A Human’s Guide to Surviving Magical Mishaps

I completely blank. What am I supposed to answer right now? I look to Ashton for help.

"Ah, some types of fae are more susceptible to alcohol than others or are unable to consume certain foods. To save time there are different food and drink listings based on your individual species and age. It can get a little complicated since a lot of fae don't actually line up with any specific species since bloodlines and magic combine in strange ways. He is just asking what you can safely drink. He needs to know if you have any intolerances or limitations due to your age." He explains to me.

"Right... I still have no idea how to answer his question." I admit. The bartender has been watching our interaction, he clearly has now recognised Ashton and is staring wide eyed at me. "You're the human!" He exclaims excitedly. I nod.

"Yes?" I answer tentatively. The man slams his book shut and slides it to the side, then pulls out a notebook from behind the bar and a pencil, although it looks a little different to the kind I'm used to.

"I've never served a human before. I would appreciate it if you could answer a few questions for me. At what age can humans safely consume alcohol?" He starts. Ashton looks kind of amused. "Answer if you like. I'll consider what might be a good drink for you." He suggests.

"Okay." I turn back to the bartender.

"Are you asking when humans start drinking or when they can LEGALLY start drinking? Because different countries have different rules. Some countries insist on you being twenty one, some say it is acceptable at eighteen and others let teenagers or even children have alcohol in some situations." I explain. He furrows his brow.

"Ah, that does complicate things. May I ask at what age humans are considered to be adults? Perhaps that would be a suitable baseline." He decides.

"Legally, a human is an adult at eighteen." I respond. He writes something in his notebook.

"I will make eighteen the requirement until I have further information. How old are you miss?" He asks politely.

"I am twenty one." I smile and he nods.

"Very good, very good. Now, do humans have any allergies?" He asks.

"Yes. But it is not a standardised thing. Different humans have different reactions. Personally I am not allergic to anything that I know of. My alcohol tolerance is fairly standard for my size and age as well." I add in case that helps him at all. He seems fascinated.

"Perhaps I could make a selection of beverages for you. You could test them all for me and I could make a list of appropriate drinks for humans. I wouldn't charge you for the drinks of course. It would be in the name of research!" His words come out all in a rush, he is VERY excited about this potential project.

"Uh, I am not planning on drinking much tonight. I do not think that would really be a good idea. I would not mind helping with something like that, but I do not think I have the time right now." I answer, trying to be polite. That actually does sound kind of fun. I'm imagining sitting with Lucy and Marcus as we taste test different fae drinks and report how we react to them. The bartender's face falls a little.noveldrama

"Kat isn't available for a project like that right now, but perhaps another time? If she is interested you might be able to visit the human realm and complete your research. The humans have something called the 'internet' that is very useful for gathering information." Ashton suggests. The bartender grins gleefully.

"Really? I can visit the humans?" He asks. Ashton nods.

"It would need to be pre-arranged. But if Kat has no objection, I don't either." He responds. The bartender nods eagerly and I give him a thumbs up, a gesture which he clearly doesn't understand.

"That sounds fun, I would love to help with that sometime. I have a few friends who would enjoy helping with your project too. You can call me Kat by the way." I add politely. The short fae scurries around the bar and bows to me. "I'm Velgrus miss. I look forward to working with you."

"It is nice to meet you Velgrus." I smile, not quite sure how to progress from here. Ashton helps out.

"You may write to the castle to arrange the details. If you need to communicate with Kat then I believe Miss Pandra Ari is happy to deliver messages to the humans on occasion." Ashton informs him. I hope I do hear from Velgrus. It would be nice to make more fae friends. I don't know if I'll be able to visit here again, I was only able to get here in the first place because of Ashton's magic, so if the fae WANT to keep coming to see me I think I'll enjoy it. Life seems like it might be a little boring now without them, plus it's a great excuse to keep in contact with Ashton, which definitely seems like that might be something he wants too...

"Wonderful!" Velgrus cheers then dashes back around the bar.

"Now, what can I get you to drink?" he asks cheerfully. Ashton considers.

"I have tried human alcohol and it is not as strong as what we serve. Perhaps something mild would be comparable?" he suggests.

“I know just the thing, it will be free if you are willing to tell me how it makes you feel afterward.” He adds and I shrug. "Sure." He beams a smile and begins mixing a couple of drinks for us.

Ashton and I spend a few minutes at the bar sipping at our drinks. Despite being a mixed drink, the taste reminds me a little of cider, except it also tastes like honey? Either way I like it. The alcohol doesn't taste strong or anything. I finish my drink and tell Velgrus my opinions of it. He takes copious notes and asks politely if I'll agree to check in with him again in a while to report how the alcohol affects me. I agree and he reluctantly returns to serving the other customers that he has DEFINITELY been neglecting while giving me all this attention. I would have expected people to be complaining except they are all clearly super respectful of Ashton and a little awed by seeing a human so instead of complaining I'm fairly sure they're just staring and gossiping. I leave my glass on the bar and Ashton slips his hands around my waist, holding me in a loose hug.

"Are you ready to dance now?" He asks eagerly and I grin. He really DOES like to dance doesn't he? I thought he did before, and seeing this group I can see how he would enjoy it, particularly without the threat of random women groping him. I'm also kind of excited to dance with him, and I mean WITH him since last time we went out he was still keeping his distance and I didn't do anything more than hold his hand to get him out of there. Ashton leads me to the dancefloor and people part to let us through. Benefits of coming with a prince I guess?

Dancing with Ashton this time is a VERY different experience. I already knew he was a good dancer, but now instead of being careful not to get too close or touch me he is very much doing the opposite. In fact it's like he's taking every chance he can to pull us closer together. People are watching and I feel like I SHOULD be embarrassed but honestly I don't care. Maybe it's the alcohol, I DO feel just a little lightheaded, but in a good way. Someone comes by with a basket full of colourful, glowing paints. Ashton's eyes gleam as he hands over a few coins and dips his fingers in the green paint. He gestures for me to pick a colour and do the same. I pick the blue obviously. I'm not totally sure what we're meant to do with it. The seller obviously chose to give Ashton the first pick from the paints. The answer becomes clear as I watch the crowd. People get the paint and begin smearing stripes over their faces, hair and arms. Basically making themselves glow like the decorations. I go to do the same, but Ashton stops me, grabbing my wrist and leaving a handprint of glowing green paint on me. "Allow me."