RP:Lucid Liars

Summary: On a much needed mini-vacation to the Enchantment, CalluMeri make plans to rob the monarchy and then get wasted with the help of the Green Fairy, aka delicious absinthe.

The Green Fairy Inn, The Enchantment

Meri and Cal would leave for Enchantment, whenever it darn well suited them the following day. It's not like they were in a rush or up against a deadline, plus it was considerably closer than their last trip out to Venturil. Once they made it to Enchantment, Meri leaves Cal to tend to the horses and whatever baggage they decided to bring, probably a light packing of at least a change of clothes for the next day. What is she up to? Well she goes up into the Green Fairy to splurge on a room, and not just to her benefit. They are celebrating for her yes, but to think about what Cal might like to try and cheer him up. With that in mind, she asks for -the- room, the one that has the view that overlooks the mystical stream and the surrounding forest with a balcony. They might be hungover in the morning but it would probably be nice to enjoy coffee on the balcony with the few while nursing said hangover, right? By the time that Cal is done stabling their horses and dealing with their stuff, Meri will be waiting barside with a key their room. He's greeted with a grin and the keys are given a little wiggle. "I decided that we both deserved to have the fancy room tonight." She would trade Callum the key in exchange for her carrying own bag to said room.

Cal would blink a few times once he’d gotten to the inn, went inside, and found Meri dangling those keys with that grin of hers. Warning: suspicious woman is suspicious. A skeptical look befell his features as he narrowed his eyes at her and pursed his lips, one hand carefully taking up those keys and handing off her baggage with the other. “Hm.” He’d take the lead up the stairs to the ‘fancy room’, opened the door, and headed inside. Of course, the very first thing he noticed was the balcony and the view. He dropped his own luggage near the bed and took the necessary steps to reach the double doors that opened up to the forest outside. It was so green, so beautiful and yet he could find no words. She had to have known about the view, chosen it for him perhaps? “Come here,” was all he could say, a hand outstretched to her.

Suspicious women are suspicious and those narrowed eyes and pursed lips continue to be met with a grin. This wasn't the first time that Meri has been to Enchantment -- obviously if she claims to be a fan of the absinthe. She had some knowledge that they might have a room that is nicer, at the expense of their wallets. Or Meri's. She does own a business, she can buy Cal nice things sometimes too. Over to Cal's side Meri goes, taking hold of his outstretched hand and stepping in to place a soft kiss to his cheek. "Good choice? I think we'll have a fun night out." Views or not, the Green Fairy was built into an oversized tree, with the rooms on a variety of levels throughout it no doubt. The place certainly had a unique atmosphere, and this one did not seem to involve scantily clad women. "We could go downstairs, enjoy a few drinks and the music. And if the pixies start doing their anything overly mischievous, we can hole ourselves up in our room. Or, maybe we can sneak off down to the stream with our booze. Or we could add a pixie castle to our list..." What list? The list of castles they have stolen something from. Oh my. She-devils. It does sound like she is joking at present about stealing from the pixie castle. Cal, Meri may have a problem. "What do you think, babe?"

“It’s good.” Cal gifted her with a kiss in return, and a squeeze at her waist as his hand made its way there. “And yes we can go downstairs. You’ll have to save me from the fae-folk, though. They might try to steal me away from you or something.” That was probably not going to happen, or at least he thought so. “And, I think we should do those other two things anyway. The stream and the castle. I think we might have a far safer time trying to sneak in and out with stuff from the castle here than in Alithrya, heh. Might want to save the castle for when we leave, though. I don’t fancy going up against a bunch of magic-wielding pixies when I’m wasted--I don’t have as much of a tolerance for whiskey as you do.” He stuck his tongue out at her, then slipped away from the balcony finally, but not without one last look at the view--both landscape outside -and- her. “Or, we could do that first. Up to you. You’re the mob queen. Gotta start planning heists and whatnot so there’s no better time to start than small stuff with you and I.”

