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Michelle unlocks the door and announces, "Hall's Open" Michelle returns to behind the bar. She is wearing a yellow dress with a sunflower pattern embroidered into it. Michelle is also wearing a matching jacket that has been trimmed in white velvet. The velvet has been embroidered with a sea shell pattern. Michelle: ::The waist of Michelle's dress is drawn tight by an orange sash that is tied into an intricate bow in back. Michelle: ::The bow descends in twin trains that almost reach the floor, and the sash matches the kerchief Michelle has used to tie her hair into a high pony tail. Jaret slowly comes down the stairs, favoring his right leg. His right arm is in a crude sling, and also tied across his body, to immobilize the limb. Multiple cuts and contusions are visible on his face and body, but he looks to have washed them clean. He makes his way to the bar. "Good evening, Michelle. Are you all right?" Zoya comes down the stairs very slowly, leaning heavily on the rail. Every three or four steps, she stops and sits. Her clothes are still in tatters. Her one major wound was loosely bound, but ugly red streaks have appeared below the level of the bandage on her arm where the poison from the demon's claws is spreading slowly. She doesn't move that arm if she can help it, and winces when she can't help it. She laboriously works her way to the nearest table and folds into a chair with very little grace. Michelle sighs, "Just very, very tired." Michelle: Oh, Jaret, could I have that sword back. I could really use it right now. Jaret looks down at his side. "Oh! I'm sorry. I'm just so used to wearing a blade at my side..." He draws the blade, which has been cleaned to a point of sparkling, and lays it on the bartop. "Here you are." Zoya: ::slowly:: Where... ::Zoya's voice is raspy and harsh, and barely audible. She doesn't look up from the tabletop as she speaks:: Where is that healer, anyhow? Michelle gently lifts the blade in her hands. It glows with a faint light, then seems to melt into Michelle's hands. Michelle sighs heavily, "Thank you." Jaret: ::to Zoya:: I don't know. I sent a boy for her several minutes ago. I'll send another if the healer doesn't arrive in a few minutes. Zoya attempts to catch Michelle's eye. When Michelle looks her way, she lifts one hand and flutters it like a wing. Her eyes are questioning. Michelle: I'm sorry I can't do more for everyone myself, but I'm just too tired. Michelle notices Zoya's question and begins studying the surface of the bar. Michelle: Um...I don't really know where to begin. Xarrach: ::The door opens, and a huge man walks in. He's wearing very archaic looking clothes that not only have been out of style for a couple hundred years, but that don't seem to be fastened properly. He is also walking very strangely. Zoya's faerie dragon flutters through when the door opens, zipping straight for Zoya.:: Michelle: ...I... I usually try to keep all this a secret. It tends to scare people. Michelle notices the new customer and promptly shuts up. Xarrach: ::He moves ponderously to the bar, and looks around furtively.:: Michelle: Can I help you sir? Xarrach: Excuse me, ::very deep, gravelly voice:: I'm looking for Jelarthna. Zoya 's familiar almost lands on Zoya's lap, but veers off at the last moment and lands instead on the table in front of her. He begins chiding her sternly in a quiet, squeaky voice. Zoya lifts her good arm to stroke its neck, but it continues scolding. Zoya is looking at the newcomer, however. Michelle: I'm afraid he's unavailable at the moment. Are you a friend of his? Jaret almost perks up. In his current state, however, that means his head lolls a little more to one side, and he continues to focus on taking deep breaths without wincing too badly. Xarrach: ::pauses a moment before answering:: That... would be a way of putting it. Michelle: You're welcome to wait here if you like. Can I get you a drink? Zoya: ::The faerie dragon bites Zoya to get her attention. Zoya yanks her hand back and glares at him, then goes back to looking at the newcomer:: Xarrach: ::looks dubiously at a barstool, and around the Hall in general, almost nervously:: I'm in a bit of a hurry, and this is rather urgent. Zoya: ::in her cracked, damaged voice:: Jelarthna is unavailable. Unless you're a healer. Xarrach: ::the voice's tone changes, but the new note is unreadable:: Is something wrong with him? Zoya: ::harsh laugh:: How many demons can you fight and stay whole? He's got a magical sword sticking out of his shoulder, and he's