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* Adam unlocks the doors and announces, "Hall's Open!" * Adam returns to behind the bar and begins wiping it down with a towel. * Jelarthna opens the door and limps inside. He shifts his left arm in it's sling uncomfortably, and walks over to the bar. <Jelarthna> Good evening Adam! <Adam> Good evening Jelarthna. Still not up to form I see. <Jelarthna> ::looks down at himself:: Uh...no. It hasn't been that long, after all. At least I can get around on my own now. * Zoya strolls in, pulling the hood from her head as the door swings shut behind her. She takes a stool at the bar near Jelarthna. <Zoya> Jelarthna! How are you recovering? <Jelarthna> Good evening, Zoya! <Jelarthna> I'm coming along okay, but it's really uncomfortable sometimes. <Zoya> Wounds are like that. Why don't you visit a priest? * Alranis opens the door furtively and slides in. His rather seedy appearance is mostly unchanged, although he perhaps looks slightly further down on his luck than the previous week. * Sealgair walks done the stairs, seeming almost to solidify out of the shadows, almost. * Alranis sidles up to the bar. * Zoya nods at Alranis. <Jelarthna> ::with his back to the stairs:: Hello Al, I actually remember you from last week. <Zoya> ::to Al:: Have you given my proposition any further thought? <Jelarthna> Thanks for your help. * Sealgair walks over to the bar and smiles at Adam. <Adam> Hello stranger. What can I get you this evening? * Zoya nods amiably to the newcomer. <Alranis> No, Zoya, I have not. I've been a little busy. :: to Adam :: Weider's, if you've got it. <Zoya> House meade, if you've got it, Adam. * Adam gets a mug, looks at the taps for a moment, then fills the mug from one. <Sealgair> ::smiles at Zoya:: Make that two, if you would, ::to Adam:: please. * Adam hands the full mug to Alranis. * Alranis takes a sip. * Adam fills another mug for Zoya and hands it to her. * Jelarthna glances at Sealgair, then does a double take and leaps off of the stool, only to land on his hurt leg and go down in a heap. * Adam fills another mug from the same tap as Zoya's and hands it to Sealgair. <Zoya> ::to Al:: Do, please. It's a relatively simple job, for::takes her mug and sips:: a fantastic price. <Jelarthna> Ooof! Sealgair! * Sealgair turns to Jel. <Sealgair> Yes? <Jelarthna> ::struggles to stand:: Where have you been? Are you okay? When did you get back? <Adam> You all right Jelarthna? * Alranis looks quizzically at Zoya. "What sort of price?" <Adam> [The price of getting to die horribly along side of her. :) ] * Zoya glances back at Jel. "You should be more careful of that leg." <Jelarthna> I'll...<grunt, wince> be okay. ::steadies himself on the stool:: * Sealgair gives Jel a confused look, turning slightly to pick up his mug and take a sip. <Jelarthna> ::smiles at Zoya:: It'll be okay, just got a little too eager, there. <Zoya> ::to Al:: I thought we went over this already. * Alranis scratches his ear. "I don't think so..." <Jelarthna> ::to Sealgair:: Don't you remember me? You helped me out with the Purple Dragons a while back. * Sealgair takes his mug over to one of the comfy chairs in front of the cold fireplace. * Sealgair shakes his head, still looking puzzled. <Sealgair> I'm thinkin' ye have me confused with someone else, lad. <Jelarthna> Your name is Sealgair, right? ::starting to look confused himself:: <Sealgair> Aye...::pauses:: Cean Sealgair. <Zoya> ::sighing:: Two hundred up front. Another three when the job is done. <Adam> [Adam resists the urge to ask Zoya to pay her bar tab. :) ] <Jelarthna> ::waves good arm around the Hall:: Didn't you used to run this place? Do you remember Moon Dancer? Jaret? Lini, Bai, or Yb? <Alranis> Three fifty and five. :: coughs into one fist :: I could use it. * Sealgair looks pained, as if each name is a physical blow. He shrinks into his chair. <Sealgair> Lad, lad, easy there--it's a simple mistake tah be makin', really. ::raises an arm slightly, as if to ward off a blow:: * Jelarthna looks at him in concern. <Zoya> Two-fifty and three-fifty. It's more than a farmer makes in ten years. <Alranis> It's a long time for such a pittance. I usually make a lot more in less time. :: takes a sip :: <Alranis> Three fifty and four fifty. * Sealgair turns toward the empty fireplace, sipping absently from his mug. * Jelarthna walks unsteadily over to where Sealgair sits. <Zoya> One night! Three and three-fifty. <Jelarthna> Who are you then? Are