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Entry 11

The first official evening in Tbilisi progressed lazily, like someone flipping softened pages of an ancient play. Chacha was raised in exquisite toasts led by the tamada. As tradition called, one was raised to God, to Georgia, to those who were gone, to the life of those still around us, and now the next toast was beginning with what sounded like the celebrating the new birth of the host's granddaughter. As Talia looked around to the trekkers, and the natives interwoven between them - it was obvious who was used to this type of feast and who was not. The eyes of the natives were clear and bright, while the eyes of her trekmates were already swimming beneath the fuzzy stupor of the 80% proof liquid.

As for her, food and drink only affected her if she so chose. And tonight? She would separate the alcohol from her blood as easily as a toddler picked peas from a casserole.

A part of her longed to be able to drift into the drowsy laughter that floated around the circle. The way their shoulders seemed to relax with each new lift of their glass appeared inviting. She knew it was just an illuson of comfort, but even the thought of it appealed to her heart and mind.

As Talia picked up the glass, raising it in solidarity and nodding her head to the poetic praise coming from the tamada's mouth, she paused. Instead of her usual routine, she allowed the drink to pass into her system, without manipulating its effects.

She wasn't sure how many toasts were in order, but she had some catching up to do if she was going to join into the festivities.

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