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<Tyl> ::You are greeted at the door by a human man-servant:: <Tyl> <servant> You will find the Mistress in the Library sir - down the hall <Jelarthna> ::bows to servant:: Thank you! * Jelarthna goes down the hall. <Tyl> <servant> if I may take your cloak, m'lady? <to Zoya> * Philister shows up on the doorstep, a wrapped box in hand. * Zoya pulls her heavy blue cloak off and hands it to the servant, revealing her nicest shimmering robes. She's carrying a package under one arm. She nods to the servant and follows Jel down the hall. * Philister walks down the hall and into the library. "Nice house, Tyl." He hands her the box. <Tyl> <servant> Sir Philister, I believe - here, the Mistress said for you to wear this <hands him a small bracelet> it will allow you to smoke in comfort without disturbing others <Jelarthna> ::waits for Zoya and walks down the hall with her:: * Tyl is wearing a red silk gown, off the shoulders, with a nice set of matching garnet necklace and earrings * Philister takes the bracelet and skips it on with an odd look. "Thanks. Here." ::hands the butler a silver piece:: * Zoya raises one hand toward Tyl in what is almost certainly a blessing of some sort. "Good evening. You look nice tonight, Tyl. Red suits you." <Tyl> ::aside to Phil:: sorry about this - ::touches the bracelet:: the butler's a tyrant - it was the only way that he'd even let you in the house, knowing you liked a cigar once in a while... <Jelarthna> ::bows to Tyl:: Thank you for inviting us over. This is a very nice place you have here. <Tyl> ::smiles:: thank you. I'm still getting used to it. * Tyl gestures to a nearby banquet table <Tyl> Feel free to help yourselves to refreshments. <Tyl> ::there is venison, beef, shellfish, cheeses, cakes, breads, and other delicacies on the table:: * Philister walks over to the banquet table and helps himself to a small pastry, some cheese, a little meat pile, and a buttered roll. <Zoya> ::offering the package:: For you. <Philister> Mmph! Good! * Tyl takes the package <Tyl> Thank you darling. * Tyl rolls her eyes and glances at one of the elven women who are standing around, waiting on the guests. <Jelarthna> ::looks at the spread:: Impressive! ::takes a moment to remove a bottle of what looks to be very old feywine, and presents it to Tyl:: A gift to celebrate your new home. * Tyl gives the elven maid a stern look and unwraps Zoya's gift, almost belligerently. <Tyl> The elven maid sighs and fetches a few boxes from the closet * Philister looks at Zoya's and Jelarthna's gifts, and scurries back to where he left his. "Hey! I brought something, too!" * Jelarthna smiles <Tyl> ::Rather disdainfully, the elven maid hands out boxes to the guests. Each one is labeled as to whom it is presented. The maid nearly sneers at the non-elves. Tyl gets a little peeved looking:: * Philister accepts his box with a cheeky grin. "Hey, thanks, dearie." ::he hauls out another silver piece:: "For being such a good sport." <Tyl> ::the elven maid sighs, pockets the money and smiles a bit forced at Philister:: * Zoya's gift contains a delicately made, but hideously painted, statuette. Zoya smiles somewhat deprecatingly. "A custom among the people of my youth - no house may be perfect, lest it be an affront to the gods. Thus, garish offerings to the new homeowner. But it is actually useful - set it near your back door and move this lever (she points to an almost-invisible lever in the back) and it will shriek like a banshee if ever disturbed. Good protection against intruders." <Michelle> ::A knock is heard from the door.:: * Jelarthna accepts the gift with a small bow and a slightly arch look at the maid. * Zoya accepts the box from the maid with an elaborate bow and a formal phrase of thanks in flawless Elven, without seeming to notice at all the maid's sneer. <Tyl> ::grins:: this is just awful, Zoya. No God would be envious, I'm sure. <Jelarthna> That's an... interesting piece Zoya. ::grins:: <Tyl> ::servant lets Michelle in:: Good evening, my lady - may I take your cloak? * Michelle is standing on the other side of the door, a vase of flowers in one hand, and platter of steaming meat rolls in the other. * Philister opens his box and grins gleefully. "Aw, Tyl, they're *beautiful*." He takes out a fine cigar and gazes at it happily. <Tyl> <servant> please come in - the others are in the library <Michelle> Certainly. ::Me turns around so the servant can remove her brown cloak, revealing a yellow sweater over a white turtleneck and a brown skirt. Michelle's long hair is down for once, and her earring shine with the full moon in the sky.:: * Jelarthna unwraps his gift carefully and, looking curious, opens the box to reveal an impressive array of sweets. He grins broadly. <Jelarthna> From Evermeet? I've never had these before! <Tyl> My younger sister brought some, when she came for the burial. I'd never had them before either - of course, I didn't know I *had* a sister * Zoya carefully opens her box and smiles down at the book inside. She looks quite impressed and reads the first few pages before reluctantly closing the book again. "You must've raided a wizard's library, Tyl. What a find!" She bows to Tyl. "With thanks." <Jelarthna> Well then, by all means, you should try one, as well! * Tyl smiles and takes a candy <Tyl> ::to Zoya:: actually, it was my grandfather's. It makes no sense to me, and I thought you might like it/ <Jelarthna> Would anyone else like to try one? ::offers the box around, including to the slightly snobbish maids:: * Philister is quite busy deciding *which* of the cigars is going to be smoked first... * Zoya samples one of Jel's candies. "Mmmm. From Evermeet, you said? I really *must* find a way to get over there some time..." * Michelle enters the library still carrying the vase and the platter. When she notices the other servants, the banquet table, and Tyl's dress she stops dead in her tracks. "I'm so sorry Tyl. If I'd realized it was going to be this formal a party I'd have dressed appropriately." <Tyl> ::The maid offers a box to Michelle:: <Jelarthna> ::chuckles slightly:: Good luck, Zoya. I still haven't been invited. ::a slight note of sadness is detectable at that comment:: <Tyl> ::to Jel:: You aren't missing a thing, really, nice candies aside. <Jelarthna> Good evening, Michelle! ::bows to her and offers a piece of candy:: You must try one. Tyl gave them to me, and they're from Evermeet. <Zoya> ::raises an eyebrow at Jel's comment, but lets it pass and turns to greet Michelle:: Good evening! * Michelle notices the maid, but is still having trouble finding a place to put down either the vase or the platter. After a moment she shrugs and leaves both levitating and table height. <Tyl> ::to Michelle:: oh, not to worry, friend Michelle. You look lovely, as always. Truth be told, I feel a little ridiculous in this dress. You know, I haven't worn a dress in nearly 20 years <Jelarthna> ::to Tyl:: Perhaps not... * Michelle takes the box from the maid with a curt nod, then turns to Jel and tries one of his candies. "Thank you Jelarthna." * Michelle opens her box. * Philister finally selects a cigar and lights it off a flame that momentarily jets out of his palm. * Jelarthna finally selects a piece of candy for himself, and chews on it with an ecstatic smile. <Jelarthna> I haven't seen you for a while Philister. What have you been up to? <Philister> ::the smoke from the cigar curls out of the end and makes an abrupt beeline for the bracelet Philister's wearing:: <Philister> ::staring at the smoke:: Oh, not a lot. Trying to find a missing cat for some out-of-towner. * Jelarthna leaves the box open and sets it on a nearby table, in case anyone wants another one. <Philister> ::to Jelarthna:: You? <Jelarthna> A missing cat? I hadn't realized you were actually *working*! ::grin:: <Jelarthna> I've been hard at work relearning magic. I seemed to have missed quite a lot the first time around. * Zoya *very* reluctantly turns to one of the maids. "Please have this put with my cloak." She lets go of the book in the general vicinity of the maid and turns back to the party without waiting to make sure the maid will catch it. <Jelarthna> At this point, I don't know how I could have gotten as far as I did. <Tyl> Oh, Jelarthna, if you want, my grandfather was a very talented magus. You may borrow his library, if you like. ::she gestures to several red leather-bound books off to one side:: <Philister> Eh, well, I'm not exactly getting *paid* for it, so I don't think it counts as work yet. ::grins:: <Tyl> ::the maid manages an impressive catch and an equally impressive glower:: <Jelarthna> ::looks at the books longingly for a moment, then tears his eyes away:: I think I'll have to take you up on that, Thank you! <Zoya> ::to