✓ Memoir 3 // Action in the Tavern

[hawkethat]

[The music is lively and the taps are open and flowing freely at Teeter's. It's a fantastic place to unwind after a long day of running errands. Hawke's got a table to himself where he can watch the dancing and keep his puppy pack contained and out from underfoot, away from the other patrons.

If he sees a familiar face, he'll wave and extend an invitation to join him.

If he sees an unfamiliar face, he'll pretty much do exactly the same thing, because that's how he rolls.]

Having a good time?

Comments

[incousinswithyou]

[she'll take a moment to catch her Togepi from walking right off the table and into the pack of puppies.]

I hardly know what to do with myself, when there's no imminent threat of political backstabbing.

[hawkethat]

[There's no safer pack of puppies for a Togepi to fall on top of, though! Each one is softer and fluffier than the last.

...Except the Houndoom, but Houndooms aren't really meant to be soft and fluffy at all. But he tries!]

Well, now's an excellent time to figure that out.

[Grin]

What do you want to drink?

[incousinswithyou]

[Togepi agrees! She keeps trying to escape Michiru's lap to poke at the pups.

This is the part Michiru is mildly concerned about.] What's on the menu?

[...anything palatable?]

[hawkethat]

Plebeian commoner things, mostly. No jellied fish eggs, I'm afraid.

[Look, there's a paper menu tucked in next to the salt and pepper shakers by the wall! He picks it up and hands it to her.]

[incousinswithyou]

I have to admit I'm severely disappointed. [she can't survive without fancy food!!

That's a smile. Why, thank you. She'll reach out to take it and...

Why are the only two wine options 'Red' or 'White?'] What will you be having?

[hawkethat]

Already? Maybe we'll find something new for you. It'll be like a culinary adventure.

[Pff, "wine".]

They have a couple of good ales on tap, and they serve a plate of potato fries about this high - [He indicates a height of about one foot off the top of the table with a hand] - with about seven different dipping sauces.

[AKA Ketchup, Ranch, Thousand Island...]

[incousinswithyou]

[hah. Culinary adventure. Are there prizes at the end?

Michiru isn't the type to be daunted by the unknown!!! And yet...]

I suppose I'll bow to your superior experience in such matters.

[at least it's not the Hanged Man...]

[hawkethat]

[Thank the Maker it's not the Hanged Man

...Although...]

Ale and all, or would you like something else to drink?

[Because beer is definitely an acquired taste, and if she's never had it before, he doesn't want to scare her off it forever...]

[incousinswithyou]

[she's good at taking hints, so alright.]

Let's try that red wine. [how badly can that get screwed up?]

[hawkethat]

[if he ever finds out how mediocre that red wine's gonna be, he will feel bad. 8(]

Anything else to eat?

[Do none of those other appetizers look any good?]

[incousinswithyou]

[at least she's polite enough not to say anything and she's a good enough actress not to show it.

All these appetizers look very...fried.] Those potato fries won't be enough?

[hawkethat]

It doesn't last as long as you'd think, split six ways. Well, seven. [Counting Michiru] ...Eight?

[Can egg babies eat fries?]

[incousinswithyou]

[egg baby might nibble! And probably enjoy it, to Michiru's quiet horror.

Alright, alright. She'll point to something at random aaaand...it's "Skyline of Onion," made out of towers of onion rings.

Somebody has a bad sense of humor.]

[hawkethat]

[Terrible.

Hawke approves.

And goes to place their order. A server will bring their drinks around in a few, but in the meanwhile Hawke has procured a pitcher of ice water and a set of glasses to keep them hydrated while they wait.]

It shouldn't be longer than ten minutes. Drinks'll be around sooner.

[incousinswithyou]

[that's surprisingly quick service.

She'll take a sip of water, murmuring a quiet thanks to Hawke. At least the water seems okay.]

So what have you been up to lately, Garrett?

[hawkethat]

[Well LBR it really doesn't take a long time to deep-fat fry potatoes and onion rings]

Oh, this and that. Running errands for people, training the puppies, exploring and treasure hunting, gathering resources. Never did get around to joining the Rangers, but I think I'm doing alright anyway.

[shrug]

What about yourself?

[incousinswithyou]

[and there goes her last hopes. Quality food usually takes time.]

They've opened up summer classes at the theater, so it's been quite hectic there. [finding quiet moments for herself is getting harder and harder.] On the other hand, the little one seems to enjoy all the activity.

Toge! [yes you.

And oh look. Drinks. Michiru thanks the server before examining the wine and tentatively taking a sip.]

[hawkethat]

What sort of classes does one take at a theater?

[Asks the uncultured country bumpkin, happily sipping his beer.

...And a smile for Eggbaby. Togepi sure are cute little buggers.]

[incousinswithyou]

[....wow. This wine is...not what she expected. Or even imagined existed. It's like it's one level away from becoming vinegar.

She swallows and smiles.]

Acting and voice, for the most part. And dance. [hah] The rationale is that we might find some new talent in time for the fall production.

[Togepi tries to reach for the sparkly red object, but Michiru uses the excuse to push the glass away from her. Don't do it, Togepi! You might catch its mediocrity!]

[hawkethat]

[Meanwhile, this beer is exactly what Hawke expected, and he's content. He's sorry your wine sucks, Michiru. Or he would be if he knew.]

Oh? Are you short on talent, or just looking to bring in more?

[How does theater work.

And aw, Togepi. Do you want to play with a crumpled straw wrapper? He'll push that closer to the little eggbaby to see what it does. Hawke it's not a cat what are you doing]

[incousinswithyou]

Contemplating a life beneath the stage lights, are we?

[ooh, something new to play with! Togepi trills and reaches for the wrapper! She might wave it around a bit, and then try to nom on it. At least Michiru is practiced at keeping the baby from chewing on everything she's given.]

[hawkethat]

You know, I've been told I have an unfortunate flair for the dramatic, but I somehow don't think I'm quite right for life on-stage.

[Haha, aw, cute! What if he tries to tug the wrapper away? Just a little bit, not too far. Like playing with a cat.]

[incousinswithyou]

You'd be surprised. I didn't think I would get into the theater at all.

[she's still doesn't really care for it, but eh. Semantics.

Togepi's eyes get wide as she wiggles her arms plaintively. Why is her new toy going away?] Toge...

[hawkethat]

Really? Why's that?

[Oh no, baby, don't cry, he's not taking it away, see? Here, you can have it.]

[incousinswithyou]

I'm a violinist. [and well, the problem with secret Missions is that half truths are kind of the norm.] I expected to find myself in the pit orchestra, not the stage.

[it's back! Togepi waves it around and smiles up at Hawke.] Prii!

[at least she's getting better at acknowledging strangers instead of just staring blankly at them.]