Rabbit Hole Carnival: Outliners

“Oh hey Joshua.” Renee said as he entered. “Welcome to the  Rabbit Hole Carnival, what drink will be your festival?”

“So this is the girl you still want to tie us to?” Joshua's father asked.

“I thought we raised you better than this?” Joshua’s mother added. 

“You did.” Cel said, as she and Cody walked in. “That’s  the problem you are having.”

“Mother, farther?” Joshua said. His usual privileged demeanor clearly in place. “You both said you give it a chance, so please just have a drink.”

“And if we don’t like it?” Joshua’s father said.

“We will cover that after.” Joshua replied.

Joshua’s mother sat down. “Something white wine like in character, and with always a bit of surprise.”
“We do have some that fits that bill, but you have 2 or 3 for the latter to sink in.” Renee replied. “Well the gentlemen being have anything? And maybe we serve the other seeing as they all came.”

“Sorry I'm late!” Susie said walking in. “You know my order, if you’re getting stuff.”

“Likewise.” Cel replied.

“Cody I actually have a new regular for you” Renee said. “Again. Yes I know but—”

“Please don't act like I mind.” Cody said. “Because you know me, and I don’t”

“Right then.” Renee replied. “One Fruit Roulette, one White Owl, One Floating Leaf, and One Autumn’s Anchor.”

“Quite the crowd.” Nick replied. “Any mind if I help?”

“I do.” Joshua’s father replied. “I’m quite tired of this peasant girl’s confidence. I will honor and respect my family's request. But that request was to see this girl give top service, so let her give top service.”

“Sir, I will gladly do that.” Renee replied. “But to do that may require him making something I can’t. Depending on your answer. See there are two drinks on the menu that are unique. In the sense I refuse how to learn how Daddy made one, and he refuses to learn the first drink I ever made. Certainly some who value family as much as you can respect that.”

Joshua’s father nodded. “What is your question?”

“Do you want something that speaks to your pride or something that speaks to respect for history?” 

“I’ll take a Lantern's Oath.” Joshua said, "Seems interesting.”

“Serve the others.” Joshua’s father replied.

“Not so much of a peasant girl anymore, huh?” Renee giggled. “I got it for now, daddy.”

“Should I need it, I'll  be doing more inventory.” Nick said, and walked away.

Right then.” Renee replied, and one in and out of the backroom. “One Fruit roulette, and one white owl… one Floating leaf, and Autumn’s Anchor... And one Lantern's Oaths.”

“Yep, love this.” Cody said.

“You did warn I’d need 2 or 3.” Joshua’s mother said. “Make the other 2?

“Can do.” Renee replied, and gave two more 

“Every time I drink I wonder how you even manage this.” Susie said. “Alcohol is not suppose taste like tea. You shouldn't be able to do that!”

“I feel that way about White Owl.” Cel said “it’s literally every drink. Which isn’t how that isn’t supposed to work.”

“It could take a few tries for that worth.” Renee said. “Like more than most drinks do, but I got there in—”

“What. Black. Magic. Is. This?” Joshua's mother asked.

“It’s what you order.” Renee said. “A white like alcohol surprises you. So Fruit Roulette.”

“Oooh. That makes sense.” Cel said.

“How does it make sense?!” Joshua's mother said.

“Mother’s it in the name.” Joshua said. “Fruit Roulette.”

“Miss Shem?” Joshua's dad replied. “Server a Clockwork… it seems I have a few things I wish to learn.”