An archway to the northeast leads to a back hallway, while the host stand and main dining room lie to the east.

It is afternoon, about 88F(31C) degrees, and there are clear skies. The mist is heaviest At Mayflower and Darkwater/span

Kai wanders into the bar and looks around, “Let’s see if I get roofied,” he declares to the room and rubs his hands together, “Anyone volunteering for body shots?” he asks with a little grin.

“Kai,” Thomas tells Kai, smiling. “And Sera! Now we’re getting a little bit of a party,” he says, greeting Seraphina. “So — I drink bourbon here much of the time,” he tells them, and then he pauses. “Jesus, Kai. Body shots?” He shakes his head. “These bourbons cost hundreds of dollars!”

Kai nods to Thomas, “Oh really?” he asks and glances to the bottles, “What’s that?!” he asks and points to the west, walking over toward the bottles as he tries his lame attempt at a distraction.

Cadalie waves the both of them in happily, then takes care of a little notes on her phone.

Meridith studies Cadalie a moment, and nods approvingly at her outfit after a brief study. “This isn’t really an appropriate venue for body shots…” She laments?

Meridith waves to Sophie. “Hello. Meridith, nice to meetcha.”

Sophie gives a friendly wave to Meridith, “I’m Sophie, nice to meet you. I heard there was bourbon.’

Thomas takes center stage, near the bar. “This is where I usually come to drink bourbon,” he says. “And so James –” He nods to the bartender in his bow tie, who gives a little wave “– was kind enough to let me bring a few nice bottles in for us all to taste. He’s got some Michter’s and some regular Blanton’s behind the bar, too, which are pretty good comparisons for the three allocated bottles I brought.” He smiles at Sophie, addressing her, Kai, someone, Cadalie, Constance, and Meridith.

Constance says “Mhm. If you came here to drink it’s definitely the right place. Welcome, Sophie, Kai.“

Thomas takes center stage, near the bar. “This is where I usually come to drink bourbon,” he says. “And so James –” He nods to the bartender in his bow tie, who gives a little wave “– was kind enough to let me bring a few nice bottles in for us all to taste. He’s got some Michter’s and some regular Blanton’s behind the bar, too, which are pretty good comparisons for the three allocated bottles I brought.” He smiles at Sophie, addressing her, Kai, Cadalie, Constance, and Meridith.

Thomas takes center stage, near the bar. “This is where I usually come to drink bourbon,” he says. “And so James –” He nods to the bartender in his bow tie, who gives a little wave “– was kind enough to let me bring a few nice bottles in for us all to taste. He’s got some Michter’s and some regular Blanton’s behind the bar, too, which are pretty good comparisons for the three allocated bottles I brought.” He smiles at Sophie, addressing her, Kai, Seraphina, Cadalie, Constance, and Meridith.

Meridith waves to Seraphina. “And another, hi. I’m Meridith.”

Kai heads over to the sofas and plops down, he nods a few times at Thomas as he listens to the fellow, a wave given to Seraphina when he notices her and a little wink given to Sophie.

Seraphina rewanders back into the restaurant bar, passing by Thomas as he makes his announcement with a nod of acknowledgement. She heads to the sofas where others sit, introducing herself to Meridith, “Hello. Seraphina Hawke. Sera is fine.”

Meridith says “Okay, Sera, Sera-“

Meridith giggles soft, definitely not drunk yet, perhaps she is just like that.

Constance eyes Meridith suspiciously.

Sophie steals a spot next to Kai on the sofa and settles in.

Meridith says “Aaaand another. Hi. Meridith.“

“Oh hey man, thanks again for those gym tips, they’re working wonders,” Kai points twin fingerguns at someone and fires, grinning at him a little.

“Oh hey man, thanks again for those gym tips, they’re working wonders,” Kai points twin fingerguns at Preston and fires, grinning at him a little.

Thomas waves to Preston as he comes in. “Anyone know what an allocated bourbon he is?” he asks the group collectively. Even at a causal gathering, he’s a little professorial. “For that matter, anyone know what -bourbon- is?” he asks.

Constance shakes her head. “Not at all. It’s like, a kind of whiskey, I know that much?”

