Closed [The Obsidian Club] Night Lifers (Lisana)

[Bennar Witt]

12th of Spring, 515 A.V.
The Obsidian Club

Once again he was behind the bar with Rynas. The place was pretty packed and the pair had been working nonstop for about two bells now. Even Rynas seemed to be showing signs of it, though not outwardly. To the customer the man was still the smooth, unmovable bartender. Benji feared he was much less composed. He felt the trickles of sweat forming at his temples and falling into his hair.

He had started helping behind the bar when he caught Rynas’ eye. They had both been there together since, Rynas concocting expertly blended drinks and Bennar trying to keep up with the simpler orders and not shatter any glasses. He was getting better, they told him, but better does not mean good.

A crowd was milling about at the bar, chatting and waiting for their turn to be served. Most of the people were either dancing or watching the live performance. Honestly, most of the crowd was probably here because that live performance was Naia on the violin. She really could make some beautiful sounds with that thing. Benji often wondered how long it had taken to get to that level.

“Can I get a Mystic Blast?” one man said, shoving a fist with five Kina in front of Benji’s face to shake him from his thoughts.

Get your damn hand out of my face. Benji wanted to say, but instead he smiled and held out his hand to take the money. “Mystic Blast, sure thing.”

He pulled a fresh glass onto the bar and found the tequila relatively easily. The grape juice was on ice under the bar. The Mystic Blast was one of their most popular drinks, so he was familiar with it.

“One part mystic-“ he poured a fourth of the glass full of grape juice. “Three parts blast!” He filled the glass the rest of the way with tequila. “There ya go pal.” Benji said, lacing his words with a jovial tone rather than the sullen one he would truthfully use.

Benji watched the man slide back out to the dance floor. He shook his head slightly and looked up to search the crowd for the next customer. But Naia was starting her dancing numbers now, and the band that she had booked to play with her were really getting behind it too. Many of the people crowding around the bar abandoned their place to go dance on the floor, which suited Benji perfectly.

[Lisana]

Lisana was in a bad mood. Another argument with her family about who-knows-what was enough to make her feel down in the dumps. She’d stormed out of their home in anger, and slammed the door in her wake.The girl could only think of one way to subdue the storm cloud of anger surrounding her that evening.

Walking the familiar route she’d followed plenty of times, Liz made her way to The Obsidian Club. The exterior was simple, excepting the black lettering on the sign, and the easily-distinguishable columns. Stepping through the doors, she shoved her way across the room to the bar, considerate enough to skirt around the dance floor, even in her angry haze. Hopefully after a few drinks, her friendly, social behavior would return. Besides, she was in desperate need of some small talk.

The song that had just been played had ended, although the tune was still resonating in her mind. She glanced across the room at the stage, which held a woman playing a violin, along with a band to accompany her. Lisana had seen the woman playing there before, although the name had slipped her mind. Perching herself atop one of the few empty bar stools, she turned to one of the bartenders, who’d just finished serving what she recognized to be a Mystic Blast. “I’ll take a Lava Peach,” she grunted, tossing a Kina onto the counter. Whilst she waited for her drink to be served, she contemplated the argument that had commenced, hoping the drink would subdue her racing thoughts.

The man who was serving her was one she’d never seen before, with blue eyes and short, neat brown hair. An evident scar was on the man’s forehead, and slight curiosity blossomed as to how it was obtained. Although, the girl decided not to ask, just in case it seemed rude. Everyone had their physical differences, hers being the multicolored eyes. Her server wasn’t as sure as his co-worker, who Lisana recognized, from some of the other times she’d been there. But the man with the scar was obviously newer, although he seemed to have a general idea of what he was doing.

The music had grown more cheerful and dance-y. It was almost beckoning Lisana to join the many crowds which were already flocking to the dance floor, but she knew she’d just be flailing around like an obese chicken and making a fool of herself. She’d long since accepted the fact that she couldn’t dance to save her own life, and she opted to stay at the bar, which had emptied a bit, with her upcoming drink. Although the music and general lighthearted mood of the club had brought up her spirits slightly, she was far from cheerful.

[Bennar Witt]

Bennar raised his eyebrow as the Kina bounced on the bar top. Clearly this lady wasn’t having the time of her life, unlike many of the other patrons. He swiped it up and nodded at her request for a Lava Peach. Normally he wouldn’t take much interest in the people he was serving when the bar was this full, but there was a new lull, and her melancholy had him curious.

It was a precarious art, taking an interest in a stranger’s troubles. Sometimes there was a lot more baggage than one could handle, and sometimes they react hostilely. But if they really did need a fellow for their misery, it could be greatly appreciated. Gods only knew Benji had needed a head to complain at from time to time.

He shot her a glance as he mixed the whiskey and peach juice. The juice slipped and spilled across part of the bar and the glass as he did so. “Oh shyke sorry…” He stammered. After a moment of sheepishly wiping up the bar and her glass he slid the Lava Peach over to her.

The patrons were now mostly spinning and stepping in time on the dance floor, Naia leading them through it with her violin. Rynas was handling most of the bar patrons. By now they knew who to go to for the really complicated drinks. He glanced back at the girl.

