Who: Elena and Deucalion When: October 19 Where: Deucalion’s house in Everdale What: Mead tasting Rating/Warnings:Low/None Status: Complete!
Elena had been thinking about Deucalion. Not obsessively, but off and on. She enjoyed spending time with him. She thought he was handsome, and pleasant. She found herself looking forward to their time together, regardless as to what they were going to do. Though she hadn’t quite realized it, hadn’t quite put a name on it, Elena had a bit of a crush. It was strange, because after Stefan and Damon and all that nonsense, she never thought she would again. At least, the idea of her feeling anything for someone who wasn’t a Salvatore? She thought the chances were slim.
But here she was, standing in front of her mirror, checking out her outfit, her hair, her face. It wasn’t any fancier than she would normally have worn, no more makeup than normal, but she wanted to make sure she looked cute. Beautiful. The alarm on her phone went off telling her it was 6pm. He was due any minute.
-- Deucalion’s thoughts had been all over the map of late; on his classes, the training he was helping Malia with, construction the setup for his new hives, but mostly the news that Scott was here...and not from the same time. Having already faced the frustration that came with dealing with those who still viewed him as a monster since they had no recollection of his past with them...having seen the mistrust in almost all of their eyes, with the exception of Lydia, Peter, and Malia...well it was a challenge to center himself again. Still instead of dwelling on it at all the old wolf settled on a distraction instead. A night enjoying Elena’s company sounded good, and he really was trying to suss out just which type of mead and microbrewing would interest him.
Having parked a few minutes early outside her place he patiently waited and watched the clock. When the time was right the Alpha headed to her door, promptly knocking at 6pm on the nose. Polite, well mannered, and prompt...even a monster like the Demon Wolf could be down right civil.
--
Elena’s vamp speed kicked in as she moved to the door. Then she stopped, hand on the door handle, and paused for a breath before pulling it open. There was Deucalion. A smile crossed Elena’s lips. “Hey,” she said, brightly. “You’re quite prompt, you know that?”
-- With a slight yet warm smile the man chuckled at her question, and the Alpha simply offered a little shrug of his broad shoulders before chiming in. “Being prompt and polite were simply values that were instilled in me growing up. I may be a monster, but that does not mean I cannot also possess civility too.” The old took a step back away from the door, gesturing to the new SUV park out front, and smiled anew. “Are you ready to depart, Elena?” ---
Elena’s smile faltered a little when he called himself a monster. She knew that feeling all too well, at least, she assumed. Because she didn’t want to become a monster. Not like she knew Stefan and Damon could be. Not like Klaus or Elijah or Katherine. There were too many vampires in her experience that let the monster take over. Then again, she didn’t want to start the day with her contradicting him right off the bat, so she let it go.
“Sure,” she said, forcing the smile back on. Then she stepped through the door, locked it behind herself, and pocketed her keys. “I’m really looking forward to this,” she admitted, flushing just a little. “I hope it’s not silly for me to say so.”
--
He spotted the moment her smile started to fade, yet Deucalion found himself at a loss for what to say. In truth the memory of her reaction to seeing the Demon Wolf side of him was still so very present, and the old wolf knew what he was. There was no denying how monstrous he had become, and even after returning to the path of peace...well some parts of the darkness would forever remain with him. In the end all the Alpha could do was keep pressing on; while doing whatever he could to atone for the man he had been for so long.
“Excellent. I’m looking forward to it as well. The last few days have been somewhat trying, and the prospect of simply enjoying a few drinks, along with your company, sounds like the perfect distraction that I am in need of.” With a nod the man moved to the vehicle, pausing to get the passenger side door for her before getting into his side once she was settled. --
Though she would have been incredibly pleased and flattered that he was looking forward to her company, but Elena instantly went into protective mode when he mentioned that the last few days had been hard for him. If Elena was anything, it was protective of her friends. Her brow furrowed as she moved closer to him, walking alongside him to the car. She settled into the car and pulled on her seatbelt.
Once he was in the driver’s seat, she turned to him again. She would have asked about the new car, but she was more concerned about how he’d been over the last few days. “What happened? Are you okay?”
--- The new Range Rover wasn’t exactly an impulse purchase, nor was the second one that he bought for Malia either. In truth it made sense to have a set of wheels around when it came to shopping and whatnot, plus the vehicles he acquired did well when it came to driving over the rough terrain of Everdale. Yet even buying a SUV offered no real joy, well minus the smile that Malia wore when she found herself behind the wheel of her own first car. When he too was buckled in, and the vehicle roared to life, the man paused to gaze at her as Elena spoke up.
