Main Page |
* Rhys enters from the kitchen and unlocks the front door. He returns behind the bar and settles himself on a stool. "Hall's open." * Bai enters through the side/front door dressed in his usual blue robes. He walks to the bar and leans his bone white staff against the wall. <Bai> Good evening Rhys. <Rhys> Good evening, Bai. Can I get you anything? Tea, perhaps? * Maeli comes in, looking extremely tired but more than a little satisfied. She sinks into one of the comfortable chairs near the fireplace and sighs with exhaustion. <Bai> Water please. * Tyl walks in and sits at the bar. * Lisl strides in through the front door, scrubbing the side of her face with one hand. "I'm awake. Really. Rhys, a flask of the green bubbly stuff please, hmm?" <Rhys> Of course, Bai. ::collects a mug and starts pouring water into it:: Good evening, Seamstress Maeli. Can I get you anything? <Maeli> I'd very much like some spiced mulled wine, with ::she glances around half-guiltily:: just a dollop of apple brandy. * Rhys serves Bai his water and quickly pours Lisl a mug of fizzy fluorescent yellow-green stuff. "Here you are." <Bai> Just get up Lisl, or haven't gone to bed in a while? * Rhys begins preparing Maeli's order. "The usual, Tyl?" * Tyl nods... <Tyl> Thanks Rhys <Lisl> Ummm...::turning a bleary-eyed look at Bai:: ....yes. ::smiles gratefully at Rhys and takes a seat on the stool in front of the mug:: * Rhys stirs the spiced wine with his special spoon [there is *so* a spoon], adds a jigger of apple brandy and sets the glass waddling to Maeli. * Bai blinks, "Which, or do I not want to know?" <Rhys> ::fetches a squat rocks glass from the shelf, adds ice, pours rum, sets in front of Tyl:: There you go. * Maeli scoops up the mug and cups her hands around its warmth for a few moments before taking several deep, appreciative gulps. <Tyl> Thanks... ::places a small coin on the countertop:: <Bai> Tyl, how are the repairs on the house going? <Tyl> ::takes a long deep breath, then drains her glass before turning to Bai:: About two more weeks... <Lisl> ::glances sidelong at Bai:: Both. ::faces her mug again, staring into the fizzy depths rather dubiously:: Ow! ::rubs her eye:: It spat at me! <Bai> Two more weeks. That must be costing you a fortune. Can I help with the expense? <Tyl> ::grins a bit:: I don't know... can you? * Rhys leans over and gives the mug a stern rap with his fingernails. "Behave. She does usually order mulekick, you know." * Bai chuckles, "Not currently, but I'll swing by later in the week with what I can." <Tyl> Seriously... you must have a handful of expenses cleaning up after Mistress Yb... * Lisl blinks furiously for a moment, takes a deep breath, and leans back for a healthy swallow. * Bai smiles, "I suspect I have financial discretions that would make any priest in this city jealous when it comes to Yb." * Maeli wonders privately what a "financial discretion" is... <Lisl> ::closes her eyes, leans a hand against the bar, and shakes her head furiously for a moment. When she opens her eyes, they gleam faintly yellow:: WOW! <Tyl> I wouldn't trouble yourself about it, Bai... I plan to beat it out of the vampires, the next time I see one... <Lisl> Okay, I *am* awake now. Damn, I thought *mulekick* had a kick! <Bai> So why are you so sleepless Lisl? <Lisl> ::turns around to look at the other patrons with a bright (almost glassy) alert expression, and cocks her head to one side, looking around as if trying to remember something:: * Maeli takes another deep drink of her mulled wine. <Lisl> I thought I told you....::looking mildly distracted as she looks around again:: I just got up, and I haven't had enough sleep for a good week and a half, now. <Bai> Ah. The last time you said it you didn't make much sense. <Rhys> ::to Maeli:: Everything all right tonight, Maeli? <Maeli> ::smiles at Rhys:: Oh, fine, dear. Just a bit tired. * Eljorin walks into the Hall, whistling slightly to himself as he enters. He looks over the collection of people, and saunters over to the