Re: Headed TO THE BAR (Vanessa, Idris, open)
There passed a mutual feeling of near affection and understanding between Vanessa and Victor, and Idris arched his brows accordingly in curiosity--it was not that it bothered him, for surely it didn't, but nonetheless, he couldn't help wondering how they'd originally met. Given that Victor was from Pax, it might've been there, but who knew? It was another mystery that the much calmer (and sober, for that matter) man hadn't yet offered up for Idris' inspection.
It wasn't fair that Vanessa had to sit in the middle of them as if she was a mediator of sorts, but she didn't seem to mind. Rather, she was enjoying herself, drunk or not. Let it be said, at the very least, this evening was starting off very pleasantly. It could only get better.
Idris smirked in return to Victor's comment, amused that he finally seemed to be playing along with his light banter, the briefest of provocative hints leading towards a final confrontation. Suppose the bar wasn't big enough for the two of them. He laughed at that thought, drunk as he was.
"Get him something else, too, Vanessa. Don't let him sit there making jokes on the sly without participating in the real fun. That's not fair of him." Idris gave Victor a sidelong glance before continuing. "On second thought, I don't think you're worthy enough to be called 'The Duke.' What heroic acts have you done lately?" He nudged Vanessa gently with his shoulder. "How'd you two meet, anyway? Don't tell me sheriff over there saved you from bandits at Pax."
Why Idris was suddenly so concerned with this recently introduced neighbor of his he didn't know, and he didn't think that even if he were in his right mind he'd be able to explain why. It felt right to jab at Victor, to try and stir things up, the same as it felt right to flirt with Vanessa, to lead her along as it suited his needs. This breed of arrogance was not entirely Idris', truthfully. But for now, he'd blame it on the tequila.