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* Michelle unlocks the doors and announces "Hall's Open" * Michelle returns to behind the bar. * Tyl walks in with a sheaf of papers held close to her nose, muttering and blinking rapidly * Tyl plops down at a table and spreads the papers all over the table * Marta is standing in front of the fireplace when the other patrons enter, contemplating Sealgair's blackened swords and cupping something on a cord around her neck, as she smiles faintly. * Michelle is wearing a pink dress with a yellow apron. Her right ear is as usual adorned with her moon earring. <Michelle> Can I get you anything Tyl? Coffee, a magnifying glass? * Marta turns from her contemplation in front of the fireplace as others enter, smiling a greeting. <Tyl> Coffee would be lovely... thanks... ::bends forward to study a passage more closely:: * Michelle picks up a mug and wanders into the kitchen. * Maeli steps stiffly through the door, clutching her large handbag in both hands, as usual. She limps to a table and drops her burden with a short *whuff* of breath. She sweeps the room with a steely gaze that comes to rest on Michelle. "Mulled cider for my old bones, dearie." * Maeli opens her bag and withdraws two long, well-polished knitting needles. The sleeveless bulk of a sweater hangs from one needle. * Tyl absentmindedly pulls a bag out of her pouch and places it on the table next to her. With deft fingers, she opens the bag, reaches in and pulls out a ginger cookie * Michelle returns from the kitchen and sets the mug of coffee on Tyl's table in a spot away from the papers. The mug has a contented smile on it's face and occasionally sighs a cloud of steam. * Tyl dunks the cookie in the coffee <Michelle> Mulled cider on the way. ::Michelle picks up another mug and disappears into the kitchen again.:: * Maeli reaches somewhat further into the bag than ought to be possible and pulls out a tag trail of yarn. With fingers almost too nimble for her advanced age, she works the end into the sweater and begins to knit. * Lisl glides through the door, short hair ruffled as if by the action of a strong wind. She pauses and sends a sharp, searching look through the Hall before entering at a more leisurely pace and moving over to the bar. * Tyl takes out a black piece of parchment and begins scribbling rapidly on it. * Michelle returns from the kitchen and sets another contented mug on Maeli's table. "There you are. Who's the sweater for?" * Michelle returns to behind the bar. "What can I get you Lisl?" * Marta wanders over to the bar and seats herself gracefully on one of the high stools. <Maeli> ::notices Tyl's work, then squints down at her own knitting before peering up at Michelle:: It's for whoever needs it when it's done. Probably Thomas, though. Would you be a dear and fetch me an extra lamp? ::points to Tyl:: She could use another lamp, also. * Alranis quietly slips in the door and warily sidles up to the most deserted part of the bar. <Tyl> ::looks up at Maeli:: Oh, hullo... You're probably right. Reading in the dark's not good for your eyes, my moth... someone I used to know always said. Care for a cookie? * Lisl glances over her shoulder as someone else enters, relaxing again as she sees it's not whom she was looking for. "Just a mug of mulekick, Michelle, thank you." <Maeli> ::smiles at Tyl:: Thank you, dear. <Michelle> Certainly Maeli. ::Michelle disappears into the kitchen again.:: * Tyl hands her a cookie <Tyl> Mistress Lisl, would you care for a cookie? My sister made them * Maeli takes the cookie and attempts to bite into it. Aged gums fail her, though, and she frowns at it. After a moment, she solves her dilemma by dunking it in her cider. <Lisl> ::smiling:: Thanks, I'd love one. How is your sister? I've not seen her since my first night back. * Michelle returns from the kitchen with two lit lamps, she deposits one on Maeli's table and the other on Tyl's, again being careful of the papers. <Tyl> Well, she's a bit shaken, all things considered. She's making up for it by cooking all the time, though. I think it makes her feel needed to cook, so I let her. <Tyl> Although what I'll do with all the food is beyond me * Marta looks up, her face brightening as she remembers something. <Maeli> ::smacking her lips:: Not bad, not bad... Molasses, and sugar, and some lovely foreign spice... Not bad 'tall. <Tyl> Michelle, care for a cookie? Or two? * Michelle CAREFULLY pours