Meri steps away from Cal just far enough to make fisticuffs at the air, no where near him, it was like she was brawling with a little pixie thing -- because punching a pixie is certainly effective, right? Probably not, but Meri was trying to be comical more than anything else. "Don't worry, I'll be your hero. No fae-folk will steal you from me." Meri does not simmer down though, even if her fists settle back down to her sides. Her mind is running a mile a minute because Cal has because just said 'let's do all the things, but in what order?' "Castle. Boozing. Stream. Back to our room." It was a tall order, a lot to cram into the day, but it was plausible. Meri elaborates, "I think that we should probably be smart and just case out the place first and foremost. Be a couple of tourists. Maybe it will be an easier time..." But she'd rather not risk it, even with Alithrya they had done their prep work...in that they had been given some inside tips on how to get in and out of the place. "Anyway. Let's not be reckless, is the point." Meri reaches to take hold of Callum's hands so that she can pull him toward the door, setting these plans into motion. "Also we're not drinking whiskey tonight. Absinthe...you might hate me a little bit tomorrow..." Red lips curve up into a sly grin. "I hear sometimes people even hallucinate." And see things like...green fairies. Poor Cal, and Meri's just smirking about it. At some point Meri would release her hold on Cal's hands, at least one of them, so that they can exit the Green Fairy and make the short trek to the castle like normal people (you know, without Meri trying to drag him there by both hands, as she certainly does not need to). On their way out of the Green Fairy, she points to a peculiar looking bottle of green liquid in passing. "Absinthe. Our poison."

Callum waved his hand at the mention of casing the joint, “Fine, fine. I s’pose we can just do that.” Maybe he wanted to be reckless for once, Meri. He doesn’t do that often. “The first pixie that touches me though, I’ll have to pretend I’m Brand and punch them in the face.” Okay, that probably won’t happen, but he’s still feeling sorta grumpy about that thing with the Mage’s Guild. “Hallucinate?” He blinked a few times as they wandered out their room and out of the inn itself. “Waaaaaait a minute. I’ve heard of this stuff before. You’re not wrong about it being ‘poison’. It’s literally made from tree poison.” It would almost seem like he’d be declaring that she was trying to murder him, but with recent death-related happenings, he doesn’t make the joke. Instead, however, he considers it heavily as they head onward to the castle, and eventually says, “Yeah. Okay. Tree poison it is.”

The Enchanted Castle, The Enchantment

Obviously if Cal really wanted to be reckless, Meri would go along for the ride. How could she not? He'd do the same for her, and has done. On there way out there is brief regard for the implied point that Meri must be trying to poison Cal, and it's met with a sly smile and a dismissive, "Well I have had it numerous times and have not died, so you must have to drink a lot of that tree poison." Enough that it would probably beg the question: was it the poison, the alcohol, or a combination of both? Hm. They are still going to drink the tree poison. It would not take them long to reach the castle, a short walk from the Fairy, a quick trek over a drawbridge that hovers over a crystal moat and then Callumeri would be standing before a castle. There are guards standing post on either side of the entrance and once Cal and Meri made it past them, the castle would open up into the main hall where the predominant decorating color of choice is an emerald shade of green. Beyond the hall would be the throne room, and if one were to manage the climb up the elegant staircase in the far back of the throne room they would find a bedroom. Queen's and their bedchambers. However in order to first ascertain if there was anything of value enough to make this job worth it for multiple parties, Cal and Meri would first have to make it past the guards…

The Catalian let out a ‘hm’ as they stood near the castle, eyeing the outside of it. “I think I have an idea. C’mere.” He held out his arm for her to take before he’d walk them over right to the guards themselves. “Excuse me, “ he said to the first of the two, “the lady here would like a tour, if you please.” The male guard, a pixie of course, and a redhead, only smirked at Callum, “There’s no tours of the castle.” The other guard, this one a blonde female, frowned at her partner and unfortunately, her superior, “What? Of course we do tours.” The redhead rolled his eyes, “No. Tours.” The two argued back and forth a bit and all Cal could do is side-eye Meri. Awkward. The Catalian soon cleared his throat, “Okay look. My woman here, she gets a bit angry when she doesn’t get what she wants and you’re not the one that’s gotta live with her.” Sorry, Meri. “So, here.” He pulled out a couple banknotes, each one worth a hundred gold and exchangeable at any of the banks in Lithrydel (of course he’s got a bit of pocket change, but there’s no way he’s carrying around several hundred gold in his pants). “We don’t need anything too fancy. We just want to look around. Maybe get ideas for our own house. She really admires fae-folk interior decorating.” There was a pleading look from Cal, and the female guard, as they waited for the male to decide, “Fiiiiine. Go on then.” He took the banknotes, giving one to his subordinate before allowing her to take them through the castle.

