[ OPEN ] willkommen, bienvenue, welcome

[feintofhart]

Who: The Adults Of Aldrip
Where: A handy dandy bar!
What: Claude has collaborated with one of the local bar-owners to host a Chosen-only night for the adults of Aldrip to have a nice night away from the prying eyes of locals.
Warnings: Alcohol, drug-use, grown men making embarrassments of themselves, potential hand-holding.



Welcome one and all to a place where the Chosen are able to unbutton that top button, sit back, and relax, free of the badgering eyes of locals, and able to mingle amongst like minds! Your local Apothecarist, Claude von Riegan, came up with this idea with one of the local bar-owners as a good way to drum up business amidst the Chosen for a place for the Chosen and the Chosen alone to be able to shed some of that weight they've been carrying. Claude himself has made no secret of the fact that he's the one who put this shindig together, openly advertising it as something of his own creation, a community building effort for everyone to bond with one another in a context in which they're not forced to do so by threat of death or imprisonment.

For this evening, liquor has been put out for the Chosen to serve themselves, and runs freely enough that everyone will be able to drink their fill, though there's a table at the back of the room laden with all sorts of bar snacks to help fill people's bellies and soak up some of that liquor; flatbreads and fried delights, a generous selection of meats and cheeses, and confections enough to satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth.

Along the south end of the bar there are a collection of booths, far enough away from the booming sound system to be able to chat quietly amongst themselves, if you're the more retiring sort and would just like to have a nice talk over a pint or two. In this area, you may also find a few hookahs at your disposal, filled with tobacco or hashish, courtesy of Claude himself -- though he hasn't shied away from cheekily including business cards at each table, advertising his place of business should you wish to purchase teas, salves, potions, and yes, all manner of smokable delights.

In the centre of the establishment, chairs and tables have been cleared away to make room for dancing, if you so please, with the sound system at the Chosen's disposal if they want to pump up the beats or put on a slow song to rock to and fro with a honey or two (or three?).

Lastly, there's a brand new karaoke machine that's been installed along the far east corner of the room, in case anyone would like to thoroughly embarrass themselves. What do you mean, you're a good singer? Then get out of here! You should know by now that that's not what the spirit of karaoke is about!

If there's anything else you would like added, dear player -- just write it in, and it's yours! Whatever can feasibly fit into a bar, you can assume it's present for all and sundry to enjoy.

Comments

miller | metro | ota

[melnik]

[ The complacency. It is impossible to fight it back. From his first steps along the cobblestone into the former Aldrip to the month-long stint of believing they’d originated here to now, Miller has resisted it all every step of the way. Yet even he has come to realize that they cannot live with their hackles raised twenty-four seven, try as he might to keep that energy going. While he continues to brew resentment for it, this is a long game now. It has probably always been that way and he was one of the only few unwilling to accept it.

But he has met some like minds, or at least some he tolerates, some he hasn't given up hope for just yet. The young Duke von Riegan here is one of them – so, that being said? Fuck it. Maybe he can use this little shindig he's prepared to find more, or maybe it will really only amount to allowing himself indulgence in so plentiful of a supply of alcohol and tobacco that it would his crew come to blows in jealousy. It's too bad they aren't here to share it with. Either way, the point is that he's cajoled himself into attending. ]

i.
[ One can find him making conversation at the bar. In fact, he'll greet anyone he recognizes and ask for a status report or introduce himself to anyone he doesn't. Granted, should the attendee he approaches be looking to simply take a load off and enjoy a beer for once, the often interrogatory tone or refusal to do that may understandably not be the most welcome...

Think questions like "Have you been summoned recently?" or "Any news, my friend?"

A man can try. ]

ii.
[ Later into the night, however, perhaps the hookah has loosened him up, because he seems more willing to sit back and just enjoy whoever stumbles onto the karaoke stage next. There’s even a bit of rhythmic handclapping to encourage anyone who has the courage to perform.

Speaking of, why hasn't [ your character ] gone up there yet? At the tail end of someone else's song, Miller slaps a hand on their back. ]

Go on. You're up next.

i.

