[KENOMA MINGLE] entertainment district

[zauneyete]

WHO: SILCO and any kenomies looking for a tour/bar run/mingle
WHAT: MINGLE LOG
WHERE: Achamoth Entertainment District
WHEN: Firaseri - two days after the gossip posts
WARNINGS: Drugs, Alcohol, General Debauchery -- let me know if anything new comes up, but it's the Entertainment District so standard warnings apply



↝ An Invitation

[ Whether the character is new or old, each retainer has been given a small invitation to hand to their aion. It is simple, and neat -- the words are clear. It has a date for two days after Ciel and Emet-Selch's addresses, and includes a time in the evening. For current Kenoma-aligned aions, it includes a bar to find -- those who are familiar with the tour Silco gave last time will recognize the bar as the same, one with a private loft. They can make their way there, if they know the way. If not, they'll be able to meet with the newer aions at the entrance to the citadel, where there's even the offer for a "tour" of the entertainment district, if they're not familiar with the entertainment district as a whole.

Retainers -- whether a character has one or not -- will slip the invitation to each Aion the day before, as a tacit offer. There's no name, and no identification as to who it is that's offering this. You'll just have to find out later. ]

↝ He's a Docent Tour Guide

[ When the sun just slips beneath the horizon, and twilight begins to take hold, that's the time at which the tour happens. Silco waits at the entrance, a cigar in hand, and right on the dot, he's out the door, to take any that want a guide down into the belly of the entertainment district. He offers one bit of advice, before they leave -- cover up your shards -- and as they step out and into the streets, if any characters don't follow the advice, they'll find fawning, exciteable Achamites, ready to offere them deals, sing their praises, or even throw gifts of jools or flowers at their feet.

The tour is thorough, and actually a touch on the long side. Characters are promised drinks at the destination, but as one winds through the streets, there are plenty of other bars to visit if anyone peels off. There are also solicitors for companionship from the brothels on the way, and some will even offer to follow an aion to the bar, if they so chose. The bloodsport arenas are rife with excitement, and the thundering roars of applause and boos is almost overhwelming when one passes by -- even through the walls -- and the drunken revelers stumbling out of the arenas are in contrast to the bloodied combatants that leave next.

On some corners, drugs are offered, and Silco will be able to provide a near...encyclopedic knowledge of them, if asked -- he will even share what he knows. Has he had them? No, has he bought them and subjected the effects and taken notes on them? Yes. Don't ask why -- or do and get a snarky answer, sure.

Whether the new aions (and old if they tag along) have any new drugs, companions, drinks, or have peeled off -- the tour group arrives at a bar, and are escorted in, almost expected, breathless from the staff. They know who broght them by, so it's easy to figure out that they're hosting Aions tonight. ]

↝ Pint of No Return

[ The bar itself is trendy, within Achamoth. There are high ceilings, live music, and while the main floor of the bar is filled with unwitting locals -- up the stairs and into the large loft is the center of the gathering. It's large enough to hold the Aions, with a private bartender, snacks, and the music is muted and soft up in the loft area.

Along with the drinks and snacks courtesy of the bar itself features an offering of the drugs available in Achamoth, and the staff had been nice enough to offer primer cards, with some of the effects. Most are... basic. Floaty highs, or ones that put one to sleep, or make one laugh for hours. Since it's an enclosed space, nothing is quite as... violent or exciting as some of the drugs available on the streets. Perhaps though, one used their jools, and brought one inside. There's no limit, feel free to do what one wishes -- after all, that's the theme of the Entertainment District, isn't it?

The music down below picks up at some point -- the music might just be glowing songs about the Regent. Think Christian Nu Rock, but it's themed about Achamoth's glorious leader. The crowd downstairs is boistrous -- almost indulgent and thrumming with excitement with adulation for their leader. It's normal, for things to get like this, and nobody with the bar staff seems a bit disturbed, in fact, some staff may be swaying along with the music -- it's clear who owns Achamoth, through and through, and it's the Regent.

And if an Aion notices, some of the patrons might be trying to sneak upstairs. Did something get out that there was someone up here who was an Aion? Even though the Citadel is so close, some will always want to be a little close to a celebrity, some might even get up to the bar, and nervously approach a newer looking Aion that hasn't been seen before. Did they have questions, or was it just the... exciting prospect of being next to an Aion? You can talk to them, or nudge them away, but eventually someone with security will come, nod at you, and escort them out. Maybe not before there's a flurried rush of quesitons, or maybe they'll try to give you something. It's all uncomfortable, and awkward, no matter what.