Philister:: Jelarthna exaggerates. He's quite an impressive student, actually. <Jelarthna> ::to Phil:: I'll assume you're working with a diligence commensurate with your income. * Tyl covers a grin <Philister> ::shrugs:: It's kind of fun. Especially since the cat has wings. <Jelarthna> ::blushes slightly:: Well, I have a very demanding teacher. <Tyl> winged cat? Sounds lovely * Michelle bows to Tyl, "Thank you Tyl'gainia." <Jelarthna> But very hard to find! <Jelarthna> ::grins:: <Tyl> You're very welcome. <Zoya> ::looks at Michelle's platter of meat rolls floating in midair:: These looks wonderful, Michelle. ::picks one off the tray and takes a delicate bite:: <Philister> ::to Tyl:: It's a little skittish, and rather independent minded, and it seems like it sort of decided it wanted to go out and look around when they got to a new city. Trouble is, *they* are ready to leave, and it isn't... * Michelle hands the cooking spit to the maid who gave her the box, "Could you be a dear and put this with my cloak please?" <Tyl> ah, I can see where that might be a problem. <Tyl> ::the maid takes the spit off to the cloakroom:: <Jelarthna> Cats are notorious for their independence. I can see how it would be even harder to handle a flying cat. Did they keep it in a cage or something? <Michelle> Have you tried catnip yet? <Jelarthna> It doesn't taste very good, but yes. ::grins:: <Zoya> ::in something of a stage whisper, to Tyl:: I say, you seem to have a bit of a... help problem. Did your grandfather actually tolerate this sort of thing? ::glances at the still-glowering maid:: * Michelle giggles, "Actually, I thought it tasted quite lovely. Though I think next time I'll wait for a quiet evening when I KNOW I don't have anything I need to do." <Tyl> ::aside to Zoya:: they're a little bigoted. They're upset at the change of command. * Jelarthna gets a plate and chooses some of this, a little of that, and one of Michelle's meat rolls. <Philister> ::puff puff puff:: <Zoya> Ah, well, only to be expected, I suppose. ::shrugs:: Well, I suppose after tonight's little party, you might have to try to locate some new help. After all, if you're going to associate with *humans*! ::said with mock horror and a grin:: <Jelarthna> ::to Michelle, somewhat mischievously:: Really? I'll have to keep that in mind... <Tyl> They were really upset about Philister <Tyl> ::grins:: <Zoya> A gnome? Really? ::smiles musingly:: Perhaps I could track down Drachnaerbaen. That would *really* give them something to get huffy about. * Philister is puffing a cigar and casually watching the fine elven women move about the room. * Jelarthna chuckles <Tyl> They nearly had a heart attack when Grig stopped by the other day - of course, then I'd be rid of the lot of them. They seem to think it a great scandal that I have a human lover <Zoya> ::laughs:: I can imagine. * Jelarthna munches on the things he gathered, looking content. * Michelle grins at Jel with a twinkle in her eye, "You wouldn't be thinking of taking advantage of a poor, innocent, defenseless girl now would you?" <Jelarthna> :innocent look:: Who, me? <Michelle> Yes you. ::Michelle leans in and whispers something in Jel's ear.:: * Tyl watches Michelle and Jel with a broad grin * Philister eyes the growing ash on the end of his cigar, looks straight at one of the servants, sighs mournfully, and begins to look around for somewhere to tap the ash onto. <Jelarthna> ::smiles at Michelle:: It's okay, there's nothing wrong with that. <Tyl> ::the butler immediately brings Phil an ashtray:: <Jelarthna> ::winks at Tyl:: * Philister taps his ash into the ashtray. "Thanks, buddy." <Tyl> <servant> Not at all, sir <Tyl> ::aside to Zoya:: actually, the butler, I like. He's very good for the house - his main concern is the house, not who's in it * Michelle walks over to the table and gets herself a pastry and glass of punch. <Zoya> ::glancing at the worthy in question:: He doesn't seem quite as... high-strung, I suppose - as the others. * Jelarthna finished off his food. * Philister begins playing with the bracelet and the cigar smoke, seeing how the smoke curls around things in the way and how the smoke speeds up as it gets closer to the bracelet. <Tyl> Hey, Zoya, what do you do, when you're not here? <Tyl> I've got all this money now, and I've been thinking... <Philister> ::Philister's ears unconsciously twitch:: <Jelarthna> ::chuckles:: She tried to