A shock of wild red hair fell to her shoulders and she had different colored eyes. A sign of good luck, to some, Benji thought as he gave her the once over. Not half bad looking either.

“Not your night for dancing, huh?” He asked with a half smile. Benji let his hand pick up a rag and went to work on a glass while looking at her. As they began their conversation Benji had to shift his attention between customers and pouring drinks, but remained in front of her. There were so few at his end of the bar that he was able to do this with easy.

[Lisana]

Lisana let out a slight yelp as the man spilled a bit of peach juice on the counter. She lifted her arm up just in time, although a few drops still landed on her sleeve. The man hurriedly apologized, taking a rag and wiping it up. "It's okay," Lisana said, in an attempt to make him feel a bit less awkward. Although, the slightest bit of annoyance rushed through her. She was already having a bad night, and this wasn't comforting her. Although, the girl tried to push her annoyance away. It wasn't his fault, after all.

After what felt like a lifetime, she finally got her drink. Taking a sip, the argument kept repeating itself in her mind. She hoped something would get her mind off it.

As far as Liz could tell, she was the man's only customer. The other server was taking care of everyone else who was sitting at the bar, of which there were very few. Most of the other customers were dancing to the upbeat violin music. The man gave her a bit of a strange look, and she assumed it was because of the eyes. Lisana brushed her hair out of her face, taking a large gulp of her drink. The man asked her a question, leading to a smirk on the girl's part. "Hm? Oh, I can't dance. I'd look ridiculous," Lisana chuckled at the man's question, wishing for a moment she was as good a dancer as her sister.

Her server was attempting a conversation, and at this point, she wasn't sure if she wanted to talk. Sure, a conversation would get Liz's mind off other things, but at the same time, it could lead to questions she didn't feel like answering, like why she wasn't in a good mood. Which, in that case, she'd be back at square one. Her goal was to not think about what had happened a few bells ago.

[Bennar Witt]

Benji grimaced at her reaction to his blunder. He was really very new at the art of mixing drinks. No matter how easy it looked form the other side of the bar, it was always a surprise that people assumed the craft was simple. It was actually very hard to master and he was far from mastering it.

“So you don’t dance. That’s okay, me neither. I’d shudder to think what it would do to our business if I ever took to the dance floor here.” He said with a wink. Well no matter what it was that bugged a patron, self depreciating humor was the safest way to make someone laugh. But, then again, Benji always thought of his brother Sal being the funny one.

The server shifted his weight and pulled a few used glasses from where they had been left on the bar. He began washing and drying them with yet another rag. “You a local born? From Lhavit I mean?” He asked finally, judging it appropriate to continue his polite conversation. All the while he kept glancing around the bar for more patrons to serve. It would not be good if Rynas thought he was ignoring other paying customers in order to talk to one.

As they talked, another man shoved up and ordered a Mystic Blast in a slurred voice. Benji flashed a fake smile at him. He was getting accomplished at that small false act of joviality. The server casually poured the drink and took the man’s money gladly. When he was served the man sat at the bar for a moment, looking first at Benji then at the girl. When neither of them seemed willing to continue their conversation with him, he left.

Naia swept the crowd into another flurry of wild music, this time with a strong drum beat that had the crowd stomping with energy. She twirled on the small stage, smiling out over the patrons. Naia did love to get the crowd going.

[Lisana]

Lisana chuckled at the man's comment. "Well, I don't know. You can't be that bad of a dancer," she teased, "At least, no worse than me. That'd be impossible." Liz smiled again, letting out another slight laugh. She silently wished she could dance at least a little, but unfortunately, she couldn't.

As the man cleaned some glasses, an empty silence ensued. Lisana automatically filled the silence with thoughts of the fight. Luckily, they soon subsided after the bartender's next question. "Yeah. I grew up here. What about you?" the girl replied. Her polite curiosity was quiet and calm, because she probably didn't care where he grew up.

In the midst other discussion, the man's attention was averted from her to another customer, who seemed quite drunk. The bartender poured him a Mystic Blast, and a few awkward moments of silence ensued before the man finally left, to return to his spot on the dance floor.

Lisana began to hum to whatever song was being played now. More and more people left their perches at the bar, or leaning against the wall and chatting, to join the rest of the patrons on the now-crowded dance floor. The Drum rattled the room with rhythmic bass, and the woman playing violin began to dance onstage.

The violin player seemed awfully familiar. Lisana had seen her here, but what was her name? She was talented, and that probably took years of practice.

[Bennar Witt]

Alvadas. The city seemed so far away from the elegant spires and mountain peaks of Lhavit. So much emotion had been in that journey from home to here that he had found a new perspective while huddled against the bulkheads of the ship that brought him. No longer had he seen Alvadas, and his family, as the center. No longer was the world defined by the borders of the city. It had been a big change for the youth, and he was still trying to wrap his head around it.

“Oh no, I’m Alvadan by birth. Lhavitian by choice. I came here a while back by boat.” Benji smiled, forcing the expression as a veiled attempt to hide any sourness at the revelation. He glanced up at Naia as she played on.

