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<Rhys> ::Rhys emerges from the kitchen, the odor of baking bread trailing him out into the main room. He walks across the floor and unlocks the door. He returns behind the counter and settles himself down on the stool:: Hall's open. * Bai enters through the side/front door and walks over to the bar, leaning his staff against the wall before seating himself on the stool closest to it. * Zoya strides through the door, absently pulling her hood off as she enters the room. The white streak in her purple hair has definitely gotten larger. She is carrying a large book and a pencil is tucked behind one ear. She is reading as she walks, occasionally pulling out the pencil to make notes in the book's margin. <Rhys> Well Met, sir. Can I get you something? <Rhys> And m'lady. Anything for you or your companion? * Zoya makes her way across the room (occasionally bumping into the odd chair or table) and sits at the bar. She looks up at Rhys' address. <Bai> Wat... ::notices Zoya's entrance:: Know which tap has the "Mist of the Peaks"? * Rhys looks at the double row of taps. He squints at the handles. "I believe I do. Goblet or mug?" <Bai> Mug. <Zoya> He'll have some juice, I think. ::the faerie dragon coiled around her neck attempts a half-hearted whine, but gives up mid-sigh as Zoya buries her nose back into her book. * Rhys fetches a mug and a pint glass from behind the counter. The mug is filled with the effervescent Mist of the Peaks and passed to Bai, and the pint glass is filled with a light-orange juice, which Rhys sets by Zoya. <Rhys> Anything for you, miss? * Bai downs half the mug. * Bai mutters, "I'm going to be looking like Drach any day now if this keeps up." <Zoya> ::The faerie dragon flies over to the juice, cranes his long neck over the rim of the glass, and drinks thirstily.:: * Rhys gets another mug from behind the counter, fills it too with Mist, and sets it in front of Bai. "Just in case." <Zoya> If it's green on top. * Bai chuckles slightly, "Thank you, but don't go doing that when I'm fool enough to order something stronger." * Rhys nods at Bai. "I'll remember that." * Rhys looks peculiarly at Zoya, fetches a shotglass from the rack, fills the bottom half with a thick, midnight-blue liquid, and then carefully dribbles some Mist on top of that. He sets it in front of Zoya. <Zoya> ::looking up suddenly:: The kangaroo and the emu are the only natural creatures that are incapable of walking backwards. Maybe I'll start a kangaroo farm and breed them so they can walk backwards. * Rhys blinks at Zoya. "Well. That's always... possible." * Zoya notices the drink in front of her and frowns slightly. Shrugging she picks it up, sniffs at it gingerly, then shrugs and knocks it back. <Bai> Um...Zoya, does this have something to do with the Tower, or have you found a new obsession? * Zoya coughs once and looks down at the syrupy blue still clinging to the sides of the shotglass. She dips a finger in, then licks her finger. <Zoya> Hey, that stuff's pretty good. Lemme have some more, without the Mist this time. * Rhys refills Zoya's shotglass with the thick-blue liquid and hands it back. <Zoya> ::to Bai:: Hmm? Oh, it's a very small mind that can't cope with more than one obsession at a time, my dear. ::she's grinning as she says this, as if to reassure you that she understands how weird she is.:: * Zoya sips delicately at the syrup this time, rather than slamming it. <Zoya> This stuff is really great! <Bai> Bai sighs and goes back to his Mist muttering something about having to deal with every mental case in the multiverse. <Zoya> Wow. My head's all... funny. Wow. Lots of sugar in this stuff, huh? ::She puts the empty shotglass down on the bar:: I think I'll go do some more Tower tracking... Just stopped in for a pick-me-up anyway... G'night everyone! <Rhys> ::a short, red, hairless humanoid comes out from the kitchen and tugs on Rhys's robe. Rhys looks down at him for a moment, then looks back up.:: "Just a moment, the bread is done." ::he hurries into the kitchen::"Good night, Zoya!" * Bai looks up like he's about to say something, then changes his mind, "Goodnight Zoya." * Zoya gets up and leaves. The faerie dragon, who has been steadily drinking his peach juice, notices her departure only after the door closes behind her, and squeaks irritably and flies away. * Rhys comes back out of the kitchen wearing potholders on each hand, carrying a breadpan. The humanoid places a metal tray on the counter, which Rhys sets the bread down on.:: <Rhys> "You can go now. Thank you for your help." ::with that, the humanoid smiles and disappears:: * Sealgair comes down the stairs, as usual seeming to materialize from the shadows at the top of the stairwell. He walks across the common room and takes