keep me in line and help beat some new ideas into my head. <Zoya> I? I teach my students, I do research, I occasionally do priestly things for my congregation. <Zoya> Was there something you'd like help with? <Tyl> I was sort of thinking of starting a school. <Jelarthna> ::looks interested:: What sort of school? * Michelle nibbles her pastry, "What sort of school Tyl?" <Jelarthna> ::grins at Michelle:: <Michelle> Great minds, and our too. <Tyl> Like a mage school, with some of my sort of abilities thrown in - I only know a few others who use psionics, but I'm sure there are more people out there, who just haven't tapped their potential. <Zoya> ::looks at Jel and Michelle, then back to Tyl:: It's certainly a thought... <Michelle> Could be interesting, though I'd imagine you'd have an uphill battle convincing the War Wizards and the local mage academies to let you do it. <Jelarthna> Hmmm. How common are psionic abilities? I've encountered very few beings with them, other than illithids, and those were mostly on other planes. <Michelle> What's an illithid? <Jelarthna> More commonly known as mind flayers. They are extremely dangerous. <Tyl> I think lots of people have them, maybe 2 in every hundred or so, but without training... they sort of lose it. I only found my abilities by accident, and if I'd had any training, things wouldn't have been so bad for me. ::face grows sad, pale, and somewhat angry all at once:: <Zoya> ::twitches slightly at the mention of illithids:: I don't think the War Wizards will object, as long as everything is above-board and you pay your taxes on time. The other academies, though, might see it as a rival school. <Michelle> Can you tell me anything else about them, or do they go around telling everyone that they're illithids? <Zoya> ::turns to Michelle:: They're not hard to spot. ::conjures up a brief illusion for Michelle:: If you ever see one, run like hell. <Jelarthna> And they generally don't like competition. Emphatically sometimes. <Jelarthna> ::to Michelle:: Yes, definitely. If they manage to hit you with that mind attack, you can be completely paralyzed. And you don't want to know what they do next. ::shudders:: <Tyl> Well, I suppose that could be a problem, but I've not yet come across problems that money couldn't help with * Michelle nods at the illusion. "Running would probably be my first call on seeing that even if you hadn't told me to." * Philister smokes and listens. <Jelarthna> Have you ever run into one, Philister? <Zoya> ::to Tyl:: That's true. Would you object to having yourself listed as a sister-school, or possibly a satellite school to one of the other academies? <Tyl> That's an ugly critter. Where did you find such a thing? <Jelarthna> In the Underdark. ::shudders more violently:: <Zoya> I saw my first illithid on my homeworld. They're all over the place in the Ether, though. <Tyl> Um, no. I'm not interested in the prestige or anything. I'd just like to do it, you know... sort of do something constructive with all this money * Michelle giggles, "She could always run it under the auspices of the Church of Erdian." Michelle grins to show it's a joke. <Philister> ::to Jelarthna:: Nope, I've been fortunate. <Zoya> If you are seriously interested, then we should go speak to the headmasters and presidents and see where the greatest advantage would lie. <Jelarthna> If I can help in any way, I'd be more than happy to. ::smiles:: When I have time, that is. <Tyl> We could - do you know some of them? * Michelle thinks, "I'd offer to help, but I don't think I could teach any of my magics to anyone except on a one-on-one basis." <Zoya> ::nods:: A few. Wild magic is frequently looked upon with suspicion. I find it advantageous to maintain good relationships with the local mage schools. <Tyl> Suspicious about what? Of course, I don't know many mages, present company excluded <Zoya> I'm not sure. I believe it has to do with fear of the unknown. Especially the unpredictable unknown. <Michelle> [You realize that if Codex was present he would have had to lock himself into the wine cellar after Zoya mentioned wild magic.] * Jelarthna gets some punch and has another piece of candy. <Tyl> Well, then, I suspect psionics falls into that category. I never heard of it until long after I first used it <Jelarthna> Were you thinking about teaching yourself? * Michelle shakes her head, "It's so hard to strike the proper balance