I’ll choose the wine and you can open the bottle.

“Death is a mug’s game!”
In the fourteenth century Hob Gadling boasted he had too much to live for and wasn’t going to die.

It’s the twenty-first century and even though there have been some changes, she still has too much to live for.

Yes, yes I do.

Belle, you now have an open invitation to visit my wine cellar…

You look like trouble. *Winks*

You are too kind Ruby, thank you.

Let’s see what kind of trouble I can get into today.

Oh man, do I have spinach in my teeth again?

Now the pressure is on. It’s times like this that I’m glad I own a tavern. I do my best thinking in the wine cellar. Now where did I leave that corkscrew?

When you’ve seen almost everything, take a second look. You might be surprised.

Hmmm… This will take some careful consideration

Is this a pass or a fail?

I wouldn’t call myself an asset. But I certainly know who you are.

@thatlocalnerd.bsky.social

Thank you Ruby! You would think that after several hundred years I would learn how to spell my own damn name!

Happy New Year! There is so much to look forward too!

Back at her apartment Robin took her time getting ready for dinner, after texting Kate the name of a small restaurant on the far side of the park where they met.

Not being one for grand entrances she arrived a little early. She admitted to herself that she was eager to see Kate again.

“Perfect, how does 7:30 sound?” Robin threw Kate a little wink and leaned close to say quietly. “If you hadn’t already guessed, I’d rather not wait either.”

Robin laughed and rolled her eyes. “I must be out of practice. I was going for alluring and mysterious.” Accepting her phone back from Kate, she asked, “Tonight or tomorrow, for dinner?”

“I like that idea. Who knows perhaps I could be convinced to share a few secrets of my own.” Robin’s smile was warm and inviting.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well Kate.” Robin’s smile became a little smirk. “What do you do with those lovely muscles of yours, besides captivating all the girls here in the park.”

Robin laughed aloud. “Sharing my name is a small price to pay then. I’m Robin Galding.” She offered the redhead her hand.

// I just discovered that DMs have a character limit. I guess that’s one way to keep my overly long replies under control. 😂

“Hmmm,” Robin tapped her chin while giving Kate’s arms the consideration they were due. Stroking the redhead’s bicep with a fingertip she said, “It would appear to be a complete success.”

“Partially?” Robin grinned and raised an eyebrow. Her tone was playful as she continued, “Is there more or are you satisfied with a partial success?”

“Show off,” Robin says jokingly as she watches.

Robin accepts the hug, squeezing Ruby tight and lifting her feet off the floor. “Extra nice eh? I’ll have to work on that.”

“You are very sweet Ruby. You always have been. I’ll have to be extra nice to make it up to you.” She grinned.

“If the old friends are still willing to talk to me, yes.” Robin flashes an embarrassed grin.

a cartoon of a panda and a brown bear hugging each other with a heart in the background . ALT: a cartoon of a panda and a brown bear hugging each other with a heart in the background .

Hello!

So much time has passed and everyday there are new things to see, new adventures to experience and new people to meet. God it’s great to be alive.