Meri is at first arm to arm with Cal as they approach the guards and voice their request for a tour of the castle. Her arms stays linked even as the male guard refuses their request and causes a debate between the guards and Cal. It's the words that Cal speaks to perssuade them that causes Meri to unlink her arms, for if she was the sort of woman to get angry when she does not get what she wants then she may as well play the part? Certainly divas like that do not appreciate having those details thrown about, especially when they are right there in earshot. Awkward indeed. the female guard looks mortified for Cal, the male guard is more oblivious (he is male, this may have something to do with it). And right when Cal announces that 'he is the one who has to live with her' she is glaring (fake) daggers at Cal. The guards earn some glares for Meri too, quite specifically the male guard -- the female seems to be escaping the start of Meri's 'wrath'. The toe of her boot starts tapping against the ground out of annoyance, arms find a resting position across her chest, she grows so 'annoyed' that her gaze eventually swings away from Cal and the guards all together, glaring up at the sky while they discuss. The banknotes are passed, Meri gets her tour...but just to add to the show there are some not so hushed and angry whispers to Cal -- something something, this is why he never gets laid, something something, how can he just talk about her like that in front of those guards like she was not even standing there, something something, grumpy fake angry mini-rant. Meri does her best to 'fight' with a straight-face but there is at least one point where she cracks a bit of a smirk, she's an alright actress but even the best of them have their giggle fits at times. Meri ceases her 'bickering' by the time that they make their way into the main hall, a room that Cal may take a particular liking too for the colors used in the decorations, the banners that decorated the hall between tapestries were emerald green in color. There were no doubt items of value within this room, tapestries were not cheap but they would be quite easily traced back to where they were stolen regardless of how long of a gap they give it from point of theft to point of sale. They were items that were probably best left unless at the paid request of a person. Still, there were items of silver lying around -- those could easily be sold or melted down. The items of value would not be so easily out in the open of course. The guardess, thankful that Meri has shushed with her attempts to 'argue' with Cal tries to fill the silence with stories and factoids about the castle. For example, this room.

Callum did his best to smile all the way through all of Meri’s antics. Oh, god. Is this what it would’ve been like dating one of those girls from the academy back home? Cal shuddered, enough that it might be noticeable, though his thoughts are obviously not voiced. He filled his side of the ‘arguments’ with ‘yes, dear’ and ‘I know, dear’ and ‘I’m sorry, dear’. You know, like a good, submissive boyfriend would. Her wrath was terrifying, even if it was just pretend, and Cal looked a little pale. She was good at this--too good. He thanked whatever gods might hear him that Meri was not actually like this and that they seemed to have a really good relationship. All the while, he was carefully eyeing all the things that could be easily stolen, making note of those tapestries as well. And it’s true, he sort of wanted some of this stuff for himself. It was unfortunate that they likely couldn’t make it work, but maybe he could get some reproductions made. The factoids and such were ignored mostly, if only because he was too absorbed in looking around. “She mentioned wanting to see the bedrooms too, I believe. Wanted to get ideas for our own.” If there were any jewels to be had in this place, it’d certainly be there. With a smile and a nod, the guard led them on, spouting off more info than Callum knew what to do with at the present moment.