Kai raises his hand to Thomas and nods a couple of times at the man, waiting to be called, his hazel eyes swiveling away from Preston so his gaze lands on Thomas.

Preston strolls his way, giving people an upnod. “Yeah, yeah,” Preston replies, smiling at Kai. “You’re looking bigger.” Maybe he’s lying, maybe he’s not, who knows, but he does just make his way to one of the low sofas, and drops down – next to whoever it was.

Sophie smirks, leaning back slightly, “It’s whiskey’s cooler, Southern cousin,” she says. “Allocated just means it’s so good-or hypedthey’re basically rationing it out like gold.”

Meridith grins. “Same thing as most this worlds goods! Corn, baby.” She insists.

Kai drops his hand from the air and peers at Sophie, nodding, “That sounds right. I was just going to say it’s happy juice.”

“You’d not be wrong,” Sophie says to Kai with a laugh.

“Everything Southern is cooler,” Seraphina states in that warm and honeyed Southern draw.

“It doesn’t have to be from the south. You can make bourbon here in New Haven, if you want — well.” Thomas pauses, nodding to Sophie. “Maybe. It has to be made in the United States, and I’m not entirely sure what our legal status is. But in Boston, at least. Sophie’s right, though, that the whiskey needs to be more corn whiskey than anything else. It also needs to be made in charred oak barrels, with some additional requirements.” He turns to glance at Seraphina. “I don’t know,” he tells her. “I imagine some things from the South are hot, indeed.”

Constance drily comments, “So bourbon from Hell would just be normal whiskey?”, she asks, wondering about the geographical details of not being able to make ‘booze’ in places that aren’t ‘allowed’.

Seraphina remarks to Constance, “It’d be Fireball.”

Meridith snags a seat on the sofas and moves to sit near Cadalie. “Fireball…” She grimaces, visceral

The librarian continues, “Allocated bourbon is the best production, and it’s rare, so shops only get a few bottles — it’s allocated,” Thomas explains. “I’ve got three allocated bottles here we will taste.”

Preston stretches out and just exits, flashing Seraphina and Thomas a wave.

“Jesus,” Kai breathes out after Seraphina’s joke and grins a little, “That was great,” he leans against Sophie’s side.

Cadalie moseys out of from the bar, finishing some executive details to involve- finding herself immediately supplying a space for Meridith to lean onto.

“Well,” Seraphina says to Kai, “Have you ever tasted it? It has to be made there.”

Kai glances at Seraphina and laughs a little, “Yeah, maybe,” he nods to her and turns his gaze back to Thomas.

“I’m afraid I’m terribly lightweight when I don’t engorge my blood-alcohol levels.” Cadalie supplies by way of excuse for her empty hands. “-I’ve eaten a fireball before. Scorched the entire right side of my body.”

“Okay,” Thomas tells everyone. “So three allocated bottles. We’re going to do this pretty simple, today — I promised I wouldn’t take much of your time. First, we’re going to drink the Weller’s, then the Blanton’s Gold, then the Stagg Jr,” he says. “We’ll drink each in turn, and talk about what we taste. Then we’ll each pull one more pour from each and compare them. So four rounds of tasting — individual, one each, and then a comparison. Sound good?”

Meridith leans into the space as given, and even goes so far as to put an arm around Cadalie. “What’s the next?” She wonders, peering at the bottles. “Fireball whiskey, worse than eating a real fireball,” she assures Cadalie.

Seraphina rests a hand upon the knee that is raised, her posture far too relaxed, and yet elegant. And far too dressed down for a Chop House with -allocated- bourbon.

“I may need to abstain, Mister Hale, if you intend for me to be of any use to you tonight.” Seraphina remarks, no further explanation given.

Thomas ambles towards the bar, pulling a taste of the Weller in a small cup. He raises it to his nose, sniffs, and then drinks. “Everyone start with the Weller,” he says, glancing between Meridith and Seraphina and Cadalie at their discussion of the heathen abomination that is Fireball whiskey. “Just a taste,” he tells Seraphina. “Don’t chug the thing!”

OOC: Just ‘drink weller’ so the messages copy.

“After you have your drink, share what you feel like it tastes like,” Thomas/span supplies.