you feeling okay? * Sealgair winces, shifting in his chair to move slightly farther from Jel. * Alranis narrows his eyes. "I'd swear you said it would take longer." <Zoya> ::hedging:: Possibly the next morning... Still, it's not very long! Well, once we find it, anyway. * Jelarthna recoils a little, looking slightly (more) hurt. * Alranis sits back on his stool slightly. "If there's a search, the price just doubled, and I don't track." <Alranis> And if it takes more than a week, the counter keeps rolling. <Zoya> ::frowns:: Of course not. It's magical. *I* do the tracking. It's in the city; the tracking won't take more than a day. * Jelarthna studies Sealgair for another moment, then sighs and limps back to the bar. <Sealgair> Cean...::unsteadily, his expression starting to turn wild, like a trapped animal::...Seo is e, Cean...Seo is e...::quietly, almost inaudibly at the last:: * Alranis snorts. "So you say. So, pay me the three fifty when you find it and want to enter, and the four fifty when it's done, if it's all one night." <Alranis> That way, you only need me for the short time. <Zoya> Besides, it's not like it's a *dangerous* job. All I need is someone to do... quiet things. <Zoya> Three-fifty and three-fifty. * Jelarthna turns sharply at the words, pivoting on his hurt leg and falling down again. He lands badly on his broken arm and rolls around in pain. * Alranis takes a sip. "Tell me a little more about the tower while I consider." * Adam moves from behind, the bar, picks Jel up, and puts him down in the other comfy chair. * Jelarthna nods his thanks, unable to speak yet. <Adam> Are you a masochist or just a fool? <Zoya> But I already told you... ::sighs sharply:: Fine. It’s a mage-tower. The mage who built it is by all reports dead. His name was Erdian. * Adam walks back to the bar to get something to help kill the pain. <Jelarthna> ::gasps:: That...would be the...latter. * Jelarthna looks almost like a light bulb goes on over his head. * Sealgair suddenly stands, spilling his meade, staring wildly at Zoya. <Jelarthna> ::in a low voice:: Adam...did you see this fellow come in? ::nods toward Sealgair:: <Sealgair> Erdian? ::looks like he's seen a ghost:: <Zoya> ::looks back at SG:: That was the name I was given, yes. Can I help you? * Sealgair walks over to Zoya, hands raising and clenching, almost reaching to grab her robe but recoiling at the last. * Alranis narrows his eyes further. "Mages are bad mojo. Very dangerous. More so when dead. Ever heard of liches?" <Jelarthna> ::mutters:: Where have I heard that name? <Sealgair> Did ye say Erdian? ::his voice is quiet, too quiet:: * Adam looks at Sealgair and decides crazed patrons take precedence. * Zoya isn't sure whether to watch SG or respond to Al... * Jelarthna sits straight up in alarm, and watches Sealgair carefully. <Sealgair> Where? ::eyes are glazed and wild, like a panicky animal:: <Zoya> ::looking carefully at SG and realizing he isn't quite all there:: Yes. Erdian. He's dead, or at least that's what I was told.::carefully reaches out and takes one of SG's hands:: I'm sorry if that’s news to you... * Jelarthna levers himself to his feet, keeping his eyes intently on Sealgair. * Alranis looks speculatively at Sealgair, with the very slightest hint of concern. Or, more likely, suspicion. <Sealgair> Dead? ::his expression reflect incomprehension:: * Sealgair starts to sit, despite the fact there isn't a chair nearby. One materialize underneath him and his hands drop. His mouth works silently. <Zoya> ::nods:: Drach told me that he died here in this very room, battling a demon. I'm not sure how much of that is true, but Drach was very sure he had died. * Sealgair looks around. "This verrah room?" * Jelarthna looks startled. <Jelarthna> ::looks thoughtful, and mutters:: oh, I remember that story now... * Sealgair leans back in the chair, arms hanging over the side, limp. <Zoya> ::nods again:: He said the building got turned sideways in his death throes. <Sealgair> The building? ::glances at the front door:: * Jelarthna carefully settles back into the comfy chair, turning a bit to keep a good view of Zoya and Sealgair. <Zoya> ::frowns ever so slightly:: Yes. This... You *have*been outside recently, haven't you? * Alranis chuckles very softly into his drink. * Adam fills a mug and carries it over to Jelarthna. * Sealgair visibly gathers himself. <Sealgair> Outside? Eh...Nae as such. ::waves a hand:: Erdian’s tower, ye say? And ye're...::pauses::...looking