between order and disorder." <Tyl> Well, yes. And my teacher said he'd think about helping me. <Jelarthna> That sounds interesting. I don't know much about it, either. Is it something that anyone can learn, or are only certain people capable? <Tyl> I think only certain people are capable of using it well, but I think the ability can be in almost anyone. I'm not sure though, I've never had people to work with on it. <Zoya> ::nods:: I was tested, once. I have no aptitude for it. <Tyl> Which is why I was thinking of also having a mage branch, since I understand that most people can learn magic, given time and study/ <Jelarthna> There are tests for it? <Zoya> The Giff have tests. <Tyl> Who are the Giff? <Zoya> But I have no idea how they work. <Michelle> Yes Jelarthna, you have to pass both a written and an oral exam. * Michelle grins. <Jelarthna> Oh, those beings you met when you were spelljamming? <Zoya> Another Ether-travelling race. ::frowns:: Imagine, I suppose, a smallish humanoid hippo. Sortof. * Philister finishes his cigar and grinds it out into the ashtray. <Jelarthna> ::looks at Michelle:: I can handle that! <Zoya> The ones I ran into were sortof nice. <Jelarthna> Hmmm. I'm really going to have to try that sometime. <Jelarthna> What other races did you run into out there? <Zoya> Spelljamming? After you graduate, I'll take you to my homeworld for a trip. <Jelarthna> ::looks sort of up and into the distance:: <Jelarthna> Really? That would be great! ::smiles:: <Tyl> Can I come? It sounds like these Giff might be good to talk to before opening my school. <Jelarthna> And I'll take you to visit that water world I told you about. * Michelle thinks, "Given the amount of trouble I have staying in one place as it is, I'm not sure if I want to go gallivanting across the planes." <Zoya> ::raises an eyebrow:: Beholders. Dark elves. The Ether is a dangerous place. <Jelarthna> Of course, there's no telling how long that will take! ::grins:: <Zoya> ::smiles at Tyl:: We'll make it a long holiday, then. <Tyl> ::gives Zoya a mock glare:: are you saying we can't handle ourselves? <Jelarthna> ::grins broadly:: I've faced a fair amount of danger. I think I can risk some more. <Tyl> Actually, it's been a while... I've missed the excitement. <Zoya> Not at all. I just wanted to warn you that hostiles are likely to be much more numerous than friends. <Jelarthna> I'm sure if we convince Jaret and Moon Dancer to come along, we won't have too much to worry about. * Michelle shakes head, "I remember back when no one thought it was strange to want a job where the job description didn't include getting shot at." <Tyl> Of course, I haven't missed throwing flour on invisible mages, but that was sort of fun too, in it's way <Jelarthna> ::grins at Michelle:: <Jelarthna> Dispel Magic works well, too. <Tyl> I'm not a mage. It was the only thing I could think of. <Jelarthna> I can see how it would work well, and save a spell that may be important later... <Zoya> It's a good solution. I've used it myself on occasion. * Michelle shrugs, "I was always more in favor of listening for them, or smelling them. Magic sight works well to. But then again, I tend to travel light." <Tyl> I used to travel with a wagon... so we had some flour... <Jelarthna> I suppose carrying around a few extra pounds of flour could be cumbersome. <Tyl> ::the elf woman servant brings out coffee and ice-cream:: * Michelle takes hers, "Thank you dear." * Philister greedily grabs some ice cream and starts wolfing it down. * Jelarthna smiles, covers his candy box and puts it into his pouch. <Jelarthna> ::accepts the coffee and ice cream:: Thank you. * Zoya takes a cup of coffee. "Philister can have my ice cream." * Tyl gets a cup of coffee and some ice cream * Michelle sips her coffee. "That settles it. The next time I see Moon Dancer we're putting an expresso machine in at the Hall." * Jelarthna pulls a small jar out of his pouch. <Philister> ::num num gulp chew:: "Thank you, Zoya!" ::num num num...:: <Jelarthna> Would anyone else like some chocolate sprinkles? ::grins and puts some on his ice cream:: <Jelarthna> ::to Michelle:: What's an ess-press-o machine? * Michelle holds out her ice cream, "Definitely Jelarthna." Michelle smiles graciously. <Tyl> ::the elven maid looks horrified at Philister's eating habits:: <Jelarthna> [assuming she pronounced it correctly] <Jelarthna> ::sprinkle sprinkle:: say