Rain chuckled and looked at the elaborately inked snake that wrapped around her arm and shoulder. Tamar wore a gown with extended cuffs, so hers was largely hidden — only its end could be seen, lying on her sleek bronze complexion.
"Apologies, Telle… I could arrange a meeting with the tattoo artist, but I fear your parents would disapprove."
Telle reclined with a disgruntled look. "My mother has a rebellious streak as well, you understand? Once, she slayed a Valor Saint. Our whole clan was exiled to Antarctica as retribution. But, never mind…"
She cast a final glance at Tamar's shoulder and averted her gaze with a proud snort. "I have no desire for a snake tattoo, regardless. Birds prey on snakes." She failed to conceal the trace of jealousy in her voice, though, which nearly caused Rain to laugh.
Telle and Tamar were rather alike in that they both had been nurtured by strict Legacy leaders, and usually displayed a rigid mask of restrained elegance to the outside. Yet, while Tamar's somber demeanor was innate to her, Telle's efforts to uphold a distant appearance were often awkward, obvious… and quite endearing!
Rain just managed to hold back a smile. Of course, that was only accurate for those familiar with her. To a casual observer, Tell of White Feather would seem like the embodiment of harsh and austere Legacy pride — and to those unfortunate enough to end up facing her blade, she would be akin to a frigid and pitiless terror.
…But that merely rendered the proud young lady increasingly charming. Rain scanned the area and signaled to a server. Before long, the trio was gazing upon artfully presented cocktails. Each resembled a static artwork contained within a vessel, adorned so finely that consuming them felt akin to a deed of destruction.
Telle regarded her two companions with uncertainty. "So… we're indulging in alcoholic beverages?" Notwithstanding her assured appearance, the stunning Feather Knight was in truth rather naive about mundane affairs. It was highly likely that she had never sampled liquor previously, hence she appeared hesitant.
Tamar gestured indifferently. "I suppose. I'm puzzled, however. Why is there such a quantity of ice? It feels as though we're consuming ice with a mere hint of alcohol."
Rain gazed upon them in exasperation. "You two comprehend nothing! I meticulously perused the culinary segment of the Bastion Gazette. This establishment is the trendiest locale on the Lakefront Promenade currently, and these three cocktails are reputed to be exquisite. They are inspired by the deposed Sovereigns. Observe… these represent the Bloody Queen, the Old Valor, and the Sweet Shadow."
Tamar's cocktail was vivid crimson, Telle's almost clear with precisely shaped ice blocks, while Rain's own was completely dark. She smiled broadly. "Additionally, there's the fourth variant, the White Flame, which is the most favored… it's crafted with premium Beast Farm cream and potent spirits, resulting in a blend that's both velvety and intense, heating the body and calming the spirit. At least, that's what the Gazette claims. In any case… cheers!"
Rain beamed. "Indeed we did!" Telle gazed upon them, had another taste of her cocktail, and sighed. "I feel jealous. You two already possess electricity… it likely won't arrive at the Chained Isles for another ten years." freewebnσvel.cøm
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