Kai stands up and goes over to take a drink, a good amount more than just a taste and he licks his lips, “Tastes like a good time,” he announces with a little waggle of his brows.

Cadalie waits very, very patiently for the bottle to get to her. In fact, she makes no effort to receive it.

Constance shrugs, commenting, “Tastes kind of cinnamon-y? Like there’s some spice in it?”

Seraphina rolls her eyes upward. “I would not chug it. But it is the middle of the day and we have to be in tip top shape for travel.” However, there is a small taste of the liquor poured for her, and she barely takes a drink.

Meridith sighs content. “It’s like…warmth. A little glass on a cold day with a fire…”

Sophie takes a sip, swirling the bourbon in her glass thoughtfully. “It’s like sipping liquid velvet,” she says, a sly grin curling her lips. “Sweet, smooth, and just enough spice to keep it interesting, kind of like the perfect bad idea.” She gives Kai a nudge.

“Okay,” Thomas tells Meridith. “There’s no spice,” he says to Constance. “Not real spike — that’s some of the char from the barrels, and the heat of the alcohol pricking at your tongue. It’s not like fireball.” He laughs. “This will be smoother than the Blanton’s — try that next,” he says. “You’ll find there’s more body as we go up the range.” He gets a cup of Blanton’s Gold, tasting it.

OOC: ‘drink blanton’ when ready.

Kai glances at Sophie, “You should probably be a spokeswoman for this place, that was great,” he grins at her a little, nudging her in turn, and takes his taste once he has the opportunity, “This also tastes like… a good time,” he declares and waggles his brows at Thomas.

Meridith exhales harsh. “Bold…not bitter but…sharp…strong.” She murmurs letting it linger for a moment.

Constance’s comment on the Blanton’s is “Is that vanilla? I like vanilla. Really exotic flavor.”

“I think there’s a little more spice to the Blanton’s — well, maybe more heat — than the Weller,” Thomas/span shares with Constance. “I’d probably drink Blanton’s Gold all day long, but I’m on a librarian’s salary.” He chuckles, glancing at Seraphina. “What do you think?”

“A bit chilly.” Cadalie remarks to herself in 88 degree weather, quietly, as she wrestles the jacket resting across her lap and sets her arms through the sleeves. “Mmm. Ice cream.” The abstainer nods philosophically.

Sophie gives Kai a playful look, “Shush, I just like tasting things.”

Meridith leans over to rub Cadalie’s arms after setting down her glass in an effort to offer some warmth.

Sophie takes a sip, her eyes widening playfully. “Oh, this one’s got attitude,” she teases. “Dark fruit, vanilla, and a whole lotta barrel swagger. It’s like a campfire got fancy and decided to crash a black-tie event.”

A sip then a second, small. “I taste some stone fruit. Cherry maybe? A plum? It has a little heat to it, sticking and the back of the throat…” Seraphina says, “It is quite good.” And to mirror others like Sophie and Kai, “Meaning that it could be a little dangerous.”

Kai lifts his hands and gives both of his cheeks two quick, hard slaps with both of his hands at the same time. Afterward he nods to Sophie, “I bet you do,” he says with a waggle of his eyebrows, “I have something I’m going to love putting in your mouth after this is over.”

Sophie turns a bright shade of pink as leans over to stick her tongue out at Kai.

Meridith scowls at Kai. “This is a classy join, goodness.”

“It sure can,” Thomas agrees with Sophie and Seraphina. Then he looks at Kai. “Lord above,” he tells Kai. “Did you learn nothing from your time as Kayina?” he says. He shakes his head. “Jesus.” He pauses. “Okay, last one when you’re ready,” he says, going to get a small glass of the Stagg. “This is Stagg Jr. It’s the best of what I put out here. I wish I had a bottle of Stagg Sr., but they go for well over a thousand dollars,” he admits. “Too rich for my blood. But you can tell how excellent even the Jr. is,” he says.

Meridith says “Joint even!“

Thomas takes his drink of Stagg Jr.

OOC: ‘drink stagg’ when ready.

Meridith takes a long pull from her glass and exhales before she even swallows. She lingers for a long moment on that taste, then swallows and exhales. “Shit, that’s…unique for bourbon…?” She wonders.

