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<Moon Dancer> ::MD walks out from his office, pencil behind his ear, and a notebook in his hands. He's looking at the book, slightly frowning as he jots notes down:: <Moon Dancer> ::He walks behind the bar, puts the notebook down on top of it, and looks over the pages, flipping them backwards and forwards every few moments...:: * Zoya sails through the front door, pulling the hood from her head and heading toward the bar. A thin streak of white has appeared in her purple locks. * Jaret walks in. He is dressed in dark grey breeches and silk shirt. His weapons hang at their usual places at his side, knotted into their scabbards. A wide black ribbon with long dangling ends is tied around his right bicep. Some of his usual spring is out of his step. <Zoya> 'DANCER! How nice to see you! I thought maybe you'd take another vacation! ::she winks:: Surprise me with something; I'm in a good mood tonight. * Yb walks out of the kichen holding several mugs that seem on the verge of overflowing with gems, pearls, and marbles. <Zoya> ::sotto voce:: Well. That's certainly a surprise... ::normal voice:: Good evening, Yb! <Moon Dancer> ::MD glances up from his book:: Surprise you? Hmm... ::MD looks around, and settles on a tall goblet of blue glass, which he fills with a orangish substance, which foams and fogs slightly as he places it on the bar:: <Jaret> ::Jaret walks to the bar and waits until Moon Dancer has a free moment:: Just a small snifter of the Sembian brandy, if you would be so kind. <Yb> Dancer, have you seen my REALLY pretty marble? The one that changes colors? I found all the others. * Drach enters the Hall, dressed (as usual) somewhat scruffily. His one eye scans the room before he heads towards the bar. Once there, he hauls himself up onto the stool so he can see over the counter. <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Yb:: Yb? What are ... those? * Zoya notices Jaret's black armband. <Zoya> A friend? ::sympathetically:: <Moon Dancer> ::hands the goblet to Zoya:: Here you are, milady... <Jaret> ::shakes his head slightly:: A student. <Zoya> How sad. * Drach drops a coin on the counter. "Dwarven whiskey, if it's still in stock." * Yb is wearing a navy blue skirt and blouse with a white kercheif around her neck and her hair done up somewhere between a top knot and a ponytail. <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Jaret, and notices the armband:: I'm sorry, Milord Malkier. Is there anything I can do? <Yb> Good evening Zoya. <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb:: Your marble? No, I don't think I have... * Zoya takes the goblet from MD and sniffs at it delicately. <Jaret> ::again shakes his head slightly:: I'm afraid not. Just some Sembian brandy and the warm light of everyone's companionship will be enough. * Yb gestures with the mugs, "These are my marbles. But I can't find the REALLY retty one." <Moon Dancer> ::to Drach, absentmindedly:: Dwarven whiskey. One moment, milord... * Zoya takes a tentative sip of the drink. <Moon Dancer> ::looks behind the bar, and finds a short glass. He fills it with whiskey and places it on the bar:: <Zoya> Mm. Quite good. What's it called? ::She inhales some more orange fog:: * Yb pouts, "I was sure I saw it around here. You remember it don't you. It changes colors, and made pretty lights and was lots of fun. * Drach snorts. "That should last, oh, ten minutes." He takes a sip. <Moon Dancer> ::looks up at Zoya:: Hmm? What's that? * Jelarthna bounces spritely through the front door and executes a seperate, elaborate bow to each person in the room. In the last bow, his body jerks slightly, and a pained look runs across his face. He looks slightly haggard. <Zoya> The drink, 'Dancer. What is it? <Jelarthna> Good evening, everyone! ::Hiccup:: <Moon Dancer> ::to Zoya:: Oh. Well... ::looks at the glass he handed Zoya for a few moments:: Well, I don't know... * Zoya opens her mouth, closes it, then shrugs and drinks again. <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb:: I know which you mean, Yb. I just haven't seen it... <Yb> Good evening Jelarthna. Have you seen my marble? ::Yb sets her mugs down on the table and starts gesturing about something palm sized:: It's about this big, and changes colors and makes pretty lights and is lots of fun. <Moon Dancer> ::MD looks behind the bar, and gets the bottle he filled Zoya's glass with. Oddly, there's no label on it:: Well, it's this, whatever this is... <Jelarthna> Hmmm. I'm afraid I can't recall seeing anything like that, Yb. I'm sorry. <Moon Dancer> ::MD looks at Jel, then at Yb, then nods slightly:: * Jelarthna walks over to the bar. * Yb pouts, picks up her mugs and wanders over to the corner where she begins to set up a game of marbles with