completely drained, physically, mentally, emotionally, and magically. Xarrach: Oh, really? ::again, the unreadable tone:: I really must see him. Please tell me where he is. Zoya: Are you a healer? Xarrach: No. Zoya: Then you may not see him. Michelle: Then I'm afraid I can't do that sir. Xarrach: I really must insist. I am not used to being thwarted. Michelle: If you care to leave a message I'll be certain that Jelarthna receives it. Jaret sits up a little straighter, and starts absently looking around. Zoya: ::another harsh laugh:: Neither are we. Jelarthna needs his rest. Come back tomorrow. Xarrach: ::looks Michelle in the eye, and there's a definite edge of hardness there:: I cannot afford to wait. My business with him will be conducted quickly. Zoya sighs slightly, and stands up slowly. "Your business with him will be conducted later, after he has seen a healer and rested." Jaret grabs a nearby mug, grumbles something to it, and gives it an insistent shove towards the kitchen. Xarrach: ::turns his somewhat baleful gaze on Zoya:: I am attempting to deal with you peacefully, but you are beginning to try my patience. Zoya: And you are trying mine. ::she shrugs, wincing ever so slightly at the pain in her arm. Her eyes are flat steel, however.:: Michelle: I'm sorry sir, but the last "associate" of Jelarthna nearly killed him. No One will see him until he is in suitable condition to deal with you on his own. Jaret: What is your business with Jelarthna? We have just come through a very trying conflict, and he is not well. I am sure that you can understand our apprehension with sending a complete stranger to visit him. Xarrach: ::locks eyes with Zoya for a few moments, then lets loose a deep, DEEP laugh:: I like your spirit, woman, but you are obviously in no shape to challenge me. Sit back down. Xarrach: Nonetheless, I must see him, and I don't think any of you has the strength to challenge me. This is a vital matter. Xarrach: If you wish, I will grant you permission to tell him I am here. Zoya: ::shrugs again, but does not sit:: I will find the strength if I must. You will wait before conducting her business. ::the faerie dragon, once again coiled around Zoya's neck, hisses softly:: Zoya: He rests. None of us will disturb his rest. Xarrach: Then I will disturb it. ::heads for the stairs:: Zoya takes the single step that will place her between X and the stairs. "You will not." Jaret flips off the first layer of peace-knotting on Jelarthna's sword that rests on his hip. "I admit I am not at full strength. But I will sacrifice myself before I let anyone, even a bully, intrude on his rest. He stands and joins Zoya by the stairs. Michelle pulls a black, metallic object out of her jacket and holds it in her hands pointed at the ceiling. Michelle: You can wait here, or you can return tomorrow. Jaret removes the last bit of peaceknotting on the sword, and stands ready to draw it with his left hand if Xarrach does not yield. Jaret: Please. Don't. Xarrach: ::A wordless growl emits from the man's throat, and his form shimmers and changes. When it's done, a tremendous demonic form, with horns, large, pointy teeth, claws, and wings stands there. The wings stretch out to full length, and the shredded cloths fall to the floor.:: Xarrach: GET OUT OF MY WAY! Michelle points the object at the demon. Zoya stares for a moment, then flings one arm (her bad one, as luck would have it) in front of Jaret. "WAIT!" Zoya: ::she steps toward the demon:: I know you. Jaret draws the sword, which is surrounded by a roiling white aura as the demon approaches. "DEATH FIRST!" Xarrach: ::pauses, looking at Zoya:: How do you know me, woman? Zoya: ::she smiles slightly:: Do you want me to explain in front of these others? I know you. It is enough. Xarrach: ::the wings fold up against his back, and the claws resheath themselves:: He told you? Hmph. You may as well. My secret is known and I live on borrowed time now. Zoya: ::shakes her head:: Not told. There was... ::she glances around, then shrugs:: A mind-meld was required to save his life. Nothing could be hidden. Your secret is safe with me. Xarrach: You misunderstand. Others know me now, and my life is forfeit. Michelle: Looks like I'm not the only one with explaining to do. Jaret inches forward a step, trying to provide some sort of backup for Zoya. Zoya: ::shrugs:: Your life is safe with my comrades, as well. But you should change back before your... brothers discover you. Xarrach: ::rumbling chuckle:: You still do not understand. My lords know of my... transgressions. ::bitter laugh:: They