Lisl and mug of mulekick and GENTLY sets the quaking mug on the bar in front of her. "Do you drink that stuff because you enjoy it, or do you do it to terrorize the mugs?" <Michelle> I'd love one Tyl. ::Takes a cookie and bites into it.:: <Tyl> ::studies the two pieces of paper very carefully:: They just do NOT add up - no they don't one bit <Michelle> This is good. I'll have to get your sister's recipe sometime. * Jaret sweeps in through the door, grinning widely. Good evening, everyone! ::he doffs his hat and sweeps into a deep bow:: <Marta> Milady Lisl, a messenger from Master Kruth was here earlier...::the faint smile returning as she lifts her hand to the charm around her neck again:: He said to tell you that the friend he spoke of is going early into labor, and he'll be lending her his company tonight instead of coming to the Hall. * Michelle turns to Alranis, "Can I get you anything?" <Alranis> Weider's, if you've got it. <Maeli> ::blinks at the flamboyant newcomer, still carefully gumming her cider-soaked cookie:: <Lisl> ::grinning at Michelle:: A little of both, actually. It's rather nice to know that there's something out there I could get drunk on, if I needed to. * Michelle fills a mug for Alranis and places it on the bar in front of him. <Lisl> Jaret! Nice to see you again. Any good duels lately? * Jaret strides up to be bar, and grins at Michelle. "Good evening. A glass of Arabellan Red, if you please." <Tyl> Ah, Master Jaret, care for a cookie? * Alranis takes a sip. <Jaret> ::to Lisl:: No. My reputation proceeds me, and I've been more successful than usual in staying out of trouble ::winks:: <Michelle> Certainly. ::Michelle's cheerful disposition has suddenly abandoned her and she nervously starts scanning the wine rack.:: <Jaret> ::to Michelle:: When you see Yohko, please let her know I'm indebted to her for teaching my students in her absence. She did an exemplary job. * Tyl turns to Maeli <Tyl> Are you any good with numbers? <Lisl> ::shakes herself as she notices the cookie sitting on the bar in front of her:: I'm more distracted than I thought, if I'm neglecting homemade food. ::picks up the cookie and takes a delicate bite:: <Lisl> ::to Jaret:: Ahh, what a shame! <Michelle> Certainly. ::Michelle finds the bottle and sets it on the bar with a slight thump. She then selects a wine glass and places it next to the bottle.:: <Maeli> Numbers, dear? I? Some. If you're working on a cutwork pattern, or a weaver's trellis, I could help you... <Tyl> Nope... repair estimates... <Tyl> they just don't make any sense <Marta> ::moving over to Tyl's side:: Is there aught I could help you with, perhaps? I've been aiding Master MoonDancer with his tax tallies of late.... * Michelle uncorks the bottle managing to spill some in the process. She sets the bottle and the cork down on the bar and quickly wipes up the spill. <Tyl> Oh, Good evening, Mistress Marta - um... ::looks a bit uncomfortable:: would you... um... like a cookie? <Maeli> Accounting? 'Fraid me Tom handled all of that, dear. * Jaret watches Michelle, a slightly troubled expression on his face. <Maeli> ::starts as Marta moves into her field of view:: * Michelle quickly scans the room, sees that everyone who can drink has one. "If you'll excuse me for a moment." Michelle practically races into the kitchen. <Marta> ::smiles and shakes her head gently, holding up a hand:: No, though I thank you for your kind offer. I'm sure they're quite good. * Alranis takes a sip. <Maeli> ::glances down at her work:: Torm tear it, I've dropped a stitch! ::hastily begins frogging backwards:: <Tyl> ::to Marta:: well, then, maybe you can explain why this sum ::waves her page of numbers:: does not equal their sum... * Jaret watches Michelle tear back into the kitchen, then coughs slightly and turns away. "I just remembered some business I have... elsewhere. Good evening, everyone." He turns and leaves the Hall. * Marta cocks her head at the old woman, a tentative smile on her lips. "My apologies, milady, I'd not noticed you or I would have introduced myself earlier. My name is Marta, and I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. * Lisl looks after Jaret's retreating back with a small frown. <Tyl> Wonder what caught his tail on fire? <Marta> ::looking back down at the pages in from of Tyl:: "Their" sum, milady? Is this a work estimate, and these your calculations of how much it *should* cost, perhaps? <Lisl> I wish I knew...I've rarely