It's debauchery, and whether or not one is used to it, it's the way of things in Achamoth. Spend time with your fellow aions, ask questions, but above all else -- have a little bit of fun, before things go to hell in a few days. ]

↝ [ This is a mingle/tour log! Feel free to make your own starters, tag about, and let everyone have a... little bit of fun before things go to hell here soon. Everyone can be expected to get a few free drinks to start the night -- be creative, do whatever! Peel off into groups, get lost in the city, call for help, the sky's the limit! ]

Comments

Jonathan Crane | Sovereign | OTA

[entsetzt]

Tour Guide

Since arriving in Achamoth with Childe, Crane has not travelled far beyond the walls of the Regent's palace, instead haunting its shadowed halls and sometimes staring out through the windows at the city beyond. It almost reminds him of Gotham, yet somehow even worse. A city that had never known a protector like the Dark Knight, where corruption, nihilism, hedonism, and cruelty overflowed from every gutter. A city that had never seen hope imprinted on the sky in the spread wings of a Bat.

Now, walking through those streets, Crane can see Achamoth in all its doomed glory, and it is wonderful. An urban mire of human misery beyond anything Gotham's various underworld rulers could ever have dreamed of, the Scarecrow included.

The doctor has taken to black, almost monk-like hooded robes lined with purple, provided by Delfra, the valet he had been assigned after being welcomed to the Kenoma, and who had delivered the invitation. At his master's request, Delfra had even gone to one of the city's execution grounds and found a particular item Crane has desired; a hangman's noose, one that had already been used for its intended purpose, that now rests loosely around his neck, like some kind of macabre necklace.

As he walks with the guide, just past one of the bloodsport arenas, a voice calls out from an alley. "Something to liven up your evening, good sir?"

Crane turns his head to regard the man from under the hood of his robe, and then approaches. "Perhaps. Show me what you have for mood alterers"

"Got just the thing, sir." The dealer looks for something in his pockets. "Do good business in this on the nights there's blood bein' spilled in the arena. Which is most nights, haha."

"Indeed." Crane replies. He'll rejoin the tour group momentarily, since progress is slow.

Pint of No Return

Arriving at the bar, with a selection of drugs to be studied later, Crane observes the revelers from above, a glass of something in his hand.

"It's fascinating to watch." He observed. "Such a strange cocktail of despair and pleasure intermingling. They live without hope, crushed by the darkness and so throw themselves into the mindless pursuit of hedonism, and every aspect of the city is designed to facilitate this cycle." He raises the glass. "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die." He recites. "What a marvel the Regent has created, don't you agree?"

Later on, word has gotten out that Aions of the Regent may be having a private get-together in the loft. By now Crane has retreated to a table when a young man sidles into the seat across from him. Crane gives no obvious reaction.

"I don't think you're meant to be in here." Crane says softly, but the would-be admirer shrugs it off.

"I know, I know but...you're an Aion, aren't you? A servant of the Regent? I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try and meet you. I'm Pohl, sir."

"Doctor." Crane corrects. "Well Pohl, I suppose I may indulge you. One drink, yes?" He smiles unpleasantly under the burlap if his ruined face as he raises an arm to call for another drink.

"To...liven up your evening." And maybe do a little first-hand field research.

[vivificantem]

Paul is another one swathed in black, though a bit less so than he usually is; night is usually his time to relax a bit, to still keep his Shard covered but rein in the usual robes and mask he wears. Tonight is no exception; he seems easy tonight, though he noticeably isn't drinking anything.

He's probably not the sort one would pick out for a bar crawl, but here he is tonight, at the railing watching the revelers below; he isn't expecting the little soliloquy from his current partner there, but it strikes him in some way regardless.

"I don't know that I'd say they're all living without hope," he starts, unsure of whether his opinion is even fully asked-for here or if that question was rhetorical; he pushes ahead regardless. "Though I guess that depends on how you're interpreting their despair in the first place."

[entsetzt]

Crane turns to regard Paul, taking a sip of his drink as he does so. "You think so?" He asks. "They must know there is no place for them in the world to come. They know for a certainty that they have no future. No hope for generations to come that will carry on their hopes and dreams. No chance of a legacy to be left behind. They will die, all of them, when the Kenoma devours this world, and there will be no one left to remember them or how they lived."