[conflictresolution]

[Silco was a late arrival, and it was completely purposeful. His previous month had ended poorly and this one was showing signs of being any better, so he had been more reclusive than usual. However, he wasn't willing to avoid a mingle to spy on people, even if his entry had come with him standing in the shadows assessing the situation before he moved to the bar to get himself a drink.

He was pouring a single malt whiskey into a tumbler when had to pause at Millar's familiar voice. His lips remained a thin line, and he purposefully raised the glass to his lips for a sip before he decided how he would answer the simple question.]

Business remains as usual. [His tone was not open to debate the statement nor did it welcome prying questions. His voice was also scratchier than usual.] You seem to be well. A booth?

[He gestured to one of the empty booths where people could converse but also smoke. Janna only knew he needed to destroy his lungs more after decades of tormenting them.]

[melnik]

[ Perhaps it went without saying that Miller was "doing well" if he was still energetic enough to continue his rousing of the other Chosen into an attempt at shared suspicion and resentment. Few here had seen him present himself in any other way. Silco is one who, while he engages with whatever Miller has to say about it, has always seemed particularly grounded in his position here. He acknowledges the potential for conspiratorial theories about the Council, but ultimately appears unbothered as he continues to expand his business portfolio. In a way, Miller respects it, even if his overall decent impression of the man thus far makes him wish he could shake something more out of him.

There's something different about him this evening though. His expression doesn’t leave room for much interpretation, but there’s a hoarseness in his voice and, before Miller greets him, a dullness in his gaze towards his drink.

Perhaps the invitation to step away will grant him some insight on this, so he is quick to oblige. ]

Alright. [ He rises from his chair, taking his own glass with him. ] Shall we then?

[ As they find their way to the booth, he looks sidelong at Silco, lingering at the table to brush away some ash with his sleeve rather than take an immediate seat. ]

So, things are going well with the new establishment, I take it?

[conflictresolution]

[Their interactions had not been many, but he had found nothing particularly untoward when it came to Miller. The man was one of the few grounded people in this place, and from what he had been able to observe, at least could moderate emotions and behaviour. Miller was also the only other 'old man' in of the Chosen, and that had to hold firm for elevating his opinion.

He walked off to a booth, finding one in the corner of the room that gave a relatively expansive view of people enjoying the festivities to their own detriments. He eased himself into the seat and set his tumbler on the tabletop, though it didn't appear as if he had actually touched it.]

It seems so. I have heard no complaints about it, and I would ignore most even if they arrived on my doorstep.

[He was fishing in his coat for his cigar case, despite cigarettes, hookah and other means of smoking were freely available. He side-eyed Miller as he dug out a half-smoked cigar then offered the case towards the other man.]

Have you endeavored to make a life for yourself here yet?

[melnik]

[ While he hasn't actually stopped to think about it, it is without a doubt true that the age disparity between himself and the majority of the other Chosen really makes Silco a desirable drinking companion. So, they have that going for them. There are all kinds of distractions to be had, of course, but these are really trying times without his crew to clink glasses with.

Once it's free of debris to his liking, Miller slides in on the opposing side of the booth to him. Speaking of distractions, his eyes light up with interest when Silco offers him the cigar case. ]

Where did you find these beauties?

[ Taking one, he turns it in his gloved fingers and waves it under his nose to take in the aroma. From Claude's apothecary? He was equally surprised to find one of the business cards earlier. Although he did hear what Silco asked, which dampens the appreciation he wants to have for all the luxuries available here. He stares at the cigar solemnly. ]

I have adjusted. My "life" is on a train in Novosibirsk. That will not change. But until I can make it back...

[ His other hand drops heavily to the table. ]

Well, I have to make this work. I have an arrangement with the casino. Acting as security. Do you have a light?

[conflictresolution]

I've had the benefit of being able to bring them in from home.

[He took back his case and tucked it into his jacket pocket again. Then he was searching for his lighter as he nodded his head as it seemed that Miller had managed to settle into Aldrip. With the borders closed to leaving, it seemed that such a choice was the only option.

He was far more keen to talk about Miller than anything else. Tonight might be the night for avoiding probing questions in return.]