known Jaret to behave so...abruptly. <Tyl> Well, based on a per hour fee, plus the materials fee, plus their guild fees, plus their time and effort fees, I don't see why their total is 500 gold more then mine <Maeli> ::calms as she corrects her work, and looks back up at Marta:: No 'miladies' for me, girl. Just Mistress Maeli, if you've a mind to be formal. Tell me you line, girl. You look so much like someone I once saw you could be her ghost. * Michelle returns from the kitchen looking somewhat calmer. Then notices something and immediately wilts. * Tyl winces and knocks her bag of cookies off the table. <Lisl> Michelle!? * Lisl does a one-handed vault over the bar to catch Michelle before she hurts herself. Michelle: [She didn't faint, she just sagged, like she's very depressed about something.] * Tyl missed the entire acrobatic manuevre as she fishes around under the table for her bag of cookies <Maeli> ::eyes Jaret's retreat down the street, but says nothing.:: * Michelle waves a hand at Lisl. It's nothing. Do you need a refill? * Marta pushes a wandering lock of hair behind her ear in an oddly mortal gesture as she runs a finger down the columns, glancing up in alarm as Lisl vaults the counter <Lisl> [oh...umm...whoops. Well, too late now] ::puts a hand to Michelle's shoulder:: Your behavior of this evening...and that of Milord Malkier's, I might add-- does *not* add up to nothing. Are you sure you're all right? <Maeli> ::blinks at Michelle shrewdly, continuing to knit without looking at her work. A sleeve is slowly emerging.:: * Tyl bumps her head on the underside of the table <Tyl> OW! <Marta> [sorry I'm so slow tonight!] ::looking over at Maeli, surprise on her face:: Mistress Maeli? Not-- well, I suppose you *must* be. ::sorrow touching her features briefly:: No lie, alas. I'm the Marta you knew of fifty years past. I was...::pausing:: I *am* a ghost. * Michelle sighs and shakes her head, "Just being a fool as usual." <Lisl> [knitting up the ravelled sleeve of care, Maeli?] <Lisl> I see...well, it seems to be catching, so I'd best leave you to get back to work. ::smiling and *walking* back around the end of the bar to resume her seat.:: * Michelle shakes her head, "Probably just being polite. I should have left when I had the chance." <Michelle> ::a wine glass wanders out of the kitchen and starts gesticulating at the mugs. Several of them hop down to the floor and beginning pushing a stool behind the bar.:: * Alranis takes a sip. * Lisl shakes her head with a smile. "No, I'm rarely just polite. Or did you mean someone else?" (Glancing back at the door.) * Michelle nods tiredly towards the door. * Maeli takes a long moment to absorb what Marta says... [give me a sec to catch up with the xscript!] * Tyl begins slowly reading through the contract again <Tyl> There must be something in here I'm just not getting... * Lisl wanders back from her investigation of a closet to one side of the Hall, her return heralded by the faint rushing sound of water. "Ahh...there are *some* benefits to civilization." * Marta scans through the pages again with Tyl. <Marta> Ahhh, I think I've got it... * Marta reaches out a finger to tap a blank space at the end of the contract, before the total line. <Marta> You forgot to figure in the thieves' guild, when you were computing guild costs. * Alranis scratches his nose, and takes a sip. <Maeli> ::slowly puts down her knitting and looks up at Marta:: Gods above me, child... You were... ::shakes her head and drops it into her hands:: Poor, poor Yousef... <Marta> Were I you, milady, I'd take this contract back to them in the company of a royal accountant, and ask them to clarify matters. <Tyl> Thieves Guild Costs??? I'm i... I know some people from there, and they do NOT get a kickback from contracting companies * Marta turning quickly to Maeli, moving to stand in front of her between one eyeblink and the next. <Marta> Yousef? You've seen him? Where? Does he still remember me? * Marta puts a hand over her mouth and seems to take a deep breath, composing herself. <Marta> I'm...my deep apologies, Mistress Maeli. I'm very anxious for news of him. Anything you could tell me would put me in your debt. * Lisl takes a sip of her 'kick and looks over at Tyl with a grin. "I think she meant it as a figure of speech, and didn't realize she might offend. <Maeli> Aye, and bitter words we spoke over ye, when ye didn't meet him. I tol' him that ye were only usin' him