icons dfjjfd

HIS POMPADOUR REINFLATED CALL THE FBI

listen here you

winks

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esfir carpenter | tabletop oc | ota