Wine and music

[Aurora]

A nod, “Ah. Sometimes it good to change things up. This was pretty much the same for me, more relaxed, less crowded and loud.” Nightclubs were her usual haunt. Not piano bars.

Her head tilts slightly in confusion. Yes, no?

“Oh, ok,” that was new. “sure, thank you.” She’d never had some turn down her offer to buy them a drink. That threw her. “Though I think it’s only fair you let me get the next one then.” Because why not?

“You mentioned regular haunts, what places catch your eye?”

[Campanella]

"Good. Good. Yes, of course."

The Moros chuckled and shifted, about to move. He paused at Aurora's question and thought for a few moments.

"I usually prefer irish pubs - the kind that dig deep to create a specific mood or ambience. Otherwise I favour restaurants with a degree of class. Assuming I want to eat out. Otherwise - art galleries, theatre, opera."

He made his excuses and went straight to the bar to order their next round. When he returned he carried on as if the break had not occurred:

"And yourself? You prefer the more energetic night life, I take it? Or are your tastes in the process of changing?"

[Aurora]

With him getting the drinks, she had a moment to think on what he answered. A smile when he returned,

“Irish pubs? Can’t say I’ve been to a good one in years. Any good ones in the city?” the others, she didn’t know much about. “Cannot say I know much on the others. Never really taken in a show, it’s usually been me performing.” A small embarrassed smile. "By theater do you mean plays? If so, what's your favorite to see?" she could make an attempt and see it.

“Usually, yes. But lately they just don’t have the same feel. So I believe my tastes are indeed changing.” Glancing around, “Hence this place. Not a usual haunt, but somehow, more enjoyable. Maybe the music,” picking up her glass, “maybe the company.” Taking a sip, letting the comment sit for a second, “Or the wine."

[Campanella]

Campanella placed the two glasses on the table and dropped into a seat, not very much at ease.

"There are a few that can capture the right ambience. The one's I like are a little obscure - for the locals and not the tourists, you understand." There was a gleam in his eye.

"Oh me? I prefer older works: Shakespeare, Milton, and Johnson. That is just my preference. But don't think I won't go to see more contemporary works. It really depends on the company and the director."

He chuckled, lapsing into a quietly smug, cat-like smile.

"And of course, then there is the social dimension. I've often gone for the socialising before and afterward. Mix work and pleasure. Network."

Now he reached for his glass and swirled it experimentally.

[Aurora]

A brief nod, “But those are the best ones. Perhaps you can be persuaded to share the location of one of the pubs.” She could be pervasive, but this was different. The confidence was there, but not.

Ok, everyone knew Shakespeare, she had that. “Shakespeare has some remarkable work, but it’s been some years since I’ve read any. Though I confess to having not seen any live. Does it add anything to the play?” she hadn’t read much, but some here and there. Especially after seeing a movie. “The others I can’t say I’ve heard of.” More wine, that was the answer.

A smirk appears, “Wait, you went out for socializing?” teasing him, “And is that why I have the pleasure of sharing a drink with you tonight?” coyly eyeing him from behind her glass as she took a sip.

[Campanella]

"Milton was a contemporary. Johnson was a successor." Campanella spoke absently as he took his drink and sipped.

Smiling mischievously he added.

"There is a little pub hidden away <here> . Downtown, away from the street, down the alley. You need to keep an eye out for the alley otherwise you'll miss it. They have gone to some lengths to spruce up the alley and there are a few more eateries and drinking haven's hidden there. Most of those seem to attract the professional crowd but the pub... the pub keeps to its own."

Now Campanella laughed. He put down his drink, ran a finger across his lip.

"Socialising. Work. Networking. Half of my day job is relationships. I can assure you, it is not for pleasure. Unlike the present."

[Aurora]

The names were filed away, something to look into later. “If you were to recommend one or the other, which would it be?”

Not quite sure what to make of that smile, not one she saw from him. But it draws her in, her eyes widening slightly as she listened. A mischievous smile appearing, “See, now I’m even more curious, how were you able to find it?” she asks, “I have to say, you’re proving to be a man of many surprises tonight.” She always suspected there was more to him then he let on.

Her eyes follow the movement, and she quickly looks down at her glass, taking a sip, a little flustered, cheeks flushed.

Clearing her throat, she refocuses, “It’s nice to know I’m not the only one enjoying the company. We should do it again sometime. If I can tempt you away from your work that is.”

[Campanella]

"Mmmm." Campanella grunted as he sipped reflectively from his glass.

"I'd recommend Johnson. Milton was cheap and crude in his day and it really shows."

He turned silent for a moment as he collected his thoughts.

"The pub? I happened on it accidentally - twice. First time, I saw it in passing as I went to meet a client at another wine bar. The bar had been located at the entrance of the alley - its gone now, replaced by a small restaurant specialising in coffee and light meals for the foot traffic. Don't know how long that will last... Ah. Yes. Second time I cut through the alley as a short cut... It was raining. A sudden shower and I got caught in it. I happened to remember the pub I had seen, and found it. I went in, more to get out of the rain, and stayed much longer than I anticipated because I found the general ambience so ... pleasant."

He leaned back in seat and gave a quick smile.

"Yes. Have you found any bars you like?"

[Aurora]

“Johnson?” a nod as the info was filed away. Looking thoughtful for a moment, “And yet it seems you still enjoy Milton’s work.” She’d probably look into both anyways.

Her mouth slowly opens in surprise, “Twice? That’s a bit more than an accident, that’s fate having fun with you. But in a good way.” Fate could be fickle…or kind. “I find those are the best accidents, going somewhere and getting lost in the ambience. So few places have that ability these days.”

Resting her chin on her hand, “It’s been a little while since I found one I enjoy. There is this really neat bar that has women dressed as mermaids swimming in tanks above the bars that’s kind of interesting. There are quite a few nice local breweries that offer tasting rooms that are fun. Quite a few provide various board and card games, so you can play a friendly game as you sample. Been a nice way to spend some evenings.”

[Campanella]

"Hmm. Well, Milton did pen Dr. Faustus," Campanella replied with a coy smile and a furtive glance about them.

"A bar with a mermaid? I didn't think there were any such places left." He chuckled.

"Local breweries? Now that... That is something that should definitely be looked into."

The coy glance transformed into a wicked gleam.