are hunting me even now. Michelle lowers the object, then rests it on the bar. Zoya: I see. ::she sighs:: And your business with Jelarthna..? Jaret: ::sweat is starting to break out on Jaret's brow just from holding the sword in a ready position, but the tip of the blade remains rock steady:: Xarrach: I need to speak with him. I have news of some of his former companions he will need to know. Michelle: Your call Zoya. You're the only one who actually knows what's going on. Xarrach: ::to Jaret:: Put away your sword, human, I have regained my temper. I'll not fight you now. Zoya: ::nods, then turns to Jaret:: Will you believe me if I say he can be trusted? That I will explain, as soon as I can? Michelle whispers something to a couple of the mugs and they scurry off into the kitchen. Jaret: ::to the demon:: "Thank you for the kind offer, but it feels too heavy in its sheath, at my side. I think I will leave it out, where it is more comfortable." Jaret: ::to Zoya:: "It's an *infernal*. You can't trust it." Xarrach: As you will, human. You are wise not to trust overmuch. Zoya: I know. But it is... A friend of Jelarthna's. In truth. Jaret: ::to Zoya, through gritted teeth:: "I hope you understand how absolutely gods-bedamned deranged you sound, lady magus. If you don't, you'll never understand why I can't believe that." Zoya: ::she nods:: I know how it sounds. But it has... ::she looks irritable:: I'd show you, but I can't. Will you believe me in any case if I say that its news will be important to Jelarthna? If you and lady Michelle accompany it to Jelarthna's bedside, to make sure it does no mischief, would that appease you? I believe Jelarthna must hear the news. Jaret: ::still holding the sword in the ready position:: "If you say I must." ::looks at the demon:: "Bare tooth or claw in his presence and I'll do everything in my power to send you screaming back to the dark pit you crawled out of." Xarrach: ::gives Jaret what appears to be a smile:: I am somewhat comforted by your loyalty, human. Michelle moves the object underneath the bar. "We'll be back shortly Zoya. If you need anything, ask the mugs." Zoya turns back to X. "Go up then. Second door to the left." She pauses. "Be brief, for his sake, please." Xarrach: I will. Zoya sinks slowly back into her chair, facing the front door. Michelle moves to follow X up the stairs. Jaret: ::starts to back up the stairs, constantly watching Xarrach:: Xarrach waits for Jaret and Michelle, and stoops to go up the stairs with them. Michelle is staying behind X. Zoya closes her eyes for a moment, then opens them again. Her good hand raises to her temple. Jaret backs down the hallway to the door of Jelarthna's room. He knocks on the door. "Jelarthna, you have a visitor." ::if he doesn't get a response, he carefully opens the door after a few minutes and steps inside:: Jelarthna: ::weakly::Come in Zoya: Oh, mugs... ::one of the mugs scampers over obediently:: Willow-bark tea. Double-strength. With honey and lemon. ::the mug dashes back into the kitchen:: Jaret carefully backs into the room, keeping an eye on the demon. ::to Jelarthna, over his shoulder:: "He says he has something very important to say to you. Zoya backed him up." Michelle makes her way into the room and sits down on the edge of Jel's bed. Xarrach walks into the room, and smiles (?) broadly at Jel. Xarrach: It is good to see you again. Jaret stops, the point of the sword obviously intended to keep the demon close to the doorway. "All right. You're here. Give your message." Jelarthna: ::smiling, but looking a tad confused:: It is good to see you, Xarrach. But what are you doing here? You'll be killed! Michelle: ::The mug returns with Zoya's tea.:: Zoya: ::the mug waddles carefully back to Zoya, full of a steaming hot liquid. Zoya reaches down carefully, picks up the mug, and takes a long drink, grimacing slightly.:: Xarrach: I am discovered, my friend. I searched for your compatriots, but I found that all of them are missing. My life is forfeit anyway, so I thought to bring this news to you. Jelarthna: ::sadly shakes his head:: I hope you didn't reveal yourself for my sake. I already discovered that they were all killed by the madman I told you of. Zoya takes a deep breath and finishes off the tea, then begins to search through the numerous small pouches at her belt. As she does so, she sets the mug on the floor. "Hot water. As close to boiling as you can get. In a very clean mug." The mug runs back to the kitchen. Xarrach: I am sorry to hear that. I thought to aid you in searching for them. ::deep, rumbling