the mugs and her treasure. <Moon Dancer> ::gets a snifter and fills it about 3/4 full with Sembian Brandy, and then hands it to Jaret:: With my sympathies... <Jelarthna> Excuse me, my good man. Might I have a mug of mead, please? <Jelarthna> ::hiccup:: <Jaret> ::graciously accepts the glass:: Thank you, Moon Dancer. ::heads for an unoccupied table and sits down, facing the evening's activities:: <Moon Dancer> ::turning to Jel:: Of course. Pardon my absentmindedness, but I've been trying to balance the books... <Jelarthna> ::look of long suffering:: <Jelarthna> It's not a problem, at all. <Jelarthna> [timing was bad on that...] * Zoya looks curiously at the unmarked bottle, still sipping her drink. <Moon Dancer> ::gestures to one of the mugs, which scoots to underneath the tap just as MD starts to pour the meade out. He fills the mug, then points at Jel, where the mug briskly marches to...:: * Yb suddenly spring up, "The office. I haven't looked in the office yet." <Moon Dancer> [Yeah, looking at it, you'd think otherwise] <Jelarthna> Thank you, sir. <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb, pointedly:: Yb, not now please. I'm trying to get the accounts in order... <Drach> Books usually balance well when tied and stood on end. :: He takes another sip, scratching at his cheek :: <Yb> I promise I won't touch anything, I just want to see if my marble's in there. ::smiles sweetly:: * Jelarthna strolls over to Jaret. <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Drach askance, and grins:: Aye, but tell that to the tax collectors here. They don't understand book sculptures as well as they should... <Jelarthna> Good evening Jaret, it's been quite ::hiccup:: a while. How are you tonight? <Jaret> ::watches Himself the Elf approach:: <Jelarthna> ::grins:: * Yb starts creeping towards the office. <Moon Dancer> ::MD shakes his head at Yb:: Not now. Maybe after I'm done with all this accounting, then we'll both look for your marble, okay? <Jaret> ::to Jelarthna:: A little out of spirits. One of my more promising but headstrong students fought a duel and lost two nights ago. ::gestures at the ribbon:: * Yb pouts, "But it might not be there then." <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Yb's cup o' marbles:: Don't you have enough for now? <Jelarthna> I'm sorry, my friend. That is indeed a tragic loss. <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb:: It might not be there, but it'll be somewhere here. I'm sure of it. <Yb> Yeah...but that one's a lot nicer than any of the others. It talks to me and tells me stories. <Jaret> ::nods in agreement:: And how are you fairing? <Jelarthna> Pretty well for the most part. However, there is one problem ::hiccup:: in particular plaguing me. <Moon Dancer> Tells you stories? ::looks incredulously at Yb:: Well, I can see why you want it, but it will just have to wait, okay? <Moon Dancer> ::shakes his head as he lowers it, looking down at his ledger again:: <Yb> Okay, ::pouts and goes back to her corner.:: * Zoya tosses back the remainder of her orange drink. <Zoya> That was good. I'll have another, please. <Jaret> I'm sorry to hear that, Jelarthna. Anything I can do? <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Zoya:: Another of those? All right... ::looks for the bottle, and doesn't see it behind the bar:: <Jelarthna> Not unless you know a *very* good cure for ::hiccup::...hiccups. <Moon Dancer> ::to Z:: Did I give you that bottle, Zoya? <Zoya> Oh, yeah, I was looking at it. It was right.... ::looks around for the bottle:: <Jelarthna> ::slightly desperate:: I haven't had a full night's sleep for two weeks, it's beginning to drive me insane! <Jaret> ::furrows his brow:: I'm afraid I don't know any... ::trails off:: That's a quite unusual case of the hiccups! Have you thought of seeking out a sympathetic priest? <Moon Dancer> ::looks at the bar, where he left the bottle:: I'd swear I'd put it right there... <Jelarthna> Believe me, I've tried. I didn't visit last week so that I could look for a cure. I've tried several folk remedies, consulted the best apothocaries in town, and spend nearly everything I had left on priests. <Zoya> Me, too... <Moon Dancer> ::MD strolls down the length of the bar, scanning for the bottle of orange stuff:: * Zoya looks under the bar on the Patron's side, in case the bottle got knocked off the bar by accident:: <Zoya> ::absently, as she's looking:: I know one sure cure for the hiccups, but you don't want to do it. * Jelarthna almost runs over to where Zoya is sitting. <Jelarthna> What? Please, tell me! <Moon Dancer> ::MD starts walking backwards, and kicks something, which has a distinctively glass-shattering-on-the-floor sound to it:: Blood and ashes. <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Zoya, resignedly:: Want