I huff with a roll of my eyes when Morrigan intervenes, ruining my initial plan. I quickly recovered, giving a cheery smile and innocent blinking at Morrigan, who was trying to figure out what was happening and giving away their plan in a moment. Offering to do stuff to be paid in drinks is an excellent plan, but sometimes things must happen. I looked over to our companions as my drink finished, "I don't know what you are talking about in specifics. Are you talking about the Kirsch? It's a taste sweet cherry wine that is pleasant." I tap my chin as I sit, pretending to be contemplating what they could be asking about.¹

    I make a mental note that my limiter was not in effect even though the bartender was not talking to me, 'Interesting, so my ability lets those in the vicinity of hearing the question see my shift. Perhaps she was also questioning it in her mind when he asked it; that could also allow access. This was all new, so it is best not to scare them off now.' I snap my fingers as I look back at Morrigan, "Oh! That would be a good idea, except," I gesture to the many instruments lying about and the groups around each of the large groups of people surrounding some already found entertainment. "That stuff mainly comes for free around here with the natural boom of adventurers taking refuge from the storms." I pause and glance downward at my doll, "Come here!" I start to climb up the side of the chair, not unlike how I did before it sits in my lap.²

---

1. Smooth talking +become another person (acting baby!)
2. Telekinesis (puppeteer style)

Morrigan had definitely noticed the young woman’s shift in demeanor, though they weren’t going to bring any attention to the fact that they had. It was obvious from talking to Keyke that she was the kind of woman who wore a false face, though they hadn’t imagined the schism between reality and illusion was quite so literal. She was weaving some kind of spell, or… magic that made the mana cursed charlatan’s hair stand on edge at the back of their neck. Either she was playing dumb or genuinely didn’t know what she was doing - either way, Morrigan wasn’t going to acknowledge it. In the absence of any real modicum of power of their own it had become second nature to play dumb themselves regarding the nature of anyone that might be an opponent.

“… Right. Of course, I was asking about the Kirsch. An odd first drink for my tastes, but its sweetness is unlike any other.” Her shift in demeanor had taken them by surprise, but they could roll with it. Morrigan did best when thinking on their feet.

They offered her an impish smile and a shrug, as if to act ditzy themselves. “Ah, forgive me then. I’m not quite familiar yet with Dragon’s Cradle customs, or the comings and goings of this fine country. It’s no solar out of my pocket one way or the other.”

The bartender returned a few moments later with their drinks in hand. Morrigan took a sip of their blood and sand, savoring the cool taste on their tongue before raising the glass in celebration.

“Well, then. I believe it’s only appropriate now to toast to new friendships, yes?”

   The lack of reaction was something to be understood; they had been giving so many funny expressions and reactions that they were probably running out of emotional energy. Thinking back to the fight and all that transpired, this was most likely the option, but nothing was certain. With this in mind, I giggle at the comment about it being free for all. "Nope! The drinks need to be paid for; entertainment is free." I shift my doll slightly, freeing a single hand to drink from my cup. I raise it to make a toast to follow along with Morrigan.

   A simple sip gives the present a high amount of sweetness that fulfills what my sweet tooth wants. After the sip, I properly tasted it, swishing around the drink in my mouth to thoroughly intake its full flavor after properly sniffing the cup—the cherry taste allows for a natural and light flavor, giving a full flavor to enjoy.

   This ritual for wine tasting quickly ended at the screams of people outside. Looking up, I chug the drink before leaving enough solar to pay for the group. With a sigh, I speak as if done with life, "This is for my group after we leave." I point to nit and myself before I look down and stand up on the top of the chair. I hop off with my doll and look to Nit, who also recognizes the electric feeling in the air.

Acuilas.

“Ah, I see, of course! I knew this all along.” Morrigan replied, like a complete liar. They toasted to new friendship and lapsed into silence, enjoying their own Blood and Sand. They didn’t get the opportunity to enjoy their drink for long, however - outside, the screams of passerby caught their attention, pulling them away from their relaxed atmosphere.

“Oh, what now?” Morrigan grumbled under their breath, wondering what in the world could possibly be assaulting the city outside. Keyke merely rolled her eyes, setting a handful of coins and pulling herself up to her feet as if this were an everyday, common occurrence. Given the country they were currently in, Morrigan figured that was probably par the course. The two mages seemed to know exactly what was going on. And based on the electricity that crackled in the air, and the primordial power that made the hair of the cursed charlatan’s arms stand on end, there was no question what had arrived.

They grimaced, reaching for the fan hooked on their belt, before deciding better of it. “You go deal with whatever it is you need to do.” Morrigan bid, flashing her a grin and raising their glass. “I’ve reached my destination. May our paths cross again sometime soon.”

Only when she and her companion left, and the bar was still in a general state of chaos, did Morrigan eye the coins that Keyke left on the counter. They snuck a glance at the bartender, whose eyes were still trained on the pandemonium outside, looking out for any sign of trouble.

They turned back to the coins.

Only a split second later did their clawed hand dart out to swipe the money left behind, scampering out the door and back to their entourage.