a seat at the bar. * Rhys picks up Zoya's glasses and sets them toddling into the kitchen. He notices Sealgair when he turns back around. "Good evening. Can I get you something?" <Bai> Evening Sealgair. ::sips his Mist:: <Sealgair> Mm, yes...A cold glass of juice and a bite of something to eat, iffen ye please. ::grins:: * Sealgair waves to Bai. <Sealgair> Faoilte! * S'ayad'i comes into the Hall nose-first, following the scent of fresh-bakes bread. Her clothes seem to have been freshly rumpled. Her white bard-band has been re-tied lower on her arm, and blood has leaked through a bit, but she's smiling. <Bai> My Lady S'ayad'i! Are you all right? <S'ayad'i> Is that *fresh* bread I smell? * Rhys takes a rocks glass out from under the counter and fills it with some orange juice, which he sets in front of Sealgair. <S'ayad'i> Oh, fine. Just a scratch. <Bai> What happened? * S'ayad'i glances at SG, but decides not to approach just yet. <Rhys> Yes, it is fresh bread. Still too hot for eating, but if you can wait ten minute, good lady, you may have all you want. <Sealgair> Tapadh leibh! ::picks up the glass and takes an enthusiastic gulp, about half the glass:: * Rhys heads back into the kitchen and comes out with a fruit and cheese plate for Sealgair. "Will this do?" <S'ayad'i> ::to Bai:: Some ruffian in an alleyway who didn't know my sword wasn't peacebonded. ::she grins, almost enthusiastically:: <S'ayad'i> ::to Rhys, almost pleadingly:: Butter and honey? <Sealgair> Aye, 'twill do nicely. Again, tapadh leibh. ::pulls the plate closer and starts munching on a piece of bread:: * Rhys returns to the kitchen (the door still swinging from his last passage), and returns with small bowls of fluffed butter and smooth honey. <S'ayad'i> You're a saint. Three things always make me hungry, and fighting is one of them! * Rhys offers S'ayad'i a rice candy, wrapped in paper. "To tide you over?" * S'ayad'i eyes the bread like a child at a candy-shop window. <S'ayad'i> Oh! Thank you. ::She takes the candy, unwraps the paper, and pops it into her mouth.:: <S'ayad'i> ::around the candy:: And how is everyone this fine evening? <Bai> About the same as always. * S'ayad'i finishes off the rice candy. * Rhys rummages around under the counter and emerges with a quite serviceable-looking breadknife <S'ayad'i> That's pretty good. Where d'you get it.. And I don't believe I've met you... What do you like to be called? <Bai> [What is your name?...] <Rhys> Oh! I'm sorry. I'm Rhys Altain, latest addition to the staff of the Meade Hall. And you, Lady Bard...? <S'ayad'i> S'ayad'i, Master Bard, at your service! ::she performs a theatrical bow from her seat:: And I would be even more at your service if you'd cut the bread... ::grin:: * Rhys flips the breadpan onto its side and carefully slides the bread out. He holds the knife over the bread and looks to the Patrons. Anyone have a preference for heel or middles? <S'ayad'i> It's all wonderful... * Bai defers to S'ay. <Rhys> ::in the face of apathy, Rhys just starts slicing half the loaf into almost inch-thick slices of the bread, putting them on small plates, and pushing the slices out for anyone to take them:: * Bai sips his Mist and begins drumming his finger on the bartop. * S'ayad'i reaches out and snags the nearest plate. She lavishly covers her bread with butter and honey, and takes a huge bite. * Sealgair finishes his plate and pushes it back a bit. He takes on last sip and sets the juice glass down. * Bai waits for S'ay to finish, then helps himself to the bread and butter. <Sealgair> Ach, much better. <S'ayad'i> Mmmm. This is fantastic. Were you a baker before you were a bartender, Master Altain? * Bai finishes his bread, then resumes drumming his fingers on the bar. <S'ayad'i> [Bai eats like the wind...] <S'ayad'i> ::glancing at Bai:: Are you all right? <Rhys> Who, me? No, I've just had some experience cooking. It's a handy skill. * Sealgair scratches his beard then gets up off the stool. He wanders over to one of the comfy chairs and turns it towards the bar. <Bai> Of course. ::Bai's fingers start moving faster.:: <Sealgair> That hit the spot...::sighs and settles into the cushioning:: <Rhys> Ah, good. Can I get you anything else? <S'ayad'i> Are you sure? Sending coded signals to the tinker gnomes under the bar, perhaps? * S'ayad'i 's eyes twinkle merrily. <Bai> Please tell me there aren't any. The last thing I need right now is for Yb to make a bunch of "friends." * Rhys surreptitiously glances under the bar, a relieved look on his face when he looks back up. * Bai smiles back at S'ay, his eyes darting towards Sealgair for a moment. <S'ayad'i> ::laughs loudly:: There aren't any. At least, not *now*... <Bai> I suppose even tinker gnomes have that much sense of self preservation. ::Bai's eyes twinkle in