anything else? <Zoya> If you find a *really* good chiurgeon, you can have a straw put in your throat. ::she describes a tracheotomy with her hands:: Very painful. But if you breathe through that, you have to breathe so slowly that you don't get hiccups. <Zoya> Like I said, you don't want it. <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Zoya as if she's grown two heads:: You do WHAT? * Yb leaves the mugs to their game of marbles and wonders over to the bar. <Zoya> ::looks up at MD:: *I* don't do it! I can apply bandages, but I'm no chiurgeon! <Yb> Could I have a glass of Arabellan Red please? <Jaret> [hey, Father Mulcahy gave a tracheotomy on a MASH episode with his Tom Mix pocketknife. how hard could it be? ;) ] <Jelarthna> Uh...is that a permanent thing? <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Yb, still shocked by Z's surgical procedures:: Arabellan? Sure thing... <Zoya> Seen it done. Saved a guy's life who'd been hit in the throat with a mace, but he had to stop adventuring after that. ::looks wistful for a moment:: <Jelarthna> It would be awfully hard to cast any spells if I have to breath through a straw. <Zoya> Yeah, it's permanent. You take the tube out, your body doesn't know where to breathe from. <Moon Dancer> ::pours a glass of Arabellan and hands it to Yb:: Here you go. Marbles get boring? <Jelarthna> Not that I can cast ::hiccup:: much right now... <Drach> There are other cures. :: drains his glass :: * Jelarthna runs over to Drach. <Yb> Yeah, there for children. I just thought the mugs needed some entertainment and that was about their intellect level. ::The mugs in the corner turn around from the rough housing that the marbles game had deteriorated into and make several protesting gestures at Yb.:: <Moon Dancer> [::grin::] <Jelarthna> What? ::askance:: Not as extreme as the throat-straw thing, I hope? * Yb takes her glass and joins Jaret at his table. <Jaret> ::watches Yb approach, trying to prepare for whatever might happen:: * Jelarthna shows some concern for Jaret, but focuses quickly on Drach again. <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Yb, but looks back at his books when she doesn't head for the office:: <Drach> Not the straw thing. :: shakes his head :: Might be worse than the problem, though. <Jelarthna> I'd still like to hear it, if you'd please please please tell me! <Yb> Mi'lord Malkier...Could you teach to use a sword? <Jelarthna> ::chokes:: <Yb> [That'll cure the hiccups. :) ] <Moon Dancer> ::glances up at Yb, but only briefly:: <Jaret> ::looks at Yb:: If you'd like. Although, by the code of my country, I am honorbound to tell you that in the last month I have had a student die in a fair duel. If you're still interested, I will do my best to instruct you. <Yb> What was your student's mistake? <Moon Dancer> ::puts down his ledger, and listens to Yb and Jaret's conversation:: <Zoya> [VERY astute question from Yb. A little cold, but astute.] :) <Drach> Just watch. Carefully. :: He hops off the stool, and holds one hand to his side. :: Last chance to back out. :: he looks up at Jelarthna :: <Jaret> ::stands up:: In a rapier duel, you should stand like this. ::stands 'edge on' to Yb:: He turned out too much. It was his chief failing. * Drach 's one visible eye is gleaming, and there is a slight hint of anticipation. * Zoya is watching Drach with interest. <Jelarthna> ::hesitates:: <Jelarthna> ::hiccup:: <Jelarthna> Do it. * Yb tries to mimic Jaret's posture. "I think I understand...But how do you move like this?" * Drach roars, and in that brief moment, he seems to snatch an axe from the air. He suddenly grows large enough that the axe, now held over his head, is almost in the rafters, and he brings it down upon Jelarthna's head! <Jaret> ::slowly slides one foot forward a few inches, then brings the back foot up into position, keeping his side towards Yb:: Like this. ::repeats the back and forth step a few times, then stops as Drack whacks Jelarthna:: * Jelarthna screams, tugs on his peacebonded sword, and attempts to fall down. * Zoya stifles a strange noise, somewhere between a scream and a shout * Yb turns, "Neat!" * Drach 's axe passes through Jelarthna harmlessly, and disappears as the dwarf shrinks back to his normal size, the roar echoing from the walls but quickly fading. <Drach> Feeling better? <Zoya> [Now she'll want Drach to teach her the axe...] <Moon Dancer> ::MD chokes as he almost falls over with surprise, then reaches for his klaive at his side ... which is in the office:: * Yb tries to duplicate Jaret's step. * Jelarthna succeeds at falling down now, and seems unable to do much but breath. And that not very well. * Jaret is obviously still having some mental problems with the axe-through-Jelarthna-butJelarthna's-okay bit. * Drach bends