sigh:: I will go to meet my fate, then. I will take as many of them with me as I can, though. Luck to you, my friend. Jelarthna: Wait! You can't just go off and die like that! Zoya: ::after a moment, a new mug waddles out, steaming. Zoya pulls the loose bandage off her arm, inspects the healing wound, and begins to clean it with the hot water, wincing as she does:: Xarrach: What else am I to do? I was moments ahead of the death squad as it was. They know me, and they have my scent. Jelarthna: ::struggling to sit up:: Nevertheless, I will protect you. Michelle: Jelarthna, you couldn't protect yourself, let alone anyone else. Xarrach: ::laughs:: The woman is right, my friend. Jelarthna: It does not matter. Anyone who wishes to get to you will have to go through me. Jaret gets a slightly disappointed look on his face at the last comment by Jelarthna. Michelle puts her hand on an uninjured portion of Jel's chest and shoves him back down onto the bed, "Stay still." Xarrach: ::seems oddly touched:: I - I am not used to such things. Trust is not something that one can find in the Abyss. Xarrach: I even have to use your language to have the word for use. Zoya: ::The wound clean, Zoya pulls a carefully-wrapped packet of herbs from her pouch and dumps them in the little bit of water remaining. The mug makes an icky-face, but sits still while Zoya stirs it up and presses the resulting poultice into the wound. A few moments later, she heaves a relieved sigh, and relaxes back into the chair, waving the mug back to the kitchen. Jelarthna: Nevertheless, there is plenty of it here. See, my friends here brought you up to see me, even after we were all hurt so badly. Michelle smiles and glances at Jaret. Jelarthna: Thank you so much Michelle, Jaret. I'm sorry my manners have been so bad. This is my friend, Xarrach. Jelarthna: Xarrach, this is Michelle and Jaret, two of the truest friends I've ever known. Michelle: Jelarthna, next time you're expecting visitors from the Abyss, could you at least warn us. After our past encounters with your old acquaintances we've adopted a kill first ask questions later mentality. Jaret still has a rather dubious expression on his face, and he's still got the sword out, but he nods at Xarrach, and drops the point of the sword somewhat. "Well met." ::the greeting is slightly forced:: Jelarthna: ::to Michelle and Jaret:: Xarrach saved my life and those of my companions at the time when we stumbled into the Blood Wars. We would all have died several times over but for him. Zoya 's faerie dragon whistles softly what might be a faerie-dragon lullaby and rubs its face against hers. She smiles sleepily and lifts one arm to stroke its long neck. Jelarthna: I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting him. He's been keeping his rescue operations secret from his overlords. ::shakes head:: Now that they know, they'll be after him. He's saved many good people from dying in the Blood Wars. ::shudder:: Xarrach: Well met, little human. Michelle: For the moment I'll assume that I really don't want to know what the Blood Wars are. Just tell me we aren't going to be doing any fighting for a few weeks. Jaret bares his teeth at the 'little' comment, but makes no retort. Zoya: ::The faerie dragon peeps a rather worried-sounding question.:: Yes, I know. ::After the tea, her voice is sounding more normal. She pulls a long, thin wand from one sleeve.:: I don't know how much good it will do if I can't control it, but I'll do my best. ::The faerie-dragon hops up to the back of her chair, and assumes a vigilant position:: Jelarthna: ::to Michelle:: It's a never ending battle on a section of the outer planes, mainly between the devils and the demons. Jelarthna: Xarrach, could you do me another favor? Xarrach: What is it? Jelarthna: You've got a lot more experience with wounds than I do, could you safely remove this sword from my chest? Jaret: ::the sword point wavers a little, but stays in the more "relaxed" posture:: Xarrach: ::laughs:: Quite a bit more, little elf! I will be happy to, if your other friends don't object. Michelle: Hell Jelarthna, *I* could have done that. I just don't have the strength to close the wound afterwards. Jaret hesitates slightly, then backs away from Jelarthna, giving Xarrach room to step to his side. Xarrach: ::to Michelle:: I can do something about that as well. Michelle rises off the bed and gets out of X's way, "By all means." Xarrach: ::moves next to Jelarthna, and examined the sword and the wound carefully:: This isn't too bad. Jelarthna: ::snorts, then winces:: Xarrach: ::puts