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<Moon Dancer> ::MD saunters out of the kitchen, a slight spring in his step. He smiles as he walks around the bar, to the front door. He opens it, glances down the street, and proceeds back to the bar:: <Moon Dancer> It's going to be a good night tonight... <Moon Dancer> ::MD looks over at the hearth, and frowns only slightly:: I wonder what Adam was doing over there... Moon Dancer takes out a piece of paper, and jots himself a quick note... <Moon Dancer> ::grabs a mug, and fills it with ale, then takes a sip:: I've been away too long. Too long, indeed... <Moon Dancer> [We interrupt our regular programming for this DRAMATIC PAUSE!] Jaret walks in the door to the Hall, clad in fine black breeches, a white silk shirt, a black jacket, high boots, and his plumed hat. His rapier and main gauche sit comfortably in their scabbards. <Moon Dancer> ::noticing Jaret:: Milord Malkier! I take it you made it back safely from Arabel? I'm sorry we were ... separated, my friend... Zoya strolls through the door, leather bag slung over her shoulder. She pulls the hood from her face as she walks in and takes a look around. She sees MD behind the bar, yelps happily, and practically *flies* toward the bar. She leaps over it and gives him a huge hug. <Zoya> DANCER! You're BACK! Yb comes out from behind the bar and GLOMPS Jaret. She's dressed in a white and pink jumper, her hair in pigtails tied off by pink bows. <Yb> Hiya Uncle Jaret! Didya miss me?!? <Moon Dancer> ::jumps at Zoya's enthusiasm:: It would seem so, ma'am. Can I ... ::stops as Yb pops up from behind the bar:: Zoya plops down on a stool and starts unslinging her pack. <Jaret> ::waves a hand at Moon Dancer's apology, grinning all the while:: Think nothing of it. The journey was quite enjoyable. I feel I should apologize to you for not trying harder to discern your whereabouts. <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Yb, sternly:: Yb? Didn't we discuss this? <Jaret> ::stumbles forward into the bar:: Uncle...? ::turns around and goes two shades closer to pale:: Well... I... <Yb> What? ::Look of TOTAL innocence:: <Zoya> Dancer, that guy... Um.... Adar? Adrak? No. Adam! That's it! Adam wouldn't let me get the rock without asking you first, so ... Zoya trails off, looking at Yb with confusion. <Moon Dancer> ::taps his foot, while drumming his fingers:: Accosting the Patrons, Yb. ::waves at Jaret:: Let him breathe... Yb notices Zoya. "Hiya! Who are you?" <Jaret> ::regains his composure:: Of course, Yb, things simply haven't been the same without you. Would you care for a . . . ::looks at Yb's attire:: glass of sarsaparilla? <Moon Dancer> [snort] <Zoya> ::offers Yb her hand:: Zoya Natovna, at your service. And you? Yb turns back to MD. "Oh." Let's Jaret go and hangs her head down. "I'm sorry." <Moon Dancer> ::smiles weakly at Yb:: It's all right. Just try to keep... calm. Yb shakes Zoya's hand enthusiastically. "I'm Yb. Wanna lollypop?" Produces a couple of lollypops the size of her head out of nowhere. <Moon Dancer> ::turns back to Zoya:: Now, what's this about a rock? <Moon Dancer> ::eyes widen at the sight of the lollypops, but he just shakes his head:: Zoya takes a lollypop from Yb and looks at it closely. <Zoya> Thank you... <Zoya> ::to MD:: There's a rock in your fireplace that I *really* need, and I was going to take it, but Adam said I had to wait for you. <Zoya> I'll fill the hole and everything. Yb starts trying to fit her entire lollypop into her mouth at once. <Moon Dancer> ::to Z:: A rock in my fireplace? Which one? <Jaret> ::shakes his head slowly to Yb:: No, thank you. I've forgone sweets lately. Training measures, you know. Zoya tucks the lollypop into her sleeves. Moon Dancer looks at Yb with a patronly look on his face. <Zoya> I'll show you. ::she starts pulling pieces of stuff out of her bag and assembling them.:: <Yb> Arr oo rain oo be ah rate megishion unca jeret? <Moon Dancer> ::shakes his head, to clear the cobwebs, before turning to Yb:: WHAT?!? <Jaret> ::pauses a moment:: No, Yb. Just