PRIVATE What named they the moon in every world?

[SAKURA R. LINGRÉ]

Evening light shined past scratched and scuffed windows, painting parts of the wooden floor a brilliant orange as Sakura waved to the last leaving patron. Toward that time was when her tavern-inn usually closed, and she was left to her devices of wonder and drink-mixing. She hopped over the counter with ease, leather pouch hung at her chest as she gently collected the glasses from the empty tables. Golden claws scraped over messes made on the wood, sending it to the floor to be swept up later.

Catching a small tune in her mind, she hummed as she hopped back over the counter and began to place the glasses in a pot of warm water, set over a fire. She reached for a cloth rag over the wash-counter, and set about rinsing the plates, glasses, and cutlery. Things she had scavenged when she first came to The Horde, or traded gold for. 

Setting the dishes on the dry-counter, her ears twitched as she heard the doors open. Her golden-and-silver earrings clinked as she briefly looked up - not enough to tell who had walked in, before looking back as she straightened her stock of liquor and drinks. Her voice was a warm, welcoming tone she put up whenever a new patron entered, "Welcome in! Come to the bar counter, I'll get you settled in a moment."

[PHOENIX DRACO]

He was surprised he hadn’t paid this inn a visit yet.

The tabby cautiously opened the door, taking in his surroundings. The tavern seemed very homely, which was a feeling that was hard to come by for him. He felt like he could definitely grow to appreciate that feeling here.

Hearing Sakura’s welcoming tone made him smile and bow his head briefly as he further stepped inside. Respect was always a big thing for the orange tabby.

“Thank you. Your tavern is lovely.” Phoenix spoke finally, stopping at the bar as she had asked him to. He paused every once in a while to take in the scenery, savoring the moment while he could. It was not often that he could find a good amount of time to just relax, with his duties as Grand Marshal and all. He wanted to sit back and enjoy the moment for once, without disturbance.

[SAKURA R. LINGRÉ]

Sakura's ears twitched at the voice, and her canid head shot up from behind the counter. A cacophony of metal sounded as her jewelry and earrings clashed with one another. "Ah, Grand Marshal Draco! A pleasant surprise."

Smoothing over her great mane with gold-capped claws, she swanned her way to him. She continued to straighten bottles, but it was clear her attention was on the Grand Marshal. The Grand Marshal, in my Inn! Haha! I must be dreaming. "Thank you - It took a lot of work to get this place set up when I moved here. Lot's of scavenging for the perfect stuff."

"What can I set you with? I've plenty of drinks -- some of my own making as well," She chirped, glancing under her counter, as if checking her stock. Gold claws tapped against the wood, and she made herself idly busy by sorting the bottles.

[PHOENIX DRACO]

“I see. There is a lot of tender love and care put into this place. As I said before, a wonderful job well done.” He gave a smile, observing her for a second, along with the bottles being organized. The tabby didn’t drink much, but a small shot of whiskey was his best friend at times. Honestly though he couldn’t think of anything else off the top of his head, so he would let her have the choice.

“Normally I would ask for a simple shot of whiskey, but I’ll go with bartender’s choice.” Phoenix sat himself down, settling comfortably and exhaling a sigh of relief. “It has been… a long time since I was able to have this time to myself to relax. Thank you.”

His green-blue eyes drifted away from her and the bottles, staring off into the distance, lost in thought. Gods, it had been far too long. He would take his time and savor this moment as best as he could. Oddly enough, he felt lucky to have seen this inn, have his well-deserved break, and have the opportunity to just simply let go and enjoy the rest.

[SAKURA R. LINGRÉ]

Sakura beamed, her gratitude shown with a wagging tail that she quickly halted. To be complimented on her establishment by the Grand Marshal was an almost impossible goal, but here she was.

Bartender's Choice? Hm. She gave a sparing glance at the glasses on the dry-counter, "Well, since you mentioned whiskey, I might have something similar."

She sauntered to the dry-counter, grasping an appropriately sized glass tenderly in her claws; she was half-tempted to grab a glass for herself, but reconsidered.

Sakura meandered back to the bar counter and set the glass down, before procuring a glass bottle filled to the cork with a honey-colored liquid. The tag on the mouth of the bottle read, Grinn. As she spoke, there was a glimpse of metal that stood out from the inside of her mouth, some tongue piercing. "I dabble in drink making, and patrons seem to like this one."

Nervousness showed in the way her ears flicked as she popped the cork off and delicately poured some of the drink into the glass. She pushed the glass over to Draco, unable to hide her eagerness for his reaction. Some tiny little voice in her head said, don't mess this up!

[PHOENIX DRACO]

He noticed the excitement in her body language, but did not say anything to avoid embarrassing her. He just gave a slight smile instead, remaining in a casual, relaxed sitting position, watching her set aside the bottle labeled ”Grinn”. He observed as Sakura set an empty glass on the bar and began to pour the drink. The smell was heavenly, reminding Phoenix of the quiet moments in time he enjoyed so much when he could get them.

Most of those times he was by himself, lost in his thoughts and memories, some good, some bad, but in his own time he would have that time to process those feelings that came up without input from someone else. He learned in his childhood early on to do things himself as he could not rely on his parents to do so. His childhood wasn’t great, but through it he strove to be a much stronger person and example for others. He would not let his relatives define him- not anymore.

The orange tabby’s thoughts distracted him from the present moment for a few seconds, before he heard the glass moving towards him, full of the alcohol named Grinn.

“Grinn, huh? That is a very interesting name for a drink.” The Grand Marshal inspected the liquid for a few moments, finally grasping it carefully between his paws and took a sip to start.

“I can see why it’s a favorite- it has rich flavor.” This time when he raised the glass to his mouth, he took a much bigger gulp. He was very much enjoying it, closing his eyes to savor the taste. “It might be one of the best drinks I’ve had so far. Thank you.” With that, he finished his glass, carefully pushing it back towards her.

“I hope it isn’t too invasive to ask, but what brought you to The Horde?” He tilted his head slightly, hoping to lighten up the atmosphere. He didn’t want her to feel overwhelmed or too anxious.