He looks back out to the party, the throng of people losing themselves to the dance and the pounding of the music. "They have nothing left but this. They praise the one who will destroy them and give themselves over to mindless hedonism because they know they cannot change their fate." This society should not work. It almost doesn't. But barely, just barely, it functions. Oh the papers he could write on it.

"They dance because otherwise they know they have no hope. It's fascinating to see in action." Having stated his case, he turns back. "But tell me, what is it you see when you look down upon them?"

pint!

[semicharmed]

Strange cocktail of despair and pleasure? Mindless hedonism? Matt's tagged in this photo and he doesn't like it. Though he'd argue there's nothing mindless about his hedonism. It's mindful in many cases, deliberately measured as any medication. When he plays his cards right, he even manages to hit a form of spiritual ecstasy--though not as pronounced as what he's felt when he taps into his Kenoma-granted abilities.

From a little ways down the railing, Matt's gaze slides to the new Kenoma recruit, hazel eyes curious and bright. He can't tell if what he's feeling is a chill, or a thrill of rightness.

"Cycles ... I think that's key." He takes a sip from his third glass of the evening, wincing. It's turned into a bad pain night for his missing left hand, which he's trying not to broadcast. "I think you may be missing an element on the wheel, though."

[entsetzt]

Crane's good eye flicks down to the cup in Matt's hand, catching the wince. "Do you?" He asks, mirroring the movement with his own cup, letting some of the liquid dribble onto the sack cloth of his chin.

"By all means, please enlighten me." He offers with a nod. "What am I missing?"

i.

[zauneyete]

It's after Crane returns to the group -- and whether he'd been near the front or not, by the time he's back, and they'd taken their first few steps to the next location, since Silco had spent some time explaining the rules and basics about the bloodsports and their ability to participate in them -- Crane was somewhat near the front.

Don't think Silco didn't notice that he was off buying drugs. Mind, he can appreciate someone who was curious, more so that the man didn't... seem to be acting intoxicated. Then again, he knew that specific dealer, and what he was peddling.

It's a sotto voice, with a quiet caution: "Do be cautious with that one. Even in Aions, the after-effects are unpleasant," he offered. Just in case Crane was interested in using himself, from the cursory glance, he couldn't tell if the man was an addict, or simply curious. "Splitting headaches, for a day or two after. The high prior, however, is reportedly... transcendent."

Reportedly.

[entsetzt]

"Are they?" Crane hums softly in thought to himself, examining the vial, completely unbothered that the transaction had not gone unnoticed. "Thank you, that is useful to know. Your warning is appreciated as well, but I did not purchase these for recreational use. My interest is more of a professional nature." Breaking them down, reverse-engineering the process and then making a few alterations of his own. The ability to manifest his fear toxin as an ability is something he looks forward to, but if he can find a way to mass produce it here through more conventional means, so much the better.

He tucks the vial away in his robes for now. "I take it your interest is similar." Silco doesn't look like a user, and Gotham has no shortage of junkies. Many of them have been guests of Crane's at one time or another, since they can be convinced to take almost anything with minimal prodding.

[cutlery]

i. run this town

[ Unsurprisingly for anyone that had heard (or been forced to hear, more likely) Sebastian's extensive resume, he's quite promptly on time. He's dressed in Achamoth style that's conservative, keeping him nearly fully covered, and all in black with only pops of white. It's formal, but unassuming, exactly as he prefers. He's quite attentive during the tour with his gaze never being idle and sharply taking in every detail, since there's a lot to learn, naturally. But even so, he'll easily engage in conversation along the way. ]

a.

[ As they get close enough to one of the arenas to start hearing the cheers and jeers, it catches Sebastian's attention with a look of light surprise. ]

Ah, my. It really is bloodsport.

[ Because a bit before they run into one of the bloody combatants, he can smell that blood, though only another person with inhumanly sharp senses would catch the scent. ]

You know, in some ways, Achamoth is almost- Hm. I would not call it charmingly so, but certainly interestingly old-fashioned, at least compared to where I am from.

b.

[ But, more generally, as they're getting close enough to the bar that they've at least seen a few cases of what the entertainment district has to offer along its streets, Sebastian is definitely a touch more amused. How could he not be? He's a demon whose (now former) job was all about fulfilling human desires, so this little tour was almost a "best of" such things. With a polite but not pushy curiosity in his voice, he feels that he has to ask: ]

My, my. What do you think of all of this? There are quite... diverse offerings.

ii. find me in the club

a.