“Oh I am fine, my dear. Simply...tired. Two old faces have showed up here, yet both are from a time before...before we became allies. They know me from back when I was their foe, and so it’s been a tad frustrating. Still time and patience are need, and so I shall provide both in spades.”
--
“I’m sorry.” Elena thought about it for a moment, thinking about Klaus, and how it would feel if others like him showed up. How much she’d hated him for what he’d done to Jenna, to Tyler, to others she knew. And yet she was giving him a second chance. Hopefully the others from Deucalion’s world would give him a chance, too.
“You will.” She reached over and rested her hand on his forearm for a moment, to give him some support. “I know you will. And I’m sure they’ll come around.”
--
The others had already given the Alpha a second chance over the years, and he had done his best to prove himself a worthy ally. Even dying while aiding them in their war against the hunters. Yet this time around, well only a few of them had lived those darker days, and to the others...well they had no such recollection of the tough times that were shared. To them Deucalion was still someone to be feared and not trusted, and a part of him worried that there’d be no chance to real regain their trust this time around. After all it had been conflict that drew them together in the past, but here in Preya conflict wasn’t quite commonplace. “I appreciate the sentiment, Elena. For now all I can do it just...try.”
When her hand rest upon his arm the wolf glanced over at her again, flashing a little smile before putting the vehicle into drive. “Let us put such heavy thoughts aside, and instead focus on the fun that is to come.” --
Elena pulled her hand away as he started to drive. She didn’t want to distract him. Of course, both of them would survive a head-on collision (save either was decapitated, or impaled through the heart, say), but why take that chance? Driving was still serious business, and it wasn’t as if the others they may come into contact with were as unbreakable.
She folded her hands in her lap and watched the landscape as they drove. “Yes,” Elena said, brightening. “Mead. I don’t think I’ve ever had it before. I’m very much looking forward to sampling the different kinds. How many did you get?” --
“I’ve had the pleasure of sampling some very fine mead over the decades, which has only added to the challenge of selecting a single type to produce. As far as types though, I’ve secured twenty different bottles of varying meads for us to sample...oh and a few dozen assorted microbrews as well.” The old Alpha already had a general idea of which type he wished to make, yet the tasting seemed like the perfect chance to get a second opinion. Well that, and the chance to spend more time with Elena as well.
“I have been leaning towards a pear based ale of late for the microbrewing. It’s light, and yet has a delicious tart note to it too. Still I shall hold off on making a decision until we have weighed all the potential options.” Of course once he had things up and running it would be a simple matter to create a few seasonal brews too, yet Deucalion figured that simplicity was the best policy when it came to starting up his side project. --
Elena nodded. Funny how over the decades might have made her splutter not too long ago. But now? Now she was used to over the centuries. And she would have it for herself, too. She wasn't worried about all the alcohol, it took a lot to get Elena drunk. Besides, the alcohol helped curb the hunger. It sounded like a wonderful afternoon; she was looking forward to learning about meads, ales, and ciders.
“Well, I hope my opinion will help. I'm afraid I'm rather uninformed when it comes to these things.” ---
For his part it had been ages since the man was properly drunk, back before he first became an Alpha. Back before he took the power of his former pack into himself and became the Demon Wolf. These days that power and inhuman healing prevented Deucalion from getting drunk anymore, yet that also was a boon when it came time to sample so many different kinds of mead and beer. “I am sure your opinion will help immensely, and a lack of a palate in this case will prove quite valuable. After all there is no preconceived tastes to interfere with your judgment of the mead and beer.”
As the drive commenced the wolf remained silent, mentally reviewing the last few days and planning his next moves accordingly. However when he realized that it had been a little while since he said a word the Alpha glanced at her and offered an apologetic smile. “Forgive me, my dear. I...well that was rude of me.” --
“All right, then.” Elena gave him another warm smile and settled back into comfortable silence. She was trying to remember everything she could possibly think of when it came to wines and wine tasting. What had her dad taught her, forever ago? She’d been so young then. And she remembered a lot of things that Stefan and Damon had mentioned casually while they sipped their brandy or whiskey or whatever else. But that was different, wasn’t it? And she’d always been distracted by whatever disaster they were facing, or her own, stupid, teenage drama through it all.
