the past catches up [closed/social]

"You underestimate the people of Rhyolite Village," Orion shook his head, "I made the same mistake once, you know." He could still remember his argument with the guild master. The world was bigger than the village. The world had much more to offer compared to the village. The guild was better off somewhere where it could prosper. But it was never about that. "The people here. They've seen things, Cheshire. They've known all along what is out there, and what could happen at a moment's notice." He paused, taking a smaller sip of his drink this time, "But, what they've decided is that the monstrosity of the world will not stop them from living a happy life, a carefree life. That, Cheshire, is what makes this village stronger than any of us." The will to keep going, even when the going gets tough, is what defines true strength, true bravery.

Orion had sobered for a moment, his face turning a red tinge as he processed all of what he said. He was not the smartest man, but he knew things. He knew because he dared to ask. He listened to them intently, as drunk as he was most nights. The people of this village carried a heavy burden, and the nights where spirits were low and alcohol was flowing, they tend to talk a lot. Too much, sometimes. Orion heard them all.

Pain and suffering, that was the echoed sentiment. Pain and suffering, a never ending cycle that tore through the lives of these villagers. Yet, they wake up every morning, ready to face whatever is to come. That is courage. Something Orion is still struggling at this point.

He was shaken from his thoughts, his face most likely looking like he was lost in alcohol. It wouldn't be the first time he had nodded off, nor would it be the last. Most think him a drunkard, few knew he had a reason to be.

"Rumours? You'll get through those." Idle talk was idle talk, after all. "This village needs to liven up a bit, after all, and sensationalizing your departure made for a great story to tell!" Orion grinned, "Not that I'd believe any of them of course. I'm sure you'll tell me when you're ready." Orion was not one to pry, but he was one to have his ears open when someone needed to just talk. He was a listener, he was told. He just really liked stories, he would answer.

Cheshire Copeland

"You know, one day I won't mind going down in history having made really good memories," Orion smirked at Cheshire, his mind veering towards how the village might cope with the horrid elements of the world finally catching up to it. He did not doubt the fortitude of Rhyolite village, nor did he underestimate the power of Cait Shelter's mages when confronted with such a situation. It was most likely an inevitability. Out there, it was still a right mess, and no one seemed to be eager to try and fix it.

Fighting the urge to laugh, he lost as he let out a small chuckle, "You know, I would think that faced with the inevitability, the people in this village would likely die without much regrets. Us? Me? Well, I can't say the same." He turned towards Cheshire, taking his eyes off his drink, "Can you say the same?"

The beer kept flowing, and as time slowly passed, his functions were slowly wearing down. But he wasn't one to be beat in his own game. His large mass was useful for one thing, and one thing only, alcohol tolerance. Plus, he had been drinking since he was sixteen, so he's built quite a bit of defense against the effects of alcohol. But too much, and he's still lights out.

"Oh don't you worry, takes a good bit to even get me dizzy!" Orion smiled, "And I'm not dumb enough to go on a mission inebriated, you know. Give me some credit here!" He can separate his professional life from his personal one. Drinking only happened when he knew it was not going to cost him his life, and out there, his life was always on the line, "Plus, I'm not that heavy!" Orion stuck his tongue out at Cheshire, pulling on his eye to make a funny face at the woman.

Cheshire Copeland

Orion only shook his head, hearing Cheshire's reply at his comment. He wasn't the least surprised at all. The young always had more to gain than to lose, and there were always more shadows to chase. It was not saying that Orion was not the same. In fact, he was a lot the same. He had more regrets now if he died. That was why he was still living and breathing. He wanted to make sure he had no regrets when his time does come.

"Ahh! But that's where you're wrong, Cheshire," Orion smirked, finishing the second to the last round he'll have for the night, "I'm built of stronger stuff! And this much beer will only make me sleepy, nothing too serious." He was a tried and tested drinker. He knew his limits. Sadly, he always ignored those limits.

Orion laughed out loud, louder than he'd anticipated. Okay, maybe he'd had more than what he was planning on having. The drinks were pouring, emotions were running, and it was a recipe for beer drinking. "Okay okay, go ahead before you're volunteered to be the one to wheel me away." Orion smirked, his face turning serious for a moment, "Promise to visit again. It's been a while since I've had good company."

Cheshire Copeland