amusement.:: * Rhys fixes himself a slice of bread, with honey, and nibbles at it happily. <S'ayad'i> ::chuckling:: I suppose so. But I can only imagine tinker gnomes coming up with that mess of pipes to start with! * Bai nods, "True enough." * S'ayad'i finishes her first slice of bread, and fixes herself another, eating this one much slower. * Bai fixes himself another slice of bread. * Bai puts his bread down, takes another sip of Mist and resumes drumming his fingers on the bar. His right leg has also joined the performance, bouncing off of one of the stool legs. * Sealgair raises an eyebrow at Bai. <S'ayad'i> ::beginning to look concerned:: Maybe you should lay off the Mist... <Bai> I'm fine. Haven't felt this awake in weeks. * Rhys walks over to Bai and coughs quietly. "Sir, might I suggest some chamomile tea? It's quite soothing." <Bai> No, I'm fine. * Sealgair leans forward, a slightly puzzled look on his face. <S'ayad'i> ::sighs, and goes back to eating her bread, slowly and with great apparent pleasure. She seems to grow taller for an instant, and the she shifts to sit cross-legged, and you realize she's floating about six inches off her stool:: * Rhys looks at S'ayad'i, decides that she's fine and turns his attention to SG. "Something the matter, sir?" * Bai sips his Mist * Sealgair looks at Bai with concern on his face. <Sealgair> Lad, ye may want tah go easy on the Mist. It tends tah have some odd side effects. * Bai seems to notice his hand and leg, "As you've pointed out to me before Sealgair." <Sealgair> 'Sthere a reason yer drinking sae much? Afraid o' fallin' asleep are ye? * Bai stops oscillating, "Actually I was wondering if you've seen Brighteyes anywhere. I've got some jewelry I want her opinion on." <Sealgair> Brighteyes? ::expression darkens, becoming muddle:: <S'ayad'i> ::in a low, soft hiss to Bai:: What are you doing? * Rhys watches the conversation with no small amount of confusion. <Bai> Yeah. You and Erdian and her used to adventure together as I've been told. I've been looking all over for her, but no one's seen her in a year or more. I thought maybe the two of you were off looking for Erdian or something. <Bai> ::In a low voice to S'ay:: I'm playing it by ear at the moment. If Yb's taught me anything it's to not bother planning in situations like this. <Sealgair> Eh-eh-Erdian? ::looks intensely sad and confused:: <S'ayad'i> ::in a slightly louder hiss:: Bai! You don't know what you're doing! Don't you see that it *hurts* him to try to remember? <Sealgair> I cannah...I dunnah...::looks at ceiling, eyes getting watery:: Damn ye...Why can I nae...::blinks rapidly:: <Bai> ::Back to S'ay:: We have two choices, try to help him recover his memory or leave him as he is. You know him better than I do, which do you choose? * Bai holds S'ay eyes, waiting for her answer. <Bai> [That came out way wrong.] <Sealgair> [hahahah--I won't return your eyes until you answer me. Muahahahaha!] * Sealgair visibly gathers himself and stares at Bai, intensely. <S'ayad'i> ::closes her eyes briefly, as if she has a headache:: I don't know. If it was simple amnesia... But this obviously has a much more profound meaning. I don't know what we're supposed to do. But... ::she sighs:: I don't know. I'm not a healer. My magic isn't this profound. Eldarin's never seen anything like it. I don't... Just, be careful, please. <Sealgair> Look ::shuddering breath:: I'm lookin' fer one thing and one thing only, lad, then I can be left in peace. <Bai> What are you looking for? * S'ayad'i turns her head to look at Sealgair. * Sealgair concentrates. * Bai pats S'ay hand. <Sealgair> A person. A man. The man. The reason I'm here. ::stands without realizing it, hands balling into fists:: <Bai> What can you tell us about this man? <Sealgair> And he's nae here, he's ne'er here, though you used to be. ::looks around quickly, almost wildly:: <Sealgair> Iffen he were only here, then I could be left alone. ::glares at the door, accusingly:: <Bai> Can you tell us anything else? * Sealgair turns an icy stare on Bai. <Sealgair> I cannah because I dunnah ken--look, he jus' needs tah be here, then the promise will be fulfilled. ::shudders:: * Bai looks at S'ay, "Did Felis ever have any promises with Sealgair?" * Sealgair slowly walks over to the door. * Sealgair reaches out a hand to the door, fingers spread wide. His hand stops, as if encountering a solid surface, just shy of the wood. He starts to push, leaning his weight into it, but his hand doesn't move. <S'ayad'i> ::frowns:: No. But he looks so... I think you'd better stop, now. <Sealgair> I cannah...::grunt:: Curse ye! ::He stands upright and raises a fist. One of his swords materializes in it. SG, himself, seems to grew slightly translucent at the appearance of the sword.:: <Bai> Sealgair, come