Drinks All Around [LE, Open]

[Rayfe Drathmire]

"No. We don't."

Nyx perks up at her name again. She softly laps at Calico's arm, rumbling contently.

Rayfe fidgets, trying not to spend that much time imagining their monsters in battle. It does, however, spark an idea. "Are you the betting type? We could still have fun with it. Like we've already determined - part of all this is luck. Mm?"

[Calico Carter]

She... coughed.

"I am indeed the betting type. And being the betting type is why I hadn't yet ordered anything when you joined us... So. Uhm..."

Orlok fluttered his wings. Once.

[Rayfe Drathmire]

Rayfe considers this, scratching thoughtfully at his chin. "Well... what if we made a bet on behalf of our monsters? If Orlok makes it to the final round, I'll take him and his mate for an all expenses paid spa day." He grins a bit. "You're welcome to tag along, if he wants the company."

His bright blue eyes flicker down to his Magnox. "If Nyx makes it to the final round, she goes out for ice cream and has a sleepover with you."

He waves his hand. "To be settled after the tournament is over, of course. So in the scenario that you have to fight Nyx... By the end, she knows you still care. No hurt feelings"

Rayfe looks back to Orlok. "...And Orlok will feel his best."

Her gaze returns to Calico. "How does that sound?"

[Calico Carter]

"Kind of a rough deal on Nyx, my sleeping arrangements aren't always the best, but... deal."

I can afford ice cream, at least...

"And if we both make it to the final, well... suppose both conditions go off?"

[Rayfe Drathmire]

Rayfe flicks his hand dismissively. "The arrangements aren't a concern for her. She just wants to snuggle. And I am not... not the best for snuggling."

"If we both make it to the final, yes. Both monsters will be pleased... And, well, that sounds like an opportunity for another bet, wouldn't you say? You can choose the stakes for the finals." He leans forward against the table with a sense of anticipation.

[Calico Carter]

"Well. First, I think we should spell out what's at stake in the finals."

She also leaned in.

"I'm trying to get my debts cleared. No more, no less. But you said something about Nyx's career. Elaborate on that. Because you might not be good for snuggling, but you clearly care. I've seen how you coach her in a fight. You're invested. And don't tell me it's the money. Or the prestige for you. I wouldn't buy that for a moment."

[Rayfe Drathmire]

He's quiet for a bit, clearly not expecting the route the conversation has gone. "Mm."

Rayfe averts his eyes and gives the table a few thoughtful taps with his index finger. "I already have a bonded partner. I can't give proper attention to both. In a perfect world, she earns her championship and someone who can give her the care she deserves takes her on. I want her to do well, and be happy. I don't know how to have that with me, when I already have her father to look after."

[Calico Carter]

She nodded. Once.

"Making it to the finals would impress most people plenty. But a win would make her more tempting to a lot of wranglers. Just making sure she's not... you know. Slated for burgers if she loses. That's make things... awkward."

She sat back up.

"So. You say I can select the stakes, but... I wonder what you'd consider worth betting for. I haven't got much, I'm not parting with Orlok and it sounds like you have more monsters than you know what to do with anyway. What would you want to win?"

[Rayfe Drathmire]

"Surprise me." Rayfe answers, matching her change in posture by casually lean back against his chair. "I think there's a certain charm in competing for something I didn't even know I wanted. Mm? It doesn't have to be grand. It will still be worth it."

[Calico Carter]

She looked him over. Carefully.

"All right, well... you might run with some jaded types, I assume? I've got a bit of scandal attached to my name. You win, you get a command performance from someone banned from the Amorian stage."

She made a seesaw motion.

"Or close enough to banned. We might have to play up my infamy a bit to give it the desired impact, but it's a thing. What would you put up against that?"

[Rayfe Drathmire]

She's not wrong but he's not about to acknowledge that. It does tell Rayfe a bit more about Calico, enough for him to pitch his own idea.

"If you win, I'll get you the best seats for the next Frosa Derby. And I'll tell you where to bet your onz. I know the Magnox well enough to see who's going to pull ahead for the races on any particular day. You'll have more winnings than you know what to do with. Afterwards, you can meet my partner."

