A Night to Let Your Feathers Down (Baudric)
Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2022 11:03 am
Glade 23, 122
The Hobbled Gobbler was loud and warm this evening, but it was like that most nights nowadays. Franky was sitting there at the long table, formed by having pushed all the bar's tabletops into one long, haphazard caravan down the center of the room. The space was much needed, for it was Avialae night and the winged people always got a bit physical and rowdy, in a good spirited way. In the main tavern room, along the north wall, the Avialae were playing a game of Winds at a long table.
The game pitted two Avialae against each other, at opposite ends of the table. The goal was to use the gusts of air from flapping one's wings to push a flagon of ale from the center of the table to the opponent's side. Whoever lost had to drink the ale and buy one for the winner. However, it wasn't just a game of the strongest gusts. Control was important too, for if the beer fell over or fell off the side of the table, then the two participants had to buy a round for everyone around the game. Franky loved watching this game, even if he couldn't participate. He was quite pleased with his race specific nights, he'd learned so much about so many of the people from them. He made sure to stock up extra on the especially hoppy beers and ales, mead, gin, and vodka, for that's what many of the Avialae had grown up drinking.
The winged men were out to impress, peacocking he'd heard someone say. Many had painted or dyed some of their feathers, others weaving colorful ribbons into their wings. And it seemed to be working, there were many non-Avialae 'Rufflers' in attendance as well, and they were loving the displays. Franky leaned back in his chair, looking over at the other side of the tavern. Another series of contests there. This was a game of Ups. It was quite simple really. The goal was to stay hovering in the same while chugging a beer. Many of the big winged Avialae were learning that this level of control was near impossible for them. But there seemed to be a set of Avialae, smaller men with smaller, hummingbird like wings, that were absolutely dominating the game. Franky could only laugh. So many different types of people, just like with goblins.
He cast his gaze up toward the actual bar where no one sat. Instead, the bar top was covered in large pots and bowls and platters. Avialae loved participating in a potluck. So Franky had incorporated it into the evening as well. If one brought a dish to the potluck, they received a dark green ribbon, and were able to eat for free. If not, one had to pay a few coins. And, of course, Franky's kitchen crew added in their own creations into the potluck as well, specifically making dishes to cater to those from Kalzasi and the Imperium.
All of his employees were busy and bustling at work. After all, the tavern space wasn't the only one filled. The stage room was full as a small scale production was being performed. Telling the tale of Hellmaw, apparently. Franky had seen that one last time. Upstairs in the casino, every table was replaced by games of darts, ring toss, and cornhole, with betters on the outcomes. Downstairs in the fighting pits, Avialae were having both for fun bouts and bouts to be bet upon, and many contests of strength and skill.
Franky did notice that many of the Avialae were shirtless or very nearly so, with either thin vests that billowed open or in strappy bits of cloth and leather that effectively left nothing to the imagination. He didn't mind, but it did leave the Rufflers wide eyed and drooling. It was amusing to learn the name of people who had a particular attraction to a race that was not their own.
Franky held up his flagon, and Meriel came over, all of her servers busy elsewhere, "Would you like the same, Franky?" He smiled, "Tell Glasha to surprise me, please." Meriel smiled politely, "I'm sure she will." The elf took his drink and turn on boot to care for it. Franky leaned back in his chair, another good night in his favorite place on Ransera. This was where Franky could truly relax. It ran itself nowadays so that when he was working, he could focus on the bigger projects he had in mind. Last season was such a massive windfall in cash, that he was making himself move up his timeline on his investments since he had the resources.
But for now, it was time to drink and relax.