Meri can probably reproduce -- and not the baby-making sort of reproduction. I mean, I guess in a way? If you considered these reproductions to be baby paintings. Hm. If enough reproductions get made and end up in the market it would be increasingly difficult to pinpoint the original versus the reproduction. Hopefully. Her attempts to bicker with Cal find their end, there was only so much that Meri could pull off for so long, plus Cal was getting a little pale. Picking on him was only fun when he could at least find some sort of amusement in it as well, that and she doesn't want to put the guard off and cause her to end the tour prematurely. Who wants to hang out with a fighting couple? Bank notes or not. To get to the bedroom, they would have to pass through the throne room, which itself had a jewel or two...or twenty...on display. They might be challenging to get to though, for they were set in gold and used as a little bling throughout the room...Kings and Queens like opulent thrones to set upon, and many consider gold and jewels to be a sign of power and wealth. They would not have much time to absorb the details of the throne room for they are soon ushered up the stairs and into the Queen's Private chambers. Upon entering Meri promptly declares, "Our bed is not even half that big." Which was not true at all, they had a very lovely and large bed. "I want a bed like that Cal." To the guard, "Did the Queen hire a designer for this place? Maybe we should hire them too...My boyfriend is rich, so...." Meri has toned down the diva but she is still putting on a little bit of a show.

Callum would definitely be fine with the bickering if it hadn’t reminded him of those batty females from back home. He gives her a prod in the ribs when the guard’s not looking, and a smirk, to let her know things are fine in Cal-Land. “We can certainly get you a bed like this. Don’t worry. I should have enough cash to do all the remodeling and decorating you want, babe.” ‘Babe’. That was more akin to something Hudson or Sargaso might say, but it worked alright in this situation. It seemed like the best time to play up the dudebro archetype, albeit just a little. He puffed out his chest somewhat at the mention of being rich, as if to say ‘yeah, I’ve got money. Come at me, bruh’. But, the guard would not oblige him because, well, he’s really not all that threatening looking. There’s a smirk of her own and a slight shake of her head, but she pressed on. “The Queen can hire any designer she sees fit. There’s one in particular though, actually from here in the Enchantment that’s helped with a lot of the works you see here. I can give you their info if you’d like. I’m sure they’d be glad for the business.” Obviously, Callum didn’t go around digging through drawers and wardrobes, but he did notice a solitary painting on the wall behind the head of the bed. Just one. There wasn’t a single other in the room. You know what that means, don’t you? There’s likely expensive stuff in there.

Meri has to work to not chuckle at Callum right now. Come at me, bruh, was not intimidating at all....but Meri would not find this behavior intimidating from most humans. The guard saves Meri from a bit of a giggle fit, Meri moving away from Cal to take a few steps closer to this guard. "Yes please, I would absolutely love her information." So Meri and the guard would have a little back and forth, Meri trying to distract the guard not so Cal can steal anything, but so he can scope things out to his heart's content and then give Meri the cue to leave once he has determined the appropriate marks. Meri trusted Cal with this task, no doubt. He was one of few. This distraction comes in the form of some back and forth over this designer. How long ago was this designer hired? A couple years? Did they know for certain if they were still in business? They were. A male pixie who goes by the name of Ari, just Ari. He was one of those snobbish artsy sort who thought they were making some sort of statement by doing the single-name routine. Where were they to be found? Directions were provided, but good luck to Meri with getting their attention any time soon. This designer is booked solid and is prone to traveling because of it. It may not seem like it, but Meri spots that same painting and she is also certain more valuables are kept within this room. Queens and Kings alike usually have a taste for fashion, jewels, jewelry, expensive broaches, etc, etc etc.

Callum moved closer to the bed as Meri distracted the guard. He felt the sheets briefly, and the comforters and pillows, the guard looking past Meri momentarily towards Callum to check on him, “The bedclothes are all made from the finest silks and down feathers. Phoenix feathers from Xalious, the silk from Rynvale. The feathers themselves are enchanted to keep the monarchs warm at night.” With that tidbit given, she’d return her attention to Meri with a smile, allowing Callum to look further. Gingerly, he reached across the bed, pretending to inspect one of the many pillows as he pushed aside the picture somewhat, doing his best to not knock it off the nail. Just as he and Meri suspected: there was a safe. What was in it, well, they wouldn’t find out ‘til they came back at another time, but it was there at least and they could likely return to this room. “There’s the kitchen and cellar too, if you’d like to see those. The King keeps a large quantity of fae-made absinthe there. It’s purer than any of the stuff you’ll find at the inn or elsewhere.”

