Ash 31 121
The rathari squinted as he staggered into the bar, gait just shy of a stumble as he crossed the threshold of the tavern. Gazes flicked toward him with curiosity as he crossed to the bar. The pounding in his head was one not easily drowned out — but soon enough he would be too drunk to remember that he was even there. At least, he hoped so. But that might take a considerable amount of drinking and he never liked doing that alone. A grin spread over his lips, amicable as can be as he approached the bar and what looked like the owner. He may know a thing or two about business, but it mostly involved finance and nothing quite this...directly tied to the general public. But someone that was in charge tended to look in charge and getting to them would be the first step in getting what he wanted.
The loud-mouthed man behind the bar, large and...well — impressive might have been what he was going for and Mino would certainly not tell him that was not what he was giving off — paused to look at him as he sat down. Waited for an order the same way Mino waited for the recognition of the crest on his ring to sink in. It took a moment, but soon enough the man was all smiles to match the rathari’s own.
“What can I do for you, Lord Lekivian?”
“I’d like your tavern for the evening.”
“The whole tavern?”
A bob of his head. “The whole tavern, good sir.” The faintest edge of a purr followed the tip of his head. “I’m sure we can work something out to make this arrangement possible, yes?” His brows rose as the other glanced around the tavern.
Those close enough to hear did a poor job of concealing their interest. Of course, they would be. The Spinning Coin was more than just a tavern. It was the tavern in Low City to go to for entertainment. Anyone loved a good gamble and the Lord Lekivian was no different, even if he was by far the best dressed in the room. No matter; they would all be the same in their vices soon enough.
“As good as that sounds, I can’t just go on kickin’ paying customers—”
Mino held his hand up to stop the man, one brow raised. A bark of laughter, almost incredulous, left him. “Who said anything about kicking anyone out? They’re more than welcome to stay, since the night is on me.”
The cogs in the man’s head turned as he processed the nature of the transaction transpiring. Then, while a grin missing teeth and grimy molars that remained, he nodded. Of course, he would be able to charge a hefty amount to a lord, a man of a hatakomon house. Close enough to royalty, as far as his money was concerned, wasn’t he?
Mino’s grin widened, the flash of sharp teeth in the light. The purr that had ghosted before had become more apparent. The night would surely shape up to be interesting as it was announced to be on the tab of the House Lekivian, “May the gods bless them for their generosity.”
A mug of ale was poured without his input on how much or even what ought to go in it and he felt that seemed appropriate enough. Hands clapped him on the back, pat him on his head, and ruffled his hair before cackling laughter mixed with chortles and people returned to their games. Voices called out for more drinks, and he watched with a brewing sort of peace as the chaos of mindless drinking ensued.
Yes, may they be blessed.