fencing. I don't quite have the skills necessary for magicks. <Yb> Ah asched unca jeret if ees rain oo be ah rate megishion. <Moon Dancer> ::Blink. Blink. Blink:: <Moon Dancer> Oh. Of course. Yb takes the lollypop out of her mouth, "But you've got the clothes for it?" <Moon Dancer> ::looks at whatever it is Zoya's assembling:: What's that? <Yb> [Kudos to Matt for actually figuring that one out.] <Jaret> Clothes for it? ::looks down at his snappy attire:: I thought magicians and sorcerers were partial to flowing robes embroidered with sparkling runes of awesome power... <Moon Dancer> [No kidding. I'm impressed.] <Jaret> [liz helped. :)] Yb notices Zoya's contraption, "Can I help?!?" Jumps up and down. Zoya finishes putting together her device, and turns it on. As before, the glow in the central stone expands, slowly engulfing the entire machine. The colors pulse with life. Moon Dancer looks at Yb with a sidelong glance. <Moon Dancer> Yb? Want something to drink? Some Mist of the Peaks, maybe? <Zoya> ::to MD:: It detects pieces of The Tower. ::to Yb:: It's pretty delicate. Why don't you just sit over there and watch. Yb tugs on Zoya's sleeve, "Can I have one?" Yb turns to MD, "Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb:: Yb, Zoya's trying to show me something. Want to watch how it works? ::motions to a stool near the bar:: <Moon Dancer> ::gets a mug, and fills it with Mist, then hands it to Yb:: Here you go. Now, remember to drink it slowly - you know how the fizz makes you burp... Yb makes a big production out of climbing on to the stool as if she were about three feet tall instead of over five. Zoya waits a few seconds to make sure Yb's been distracted, then strolls over to the fireplace. Unlike before, the tentacles of her device fail to point toward the stone, or even stiffen. Yb looks at the mug. "Not that mug." Pouts "It's mean." <Zoya> How peculiar. It was there last week. Well, there's so much wild magic in this place, maybe something got mixed up. <Jaret> ::animatedly switches between watching Yb and Zoya:: Zoya starts fiddling with some controls, stopping once in a while when a tentacle wraps around her wrist to shake it off. <Moon Dancer> ::looks at the mug he handed Yb. It looks fine, but he smiles and dumps it, then grabs another:: How about this one? Is it nicer? <Moon Dancer> ::the mug starts to shake nervously:: Yb bounces up and down on her stool, "Yeah, that's the one I played marbles with!!!" <Moon Dancer> ::to Zoya, with half his attention:: Something wrong? Moon Dancer grins at Yb while he fills the new mug, and hands it to Yb... <Zoya> Well, *last* week there was a stone right about... here ::pointing to an area on the left side of the fireplace:: that my device detected. Now it says it's not there. Not even chips! <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Zoya oddly:: Really? What kind of stone was it? Yb sets her lollypop down on the bar and picks the mug up with both hands as if she were too small to be able to lift it otherwise, and, ignoring MD's warning downs half of it, little trickles dribbling down her chin. <Moon Dancer> ::MD looks at Yb, quickly placing a hand on her arm to try to slow her down:: Yb! Not so fast! Moon Dancer gets a towel from behind the bar, and wipes Yb's chin with it. <Jaret> ::whips out a handkerchief and blots the trickle of Mist dribbling down Yb's chin:: Yb, be careful... <Jaret> [*sigh* ya beat me to it] <Moon Dancer> ::smiles at Jaret as he has the same idea:: Thank you, Jaret. I feel like, all of a sudden, I need six arms and four pairs of eyes, all for You-Know-Who... Zoya continues fiddling. Slowly, all the tentacles stiffen, but they continue to point in all directions. <Jaret> ::smiles slightly at MD:: Anything I can do to be of assistance... <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Zoya's device:: My. What's that mean? <Zoya> ::frowning at her machine:: All right. This is just too much. Yb looks at Jaret and MD, "WHO?!?" Smiles at them both, oblivious and happy. <Moon Dancer> ::MD puts a hand on Jaret's shoulder:: Again, my