Bar time

“Now let’s start this off with a quick round before I get us some drinks. What are you guys studying?” asks Sydney once we all have taken a seat around our table.

“Sociology,” you say.

“Linguistics and History, specializing in Ancient Languages," says Scarlet.

“Archaeology,” says Sydney. “Now, what do you wanna drink?” asks Sydney standing up.

“You think they’ll have New No 7 Whiskey?” you ask.

“I probably settle for a mocktail…” replies Scarlet with drooping ears.

“I will see what they have … and yes ... we all know you’re a smoothie addict …” replies Sydney to that with a smirk and perky ears.

“Hey, they always say you should get enough fruit and vegetables in your diet. And when I make the responsible choice … I get … this…” replies an annoyed looking Scarlet throwing her hands up in the air accusingly at Sydney.

“We all love you ... you know…” you say while scratching behind her ear.

“Alright, alright ...“ Scarlet mutters while leaning into your hand, “ food and drink is a bit of a sensitive issue with me… I can handle almost everything as long I have my food and drinks. … Don’t stop ... It’s nice …”

“Now, you’re taking advantage of the situation…“ you say with a smirk. While you withdraw your hand your friend composes herself. And you notice that her ears are pointing straight up again too.

“OK, now that everybody’s fine again I’m headed over to the counter…” Sydney states.

Sydney POV

“Hi, Sabrina.” you say leaning on the counter with one arm.

“Hi, Sydney. Brought some friends along ?” Sabrina replies.

“Yeah, they’re old friends.”

“Say… do you know the cute Kith?” she asks conspiratorially.

“You could say so,” you reply with a knowing smirk.

“Oh…?” she exclaims with a questioning look.

“We grew up together.”

“Wait … that means you’re probably from the DRC… right?”

“Told you we’re old friends,” you say somewhat proudly.

“The three of you …” says Sabrina putting the pieces together. “So are you Seekers then…”

“I know that’s the common opinion. But I don’t like to be pigeonholed and my friends think the same way I’m sure.”

“OK, fair,” says Sabrina “ What can I get you guys?”

“A New No 7 Whiskey, a mocktail, …” you start.

“Oh, becoming a connoisseur are we ... “ Sabrina interrupts you with a light smirk playing on her face.

“No, I’m still a simple gin-tonic gal, it’s for my friend.”

“Oh, the cute Kith boy … right …” she says with a full smirk now. “ And the mocktail will be for the Kindred then.”

“That’s about it.” is all Sydney says.

After some time she puts a tray on the counter with on it a tumbler with whiskey, a highball glass with G&T and a cocktail glass with a blue beverage. “I figured it would be easier for you if put it on a tray.”

“Yeah, thanks .” You utter.

“So we have a whiskey neat, any other way would be a crime with such a fine whiskey. A basic G&T. And an Esperanza Blue, a mocktail I made with local blueberries so let me know what she thinks of it...” She says pointing to each glass in turn. “ Now will you guys be running a tab ?”

“Yeah, that would probably be the easiest.” You reply and head back with the drinks.