He offers his hand to shake on it. "We could make a day of it. Worthy of your victory."

[Calico Carter]

She took his hand.

"Deal. A day at the race, and getting to meet this cutie's proud poppa? Sounds like fun."

[Rayfe Drathmire]

"Certainly does." Rayfe agrees, giving her a firm handshake before leaning back. "Disappointed we can't have race day and a performance from you... But maybe there will be another opportunity in the future."

His eyes glance back down to Nyx. "For now, I have to strategize how this little one can take out a big lizard that's on fire. But I have some ideas. They may involve a little dance." He winks at Calico.

"Will you be there to see it? I'll certainly be watching your match..."

[Calico Carter]

"Oh, I always watch as much as I can. I mean, there's only so much prep can do- and Orlok was caught wild, so, again, he kinda does his own thing."

She grimaced at the bug on her back and stuck her tongue out.

Orlok chittered.

"But as you say, so far so good. We get to tangle with a fire-plant. Let's hope we get out of tomorrow with a minimum of scorching."

[Rayfe Drathmire]

"Yeah... Nyx smelled like burnt fur all night. Not pleasant" He glances down at the Magnox. "Isn't that right?"

Nyx bleated something that probably expressed discomfort.

"The Scovine seems to be a bit stubborn. Put it in a tight spot and you should have the advantage if it starts doubting its wrangler's judgment." Rayfe gives her a nod, and then adds, "You know. My offer for a drink still stands. Or drinks, if it pleases you."

[Calico Carter]

"Drinks. Yes. Drinks would be lovely. Uhm... let's see."

Now that she could look at the menu with something than despair...

"A strawberry daiquiri. It's not often I get to drink a dessert topping..."

[Rayfe Drathmire]

"Sounds divine." He stands up and goes to up to the bar himself to order.

Nyx sits up sharply, her eyes following Rayfe as if to trot after her wrangler, but she eventually quiets down and huddles next to Calico's chair. Her fluffy tail flicks back and forth with anticipation.

He returns with quite a bit more than she may have been expecting - placing one daiquiri in front of Calico and a matching glass across from her by his seat. Under one arm he has a punch bowl with ice cubes and strawberries in it. Rayfe places it in front of Nyx, who eagerly shoves her snout into the special order. She chews on the ice cubes while fishing around for the strawberries.

"Turns out they don't serve blood, unfortunately. But Orlok is welcome to share with her."

He sits down and raises his glass to Calico. "To a fine set of bets."

[Calico Carter]

In Rayfe's absence, Calico scratched behind Nyx's ears again.

It seemed the thing to do.

Upon his return she arched her eyebrows, but met his toast readily enough.

"To wagers that don't stand to bankrupt me for a change!"

Orlok actually did sip a bit out of the punch bowl- just a taste, before fluttering back to perch on the back of Calico's chair.

"He's honestly pretty low-maintenance. He seems happiest just being included."

[Rayfe Drathmire]

Rayfe smiles a bit at that. "Looks like the start of things turning around for you, Calico."

He's content to enjoy their drinks in quiet company, but welcomes any questions or idle conversation the fellow wrangler has. Nyx finally finishes her punch bowl of ice cubes and strawberries late into the evening when the music finally slows and the patrons thin out for the night. The young Magnox curls up contently between their feet, snoring softly.

[Calico Carter]

Rayfe smiles a bit at that. "Looks like the start of things turning around for you, Calico."

"That... remains to be seen."

He's content to enjoy their drinks in quiet company, but welcomes any questions or idle conversation the fellow wrangler has. Nyx finally finishes her punch bowl of ice cubes and strawberries late into the evening when the music finally slows and the patrons thin out for the night. The young Magnox curls up contently between their feet, snoring softly.

Calico, long denied access to even remotely palatable booze, tried not to overdo it. Really. Honest.

Oh god.

Mistakes were made.

I'm dancing again, aren't I?

Not really.