for it? <Jelarthna> ::takes the mug from Adam:: Thanks. You didn't answer me earlier. Did you see this guy come inside? I don't remember hearing the door open again. <Zoya> Yes. I'm looking to get into Erdian's tower. <Adam> He came from upstairs. <Jelarthna> Um...did you know he was up there? * Adam shakes his head, "No, but I didn't know S'ayad'i had a key either." <Sealgair> Have ye...:hesitates, suddenly looking nervous:: Have ye,_found_ it, yet? * Alranis snorts. "Doesn't sound like it." <Zoya> ::glances around quickly as if looking for help, then looks back at SG:: I've found *pieces* of it. Little rocks that break off towers all the time. It.. It moves around. I actually got a glimpse of it last week, though, so I think I'm close. <Jelarthna> Adam, this is Sealgair. He *owns* this place. He's the one Moon Dancer is running it in lieu of. Apparently he vanished quite awhile ago, and no one had heard from him since. * Adam whispers something to Jelarthna. * Sealgair raises a hand, fingers stretching out towards Zoya. * Zoya takes SG's hand <Sealgair> Saw it, did ye? Have ye, have ye got one o' these rocks?::looks down at his hand absently:: * Jelarthna cuts off from Adam, and watches closely. <Zoya> Oh, yes! ::withdraws her hand and pulls it into her robe. A moment later it reappears with an unremarkable-looking grey rock. It’s been polished smooth, and several magical glyphs have been carved into it. She hands it to SG:: * Sealgair frowns and takes the stone. <Sealgair> Are ye sure? ::holds the stone up and looks at it closely:: This seems sae...::holds it up to his ear and shakes it::...sae..._inert_ somehow... <Zoya> Yes, I'm sure. It's not very active because it was an outer stone that broke off several years ago. And I've been dragging the magic out of it, too. If you know any chaos magic, you can find it if you reach deep. * Adam returns to behind the bar. * Jelarthna sips from his mug, and looks vaguely around for cover. * Sealgair holds the stone out on his palm and starts to concentrate. The stone starts to glow, a dull ochre at first, then cherry-red. The air around it starts to shimmer, then a wave of heat can be felt emanating from it. * Sealgair continues to concentrate and the stone starts glowing white hot. His hand seems completely unaffected as the stone starts to liquify, then boiled away. SG closes his hand and the heat immediately dissipates. He slowly opens his hand to reveal a small, perfect sphere, bright yellow in color. * Sealgair picks the globe up with the forefinger and thumb of his other hand and turns it around, revealing to small black dots and a black arch, underneath, running almost from one dot to the other. * Zoya leans back away from the heat, then leans forward again to look at the result with no apparent fear whatsoever. * Jelarthna looks on in fascination. <Jelarthna> ::softly:: never saw him do *that* before... * Alranis blinks a few times and downs his beer, then pushes the mug towards Adam without really watching. The mug saves itself from a fall, taking a reproachful stance towards Al. <Adam> Need another Al? <Alranis> Uh. Yeah. :: continues staring at SG's hand and its contents : * Adam refills Al's mug and returns it to him. * Jelarthna looks on in awe, wondering where this is all leading. * Zoya looks at the sphere with something like awe. <Zoya> What... What is it? * Sealgair shrugs. * Sealgair hands it to Zoya. <Adam> [Mix these with water and drink. :) ] * Zoya takes it and examines it closely. <Zoya> [Zoya's weird enough without ingesting bits of Erdian’s tower imbued with SG's magic, don't you think??!?] * Jelarthna cranes his neck to look, even standing up a little. <Sealgair> [lol] <Sealgair> I jus'...Jus' got rid of the inert part...::frowns:: <Adam> [She could become Yb's long lost sister! :) ] <Jelarthna> [AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!] <Sealgair> Tis still faint, though....::leans back in his chair:: * Jelarthna sits back down, shaking his head wonderingly. <Jelarthna> I've got to find Moon Dancer. <Zoya> Got rid of... * Jelarthna ponders his leg, arm, and various contusions not visible through his clothing. * Zoya looks down at the rock and turns it over a few times."It's smiling at me..." <Jelarthna> Maybe tomorrow... <Adam> [ROFLOL] * Jelarthna looks over at Zoya in puzzlement. <Zoya> ::holds it up so Jel can see the happy-face:: See? <Jelarthna> ::grins:: That's oddly cute. * Adam looks at the stone, then puts his head