Chapter 2: Drunkards & distractions

While upstairs everyone was asleep, or at least tried to, downstairs there was a full party going on. Since I had never been to one I angsty brought my body in motion to walk down the stairs trying to be as transparent as possible. Before diving into the alcohol-reeking crowd I observed the room to find someone that looked like they worked there. I decided that the bartender would be the best option and forced my way through the mass. As soon as I was in it I got bumped and showed so much that I lost my orientation. The music was loud and my eardrums felt like they would explode.

Even though the person who seemed to be the Jeremy that was called out before could sing no one else was in the right state of mind to bring a decent tune out of their mouth, yet they yelled the lyrics in a chorus. Drinks were passed around and the waiters did their best to fight their way to the customers who ordered but they too were powerless at the sheer force of the crowd. In the end, I managed to get to the bartender but I was sweating. My mouth was dry and my desire for something cool glimmered in my eyes.

"What will it be for you miss?" the bearded man asked kindly. He had the same raspy voice as the person whose shout scared me upstairs.

"ughh…I… I'll have a…just, just give me something refreshing, please" the bearded man looked at me hesitantly, there was some doubt in his mind.

"Forgive my rudeness, but are you old enough to drink yet? I'd rather not serve a child one of my drinks, they can be very potent" while saying that he nodded towards the drunkards and smiled amused.

"I feel flattered, but I'm no child. I'm 20" I gazed over my shoulder "but I rather prefer a beverage without alcohol. Let's say that I'm not in the mood"

The bartender shrugged his shoulders and said "okay" but before he could start my conscience made me stop him.

"Wait, how much…does it cost?" I didn't know where I was and almost would've spent money. Big no-no.

"A normal water costs 2 mortha" -the fuck is that? -Was what I thought. Naturally, I didn't say it out loud. I was thirsty, my throat hurt and I wanted water so I wasn't in a good mood.

"What's that?"

"What's what?" His look became sceptical.

"Mortha" this was taking too long, I was feeling grumpy. "Forget it, I don't want to drink anything anymore" wherever I was. And whatever mortha was It was surely a currency. One which I didn't possess.

"Instead could I ask you where I am right now? I mean, which country. Oh and while I'm at it could you tell me if you have seen me before? Or where I checked in to sleep?"

The bartender crossed his arms and let out a hoarse laugh then he leaned over.

"Miss, it's better not to drink so much at such a young age. Here" he put a glass of water in front of me. "It's free, sober up, 'kay?"

The glass was pressed into my hand and I was shoved away. Before I could get angry my eyes laid upon the line of people waiting behind me. While my head was turning red again I uttered a "sorry" and hid in a corner.

With no answers resolved I chucked down the water. Its cool liquid felt nice in my throat.

"would've felt even better if that guy would've at least given me some answers" I whispered grumpily.

I didn't want to go back up yet, the inn may be loud but it was easier to breathe here. I leaned back and let out a sigh. What to do, what to do…

-Aaaaah! I don't want to think about all this now, this world, why I'm here or anything like that! I know that I'm not sick anymore so that's great! Fantastic even! But there's no way I can celebrate that…man I just want to relax right now, have a great time and do fun stuff, just treat myself. All the difficult stuff I'll leave to future me! Now I'll enjoy this party! -

Laughing like a fool I made my way into the crowd.

Yes, I was a little drunk. I don't know why. Maybe it's the heavy smell? But the only time I ever "tried" alcohol was when I was 10 and my parent let me take a sip of wine (obviously I didn't like it). And I don't remember having a bad tolerance for it….

" ah, whatever!! Hehe" getting in the mood I moved along with the music my eyes wandered around the room, the lights shone brightly and blinded me but I didn't care. People all around me dancing and singing in their unique gibberish way radiated such a fun and alluring aura that I quickly found myself singing along with them and moving to the music. At some point, the singer changed but I didn't take notice of it. Now I was the one pushing others around without a care in the world and in all that colourful fun my eyes laid on a table of five people.

Like everyone, their faces were red and lively. They were holding cards and even though drunk they were trying to win. Stepping closer I took a look over the shoulder of one of the guys, the game they were playing seemed similar to one I knew. At first, I only watched but soon I wished to snatch the cards from the guy in front of me to show him how it's done.

"Oi, would you guys mind if I join you?" Without waiting for their answer I took a seat beside the guy whose shoulder I looked over. " Oh hey, you're the singer from before! Jeremy wasn't it? Your voice is great man keep it up" The men laughed and one of them started to distribute the cards. Jeremy was the only one that remained reserved and gave a nod of appreciation to my compliment. One of the other guys hit his shoulder.

"C'mon Jeremy, Hic!, don't be so shy she wants to play, Hic!, where is the problem with that? Hey girl, do you know the rules?"

"I think I get them, let's play a warm-up round. My name is Aria. What is yours?" the cards were handed out by the man who shortly presented himself to be Jonathan. The other two were Eddie and Michael.

"Now then, Hic!, let's begin!".A fast exchange of cards later I triumphantly won the first round. Jeremy who was just about to finish too didn't look too amused. All the rounds before he had won, but poorly. He gulped dwon a big chug of beer.

"Sheer luck…" he mumbled.

"Heh, you think so? Maybe you'll win next round, ehe!".Spoiler, he didn't.In fact, he lost, and I won.

Sadly the third round was a win for Eddie. Which was a surprise because I was so drunk that he barely could hold the cards.

"Yaaay! I WON! Hic! N-now you know who's king!". Jokes were told, rounds were won and alliances and rivals were formed.

"No Jonathan don't give Jeremy that card, give him the other one.No! not that one both of them are useful to him! Trust me!" Jonathan was sweating trying to figure out which ones I meant.

"B-But dear I need that card!" Bam! The card on the table moved when my hand hit the firm wood.

"No excuses if you don't do it I'll take the kids with me and marry Michael, Hic!" before Jonathan could hesitate even more I said "Listen here Jonathan is as transparent as one could be. So when I say to not doubt me then do that!"

"Who's transparent, Hic! You're the one who makes it absurdly obvious when you have a joker! Dumbass"

"Well, I at least win!"

"Well certainly not this round, my desk is perfect!" Spoiler, I won and he was last. Also, you may have already noticed but I was drunk at this point. I could have never imagined how fast friendships are born when drunk.

We all ordered a beer( I was invited because I played so well) and sang and played and played.