Meri drifts back toward Cal with the sole purpose of trying to link arms with him, when it seemed opportune to do so. As in she would not try and get all grabby with him if it seemed like he was still scoping things out for them. An eager nod is given to the guard, a bit of actual Meri shining through. She said absinthe. Meri likes absinthe. A familiar smile is soon displayed across her red lips and blonde hair is bobbed in a nod. "You know, Cal has never tried absinthe before. I think you are being a little bit of a tease now, are you going to let us try the tiniest sip of this absinthe you speak so highly of?" And lose her job because of it? Probably not, there was probably not enough charm in the world to make the guard risk that. Right? Maybe. Maybe she was feeling generous. "Lead the way, show us to the kitchens. I'm very curious to see what sort of bottle this absinthe is kept in, very least." Booze bottles could be interesting, okay? It would be to the kitchens first and then to the cellar for this trio, with the guard expecting that Cal and Meri exist the bedroom first, just in case they were developing a case of sticky fingers (little did she know). The tour of the kitchen is....a tour of a kitchen. It contains at least two of everything that your average kitchen would need, and then so much more. This stretch of the tour includes an explanation from the guard about how the finest chef works here (probably what is said about all royal chefs, right?). However the guard herself has never tried her cooking for she prepares for the royal family and their guests alone not their staff, so if she was really the best she could not say for certain. The cellar is...well it is a cellar but it not your dark and dingy place. It's clean and illuminated lightly with a soft green light that seems to have no source in particular. Pixie magic. Now...try and count how many bottles of absinthe are here…

Callum side-eyed Meri a bit with another smirk. No, Meri. He hasn’t tried absinthe. Should he really try the potent stuff first? Is that safe? They certainly weren’t pixies or any of the other fae-folk. There was no telling what sort of resistance these creatures had compared to that of a human. “Hm,” the guard said as they wandered to the ridiculously large kitchen and then around it, “Maybe… -maybe- you can try a sip if there’s a bottle already opened. Not much of a chance of that, though. The King rather enjoys drinking the whole bottle before bed. The Queen, on the other hand, does imbibe every so often, though not so much as her husband.” Lo and behold, when they got to the cellar, there was indeed a bottle. There’s no telling if that’s a blessing or a curse for Callum. The cellar was vast, almost moreso than the kitchens themselves, and was filled to the brim with that coveted green drink and just as much wine. “Looks like the Green Faerie favors you today, Cal,” the guard said handing the bottle over. Luckily for the two from Larket, she was a rather trusting individual--that was likely to get her into trouble some day. “Just a sip though or else they may notice.” Still arm in arm with Meri, he took the bottle ever so carefully and took a drink, making a face at the strong black liquorice taste. “Ugh.” But, the taste didn’t sit in his mouth as most liquor-type alcohols did and he was grateful for that. “It’s interesting, certainly.” He wonder too how much of this they could pilfer, a careful eye taking in the artwork on the bottle. They couldn’t reproduce the alcohol themselves, but what if they tried to sell some of the stuff from the inn as if they were this kind? He handed Meri the bottle to look over, pointing at the label. “It’s not bad, for alcohol.”

Meri would have done her best to pilfer a bottle, just for Cal, if there was not one that was opened. The bottle is taken from Cal but she does not press it to her lips just yet, he is pointing to the label like he wants her to observe the details - so she does. It was a label. The label itself was green and it contrasted nicely with the dark hue of the bottle, both of which could be reproduced and sold as an impostor. "Usually when I drink absinthe, I mix it a little. I hear it is the best when you run cold water over a cube of ice and into a glass of absinthe. It's almost like a half and half ratio." Which is what she intended on doing to Cal later, this is how he would be poisoned. A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down! Having sufficiently studied the details, that bottle is pressed to her lips for....just a sip. Fine, just a sip. She'll behave while the eyes of the guard are upon her, lest they draw too much attention to themselves. Though what would she really do if Meri took several long gulps? Kick them out? Oh well. The bottle is sealed after a sip then replaced back where they found it. "Well, I guess there is nothing left to show of the castle? It was a good tour, very informative. Thank you for taking the time to show us." Even if it was with the threat of a meltdown from Meri. "Would you show the two of us out?" She would, as if she was going to let them wander from her sight. She was trusting, but not entirely dumb. Out of the castle they would go, with their next destination being back to the Green Fairy if they were to follow Meri's plan, "Weeeell?"