[ At the bar itself, Sebastian settles in comfortably, and you may notice that he does keep taking drinks from the bar, but he never seems to get drunker. This is because he is an absolute cheater that cannot get drunk, but is trying to silently tempt someone into trying to keep up with him... So, if your character notices and is indeed tempted into doing so, I'm so sorry.

But, regardless, in the spirit of getting to know what he's at least thinking of as new coworkers, clearly they need to start conversations! And with some alcohol to perhaps relax everyone, it's all the better, right? ]

Well, since we are here... How about a simple game? Two Truths and a Lie?

[ If you get a slightly mischievous vibe from Sebastian asking... You are absolutely correct. ]

b.

[ Probably a bit later in the night, Sebastian will gravitate towards the edge of the loft so that he can look at the crowd below while they're enjoying the music. He's looking down at the people with a pensive expression, though it warms as one of the people looks up his way and waves. He gives a small wave back, which causes some of the people around to also look up and enthusiastically send their greetings. It's clear that news that there were Aions up there has spread at least a little. But in comparison to that warm smile, his words are much cooler as he speaks to you, however you ended up next to him. ]

They truly adore us. What a strange thing.

IIb;

[vivificantem]

[Paul has been near the edge of the loft for most of the night, really; he's never been one for bar crawls - even when he was much younger, they were never his thing - but he's here tonight, swathed in black and keeping an eye on his coworkers, for better or worse. Not so much getting to know them as watching over them to make sure they don't get into anything they can't get out of; he's certain Silco has that much under control, but some part of him that he dislikes is never quite sure.

So he's here, and Sebastian's here, and those words are hanging heavy between them; Paul just...shrugs after a moment, seeming slightly awkward in the moment but not truly bothered by the observation.]

I'd say you get used to it, but I'm not sure you really do. Not unless you're already accustomed to it.

[cutlery]

[ His first response is just a neutrally thoughtful noise, one that could easily be lost in the noise around them. It's clear that he has something in mind to say, but eventually, he decides that it doesn't matter too much to keep it a secret (as he has been more and more frequently, as odd as it still feels). ]

Something similar, perhaps.

[ It wasn't exactly unfamiliar to him, at least in part. He was a demon, and had been an exceptionally powerful one, so he had his worshippers throughout the millennia. Granted, it was very rarely to him directly, since most devil worshippers didn't exactly have a preference on which devil in particular to adulate. At first, to be heard was enough, and eventually, it wasn't even a matter of belief so much as an excuse for their dark desires.

But this part he keeps to himself, for now. It's a story that feels a little trite to him in how stereotypical it is, so he's much more interested in someone else's opinion. ]

How have you found it?

i-a

[regression]

[ Joonghyuk loves black... So he's dressed in all black, covered to the tips of his fingers. There is no other sign of any color on him. Feels goth.

Overall, he's unimpressed by the arena. Not quite disconcerted, but more apathetic despite the battle throes. ]

Eventually, this won't be able to sate their boredom.

iia

[fallingsand]

[ Also sitting at the bar but not at all trying to keep up with Sebastian is Bruno. He's been nursing the same drink for, well, forever now, not seeming too inclined to get through this one at all.

He's been people-watching for the most part, right up until Sebastian suggests a game. That draws his attention over, to the demon. ]

Two Truths and a Lie? Hm. I... guess? [ Seems harmless enough. ] Sure. We could do that.

ib.

[zauneyete]

[ As they walk along, it's hard to miss the comment from Sebastian, as he spoke up, on the state of things. Of course, for someone who lives a life mired in such things, one would almost think Silco was... hyper-indulgent, the way he spoke about all the offerings to be had, he knew them all. As one would, when they spent about 90% of their time down here. ]

It's astounding, isn't it? [ He asked, from the lead, head tipped back to fix a single, unblinking eye on Sebastian. ] I've spent most of my time down here, since arriving, I can admit, I'm quite fond.

[ Okay, but this is like Zaun, except above ground. Of course he is. ]

I do hope it's not too much for you. [ Said with not a mocking lilt, but it's close. ]

iia

[tohell]

[ J's already sporting a drink in hand. A satiny rosé confection with flecks of edible gold and fruit that fizzes with every roll of his wrist. As his chosen champagne of choice swirls in its glass, he chips away at the present tedium by casually taking in the atmosphere with some people-watching. His present beverage is a bit frou-frou for this particular atmosphere, but it appears nothing is too much for the beloved Aions of the city.

