Draiks and Angels: Survivor

7 - Drink, Ink & Seek

They found the building after around ten minutes of flying. It was made of wood and was more a large pavilion than a building. It was open on all four sides and there were many tables with chairs underneath it. One table was larger than the others, seating eight instead of just four. Seated at the table was a copper-skinned man wearing a headdress with honeycombs adorning the crown.

"Come!" he called, "You must be parched! Have a drink!"

He waved his hand and four wooden cups appeared on the table.

"I don't drink, but I appreciate the offer," Satiya declined.

"Now, now, if you want something from me, you have to keep me company!" the god replied.

The Angels and Draik looked at each other but moved to the table.

"Have any stools?" Husani asked.

The god waved his hand and the chairs in front of the cups mutated into stools. The group sat down, and each pulled a cup toward them.

"I am Acan, God of Drinks and Intoxication."

"Acan, can you help us return to our world? Or tell us where to go to find someone else who can help?" Satiya said, seriously.

"I am unable to return you to the human realm, and I don't really want to lend you my power. But I may know of someone who would."

"This is good!" Ava exclaimed, taking another drink.

"I'm glad you like it! It is made with honey and the bean-like fruit of a tree that only grows here."

Satiya looked at her cup and noticed it was half empty. Where had her drink gone?

"Looks like we need a refill!" Acan waved his hand, and the cups were full again.

"How can we find this someone?" Satiya struggled to focus on the words. Something was wrong.

"He is nearby, only a short walk to the south," Acan explained.

Husani looked at his own cup and it was empty. He giggled. He would have to warn Satiya. Warn her about what?

Tadeas looked at the people around him. All these people could die at any moment. It would be his fault, because they came here to find him. His fault, just like his parents and brother.

Ava felt warm and light. She looked at Husani. She should tell him! Tell him he is so... amazing! That she thinks about him all the time! She got up from her stool and caught her foot on the leg, falling to the ground. She laughed.

Satiya heard Ava fall, but couldn't form words anymore. Her cup was empty again. They had to get away. Doing her best to concentrate, Satiya put her hand to her head and used her magic to purge the alcohol from her brain. It would only last a short while, but it should be long enough to allow her to remove the rest from her blood and stomach. Once she finished that, she jumped up from the table and away from the cup.

"We thank you for your hospitality," she told Acan carefully, "but we need to leave now. We can't afford to wait until this wears off, so I will be hurrying it along."

"Pity," Acan waved her away and turned to his own mug.

Satiya started with Husani, purging the drink in his stomach first, then his blood and brain. Once he was sober, they held a giggling Ava and cleaned her up, then a very depressed Tadeas.

"Quickly," Satiya whispered, and led them south.

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