one hand next to the scimitar, and takes the hilt with the other, then quickly and smoothly pulls it straight out.:: Xarrach: ::Immediately holds the wound shut with the hand on Jel's chest, and begins a low chanting. A soft, white glow appears through it's hand, and the flow of blood quickly ceases.:: Xarrach: Is that better? Jelarthna: ::sighing deeply:: I think I'll actually be able to sleep now. Xarrach: Good. Jelarthna: Promise me you won't run straight into their arms and get killed! I know you and your sensibilities. Xarrach: Hah! Very well, I will try to keep running for your sake. Leave a message for me at the usual place when you feel a little better. Jelarthna: I will. Good luck, my friend. ::clasps hands with the demons, if you can call it clasping with that size difference:: Xarrach: Fare well, elf. Xarrach: ::looks at Jaret and Michelle:: I'm glad he has friends like you. Take good care of him. At least I won't have to worry for his life. Xarrach: ::chuckling, walks downstairs:: Jaret: We'll do what we can. Jaret: ::follows Xarrach downstairs:: Michelle: Do you want me to put you to sleep, or do you think you can manage on your own? Xarrach: ::pauses on his way to the door, and looks over at Zoya:: You are Zoya, are you not? Zoya: ::looks up:: Yes. Jelarthna: Actually, I want to come downstairs and eat something. And I think we all have a lot to talk about. Jaret slides the sword back into the sheath. Michelle: All right, but you sit, eat, and then come straight back to bed. Michelle moves to help Jel out of bed. Xarrach: ::gives Zoya his bare-fang smile:: You are just like he told me. Treat him well, woman. He cares for you deeply. Xarrach: ::opens the door and leaves:: Jaret: "Good night, demon. Be careful." Zoya: ::sighs somewhat sadly:: I know. Zoya: Take care. Xarrach: ::from outside, the sound of wings flapping carries in and fades quickly into the distance:: Jaret collapses onto a nearby table, rolling onto his left side so his right leg and arm don't touch anything. "Oh, gods, where is that healer!" Jelarthna: ::smiling:: Yes, Michelle. Jelarthna: ::struggles to stand up, and walks downstairs:: Michelle helps Jelarthna downstairs and sits him at the table Jaret's collapsed onto. Zoya: ::looks over at Jaret:: I've got a poultice you can put on your wounds. It won't help a *lot*, but it will numb the pain until the healer gets here. Jelarthna: I'm sorry about that. I hope he wasn't too rude with anyone. Jaret: ::still on the table:: Oh, no. I'll be fine... Michelle: Don't worry about it Jelarthna. Zoya: ::laughs shortly at Jel's comment, then looks sharply at Michelle:: I believe you were going to tell us a story, Michelle. Jelarthna: I guess you might as well know now. Half the time I was disappearing off somewhere recently, it was to visit him. Jelarthna: In fact, he was the one that gave me that banishment wand and the names of those two demons that were guarding the mad mage. Michelle returns to behind the bar were she collects a set of shot glasses and a bottle. At this point a mug waddles in balancing a plate on its head. On the plate are sections of lime and a salt shaker. Jelarthna: ::looks expectantly at Michelle:: What sort of story? Jaret: [of a lovely lady...] Jelarthna: [NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!] Michelle: ::to the mugs:: Get some stew for Jelarthna. Zoya: ::hollering after the mugs:: And another half-mug of hot water! Michelle sets the shot glasses, the bottle, and the plate on a section of the table not occupied by Jaret, then sits down. Jelarthna: ::obviously waiting for Michelle to speak, and just as obviously waiting for food:: Jaret shimmies over to a chair and gently slides himself into it. Michelle fills a shot glass, then downs its contents, ignoring the contents of the plate. Zoya 's faerie dragon relaxes his guard and curls around Zoya's neck again. Jelarthna: ::finally notices Zoya's faerie dragon and smiles at Zoya:: Look who's back! I hope he wasn't too upset with you. Michelle sighs, "I was going to tell you," looks at Jaret, "but with everything happening with Jelarthna I figured it was better not to introduce any more tension than necessary." Zoya: Heh. ::The faerie dragon frowns at Jel and a thin wisp of smoke drifts from its nostrils:: I don't think I've earned forgiveness quite yet. Jelarthna: ::looks slightly embarrassed, but not at Michelle's comment:: Jaret blearily raises an eyebrow at Michelle, but says nothing. Jelarthna: ::pulls a couple of sugar cubes from his pouch, and holds them out on his palm:: Michelle fills her shot