The Green Fairy, The Enchantment

Callum could tell by the look Meri was giving the guard that she certainly wanted more than the sip they were allowed. He couldn’t help but smirk at this too. Soon they were on their way out however, and on their way back to the inn, “Hm. There’s several things we could do. That absinthe, if you’re able to reproduce the labels, we could make our own. Sell it off for more than it’s worth. Everyone’ll want the stuff the monarchs have. We could make a killing off of that alone if we could get our hands on a single bottle at the very least. I could find out what’s all in it with a bit of research. We probably could’ve taken one easily, but I’d rather have not chanced it just yet. The jewels and such, though. Behind that painting, and the ones on the throne room, it’d likely take more people. People for distractions, others to actually pilfer the things.”

Meri had access to a lot of the same tools that whomever was making that label did. It's not like label making was some super advanced art, and even if there was a gizmo out there that would make the job easier well...It would be an investment that had the potential to pay itself off, right? Hopefully. They could easily pawn this off in Rynvale and Cenril, the port towns would make them a killing. Larket would not be improbable either. A nod is given, they could try this. "I don't think people for a distraction are going to be a problem for us." There were some that she was more inclined to ask than others, but if they found themselves short on muscle then...Well. Meri would just flex her status as one of Larket's leading mobsters and pawn the job off to some lackey, who probably would appreciate the bonus pay anyway so...The gears in Meri's mind are turning. "The ol' safe behind a painting. I mean, if it works it works. What -kind- of safe though?" Some of the safes in these lands were locked via magic, those were the most difficult to open. But maybe luck would be on their side and it would be a key safe? A dial safe? Hm. That could pose a problem, distraction or not. The Green Fairy is within sight now, Meri slows her pace a touch to allow Cal to get his response out before they have to enter the establishment. To drink.

Callum shook his head, “I’m not sure. I didn’t see a dial. They -are- fae. It’s probably magic. Maybe we can get Val to cook something up to counter it. I’m sure she needs the money. Or maybe someone at the magic academy if I can make it not too obvious.” There was definitely planning to be done to be sure, but not was not the time. Cal would then lead his woman into the inn, order a bottle of absinthe and get the other necessary ingredients and utensils needed for the drink--except water. He had that covered already. They’d find their room again, the one with the amazing view, and would get settled in for a long night of drinking. “Alright you. Set this up however you’re supposed to and lemme know when you need the water. You’re the absinthe master and all.”

Meri had plenty to consider. The mention of Valrae is met with a nod and a wide grin, she was one of those that Meri would like to invite along. The witch was very talented, she would be useful to have along if she was willing and she could probably use the money. Setting up the absinthe was no problem, Meri would happily do such for them once they were settled. Absinthe was poured into their glasses, a little over half full for Meri because...she likes booze. A little under for Cal because sometimes his she-devil can show him some mercy. A silver utensil that has numerous small holes is laid over each of their glasses and a sugar cube is placed on top of each one. This is where Cal comes in, hopeful eyes come to rest on the Catalian. Hopeful not because she had doubts of Cal's abilities, but because she really wanted to drink that alcohol, okay? "So whatever over the sugar so that it all mixes together nicely with the absinthe. The water is supposed to be ice cold though."

“Ice cold I can do. It’s hot that’s a no-go.” Ice magic -is- an offshoot of water after all. Callum did as instructed and filled the glasses up the rest of the way, letting the water drip slowly enough that it melted the sugar cube entirely and mixed it all together. Removing the silver utensils, the botanist eyed the now pearly-looking drink curiously. “Alright, here goes nothing.” And with that said, he downed the glass. “That… was definitely not as bad as out of the bottle. I’m not one for the black liquorice taste, but it’s certainly not as strong now.”