over Jelarthna, peering and listening intently. <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Jel, then at Drach, and then at the Axe-That's-Not-There:: <Moon Dancer> ::straigtens himself, and turns to Drach:: Umm... excuse me? <Jelarthna> ::breath...breath:: * Zoya watches wide-eyed. One hand is still over her mouth; the other has disappeared inside her sleeve. * Drach mutters. "He looked healthy enough to me..." He sighs, rubs his hands together, and lays them on Jelarthna's (unharmed) chest. <Moon Dancer> ::gains a little more composure, and then walks over to Drach, and stands slightly behind him, and to his side. He clears his throat:: <Moon Dancer> ::to Drach:: Excuse me? <Drach> Relax, Dancer. I didn't *do* anything to him, just scared him. :: shrugs :: He hasn't hiccuped, you may have noticed. <Moon Dancer> ::smiling:: It's not _him_ I'm worried about, Drach. It's, um... well, me. Could you at least give me a warning first? <Drach> Sorry. :: shrugs again :: Would've lost the fright. Good way to cure hiccups. * Jelarthna regains some of his color, and begins smiling as he notices his breathing is unimpeded (just a little fast). <Moon Dancer> ::shakes his head:: Gods above. Between you and Yb, I might die almost while still a cub... <Zoya> Well. Might go for the throat-tube after all. ::relaxes:: <Moon Dancer> ::walks back to the bar, and looks at the office, then at his empty belt, then thinks twice before looking back at the ledger:: <Jaret> ::shakes his head, and critically looks at Yb's feet:: No, here. Your back heel goes here ::pulls the foot forward:: And try to keep them about as far apart as your shoulders. * Jelarthna stands up. <Jelarthna> Thank you, Drach. I think. * Jelarthna bows deeply to Drach. * Drach checks Jelarthna one last time, then hauls himself back up on his stool. "Anytime." He scratches his cheek before pushing his (empty) glass across to Dancer. <Yb> How can you stand like this, let alone move quickly? <Jaret> Practice. Years and years of practice. ::grins, a hint of his old sparkle in his eyes:: And some natural talent. <Jelarthna> ::finally picks up his drink and takes a sip:: <Moon Dancer> ::gets Drach's glass, and starts filling it with more whiskey:: Drach? What have you been doing recently? I'd heard you'd returned to the area, but it's still been quite some time... * Yb smiles back at Jaret, "What next?" <Moon Dancer> ::finishes filling Drach's glass, and hands it to him while filling one of his own with a pilsner:: * Jelarthna walks over to Zoya. <Jelarthna> I'm sorry for my hurried pleading a little while ago, but I was under considerable strain. * Drach accepts the glass. "Not much, recently. Had a couple long-term things to take care of. Lengthy but not particularly strenuous." <Zoya> ::grins:: Quite understandable. <Jelarthna> My name is Jelarthna. Might I ask your name, milady? <Jaret> What next? Well, after you get familiar with the movements, we'll start you with a practice foil. ::looks at Yb:: One of the smaller ones, I think. <Moon Dancer> ::to Drach:: Long-term? Personal, or business matters? <Zoya> Zoya. Zoya Natovna, also known as Seeker. <Zoya> ::offers her hand to Jelarthna:: * Jelarthna gracefully accepts her hand, and kisses it softly. <Jelarthna> A pleasure to meet you. <Drach> Business, I guess. :: cracks his knuckles :: Had to do a few things for my boss. * Yb practises stepping backwards and forwards. Her movements while graceful are obviously slowed to the point of consciously thinking about everything, and her feet keep moving out of the positions Jaret showed her. <Moon Dancer> ::nods:: Of course. ::jots a thing or two down in his ledger:: Anything you care to relate? * Jelarthna looks at Yb with a little surprise, and more than a little trepidation. <Zoya> ::looks somewhat surprised, but nods politely:: The pleasure is mine, I am sure. <Jelarthna> Might I ask why you are called Seeker? * Drach glances around. "I think I'll take a pass on that." <Moon Dancer> ::under his breath:: Because of that cursed Tower... <Jaret> ::Jaret moves behind Yb, and takes her hands in his:: Think of it more as dancing. That helps some learn the footsteps. ::slowly moves back 2 steps and forward 2 steps, moving his feet so they block Yb's feet into the right position:: <Zoya> For some years now, I have been looking for a place. I call it the Tower, for lack of a better name. It is usually in the vicinity of Marsember - perhaps you have seen it? <Moon Dancer> ::rolls his eyes:: * Yb gives all her attention over to Jaret's teaching. * Drach cocks an eyebrow. "Tower?" Snorts. <Zoya> ::turns to Drach:: You have heard of it? ::hopefully:: <Jelarthna> The Tower? I take it there's something special about this Tower? <Moon Dancer> ::shakes his head:: Here we go again... * Drach