Kai looks between someone and Thomas and presses his hand to his chest, “My word!” he says, taking on an air of the voice Mirabel Kane gets at times, for those that know her, “Get your minds out of the gutter. We’re going to Obie’s Tacos. She’s a foodie, for God’s sake.”

“I thought it was Kai-uh.” Cadalie/span remarks bitterly. So bitterly, in fact, that she minds not at all washing the taste from her mouth.

Kai looks between Meridith and Thomas and presses his hand to his chest, “My word!” he says, taking on an air of the voice Mirabel Kane gets at times, for those that know her, “Get your minds out of the gutter. We’re going to Obie’s Tacos. She’s a foodie, for God’s sake.”

Kai grins a little bit and nods in affirmation to Cadalie, then he tries out the last drink and swishes it in his mouth like mouthwash, his eyes squinting a bit.

Constance takes a drink and then murmurs to herself. “Definitely stronger in flavor than the other two,” she comments. “I’m not sure I have words to describe it – I’m not used to being asked to review whatever I’m eating. Or drinking, I suppose, in this case.”

“I like that one best,” Kai declares with a nod to Thomas, “I wouldn’t pay hundreds for it though, but that’s really fucking good.”

“I’m goin’ to wrinngth yer neck in a gutther-” Cadalie gags, cough unpleasantly and waving a hand at her face the moment the taste of alcohol sets on her tongue. She makes a few noises like a dog foreshadowing vomit on the floor as she sets her glass against the table.

Meridith rubs a hand on Cadalie’s back. “Easy…you’ll be alright,” she insists.

Sophie lets out a happy moan with this soap.

Sophie lets out a happy moan with this sip — ugh fingers

Kai glances sidelong at Cadalie and grimaces a bit, “Hmmm…” he glances to Thomas, “Do you have a trashcan or something, just in case?” he wonders of the man, “Down the wrong pipe or something?” he asks Cadalie.

“This bottle’s usually only a couple hundred bucks on the secondary market,” Thomas tells Kai. “Two hundred, two fifty — reasonable, ish,” he admits. “So. I promised we’d wrap up but…” He looks at Cadalie. “Everything okay?”

Cadalie settles the back of her hand against her mouth and folds, tracing her eyes elsewhere. “Justh- ahh… Nope. Everythin’ fine. Move along.”

Seraphina pulls a face, when the liquor touches her lips. “I don’t like that. I prefer to wear leather, not drink it.”

Sophie takes another slow sip, letting the heat linger before speaking, “Dark sweet cherry draws you in, leather and oak ground you, and cinnamon sets your senses ablaze. Unapologetic.” She looks at Thomas, “Delicious.”

Thomas chuckles to Seraphina. “More for me, then,” he tells her. “I know I said I wouldn’t keep you more than an hour, and we’re basically there, but anyone want to tell me which one was their favorite?” he says. “What they liked best or least, or how they were different? If you need to take another drink to compare, you can, though it will go to your head.”

“Can I take the bottles?” Sophie asks with a little wry smirk.

Meridith gestures. “The first, it’s easy, my pallet isn’t refined enough to appreciate the rest but, maybe some day. Old woman. All refined and shit.” She grins.

Kai glances to Seraphina and just shakes his head at her a bit, looking from her to Thomas once more, “That last one, the other two were good though. I would get fucked up on any of them,” he nods, then he grins a little at Sophie’s question.

“Rain watuh.” Cadalie mutters dully, crossing a wounded leg over the other.

Thomas looks at Sophie. “No,” he says. “These are from my personal collection.” He chuckles. “And if I catch you in my kitchen raiding my liquor cabinet? Well. This is a lawless city.”

“So I learned yesterday,” Sophie says to Thomas, “But, maybe you can share sometime?”

Seraphina side glances Kai, “What?” She shrugs a bit, “I enjoyed the first and second. That last was a bit much for my poor pallette. It felt as if I chewed on a twig wrapped in leather. So more’s for you, Mister Hale.”

“Nothing, nothing,” Kai replies to Seraphina with a little snort, grinning slightly as he leans back into the sofa, “I’ve got a nice little buzz. Anyone have a xanax or something?”

