Kiss the Bottle

vervain "A very wise decision, sir." Vervain's grin grew wilder still, for a moment, almost wishing her lucky fool was around to hear himself being spoken about so poorly. Devrum would eat this poor man alive - and she wasn't even sure herself whether she was being metaphorical. Still, she was drawn from that train of thought by the sight of the punter-turned-barkeep rising to his feet so eagerly to join her. A spark of relief flew through her; at least this would help to settle the masses clamouring for drinks. She nudged him amicably. "Willing to help, eh? That is the right attitude. Ah, but of course. My name is Vervain, but you can call me Vai. Most people do." She stepped aside and gestured for him to go ahead with the next person waiting. "Simple enough. Do what I did for you, and get the lovely lady a drink. Don't forget yours, by the way." She nodded at his ale, before joining him in dealing with the crowd at the bar. "What'd you call yourself, stranger?" she asked him conversationally.