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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. * Adiethian walks in. He is an average size man, in his early middle age. He is dressed in civilian clothes, and wears a plain, peacebound long sword at his side. He has blocky features, and dark hair going silver. * 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. * Jelarthna saunters in the door with a bounce in his step and a smile on his face. He glides smoothly to the bar, and bows to Michelle and then the newcomer. <Jelarthna> Good evening Michelle, you look very nice today. <Jelarthna> ::to newcomer:: Greetings! My name is Jelarthna. Might I ask your name? * Adiethian gently inclines his head at Jelarthna's bow, and continues to keep an eye on the door. * Zoya enters the Hall, cloak pulled close against the chill of the night. As she approaches the warmth of the fireplace, she lets it fall open and pulls it from her shoulders to drape across a chair. She sets two leatherbound books by the chair, and goes to warm her hands by the fire, nodding at everyone as she does. <Michelle> Good evening to both of you. What would you like to drink? * Jelarthna smile warmly to Zoya as she enters. <Jelarthna> Hello Zoya! Are they taking to my tutelage at all? <Zoya> A beautiful evening to you, Michelle! Sir... ::she nods to A.:: <Jelarthna> ::to Michelle:: Hmm. Something light. How about a white wine? * Michelle blinks, "I thought you were her student?" pause "Don't tell me you're teaching the gnomes?!?" <Adiethian> ::looks away from the door and over to Michelle:: Hmm? Oh. An ale will be fine. <Zoya> ::to Jel:: Of course they are. Can't you tell? <Jelarthna> ::to Michelle:: Actually yes. She talked me into it. Not magic, though. <Jelarthna> ::to Zoya:: It seemed that way, but I'm not used to them yet. ::shakes head:: They start to get excited and then I can't understand anything they're saying. <Michelle> Certainly, ::Michelle sets a glass on the bar in front of Jel, then peruses the wine rack for a moment before selecting a bottle and handing it to Jel for his approval.:: * Jelarthna examines the label for a moment, and nods approvingly. <Michelle> ::Me gets a mug and fills it with ale, then sets it on the bar in front of Adiethian.:: * Michelle opens the bottle and fills the glass, leaving the cork on the bar next to the bottle. <Zoya> They're like that a bit. You get used to it. <Michelle> So what are you teaching them? * Adiethian takes the mug and leaves a pair of copper pieces in its place. "Thanks." * Jelarthna sniffs the cork and smiles again, taking a sip. * Michelle pushes the coppers back, "First drinks free sir." * Jelarthna puts the cork back in the bottle and takes another sip. <Jelarthna> ::to Zoya:: I hope so. * Adiethian blinks at Michelle, then shrugs and scoops the coppers back up. "Suit yourself." * Zoya notices A.'s watching the door. "Waiting for someone?" <Jelarthna> ::to Michelle:: Well, it seems like I'm teaching them to talk coherently. They're getting better daily. ::grins impishly:: <Adiethian> ::to Zoya:: Sort of, yes. I don't have reason to believe he'll show up tonight, I just thought it would make a fine coincidence if he did, ma'am. * Michelle blinks a few times, "Jelarthna, if you tell me too many more stories like that I'm going to have to take up drinking as a permanent occupation." <Jelarthna> Is he a regular patron here, then? <Jelarthna> ::blinks at Michelle:: Stories like what? <Michelle> Like teaching gnomes to talk coherently. <Adiethian> ::to Jelarthna:: Yes. <Jelarthna> ::snorts:: Well, I have to! I can't understand them if they get the least bit agitated, which happens at the drop of a hat. <Jelarthna> ::to newcomer:: If you'd like to tell us who you're looking for and leave your name, we'll be happy to let whoever it is know once we see them again. * Michelle lightly smacks Jel on the arm, "Don't try and drive the customers away. He's welcome to stay here as long as we're open." <Adiethian> Thank you, but like I said, I wasn't expecting him tonight. I just wanted to step out for a drink, and I thought I'd drop in here, just on the slim chance that he did make it back tonight. * Jelarthna looks over this fellow