Make The Rounds

“See ya, Mia,” I said, chuckling at the unintentional rhyme. I took my mostly full mug with me, taking a seat next to Sofia and her dad.

“Ah, Flynn, right?” asked her father.

“Yeah, that’s right. Glad you could come join us,” I said. Sofia smiled at me.

“Thanks Flynn,” she said. “It’s nice to be able to talk like this sometimes.”

“I didn’t do anything,” I said. “You guys solver your issues on your own. I just gave you a little push.”

“A push I am most grateful for,” said Professor Lowery. “I know I wasn’t around much when you were young, Sofia, but I hope to rectify that. Should you or your party need anything at all, don’t hesitate to come ask.”

“Of course,” she said. The three of us shared a toast to their rekindled relationship. Once I finished my drink, I stood up.

“You two have fun, I’m gonna go check on the others,” I said. They waved me goodbye as I went to Lucille’s table. She was in the process of drinking the guards under the table.

“Oohhh hey Flynn! Itsh naish to sheee you,” Lucille slurred, barely able to hold her liquor.

“I think you’ve had enough,” I said, looking around at the guards who all looked either ill, or were already passed out.

“Pshhh, cmon! I’m fine,” she said. I glared at her. “Fine...one more. You gotta ssshare a toast too.”

“Fine,” I said. I ordered another drink from the barmaid. Lucille and I toasted to our earlier victory, and we chugged our drinks. Whatever she was drinking, it was far more potent than my usual, and I was left dizzy after a single mug. Shaking it off, I grabbed ahold of Lucille. “Cmon, time for bed.”

“I don wanna,” she said, gripping the table. I pulled on her shoulders, her grip only letting go when she passed out. I carefully carried her over towards Flora.

“Hey...Flora? Could you do me a huge favor?” I asked.

“Sure, Flynn, what is it?” she said, turning around. “Oh god.”

“Yeah. She passed out. Drank too much. Would you mind getting her back to the hotel for me?” I asked.

“Yeah, okay. I was just about getting ready to leave anyway,” she said, grabbing Lucille and gently waking her. “Hey sleepyhead, cmon lets get you to a bed. Sound good?”

Lucille groaned in response, leaning on Flora as she walked the drunk paladin out of the guild. Sighing in relief, I noticed flora hadn’t finished her drink, so I did it for her. Then I moved on over towards Alice.

“How’s it goin, Alice? Find some new friends?” I asked, gesturing towards the blonde and brunette adventurers next to her.

“Oh, Flynn. Yeah, actually. These are Kim and Wanda,” she said.

“Hi,” I said, waving to the other two.

“So, this is the party leader we’ve heard so much about, huh?” said Kim.

“Nothing bad, I hope?” I said.

“Nah, it was mostly good stuff,” said Wanda. “It was nice meeting you, Alice. Good luck on your adventures, you guys.”

“You two as well,” said Alice, smiling as her friends left the guild. “Thank you for everything, Flynn. For accepting my request, as well as saving me from those bandits back there.”

“Of course,” I said. “There’s no way I was gonna just leave you all behind.”

“I’m glad to have reliable party members such as yourself,” she said. “That said, I am quite tired, so I am going to retire for the night.”

“There’s an inn nearby, just up the street. The Copper Tankard. Be safe, alright,” I said. She nodded, heading out. Having visited my party members, I sat down at the bar next to Anna.

“Oh, hey Flynn. I was just telling Kliff about you,” she said. The bartender gave a nod. He was a large, muscular man, with a scar over one eyebrow. The apron he wore was quite the contrast.

“Name’s Kliff. Kliff Leclerc. Anna’s uncle and proud proprietor of the guild’s very own bar,” he said proudly.

“Nice to meet you,” I said.

“Here’s one on the house,” he said, setting a fresh mug in front of me. I thanked him and took a big drink.

“Wait, Uncle, you didn’t,” said Anna. Kliff smirked. I could feel my vision start to waver. “I thought told you to stop that!”

“What? Not my fault the kid can’t handle his liquor,” he said.

“You have him the strongest drink in the bar, of course he can’t! Most dwarves can’t!” she exclaimed.

“Wazzat?” I said. “I’m not drunk, you’re drunk.”

“Oh god,” said Anna as I fell face first into the bar, blissfully slipping into unconsciousness.