scratches under his beard. "May have," he replies guardedly. * Zoya pulls out her sketch of the Tower and shows it first to Jelarthna, then to Drach. <Zoya> ::to Jel:: It's a Chaos Mage's dream. <Moon Dancer> ::to Jel:: Special about the Tower? Other than the fact that it disappears, and that Zoya says part of it was here in the Hall? No, nothing special... <Jelarthna> Hmmm. I can't say I've seen or heard of anything like that, I'm afraid. * Drach looks at the sketch. His eye narrows slightly. "Strange looking place." He scratches his beard again, and takes a sip. <Jelarthna> ::blinks:: Part of it in the Hall? Chaos Mage's dream? That sounds rather dangerous. <Moon Dancer> ::nods:: One would think so... <Zoya> Just a rock, part of the fireplace. ::she turns to 'Dancer:: Oh, I found out what happened to the rock, by the way. Adam took it. * Drach snorts. "This place attracts 'em." <Moon Dancer> ::to Z:: Adam took it? <Jaret> ::slowly steps back as Yb gets the feel of the steps, and becomes more familar with them, letting her move on her own:: * Yb tilts her head so she can see Jaret out of the corner of her eye, "What else can you teach me M'lord Malkier?" <Moon Dancer> [Oh, no.] <Zoya> Yes, apparently. He removed it for study, then gave it to a friend of his, who returned it to me. * Drach traces the drawing with one stubby finger, but he's not actually looking at the paper. More like through it. <Jaret> ::moves around in front of Yb:: You've begun to get the feel of the steps, now you just need to be more comfortable with them. Able to move faster. * Zoya looks back at Drach. <Zoya> You've seen it? * Jelarthna looks with concern at Jaret. * Drach blinks rapidly a couple times. He scratches his beard as he drawls, "Might have done." <Jelarthna> ::mutters:: I hope he knows what he's doing... <Zoya> Could you tell me where? ::excitedly:: * Yb begins to speed up her steps, managing to make it look like a dance. <Moon Dancer> ::to Jel:: He does. Quite well, actually. I'm surprised any of his students ever had problems. But, I guess after training so many... <Drach> Don't know. What else can you tell me about the tower? :: he takes another sip :: * Yb suddenly trips and falls right on top of Jaret. <Jelarthna> I didn't mean about the teaching. <Zoya> Have you ever been inside? <Moon Dancer> ::smiles at Jel:: Well, no one knows what they' <Moon Dancer> [oops] they're doing when it comes to that. Chances are, though, that it'll all be forgotten soon enough... <Jaret> Oof! ::catches Yb and spins her away so she doesn't flop into a chair or something:: Are you all right, Yb? <Jaret> [spins her away from the chairs, that is...] <Jelarthna> ::nods:: There's that, at least. * Drach looks (up) at Zoya with a steely gaze. "You're trying to get me in trouble, aren't you young lady?" <Jelarthna> By the way, I don't think we've ever met. My name is Jelarthna. ::bows:: What might yours be? <Zoya> How can I get you in trouble? You wanted me to tell you more about it - if you've never seen the inside, how will you know if I'm telling you the truth? <Moon Dancer> ::surprised, and taken slightly aback:: Moon Dancer, milord. And please, dispense with the formalities. I'd like to think of everyone here as an extended family, dysfunctional though it may be... <Drach> Tell you what. You tell me what you've seen, and I'll decide what to believe. <Yb> Oh, I'm sorry M'lord Malkier. ::blushes and looks at her feet.:: Thank you for catching me. I think I did something to my ankle though. * Zoya shrugs and launches into a description of the front hall, what sounds like a research lab, and a kitchen adjacent to the research lab. <Zoya> But that's when it sent me away, so that's all I've seen on the inside. <Jelarthna> ::looks slightly embarrassed:: I apologise. It's become something of a habit for me. <Jaret> Well, let's have a look at it. ::guides Yb to the nearest chair and sits her down in it:: Which ankle? * Drach blinks, and draws in a breath slowly. "And when was this?" <Jelarthna> And dysfunctional is a good word, I think. * Yb holds out her right foot. <Zoya> About... ::stops to consider:: Five years ago, I'd say. If you want, I can figure out a more precise date on the local calendar... <Jaret> ::takes the ankle carefully in his hands and starts gently moving it this way and that, checking for the ouchie bit:: <Moon Dancer> ::smiles:: Old habits die hard. ::extends his hand to Jel:: Well met, friend. Welcome to the Meade Hall, and forgive my lack of an earlier introduction. ::motions to the ledger:: I've been ... preoccupied here, with the books, and with helping Yb here... * Drach shakes his head. "Couldn't be..." Shrugs. "That's no place to go, young lady." * Jelarthna shakes MoonDancer's hand <Moon Dancer> ::to Drach:: Probably is, I hate