[She gives him a small, somewhat forced smile, as she toasts back.]

Cheers.

[The sip she takes from the glass is small; while her classmates back home sure liked to put away the drinks, Hope tended to avoid parties at all cost. At least it was beer and not the strong stuff Alaric always seemed to drink.]

I heard rumors and I had to check things out for myself. It seemed like it would be interesting if nothing else. What about you?