(closed) our common goal was waiting for the world to end—

[coherer]

WHO: jonas and zagreus.
WHERE: the cairn, a bar in mirth.
WHEN: october.
WHAT: the boys get a drink.
WARNINGS: alcohol consumption. will update as needed!

Comments

[coherer]

You've got that right.

(it's a dual comment; he addresses zagreus' opinion that some things never change and issues his own about the mead. the drink isn't thick, but the mouthfeel is almost like jam, and it's not overly sweet despite the honey it was made with—that's the best part. jonas can taste the honey as though beads of its have been dripped in.)

Birthdays are fun when you're with the right people. I spent most of them with my parents, but there were a few I insisted on going out for. They were... eh. (jonas drank then, too. he drank a lot, now that he thinks about it, illegally at his age, and with "friends" who didn't like the word "no."

broad shoulders shrug.)

We don't have to worry about those anymore, right? You, uh... didn't have any? You weren't sure about the word, so that makes me think you're probably due for a party—if anything.

[dodgeouttahell]

We couldn't even tell if it was day or night back at the House. [Zagreus laughs, waving a hand at the entirely unnecessary notion of celebrating a birthday for an immortal. Zagreus doesn't even know what day he was born, much less how long ago that was.] It's sort of difficult to tell the time in Hades.

[A sigh, though not without some levity to it.] My Father kept saying it was for the best, and I never thought I'd say this, but I think I agree.

It's a shame that you don't seem to particularly enjoy your birthdays, though. We should get that fixed, if anything, to make up for it. [There's a challenge, something to escape to, to distract with. Gods know they need it. Another sip.] What else did you celebrate? Anything you enjoyed in particular?

[coherer]

(huh. jonas never would've assumed it'd be for the best, but zagreus' father does make a compelling point.)

... maybe, you know? Some people on Earth start getting really bummed out after their thirtieth birthday. I can see the numbers stacking higher and higher wear on you after a while.

I'd like that, though. I'm not one to turn down free stuff, especially if it's alcoholic or... herbal. (IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN, ZAGREUS.)

My family wasn't—well, uh, our get-togethers weren't the best, so most holidays were kind of a drag. New Year's Eve is fun, though. It's just this big party, you get to kiss somebody at midnight, and... look forward to a brand new year.

[dodgeouttahell]

[A memory of a conversation he had back at home bubbles up towards the surface after clinging to the back of Zagreus' mind since he arrived, about how some mortals get to understand how to learn quickly, which was impressive, as gods, immortals, and the like, all seem to take longer to grasp. Thirty years seems like such a small number to him, but he understands. He nods thoughtfully.] I once asked if we couldn't educate people about what death really entails, but I suppose it's a slow process.

[He does, and his dark eyebrows shoot up. He only gives him a little bit of a look as he makes two and two together. Herbs were used for incense, offerings, to stave off pain in certain cases. Mostly, he knew, fumigating herbs were a channel to get you closer to the divine, with Shades telling tales of how they visited Delphi and how clouded the rooms were.] You said you weren't very spiritual, though. [Although if he does fumigate herbs…] W-wait, you had something of the sort outside, too. Is it something you usually do?

[He's fascinated. He could assume that linking those herbs to wine and other spirits had the same intent, whereas he had only heard about the other usage for it. He grins.] Alright, that's a promise, then. We'll set something up to make up for all the celebrations that were lackluster.

[And his eyes widen once again. Jonas, your world is full of surprises.] You kissed someone? Anyone?

all set to stop here!!!!! :eyes:

[coherer]

Oh, I dabble. That was a cigarette... they're made of tobacco leaves, mostly. I'm talking about something a wee bit stronger.

(jonas tables the discussion about stygian weed, but at the back of his mind, he wonders where he might find some... if the substance existed. an analogue drug would work, too, as long as it wasn't too powerful or chemical. for a party one of the gods of the underworld might throw, it'll be almost necessary to procure something.

as for the kissing—)

Anyway, if you find somebody who's into you, or, like, consensually down for a kiss, then... totally, yeah. You can give a family member or friend one too if you don't have a partner, you know? Beats me if everyone does it, but it was a pretty common thing where I used to live. New Year's is kind of a romantic holiday.

Why, curious?

(beer loosening him up a bit, his tone becomes a bit sly. can't pass up some teasing when zagreus' eyes are that wide.)

Stick around till January first or whatever constitutes here, then; maybe someone will lay one on you, Zagreus.