It was comfortable, though. When he turned to her and apologized, Elena raised an eyebrow. “Hmm? What was rude of you?” ----
“Oh I...for the silence…” A slight look of confusion swept across the man’s features as he tried to sort out just how to answer her. After all it seemed like Elena hadn’t noticed, or minded, the lull in conversation. A moment later the wolf just chuckled and shook his head a little. “It seems that I errored in offering the apology, still being well mannered was ingrained in me so very long ago.” With a warm little smile, and the faintest blush, the Alpha returned his attention fully to the drive ahead of them.
When they finally reached the cabin, and the vehicle came to a stop, the old wolf hopped out and quickly moved to get her door. “I took the liberty of storing a bit of fresh blood for you, but there is also quite the spread of food waiting for us too. After all a proper tasting, and one of this magnitude just wouldn’t be right with having something to eat as well.” --
Elena shrugged and smiled, looking over at Deucalion while he drove. She hadn't minded the silence at all. Actually, Elena was used to sitting in silence. It was something she'd done a lot before. "It's okay." She liked the smile, she liked the blush, too, and continued to look at him even as he turned his attention back to the road. "You don't have to entertain me every second we're together, you know. I'm fine just sitting." Then she turned her own eyes ahead as they drove.
It was a pleasant ride to the cabin, and then Elena was ready to let herself out when he opened the door for her. Another pleasant surprise. She gave him a warm smile, but it faded to a slightly surprised expression. "You... you didn't need to do that." She blushed as she climbed out of the car. "I mean, it's kind of you, but... I wish you didn't have to." --
After having spent so much time alone it was hard for the man to engage in much socializition. Oh he had been making the effort since arriving here, even going so far as to invite Malia to take up residence with him as well. Yet it was a relief to be able to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet as they drove. And the fact that she was in agreement made it all the sweeter. However when he saw that frown of hers taking hold Deucalion’s own smile faded as well. It took a moment to realize what was bothering her, and the Alpha felt foolish for having mentioned the blood. In truth he simply wanted to ensure that Elena enjoyed herself while they shared drinks and company. But now the old wolf feared he had somehow ruined any hope of that. “I apologize again, Elena. I did not mean to sour the mood, or bring up such a thing...I just wished to play the role of host well.”
--
Elena felt absolutely terrible when his smile faded. She cleared her throat, tucked her hair behind her ears, and tried to think of something to say to make it better. "It's...It's okay." She folded her arms across her chest. How did this get to be so awkward? "It's really okay. I --thank you." She shouldn't be ungracious simply because he'd tried to do something kind for her.
"No, you're fine. It's really... really sweet of you." She offered him a smile. And the more she forced it, the more genuine it felt. He'd done something really sweet, actually, and she was touched. She just wished more than anything that... well, that she could be a normal girl. Not the kind who needed blood.
"I'm excited to see this spread." --
The awkward dance had left the man feeling at a loss for what to say or do to make it better, yet when she offered an out; remarking about her excitement to see the setup he had provided, Deucalion seized on that moment to try to push past the quickly de-railing moment. “Very well then, shall we?” With a gesture towards the front entrance of the cabin the Alpha led the way, once again opening it for her. The smell of the various dishes and appetizers flooded over his enhanced sense, and the slightest growl was heard as the wolf’s mouth watered. Oh there was no denying the sheer volume of drinks since the dozens of bottles were laid out on the table, right beside the food he had waiting for them too.
Unable to resist the urge he snatched up an appetizer with a single claw, and after devouring it rapidly he grinned once more. “By all means, please help yourself. I’ve got a few more dishes warming in the oven, and the blood is in the fridge too. It will just be a moment to check on the rest, so make yourself at home my dear.” --
“Yes, please.” It was quite the spread, Elena could tell the moment the door opened. She could smell it all, and it all smelled good. She heard him growl, and her head snapped over to look at him. She was more amused than anything else this time, and a little smirk came to her face. A naughty thought crossed her mind at that moment, something to do with the growl. She pushed it aside.
Elena couldn’t help the grin on her lips as she watched him snag a snack. She chuckled softly. “Don’t mind if I do.” Then she moved into the dining room area to start picking at the foods while he finished up in the kitchen.
With an amused smile in her voice, she called out to him from the dining room, “I would worry about you trying to make a girl fat. If that was possible for me.” ---
Even as the wolf quickly headed into the kitchen to check on the rest of the food Kalia had snuck her way into the dining room. Oh she had tried to get at a few little things while Deucalion was away, yet now that the covers had been taken off of the food dishes, well the kitten couldn’t resist the urge. It took a little effort to climb and clambering her way up to the table, yet when she was successful at last the tiny tabby mewled with delight as she stalked closer to the platter of jumbo shrimp.
