Happy Hour

[wizard_howell]

The front door to the bar practically flies open; a tall, slender black-haired man with turquoise earrings struts in, entirely unconcerned with appearances, entirely unsurprised to find himself suddenly in a different pub from the one where, moments ago, he excused himself to... what was he doing again? Right, using the facilities. Anyone who knows

Comments

[notagagagirl]

There is a teenager in... um. We'll call it a dress, to be nice (and to keep her from pitching a fit). It's...

It's hideous, let's be honest. She really doesn't have much in the way of sewing skills. But anyway. At least she's decent (which is more than can be said for some of the Gaga girls). Anyway. She's here now, and has had a rather exciting (if not entirely happy) day, and now...

And now there's all these people, and she's kinda thirsty and kinda hungry and there aren't any computers. Not that she likes computers, really, but how else is she supposed to get food?

Poor confused wannabe goth.

[wizard_howell]

"Hullo."

There's a saying he learnt at a young age and it goes something along the lines of drink up and drink often. It's a philosophy that's suited him well for the better part of his life, and it in part is what's led him to be behind the bar tonight.

"Can I help you?"

He realizes it's a rather open-ended question, but her confusion is easy to read.

[notagagagirl]

... If he's one of the boyzone boyclones, they must have uploaded a new fashion plate. Good grief.

"Yeah," She attempts to hide the 'completely-in-over-her-head' behind a front of brashness. It doesn't really work, but surely she gets points for trying. "Where's the orderin' computers?"

[wizard_howell]

His nephew uses computers. Silly things, pointless, clunky, and prone to breaking down. "At this place, the bar herself is your ordering computer. You can ask her for what you'd like, or you can ask me, or you can ask one of the rats. They'll take your order and bring you food."

Another brand-new patron. "Your first time here, I take it? This place is a little bit on the unique side, so if you have questions, ask away. It's what I'm here for."

In part. He's also here to have fun, to flirt, to drink as much as possible, and to chat to girls.

"And... your first drink is always on the house."

[notagagagirl]

"Yeah, well, the bloke with the teeth an' the fur an' the growlin' talked to the rats, so... no." She scoffs, attempting to nonchalantly take a seat at the Bar. Since she has never really been able to do much of anything in a nonchalant manner, it is a rather abrupt movement.

"... What sort of drink?"

[wizard_howell]

His gesture to the specials board is broad and expansive. "We've got these on special, but really, anything you like."

Anything in the world... or worlds, he supposes. "If I can make it, you can have it. If I've no idea how to concoct it, there's always Bar herself. She's brilliant with things like that. I don't know where she gets it from, but I do know it's not me."

There's a hint of a smile on his face over that.

[notagagagirl]

"... Sommat that's not fried, or sugary, or fake?" She asks, hesitantly.

There's no such thing left on Planet Mall.

...

It's too bad she's underage. Real alcohol would be a revelation.

[wizard_howell]

"Well..."

He's Welsh: everything's fried, sugary, or fake. Especially in his sister's house but fortunately they're not there and he can make his standard pub fare suggestion.

"There's always Shepherd's Pie?"

It's a hesitant enough offer, but he's already suggested it once tonight. And seeing as how the beer's beginning to affect what's left of his brain cells, he's not feeling much more creative than that.

His usual eggs and bacon are fried, after all, so they're off the list.

[notagagagirl]

"Um... yeah... a'right." She doesn't look quite convinced, but reveals why a moment later.
"What's a Shepherd's Pie?"

They don't exist anymore. Lots of things don't exist anymore.

[wizard_howell]

Leaning forward, chin resting on his hand, elbow on the bar, he gives her what might be perceived as an indulgent little smile. "Beef, potatoes, assorted other vegetables in gravy, cooked in a pie dough crust. Not sweet, though. It's practically the perfect comfort food: hot and savoury and delicious."

She looks as if she could use a bit of comfort.

Calling over a rat, he places the order for her. "Don't let the rats alarm you. They're really rather excellent in the kitchen..."

[notagagagirl]

She drops her head into her hands, making a disgusted sound.

"What is it with you people and letting rats around your food? That's gross!"

[wizard_howell]

His eyes widen momentarily before he starts to laugh. "Isn't it, though. I've no idea: it's the way it's always been here. Lucky for you you don't have to eat at my house: we cook on a fire-demon there. Perfectly lovely fellow, goes by the name of Calcifer."

And till recently, he had a skull on the mantle. Who knew it actually belonged to somebody?

[notagagagirl]

She peers at him over her arm.
"No, rats are still grosser. Rats are just... they are foul." She corrects him.

"... Though I don't know what a fire-demon is. Is it like a... user avatar or sommat?"

[wizard_howell]

She's very computer-centric, isn't she? That amuses him no end. "It's a demon who takes on the form of fire. You've heard of demons, certainly? Wizards, witches? When I'm not tending bar at the end of the universe, cariad, I'm Royal Wizard to the King of Ingary, although I'm not so certain he's aware of the fire-demon himself. That sort of thing generally doesn't concern him."

And then he realizes he's no idea what this lovely (albeit disgusted) lady's name might be. "And I've not even introduced myself, have I? I'm Howl, Howl Pendragon. And you are...?"

[notagagagirl]

"Only in video games, but I don't play those." She shrugs, a little apologetically. He seems nicer than the silverware guy. And everyone has interesting names here! Wicked names, like Raven and Howl, not like...

"Sally@thedoes.com" And she hates it with all the hatred one teenage girl can muster.

[wizard_howell]

Hmm, that's rather an odd name.

(Computers.)

"Mind if I call you Sally for short?"

It would seem to be the expedient thing to do.