In my defense I have no defense.

[splinterself]

CHARACTERS: Dirk Strider (splinterself) and various and sundry other people who can speak for themselves.
DATE: The 20th, thus allowing for people to tag into both. Huzzah.
RATING: PG13
SUMMARY: I joked about a bunch of horrified level 1-2 people staring at the level for the dungeon before going off and getting e-beers. I was encouraged. Also, I'm starting with prose just because that's how I roll with intro posts, but brackets are strongly encouraged if that's what makes your soul happy.

...and after some stuff which doesn't particularly matter Dirk was staring at the level info for Δ Choosing Superior Offerings. Level 11 temple dungeon? He'd get his ass kicked.

In time he would go back and deal with this issue, go find people to team up with, whatever. But for now? Now? Goddamn.

So he turned to the nearest person who looks plausibly lost, alarmed, bemused, or other such reactions and said, "Hey. I don't know about you but I'm tired of dungeons right now. Know where a guy can get a drink?"

Comments

[splinterself]

Mainly for the sake of knowing what alcohol tastes like. I spent all my life stuck in the middle of nowhere, was brought here unexpectedly, and I figure I ought to try everything I can while I can in case I'm sent back without warning. We still don't know what caused this, after all.

[hoperaider]

Right, of course. Well, follow me, and perhaps I can remember the way there.

[Off he goes! For once, he's not dragging Dirk along.]

I may have to decline an experiment with it, if only so that one of us is sober enough to get the other out elsewhere.

[splinterself]

Sounds good to me, though...you sure you can handle the responsibility of dragging my tipsy ass anywhere?

[hoperaider]

I'm strong enough to carry you, hopefully, and you look rather light. So, yes, I think so, but it might be easier if you pass out for a few moments. I'm not sure what kind of drunk you are, after all. With our luck, you might turn out to be a mean one.

[splinterself]

Speaking from experience, it's usually harder than that, but if you say so. [Half-assed or charming?]

[hoperaider]

Probably faster than having you stumbling along while using me as a crutch. Aside from which, you can't fly here, so it's even better!

[He catches sight of a pub and walks over, opening the door for Dirk to step through first.]

Hopefully it's to your liking, Prince.

[splinterself]

'Prince.' It's fine. [Rolls his eyes ever so slightly and makes a noise, but he enters.]

[hoperaider]

Shall I say "Your Heartness" instead?

[Nope, he's going to have fun with this. Jake enters after he does and finds them a seat at the bar. Shit, those stools are almost as tall or taller than he is!]

[splinterself]

God, I hope not.

[And he proceeds to attempt to get a...daiquiri. Sounds legit. This will involve a few minutes of arguing before it seems like he's successful and the drink's being made.]

[hoperaider]

[He chuckles and orders some water instead. He'll steal a taste from Dirk if he wants to later.]

Fan of strawberries? Or were you or your brother unable to procure any?

1/2

[splinterself]

The latter. First time for everything, remember? [Hey, score, it arrived. And he's going to raise it up and take a sip-]

2/2

[splinterself]

...

[While his reaction isn't as extreme as hers, it's now clear where Rose got it from.

Yeah, gonna shove it to one side.]

[hoperaider]

[Jake hands him his glass of water while he tries to keep from laughing, and kind of failing.]

An acquired taste, my friend?

[splinterself]

[He takes it gratefully. God. He chugs down maybe a fourth of it in part because of the taste but more because he's kind of embarrassed here.]

Guess so. You want to try?

[hoperaider]

Oh, sure, why not? You did order it, and it would be a shame for it to go to waste. What did it taste like, by the by?

[splinterself]

[Sliiiiides it over.] Why don't you find out for yourself?

1/2

[hoperaider]

If this turns out to be like the kumquat incident....

[Jake takes it and has a small sip.]

2/2

[hoperaider]

It's not bad, actually. Like strawberries with a bit of bitterness.

[The bitter bite to it doesn't seem to bother him very much.]

Perhaps rum and coke might have been a better start?

[splinterself]

Maybe. [And he's gonna keep on drinking his water.] Enjoy it, dude, better you than me.

[hoperaider]

[Jake rolls his eyes.]

You have a sweet tooth, so I can't hold it against you. [Still.] Is there anything else we could do, perhaps? You didn't seem interested in the rumors milling about.

[splinterself]

Yeah, my interest was lost shortly after the double digits popped up on the dungeon info screen. Are you bored?

[hoperaider]

Understandable. [He smiles.] No, I've been having a grand old time exploring the different dungeons roughly around my level! I'm more worried that you are.

[splinterself]

You're here. Jane's here.

[hoperaider]

And that's all you need?

[Naturally, it'd be even better if Roxy is here, but that's obvious and he doesn't want to bring it up with Dirk because of reasons.]

[splinterself]

No, but it's a start. [And god damn Lil' Cal his BFF where the fuck is his BFF. There's a big empty hole in his soul.] Chill already. Shoosh your ass down before I pull out my papping hand. How many times do I have to say I'm fine before you get that I'm fine?