A train, hmm? That sounds lacking in stimulation over long periods.

[He pulled out his lighter and flipped the lid to snap a flame into life. He offered it to Miller first to light up the cigar.]

Is that so? How do you enjoy working there? I assume it has had its make-over and is less shady?

[melnik]

Good man.

[ Far be it for Miller to start accepting the Council's conditional benevolence himself, but he must admit that having a stock of familiar niceties like this is a decent perk. He leans in to accept the lighting of the cigar appreciatively before moving back to settle into the corner of his side of the booth. The corner of his mouth turns wryly as he inhales a drag.

This isn't something he's wanted to be so forthcoming with, and he could have let it go misconstrued... but they've had a few conversations by now, skirted around it already, so he just decides to say it. ]

It is a fine vehicle, but it is not the train that I refer to... It's Anna. She is extremely ill. Her husband and I left her on that train to find a cure for her.

The casino is doing all right. I can personally vouch for one of the owners myself. But I am only trying to make ends meet while I keep trying to learn more.

[ Clearly that hasn't gone so well. He scowls, resting a hand on his glass only to swirl the liquor in it around aimlessly. ]

It's like we are rats in a damn trap. We are too short-sighted to make any progress.

[conflictresolution]

[Well, it seemed they had a taste for the finer spirits of life such as cigars and distilled alcohols, which he could appreciate on some level. Perhaps tonight was not the time and place for that given his mood, but he had come to escape that if possible. So once Millar's cigar had been lit, he brought the lighter to his own and dragged on it until it was lit as well. The lighter was flipped closed and tucked away into his vest pocket.

His attention sharpened at the mention of Miller's daughter whom they had discussed in the past cursory. That the other man felt confident enough to divulge some actual information as to the state of his daughter was both a boon and a curse as it turned his thoughts to his own daughter and her prolonged absence.]

What seems to be the ailment that plagues her? Illnesses are common in my city, so perhaps I can offer some assistance on that front.

[He realized it didn't matter what he said though because Miller was here and his daughter was there. Still, who knew what knowledge they would leave with, if any at all.]

Oh and which owner are you vouching for their character?

[He dragged on his cigar, hunching over in the booth uncharacteristically. His mismatched eyes focused on the table as he considered and to an extent he agreed. There was starting to be a desperation in some to leave this place.]

Did you have conversations with that element of this place? They were rather enlightening.

[melnik]

[ Fruitless as it may to try seeking out a cure here, it is a desperate situation, especially not being certain if time is passing for those they've left behind or not. So, if he's already being this candid, he may as well go all the way with it. He stops agitating his drink and stares down into it. ]

She breathed in a toxic gas. Probably a chemical weapon leftover from the war. We went to search a research institute in Novosibirsk for a cure. There was a nurse traveling with us who claimed they stocked a drug developed for exactly that purpose — but the radiation... even in the metro, it is eight times the levels of radiation in Moscow. Any wrong move and it would turn into a suicide mission.

[ He stops, downing the rest of the glass, and when he speaks up again, his tone dips low. ]

I abandoned them. I am stuck in this city with food and a bed to sleep in, and they are still there. Fighting for their lives.

[ Perhaps that was a lot for him to just throw on someone else. Miller has no desire to vie for sympathy though. These are just the facts, and if nothing else, it must make his desire to leave that much more clear. That last suggestion really grabs his attention. ]

What do you mean "element" of this place? Are you talking about the tower? [ Unfortunately, he wasn't able to reach the end himself, but he heard some talk about it... Ah, but Silco had asked another question. ]

I was referring to Toph who is leading the security team. She is truly first-rate.

[conflictresolution]

[Silco's gaze sharpened at the ailment afflicting Miller's daughter, and then his head leaned back to rest against the back of the booth. It was such a common ailment for the Undercity, particularly those who worked and sometimes had to live in the lower levels that it was almost easy to forget that such toxins may not be common for other populations to have to contend with.