all along to get away from bein' wed to that beast of a man and that ye'd run off when a better opportunity knocked. * Tyl promptly gets up and moves, taking all her papers with her * Tyl retreats to the bar <Maeli> He'd have none of my word, though... * Marta dropping unasked into an empty seat nearby, both hands clasped in front of her mouth, her eyes starting with tears. "I...I would NEVER... * Marta's figure dims slightly, and for a moment other patrons can make out the faint shape of the chair behind her through her form. * Michelle shakes her head and mutters something. <Marta> ::shaking, despite her obvious efforts to control herself:: I was...::swallowing hard:: I was *murdered* on my way to meet Yousef here...there, in that very house! ::pointing across the street:: <Maeli> ::sighs:: I know, child. I thought it strange, myself, but I didn't know ye, and I thought it would be best if Yousef could turn his grief to anger - put it to use. But he'd not listen, swearin' up and down that ye'd not do such a thing. * Tyl turns to Michelle <Maeli> Murdered? And the body never found? Preposterous... ::idly picks up her knitting again, though her hands are shaking:: <Tyl> Do You think I could get a rum and ice... <Michelle> It's not preposterous Maeli. I've seen the body myself. * Michelle gets a glass and puts a few ice cubes in it, then a few fingers of rum and hands it to Tyl. <Maeli> But her father would ha' turned the city upside down... ::trails off with narrowed eyes:: * Marta shakes her head, staring fixedly down at the table. "Father disowned me, just before I left to come here. He would never have bothered himself about me, assuming he didn't have it done himself. ::biting her lip in a way that would be painful, if she still lived:: Anyroad, his pride would have kept him from looking for me. <Maeli> ::sighs:: Aye, he remembers ye, girl. Though I think in time he was forced to at least consider my suggestion, and that turned him. ::sorrowfully:: I'd meant it to spur him on to the life he could have had anyway, to spite ye - not to unman him. But oh, aye, he remembers. <Maeli> Aye, I remember his speech disownin' ye... I thought it was hard of him. But I never thought he'd stoop to murderin' his own flesh and blood - owned or not! <Tyl> Thanks ::sips her rum and watches the little drama unfold:: <Marta> ::leaning weakly on the table, her figure dimming a moment again:: Oh...oh, my Yousef...::covering her face:: <Maeli> ::rather irritably rolls her knitting into her bag:: All right, 'tis my fault, and I've got to put it right. Ye stay here, girl, and I'll do what I have to, to bring him. Even if I have to knock him upside the head and stuff him in my bag. Tomorrow. Tomorrow I'll go down to the docks and talk some sense into that boy if I've got to screech like a fishwife m'self. <Maeli> ::turns to Tyl:: You don't take any guff from those men hasslin' ye, girl. Hear? * Marta makes a choked noise something between a sob and a giggle. Oh...::wiping her face on her sleeve:: Wait, this may aid you... <Tyl> ::grins unpleasantly:: I wasn't planning on it... * Alranis takes a sip. <Michelle> [::chuckle:: Granny Maeli giving advise to all the young ladies on the Hall.] <Marta> [that means YOU'RE next, 'chelle!] <Michelle> [You mean I was actually going to get out of it?] <Maeli> ::to Michelle:: And you, miss. That young man was tryin' to be pleasant. I don't know what was between ye, but it's past now. If ye can't at least pretend to be pleasant, ye'll lose him as a friend as well, do ye understand me? <Maeli> [Never. Maeli is in an advice-dispensing sort of mood.] * Marta takes the cord from around her neck, pressing it briefly in her hand for a moment before handing it over to Maeli. It's a small carved, jointed fish, and it looks pretty new. Unlike the rest of her, it's solid. <Maeli> ::looks down at the fish:: Aye, if he'll see me at all, this might turn the trick. I'll do my flat best, child. * Michelle blinks a few times at Maeli's advise, starts to say something, glances at Marta, and closes her mouth. <Maeli> ::stuffs the fish into her bag and stalks out:: <Marta> Here...Master Kruth made this as a replacement for me, after they found the remains of mine with...well, with my remains. * Lisl grins wickedly at Michelle after taking a hefty swig of her 'kick. <Lisl> Wise choice, Michelle. * Michelle shakes her head, "Just being polite." * Lisl takes another sip, grinning a little smugly