bar. "Good evening, Rhys. What's good tonight; I'm a little hungry." <Bai> [Well, Rhys could probably find a horse to slaughter.] <Eljorin> [Touché, Jeff...] <Rhys> ::to Eljorin:: Well, let's see. I don't have anything prepared right now, but if you'd like I can get started on some bread and sausages. <Eljorin> ::smiles to Rhys:: No, don't go out of your way! I'm just a little hungry, not starved! Bread and sausage will do fine, if I can have a glass of ale with it... <Rhys> I'll get you the ale now, and get started on the bread and sausages.. ::looks around at the company:: ... and I think I'll make plenty... <Eljorin> ::laughs:: Sounds great... * Rhys pours Eljorin a tall mug of ale, and heads back into the kitchen to get the oven fired up. * Lisl takes another sip of Mist, picks up her mug, and goes to sit by Maeli. * Eljorin takes the mug of ale and drinks a quick quarter of the mug, then stops to take a breath. <Maeli> ::smiles tiredly at Lisl:: Good even', girl. <Eljorin> ::looks at Lisl, and smiles:: Lisl! Well met again, milady... <Lisl> Good evening. ::smiling back and nodding to the mug:: That for medicinal purposes? You seem like you've had quite a night. <Rhys> ::within a few moments, the smell of baking bread and cooking sausage (and possible some garlic, too?) begins to waft out of the Hall's kitchen of mysteries and miracles:: * Bai sips his water. <Lisl> ::giving Eljorin a wave:: Good seeing, indeed. Be with you in a moment...milord. ::grinning and emphasizing the title:: <Eljorin> ::laughs:: *This*?!? Surely you jest, Lisl; I'm just getting started! <Maeli> ::chuckles dryly and takes another sip from her mug:: Something like. My oldest great-granddaughter's husband fetched me from my bed yesternight at moonset to attend her childbed. <Lisl> [nope, that was to Maeli, El, but it fits you, too! :P] <Eljorin> [Yah, I see that now...] <Lisl> ::grin slipping from her lips:: Childbed...? It...didn't go well, did it? <Eljorin> ::grins, slightly embarrassed:: My apologies Lisl, milady... ::nods to Maeli:: I'm interrupting again, and I'm sorry. <Eljorin> ::takes another quick drink from his mug:: <Lisl> ::rolls her eyes, muttering:: I thought I broke him of that before... * Tyl looks vaguely into her empty cup for a while, not really paying attention to anything <Lisl> ::takes another sip of Mist, notices her finger tapping rapidly against the side of the mug, and sets the mug aside:: <Maeli> ::laughs:: Oh, it went fine. She's a bit narrow in the hips, so it was a long labor, but when I left them half an hour ago, she was resting with her son at her breast. Took me a goodly while to clean up, though. ::sighs tiredly and has another drink:: * Rhys returns from the kitchen, bearing a wide wooden platter that has a hot loaf of bread and a plate of steaming sausages on it. He sets the platter down, and collects a small stack of plates from under the bar. "Anyone hungry?" <Eljorin> ::looks over the group here, and spots Tyl:: Tyl'gainia! Good evening to you, milady! How're you feeling this fine night? * Tyl looks up. <Maeli> ::smiles broadly and raises her mug:: To Arin, my first great-great grandchild! <Bai> Yes please Rhys. <Eljorin> ::turns to Rhys:: Yes, thank you. Just a few pieces on a plate... <Tyl> Oh... hullo Eljorin. I'm well... Just thinking, really... * Rhys prepares a plate of a few slices of bread and sausages for Bai and Eljorin. <Lisl> I'm hungry *now*....::smiling and lifting her mug at Maeli's toast:: Great-GREAT? Oh, goodness! * Bai raises his mug, "To you Maeli. May you continue to share your wisdom with those around you." <Eljorin> ::nods:: Thinking's good. So's breathing. Thinking any deep thoughts, or just mulling over something that shouldn't be mulled over? <Lisl> To Maeli's dynasty! May it live and prosper long! * Tyl smiles at Maeli and raises a mostly empty cup. <Maeli> ::laughs delightedly:: Such dear children you are. <Tyl> Mulling over things not worth thinking about, I think... ::gives Eljorin a half smile:: <Eljorin> ::smiles:: I