thanks. <Moon Dancer> ::turns to Yb:: Who what, Yb? <Zoya> ::turns the device off:: Well, either my machine is broken - which I very much doubt - or the rock has already transmuted itself. ::sighs:: I *told* him I had to get the rock right away! Yb notices Zoya's device again and jumps off of her stool, "It's a urchin golem!!!!!" Points and jumps up and down. Zoya starts disassembling the machine. <Moon Dancer> ::a little confused:: "Transmuted..." This sounds serious. If I have unstable rocks in the ... ::stops again, as Yb jumps:: Yb droops along with the tentacles. <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb:: No, Yb. It's Zoya's device, remember? Yb looks at MD, "Can I have one?" <Zoya> ::sotto voce, to Jaret:: It seems like such a shame when it's the pretty ones who are touched, doesn't it? <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb:: I don't know. You'll have to ask Zoya ... _nicely_. <Jaret> ::slightly aghast, quietly, to Zoya:: I don't think you understand... <Jaret> [where's yb's staff?] <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Zoya:: Touched? Try, grabbed and drug down the road for a few miles... Yb rushes over and starts pulling on Zoya's sleeve, "Can I have one?!? Can I?!? Can I?!? Can I?!?" <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb, a little sternly:: Yb! I said NICELY... <Yb> [Out of sight at the moment. Probably behind the bar somewhere.] <Zoya> Now, dear, stop pulling on my sleeve and we'll see what I've got for you. Zoya starts rummaging through her sleeves. Yb holds her arms close and vibrates in place in an attempt to be patient. <Moon Dancer> ::walks from behind the bar, and places a hand in the middle of Yb's back:: That's better... <Zoya> My machine is very delicate and not for playing with, but Ah! I think I have just the thing. ::She pulls out a variation on the old chain-and-wood tavern toys. This one is sparkling brightly with illusions to add to its appeal:: How about this? ::She offers it to Yb:: Yb drops to all fours and starts rubbing up against MD's leg. <Moon Dancer> ::eyes widen at Zoya's gift:: Wow, Yb! What a nice gift! Are you going to ... Zoya looks down at Yb, startled. Yb looks up at MD, "Meow?" <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Yb:: Excuse me? Zoya looks up at MD <Yb> Meow? <Zoya> What a tragedy. She seems drawn to you - are you her brother? <Moon Dancer> ::closes his eyes resignedly, and begins to walk back to the bar:: <Moon Dancer> ::to Zoya:: Her brother? Not even close. At best, I'm her ex-husband... Yb sits on her haunches watching MD return to the bar with a sad look on her face. She then turns around and starts rubbing against Zoya's leg. <Moon Dancer> At worst, a scratching post... Yb looks up at Zoya, "Meow?" She has a hopeful look on her face. <Zoya> Her ex-hus-? ::even more confused, Zoya sits down at the bar, absently petting Yb's head:: I did not know the moon-touched were allowed to marry in this part of the world. <Moon Dancer> ::MD reaches under the bar, and pulls out a brown bag filled with something. He starts shaking the bag, keeping it out of Yb's sight:: <Zoya> Unless it is a... protective custody, of sorts? <Yb> Puurrr <Moon Dancer> ::the bag makes a distinctive rattling, shuffling sound:: <Jaret> ::watches MD patiently:: <Zoya> Is it wise to encourage such lunacy, Dancer? Mayhap the priests would serve her better... <Moon Dancer> ::to Zoya:: Protective, yes. Custody, no. Yb's... well, Yb's different. It wasn't my first choice, but it was either marry her, or end up dead, if I remember correctly... Yb rolls on her back on the floor, promptly moving out of Zoya's reach. She then looks up at Zoya expectantly. <Zoya> [What? kitty treats?] <Yb> [I thought it was marry her AND end up dead. :) ] Zoya looks down at Yb, trying to puzzle out what she wants. She holds out a hand, waiting for Yb to come back to it. <Moon Dancer> ::shakes his head:: Priests have all tried. It's irreversible, from what I've heard Bai tell me. We never give up hope, but... well, there are times we wish