Yet, for now, he simply listened so that Millar could speak his peace and the extent of the issue, and the man's motivations became all the more clear to him. So, playing at a peaceful life while the fear of allies and his daughter hung in the balance? It was a testament to Miller's patience to not just move to making constant demands to leave.]

You understand that you coming here isn't abandonment of your mission, correct? It seems to me that none of us are given the choice, and perhaps while they fight, you will be successful in finding that cure.

[He shrugged his shoulders, taking the time to have a long drag of his cigar and allowing to smoke to curl out from his nostrils.]

There was an element of this place content to seek information about us and in turn allowed us to ask questions. It was informative enough. Did you take that opportunity?

[He would try to avoid any conversation related to the tower. Just mention of it made his mood sour. Of course, his mood acidified at the mention of Toph; they had had a single interaction and he had not been impressed. If anything, his opinion of Miller reduced at the high praise, but no matter. Everyone was entitled to their opinion on another's character.]

Is she? Tell me about her, if you would.

[Never let an opportunity to learn about other people go by was something he learned a long time ago.]

[melnik]

[ For Miller, it is helpful for the problem to be approached in such a logical manner. He is not generally inclined to divulge he is struggling with something, but that's just it. If there is any progress he can make towards finding a cure, it will be easier to make if he is forthright.

But he doesn't say thank you. He sinks lower into the booth, breathing in another drag of smoke. ]

Yes, you're right... Is it an illness you're familiar with?

[ And although he doesn't make it incredibly obvious, the shift in Silco's demeanor is palpable enough for him to get the point that, no, he is not referring to the tower. Now he gets it. ]

Oh, that. Yes, I tried speaking with it... but just the fact that it appeared on our network may mean more than anything it had to say. Did you learn anything from it?

[ This response is probing, perhaps, but it isn't that Miller is unwilling to divulge what its appearance means to him. Depending on what Silco says, he will get to that. It doesn't occur to him that the tone shift has anything to do with Toph though, so on that front, he doesn't hold back. ]

Toph is a strong girl. I met her not long after I arrived here. She has a unique power and has seen battle at a very young age. When the miasma took hold of the town, she and I worked together to find the missing organs, but we ended up encountering a very grisly sight instead... In the Metro, it is not uncommon for children to become self-sufficient. I have met known many kids that work and fight on the same plane as men. But she is still one of the most remarkable I have met.

[conflictresolution]

We have similar illnesses where I'm from, though the cause is likely not the same. Still, the ailment and its effects have taken many of my people to an early grave.

[There was something to be said about being a poor miner from an early age and dealing with the noxious fumes, the poisonous chemicals and the contaminated water that degraded an entire population. Shimmer had systematically propped up and destroyed a generation as well, but it was no worse than what could be found in the Sump and below.

He was reminded of Jinx alone and concussed with internal injuries on the bridge. Sometimes death is a mercy. Never once had he believed that and looking next to him at Miller, he wondered if the man would make the same extreme choices to save Anna.]

As parents, people underestimate the extremes some are willing to go in order to save their children.

[He sat up and leaned back into the cushion of the booth, tapping ash off the end of his cigar into an ashtray.]

I did. This is not the first iteration of this place, and there may be a tipping point where whatever this is happens to be scraped and they start again. Where that point is, I don't know. It also has questionable taste in morality and seemed to want to learn from us, which... given some of the personalities here, I expect we'll all be doomed now.

[The distraction was appreciated on some level. He didn't want to think about the lurking nightmare waiting for him when he closed his eye to try to rest. This was better, gathering intel on someone he didn't have a fond opinion of from someone who clearly did.]

A unique power, hmm? [He knew of course. He had enough spies in this place to gather intel on obvious strengths and weaknesses.] Are you saying that she's a child soldier?

[melnik]

[ Ever since she was born, all he ever wanted to do was to protect Anna. It was a feeling that only grew and transformed as time went on—as their adversities mounted, as he was forced to reckon with what was truly important. It had all culminated in this battle for her survival. He found himself willing to throw everything away in order to save her, to know that maybe someday she would have a chance at a different life. They spent months on the road after the actions that had them seen as traitors to their own people and it wasn't until he was faced with the very real threat of her death that he found himself letting the preoccupation with finding his way back to Moscow somehow start to fade into the background.