At the proposition of a game, J's brows arch towards one set of his four horns as his interest is decidedly piqued. Though potentially not for the reasons Sebastian offers up to occupy their time. ]

The evening could do with a slight injection of entertainment right about now. [ Soon as those words leave him, J's tongue touches his upper lip in thought, gears all a whirl as he pins Sebastian with a wide, crocodile smile. Is anyone else within earshot a little suspicious of the new guy trying to immediately gather as much intel on everyone as he can? No, only him? Funny how that doesn't ring any alarms when they just had several attempts at capturing dissenters in Venera sabotaged by two traitors that took it upon themselves to throw a wrench into well-oiled plans. After that, the Kenoma as a whole should be at least marginally wary of one another, and more specifically their shiny new recruits. Not to mention, as a demon, J doesn't trust another of his kind as far as he can throw them. And the fact of his nature is only one of the many fascinating (unsettling) things he'd learned about this one by quietly listening in on the Kenoma's mass Communion. ]

But a truth-telling game? That runs a touch tame compared to our present surroundings, don't you think?

iib

[epiprocta]

[ He actually hadn't come with the 'tour group' (said including air quotes). That kind of chummy behavior just wasn't his style, and he'd hardly been in the mood to socialize much. But joke's on him, because Gen had simply headed out into the entertainment district to try and distract himself with a night of heavy drinking frankly ill-befitting his age ... only to find that 'tour group' showing up regardless by pure happenstance. Including the little entourage of Achamoth citizens eager for a chance to admire the glamorous Aions.

Ugh.

So here he is, stuck up in this loft with the rest of the Aions, waiting for the fuss to die down before he tries to make his escape lest he get mobbed by a bunch of adoring citizens. If Sebastian's expression warms at that sign of admiration from the innocent bar patron, Gen is the opposite; he's been quietly nursing a drink, but his brow furrows with annoyance when he notices the way Sebastian waves back down at his new fanboy. ]

Yeah, well. Better get used to it. [ His words are a little muffled, muttered as they are into his half-empty glass. ] The only way to get some quiet around this area is if you keep yourself hidden.

"Carmine" | Innocent | OTA

[regressor]

❖ MID-TOUR

[Honestly, one would probably be reasonable to question what this woman is doing on a "tour" like this, or what had possessed her to accept the invitation. She doesn't necessarily look like she would be the type for a pub crawl, dressed modestly in simple dark blouse, skirt, and sensible boots from throat to ankle, physically weak looking and somewhat dull in vitality despite the bright color of her hair and eyes. She's quiet, too, somewhat unassuming, drifting along towards the rear of the group and not really speaking up so much as observing.

At once point, passing a seedier brothel, though, she does finally break away in a noticeable way. Lingering, her gaze somewhat distant, she approaches a woman who seems the least outgoing of the prostitutes gathered outside the building soliciting customers, and after a brief, hushed discussion, presses what seems to be money into the woman's hand before trying to catch up with the group of aions. If anyone seems to be questioning or looking her way when she does... She cocks her head slightly as if to say "what?", offering up the explanation of,]

... It's hard work.

[Her smile is a bit lopsided when she says it, a bit mechanical.]

❖ NO RETURN PINTS

[Once they reach their final destination, the woman who has introduced herself as Carmine chooses a corner seat (very defensible, back to the wall, near an exit) and makes herself comfortable. When approached, she seems rather warm, if not a bit awkward and out of practice with social scenarios in general. When left to her own devices, she seems to be drinking, and even seems to be dabbling in the drugs left on the table, but even as time passes she doesn't show any sign of intoxication or altered state.]

A. [When another aion of the group seems to be looking in her direction, though, she brightens up a bit, lifting a hand with two splinted fingers to give a little wave... and if they seem interested, she'll pat the place on the long bench beside her. If you're going to talk... might as well do it where you can be heard a bit easier.

A song praising the Regent is playing a bit loudly.]

B. [When an Achamite native crashes the party, though, and seems to be a bit desperate to meet the reputed aions... even though her shard isn't visible, perhaps she looks easiest to approach? She's unfortunately been picked out, it seems. The more the furtive man presses, the more silent she seems to get, fairly shrinking back into the plush seats vaguely protesting that she's nothing special, really, one of her hands trapped in between both of his.