to say. I'm not sure how, though... <Zoya> ::grin:: I've already been there. But since you obviously know more about it than I do, by all means, tell me why I shouldn't go there. <Jelarthna> It's a pleasure to meet you. I can certainly understand being preoccupied with something! <Drach> :: looks at Dancer :: Not sure how what? <Moon Dancer> ::smiles at Jel:: I think we all can, one time or another. I just never realized how much was involved in running a place like this. I'm getting all the help I can, but the day-to-day work... <Moon Dancer> ::to Drach:: How she got there. <Jelarthna> Oh, you're running the Hall now? What happened to Sealgir? <Jelarthna> [I know I didn't spell that right...] <Jaret> ::carefully massages Yb's foot, making sure she hasn't strained/sprained/pulled anything. * Zoya glares at MD and Drach for thinking she's dumb enough not to know they're talking about her. <Drach> Ah. :: turns back to Zoya :: Very dangerous. Used to belong to someone I knew. <Drach> [Sealgair, IIRC] <Drach> [Spelling, that is. Not the tower... .-) ] <Moon Dancer> ::looks at Jel, slightly surprised:: Yes, I am. And I don't know. I haven't heard from him in ... years, now. <Zoya> ::hardly looks diverted:: You knew the owner? ::breathlessly:: Tell me. <Moon Dancer> [Yeah. We know. :-)] <Moon Dancer> ::smiles at Z's enthusiasm, and drinks some of his beer:: <Jelarthna> Oh, that's a shame! He helped me out of a very bad situation, once. <Drach> [Felt compelled to point it out...] <Moon Dancer> ::raises an eyebrow:: Really? Well, that was his way, when the mood hit him. <Zoya> [Zoya would be very curious about this conversation if she wasn't hot on the Tower Trail...] <Jelarthna> How did you come to run the hall, then? If you don't mind my asking? <Moon Dancer> ::takes another, longer drink, before starting:: Mind? No, though there's not much to tell. * Drach scratches at his beard. "He always valued his privacy, you know." He wags a finger at Zoya. "You shouldn't go poking in where you aren't supposed to." <Yb> Thank you M'lord Malkier. It feels much better now. ::smiles at Jaret like a cat contemplating a bird.:: <Jelarthna> Well, I can't help but be curious. I used to frequent the Hall for a while, quite some time ago. <Moon Dancer> ::to Jel:: Well, I guess the best place to start is... ::pauses, and furrows his brow:: No. That's not it at all. <Jaret> ::smiles at Yb, and stands up:: Good. Bai would never forgive me if you injured yourself and I was to blame. <Zoya> ::cocks her head:: It can take care of itself. I was just taken by surprise when it sent me away so quickly. I thought it was a trap. But when I woke up and thought about it, I realized it was just... sending a message. I think I can persuade it to accept me, but I have to find it first. <Zoya> It's sentient, you know. Or close. <Moon Dancer> ::picks up the story again:: See, Sealgair was running the Hall, and it was ... ::pauses again:: No, that's not right, either. <Jelarthna> ::smiles:: * Drach stares thoughtfully at Zoya. "If it send you away, then you weren't wanted. I don't know that I should help you, then." <Moon Dancer> [LOL. Touche, Drach!] * Yb looks at Jaret with her bright blue eyes, "Would you teach me some more?" <Jaret> If you'd like. ::stands in the beginning position again:: Are you sure you will be all right? <Moon Dancer> ::tries to start again:: See, when I used to help Sealgair here, he told me that, if I ever needed any help, I could come here. So, I did. <Zoya> Oh, but I think I *was* wanted. * Yb puts her shoe back on, "Of course. I'm in your arms after all." ::smiles at Jaret again.:: <Drach> And why might that be? :: he takes another sip :: * Yb assumes Jaret's stance. <Moon Dancer> ::continues:: When I got here, the place was locked tight. No one was around, and even though the Hall was taking care of itself on the inside, it was empty. No Sealgair, no signs he'd been there for quite some time. And, the room off the kitchen was closed off, oddly enough. Borded up... * Drach glances at Moon Dancer for a moment. "So that's what happened while I was away... I wondered..." <Jaret> ::deliberately steps his front foot out about 1 1/2 feet, and extends his right arm in a thrust. He then picks his front foot back up and gracefully moves it back into the starting position:: <Jelarthna> Really? That's quite odd. I remember the place being quite lively. <Zoya> Towers get lonely with no one to inhabit them. And this one - as... intelligent as it is. It needs me. <Moon Dancer> ::takes a drink of beer, and keeps going:: So, I decided to open the place back up. Granted, it needed some work, maintenance-wise, but I found a pleasant gentleman to help me with that... <Zoya> Do you know, since I finally got back to Marsember, it has *tripled* the rate at