Page 68 of Journey to the Elderoak
As they were eating dessert, Raine and Casimir devouring their second piece of cake, Fanya said from across the table in her bubbly voice, “Ava…Quinn and I were thinking about having a little fun after dinner. Would you like to join us?”
“Sure,” she said. “What are we doing?”
Quinn took a sip of wine, giving her a mischievous grin. “Tavern hopping.”
“I want to come!” announced Raine.
“No,” said Quinn. “No fae brutes allowed.”
Raine scowled at her, grumbling.
“That sounds amazing. Yes,” Ava said.
“Do you know what tavern hopping is?” Fanya asked.
“We call them pub crawls, but I think it’s the same concept.”
Jorrar and Kai rose, saying their goodbyes before heading back to their house for the night, clearly not interested in partying with the rest of them.
“Well, I say we have a fae brutes night,” Raine looked at Casimir and Thorne.
“What the fuck is a fae brutes night?” Quinn asked.
“It’s where we get drunk and sword fight,” said Raine.
Fanya frowned at her brother. “That sounds dangerous.”
“That sounds sexual,” Ava whispered to herself, already tipsy from the wine.
“Well, I’m not opposed to that either…” Raine started.
“No,” said Thorne and Casimir in unison.
“Fine, fine.” Raine waved his hand. “I’ll find someone to play with my sword later.”
Quinn rolled her eyes and rose, grabbing Ava’s hand. “Time to go,” she said as Fanya followed suit. “Goodbye,” Quinn said as they made it to the door. “Enjoy your orgy.”
A bark of Raine’s laughter echoed as they disappeared down the hallway.
Two hours later,they found themselves huddled in the corner of their third pub, taking shots of whiskey. It was a dark space. Warm wood surrounded them with flickering lanterns along the wall.
“And then,” Fanya continued her story, “he kissed me.”
“Who?” asked Ava, head fuzzy. “Wait…what’re we talking about again?”
“Ava.” Quinn slapped her arm. “Pay attention…Pax.”
Ava squinted her eyes at Quinn across the table. “Pax! I love Pax,” she drawled. “We fought on the ship…he’s strong…and scary…”
Fanya giggled. “We know. You already said that.”
Ava sipped her whiskey. “Fuck. Right. He kissed you?”
“Yes! I just said that.”
Ava put her head in her hand. “Oh…sorry.”
“I think we’re going to have to carry you home,” Quinn chided.