we could... Zoya looks sternly at Dancer. <Zoya> You didn't take advantage of her, did you? <Jaret> ::chuckles quietly:: Yb gets back up and walks on all fours over to Zoya so she can be petted some more. Zoya pets Yb <Moon Dancer> ::looks back a Zoya, resolute and shocked:: Take advantage of ...? I'm of half a mind to be insulted, but I'll forgive you since you don't know. <Zoya> Well, then, tell me how you came to be married - and then divorced - from a poor simple girl. <Moon Dancer> She is far from simple, and depending on her mood, _extremely_ dangerous. She decided that we had to be married, and since I value my life, I humored her until that phase passed. We almost finished the ceremony, and if she ever remembers it, then I might be in serious trouble... <Jaret> ::raises his hand slightly:: Moon Dancer, when you get a moment, I'd be forever grateful for a goblet of Arabellan Red. <Zoya> Dangerous? This... child? <Moon Dancer> We were never divorced. It's just that the personality that I married hasn't reared it's head in a while, so, technically... <Zoya> What exactly is her ailment? <Moon Dancer> ::to Jaret:: Of course... Moon Dancer picks a wine glass from behind the bar, and reaches under the bar to pick up a bucket, with a bottle of Arabellan chilling inside. <Zoya> Personality? She is Many-In-One? Oh, dear... ::looks down at the cat-Yb as if wondering if it will become a snake next:: Yb jumps up onto one of the stools, "I'll have a glass of that as well Dancer." Zoya snatches her hand back from Yb as she stands up. <Moon Dancer> Schitzo? Yep, among other things... ::notices Yb hopping up:: A glass for you, too? Is this your vintage? <Zoya> [show no fear...unless she wants to see it] <Moon Dancer> ::proceeds to uncork the bottle, and then hands the cork to Jaret:: A '34, milord Malkier. Does it meet your approval? <Yb> It's Arabellan right. Or has Jaret changed his order since I left? <Zoya> ::frowning:: I don't know the meaning of sket... skit... skit-so. But I believe I see what you mean. Zoya watches Yb from the corner of her eye, wondering what she will be this time <Moon Dancer> ::blinks at Yb:: It's Arabellan, but it's a '34. A little sour, I thought, for your palette... Yb turns to Zoya, "So what was that device of yours all about?" <Jaret> Moon Dancer, you know I trust you and your supplies! Please, simply uncork it, allow it to breathe for a minute, and pour. I am confident it will be heavenly. <Moon Dancer> ::nods to Jaret:: Of course. ::smiles, and leaves the cork in front of Jaret as he reaches for another glass:: Yb nods towards Jaret, "You think someone as successful as him could be wrong on something like this?" <Zoya> ::trying to gauge Yb's reaction as she talks:: It's meant to detect certain kinds of rocks. I thought there was one in the fireplace, but it seems to be gone now. <Jaret> ::belatedly notices the cork, picks it up, and lightly inhales. A smile crosses his face:: Mmmmm. Exquisite. Yb looks at Zoya, "Why would you be looking for shale?" <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb:: Wrong? Hardly. I just didn't know if the wine would... ::he stops mid sentence, and visibly resigns himself to Yb's madness:: Of course. A glass. Would you like some Cat Chow with that? <Zoya> It's not shale. It's... There's a Tower, here in Marsember. It moves, sometimes. I'm trying to find it. The device detects rocks associated with the Tower. <Zoya> [Oh, good, MD, *provoke* her] Yb looks questionably at MD, "What did you just imply about me?" There's a hint of anger in her voice. <Jaret> Successful? Your compliment is quite appreciated, Lady Yb, but there are days when I think it may not be wholly accurate... <Moon Dancer> ::puts the glass on the bar, then gets a double shot glass out from under the bar, which he promptly fills with a certain clear liquid of a combustible nature:: Yb ignores Zoya completely waiting for MD's reply. <Moon Dancer> ::downs the shot, and winces, then looks at Yb:: What was that? I'm sorry, but I was busy drinking... <Yb> I noticed, ::her voice is icy