which it relocates? I think it's... testing me, if you will. <Moon Dancer> ::to Jel:: Aye, it was. But, oddly, it was deserted. ::shrugs:: I guess something must've called Sealgair away, to leave it closed like he did... <Jelarthna> I hope he's all right. But it's good that you have the place going again. * Yb tries to duplicate Jaret's movements and nearly falls over again. * Drach scratches under his beard, his gravelly voice thoughtful. "That's rather an odd suggestion. I didn't think it thought. Er." He takes a swallow, and waves his hand. "Best leave the dead to rest, child." <Moon Dancer> But, anyway... ::continuing:: I got some things fixed, worked on the taps a bit, and changed the sign. Then, I opened the place up, hoping fols would start coming back. ::takes one more drink:: The Hall seems to draw them back on its own... <Zoya> I'm not going to disturb the dead. It's the Tower that I want to find. <Moon Dancer> [fols. folks. Same difference.] <Jaret> Try taking it a little faster, if you take the step too slow you'll lose the rhythm. <Jelarthna> ::looks around:: You know, that wouldn't surprise me. I can't help but think now that my urge to return was more than coincedence. * Yb tries again, this time managing to keep her balance though she seems to have lost all of her grace. <Moon Dancer> ::shrugs:: Well, the more I think about it, I feel like the Hall knows when people are needed. Like now. So, I came back here, despite the fact that it was the _last_ place I would have though to come. I just wandered for a while, trying to figure out what to do, and looked up ... and I was here. It's odd, to say the least. But, maybe the Hall knows... <Jaret> ::moves back in close to Yb, taking her hands again:: Just relax. Don't think do much about *how* to do it, and instead just take the step. * Drach stares off into the distance for a moment. "The owner was... an acquiantance. His residence should stay undisturbed," he says quietly. <Zoya> It's my quest. I can't put it aside. But if you won't help me, I understand. Tell me about your friend, at least. <Jelarthna> It's a good place. I wouldn't be surprised if it drew more than just people, though. <Moon Dancer> [QUARTER TILL. President on at 10:00, FYI.] * Yb tries again, this time seeming to get it right until she tries to step back, at which point she falls against Jaret again. <Moon Dancer> [brb] <Zoya> [Who gives a sh!t about the president anymore? Yes, no, up, down - I'm sick of the whole thing. *Almost* as sick as I got of the Princess Di thing. I hate the media.] <Jelarthna> [heh heh] <Jaret> ::oddly enough, Jaret seems almost balanced in case such a misstep happened, and catches Yb, guiding her away from impaling herself on the hilts of his blades:: Careful there. ::He gently props her back up:: You're stepping too far. <Drach> [fsck the whole situation. We obsess over sex just a LITTLE too much...] <Jelarthna> [says a married guy...] <Yb> [What are you talking about? ::smiles innocently:: ] <Moon Dancer> [bak] * Drach practically drills Zoya with his baleful stare. "Why do you think it's testing you?" * Yb smiles at Jaret and tries again. This time she gets it right, though certainly not fast enough to do her any good in a duel. <Jelarthna> ::glances over at Jaret and Yb, slightly worried:: <Moon Dancer> ::MD looks at his mug of pilsner, which suddenly doesn't seem very refreshing. He pours it out, and then turns back to Jel:: Did that answer your question? <Zoya> ::blinks under Drach's gaze, but meets his eye:: It's a feeling. When you've been a Chaos Mage as long as I have, you learn when to trust your feelings. <Jaret> Much better. You're starting to get the feel of it. <Yb> [Or hallucinations thereof] <Jelarthna> Yes, and thank you. * Yb continues to try, slowly gaining speed and grace. <Moon Dancer> ::nods:: Of course. Honestly, I don't think anyone's asked me, yet. I hadn't thought about it, really. I just seems to be natural, me opening the place back up. <Drach> You seem awful sure of that diagnosis. :: he shrugs :: If you're wrong, you'll never find it, you know. <Zoya> ::she nods:: I know. Then I can't harm it by looking for it, can I? <Jaret> ::again, Jaret steps back, to let Yb get a feeling for the movement on her own:: <Jelarthna> Let me know if you ever need help with anything. I certainly owe Sealgair one, and if I can help keep his place going, then I'll be happy to. <Jaret> [afk] * Drach sighs. "Maybe not. But you may be risking death, or worse, if you keep looking." <Moon Dancer> ::grins widely, and waves his arms in a sweeping gesture over the Hall's books:: You're not very good with bookkeeping, are you? <Zoya> ::shrug:: I risk death every time I take to the ether. The alternative holds no appeal for me. ::she narrows her eyes shrewdly:: I'm