And now he's been torn away from the ability to do anything at all. It's easy to become desperate, cling onto any shred of knowledge that might change things. So far he has resisted that through a combination of mistrust and reason.

But Silco draws his attention without even directly saying anything. Miller's eyes flit to him intently and stay there, the fingers on his free hand flexing tensely on the tabletop. ]

For example? You sound like you know this intimately.

[ As for the interaction with the intelligence on the network, this is also quite interesting. It seems to confirm some of the theories being talked about before. And Silco's transparency prompts Miller to start giving his thoughts as well. ]

Damn. Yes, I gathered that it was trying to accrue information from us. I am convinced a security system was triggered by meddling in the algorithm upholding this network. The appearance of this element, as you say, was a result of that. I don't think it's necessarily good for us to speak with something like that freely... but if it is an artificial lifeform, it can be influenced.

[ So, risky maybe, but it's progress that he's not seen up until this point. They need to take advantage of it. He pauses for a second, tapping ash from his cigar. ]

Well... I believe it is something like that, yes. I didn't ask for details.

[ She has her prodigy level earthbending, and he is aware that she played some part in the ending of a hundred year long war and that is about where his knowledge ends. As someone who keeps their cards close to the chest himself, he tends not to dig deeper than others are willing to go on their own, so long as it doesn't affect him. ]

[conflictresolution]

[This was not the topic that he wanted to discuss as it hit a touch too close to home, and yet, it was another decision that he had to make back then. Hadn't it made it back then knowing he could lose her anyway? A small treacherous part of him knew he could lose it all, but the risk was worth the larger opportunity to save her life. He'd do it again in a heartbeat, even if that decision would land him in the exact same situation he was now.

He glanced side-long at Miller, frown twisting his lips before he took a long drag from his cigar. He was buying himself a few extra moments of not speaking of his daughter.]

My daughter was nearly killed by a concussive blast at close range. She sustained... significant internal injuries. I made the decision to save her life at any cost, confident she would survive the process and... the substance required to save her life. [Shimmer. A dose that high... he hadn't been awake for the process, but he knew.

He stared straight ahead, nodding his head between the topics. They had to believe there was some control of this situation that they found themselves in, otherwise they would each other alive or rebel and break the system beyond repair.]

It is an evolving system then. People were desperate for information, and that was the first solid lead for many. Of course, they would offer more than they should. It would seemingly glitch out under certain questions in return.

[He shrugged his shoulders, letting the topic drop without a fight. He wasn't going to probe more than he already had, and it didn't matter much either. Most here didn't bother to hide their specialties.]

i

[feintofhart]

Ah, Miller! So glad that you could make it!

[ Claude is not beside Miller -- quite the opposite, he's actually beaming at him from behind the bar. ]

I've taken the liberty of manning things back here so that everything goes smoothly. And so nobody starts guzzling vodka by the barrelful, [ he says, flashing the man a wink, quick as can be. ] What can I get for you?

[melnik]

[ So there's the man of the hour.

Miller had been keeping an eye peeled for Claude and yet he had still somehow managed to evade his notice. Of course he didn't expect the host of this shindig to be behind the bar making drinks! Still, the surprise (coupled with that cheeky little comment) brings a smile to his face and he swings around on the bar stool to face him, planting an elbow on the table. ]

If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were making a joke at my expense, Claude!

[ But this man from medieval times that rides on horseback with his bow surely doesn't know about Russian stereotypes, right? ]

Vodka is quite a staple where I am from. I am curious to know how you would prepare it.

[feintofhart]

Is it? You lot must have potatoes coming out of your ears! Back home, ale and mead are the drink of the people. The wheat might be better used for bread, but tell that to a camp full of soldiers after a long battle, and you'll get to hear all of the most colourful curse words good old Fodlan has to offer.

[ He grabs a bottle of vodka off the shelf, leaning down to scan his cheat sheet. ]

You don't strike me as a man who's much for sweets, so I'm going to say that mixing it with a chocolate liquer is right out. Let's go for this one.

