Guinevere Auclair

there was a certain bit of melancholy to being 'staff' at an event like this. the allure and illusion was barely there as greyson patrolled the fare's edge. he'd been assigned here as part of his league duties. something that translated to 'you're a cadet, so you get the shit end of the stick.'

all in all- it was expected.

when his shift finally ended and another unlucky, and tired looking bloke came to replace him, he couldn't help but feel the slightest bit hopeful. since he caught sight of a tall glass earlier, he'd been craving the locally made ale. he wasted no time at all moving to the tavern to indulge in a little fantasy.

greyson opened the door to a bustling establishment. women, dressed as 'tavern wenches', roamed the main floor to appease drunk and hungry customers. spotting an open spot near the bar, he moved to occupy it. initially careful not to bump into any working staff, or nearby patrons, he stifled a yawn that originated from somewhere deep in his chest. greyson barely had time to register his foot making contact with something before he was barreling forward and into a nearby woman's tray of alcohol.

he collided with the frothy liquids and towards the wooden floor. the glasses shattered and he was bathed in pouring ale. no part of his body was spared. greyson groaned, nursing a knee that had collided with a nearby chair. only two words escaped his lips.

"fuuuck me."

Guinevere Auclair

this was the type of pain that was just enough to get a rise out of a man. like stubbing your toe, or accidently biting your finger while eating-- don't ask.

he groans for a moment, biting his lower lip in sheer frustration. he wants nothing more than to release a torrent of obscenities that would force any good mother to cover her children's ears. but he suppresses it. it really wasn't his style. he nearly attempts to push himself back up, before the edge of a rather sharp piece of glass nicks him between thumb, and forefinger.

"i'm fine," he breathes out, grabbing a nearby cloth to staunch the bleeding, finally on his feet thanks for the woman. the bleed was minor, but annoying, and greyson didn't want that touching anyone. he reached out with his free hand and placed it on her shoulder, leaning heavily on his good foot. "can you take me over there?" the slightest nudge of his head indicates the open bar seat from earlier.

"thanks for the help, by the way. i really do appreciate it."

Guinevere Auclair

relief floods him as he finds a seat. the pain in his knee was only added onto the already sore legs and feet from hours of patrolling. when she demands his hand, he gives it without question, unaware to her tone in the slightest.

"uh, yeah, no feel free. i appreciate the help." violet eyes turn upwards from the bleeding and onto her face. he catches his breathe for a moment, awareness of the situation pouring into him. "i-it's not that bad, really. just a scrap. it's no big deal." it's difficult to hide the crimson blush on his cheeks, so he turns away.

"i'm sorry about the mess," it's meak and probably not enough. arceus he was clumsy.

Guinevere Auclair

he winches as the glass slides out, eyes appraising the thing as it's removed. it's small. can't say he gained any points for how well he handled that. "it's.. alright. probably best you didn't." he admits with a nervous chuckle. he knew he'd have reacted even more poorly.

"and please, no need to call me sir. makes me feel older. more distinguished. and i'm definitely not feeling distinguished after that. old, though.. a bit." he laughs again, eyes following the now clean spot as she mentions it. "oh! look at that. like you'd never know someone clumsy just ate hardwood thirty seconds ago."

it really was impressive.

"you don't need to stay if you've got other things to do," he says, trying to be understanding of her work. "i think i can limp out of here with little damage."

Guinevere Auclair

"it's okay, i get it. i can be the same way sometimes."

he sits there, stretching out his knee in small, controlled kicks as gwen removes her apron.

"i'm fine really," greyson admits, turning a bit to the crowd. "did.. you want to join me for a drink now that your off, or...?"

he blinks, but quickly adds. "it'll be on me. not literally this time, but, y'know, ill pay and everything." his words stumbled out

Guinevere Auclair

greyson feels the rush that accompanies the woman's acceptance of his offer. his eyes instictively go wide and he resists the urge to shout 'really?!'

but that probably wouldn't end well for him.

his eyes widen even further when she says her name."arceus that's a pretty name," he says, mouth slightly agape. he catches his slightly stupefied expression and closes his mouth with an audible pop. "sorry. couldn't help it." his smile is bashful and he rubs the top of his head.

"i'm greyson. it's nice to meet you." his hand claps her in a handshake. "what do you recommend here? or did you want to find someplace new?"

Guinevere Auclair

greyson's hand tingles and his heart races as she squeezes his hand. it's a small, inconsequential action, but something that immediately pushes all other thoughts out of his mind. except one.

'her hands are soft.'

they were callused, likely from years of work; rarely anyone's hands were blemish free in today's day and age. but still, in his, they were soft, lovely and he really didn't want to let go.

"that's okay," greyson responds, his eyes fixed to the woman. the explosion of color and light only made her eyes prettier. he couldn't stop looking.

"i saw an ice cream guy outside, if that's more your speed?"