Meridith says “Such a party girl.“

Sophie snickers at Kai and fluffs his hair, “Got it, you’re a light weight.”

“I said a buzz, I’m not drunk,” Kai snorts at Sophie, “I also haven’t eaten today though, which… I need to get out of the habit of doing. Gotta stuff myself all day while I’m bulking.”

Constance checks her phone. “Oh, cool, payday.”

“Any last thoughts?” Thomas says, going to start gathering up the bottles. “I hope you all had fun,” he says. “Any last thoughts before we break up? There’s a whole world of bourbons out there — from little ones to big ones,” he says. “Maybe one day a Stagg Sr.”

Meridith smiles at Thomas. “Thank you so much for the time, it was fun!” She declares easily.

Sophie gives Kai a kiss on the cheek, “Yes, you do need to take care of yourself. Especially with the trouble you find.”

Shuffling, grinding her tongue against her teeth- her cheek, whatever manages to clean it, Cadalie admits. “I’m glad you got everyone together. Thank you for takin’ the time.”

Kai nods in agreement with Sophie and says to Thomas, “Nope, but thanks for the taste, they were good,” he nods to the man right along with Cadalie’s sentiments.

Sophie looks over at Thomas, “Where did you find these?” She asks with a tilt of her head.

Smoothly, Seraphina rises from the sofa, telling someone, “I imagine Mister Hale wouldn’t mind sharing. I’ll sweet talk him into bringing a bottle for when we are able to meet.”

Smoothly, Seraphina rises from the sofa, telling someone, “I imagine Mister Hale wouldn’t mind sharing. I’ll sweet talk him into it.”

Smoothly, Seraphina rises from the sofa, telling Sophie, “I imagine Mister Hale wouldn’t mind sharing. I’ll sweet talk him into it.”

Sophie looks over to Constance, “Are you free for a consult today?”

“The bourbons?” Thomas asks Sophie. “I asked James,” he indicates the bartender. “Richard’s gets an allocation, I think, and we reached an arrangement for him to set a few bottles aside for me.” He pauses. “There’s another store I know in Providence. Boston always gets mobbed, but you can find some bargains in Rhode Island, sometimes.” He glances at Seraphina. “I thought the Weller’s would be more your speed. I wish I could have gotten my hands on a bottle of Penelope Havana. It’s great for new bourbon drinkers — complexity with a lot of smoothness,” he says.

“I need to head out to get ready for my expedition tonight, though,” Thomas tells everyone. “Thank you for coming.” He glances at Seraphina. “Miss Hawke, do you have some time this afternoon? I want to go over plans before we meet our companions.”

Meridith says “If you want any additional help Thomas, just let me know.“

Sophie nods to Constance, “Of course, I just need to not get lost heading to it.”

Thomas nods to Meridith. “I think we have a team put together, but if someone falls through I will reach out,” he promises her.

Meridith nods to Thomas and giggles, glancing at her phone, rolling her eyes.

“I was just heading home to start preparing, Mister Hale,” Seraphina says. “Do you mind giving me a ride?” She steps away from the sofa, with a nod given to those seated there. Meridith is offered a warm smile. “I imagine the more’s the merrier. Or … well.” She hooks a thumb over to Thomas. Gaze drifting, she lands on Constance, “Have you had a chance to try to the affogato at Inkwell? I was to understand that you were disappointed we did not have it to offer.”

Thomas says “Of course. See you all!“

Meridith leans back cozily on the sofa and fiddles with her phone.

“Ready?” Thomas asks Seraphina.

Seraphina nods.

Thomas waves to all as he heads out.

“Just saw Dovie maybe an hour ago.” Cadalie ponders absently, looking to the sky with an idleness. “A shame.”

Buck doesn’t have his signature brimmed hat on him, so he gives a nod to all present, “Looks like it’s going to be a good evening for a break in.” he says with a grin.

Preston grunts at Buck. “Think it might be too late for that,” he says, shrugging. “I can’t trace at all.”

“Verity is out,” Thomas tells the group. “Follow me? We’ll head to the mirrorgate.”

“Who is lost in the mist?” Seraphina asks.