again, obviously assessing him. <Jelarthna> The person you're looking for wouldn't be Jaret Malkier? <Jelarthna> Would it? <Adiethian> ::to Jelarthna:: Yes, it is. <Jelarthna> Are you one of his students? <Adiethian> ::breaks out in a short laugh:: No, I'm not. I'm more of a business acquaintance. <Michelle> Do you know what Jaret's up to? ::Michelle seems a little too hopeful.:: * Jelarthna gives Michelle a slightly warning look. <Adiethian> ::to Michelle:: Not precisely, no. I haven't had word of his location in a few weeks, so I thought he might have returned. * Michelle returns Jel's look daring him to break eye contact. * Zoya finally warms up enough to leave the fire and approach the bar. "I'd like some hot tea, if you would be so kind, Michelle. With lots of honey." * Jelarthna mouths "be careful", being careful that Adiethian doesn't see it. * Michelle spares another moment staring at Jel, then turns to Zoya. "Certainly, just let me go put the kettle on." Michelle disappears into the kitchen. <Jelarthna> ::to the new fellow:: Would you mind sharing you name with us, then? I do run into Jaret occasionally, and I can mention that you were looking for him. * Michelle returns with a steaming kettle and a crock of honey. "Any particular flavor of tea Zoya?" <Zoya> ::shrugs:: Whatever. <Zoya> Not that green stuff. <Adiethian> ::to Jelarthna:: Of course. My name is Adiethian. <Jelarthna> Thank you. If you would be willing to share it, i could also mention the business that this was regarding... ::his tone is ultra polite:: * Zoya thinks Jel is being a little too suspicious. <Adiethian> ::grins at Jelarthna:: It's the business he's currently out of town on. I doubt it's slipped his mind already. * Michelle places a cup and saucer on the bar, followed by a spoon. Then measures some tea leaves into the cup and fills it from the kettle. * Adiethian drinks some more ale and casually looks over the patrons. * Jelarthna sips his wine again, maintaining a casual pose. * Zoya picks up the spoon and with an air of ritual, taps on the rim of the teacup three times before putting the spoon back down. * Michelle shakes her head, "I may have to throttle him when he gets back. Leaving town with no warning, and then leaving behind people who know what he's up to but won't say." <Jelarthna> Yes, well. He's very good at taking care of himself. And he usually has a good reason for the things he does. <Adiethian> ::studying the blackened swords hanging over the mantle:: He was in quite a hurry, and I was under the impression that he had to leave town rather quickly, although he declined to say why. * Jelarthna finishes off the glass of wine and pours another. <Jelarthna> Yes, it did seem a bit odd. * Zoya decides the tea has steeped enough and picks up the spoon to stir with. "Michelle? Can I have the honey?" * Jelarthna takes his glass over to where Zoya is sitting, and on the way pulls a sheaf of papers from his belt pouch. He tries to keep an eye on Adiethian without being too obvious about it. <Michelle> I wouldn't be half as worried if he hadn't mentioned the fact that he's unarmed. I can just see him wandering around in some forgotten dungeon looking for a legendary sword to replace the one he lost and not having anything to defend himself with. <Jelarthna> I finished the next batch of assignments. They're getting a lot harder... ::winks at Zoya:: * Michelle pushes the honey over to Zoya. * Jelarthna sighs slightly at Michelle's comment <Adiethian> ::to Michelle:: I wish he had taken a weapon, too, but again he was rather uncompromising about that point. <Michelle> Pig headed fool. * Zoya takes the papers from Jel and sets them on the bar without looking at them while she adds several generous dollops of honey to her tea and stirs it. <Jelarthna> He certainly is that at times. <Adiethian> ::nods silent agreement as he has another swallow of his ale:: * Michelle glances at Jel, "Like you're really one to talk." Michelle's sighs, "Course, neither am I." <Jelarthna> ::grins at Michelle:: Well, it takes one to know one, doesn't it? * Zoya turns over the papers and begins reading. She absently takes a sip of tea. <Michelle> Jelarthna, I really should smack you for that. <Jelarthna> ::cranes