For his part the Alpha did his best to make things quick; pulling out a tray or two from the oven, checking on the remaining items, and at last grabbing a blood bag from the fridge too. When he returned to the dining room at last the old wolf paused as he spotted his kitten upon the table, yet with his hands full presently all the man could do was chuckle and nod to the black little ball of fur. “Would you mind grabbing her before she devours the whole platter?”
--
Elena was aware of the kitten, but since she wasn’t really used to animals (they didn’t have family animals in her house growing up, and she didn’t have any as a “grown-up” [if that’s what she was now]) she didn’t think of it as being a problem to have the kitten on the table. She was too busy picking at the food and getting lost in her thoughts.
Then Deucalion was back, and Elena finally noticed that Kalia was dangerously close to demolishing the jumbo shrimp. Elena broke into a smile and reached over to pick up the kitten. “Roger that.” She laughed. “She’s purring. She must be in kitten heaven.”
---
That precious kitten may have tried to offer far more resistance to being picked up, if her complete attention wasn’t honed into the single piece of jumbo shrimp that she had managed to snag before being pulled away from the table. Even as the little tabby purred and nibbled away at the treat the Alpha continued to grin as he set down the trays. “Oh you should have seen Shadow when he was given over a large portion of the bear steaks, and the bone. I swear that pup’s tail was just as likely to fall right off with how fast it was wagging.”
Deucalion’s laughter filled the room as the memory played across his mind, and a moment later he carefully set the blood bag beside the drinks before moving to fix himself a plate. “I took the liberty of ordering most of the food to be catered from a few restaurants across Preya. It’s not really standard human custom during a tasting, but with my metabolism...and the sheer volume of alcohol we have to sample, well I thought it fitting that we had something to snack on during our little mead and brew tasting adventure.” --
"Shadow?" Elena asked. Things had changed in Deucalion's house, and she hadn't entirely been appraised. Though, there was a different feel, she could tell. She bent down to set the kitten on the floor, then brought her attention back to her host and the food. "You have a new dog?"
She picked up a plate to pile on some food. Not too much, but a sampling from each of the dishes. Then she settled in a chair, curled her legs under her, and started to nibble.
"I think it's a good idea. Something to cleanse the palette between tastings?"
--
A quizzical expression was seen on his face when Elena inquired about the dog, and after considering it for a moment Deucalion’s surprise gave way to a dark blush. “I apologize...it’s been a strange week, and a hectic one at that. With all the commotion you and I haven’t really had the chance to talk much of late.” The man paused for a moment, setting aside his plate and moving to pour her a glass of the Bochet mead, before speaking up once again. “I extended an invitation to a young woman from back home to stay here with me. She was in need of a place, and the guest room was not in use. So Malia and her pup Shadow have taken up residence here.”
The fact that Malia wasn’t home presently didn’t trouble him at all, since the Alpha figured she would be back sooner or later. Oh he already made a mental note to set aside a few portions of the choice selection, and Shadow’s bowl was already filled with the finest cuts of pork tenderloin too. After handing her the glass the old wolf poured himself one as well, taking a seat across from her and smiling softly as he took a sniff of the contents of the glass. “Shall we begin the tasting?”
--
One of Elena's gently manicured eyebrows rose at the dark blush on his cheeks. And then he mentioned a young woman from back home, and a small bloom of jealousy blossomed within Elena's chest. She hated it, felt she had no right to be jealous of anything--she and Deucalion were just friends--but she couldn't help it. It only took a swallow for her to push that feeling away. Or at least, attempt to.
But when Deucalion mentioned that it was Malia, Elena knew who he was talking about. She still wasn’t absolutely convinced that there wasn’t something going on between Malia and Deucalion, but… well, there wasn’t. Right? She’d gone shopping with Malia.
“Oh. I didn’t realize that Malia was living here. She said she’d recently moved.” Elena said. Her impression of him grew a little, as she realized that he was kind and generous to open his doors to a friend. Hopefully just a friend. Not more than a friend. "It must feel a bit less alone to have someone else living here."
Then she sat up a little in her chair. "Yes, please. What are we tasting first?"
--
A simple nod was the man’s only response to Elena’s remark for a moment, as he focused those enhanced senses onto the mead. After savoring the scent of it for a few seconds longer the Alpha finally paused to take a small sip. The Bochet mead was quite delicious and he enjoyed the dark clear liquid too. That caramelized honey, the elderberries, black raspberries and blackberries too...all of it added to the experience and certainly caught his attention. When her voice was heard again the Alpha looked up from the glass, offering another soft smile before nodding once more. “It has been good to have company once again, and the training sessions have certainly been amusing too.”