cold:: I believe you said something about Cat Chow. ::Yb's voice is dripping venom by the end of that sentence.:: <Moon Dancer> ::looking shocked:: Did I? If I did, I'm sorry. There have been some strays behind the Hall, and I've been slipping them food when I can... Yb looks as if she isn't buying a word of it. <Moon Dancer> They've been weighing on my mind of late, so I hope you can understand. Yb starts drumming her fingers on the bar. Moon Dancer starts wiping down the bar, where the shot glass was, to keep the varnish from peeling. <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb:: Is there something else, milady? Yb snorts and turns up her nose, pointedly ignoring MD. <Moon Dancer> ::picks up the bottle of Arabellan, and pours Jaret a glass:: <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb's chin:: Do you still want your glass of wine, milady? <Jaret> ::takes his glass, and waits to see if Yb will also be partaking:: <Yb> Wine?...Oh my, I nearly forgot! ::her hands fly to her mouth and she appears to be blushing in shame.:: <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Yb, a little confused, as her fills her glass with the Red:: Zoya frowns in confusion, wondering if this is some aspect of the current character, or if she has changed again. Yb quickly turns to Jaret, "Have you seen Lini'leah and Bai?" <Moon Dancer> ::to Zoya:: Now, milady, did I hear that you were looking for that Tower again? <Zoya> ::smiling, to MD:: Not 'again', Dancer - Still. I am still looking for The Tower. <Jaret> ::he sighs and shakes his head:: I have seen Bai, but not lately. As of the Lady Lini'leah, I fear she has remained outside of my purview. <Zoya> ::slightly deprecatingly:: Everyone should have a quest. <Moon Dancer> ::a little surprised:: Really? I thought you had given up on that pursuit... <Zoya> What made you think that? <Moon Dancer> Hmm? Oh, just a feeling I had. Any more luck finding it? Yb slams her fist down on the bar, but in a very lady like fashion, "Damn that bitch. I knew I couldn't leave the two of them alone. Probably went back to the stinking cave she crawled out of." <Zoya> Well, as I said, I thought there was a rock in your fireplace. If I'd succeeded in removing it, it would have helped in narrowing down the search. ::glances over at Yb somewhat nervously:: <Zoya> But it appears that the rock I was seeking has transmuted itself, or simply moved on... Something. <Jaret> I didn't intend to offend you, Lady Yb. I apologize if I did so. As I said, I have seen Bai around, although not in the last few weeks. <Moon Dancer> Rock in my fireplace? What makes you think that a rock here has anything to do with that tower? <Zoya> I continue the search when I can, but the Wizard's Guild takes a somewhat dim view of obvious practice in the streets - I'm not sure why, but that seems to be the case. <Yb> Oh no Jaret, ::smiles sweetly:: I don't think you're capable of insulting a lady. ::kisses Jaret on the cheek:: I just wish Bai had your good sense sometimes. <Jaret> ::smiles, and colors ever so slightly:: Thank you for the compliment, Yb. I shall cherish it always. <Zoya> Well, my device is tuned to detect rocks that are - or once were - part of the Tower. Last week, it pointed very specifically to one of the rocks in the fireplace. Ask Adam. He's the one who told me I couldn't have the rock until I talked to you. <Moon Dancer> ::widens his eyes slightly:: Practice in the streets? Milady, this _is_ Marsember, after all. I'm surprised that the War Wizards haven't had you detained yet... <Moon Dancer> Adam? <Moon Dancer> [BRB - gotta graba Halls] Yb shakes her finger at MD, "Don't you dare start pulling that made in God's image line with me Dancer." <Yb> [Because Braz needs a surprise when he gets back. :) ] <Jaret> ::eyes narrow as he tries to figure out what Yb's gotten upset about, and fails:: <Moon Dancer> [Bak. Thanks, Jeff.] <Zoya> Well, I did have a brief run-in with the Guard, but I had a nice chat with Commander Felis, and I promised I'd get their permission before practicing... But they're