Cadalie says “Dovie and.. Angela? I don’t know about the green eyes and absentness.“

“Perhaps Matias?” Seraphina asks Thomas, wiggling her phone in his direction.

“Dovie and… yeah, I’m not sure the other person.” Preston mentions to Seraphina and nods with Cadalie.

“an absent-looking green eyed girl is Catrina Carter.” Buck notes.

“Mmm,” Seraphina hums, softly. “I don’t know this Carter girl but Dovie seems a nice one. Hopefully they will be retrieved. The mist is … something else.”

“Mmmmm.” Cadalie nods, squared up like a gothic linebacker ready to carve a holy-ward upon righteous temples. “Poor thang. I do like the both of them.”

Buck gives a nod to Constance, “Good to have some beef in case things go sideways.”

Cadalie lifts a hand to waggle hello at Constance. “Oh. Are you comin’, my cardinal?”

Constance says “I didn’t know this was happening here. I just drove here because it’s my default to hang around at.“

Constance says “Sure. “

Cadalie says “It is.. Rather a mission of stealth.“

Constance says “Then I am definitely not coming.“

“He said he would but is unable.” Seraphina says to Thomas, storing her phone back within the tight top she wears. She wiggles her freed fingers at Constance.

Thomas nods to Seraphina. “He said the same to me.” He smiles at Constance. “It’s probably better to have someone back here in case things go wrong, anyways,” he says. “We’re headed to Spain. We’ll call if we need to get pulled out.” He looks around. “Alright — let’s head in to the mirrorgate.”

Constance says “Have fun.“

Thomas leads Seraphina, Cadalie, Buck and Preston through the underground corridors beneath the ruined cathedral.

“Good that she’s feelin’ better.” Cadalie comments with a tilt of her head in passing to a medical station.

“Alright,” Thomas tells everyone. He gestures to Preston. “We’re going to follow Preston through the gate. I had a Syndicate contact — Sasha Maliova, if you know her — set up a mirror for us in a cave near the Iberian’s castle,” he explains. “I don’t anticipate that we will have an issue, but if there’s an ambush on the other side I want to come out with his rifle in front of all of us, not behind us.” He pauses. “In truth, that’s not the Iberian’s style, but one never knows, do they?” he asks.

OOC: Mirrorgate travel is still very buggy. It -may- work if we all follow Preston. If it doesn’t, I have set up Mists rooms as a backup and we will work our way through it.

Buck pulls down an infiltration mask over his head as he quietly falls in line behind Preston.

Preston/span listens to the orders of Thomas, slinging his rifle off his shoulder, and bringing it out in front of him, in a low ready stance. “Right then,” he exhales, “All ready?”

Cadalie loosens some of the cloth tying all of the little bits of equipment to her, preventing a rattle. She checks her revolver, ensures it’s still unloaded, and sets it back into holster, tying it down again. “Yessir.”

Buck signals that he is ready.

Seraphina nods, glancing to Buck, Cadalie and Thomas, “As ready as I am ever going to be.”

“I am ready,” Thomas tells Preston. He murmurs some words in magic — priming the mirrorgate for Preston. “On you,” he says.

And then Preston steps forward.

“Mirrorgate travel is perfectly safe,” Thomas shares with Cadalie, Buck, Preston and Seraphina. “I think only a tiny bit of your soul is left behind in the mirror.”

“The psyche can afford to lose a little of itself.” Cadalie comments as the mirrors bend and distort.

Preston steps through first, rifle held in front of him. A quick little scan of the environment, and he’s stepping out into a cave. “Think we’re good,” he says, leaving room behind himself for the rest of the crew to file out.

Through the bending mirror, Seraphina steps through, long leg in long stiletto landing solidly onto the limestone floor and echoing its click-clack from toe to heel. Then she is fully through, squinting some to get accustomed to the dim light. “Seems so. We are off to a good start.”

“Yes,” Thomas tells everyone, peeking out. “Let’s see what we’ve found.”

OOC: As you may have surmised, I cannot start the plot. I’m going to pray right now, and if I don’t get a response quickly, we can do some scouting and prep RP for an hour or so and then mirrorgate back and reschedule again. I really apologize. I’m still learning how these systems work.