The question warranted a brighter smile and as the wolf held up his glass he spoke up once again. “This is a Bochet mead. It’s a favorite of mine, and I thought it deserved to be the first we sampled.”
--
Elena swirled the liquid around in the glass, then lifted it to sniff at it with her vampire senses. She could smell berries and sweetness, and an aspect of something a bit stiffer, stronger. That eyebrow bounced gently, playfully, amused by that idea. "Training sessions?" She asked. Who was training whom?
"Bochet," she repeated, then sipped carefully from the glass. A small sip. Just enough to taste. And her mouth exploded with flavor. (Figuratively, obviously.) She let her eyes fall closed as she enjoyed her other senses.
--
After taking another slow sip, and savoring the divine mixture of ingredients, the wolf turned his gaze back to his companion when she raised the question. “Indeed. I had started training her and the young Alpha, back home. When we found each other here she asked to continue the training. Granted it’s a bit easier since we aren’t in the midst of a war any more, so things have been going well of late.” Between the strength training, combat training, and self defense lessons the wolf had no doubt that Malia would be skilled enough to handle herself if the need arose to fight for her pack. “I first tasted this particular brand years ago, and those subtle notes of fruit captured my attention right away. Oh there are so many delicious other kinds of mead too, but this...well it was always something of a treat for me.” Even as he spoke Deucalion’s eyes closed for a moment as he inhaled the appealing scent of the mead again.
--
Elena didn't hide her flash of jealousy as well this time. It moved across her face for a moment before she was able to curb it. There was training going on? That meant they were more than just roommates. But they weren't more than friends. Elena silently chastized herself for even thinking that. It was silly, and wasn't her place.
"A war?" She asked, lowering the glass. "There was a war in your world?" That she hadn't heard before.
She set her glass down on the table. "I taste... berry. It's got sweetness to it." Then she felt a little silly, hoping she was right about the drink. "Right?"
--
That sudden and subtle shift in her expression caught the Alpha off guard for a moment, yet when he recognized the emotion behind it Deucalion found himself blushing once more. “She is simply a friend, and a pupil of sorts, my dear. Malia was kind enough to give me a chance when most others were not, and in turn I’ve done what I could to help her since Scott wasn’t around.” Granted even with Scott appearing here it was just as likely that the old wolf would continue on, since this McCall seemed to come from a time before even knowing Malia.
“Indeed. The hunters were trying to wipe out McCall’s pack, along with the rest of the supernatural residence of Beacon Hills. I was asked to lend a hand, and after training them...well that was when the attack happened, the one that cost me my life.” With a sigh his free hand absent mindedly moved to his chest, fingers resting over the sweater where he had been shot.
Luckily she spoke up once more, and drew him from those darker thoughts. “Quite right! That is caramelized honey, the elderberries, black raspberries and blackberries too that you are tasting.”
--
Elena exhaled, a little embarrassed that she was relieved by his words, a little embarrassed that he'd explained himself and his relationship with Malia. She shrugged, turning her eyes to the glass in front of her. "It's none of my business," she offered quietly. "I'm glad you've got friends here. You deserve them, you deserve the best." Then she flushed.
He spoke of it so easily, and Elena's brow furrowed. She didn't like thinking about him dying. "They owe you a great deal, then." It was a shame that they didn't know it. Not all of them, anyway."
With a bright smile, relieved she hadn't just made a fool of herself over the mead, she lifted the glass again to sip from it. "It's not too heavy. You know? Not too thick?"
-- For the briefest of moments Deucalion considered saying something else; considered pressing the matter a tad more, yet when she averted her gaze he thought better of it. After all that last thing he wanted to do was make matters awkward. “I’ve started to forge a few meaningful connections with some terrific people, and you are certainly counted among that number, Elena.”
The matter of being owed didn’t sit right with the Alpha at all; because he knew that he had been the cause of such considerable pain and loss over the years. For the wolf it was a matter of repaying the kindness he had been shown, and so when she mentioned that he was owed the wolf simply shook his head slowly. “I am owed nothing at all, my dear. I do what I can, what I must, to aid those who showed me compassion when I did not deserve it.”
