10 Drinks and Laughter!
The Great Hall dominated the settlement's landscape. Located on a small hill in the eastern district, it was one of the two buildings on it. The other was the future city lord's residence, which was currently still under construction.
The hall had a central hearth. It was the largest fireplace in the settlement. Large enough to walk and stand inside, someone had installed a few roasting spits over the fire. Multiple wooden tables surrounded the hearth. The usually deserted hall was crowded with cheerful pioneers. The man of the hour sat on the seat of honour, by the Lord Commanders' right.
A serving girl brought the Lord Commander Faeldir Storr a cup. He raised it and prepared to address the quieting crowd. Simply led the assembly in standing.
"Tonight we remember those who gave their blood to defend this settlement. Hail the victorious dead!"
"Hail!", everyone took a giant swing from their mugs.
"Tonight we celebrate the man who stood alone in front of imminent death, with nothing but a good blade and his wits. He overcame a mythical enemy saving this settlement in the process. Hail the triumphant hero!"
"Hail!"
---
The party in the great hall was in full swing. A slick black-haired man at arm was instructing a group, including two players who had luckily escaped the massacre.
"No pauses, no spills."
The ranger and the monk were handed new mugs of ale.
"And no regurgitation."
"So it's a drinking game?", the ranger Kenshi enquired.
"Aye, the last one standing wins," declared the man at arms, earning him a round of laughter.
"What'll we drink to? Let's drink to victory! To victory!", cheered the group.
Kenshi took a small sip from his drink. The monk, on the other hand, simply chugged down his drink.
---
The commoners began dancing on the tabletop to the amusement of onlookers.
"Oh, you can roam the land,
Far and wide, the sleight of hand,
But you'll never find an ale so brown
As the one, we drink in our Bridgetown..."
They chugged their drinks, racing to finish first.
"I win!"
---
The two friends were still going at their drinking contest. The monk reached out for another drink.
"Here, here. I bet youurre boixe you will."
On the other hand, Kenshi worriedly examined his fingers.
"I feel something. Slight tingling in my fingers. I think it's affecting me."
"What did Ir sare? He hit... can't holdem liquo...or!" proudly proclaimed the monk before flat out, passing out.
"Game over, big fellow", the ranger leaves the table in the hope of picking up some ladies.
A small grin appeared on his otherwise expressionless face.
---
The air was filled with the heavy smell of roasted meat, ale and tobacco contrasting the light ambience of the feast. Players and NPCs alike danced the night away. taking small breaks to feast on the succulent roast meat and wash it down with a unique taste of ale.
The game's alcoholic setting was set to a realistic setting. Only the aftermath was quite minimal. Hangovers only lasted half an hour. Minors would get their alcoholic drinks automatically transformed into a non-alcoholic beverages which had the same taste.
---
Faeldir Storr quietly retired to his private office alongside Simply.
"I must congratulate you once again for your great deed. Rare are those who are able to remain calm when faced with an immeasurable threat. Such a deed should be rewarded. Tell me what you wish for. If it is within my ability, you shall receive it."
"I would like to establish a shop in the central district, near the inn. Could I receive the authorisation to do so? The deed of the land would also be extremely appreciated."
"Hmm, I was saving that spot for the Imperial Trading Company... they are not going to be very pleased. Oh well, for the heroic act of defending the demonic beast, you shall be named 'honourable citizen', and receive the land deed for that plot of land as well as a trading licence. They will be ready in two days. You should pay a visit to the militia commander at the headquarter, after all, it appears that a promotion is in order."
"Yes, my lord. Thank you, I shall be taking my leave."
---
The streets of Eternal Landing were empty. The night was pleasant, neither hot nor cold. The moon was up, illuminating the streets. A few lanterns contributed an orange glow to the silvery white light. Simply approached a large wooden building with its distinguished stone pillars. A man glanced up from behind the counter when Simply pushed open the door.
"Shouldn't you be at the party, kid?"
"Too many people. Could I have my usual, Durnan?"
"Sure, kid. On the house. If you are looking for the old Cap, he is where you left him." Popping open the cork of an old bottle, he served Simply in a small crystal glass. "Here you go."
"Thanks."
The dark mulberry red liquid, which Simply considered his usual, was, in fact, the most expensive item in the inn. Furthermore, it was not on the menu. Only people with a high enough relationship value toward Durnan could access it.
Simply took a sip from his glass before knocking on the door.
[Buff added. Stamina regenerates 30% faster for 45 minutes.]
---
The old captain sat on his chair. He held a cup in his right and a pipe in his left. A few empty bottles could be spotted on his desk. Captain Alvyn studied the youth that had surprised him so many times in such a short time.
"Why do you smoke with a pipe?"
"Because I hate the way the smoke chokes me, but I also love the way it intoxicates me"
"I see... Here this should cover my dept."
Simply removed a kilogram of the precious Darksteel from his inventory, placing it on the desk. The old man just glanced at it before noticing the new sword that hung from Simply's waist.
"Can I see your new blade?"
"Sure."
Simply drew his sword in a single swift movement and presented it to him. The Captain inspected it while Simply sipping on his drink. After a long moment, Alvyn broke the silence.
"Alas, it is true..."
---------------------------------
Level 21 (87%)
Name Simply Umbra
Class Swordsman
Race Human
Health 410
Mana NA
Stamina 431 (410) (+5%)
Intelligence 10
Wisdom 5
Dexterity 5
Agility 5
Vitality 5
Strength 10
Unassigned Stats 50
Perception 0
Magic Resist 0
Defence 0