glass again, downs it, then stands up and takes a few steps away from the table. Jelarthna: ::continues holding out his hand, but watches Michelle:: Zoya: The faerie dragon sniffs eagerly at the sugar cube, snarfs them down, and then curls up around *Jelarthna's* neck. It sends a self-satisfied, smug look Zoya's way. She sighs, but looks to Michelle, apparently ignoring the little dragon.:: Michelle stands there for a moment, and then without transition a man, wearing a dull black cloak that seems to swallow light is standing there. He turns around and you recognize "the man in black" from the pocket dimension. Jelarthna: ::flashes a grin at Zoya and scratches under it's chin:: Michelle: This is the body I was born in. Jelarthna: ::blinks and pauses for a moment:: Michelle shrinks into himself until he vanishes, only to have Michelle reappear where he was standing. Zoya looks somewhat surprised by the MiB - the only other body she ever saw was the lizard-thing. Michelle: When I was taken from my home world I found myself in this body. With powers I could only have dreamed of before. And my life started anew. Jelarthna: ::absently gets out another sugar cube and gives it to the faerie dragon:: Michelle: I traveled to many worlds, and on all of them I had a new body, new powers, a new beginning. Zoya: ::the faerie dragon nearly snatches the sugar from Jelarthna, then starts slowly climbing down Jel's side toward the pocket where they're kept...:: Michelle: ::Again, Michelle changes without apparent transition, this time into an elderly oriental gentleman, wearing blue silk robes.:: Jelarthna: ::obviously tickled a little by it's progress, Jel fights some laughter and hastily digs out the last couple of sugar cubes:: Michelle: Until, on one world, I learned to control my form. Since then, each world has presented new possibilities. On some I find myself in a new body, and am trapped in it until I've learned its ways. On others I am free to chose my form. Zoya: ::the faerie dragon gulps down the last cubes, but noses its way into the pocket anyway, certain that there must be more... It re-emerges quickly and gives Jel a somewhat disappointed look before curling back around his neck:: Michelle seems to melt slightly, then resolidifies as Michelle. Jelarthna: ::returns all of his attention to Michelle, and absently strokes the faerie dragon:: Zoya: Is it... Do you have the same mind in each body? The same thoughts? Michelle: On most worlds I wear this form. It's...It's what's best in me...in us. Jelarthna: Do your... tastes, or personality change at all? Jelarthna: ::glances at Jaret:: Michelle sighs and seems to weigh her words for a moment, "We all have the same past, but we all view the world differently. Our powers are a reflection of our mind sets, and are mind sets are a reflection of our powers." Michelle: We're like a well cut gem. Each facet reflects the light differently, but they're all part of a greater whole. Jelarthna: You don't get confused by this? ::looking slightly confused:: Jaret furrows his brow, obviously working the idea through in his head. Michelle chuckles weakly, "In our dreams we can have great rows, but while we are awake, only one of us can have voice." Jaret: What causes you to travel from world to world? Do you have control over that? Michelle raises her hand, "There's one last thing I must tell you." Jelarthna: ::watches Michelle expectantly:: Michelle: ::Again, without transition Michelle changes and Adam now stand in her place.:: I often use this form because it avoids suspicion. Zoya 's mouth drops open a bit in surprise. She leaves it open for a moment, and the starts laughing almost hysterically. Jaret: ::Jaret's jaw drops open, but only for a split-second:: Jelarthna: Uh... Wait a minute. Jelarthna: You're Adam? Michelle slowly seems to petrify into stone. Then the stone begins to crack and fall off, fading into nothingness before it hits the floor. In moments the stone has fallen away and Michelle is once more in the Hall. Michelle: Sometimes. Jelarthna: ::looks at Jaret:: Do you have anything to share, too? This seems to be the night for it! ::muttering:: I hope I'll be able to walk out of here with at least a couple of private things intact. Michelle glares briefly at Jelarthna. Jaret looks at Jelarthna and shakes his head. "No, I'm afraid I don't. I'm... I'm just me." Jelarthna: ::looking embarrassed again:: I'm sorry. This has all been to much for me. It doesn't matter what any of you is or isn't. You're my friends no matter what. Michelle sits down wearily and pours herself