In Pursuit Of…

A true scholar’s thirst for knowledge never stops at just the tangible things. At some point in life, every bun comes to know of the intangible, the unexplainable… and really, what could be more unexplainable than the secret behind the Damsel of the Drink’s craft? And she’s selling it for this much? Sacrilege! For such a hexing secret, shouldn’t it cost more than just a handful of carats? Nay, shouldn’t Damsel Hops desire one’s first tamed imp or something of the sort?

Though, when Calcifer had noted this during “class time” with Hops, she simply laughed.

“Prithee, Damsel Hops — please tell, what of getting one’s proper due for knowledge previously unbeknownst to the crowd could be humorous to your person?” As the two stood behind the counter, Calcifer had pointed at her with dramatic flair as he asked the question. Hops didn’t look away from setting up the practice cups as she shot her answer back.
“Ahahahaha—really! It’s an honor that you think this sorta thing should be a well-guarded secret, Lord Calcifer. But really, isn’t it kinda like why you have your Hoarde open to the public? More people knowing about this stuff makes everyone happy.” It ALSO means more chances to drink, though Hops wouldn’t say that outright… though the simple answer seemed to sit well enough with the Lord. Seems the both of them had a little more reason to offer their services rather than to just be nice…

“HM! Well enough, Damsel Hops! Now… do inform me of what you have here!” With a lazy finger, Calcifer motioned to the glass and bottles that Hops had brought out… and carefully watched the smile crawl across her face.
“Heheh. I know your mental might is overflowing, Lord Calcifer, but this craft takes a special hand…” She seemed to almost adopt Calcifer’s way of speaking as she grabbed the bottle of whiskey with a flourish, “So we’re going to start with one of the simplest drinks I make — the Bourbun. Really, it’s quite simple; take a stout liquor glass, chip some ice into it, and pour the whiskey right in. We’ll work on how to chip ice into pretty shapes later—” As she talked, Hops demonstrated how she carved the ice into a little gem shape before dropping it in and doing as per her instructions, “—just add the finishing touches… And there you have it. Now m’lord… your turn.”
“Ohoh…” Glass, ice, liquor — simple enough. Calcifer replicated the actions effectively… though his ice was less well-carved than Hops’. Though before Calcifer could say much more, Hops leaned over, grabbed his creation, and downed the thing.

“Wha—”
“Yeah, that’s the stuff! Simple but effective… say m’lord, I think you may have a knack for this. How ARE you with alcohol, anyways?”
“Oh, ahem—certainly I am not worse than the soul-less boors of the crowd, Damsel Hops. Do you bite your thumb in my direction in this way?”
“Bite… thumb? Uhh, no? Just wondering if you’ll be able to handle… ‘disposing’ of all the practice drinks we’re gonna be making. Because the Bourbon is simple, but…”
At that moment, Hops pulled at least five other bottles from under the counter along with some picks, cans of assorted foodstuffs, and even a lighter.

“We’re going to be having a long, long night… m’lord.” There was a mischievous glint in Hops’ eye as she saw Calcifer swallow hard. A long night indeed…

…

“Wowee, you did it Lord Calcifer — congrats! You made every drink that I had planned for the lesson! Here’s your rightfully earned prize, my recipe book, a dash of a special little something, and… oh golly, and a trash bin. Uh, are you…”
“MY FEET ARE ON STABLE GROUND, I DO DECLARE. Yuh… you hand that there. Here. Ugh… mmm… Danny’s winnings… once more… urk…”
“… oh golly. I’m gonna have to take you home, aren’t I? Haah…”