>>5791084Though you’re lost in the darkness and fearing for your life, you’re sure that the voice you just heard belonged to Mercedes. Had she come to save you? Even though that didn’t make any sense, neither did whatever was happening in this room. Blinded by the light that had been shining off the Count, you throw your hand up, waving it around hoping to grab onto your deceased friend. You find what you were looking for, and another hand grabs your own. A chill runs down your spine. The hand that embraces yours is freezing to the touch. You are pulled up from the floor that you were sitting on, and brought to…
“Blair! Did you have too much to drink?” A worried Mercedes asks you as she helps you back to your feet. You remember this place. It’s the inn in Charon. You spent a night here with several of the Blue Lions shortly after the fall of Garreg Mach. The lot of you drank until the tavern had closed, discussing the fall of the monastery and the inevitable war to come. It must have already been late because your table was the only one still full. Sylvain and Annette were both staring at you worriedly, while Felix simply shook his head in disapproval.
>“Ahh-no, I’m fine! I’m just a bit tired is all. Thanks for the help, Mercedes.” You slink your way back to your chair, feeling embarrassed about your blunder.“Hey, no shame in not being able to handle your alcohol!” Sylvain grins, downing some of his glass. “Besides, it’s not like we don’t all have plenty of reasons to drink right now.”
“Speak for yourself.” Felix scowls. “We have plenty of action coming up in the near future, and the last thing you need to be drinking anymore of that poison.”
“Would you lighten up?” Sylvain shoots back. “How else are we supposed to celebrate this reunion of ours if not with some booze?”
“Are you truly okay, Blair?” Mercedes asks, concern evident on her face. “It is getting late after all. Perhaps you should head off to bed?”
>“I’m fine, really.” You smile, trying your best to reassure the cleric. Looking around the table, it really was exactly as you remembered that night. Only… “Hey, where’s Ingrid? Wasn’t she just here with us a moment ago?”“She had to go do something.” Annette smiles cheerfully. “Don’t worry, she’ll be joining us soon!”
“I hope so.” Sylvain sighs. “The Goddess knows I could use her company right about now.”
“What, there aren’t enough women at this table already to satisfy your perverse urges?” Felix asks.
“The more the merrier!” The redhead smiles happily, offering his glass up for another toast. “I’m really glad that we found you, Blair. I should have known you would have made it out okay. You’ve always been the resourceful sort. Far more than I. Thank goodness the Goddess saw fit to grant us another meeting like this.”
“Yes, she truly is merciful.” Mercedes sighs in appreciation.
