"Right back at you," Barcus says to Dorian, and his smile is a little shyer, but his handshake is firm. "I wish I could tell you the place is always this festive, but it really is not. It's nice that you're getting the best face forward."

"Still...I can't help but feel there's quite a lot here worth saving."

His smile widens a little at Orym's comment, but Ashton speaks up before he can respond. He does blush, faintly, but rest assured, he won't let it slide for too long. "You chose the drinks, my dear. I was drinking water until you showed up."

A clearing of his throat, and then: "But never fear, I won't expect another ride tonight. I'm not clear on whether you can handle two at once, and I would hate to overwhelm you."