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* Michelle opens the door and proclaims, "Hall's Open." * Michelle returns behind the bar. She's wearing a pink dress and a white apron. * Jaret enters, wearing a white silk shirt, dove-grey pants and vest, and high soft boots. His rapier hangs at its usual place at his side. He doffs his hat when he enters and bows deeply to Michelle. "Good evening, Lady Michelle." * Zoya strolls in, humming softly, and perches at a barstool. <Zoya> Evening, everyone! * Michelle gives Jaret a curtsy, "And good evening to you Lord Malkier. The usual?" <Jaret> Please. ::he smiles:: <Michelle> Good evening Zoya, what would you like? <Zoya> Ale would be fine. * Michelle pulls a bottle from the wine rack, uncorks it and sets it on the bar in front of Jaret. She then gets a wine glass and fills it, "There you go." * Tyl wanders in and sits down at the bar. She pulls out a few pieces of parchment and a quill and begins writing something. * Michelle gets a mug and fills it with ale for Zoya. <Jaret> Thank you. ::raises the glass:: To your health. ::drinks:: * Zoya takes a sip of her ale, then heads over to Tyl's table and peers over her shoulder curiously. <Michelle> ::smiles at Jaret:: Thank you. * Curdswell ambles in through the side/front door and stumps over to a bar stool. <Michelle> ::To Curdswell:: And what can I get for you this evening? * Zoya shrugs and returns to her barstool. "Curdswell! How are your experiments going?" <Curdswell> ::to Michelle:: What's that forth, sweet, bilious colored concoction again? <Curdswell> ::to Zoya:: Stalled for the moment, I'm afraid. <Michelle> Michelle blinks a few times, "Mulekick, no that's not colored...Oh, Mist of the Peaks?" <Zoya> Why's that? <Curdswell> ::to Michelle:: Yes, the very one--I'll have a tall mug of Mist of the Peaks, please. ::broad grin:: * Michelle fills a mug with Mist and sets it in front of Curdswell, "There you go." <Curdswell> ::to Zoya:: Well, I dropped a design off to master smith Lion for the final component I need, but I haven't heard from him since. <Curdswell> ::to Michelle:: Ah, thank you. ::takes a long sip:: <Zoya> That's odd, he's usually very punctual. Wait, I heard he was working on a personal thing on the side - that must have stalled him. <Curdswell> ::to Zoya:: It's been, what, two weeks? ::shrugs:: <Tyl> ::reaches out for a glass and doesn't find one:: Erps... I knew I forgot something... Could I get a rum and ice please, Michelle? <Curdswell> Well his journeyman, James, said he actually hasn't been in the shop for a week and a half. <Curdswell> And James doesn't know where he put the sole copy of my design. ::frowns:: <Zoya> ::frowns:: That does sound very unlike him. I hope he clears up this side venture soon. I haven't seen him for some time. <Michelle> Certainly Tyl. ::Michelle puts some ice in a glass and then a few fingers of rum, then sets the glass in front of Tyl.:: There you go. Still working on those repair quotes? <Tyl> ::grins at Michelle:: No, now I'm complaining about them. * Lisl darts in through the front door, slowing from a run as she enters. A few small branches are caught in her hair and jerkin, and there's a smear of something red across one cheek and the tip of her nose. "So sorry I'm late! I wasn't paying attention to the sun..." * Curdswell turns and stares at the newcomer. * Michelle raises an eyebrow at Lisl, "Mulekick I presume." * Zoya glances up as Lisl comes in, then suddenly laughs shortly. She catches Lisl's eye and casually wipes her hand over her face to indicate Lisl might want to do the same... * Jaret bows cheerily at the sight of Lisl's entrance. "Lisl! Welcome!" <Tyl> Good evening, Mistress Lisl... I was wondering if you'd pen a bit of testimonial for me? My good name is at stake... ::grins:: * Lisl glances from Zoya to the bar mirror and ducks her head to her shoulder briefly, rubbing away the smudge and grinning sheepishly. * Curdswell sips his drink. * Zoya grins. <Lisl> Mulekick, indeed. Good evening Jaret! How do you fare? Have you been outside? It was lovely today! <Michelle> What happened now Tyl? <Tyl> Oh, I was conversing with a friend who knows Lisl by reputation and was telling her all about last weeks little episode with Yb * Michelle picks up a mug and starts whispering to it in consoling tones. * Lisl glances curiously at the gnome, turning her attention over to Tyl at her question. <Tyl> I happened to mention that Lisl took cover with us under the table