terribly busy - something to do with swamps - so I haven't been able to get an escort as often as I'd like. ::smiles:: <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb, shocked:: Excuse me? <Zoya> Adam. You know, that... carpenter? smith? I'm not sure what he is, but he's been tending bar in your absence. Yb waves her hand, "Oh, never mind. I swear your so dim I don't know why I married you sometimes." <Moon Dancer> ::to Z, absentmindedly:: Yes, Adam. I know who he is, he just didn't mention it in his reports... <Zoya> [here come the cold sweats] <Moon Dancer> ::MD's jaw drops. Hard:: Pardon? <Zoya> He didn't? He promised he'd speak to you about it... Yb brightens, "Oh. You're talking about someone else." <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb:: Married? <Zoya> But since the rock isn't, anymore... I suppose it doesn't matter much. ::oblivious to MD's discomfort:: <Yb> [I can just see the report now. "MD, that loon Zoya wanted to tear a hole in the wall."] <Moon Dancer> ::to Z, even more distracted:: Yes. Speak to me. About it. But he didn't. Yb takes Zoya's hand, "Ignore him dear, and tell me what all this is about." <Zoya> I... Um... ::looks back at MD somewhat helplessly, understanding too late his distraction, then swallows and looks back at Yb:: <Jaret> ::shoots a madcap grin of 'Isn't this fun!' at MD and sips some more wine:: <Zoya> Well... I'm trying to find this Tower. <Moon Dancer> ::shakes his head, to clear it somewhat, then reaches for the double shot glass. He starts looking around the bar, obviously not finding what he wants:: <Yb> So what's it look like? <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Zoya:: Ont-day ell-tay er-hay out-abay the ower-tay! <Moon Dancer> ::starts looking around the bar again, eyes semi-glazed:: <Zoya> And my device is supposed to locate it, or pieces of it... ::she pulls out her bedraggled sketch of Erdian's Tower and hands it to Yb, looking back at MD:: What, Dancer? Yb snaps at MD, "Don't you have better things to do than scaring off the customers. I swear, if we ever have any children we'll have to close this place up. I certainly can't leave you to run it by yourself." <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Yb, and then says, to no one in particular:: Anyone seen the 'Kick? Zoya catches on to Yb's current personality. She takes her by the arm and leads her toward a table away from the bar. "Men are all the same, dear. Best to just let them rant and rave and ignore them as best you can." <Jaret> ::looks around:: I thought you placed the canister back 'neath the bar, but I wasn't watching too closely. <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Zoya like she personally betrayed him to the Dragons:: <Zoya> ::when Yb looks at Zoya's sketch of the Tower, Zoya shoots a "You Owe Me" look back at Dancer:: Yb looks at the sketch of the tower for a moment, then there's a bright flash of light that knocks Yb on the floor and transforms the chair she was sitting in to rock candy. <Yb> OUCH!!!! <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Yb. Looks at the sketch she's holding, then at the stool. Then it clicks:: <Zoya> ::blink:: What on earth...? ::She starts searching her own pockets for the source of the magic:: <Jaret> ::looks from Yb to the chair and up to Zoya. And sips some more wine, and keeps watching the show:: <Moon Dancer> Yb! Are you all right? ::Walks briskly from behind the bar, to help her up - and tries to deftly take the sketch:: Yb sniffles for a few moments, then starts crying like she plans to flood the Hall and bawling like she's trying to wake the dead, "IT WAS ****MEAN***TO ME!!!!!" <Zoya> ::sotto voce:: Back to the simple. <Moon Dancer> ::Puts an arm around Yb, and tries to comfort her:: Shhh. Shhh. It's all right, Yb. It's all right... <Zoya> ::loud enough to be heard:: What was mean to you, dear? Yb glomps MD, "WAAHHH!!!!" <Jaret> [ooohh.... and that's a glomp +3, for those of you keeping score at home...] <Moon Dancer> ::MD has the air loudly squished out of him:: That's [oof!] okay, Yb... <Yb> ::sniffle, sniffle:: It was ****MEAN****!!! Zoya helps MD gently retrieve her sketch from Yb without Yb noticing. <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb, rubbing her back:: What was mean, sweetie? <Yb> The Tower was!!! WAAHHH!!!!!!!!!! <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb, confused:: The Tower? Which tower, Yb? <Zoya> ::A light appears in Zoya's eyes at the mention of the Tower:: <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Zoya, and gets a little nervous:: Yb points at Zoya, "Her Tower!! WAAHHH!!!!!!!" <Yb> "It was MEAN!!!" <Zoya> ::trying for an ad-lib:: It's not really *my* Tower, Yb... It's... It's a bad Tower, and I'm trying to find it so it can't hurt anyone anymore. ::hoping this is the right thing to say:: <Moon Dancer> ::puts a hand under Yb's chin, and lifts her head:: Her tower? She doesn't have a tower, Yb... <Moon Dancer> ::gives Zoya an even sterner look, almost challenging her to continue down this avenue:: Yb pouts at MD, "Yes she does! It's right there!" Waves her finger at the sketch. <Moon Dancer> ::pats Yb's head:: The drawing hurt you? Zoya looks protestingly at MD. <Zoya> This is just a piece of paper, Yb. It can't hurt you. Yb pouts more, "It's not a drawing, it's a Tower!!" <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb, clarifying:: It's a _drawing_ OF a tower... <Zoya> It's a drawing *of* a Tower, but I still don't think it can hurt you... <Jaret> ::sees that MD is quite occupied at the moment, reaches over to the bottle of Arabellan Red and pours himself another goblet:: Yb climbs out of MD's embrace and stamps her foot, "It is a Tower!" <Zoya> On the paper? Zoya looks up at MD, confused. <Moon Dancer> ::trying to placate Yb's inner child:: Okay, if you say so. ::turns to Zoya:: Could you put the Tower away, Zoya? <Zoya> Oh. Sure. ::folds up the sketch and tucks it into a sleeve:: <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Yb:: Is that better? <Yb> Why should she, it'll just...Oh, the archangle has visited you yet has she? <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Yb, completely confused:: Archangel? <Zoya> Arch? Angle? Yb pats MD on the head. " <Moon Dancer> [God, I hope she meant Angel and not Angle...] <Yb> Don't worry about it. I just got a little confused. <Yb> [Sorry, silly typo. :) ] <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb, increasingly confused:: Oooo - kay. Yb returns to the bar and sips her wine. <Zoya> [Well, I thought maybe she was getting into architecture after seeing the Tower.] ;) <Moon Dancer> [Wouldn't be a huge departure...] <Yb> Now Jaret, I want you to do me a favor. If that troublesome tramp ever does happen to return, I want you to make sure that Bai succeeds at winning her heart. ::bats her eyes at Jaret:: Do you think you could do that for me? <Moon Dancer> Tramp? Which tramp is that, Yb? <Yb> [True. If I had thought of it things could have gotten interesting. :) ] <Jaret> Well, I. . . I suppose I could offer advice and the like, but that really is a matter in which Bai's feelings really determine the outcome of the courtship. <Yb> That black heart dark elf temptress Lini'leah. Or has Bai lost his good sense over some other trollop while I've been away? <Jaret> ::obliquely ignoring the 'tramp' description:: <Zoya> Not to mention the lady's feelings, Jaret. <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb:: Oh. Lini. And no, he hasn't. He's been too busy looking for her to even notice any other women... <Moon Dancer> ::looks around:: Actually, I'm surprised he's not here... Yb shakes her head and sips her wine, "That child is too loyal for his own good." <Jaret> ::to Zoya, matter-of-factly:: Well, of course. Believe me, I have no intention of attempting to instruct Lini'leah on what to do. <Moon Dancer> ::curiously:: "Child?" Bai, a child? <Yb> He isn't even a century old Dancer, of course he's a child. <Moon Dancer> ::rolls his eyes:: Ah. I guess that would make me a newborn cub, then... Yb looks Moon Dancer in the eye, "And why don't you have some love