figured as much. Care to share, or are they more private thoughts? <Tyl> I was only thinking about... going back to Waterdeep... I was hoping Zoya would be here, to sort of talk me out of it. <Lisl> ::leaning back and chuckling softly:: Children...heh. <Eljorin> ::raises an eyebrow:: Go back to Waterdeep? What for? <Tyl> Well, my teacher and I have been talking about it a lot, recently... he wants me back home to help him with... with things... and my sister is marrying him next month... and... I don't seem to have much reason to stay... <Maeli> ::takes another deep drink to finish the mug and grins at Lisl:: And Aric, of course - that's my great-granddaughter's husband - he's strutting around their little house like he's the first man ever to produce a son. ::chuckles:: <Eljorin> Married, eh? Well, it never hurts to go back, even if it's just to see if Waterdeep still fits you. <Lisl> Heh. If he actually *had* produced him, he probably wouldn't be strutting, I'm sure. <Lisl> So was it...a difficult birth? I hear that sometimes the baby must be cut from the womb, if the woman's too narrow. <Maeli> ::sighs:: Thank the gods that wasn't necessary. I've not that skill. The babe had to be turned, though. <Eljorin> ::shakes his head, and turns to Lisl:: Aye, tis true. Me ma had to have me cut out, seeing that I was so large. I was her last because of it, and many times I think she's glad for that... <Lisl> Ah, a breach. I've had a couple that way. ::looking up at El:: I'm sure she did. At, what, six months? <Eljorin> ::laughs hard, almost spilling his ale:: No! Almost nine, but she reminds me about those last three months any chance she gets! <Lisl> I'm sure. ::measuring the length of him with her eyes:: And you haven't stopped growing since, have you now? <Maeli> ::nods:: I've told them that they should wait a while before having another, but I don't know if they'll listen. She'll be wanting a daughter, now. <Lisl> What, for a matched set? ::chuckling:: <Maeli> Well, you know how women can be. <Lisl> ::shrugs expansively, leaning back in her chair again:: I've never understood that. And I've never understood the men who make their wives birth into an early grave. I hope she's not intent on *that*. <Maeli> ::lifts her hands and shrugs:: I hope not, but you never know. Aric's a good man, though; I doubt he'll insist on more than three or four. <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: I had my litter, and I was done. ::chuckle:: And I thought that was the hard part, until it came to raising them. * Eljorin drinks a bit more ale, and listens to the women chatter... * Bai sips his water. * Tyl looks around from sucking on an ice cube and gives Lisl a long look <Maeli> ::looks hard at Lisl:: Multiple birth, eh? I'd not have guessed. But aye, the birthing is nothing next to the raising. <Rhys> ::to Tyl:: Another? <Tyl> Oh, thanks... sorry... thinking... it's sort of time consuming... <Lisl> ::shrugging one shoulder:: Ah, it runs in the family. Though my ancestor's practice didn't make *mine* any easier. <Maeli> ::blinks:: Ancestor's... Peculiar birthing rituals? <Rhys> Understandable... ::refills Tyl's rum & ice:: <Lisl> ::shaking her head and chuckling a little:: No, no...I meant, even though my father's mother had multiple births, and her mother, it didn't make *mine* any easier. <Maeli> ::nods:: Ah, I see. No, they don't. You'd think they would, wouldn't you? <Lisl> Well, you'd hope so, anyway. ::wry look as she starts to take another sip of Mist, thinks better of it, and pushes it to one side:: * Maeli puts her empty mug on the floor so it can return to the bar. <Rhys> ::the mug waddles across the floor, around the bar, and smack into Rhys's ankle. It reels back a few steps, looks up at Rhys indignantly, and imperiously walks around Rhys into the kitchen:: <Maeli> ::turns suddenly to Tyl:: Travel can be a good thing, girl. But if you're hoping your friend would talk you out of it, perhaps *this* trip isn't one you should take. * Eljorin finishes his ale, and places