and she flatly called me a liar to my face... <Lisl> Your good name? ::chuckles:: You may not want a testimonial from *me* then. ::grins:: My name is only "good" in certain circles. * Michelle carefully fills the mug with mulekick, "Don't worry. You've done this plenty of times before and it hasn't hurt you yet." The mug does not seem reassured. <Lisl> ::chuckles at the mug's expression:: Oh, come now...consider it a professional hazard. If *I* can risk blowing up my insides with this stuff, you should too...besides, you're made of metal! <Lisl> ::flashing a smile at Tyl:: Ahhh, *that* kind of reputation. * Curdswell sips his drink. <Lisl> Well, when it comes to Yb, discretion is the better part of staying alive. And when there's *two* of them.... <Michelle> ::the mug starts to shake a fist at Lisl, then stops when it realizes it's in danger of spilling its contents. Michelle gently sets the mug on the bar in front of Lisl:: There you go. <Tyl> That's pretty much what I said. I mean, whatever else you might be, you're no idiot, and only an idiot would stand between two Ybs. I'm pretty sure Rhys doesn't count... <Lisl> Thanks, Tyl...I think. ::smiling:: Although, Marta stood between them...I guess there's only so much you can do to someone who's already dead. <Lisl> ::looking at her mug sternly:: Oh, come now. In all the time I've come here and worked here, have you *ever* known me to drop one of you? <Tyl> ::makes a face:: I wish her Yousef would show up and work things out with her... she sort of gives me the creeps * Curdswell sips his drink. <Michelle> Ah, she's alright. A little single minded admittedly, but that's to be expected given her current condition. <Tyl> ::shudders a bit and finishes her rum:: Yeah, I guess, but I've been dealing with hostile dead people for so long, it's sort of difficult to get adjusted... <Lisl> ::shrugs:: She's a ghost. I'd expect her to give people the creeps. Still, she seems pretty harmless. * Lisl glances sidewise at the gnome to see if he's still staring at her, as she takes a sip of 'kick. * Curdswell is still staring at Lisl. He takes out a pair of spectacles, heavy with some sort of second lenses, tubing, and wiring tacked on almost haphazardly. * Curdswell puts on the glasses and starts fiddling with the machinery. <Jaret> Tyl, out of pure curiosity, who was the person who questioned your truthfulness when you told them about Lisl? * Tyl finishes her letter, blots the parchment, folds it up and sticks it in her pouch. * Curdswell nods than takes off the glasses. He rummages through his pockets and retrieves his midgetal assistant. <Tyl> ::grins at Jaret:: I am sure you wouldn't know her. She's... let's just say she's an entertainer. * Zoya recovers from the zone she'd gone into and takes a sip of ale. * Lisl takes her drink and moves a few seats closer to the gnome. <Lisl> Hi, I don't believe we've met. I'm Lisl Ferinsdottir. You're... working here? * Jaret casually raises an eyebrow. "I see." He shoots a look at Lisl, a little grin on his face. "And she knew Lisl quite well, did she?" * Curdswell mutters something in gnomish to the diminutive golem, then hastily pockets it and starts studying his drink, intently. <Tyl> Um... no, not exactly. One of her... one of her friends knows Mistress Lisl, I believe * Curdswell splutters and then looks up. "Working here?" he says to Lisl. "Uh, no, no. Um, I'm Curdswell." He nervously wipes his hand on his jacket then extends it to Lisl. "Watscum Babblage Curdswell." * Jaret smiles at Tyl, leans over, and whispers something to her. * Lisl chuckles at the word "entertainer." * Tyl turns an interesting shade of red * Jaret laughs a little and turns to Michelle. "If you would be so kind as to pour Tyl here another glass... she looks a little overheated." ::winks:: <Lisl> [grin] ::takes his hand firmly and shakes it:: My apologies. ::smiling: Moon Dancer had mentioned a... ::trying out the unfamiliar word:: "mechanic"?...was working on the bar's tap system, I thought it might be you. * Michelle refills Tyl's drink, "I probably shouldn't ask." <Curdswell> ::to Lisl:: Hm? No, no. An interesting system, ::glances at the taps:: but outside my area of expertise. ::hesitates:: You are a friend of Moon Dancer's? You wouldn't happen to be a lycanthrope, would you? * Tyl chokes on her sip of rum and stares at Curdswell. * Curdswell blinks. <Lisl> ::works her mouth, nearly going cross-eyed with the effort of *not* spraying out the sip of mulekick in her