interest to pursue?" Zoya thinks this is going to get very dangerous, very quickly, any time now. <Moon Dancer> ::returns her glance, a gleam in his eye:: Who says I don't? Yb smacks the bar, "Good then. I can't be matchmaking everyone who come through that door." Turns to Zoya, "What about you young lady? Where are your suitors?" <Jaret> ::hides a smile with a sip of his wine:: <Zoya> ::smiles:: I've had my share. I'm not interested in any right now. <Moon Dancer> ::chuckles to himself, relieved to be off the hook:: Yb looks shocked, "And why not? Life's far too short, even for one such as I. You have to enjoy it to the fullest." <Moon Dancer> ::whispers to Jaret:: Enjoy it while this personality is dominant... <Zoya> ::laughs:: Who needs a man to be happy? Besides, while many men are attracted to my exotic looks, they find it a strain to court a woman who is taller than they, and with a deeper voice to boot. <Zoya> It takes only a few words from me to send them on their way... ::chuckles:: Yb stops to ponder this dilemma for a moment. Yb slaps the bar again. "Got it. We have to find you an oni. Bai told me about them once. Apparently their really tall, and I better they wouldn't even notice the voice." <Zoya> A what? <Yb> [bet not better] <Yb> On oni. ::thinks for a moment:: Apparently they're like ogres only more intelligent. Some of them even practice magic. <Zoya> I see. I prefer human men, though. Less likely to try to kill you, you know. <Zoya> Really, I'm perfectly happy without a man, for now. <Yb> I bet we can find a civilized one. Why Bai was even telling me about how they had courts and nobility and everything. <Moon Dancer> ::MD looks at Yb, and shakes his head as he starts to wipe down the bar:: <Zoya> Still. All that hair. ::hopes desperately for another personality change:: <Yb> Oh, I get it. ::thinks some more:: This is going to take some real thought. Moon Dancer empties his neglected bug of ale, and pours a new one, which he takes a long drink from. Yb sips her wine. <Moon Dancer> [Five Minutes Til Ten!] <Yb> [Okay.] Yb acquires a mischievous glint in her eyes. Zoya yawns and stretches. <Moon Dancer> ::MD looks at Yb, then at Zoya:: You ladies finished matchmaking, or should I put on a pot of coffee? Yb finishes her wine, "No, I think I've worked everything out." <Zoya> Well, 'Dancer, I'm going to be off... Talk to Adam if you see him - that rock *could* come back, and it'd be nice if I didn't have to wait for you to return from your vacation before I grab it... <Moon Dancer> ::nods:: Good. Good. Anything else, milady? Yb gets up, "Zoya, can I walk with you, I'd like to hear more about this rock." <Jaret> ::sips the last of his wine, and places the goblet down on the counter:: Zoya almost winces, but controls it in time. <Zoya> Of course. <Moon Dancer> ::eyes Yb cautiously, buy says nothing. He then turns to Jaret:: Milord, a pleasure, as always. Perhaps next time, things will be less ... hectic? Zoya holds the door open for Yb (discretion, etc.) and walks out with her... Yb leaves with Zoya. <Zoya> [sure hope Zoya finds out that Yb's a mage soon...] <Jaret> ::looks out the door at the darkened alley and rises from his stool:: I really must be getting along. It's been a wonderful evening, everyone! ::to MD:: Possibly. I wouldn't expect it though! ::laughs happily, then starts for the door. As he leaves, he turns and rolls a gold coin down the bar, which rolls to a stop in front of MD. By the time it settles, Jaret is gone. <Moon Dancer> ::MD picks up the coin and starts to put it in his pocket. But, something catches his eye, and he looks down at the coin. His eyes widen to the point of falling out of their sockets, and he looks up towards Jaret ... who's gone. He sits, rather stunned:: <Moon Dancer> Well, I'll be a ... where in the name of all that's Holy did he get _this_?!? <Moon Dancer> ::MD puts the coin in the pocket of his vest as he shooes the mugs back into the kitchen, then starts to turn out the lights in the Hall, one by one:: |
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