in his hands and groans. * Sealgair sags, looking suddenly older, deflated. <Jelarthna> ::expression sobers:: Zoya? What did you do with the last one? <Sealgair> I'm thinkin' I might need tah retire... * Zoya tucks the rock in her pocket. <Zoya> ::to Jel:: Last one what? <Zoya> ::to SG:: Retire from what? <Jelarthna> The last stone. From...the other place. <Sealgair> Nae, lass, turn in fer the evenin'--exhaustion, ye know. <Zoya> ::to SG:: Oh! Well, um... Thank you. <Zoya> ::to Jel:: I've got four or five of them. Most of them are back in my rooms. <Zoya> :;catches on:: OH! THAT one. <Jelarthna> ::nods:: <Zoya> I destroyed it. <Jelarthna> ::looks relieved:: Good! * Sealgair stands, shakily, his chair dematerializing. <Zoya> ::eyes SG:: Do you need help? * Sealgair waves vaguely at everyone and manages a weak smile. <Adam> Good evening Cean Sealgair. <Sealgair> Nae, I can manage. ::starts to shuffle towards the stairs:: <Jelarthna> ::waves back:: Good night...Sealgair. <Zoya> Good night, Sea- ::glances at Jelarthna:: Sealgair? <Zoya> ::hoping she pronounced that correctly:: * Zoya turns back to Alranis. <Sealgair> Faoilte...::starts up the starts, taking each step carefully, with each step he seems less substantial until he disappears into the shadows:: <Zoya> Now. Where were we? <Jelarthna> ::looks back at Zoya:: Yes. *That* Sealgair. But...not, somehow. * Jelarthna finally takes another sip from his mug. <Zoya> Let's see... Mage.. dead.. lich.. Ah! * Jelarthna looks over, *extremely* alarmed. <Zoya> Erdian, as I understand it, was a fairly gentle man. I seriously doubt he's turned undead. At least, not by himself, which is required to become a lich. <Zoya> I was in that tower before, and it didn't hurt me any. All I need is someone to take care of any mundane traps. The rest, I can handle. * Alranis takes a sip as he considers. "How do I know that?" <Jelarthna> ::shakes his head, then waves around the Hall:: There was somehow something of him invested in this place. Didn't you ever wonder why the mugs are like that? <Alranis> No, no, how do I know she can handle the non-mundane stuff... <Jelarthna> ::pipes in:: She can! <Zoya> ::narrows eyes at Al:: How do I know you can handle the mundane traps? You say you know your business, I say I know mine. * Alranis looks a little abashed, and holds out his hand."Would this be adequate proof?" The little yellow ball is resting on his palm. <Zoya> ::sighs:: I wasn't really *asking* for proof... ::holds out her hand for the ball:: * Alranis impishly tosses the ball to her. <Zoya> ::Caught by surprise, Zoya fumbles and drops the ball. It makes a soft *tick* as it hits the floor and rolls under the barrail. Zoya sighs and climbs down off her stool after it, missing in the meantime the brief, gentle rain of orange and blue feathers from the ceiling that disappear as they come into contact with anything else.:: * Jelarthna watches the feathers drift down peacefully. <Jelarthna> That's pretty good, Zoya. <Zoya> What's good? ::With the ball in one hand, Zoya stands up. The feathers have dissipated by the time she turns around.:: <Jelarthna> ::waves around vaguely:: The feathers thing. * Alranis smirks. <Zoya> ::confused:: What feathers? <Alranis> All right. I'll say you can handle it if you say I can handle it, and we'll make it a solid four up front, two on completion, and more than one night means more negotiation <Jelarthna> ::looks confused back:: The feathers you conjured when you dropped the...chaos magic...ball... ::trails off, looking concerned:: <Zoya> ::turns back to Al, tucking the ball back in her pocket::Acceptable. <Zoya> ::back to Jel:: I didn't conjure any feathers. <Jelarthna> I just realized that. You'd better be careful with that smiley ball. I think it may have a mind of it's own. <Jelarthna> And whatever you do, don't let Yb have it! <Zoya> It's just a rock, Jelarthna. It doesn't have a mind, no matter what its innate magical abilities. ::looks horrified:: *No* I wouldn’t let Yb have it! She'd drain it *completely*! <Jelarthna> I didn't mean literally. ::mutters:: I hope. * Alranis takes a good swig. "You find the tower, and we're on." <Jelarthna> But it just caused several feathers to float down from the ceiling and disappear. * Zoya nods at Al. <Zoya> Are you comfortable enough with magic for me to send you a magical message when it's found? When I find it, I don't want to spend too much time finding you - I'll want to stay with it. <Zoya> ::blinks at