when. <Jelarthna> And don't worry, there's no catnip in it. ::winks:: <Michelle> It's a machine for making very strong coffee and steamed milk. Made properly they're wonderful. * Philister suddenly stops eating and starts rocking back and forth in his chair, the heel of his hand pressed against his forehead. <Michelle> When. * Jelarthna stops sprinkling <Jelarthna> Ice cream headache, Philister? you shouldn't eat it so fast. <Michelle> That's something else you could try to catch the cat with Philister. <Philister> Mmf! <Jelarthna> An ice cream headache? <Jelarthna> ::grins:: <Michelle> Have you ever seen a cat with an ice cream headache. It's quite entertaining. Particularly when they immediately go back and eat more. <Jelarthna> ::looks slightly surprised:: I can't say that I have, actually. <Zoya> You feed ice cream to *cats*? * Jelarthna eats his ice cream, sipping on the coffee. * Philister stops rocking back and forth and sits back up. "Aaah... better." ::resumes eating ice cream at a slightly less frantic pace:: <Michelle> Why not? They drink cream all the time. <Zoya> Well, it seems a bit... extravagant. If you're going to go through all the effort of making ice cream and keeping it frozen, and then just giving it to a *cat*... <Jelarthna> ::shakes his head:: * Michelle giggles, "That's true. On my homeworld though, getting ice cream was a matter of going to the corner store, buying a quart, and bringing it home." <Tyl> What lovely markets you must have, then <Jelarthna> I once ran across a fellow that was so enamored of sherbets that he commissioned an enchanted case that kept it cold. But too cold, the stuff was always rock hard. ::chuckles:: <Jelarthna> ::chuckles:: We've talked about the weirdness in her homeworld before, as I recall. * Philister finishes his ice cream and starts on Zoya's. <Zoya> True. It's hard to remember all the time, though. <Michelle> It did have it's moments. <Tyl> ::the servants start clearing the buffet:: <Jelarthna> ::finishes his ice cream and the coffee:: Tyl, it's been a lovely party. * Philister sees the servants clearing up and again speeds up the ice cream eating! * Michelle sighs as the servants finally take the vase and the platter. "Well that's a relief." * Zoya sets her half-drunk coffee down on a nearby table. "Well, I should be going. Tyl, the house is lovely. I'll have to come back and have the grand tour soon." <Jelarthna> And you have a fine new house here. Don't get lost in it and stop visiting the Hall. * Michelle finishes off her coffee and whispers in Tyl's ear. <Jelarthna> And with your permission, I'm sure I'll be back soon to peruse that library you mentioned. ::smiles:: * Zoya gives Tyl a warm hug and slowly heads for the front door, trusting a servant to meet her there with her cloak and book. * Philister finishes the last of the ice cream with a few monstrous spoonfuls and settles back into the chair. "Tyl, that was wonderful. Thank you." <Tyl> Not a problem everyone - I'm glad you could come by. Feel free to stop in any time <Jelarthna> ::bows to Tyl:: <Jelarthna> Good night, then. * Tyl laughs with Michelle <Jelarthna> ::looks quizzical:: * Jelarthna shrugs. * Michelle hugs Tyl briefly, "Good evening Tyl'gainia. Thank you for inviting us to your wonderful abode." <Tyl> ::the butler hands everyone their cloaks and gifts:: * Philister heaves himself out of the chair and waddles over to Tyl. "Thanks for having me over it was wonderful." <Tyl> Please, feel free to stop by again. I feel a little lost with just me in this huge place. * Michelle heads towards the door, getting her cloak and gift on the way out. <Jelarthna> ::looks after Zoya for a moment, then at Michelle:: Would you like me to walk you home? <Tyl> Not a problem, Philister dear. I'll remember to have ice-cream the next time you stop in. * Philister takes his cloak from the butler and looks out at the night... and sees something. "CAT!! Come here!" ::he races out the door:: <Jelarthna> ::laughs:: * Tyl laughs * Michelle smiles, "Certainly Jelarthna." To everyone else, "Walk in moonlight." * Jelarthna leaves with Michelle. * Tyl closes the door and leans up against the wall. <Tyl> <servant> Well, Mistress, was it so bad? <Tyl> No, Jakes, it wasn't. But I'm always so alone here. I wish they'd have stayed longer. <Tyl> ::Jakes locks the doors and they head upstairs:: |
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