his neck slightly to look towards the back, and changes the subject:: You wouldn't happen to have anything sweet back there, would you? <Michelle> Probably, anything in particular, or just a general sugar fix? <Jelarthna> Pastry, cake, fudge, anything like that would be nice. <Jelarthna> ::smiles imploringly:: * Michelle disappears into the kitchen. <Jelarthna> ::to Zoya:: How does it look so far? <Zoya> ::glances up:: What, don't you get enough food from the Tower kitchen? ::she gestures at the paper in front of her:: You've made a slight error in your reasoning with the second situation, but it's a common mistake; very easy to make. We'll go over it tomorrow morning. <Jelarthna> ::grins:: Hey, all this thinking is taxing. I did have a lot of trouble with some of those complex logic problems. Some of the ones that seemed really nasty at first were actually easy once I thought about it for a while. * Jelarthna looks at the indicated problem. * Michelle returns from the kitchen with a plate holding four slices of carrot cake. She sets it on the bar in front of Jel, then sets a stack of plates and some forks on the bar next to the cake. <Jelarthna> Really? I thought I had that one... <Jelarthna> Ah! Bless you, Michelle, you're a goddess. ::eagerly puts a piece of the cake on a plate, snags a fork and takes a big bite:: <Zoya> Well, you're close. I don't want to bore Michelle and this gentleman with shop talk, though, so it will wait. * Michelle smiles, "Thank you Jelarthna, but you're not really the person I'd hoped to hear that from." * Adiethian grins at Zoya. "If it's magic, I'm sure I would barely understand a word of it." <Jelarthna> ::to Zoya:: No problem. We'll just have another of those long sessions, where I try to beat something else into my head. ::grins:: <Jelarthna> ::to Michelle:: Well, maybe he'll show some sense soon. <Jelarthna> ::to Adiethian:: It's not all magic. A goodly part of it logic, thinking exercises, and such. <Michelle> That'll only work if he keeps his sense long enough to get back here. <Jelarthna> Don't worry. Everything else aside, he's a survivor. <Zoya> ::laughs:: No, I don't think it will take a long session. It's a bit of a trick. You're supposed to be done for the evening, though. Let it go. If you work your mind too hard, physical exhaustion will set in. ::she takes another drink of tea:: <Jelarthna> ::to Zoya:: Don't I know it! I think I actually passed out one day last week, just from thinking so hard. <Zoya> ::frowns:: When was this? <Jelarthna> Um... sometime last week. I don't remember exactly when. <Zoya> ::sighs:: Don't let it happen again. Let the lessons end. Are the gnomes too much for you? <Jelarthna> Oh, no, it's not that. I think it was actually that I forgot to eat for a while. I put together a spell to remind me to, so it's okay now. * Michelle puts her head in her hands and ponders the absurdities of life. <Jelarthna> ::to Michelle, perplexed:: Something wrong? * Zoya sighs, gives Jel a hard stare, then goes back to looking over the homework. <Michelle> No, not at all. * Adiethian looks at Jelarthna somewhat with a slightly surprised expression on his face, then looks back into his ale cup. * Jelarthna finishes off the piece of cake. <Jelarthna> Anyone else want some? ::pointing at the cake:: <Michelle> Go ahead and have mine Jelarthna. I haven't been very hungry lately. <Jelarthna> ::looks sternly at Michelle:: Should I cast this spell on you? * Michelle gets a glint in her eyes, "Depends on whether you ever want to understand those gnomes now doesn't it." <Jelarthna> Why, do you know a trick to it? ::almost eagerly:: * Jelarthna takes a moment to snag another piece of cake. * Michelle sags and starts lightly thumping her head against the bar, "Baka, baka, baka..." <Jelarthna> ::points to the something on the sheet Zoya is currently studying:: How about this one? I'm still not sure if I was on the right track. * Jelarthna gives Michelle an odd look. * Michelle stops thumping her head against the bar and fills a mug from the green tap with the red and white runes. <Jelarthna> ::sips some more wine and takes another bite of cake:: Ah! These go together very well. <Michelle> So what have you been up