The Club owner was quite a hostess, with her music and her smiles. If Rynas charmed the girls from his post behind the bar, then Naia was the one who charmed the dancers. Oh were there dancers. Every night Benji watched with a sort of fascination only a sober man amidst so many drunkards could as the dance floor became a shady caricature of romance and chaos. He shook his head and once more turned his undivided attention back to his single patron.

Benji watched as shadows splayed across them both, and the rest of the patrons. The owners all liked to keep the place dark and mysterious. Perhaps it was something about Lhavit in general. They were a nocturnal people and worshipped a goddess whose glory lay in the night sky. He had thought shadows and mystery the province of Ionu, but it seemed that most establishments like the one that presently employed him were fond of such atmospheres, no matter the city.

“Want another?” He indicated her drink and paused to hear her answer. “What’s it like growing up in the Starry Lady’s City?” Benji gestured grandly around him, grinning. He had heard a fair amount of pride from the people of Lhavit when they described their city, and he was not above poking fun at them when he could.

[Lisana]

"Alvadas? I'd like to go there. What's it like?" The City of Illusions seemed so mysterious, and wonderful. "Why'd you come to Lhavit?" asked Lisana.

The man seemed to be displeased with his past, as if a city like that was bad. Although, Liz could understand that maybe he'd had bad history there. This led to a lot of curiosity as to what this history was. Although, asking might seem rude.

Curiosity continued to gnaw at her, and Liz finally asked the man what the violinist's name was. The drunken dancing of the many guests was entertaining, and Lisana smiled at seeing some who could barely stand, yet were twirling anyway.

"What? Oh." Lisana hadn't realized she'd almost finished her drink. "Yes, please." She felt around in her pocket, pulling out another Kina. Lisana was happy to discover that any thought of the argument was long gone, as the cheerful, musical mood of the dimly-lit room had made her much happier.

"Oh, it's nice. But I've always wanted to travel," she replied to the man's question. In all honesty, she didn't love it that much. But she had a more distant view on it, rather than some other people she knew. Many idolized Zintila, but Lisana wasn't all that religious. "I mean, its wonderful here, but I'd love to see what other cities are like."

[Bennar Witt]

Benji shrugged at her query about Alvadas. The city was home, and it was a hard place to define to an outsider, since he had grown up there. He frowned in thought as he poured her another drink. The swirling of the alcohol and the juice together was lit by a nearby candle. Benji pushed the glass back to her with a single finger. It rasped slightly against the polished wood of the bar.

“Mostly, cities are cities. But Alvadas is not so wonderful as this place. Lhavit has spires and mountaintop views, great wonderous temples.” He found himself remembering the more mundane parts of Alvadas fondly. The crowded markets, and the wildly diverse merchants screaming their wares. The shady troupes of entertainers who may just be pick pockets as well. The way the city changed, forcing you to use your intelligence, your wit, to get around. “Here the beauty is not so subtle, it is celebrated. In Alvadas, shadow and the unseen are celebrated. You see the beautiful only if you look in the right places.” He found himself lost in reverie.

He remembered watching his father’s goods being loaded into a ship from Riverfall in the great, vast harbor. Or it had looked vast to him. “The grey of the Suvan Sea opens trade and exotics to the city in a way the Lhavit’s remote location does not allow.” He suddenly stopped talking. It was all well and good to answer her question, but he didn’t want her to think him too homesick.

When she voiced her desire to see other cities he grinned ruefully. Yes, adventure was quite exciting. He had been excited right up until spending the better part of a season huddled aboard some Svefran’s casinor, shielding himself against the rain with a wet overcoat. “Adventure is all well and good, but it costs. Hence why I am working here.” He gestured to the bar and club beyond.

As he glanced more closely at the girl he saw she was earnest in her statement. The desire to see the new and the foreign was strong with anyone who had half an imagination, he had been very imaginative growing up. That was part of the reason he thought going to Lhavit would be so much better then staying in Alvadas. “Well I hope you get to visit other places sometime. Hopefully you get a better ship’s captain than I did!”

[Lisana]

Lisana watched the man make her drink, and she took another sip the moment it was slid towards her.

"That's also a good point, but the beauty of Lhavit can sometimes get dull." Sure, there were gorgeous spires, and mountaintops, like he'd said. But the glimmering spyglass and majestic architecture could be blinding. After a while, such beauty wasn't so beautiful anymore.

Although, Liz like the idea of a city in which there was a certain mystery, and confusion, like a big puzzle. Although it'd be a bit confusing, an ever-changing city could have so many things hidden within its streets.

The man continued reminiscing about his past. Lisana listened, only to find it was not as painful, or dramatic, as she'd expected. "Why did you come to Lhavit?"

As the man gestured to the area, Liz reflexively looked around, at the dancers and the violinist on the stage. She was skilled, and Liz continued to hum to the rhythm of the song.

Lisana smiled. "How bad was he?" The girl loved listening to people tell stories, and wanted the bartender to continue. Her interest in travel only made Lisana more interested in what he had to say. That, and it took her mind off things. The girl kept listening to the man, as she continued to drink.