now as she realizes she's the only female in the Hall to have escaped the rough side of Mistress Maeli's tongue. <Tyl> ::sips her rum:: I'm never sure if I want to hug that woman or strangle her... really... * Marta looking after Maeli's departing form. "I think I understand your meaning...." * Lisl: ::nods:: Reminds me of my mother, that way.... <Michelle> This is the first time I've found her to be anything other than pleasant. But then again I'm hardly in an objective state of mind at the moment. <Tyl> Not mine - I just want to strangle mine... * Lisl still looking a little smug. "I don't know, I found her quite pleasant. One of the locals, is she?" <Tyl> ::turns to Michelle:: You doing okay, there hon? <Michelle> Yeah. Wandered in one evening and keeps coming back. Though how she can think a neighborhood that even the city guard are afraid to enter is nice is beyond me. * Michelle shrugs, "I'll get over it. I always do." <Lisl> ::shrugging elaborately as she takes another swallow, finishing the end of her forgotten cookie:: Goody Beatrice came here for the longest time....and that was in the middle of the Hall's worst troubles. <Tyl> Men are certainly the most awful things, aren't they? <Lisl> Good cookies, Tyl! * Lisl smiling and licking a crumb discreetly from the corner of her mouth. * Alranis cocks an eyebrow as he takes a sip. <Tyl> I'll tell Cwal you said so. If you're hungry, feel free to stop by - the girl's cooking me out of what little house I have left... <Lisl> Aye...sometimes they're real beasts... <Michelle> Ah, they're not any better or worse than we are. They just have a VERY different way of looking at things. * Lisl glances around the Hall again, taking stock of the vanishing clientele, eyebrows lifting as she notices Al sitting there quietly. <Tyl> When they notice anything at all, that is... * Alranis scratches at the corner of his slightly smiling mouth. <Lisl> Aye...and that's enough to make us hate them at the best of times. ::mouth twists as she hears her own words:: <Michelle> I don't know if I'ld go that far. * Lisl turns to look at Al, raising her mug slightly. "Good evening...I don't think we've met before. Lisl Ferinsdottir. <Lisl> ::frowning in thought:: You're in here fairly often, aren't you? <Tyl> ::sips her rum:: * Alranis shrugs. "Alranis." He raises his mug. "I've come by once or twice." <Lisl> Good meeting, Alranis. ::takes a sip of her 'kick:: * Alranis nods as he takes a sip. * Michelle looks around and sighs, "Last call everyone." <Tyl> Well, I guess I'll head home, after I stop and talk with a friend of mine... <Tyl> People better stop underestimating me (or *over*estimating me as the case may be) <Lisl> ::looks up at Michelle's statement:: Goodnight, Tyl! <Michelle> Goodnight and goodluck Tyl. <Tyl> Goodnight all! * Tyl leaves the Hall * Alranis finishes off his mug, and pushes it across the bar. "Guess I'd best push off, then." <Alranis> A few things left to do. * Michelle places Alranis' mug on the floor and it waddles off towards the kitchen. * Lisl takes a deep draft of her 'kick and squints into the mug, considering the last swallow left within. * Alranis slips out the door. * Lisl puts her mug on the counter and gives it a push over to Michelle. (The mug sweats and quickly grows legs to brake before it reaches the edge) <Lisl> You finish it, Michelle. <Lisl> You look like you could use it, tonight. * Michelle downs the last of the mulekick then gasps, "How can yoouuu think dris..." Michelle collapses to the floor. * Marta smiles as she looks back and forth between the two of them, saying a quick goodnight as she makes her way upstairs. * Lisl chuckles, moving around the bar to catch Michelle before she hits her head and cradling her gently to the floor. * Lisl stands and walks around the Hall, turning down the lights and banking the fire. * Lisl smiles nostalgically to herself as she grabs a cloth and wipes down the bar. * Lisl shoos the last of the mugs into the kitchen sink, making sure all is tidy before moving back behind the bar to where Michelle is snoring softly. * Lisl picks up Michelle easily, carrying her in her arms up the stairs and into the first free room, making sure she's tucked in and still breathing before making her own quiet exit. <Lisl> Sleep sweet, Michelle. You'll feel worse in the morning, but better soon after. * Lisl smiles as she takes her cloak and leaves. |
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