December 5th, you say?

[martillomiser]

Really? [It's the most mild-manned surprise, relaxed on a charming face that doesn't look like it should have seen the year 1933 and still be alive today. And yet, and yet-] It's been 80 years since the repeal of Prohibition, today?

My, [There's a soft laugh, amicable with the slightest hint of wonder, as he finishes pouring a glass of fine wine half-full.] how the the time does fly...

Well yes, of course then. I suppose I'll raise a glass to that?

Comments

[spirit_says_so]

Eighty years? Really?

[martillomiser]

December 5th, 1933. The world was much different then, but maybe not so much has really changed...

Not that there's anything inherently wrong with the virtue of temperance, of course...

In fact, at the time you might say it was very good for business.

[spirit_says_so]

"The virtue of temperance", huh?

I'm good with the way things are now.

[martillomiser]

Yes, I think most people are. And all the effort ever did was make everyone a little more covert about our habits. Try to regulate anything in good intentions, and mankind will certainly find a way around it. That's the persistent sort of creatures we are.

In any case, it's a perfect excuse for the bars to be very full tonight. I should drop by the Alveare just to check on things.

[spirit_says_so]

[Raven is quiet a moment before inquiring.]

What sort of selection does the Alveare have? I could go for a drink.

[martillomiser]

Well, we specialize in honey mead, but you'll find a much wider range of libations, these days.

[spirit_says_so]

What about beer? What do you got for beer?

[martillomiser]

Ah- A standard selection for the American palate, I should think? But I'm afraid it's nothing compared to what you might find in a good European pub.

Although I'm probably a little bit biased, having spent a long time traveling? Generally speaking, I'm not even really a beer-drinker, so take that with a grain or two.

[spirit_says_so]

You serve any food as well?

[martillomiser]

Oh yes, of course! We fronted as a restaurant and honey shop, back in the good speakeasy days.

The recipes are all passed down from Family in Napoli. But since we border Chinatown, there's a bit of, ah, eastern selections thrown in too.

[spirit_says_so]

Dude, as long as it's edible, I don't mind. It's been awhile since I ate or drank anything and I'm starving.

[martillomiser]

Well in that case, be sure to tell them Maiza's sending you. We'll see what can be arranged on the house.

[spirit_says_so]

On the house?

[Oh ho ho. Raven likes the sound of that.]

Things seem better already.

[martillomiser]

[People are really, really astonishingly easy to please when you start with the offer of free food.

But now let's see what cards we can get on the table.]

And who exactly are you, I should have really asked first. My apologies.

S'all good, s'all good. I'm still...voice testing. So edit away, I'll be doing it too.

[spirit_says_so]

Me? I'm Raven.

[Nothing more to it than that.]

Look, man, I appreciate the free food. Really.

[martillomiser]

A pleasure to meet you. Are you from New York, or just passing through?

[spirit_says_so]

Passing through.

[Though free food is certainly an incentive to hang around.]

[martillomiser]

Ah, wonderful! Well I do hope you enjoy the visit. Where do you usually call home?

[spirit_says_so]

Out West.

[Well, it's not like he's had a stable residence in awhile. Then again, the diner lasted awhile.]

Although I'm not in any hurry to head back.

[martillomiser]

[Interesting. Although he's not nearly as familiar with the West coast as be is with this one.]

Travelling for business then, pleasure? Or are you a traveller by nature?

[spirit_says_so]

Honestly, I'm not sure myself.

[Not that he isn't a traveler by nature, but his last adventures had all be under the orders of one animal spirit which had led him to his death for shits and giggles.

Raven is a wee bit peeved about that still.]

I guess we'll see.

[originaloddcouple]

It's like a birthday party!

That's exactly right, Miria! And the only thing to do on a birthday is to celebrate this birthday with Maiza! Ready?

I'm ready!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

[martillomiser]

Ah, it wouldn't be a proper celebration without the two of you. Rolling out the dominoes, for old times' sake?

[originaloddcouple]

What a marvelous idea!

A real winner!

Now, we just have to find them....

[They start racing around, often in circles, looking for any dominos they hope to come across.]

[martillomiser]

Hmm. [Maiza smiles against his glass as he watches the pair scramble- acquiring dominos in this day and age may prove a caper in and of itself, and could occupy them for some time. Amusedly, he murmurs softly to himself:]

Somehow I still don't think Firo will agree it's such a grand time, but he's always been a bit of a spoilsport about setting them all up for such a quick finale.

...but best to have some manner of amusements that don't require alcohol, at least. Or else Czeslaw will probably be a bit sour all over again, about being well over the drinking age and still shy of getting any service.