Oh she hadn’t made a fool of herself at all. In truth Deucalion wanted a genuine reaction and opinion, both of which Elena was providing. “Well done. And does this particular mead seem like something you’d enjoy again, or is it too sweet for your palate?”
--
Elena's eyes flicked up at him through her long, dark lashes. She wore a gentle smile and a full flush as she replied, "I feel the same way." And then she left it at that.
"Perhaps, then, it is simply a case of people becoming allies." Elena knew very well about people who became allies after struggles, and of people who were given second chances who didn't necessarily deserve it. She was glad it was working out for him for the best.
"Not too sweet, no," she gave him a smile. "I think I'd enjoy it again. But do you want to let me try another?"
--
Matters of the heart had never been the old Alpha’s strong suit; after all so much of his time had been consumed with his pack’s well being, and then with the war he was waging against the hunters. Now though, well now that he had an abundance of time and no pack of his own...well it was a challenge to make sense of what he should do. That look she gave him certainly had a dark blush sweeping across his face once more, and he cleared his throat for a moment in that oh so English way.
“Allies...indeed. Conflict does have a way of drawing people together, and even enemies can become something else when a new foe is threatening so many.” Granted the prospect of fighting again did not sit right with Deucalion, since he was doing his best to cast off that old blood stained life. Yet if the need arose, well the wolf knew that he’d do what he could for those he cared for.
When she inquired after a different sample the man simply nodded and grinned. A moment later the Alpha was already on his feet, pouring two new glasses, and after handing one to her he sat down again. “Very well then, let’s see how you favor the Habanero Capsicumel mead. It is a vastly different flavor than the prior one, and it carries a tad more kick to it as well.”
--
Enemies sure had a way of becoming something else. Elena was relieved to have that to think about--Caroline and Klaus and all she’d learned about the two of them--than how the blush crossed Deucalion’s face and the tightness it stirred inside her belly. She shrugged her shoulders. “Coming together is good.”
Then they were on to the next glass. Elena perked up a bit. “Kick? Sounds spicy.” Habanero was a type of spicy pepper, wasn’t it? She wasn’t afraid of anything, though, and lifted the glass to examine its contents. “You only live once.” She said, giving him a bright grin--funny, considering that she had lived and died and come back… then she took a sip from the glass. Maybe a little larger than she’d planned. For emphasis.
...it had more than a tad of a kick to Elena. She swallowed quickly, then coughed and laughed, and reached for some bread from her plate to chew on. “Wow.”
--
For the briefest of moments a hint of red flashed in he man’s eyes; not out of rage but something else altogether as her words reached his ears. There was no denying that she was exquisite. No denying the fact that her beauty was seemingly matched by her kindness too. All of that formed quite an alluring prospect, yet the Alpha was unsure how to feel about it. Such dalliances weren’t exactly rare, well despite the obvious fact that she was a vamp and he a wolf. Still for Deucalion matters of the heart were rare.
A genuine laugh rumbled from his at her remark, and his smile matched her own too. “Well technically that is not quite true for either of us, yet the sentiment remains the same.” With a little salute the Alpha raised his own glass, following suit as he sipped it when she did. There was certainly a kick to the mead, yet the taste of honey paired so well with the pepper too. Oh the wolf licked his lips as he savored another sip, and when she reached for the bread he chuckled once more...before downing the contents of the glass in one gulp. --
It sounded like each of them was enjoying their second chance--second life--after having lived once already. It was ironic, and mostly Elena's point. They had to enjoy themselves, and make the most out of things. Otherwise it was a waste.
She set the glass down and shook her head. The heat was balanced with sweetness, but she wasn't sure she liked it. It was too much in one sip. The smile on her face broadened at his gulp, though. “You like that one.”
-- The man had hoped for a fresh start of thing; a chance to live a simpler and quieter life. So far that dream was proving to be a very real possibility, and nights like this one gave the wolf hope for the future too. Elena’s smile was infectious, and Deucalion chuckled anew as she shook her head. The heat of the mead wasn’t for everyone, and while the Alpha enjoyed it well enough, it wasn’t in his top five or ten. “It’s not bad at all, a bit much for a casual drink though. I think I would still take the first batch over this one, without question.”
Without missing a beat he moved once again, collecting their glasses and putting them aside. When that was done the old wolf moved to the table and selected another bottle, carefully looking across the selection until he spotted something that caught his eye. A soft smile tugged at his lips as the man poured two new glasses, and when that was done he returned to Elena; handing her one of them before grabbing a seat again. “Let us see if we can’t find something more suited to your tastes, my dear.”