“Of course there is, but if there isn't...?” Bethan repeated coldly, parroting back the inconsistencies within that one statement – she didn't want anyone fooling her, especially when it came to free food. Raizel sounded awfully certain for someone who clearly didn't know – and the reason the barmaid was so quick to recognize it was likely because she made the same sort of statements all the time.“Either there's food or there's not. Which is it? That's all I'm saying,” she added bluntly, sounding far too much like her mother for comfort.

When it came down to it, it seemed like food was going to end up being the deciding factor in this whole ordeal, as was often the case in matters involving Bethan Ellis. If she didn't already have dress robes it may have been another story, but the truth was, it might not have been the worst thing in the world to get another use out of the dress she'd acquired on the Shopping Trip from Hell. Granted, Bethan regarded every shopping trip as The Shopping Trip from Hell, but shopping for evening wear was particularly painful – admittedly, more painful than actually wearing it, as long as the creepy grandfather types kept their comments to themselves. Mum would be thrilled that she'd be masquerading as a girl again, that was for sure. She couldn't believe she was actually agreeing to this. She looked on jealously as Raizel downed most of her drink. Why was it that every time this witch showed her face in the pub Beth felt like she needed one?

"I'll find out what time it starts at and send you word.  Can you apparate? Or do you want me to come and get you?”

“Can I apparate?” Beth parroted again, coming very, very close to rolling her eyes. “How old do you think I am?” she asked, chuckling incredulously and giving her head a shake. “Yeah, I walk to work everyday, from Swansea. It's why I'm in such great shape, isn't it?” the wide-hipped girl snorted. Merlin's knickers, did she think she'd been dealing with a sixteen year old this whole time? “I'll get there,” she insisted. 

Raizel's knowledge of the United Kingdom's geography was both detailed and limited.  There were swathes that she knew very very well:  the streets of Hogsmeade, for instance, which she visited once a week on errands for the bank.  But most of the country was a vast mystery to her.  This mysterious place called Swansea could very well be just down the road, in the part of the magical village that she didn't usually have reason to visit.  But at least for now, she was willing to take Bethan's sarcasm at face value, as much as she slightly suspected that if she didn't come to personally escort her, the girl wouldn't show up.

"All right.  Then I'll send you word," she said briskly.  On second thought, it probably would have been safer to insist on picking Bethan up, but now she'd committed.  She'd simply have to hope that the barmaid carried through.

"Keep an eye out for the owl."  She eyed the younger witch for a moment, as if trying to decide whether she should tack on a threat or not, but finally decided to simply let it go.  If Bethan didn't make an appearance, she'd find a way to manage.

"I will see you then.  And thank you for the drink," she added, as she turned to go.  From the sound of it, the game on the Wireless had just gotten started -- a collective moan went up from the crowd as an early attempt on goal proved unsuccessful.  Raizel gave the barmaid a matter-of-fact nod.  She'd much prefer to escape now, before things got any more chaotic.  "Good luck with your crowd tonight."