[ A Collins -- vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, soda water. It's easy enough for him to whip together. ]

I was hoping to see you around here! Not a bad turn-out, if I say so myself. And long overdue. We need more events that aren't just the locals throwing their festivals.

[ Which is tosay, Chosen-only events. It's time to start building those bonds. ]

[melnik]

We did, once. [ The type of sun necessary to grow potatoes is mostly long gone to them, unfortunately... but all the more reason for him to enjoy it again now. ]

My people began fermenting and distilling mushrooms into vodka. The taste is not for beginners! [ He seems to find some humor in this, as well as the anecdote from Claude's home. ] You truly cannot stop people from enjoying their drink, no matter the circumstances, eh?

[ In any case, he's eager to see where this recipe goes and has no objection as he watches him begin to mix ingredients together. ]

That is a good sentiment. I agree with you. It would benefit us to cast aside judgments of each other... we have a common enemy. Fighting amongst ourselves only helps them.

[feintofhart]

The one thing men have in common across borders: a love of ladies and liquor, [ Claude says, winking at Miller. Never mind that Claude has no particular love of neither, a fact that does not endear him to the common man, and so he does not advertise it. He slides the drink across the bar for Miller to sample, grabbing a glass from underneath the bar and refreshing himself while he's at it, nothing more than some sparkling water with a twist of lime that looks enough like a vodka tonic if anyone is too concerned about the man of the hour not making merry as his many guests. ]

Now, don't get me wrong -- this is also a party for partying's sake. But... all things considered, I'd like to spend less time squabbling amongst ourselves and more time making an effort to squabble with the right people, in a far more orderly way. [ He leans his elbows on the bar as though having an utterly casual conversation. ] And what better way than sharing a drink? We'll need a united front if we're going to continue pushing at the boundaries in our own ways. You did see that whole business with that strange robot on the network, yes? The product of none other than Chosen cooperation, for better or for worse.

[ And Claude hopes to continue supporting these efforts, in what little ways he can. ]

[melnik]

Isn't that the truth?

[ The tendency for people to, despite everything, find these small ways to relish in their lives... it is a simplicity that Miller finds himself appreciating more in recent times than ever. Not because he is necessarily among them, but because it has become so rare to find ways to relate to others in ways that make them all see each other as human. Things are different here in Aldrip. He's still getting used to it, but at least some truths remain constant.

The statement does halfway apply to him, anyway. He accepts the drink with a raise of the glass in thanks before taking a sip. It goes down smooth, though a verbal judgment gets postponed by his interest in the conversation. ]

Precisely! [ Considering the attempt to keep the matter quiet, he will stay discrete, but the way he holds direct eye contact does seem to suggest he knows now that Claude knows. ] I am aware of the situation. In my opinion, we must accept that our efforts will come with risks... we simply need to make sure the risks are measured.

[ And in this case, he does believe it garnered some useful information and didn't cause the entire world to fall apart again in the process, so it's a win. ]

We all come from different walks of life. That gives us an advantage and we need to make use of it!

[ He offers his drink in the air again once he sees Claude has decided to join him. ]

Cheers to a united front!

[feintofhart]

Cheers!

[ He clinks their glasses together, then downs his own drink, smiling warmly at Miller. The way the man speaks is fascinating, familiar; some strange mix of a man who's used to leadership with the grounded humility of the men in Claude's army. Like one of the Captains, he decides, his eye on the prize, but without any of the pomp and circumstance of Claude and his ilk. Probably a healthhy amount of disdain for the mincing nobles too, like many of those men, which is not entirely uncalled for. ]

Personally, I'm glad to have people around me to cover for my own blind spots. Always a good idea underneath any circumstances, but underneath circumstances like these? It's especially important. I've been taught a thing or two, no mistake, but I still can't figure out this damn phone half the time.

[ He grins, self-effacing, but not entirely wrong. ]

But arranging a party? That, I can do with my eyes closed and my hands tied behind my back! And this is far more to my taste than the parties back home. There's a lot less choreographed dancing, for one, [ he says, holding his hands out and pantomiming a waltz. ]

We could make it a repeat occurrence, you know.