... Help? Or just watch security handle it!]

pints (b)

[cutlery]

[ From his spot, Sebastian had been vaguely keeping an eye on the situation out of curiosity. It wasn't so much for Havoc's sake (not that she's uninteresting, mind), but the obsession the people here have with the Aions is still something he's getting a handle on. He's watching for a bit and waiting to see if she or security intervenes, but it goes on long enough that he at least feels interested in stepping forward. ]

Excuse me—

[ Sebastian places a gloved hand on the Achamite's, which naturally draws his attention to Sebastian. But the impression that the demon gives off is one that's perhaps startlingly different from the previous time that Havoc had met him. His smile is smooth and easy, and when he speaks, his voice is toned with a much more velvety note. He cants his head just lightly enough for his long bangs to shift a bit across his face, very intentionally to draw attention to his features. ]

If would pardon my saying so, I do believe you are bothering this dear lady.

[ Deftly, his fingers slip underneath the Achamite's to carefully pry them from Havoc's, though it doesn't take much effort for Sebastian to instead be holding his hand in a perfectly gentlemanly way. He may not know that Sebastian is an Aion as clearly as he does Havoc, but Sebastian's gaze is so warmly intense on his own that it's like he's pinned in place by the demon's presence alone. Even so, when he speaks, it's clearly to Havoc. ]

Unless, of course, you would like him to stay.

mid-tour

[fallingsand]

[ Bruno had, in fact, looked Carmine's way when she peeled off to go talk with the lady. He had also stopped, waiting for her rather than carrying on with the rest of the group. Once she returns, he'll fall into step alongside her and toss an equally curious look back at the woman but then Carmine says that and he turns his attention back to her.

At first, he's puzzled. ]

Uh, it is? What i... [ Oh, wait. Another quick look back and then he turns his gaze firmly ahead of himself and immediately hides his face in the hood attached to the long green vest his retainer had helped rustle up to replace his long-lost ruana. Oh. Oh. ] Ah, th-that. That. Yeah. I... I bet it is.

pints (a)

[zauneyete]

[ On the far, opposite end to Carmine, is the host himself. He's settled in, back to the wall as well. In contrast to the rest of them, he never pretended to even indulge in more than one drink. It's the same one he's had all evening -- and while he sips at it, there's no pretense or trying. He's stone cold sober -- although throughout the evening, he does smoke a cigar, even clips and lights a second, before his eye caught Carmine, watching.

He'd watched all of them the whole time, after all. Ulterior motives? Him? Never.

When Carmine patted the bench, he stood, and strode over, long steps -- the crowd doesn't part for him but it may as well have, how he somehow moves unimpeded through the loft. ]

Bold of you, to invite me to come sit with you in the most protected spot in the area.

[ It's said casually, before he indicated her drink -- or the remains of them on the table. ] Having fun, are we?

bruno madrigal, ota

[fallingsand]

on tour

[ From the very moment the tour of the district kicks off, it is blatantly obvious that Bruno has not only avoided stepping foot outside of the Citadel just yet but also that he has never been in a real city before. He stares. He stares a lot at just about anything.

Tall buildings? He'll stop and crane his head back to look up and up and... Brothels? More staring, confused until someone mentions exactly what that's all about and he immediately shies away from them, embarrassed. The arena? Curious looks right up until someone with obvious blood splatters exits into sight.

All of this means that, overall, he remains close to the group of Aions trailing along after Silco, nervous, as always, but not specifically jumpy until one dealer along the route — even if the lot of them keep their shards hidden, it's far too obvious Bruno is not from in town — decides to be friendly and cut him off to press a "free sample" into his hand, wishing him a nice night out on the town. In short, easy mark, only Bruno jumps back a step in shock and, after a panicked moment, stammers a confused 'thanks?' before hurrying to catch up again.

He... has no interest in whatever was just given to him, which means he'll immediately turn and offer it to the next nearest Aion. ]

Uh, I... don't... do you want this? I don't. I. Have no idea what this. [ What is it? He doesn't know. Honestly, he should just throw it away, but that also feels rude to. ] Is? He just gave it to me? Who does that?

not his kind of party tbh

[ Regardless of whether or not he was able to foist the random gifted drug off on someone else, Bruno does at least get a drink once they reach the bar. Admittedly, he really just has it to hold and avoid the inevitable "do you want a drink" question from anyone, so while he has one he... hasn't done more than taken a cursory sip of it at most.