to Zoya? Besides training Jelarthna that is? <Zoya> Not very much that I can talk about intelligibly. And training Jelarthna takes up a fair amount of time. ::she smiles at Jel:: I dropped in on Riilip this afternoon, to see how she's doing. <Jelarthna> Sorry for being so demanding. ::grin:: <Zoya> ::chuckles:: That's all right. A good student is worth a little extra time. <Jelarthna> ::blushes slightly:: <Zoya> ::sips tea, carefully not drinking the leaves now that she's getting toward the bottom of the cup.:: And you, Michelle? Keeping busy? <Michelle> Trying. I don't really have all that much to do though. I'd hoped to have a talk with Moon Dancer, but he's disappeared off the face of the planet. About all I've really been doing is looking after the Hall. <Jelarthna> Dancer's gone again? <Zoya> Has 'Dancer disappeared *again*? <Jelarthna> ::grins:: <Michelle> Well I certainly haven't seen him around. And neither have any of our suppliers. <Zoya> ::sighs:: I suppose I could add tracking him down to something to do in my spare time... <Jelarthna> Hmmm. That's not too good. I did learn a bit about buying supplies in bulk for adventuring, especially in other planes where you can't be sure about there being anything edible. <Jelarthna> If you can give me some idea what you need and how there is to spend, I might be able to help out some. <Michelle> Don't worry about it Jelarthna. I've got things pretty much under control. Though I'm going to have to have some stern words with Moon Dancer when he gets back. <Jelarthna> ::laughs:: Give me a call before you confront him, though. I'd like to see that. * Jelarthna finishes off the second piece of cake. * Zoya chuckles. She sets down her teacup on its saucer and gently shoves the set toward Michelle. "That was good. Next time I'll have to hunt up that tea-strainer that Widget made..." <Jelarthna> Tea strainer? <Michelle> One of the gnomes? <Zoya> The little wire-mesh thing. It keeps you from chewing tea leaves. ::nods to Michelle:: I couldn't say his real name if I tried. They don't seem to mind my nicknames. <Jelarthna> Thank goodness! That sounds interesting, though. You use it to fish the tea leaves out before drinking it? <Michelle> It sounded appropriate to me. Have you tried "Oojamaflip?" <Jelarthna> Bless you. Are you getting sick, Michelle? <Zoya> ::to Jel:: Yes. He's also got one that you put the leaves in and just leave it in your cup, but he can't get it to stop floating. ::to Michelle:: Oojamama? <Michelle> It's another word for "widget" or "thingamajig." <Michelle> Oojamaflip. <Zoya> Hadn't heard of it. But they're all named, now. ::smiles:: * Adiethian finishes off his ale, and silently rests the mug on the bartop. * Jelarthna shakes his head. * Michelle glances around, "Last call everyone." * Zoya starts gathering up papers. "I'm going to have to head home so I can go over this carefully before I go to bed." <Jelarthna> Shall I walk you back to the Tower? <Zoya> ::to A.:: Nice to meet you. I hope you find Jaret soon. * Jelarthna pulls a smaller pouch out of the one on his belt, and set it on the counter. <Zoya> ::to Jel:: If you're going back anyway. I'll tell you about that trick. <Zoya> ::nods to Michelle:: Good night, Michelle. Thanks for the tea. * Adiethian grins at Michelle. "I've drunk my last for the night." ::to Zoya:: "Thank you, lady. I hope he returns soon, too." ::turns to J.:: "Good night, Jelarthna." ::leaves the Hall:: <Jelarthna> Yes. Let us know if you see him that we were wondering how he was. <Michelle> Goodnight Zoya. <Jelarthna> ::to Zoya:: Definitely. I want to know how that works... * Zoya walks over to where she left her cloak and books and throws the cloak back over her shoulders, carefully tying it closed before picking up her books. <Jelarthna> Goodnight, Michelle. Sleep well. * Michelle starts shooing all the utensils into the kitchen. <Zoya> ::heads for the door with Jel:: Well, you see, the idea that the air is... ::fade:: <Jelarthna:> ::trying to take the books from Zoya:: Let me carry those for you. * Michelle wanders over and locks the door, then circuits the room, dimming the lights before heading into the kitchen. |
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