mouth:: A what?? <Tyl> ::cough cough cough gasp wheeze:: * Michelle starts fiddling with her earring and looking from Lisl to Curdswell nervously. <Curdswell> Er, um, that is to say, you see , I've been looking for a, uh, lycanthrope, ::swallows:: to help me work out a particular theory of mine. ::blinking rapidly:: * Lisl looks around at the nervous patrons (and barkeep) for a long moment, and breaks out in a belly-laugh. <Curdswell> I just, er, thought, well...Um, maybe I was mistake. ::swallows again:: * Jaret sips his wine. <Zoya> [Zoya would like to point out that *SHE* was not nervous.] <Lisl> So you've been asking people at random if they're lycanthropes? Or only Moon Dancer's friends? ::narrowing her eyes at this last thought:: <Lisl> [duly noted...Lisl looked at everyone EXCEPT ZOYA.] <Curdswell> Um, well, someone had indicated that I might find a lycanthrope amongst the staff and/or the regulars of this particular establishment. <Tyl> It's sort of a personal question, I should think ::mutters into her glass:: Not that I care if she is or not, but it seems a bit rude... <Curdswell> And, um, since Moon Dancer seems to be the proprietor, I, er, thought that might make a logical starting point...::trails off:: * Michelle leans on the bar, "Who said we employed lycanthropes?" <Curdswell> ::to Michelle:: Oh, it was some sailor or other on one of the merchantmen I've traveled on. ::tugs at his collar:: You know how sailors like to talk. ::weak smile:: Obviously just a rumor. * Zoya is looking around, VERY interestedly * Michelle gives Curdswell a predatory smile, "Obviously." <Lisl> ::makes a "backing off" motion to Michelle and giving Curdswell an even look:: Bearing in mind the usual effects of a curse of lycanthropy, I'd say you're a rather brave man to be asking so haphazardly. Didn't you consider what a lycanthrope would *do* to someone who discovered the curse? * Tyl mutters into her drink some more... * Michelle starts polishing the mugs. <Curdswell> ::to Lisl:: No, I can't really say I had. ::scratches his chin:: Might explain why I've had such poor luck find someone to cooperate. * Curdswell casts a sidelong glance at Michelle, now that she has turned her attention elsewhere, and raises an eyebrow. * Jaret sips his wine. <Lisl> ::shakes her head ruefully:: Well, there are all *sorts* of rumors about *this* place...and its clientele. I'm not surprised you heard something like the lycanthropy one.... heh. Sailors. * Curdswell laughs, hesitantly. "Yes, I hear all kinds of crazy stories, some true," pauses, "most not." * Curdswell sips his drink. <Lisl> And besides...I don't think most people would be too anxious to have a total stranger running bizarre tests on them...what are you studying, anyway? Are you an herbalist, looking for some sort of non-religious cure? <Curdswell> Bizarre tests? ::looks offended:: Who said anything about bizarre test? Have you been talking to those damnable people in Candlekeep? ::glowers for a moment before getting a grip, taking a deep breath:: <Curdswell> ::to Lisl, more calmly:: No, not an herbalist. Just an observer, an investigator. I merely want to find one to ask some questions, make some methodical observations of the process of changing and how it affects the mental process. <Lisl> ::raises her eyebrows:: Actually, I *was* there a few summers ago, on errands for my mother...what's wrong with Candlekeep? <Curdswell> Candlekeep, um, nothing. Did I say Candlekeep? I meant, er, CantoSheep, a small agrarian hamlet many leagues distant from Candlekeep. Not that you would have heard anything, anyway, if you were there just a few Summers ago...::trails off lamely:: <Lisl> ::takes another swig of 'kick, grinning at his discomfiture:: Not get along very well with the sages there, ay? * Tyl finishes off her rum * Jaret watches Lisl and Curdswell's conversation with a tiny grin on his face. <Lisl> ::drawing circles on the countertop with a finger, hiding a faint smile:: Of course, your method of searching may have more wisdom in it than I first thought... <Curdswell> No, no, there are no sages in Cantos--::deflates:: No, they ran me out of town, much like every other town I've spent any length of time in. I don't understand how a few simple questions can get people so riled up. <Curdswell> Hm? If it is so wise, then why is my progress so frustratingly slow? ::frowns:: <Lisl> ...if you're lucky, you might anger a lycanthrope into biting you, and then you'd have the perfect subject. <Lisl> ::raising