Meri grins in that slightly devious way that she was prone to grinning. Her own drink is drained and their glasses are refilled, except this time she does not show Cal any mercy with this pouring. Once was to get him a little warmed up, but he has already given into the fact that he is going to end up drunk. It was alright to make this one a little bit (lotta bit) stronger than the last, right? The cold water would be left up to him, obviously. That conjured up water is probably cleaner than anything they would get downstairs anyway. Think of all those germs on that pitcher. "Really? Hot is a no go? I didn't know that, I would have thought if you could lower a temperature then you could raise it...but....I'm a psion not a mage." And even as a psion, she is not always the most applied and dedicated. Maybe one day. But this day she is out here meddling up her mind with booze and her boy. Since they were on the privacy of the balcony of their room, Meri vaguely explains, "So I'll send word to Val, El, Lita, and maybe we could try and scope out that cat chick before we make any bigger plans? She was at that last shindig. Might be fun." It's like they're planning a party, how cute.

If there’s one thing Cal couldn’t handle, it was his alcohol. The first drink, while it went down smooth, it went to work on his body real quick-like. The second glass Meri poured for him followed it and it was soon showing that he definitely doesn’t drink as often as Meri does--or, at least, it might’ve just been that that absinthe was much worse than whiskey. “There’s probably a way but I never learned it. Plants don’t need boiling water and it doesn’t take much to start a fire in a stove. And pyromancy just never appealed to me. It’s funny, considering the other two Catalians here.” Callum nodded slowly, squinting at Meri somewhat, “Sounds good.” He seemed like he might have more to say, but his words and thoughts just trailed off and he took to staring at her, his glass left where she might fill it up again if she dared.

Meri blinks. Cal is giving her that squinty look. Why was he giving her that squinty look? It was absinthe they were drinking, so the first glass for Meri. It was yummy, the second one made her feel a little warm. She is definitely going to pour herself a third glass but that squinty-eyed look has her giving pause right before she tries to fill up Cal's glass and set up the sugar cube. During this pause she was waiting for him to say he was up for a third drink -- it was the squinty-eyed look. Meri might have a clever rebuttal for why learning how to make water warm might not be so bad, or so she thinks...but Cal is staring at her. Meri is now staring back, possibly still holding that bottle just before the point that absinthe would be pouring out, and pipes up with a, "What? Yes, I am trying to get you drunk?"

Callum shook his head, a faint smile forming on those lips she so loved to kiss. “No. It’s not that.” He motioned to her to continue as he gathered his thoughts, his blue line of sight not lingering on her for much longer as it was clearly causing a lot of confusion. “Sometimes I just wonder if this is real or not. Always thought I’d be alone--not because I wanted to be, of course. I’m not some weirdo loner guy like Brand is.” He smirked a little before continuing, “I’m glad you’re my partner in crime, Meri.” That was a bit of a double meaning, because of their relationship and, well, because they were certainly a little shady. Okay. More than a little. Cal was feeling somewhat sentimental thanks to the absinthe. It’d been awhile since their last mini-vacation, since Meri told him she loved him. “I love you.”

Meri was a little confused. But Cal starts spilling those feelings of his, thanks to that absinthe, and Meri's is grinning shortly after. Her chair is pulled closer towards Cal's and a smooch is planted first to his cheek and then to those lips that she does indeed love to kiss. "It's real alright. You've got this nice house out in Larket," which may or may not be a bad thing - TBD. "And you've got this dame living with you that definitely is in love with you." Meri winks. "Pretty hot too from what I hear," she teases, gloating a little bit because...well she's allowed to sometimes. Not that the hot factor was something that ever really caught Cal's attention to begin with. "You're stuck with me as your partner in crime, so you better be glad." Meri takes a moment to poke out her tongue at Cal. And then she probably tries to smooch on him a little more, and booze him up a little more, and then at some point after more drinking, and shmoozing, Meri will drag him off to bed to add some cuddling into the mix. Possibly some making out. Definitely some sleeping.