the mug back on the bar. "Can I have another, Rhys?" <Lisl> Hmmm...::eyes her mug uncertainly:: I don't think I should have any more...it's generally a bad sign when my hands start to shake. ::stands up-- almost *bounds* up-- and moves to the bar:: A cup of tea, I think, Rhys. <Maeli> [Maeli: midwife, seamstress, and unwanted-advice-giver] <Tyl> ::jumps:: hmmm? Oh, I mean there are lots of good reasons to go and very few reasons to stay, but I don't really... you know... want to go <Rhys> Of course, Eljorin. ::refills the brawny Moonshaen's mug with ale:: * Eljorin pulls his plate of bread and sausage closer, and begins to absentmindedly munch while listening... * Bai starts in on his own plate. * Eljorin takes his mug back. "Thank you, Rhys. Excellent service, as usual." * Lisl leans against the bar, drumming her fingers lightly against the surface while she waits for her tea. When she notices her tapping fingers, she carefully stills them. * Bai smiles at Lisl, "I'm glad to see there's something that effects that constitution of yours." * Eljorin sips his ale, and smiles at Lisl. "Nervous about something, lass? <Lisl> Nervous? Me? Heavens, no. ::sticking her tongue out at Bai as her fingers start tapping again, unnoticed:: I think it's the Mist. I don't generally drink things that are quite so....stimulating. <Eljorin> ::raises an eyebrow:: Mist? What's that? * Lisl nods at the "back" of her retreating mug. "The green fizzy stuff. It's stronger than I thought." <Eljorin> ::smiles:: Odd. I never took you for the drinking type. At least, not heavily... <Lisl> ::raises both eyebrows:: Oh, I don't drink heavily. Usually, anyway. But I generally drink *alcohol*, and whatever that stuff is, it's *not* alcohol. * Bai mutters under his breath. <Eljorin> ::laughs:: Not alcohol? ::turns to Rhys:: Rhys? What is this green Mist that Lisl's having? <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow at Bai and grins a little:: What? <Bai> Some peoples definitions of heavy. ::returns the grin:: <Rhys> Mist of the Peaks? It's a specialty import we get from our Master Trader Carrecht. <Lisl> Actually....hmmmm....that gives me an idea...::narrowing her eyes in thought:: <Lisl> I wonder what would happen if I mixed Mist with 'kick? <Eljorin> ::nods:: Carrecht, eh? ::thinks for a moment:: Overseas, then? Maybe I should talk to someone about getting some of the Hall's trading business, then. Who'd I need to see about that? <Rhys> That'd be Moon Dancer, the proprietor. He's not in too often, but you're welcome to leave a message for him. <Bai> Before or after it exploded? Actually, we should get Zoya in on this and study it. I might have a use or two for such a mixture. <Lisl> You're a trader, too, Eljorin? <Lisl> Oh, come now. It *probably* wouldn't explode...of course, it might make *me* explode...::looks dubious for a moment:: <Eljorin> ::nods:: By trade, as it were. I have a few ships... nothing huge, but I mostly work in odd goods... <Lisl> ::chuckling:: Well, that would certainly describe the Hall pretty well... <Lisl> ::scratches her head and thinks:: Actually, it seems to me that Sealgair tried using 'kick as a mixer once.... <Eljorin> ::looks at Lisl, finally making the connection:: You're in the trading business? I had no idea... <Bai> Seriously Lisl. You know how explosive Mule Kick is by itself. And you saw this evening how reactive the Mist is. You honestly think you can just pour the two together without something violent happening? <Lisl> ::looks up in surprise:: Trader? ME? <Eljorin> ::to Lisl:: Well, you did ask if I was a trader _too_; I just thought... <Lisl> Hmmm...you have a point, Bai. I was going to say that the last thing that got mixed with 'kick was sorta subsumed...at least, you couldn't taste it, and smoke came out when he mixed it in.... <Bai> Still, I think with Zoya's help we could do it. And I'd be sort of interested to see what that mixtures properties might be. <Lisl> Oh...::shaking her head:: No, no...I *have* done a bit of trading in the