another drink. Jelarthna: Michelle, I know what it's like to share something intensely personal, and I respect your strength to do so. ::touches her shoulder gently:: I also appreciate the trust you place in us. I know none of us will let you down. Zoya: ::Zoya's laughter winds down:: Sorry. I was just surprised. Jelarthna: ::to Zoya:: I know that feeling, too. You may recall I reacted that way to Moon Dancer's revelation. ::smiles:: I guess someone has to laugh when these things are revealed. Zoya: ::the faerie dragon unwinds itself from Jel's neck and returns to Zoya, chirping at her:: I should hope so ::she tells it. It puffs out a gigantic sigh and drapes over her again. She relaxes somewhat as it does.:: Jelarthna: ::smiles at Zoya:: Zoya: ::grins back at Jel:: His affections are only bought for so long. Jaret blinks some more, and sighs. "Well, this is rather unexpected. But it doesn't damn you in my eyes, Michelle. You're still my friend. That hasn't changed, has it?" Jelarthna: ::to Zoya:: At least he seems to have forgiven you a little bit. Michelle: No. That hasn't changed. ::Michelle sounds as if her world's coming to an end.:: Zoya: ::laughs:: Not really. He'd just rather be carried home than fly himsel- OW! ::she looks down at where the mini-dragon is gnawing ineffectually at her shoulder and laughs a little:: Jelarthna: Everything will be okay, Michelle. Sometimes it takes a little while to accept something so surprising. But you should know us well enough not to worry about it. Michelle: I know. ::She doesn't sound it though.:: Zoya: I'd better take him home. ::she looks up at the others:: Michelle - I'm sure everything will turn out for the best. Really. Jelarthna: We've already got a good werewolf and demon wandering around. Michelle: Zoya, could I speak to you outside for a second. Jelarthna: ::smiles at Zoya and her faerie dragon:: Are you sure you're okay to get back to the Tower? Jaret glares slightly at Jelarthna. "Speaking of the horned one... I think there are a few questions I'd like to ask you, too, Jelarthna. When we're both all rested." Zoya: ::to Jaret, Zoya casts a sympathetic, if slightly amused, smile.:: Good night my friends. Walk in safety. Jelarthna: ::nods to Jaret:: Since his secret is out, my oath to him isn't really an issue anymore. Zoya: ::to Jel:: He'll keep me safe. If he lets me come to harm, he won't be able to chew my ears off. ::she grins down at her familiar as it huffs irritably:: Michelle rises to follow Zoya outside. Jelarthna: Okay. I'd walk you home, but I don't think I could make it. Good night, Zoya. Zoya: Get some rest, Jelarthna. We could all use it. Jelarthna: ::grins and looks at the stairs:: I'm not even sure I can make it back up there.... Jelarthna: ::to Zoya:: Very true. Zoya: ::glances in surprise at Michelle, then shrugs acquiescence and heads out the door:: Jelarthna: ::glances around:: Wasn't I supposed to get some stew? ::somewhat plaintively:: Jelarthna: ::sighing:: Ah, well. ::tries to stand up:: Michelle: ::A mug wanders in with a bowl of stew on its head.:: Michelle: [Sorry, got caught up in the story.] Jelarthna: ::just as he reaches his feet, he sees the bowl of stew and sighs again:: Jelarthna: All right. If I take you upstairs with me, can you make it back down on your own? Michelle: ::The mug nods, the catches the bowl which had started to tip over.:: Jelarthna struggles a bit, then finally picks up the bowl and mug, and, wincing, heads for the stairs:: Jelarthna: Good night, Jaret. I'll be happy to chat with you anytime. I suspect I'll be staying here for a while, so I'll at least be easy to find. Jaret: Good night, Jelarthna. I suspect I'll be upstairs in a few minutes -- I'm not fit to walk out to my house tonight. I just want to sit down here a few minutes and... think. Jelarthna: ::nods:: Yeah. A lot's happened recently. Where's Dancer, anyway? Is he all right? ::looks ashamed for having forgotten him:: Jaret: I think he's out with the wolves, seeing if they're all okay. He's been somewhat concerned about them lately. Jelarthna: Okay. Thank you. Well, good night Jaret. Jaret: Good night, Jelarthna. Good resting. Jelarthna walks slowly up the stairs, pausing and wincing often. Michelle reenters the Hall escorting a healer who's going on at length about people not knowing how to build these days. Michelle: Jelarthna's friend took care of the worst of his wounds Jaret. Do you want the healer to look at your ankle, or shall I take him upstairs to see Jelarthna? <Fade to black> |
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