[ He personally believes that their captors are watching their every step. Even this one. Still, they can make an attempt at subterfuge, and regular gatherings such as this one not underneath the umbrella of yet another local festival isn't such a bad thing to evade too much notice. ]

ii.

[quizpersona]

[ For a good reason he tends not to make an appearance to these sort of things without there being a specific reason to steal the show. Comes with the background as a international terrorist. So really, he's planning to be here for a whole 15 minutes at most... It just so happens that Miller gets a little too close to that karaoke set up while Nikolai is lounging on his side in a booth nearby in wait (to ambush the unsuspecting).

One of those stripe adorned legs hangs off the edge of the booth, while the other remains bent. Looks pretty comfy with everything considered. Mishief shines in his visible eye and Nikolai whistles to draw in attention as he notices Miller not getting on the stage himself. ]

The show is about to begin! Ohhh, now this one looks promising. [ Yes, Miller, without actually sitting up further he's waving an arm around before pointing it your way. ] Come on, sing us a real classic!

[melnik]

[ Free alcohol, free tobacco, a free show—really, it shouldn't be so easy to settle into the night and enjoy himself, but the conditions couldn't be better for it. There are many familiar faces and some go on stage themselves, but mainly, they are strangers. The encouragement is met with some hesitation but a good deal of liquid courage and Miller is simply satisfied to be an observer in the warm atmosphere. It would surely continue this way if it weren't for the unexpected meddling of someone he hadn't noticed take his seat.

Miller turns his head at his whistling along with every curious ear in this corner of the bar, though the nonchalant expression on his face quickly becomes one of stunned silence as Nikolai gestures to him. Seeing as how Miller has been egging the rest of them on all night, the suggestion is taken well by the rest of the crowd who also begin to shout out their approval. ]

You have got to be kidding!

[ While he may as well be talking to all of them, his gaze is only on Nikolai himself as though waiting for some reason that this strangely dressed fellow has called on him. Someone pulls him to his feet as the protests continue, a glass of whiskey still in his hand as he gestures with it. ]

Listen, I am no singer! I am a soldier. The only thing you'll gain from hearing that is someone to boo off stage. Let's not put a damper on our good night!

What if I tagged this back after so long

[quizpersona]

[Perhaps here it the place where Miller would learn something relevant to his interests when Gogol could've cheekily employed давай! давай! if only the auto-translator wasn't here to just as cheekily obscure it.]

C'mon! Don't tell me you have stage-fright?

[No longer content to lounge in his seat Nikolai jumps up onto his feet to ominously trail after the poor man he's voluntold to get on stage. As it turns out he's following up behind so it's a lot trickier to wriggle away and escape from the stage without having to maneuver around him.]

Ohhh, or are you afraid of letting loose?

[A gloved hand cups the side of his face to stage whisper to Miller, his eyes drop to the whisky in his hand momentarily before that smiling face looks back up at him.]

You know, I'm aaalmost certain most of them are too drunk to care if you're bad.

What if... the same thing but way longer? hi i'm so sorry

[melnik]

[ He should have known what he was doing, sitting back and encouraging everyone else to sing their drunken hearts out. Perhaps he had thought that with strangers, instead of if he were among his own people, he would avoid really catching anyone's attention. But whatever he thought, that carelessness is especially moot now. Without ascribing any seriousness to the situation, he's simply forced to go with the flow. Albeit walking backwards towards the stage as Nikolai comes to meet him, his hand still up in protest. ]

It isn't that—

[ As Nikolai whispers to him, the back of his boot hits the karaoke machine while he's not looking and produces a loud feedback sound causing Miller to splash a small bit of the drink in his hand onto himself, and seemingly, give in out of annoyance. The response is not quite a whisper, but hushed enough that it's just for him. ]

Ugh. All right, all right, but I'm not sure there's any song on this thing I would even know. Yegor Letov? Kalinka?

[ As if the accent of his voice could even hide his lineage, the suggestions that he is sarcastically throwing out there will thwart that auto-translator yet, should Nikolai choose to respond to them. ]

Do you have a suggestion then?