Vol. 6 - Chapter 98

Ash

By now, the celebration had finally begun to simmer down. Around half of the people who had initially been keeping the tavern packed had left while the remaining half had run out of the energy to dance and were now just lounging, sharing some slightly quieter laughs to go along with shorter, tired smiles. 

As for Ash and Keiko, however, all that had changed for them was that there were a few empty liquor bottles around them, as the two had continued to drink throughout their entire discussion. Ash didn't feel any different, of course, she simply needed the feeling of the alcohol's burn to keep her centered. Keiko, however, could not say the same. No, Keiko's drinking had been purely indulgent, as the sentiment of the festivities eventually got to her. 

How long have we been here? Ash asked herself.  Eh, whatever. Focus. It doesn't matter. This is important.