[To be fair, Asbel had considered giving Hubert's cheeks a pinch, but he figures there'll be other chances to tease him. Messing with his little brother right now would just be mean, and he's actually pretty grateful. Despite his complaints, Hubert still came all the way out from Strahta to support him.]

I don't know. 'Refreshing' almost sounds too elegant for that bunch. [Asbel grins across the bed at Richard.]

But yeah, I get what you mean. It's nice when you don't have to worry about offending other people or dressing just right. Maybe that's why I prefer parties like this - everyone can just kind of be themselves, have fun...

[Asbel stretches as he tries to decide how to answer, the muscles in his arms tense from pulling Hubert across town. It's weird. He really did enjoy himself, but somehow it feels like he enjoyed it less than he should have.]

Yeah, of course. I can barely remember the last time I was able to unwind with the townspeople when there wasn't something else going on that needed attention. And it's been a long while since we got together like this.

Thanks for coming, Richard. I'm glad you could make it tonight.