Jel:: It did? <Adam> He's right Zoya. <Jelarthna> ::nods firmly:: * Alranis purses his lips and looks a little pensive. "I suppose it's all right." <Zoya> Good. Give me something of yours that the message can use to track you down. A couple of hairs would do. <Zoya> ::to Jel:: When did it do that? <Adam> When you dropped it. <Jelarthna> When you dropped in a moment ago. While you were on the ground fishing for it. <Zoya> Really? That calls for an experiment. ::She fishes around in her pockets:: * Alranis shrugs, cuts a pair of his greyer hairs, and leaves them on the counter by Zoya while she digs around in her pockets. <Jelarthna> ::covertly motions Alranis over:: * Alranis glances a little skittishly at the madly searching mage, and sort of sidles in Jel's direction. * Zoya pulls out the rock, and very carefully drops it on the bar in front of her. *tink* * Zoya looks around carefully, then up at the ceiling, then down at the floor. Nothing appears to have happened. <Jelarthna> ::quietly slips Alranis a purse and a small wooden dowel::Break this if you two run into any serious trouble. I owe her my life, and I'd like you to be sure to keep her safe. <Zoya> You're *sure* you didn't imagine the feathers? ::Zoya picks up Alranis' hairs and folds them into a small scrap of paper. The hairs and the ball both go back into her pocket.:: <Adam> Yes. How would Jelarthna and I imagine the same thing? * Alranis nods at Jel, and surreptitiously pockets the items. <Jelarthna> ::whispers:: thank you. <Jelarthna> Hey Adam! Any idea when Moon Dancer will be back? * Zoya picks up her nearly-forgotten meade, then nearly drops the mug as a soft creaking noise issues forth. Carefully, she sets it down on its side, and about half a dozen very small frogs hop out. They hop in formation off the bar and into the fireplace, where they disappear. <Adam> No clue. To be honest, I don't even know when he left. * Jelarthna looks at the frogs and sighs slightly. <Zoya> ::watching the frogs:: I'll be damned. <Zoya> I'll want to play with that some more... <Jelarthna> ::grumbles for a moment:: Well, do you know where Drach is? <Zoya> Drach? ::finally looks away from the fireplace:: No. Why? <Jelarthna> I need to talk to someone else that knew Sealgair. I didn’t know him very well or long, but they both did. <Alranis> Is he that grumpy little dwarf they say is associated with this place? <Zoya> Oh. I don't know. I never heard of him until tonight. <Jelarthna> ::smiles at Al:: Yes, he's the one. <Jelarthna> ::to Zoya:: Really? I would have thought he'd have come up if someone told you about Erdian. <Jelarthna> At least, that was my experience. But I heard about Erdian *from* Sealgair, so maybe that doesn't make much sense. <Zoya> No, Drach just told me a little about Erdian. I think he was trying to talk me out of finding the tower. <Alranis> I think Drach holes up in a little shack on the outskirts of town. :: shrug :: At least, that's the rumor. <Jelarthna> ::grins:: Probably. People always seem to try and corral what they see as dangerous curiosity. <Jelarthna> ::nods to Al:: Thanks. I'll try to find him tomorrow. <Zoya> *yawns* I'm going to go home and run a couple of experiments on this rock. Then I need to start looking for the tower again tomorrow. <Zoya> ::nodding to Al:: I'll be in touch. * Alranis nods. <Jelarthna> ::makes a valiant effort to bow from the comfy chair::Goodnight Zoya. And good luck on your search. <Adam> Good evening Zoya. <Zoya> ::to Jel:: Thank you. Take care of yourself, Jelarthna. <Zoya> Good night, Adam. <Jelarthna> ::smiles:: I'll try. * Alranis drains his mug. "Guess I'd best be pushing off. Long night yet." <Adam> Good evening Al. * Jelarthna finishes his mug, and struggles to his feet. * Alranis drops a coin on the bar. <Jelarthna> Goodnight, Al. <Adam> You staying here Jelarthna, or do you want some help getting home? <Alranis> See you later. :: glances at the door, through which Zoya recently departed :: If she doesn't get me killed. * Alranis slips out the door. * Jelarthna limps over to the bar, and leaves a couple of coins. <Jelarthna> Goodnight Adam. If you see Drach or Moon Dancer before I do, tell them I need to talk to them. <Adam> Certainly Jelarthna. <Jelarthna> Thank you. * Jelarthna carefully makes his way out of the Hall. * Adam puts the coins in the strong box, finishes wiping down the bar, dims the lamps, and exits, locking the door behind him. |
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