sure you know what I mean. <Jaret> [bak] <Jelarthna> ::looks dubious:: Well, I have recieved a fair amount of schooling in math, but I've heard that bookkeeping has nothing to do with math. <Moon Dancer> ::chuckles:: No, I doesn't. It has more to do with magic than math, from what I can tell. ::sighs:: How Sealgair did it all those years and kept his sanity, I'll never know... ::MD gets a glint in his eye:: <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb:: <Moon Dancer> Yb! Did you ever help Sealgair with his books? * Drach raises one eyebrow. "If you're sure you're doing the right thing... <Jelarthna> Well, I know a fair bit of magic, as well... * Yb begins to show signs of fatigue and her pace begins to slow and degenerate into clogging as opposed to typical elven dancing. <Zoya> Don't be ridiculous. Of course I'm not sure it's the "right" thing. But I *am* sure that I can't do anything else. <Jaret> ::gently, placing a hand on Yb's shoulder:: That's enough for now. You don't want to overdo it when you're first starting out. <Zoya> Only the gods are ever completely sure. And even they can be surprised. <Yb> 'Fraid not Dancer. <Moon Dancer> ::smiles, and looks at Jel:: Aye, but it's something I need to do if I'm to run the place. Thank you for the offer, though. I'll keep it in mind, when the time comes... * Drach empties his glass with a sigh, pushing it and a coin across the counter. "Foolish child. We can but try to dissuade..." <Moon Dancer> ::to Yb:: Oh? Oh well, just a thought... * Yb turns and smiles Jaret. "Thank you M'lord Malkier. When can my next lesson be?" * Jelarthna bows to Moon Dancer. <Jelarthna> Please do. <Moon Dancer> ::MD places Drach's third coin with the other two, and fills his glass with more whiskey. Then, he pushes the glass and the coins back to Drach:: <Moon Dancer> ::nods to Jel:: What brings you back to Marsember? Just travel, or business of some sort? <Jaret> If you'd like to join the regular classes, lessons are from 3 hours after sun-up until 3 hours after highsun, with a break for lunch. Private lessons are generally afterwards, before it gets dark. <Jelarthna> I don't really have a business, but I do have an agenda or two. ::smiles:: Mostly I've been travelling around, and I decided to to make my way back to this area to visit the Hall. <Moon Dancer> [WOO! 10:00...] * Drach fortifies himself with the glass, but wags a finger at Dancer. "You know, I was returning the glass. Patrons tend to do that when they're finished for the evening. And I'd best be going." * Yb begins playing with her hair, "I think I'ld like a private lesson." * Drach hops off the stool and grabs Zoya's arm. "This way." He strides purposefully towards the wall. <Jaret> ::smiles slightly:: If you'd like, I have an opening tomorrow, four hours after highsun. <Moon Dancer> ::nods to Drach, and smiles:: I was afraid of that. Then well met, Drachnaerbaen. Until next time? * Zoya glances askance at Drach, but walks purposfully with him toward the wall. <Moon Dancer> ::to Jel:: Well, it is good to have so many of the old Patrons back... <Jelarthna> ::quietly to Moon Dancer:: Is there some non-dangerous way we could save Jaret? <Moon Dancer> [Boy, did I spell Drach's name right?] <Jelarthna> It's good to be back! <Drach> [100%, my boy :-) You youngun's have a good memory... ] <Moon Dancer> [Thanks, Gramps...] * Yb smiles, "I'll be there M'lord Malkier. Do you think you could walk me home? The streets aren't safe at this time of night." Bats her eyes at Jaret. * Drach and Zoya fade into a mist as they approach the wall, and they disappear as they pass through it. <Jaret> ::nods his head:: Of course. ::offers his arm to Yb:: <Moon Dancer> ::to Jel, with a smile:: Milord Malkier is wise enough to know when not to get his hands tied into a knot... * Yb takes Jaret's arm and lets him lead her out the door. <Yb> [Unlike certain HM's we could name. :) ] <Jaret> ::exits the Hall, Yb at his side:: <Jelarthna> I sure hope so. ::bows:: Well, I must be going as well. I hope to see you again sometime. <Moon Dancer> [But won't, for the sake of anonynmity...] <Moon Dancer> ::to Jel:: And I, you. Feel free to return whenever you see fit! <Jelarthna> ::watched Yb and Jaret's direction, to be sure to go the other way:: <Moon Dancer> [::grin::] <Jelarthna> Thank you, sir. * Jelarthna strolls out of the Hall. <Moon Dancer> ::MD picks up the ledger, and puts it under his arm. As he walks to the office, he stops, gets a vacant look in his eyes, and then scrawls a woven pattern on the bar, with a claw. He shakes off the vacant look, looks at the scrawlings, and shakes his head:: <Moon Dancer> It starts again... <Moon Dancer> ::MD walks into the office and closes the door behind him:: |
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