[ Claude shouldn't be surprised when he turns and sees posted up Aldrip's local delivery boy and fetcher of all things improbable, posted up on a barstool he gravitates to every night he's in town and not travelling. It's part of the bar that has a good line of sight to the stage (hmm...), and the blonde-haired man offers an easy grin. ]

C'mon, Claude, cut the service-with-a-smile tone. [ A friendly barb to the man behind the counter, before following. ] But if you have to ask, you got any good ciders in recently? Kind of want something light, tonight.

[ He rolls his shoulders a bit as he gets settled in. ] Let's turn the tables for a change — how've you been?