an eyebrow:: What sort of questions? People *can* be touchy when it seems you're prying into their personal affairs...or worse, when you question their beliefs. * Curdswell looks horrified, then his expression slowly changes to something approaching elation. "Now there's an idea..." He frowns again. "No, no, that wouldn't do...Couldn't make any objective observations that way..." He trails off, muttering in gnomish. * Lisl covers a laugh with a sudden spate of coughing. <Curdswell> Oh, no, no personal questions, nothing that would pry. Beliefs? Hmph, what good are beliefs when facts are so much better. You tell one cleric that the minor healing spells appear to derive more from a secular cause, elementary first aid, and the next thing you know you're cursed... <Curdswell> Doesn't make any sense. ::frowns, mutters some more:: * Curdswell finishes his drink. * Lisl gestures weakly to Michelle for water as the coughing redoubles. * Michelle quickly fills a mug with water and hands it to Lisl. <Curdswell> Ah, well, I sense my welcome for the night has started to wear thin. ::climbs down from his stool:: I think I best be off. <Lisl> ::sips the water:: Nothing personal? You think asking a person what goes through their mind when their body is taken over by a beast is "nothing personal"? <Michelle> ::Lisl's mulekick mug looks up at her with an "I told you so" look on it's face.:: * Curdswell shrugs. "As far as intent goes, no, it is not personal." * Curdswell holds up his hands. "Another time, perhaps, I really should be going." <Michelle> Goodnight Curdswell. <Lisl> Hmmm. ::shakes her head:: A pure researcher. Who would have thought? <Zoya> ::raises her mug to Curdswell:: Good night! * Curdswell waves to all and heads for the door. <Zoya> ::grins at Lisl:: I rather like him. <Lisl> ::nods:: Aye, sleep sweet, Curdswell. Stay out of trouble! * Curdswell exits. <Tyl> ::mutters:: do you really think *that's* likely? <Lisl> ::gives Zoya a dry look:: Aye, I thought you might. <Michelle> :::Once Curdswell is outside me sets her head and arms on the bar.:: I can't believe I used to be just like that. <Zoya> ::smiles:: <Lisl> ::sticks her tongue out at her mug before taking a hefty swallow of 'kick, cocking an eyebrow at Michelle over the rim:: You? Like him??? <Michelle> A long time ago. ::Me shakes her head.:: Can I get anyone anything? <Tyl> sure ::waves her empty glass at Michelle:: * Tyl gives Lisl a long, speculative look... <Tyl> ::mutters:: nevermind, it's NOT my business * Michelle refills Tyl's glass again, "Are you sure you're going to be alright drinking this much Tyl?" * Jaret looks at his half-full wine glass. "Just a top-off would be lovely." <Tyl> oh, sure... ::grins:: this is only three... <Lisl> I'm still fine, thanks. But honestly, he must be insane...has he really been going around asking patrons if they're lycanthropes? * Michelle tops off Jaret's glass, "There you are." <Tyl> First *I*'ve heard of it... but then, I don't know him very well <Michelle> I remember him asking something about them the first night he showed up, but once he found out Moon Dancer wasn't around he shut up about them. He's been talking about some golem project with Zoya ever since. <Zoya> ::shrugs:: He didn't ask me. <Lisl> ::glancing sideways at Tyl, noting her look with a raised eyebrow:: What I want to know is who started him off on that silly rumor in the first place? People shouldn't take advantage of a man like that... <Tyl> Well, Lisl, you really have to admit, there are some pretty strange people who come here... <Michelle> Or give a legitimate establishment a bad name. <Tyl> I've heard some crazy things, and they don't even come close to the truth... <Lisl> Well, that's a given. This *is* Sealgair's, after all. There have been all *sorts* of rumors about this place. But lycanthropes could be really dangerous...last thing we need are his harmless questions starting another witchhunt around here. <Zoya> ::raises an eyebrow:: "ANOTHER" witchhunt? <Tyl> ::takes a sip of rum:: I've never thought... well, I just don't think it matters. After all, Xarroch is mostly a decent sort... <Lisl> Xarroch? ::shakes her head:: Don't think I've met him. What, is he a lycanthrope, then? * Zoya shakes her head. "No, a demon." <Tyl> um, no... it's sort of hard to explain. You'd really have to meet him yourself to get a grip on the impact he has on you... <Lisl> Yes, another witchhunt. One got started around the time we were being plagued by demons...it