He isn't against partying, actually. Throwing a large party for everyone in the village was the norm back home, but that was never quite like this, and that's why he lingers by the edge of the loft, looking down at the crowd and observing for the most part. It's a relief that the music is more muffled up here because that, too, is bizarre. ]

Uh, they... they sure seem to be having a lot of fun down there.

[ He comments that much, idly, to whoever else is near. ]

party

[zauneyete]

Of course they are -- everyone here knows the real meaning of debauchery.

[ It's said, casually, from the smokestack known as Silco, at at a table somewhat near Bruno.

Sorry, buddy. ]

I noticed you're not having as much fun. Things aren't to your liking?

[ He didn't sound disappointed, exactly, but there's a touch of that...usual sarcasm, like he's mocking someone, but the words are at least...magnanimous.

He's kind of a bitch. ]

Tour

[entsetzt]

"Thank you." Crane takes the offered drug casually, examining the vial of powder Bruno has just offered him. "Hmm. Perhaps dissolved in liquid, or more likely taken through the nasal passages." Which won't do him much good; the area of sack cloth that covers Crane's face is torn just enough to suggest he...doesn't appear to have much of a nose under it to begin with. Not anymore, at least. But perhaps he'll find someone willing to demonstrate its effects. Or at least, unknowingly demonstrate them.

His gaze swivels back to Bruno. "You seem somewhat agitated, my friend."

Miya Atsumu | Visionary

[settingup]

A. TOUR

[ The tour is... eye opening for a guy like Atsumu. Though it's more because he was a student athlete than out of any sense of moral superiority, he's stayed on the straight and narrow his entire life. He's never consumed alcohol, he's never done drugs, and his focus on games and practice means he's never even really had a steady girlfriend to have done anything else with. He's a teenage boy, so it's not like he's not aware of all of this existing out in the larger world around him, but to see all of it up close and personal is something else.

The bars they first walk past don't get much of a response from him, having already assumed they'd be seeing those, but the first time he sees a drug deal go down, in a very overt way at that, he grabs onto the shoulder of the nearest Aion, and tries to inconspicuously tilt his head at the buyer and seller. Even his voice is a frantic, hushed whisper. ]

Hey... are those two?

[ Do... do they report it? What are they supposed to do about that?

This is in contrast to his first sighting of a sexual solicitor, who he is flabbergasted enough at to just gawk at. Everything is so bold and open here, and it's really making his head spin.

The only thing he seems genuinely excited for is the arena, visibly perking up at the sound of the cheers and boos coming from inside. His eyes stay glued to it the entire time they pass by, and he only starts to deflate when he sees the first, then second, and then even a third contestant walk out of it looking more than a little rough for the wear.

His voice is less animated as he asks another Aion once more. ]

What kinda games do they play in there?


B. BAR

[ Alright, so this tour of an entertainment district did not go the way that Atsumu had wanted it to. Drugs, whores and extremely violent and bloody sports aren't his thing, and he was hoping for something that would be more along his line of fun. He doesn't even drink, so after asking the bartender for some water and a couple "yes just water"s to make sure they understood he didn't want to drink, he's tucked himself moodily into a corner, and is now listening to the music from down below. With each new line that praises the greatness of the Regent, his brow furrows a little further, and he pushes himself back further into his seat.

Someone is not a happy camper. ]

a

[cutlery]

[ Sebastian makes a light noise of acknowledgement as his shoulder is grabbed, and doesn't hesitate at all to lean very lightly closer as Atsumu speaks in a whisper. He follows his line of sight and also catches eye of the pair making the drug deal, but his reaction is nothing close to concerned. His smile is still light and polite, and he simply nods. ]

Buying drugs, yes? Or so I would assume, at least. The drugs of Horos are quite a different sort than the ones I have seen.

[ You know, being from a time where laudanum was very much in fashion... ]

I would not concern yourself too much with it. I have not gotten the impression thus far that the Regent minds its presence.

b

[zauneyete]

Not having fun?

[ Says a familiar, almost sarcastic lilt, and a man rounded the corner. Cigar in one hand, a glass of whiskey in the other -- albeit one that's been barely drank -- he's made his way to most who looked uncomfortable, trying to push them to... get into the party, or to at least interact with the rest of them.

For Silco, who was used to being in the corner, lurking, looking like a sour shadow with a single eye that glowed, it was a bit hypocritical -- but he was always a bit of a hypocrite. ]

You might want to try a bit of the offerings, if you're going to look that sour. You look like you're not even having fun.