have some Sembian brandy. * Rhys takes a slight step back at the sword's appearance. * Bai whispers to S'ay "Let's hope it's Jaret, Moon Dancer, or Drach. We'll never find any of the others." <Sealgair> Let me be! ::He hauls back with the sword and swings at the door, set to render the wood into kindling. The sword rebounds a few inches from the door and he recovers and launches into another swing. <S'ayad'i> ::eyes grow wide. Her hands are trembling slightly, but when she speaks, her voice is calm:: Cean, please relax. We're trying to help you. <Bai> My friend, come join us. Your patience will be rewarded. * Sealgair rains blows down at the door, each faster than the last, blurring, too fast to follow. No matter how hard or fast he strikes, no blow ever lands. * Bai whispers to S'ay "Think you could manage a song at the moment." * Sealgair suddenly stops and sags, grounding the point of the sword and leaning heavily on it. <Sealgair> Ye see? ::huff:: If he were here, I could be left alone. ::puff:: But he's ne'er here and I cannah find him. ::huff:: * Sealgair slides down until he's sitting on the floor. The sword disappears and he seems to return to full solidity. <Bai> We'll find him Sealgair. Now sit down and have something to cool the thirst you must have worked up. <Sealgair> Ne'er here, curse ye...trapped....incomplete.... <Sealgair> ::The last is muttered, barely audible.:: <S'ayad'i> ::very carefully lays one hand on SG's shoulder:: We'll do what we can. * Rhys furrows his eyebrows slightly at Sealgair's fury. He goes to the office, and comes out with a tattered red flannel shirt. He squeezes it tightly in his hands, and a small breeze kicks up and spins out the door. He then returns to his position behind the bar. * Sealgair nods, vaguely, otherwise not moving. * S'ayad'i looks from Bai to Rhys helplessly, then slowly drops her hand and returns to her seat. * Bai finishes his Mist. "Could I have some water and some Sembian Brandy. * Sealgair slowly stands and shambles over to his chair, almost falling into it. <Bai> Actually, make that water and coffee. <Rhys> Of course. ::pours a snifter of Sembian brandy, and a glass of water, starts to hand the glasses to Bai, quickly swaps out the brandy for coffee (black), and then sets the two in front of Bai:: * Rhys watches Sealgair concernedly. * Bai sips his water, then carries the coffee over to Sealgair. "Maybe this will make you feel a little better." * Rhys tentatively sniffs the Sembian brandy, then has a sip. * Sealgair accepts the mugs and sets it on the arm of the chair, fingers hooked through the handle. He doesn't look up or otherwise respond. * Bai returns to the bar and has some more of his water. * S'ayad'i sighs and pulls out her panpipes. The song she plays is hopeful and wistful at the same time, and very beautiful despite the rough instrument. * Rhys fixes S'ayad'i another slice of bread with butter and honey while she plays. * S'ayad'i 's song ends, and she begins a second one in a happier key. She seems to be retreating into herself. * S'ayad'i winds up the second song on an upbeat note. She takes a deep breath, eyes closed, as she tucks the 'pipes back in her pocket, then opens them and looks around. She notices the slice of bread and smiles at Rhys. * Rhys looks out the door at the dark sky and coughs quietly to himself. <S'ayad'i> How thoughtful. Thank you. * Sealgair stands, shakily, leaving the coffee untouched and balanced on the arm of the chair. <Sealgair> I...I best retire fer the evenin'.... * Sealgair waves absently at Say, Bai and Rhys and starts to shuffle towards the stairs. <Rhys> Very well. Good evening, sir. Sleep well. <S'ayad'i> If you don't mind, I'll take it with me... I should be heading back home. I'll... ::glances at SG:: I'll keep my eyes open. <Bai> Steel and Water my friend. <S'ayad'i> Good night, Cean. * Sealgair ascends the stairs, fading from sight after only the third step, well before the shadows at the top of the stairs. * S'ayad'i picks up the bread and takes a big bite as she heads for the door. <Rhys> Very well. Good night, S'ayad'i. * Bai sips his water. <S'ayad'i> Ah, making music makes me hungry, too... * S'ayad'i turns to wave to Bai and Rhys. * Bai rises from his stool and picks up his staff before heading up the stairs himself. <S'ayad'i> Good evening, my friends! * Bai stops and bows to S'ay. * Bai continues on up the stairs, "Dammit Moon Dancer, where in all the Hells are you." <Rhys> Good night, Bai. Rest well. <Rhys> ::the last of the patrons out of the Hall, Rhys points his fingers at the main door, which quickly closes and locks. Without wasting an instant, he plucks a quill and piece of paper from up a voluminous sleeve and starts writing on the paper:: |
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