wasn't pretty. There was talk in town of forcing Sealgair and his patrons to clear out of town. * Jaret nods solemnly, but says nothing. <Lisl> ::pauses in the act of raising her mug to her lips:: I'm *so* glad you said that *before* I drank this time. A DEMON?? * Michelle shakes her head and looks at the ceiling, "Why isn't Moon Dancer here to deal with this?" <Tyl> Really? I heard about that, but thought that was just another batch of hogwash. Xarroch is the only demon I've ever met. <Zoya> ::nods:: He's a friend of Jelarthna's. I know it's peculiar, but the story is a bit long... <Michelle> Count yourself fortunate. <Tyl> ::grins slightly, points to herself:: one... one fortunate person... ::ha ha ha:: <Lisl> ::chuckling:: MD's good at missing the sticky explaining bits. <Lisl> ::frowns deeply:: A *friend* of Jelarthna's? I was beginning to like that boy, but... <Tyl> no, no, Xarroch's not like that... evil, I mean... irritating, yes, but not evil. <Michelle> You didn't see what he did to a couple of demons who followed him into town. <Jaret> I'll vouch for Jelarthna on this one, Lisl. Xarroch healed Jelarthna's grievous wounds after we had fought a more dire battle against a foe that had been attacking Jelarthna's friends for some time. I don't understand it exactly, but apparently he's a ::swallows funny:: nice demon. <Lisl> ::frown deepening:: A demon who's *not* evil? How...? That's their nature! ::shakes her head quickly, as if to clear it:: I'll take your word, Jaret. <Tyl> well, I always thought werewolves were supposed to be horrid awful slobbering things too... ::trails off, not entirely sure how to finish that sentence:: <Zoya> ::grins:: I know, it's peculiar, but... ::glances around the room at the patrons:: Most people think all lycanthropes are evil, too. <Zoya> ::grins at Tyl:: <Tyl> Of course, if someone wants me to take a vampire in as a border-guest, we might have an argument... ::sips her drink:: <Lisl> ::chuckles:: I've fought a few, Tyl, they *do* slobber. But not all are evil...there're many types of lycanthrope, after all...and even more than one type of werewolf, tho' the nasty kind is far more common. <Jaret> Trust me, Lisl, it took quite a bit for me to accept the idea. ::grins, and has some of his wine:: <Lisl> ::taking a swallow of 'kick:: Yes, well, Jaret, it's taken you a bit to accept *many* kinds of ideas. ::grinning:: <Lisl> ::grimaces and takes another swallow, staring into her mug for a few moments:: Aye, there are a *lot* of the nasty kind of werewolf.... * Jaret: ::raises his eyebrows, a look of mock surprise on his face:: Lisl! Such pointed barbs I don't expect from so docile a friend as you!" <Lisl> ::chuckle:: Me? Docile? Ha! I'm lucky to remember to eat with a fork, most times... * Lisl sips her 'kick. * Zoya sees the lamplighters busy outside and sighs. She finishes off her ale and sends the mug scurrying toward the kitchen. <Zoya> Time to head back to the Tower... Good night, everyone! <Michelle> Last call everyone. <Tyl> Good Night, Zoya... * Lisl shakes her head. "So, has this Curdswell fellow met 'Dancer, yet? Somehow I think not..." ::grins:: * Tyl finishes her rum and sets the glass down on the bar. <Lisl> Sleep sweet, Zoya! <Michelle> Goodnight Zoya. * Zoya waves to everyone as she leaves. * Tyl fishes a small silver coin out of her bag and drops it on the bar... * Jaret tilts his head back and finishes off his glass of wine. "I had best be getting on my path as well. Good night everyone." He bows to all those still present, and goes to head out of the door. * Lisl takes a hefty swallow of 'kick, tilting her head back. <Lisl> A good evening to you, m'lord Jaret. <Jaret> ::over his shoulder, a mischievous lilt in his voice:: "And to you, Lady Lisl!" * Michelle puts the money in the strong box and shoos the empty dishes into the kitchen. * Jaret leaves the Hall. <Lisl> ::looks narrowly at Michelle as the other patrons leave:: And *we* should have a talk about something, at some point, I think.... but not tonight. * Michelle meets Lisl's gaze, "Most definitely. Do you know the pond Moon Dancer frequents. I think it would be the appropriate spot." <Lisl> ::grins:: Who do you think showed it to him in the first place? I'll happily meet you there. Until later, then. ::nods, gives her empty mug a pat on the backside, and leaves.:: * Michelle wipes down the bar and heads into the kitchen to make sure everything is in order. |
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