past...well, more of a courier, I suppose...but I'm semi-retired, now. I just do a bit of adventuring when I feel like it...or when Mother needs an errand run. <Lisl> ::looking back at Bai with a sly grin:: Interested enough to drink it? <Lisl> Mist *does* seem strong enough for the 'kick...it just might work. <Eljorin> ::nods:: I understand. I sort of fell into a mate's position after some work in Waterdeep, and after living in the Moonshaes so long... Well, I just decided to buy the ship and start small trading runs. One thing led to another, and four ships later... * Bai shakes his head, "Your mother is a remarkable woman Lisl. I regret having only met her the one time. I still haven't even thanked her properly." <Lisl> ::chuckling:: I do everything possible to keep my friends from meeting my mother...but she always manages, despite me. ::raises an eyebrow:: What did she do for you? I can't recall.... <Bai> I'd have to seriously think about it. It took me a week to get over the hangover the last time I had any Mule Kick. Course Drach kept giving me dwarven spirits during that week so it's kind of hard to say. Or remember for that matter. <Bai> It was more what she did for your cousin. <Lisl> ::slapping her knee and grinning:: Drach was probably building you up for the good stuff. <Lisl> Ahhhh, I see. ::smiling:: <Lisl> ::looking back at Eljorin:: I never carried any more than I could pack myself...I generally couriered for those small, expensive items no one *else* wanted to risk carrying. <Eljorin> ::smiles:: Courier work never was my cup of tea, though we have had our share of discreet items. ::shrugs, and takes a sip of ale:: I've just enjoyed the sea too much to live far from it. I'm sure I'll tire of it sooner or later, and get another case of wanderlust... <Lisl> Hmmmm...that could be an interesting change...I never spent much time on the open sea. Just short jaunts, on my way to other places. <Lisl> Hmmmm....actually....Rhys, would you tap me a half-pint of 'kick, please? <Eljorin> ::smiles broadly:: Well! Consider this an open invitation to come aboard any of my ships when they're in dock. I can always run one out for a quick day trip... <Rhys> Of course, Lisl. ::pours her a half-glass of 'kick in one of the more stalwart mugs:: <Lisl> ::smiling at Eljorin:: My thanks...I'll certainly keep that in mind. ::accepting her mug:: <Maeli> ::curiously, to Eljorin:: Doesn't working as a trader have advantages when you get a case of wanderlust? <Lisl> Well, I suppose this is one way of testing to see how they work together...look out below! ::raising her glass to the assembled company and taking a hefty swallow:: <Eljorin> ::turns to Maeli:: At times. ::shrugs:: Sometimes, you just need to get away and be _alone_. When you're on a ship, a real ship, there's hardly ever a dull moment. Course corrections, crew squabbles... sometimes you just need to be alone and explore. ::shrugs again:: I don't know if I can explain it any better than that. * Eljorin eats a bit of bread, and follows it with ale to wash it down. * Bai sips his water. * Lisl shudders strongly, her eyes going wide and yellow for several heartbeats before she squeezes them closed. Her spine stiffens for a moment, and then she drops her elbows to the bar, leaning on them heavily. * Rhys reaches into a voluminous sleeve and pulls out a small, bright flask. "Everything all right, Lisl?" <Lisl> HOOOOOO--eeeeee! Now *that's* what I call mulekick!! ::blinking rapidly to keep her eyes from tearing:: <Eljorin> ::eyes open widely:: Dear Gods, lass! What're ye doin' to ye'self? <Tyl> ::looks into her rum cup, takes a long sip:: that woman worries me... <Lisl> ::looking up at Rhys, her eyes bright yellow, her grin hinting at something feral:: Just fine. It hasn't tasted like that since the first time I had it! WOW! * Rhys replaces the flask back in his sleeve. * Bai nods his head, "Definitely need to talk to Zoya. It'll help remind you that you have limits." <Lisl> ::short, wheezing cough as she takes another, smaller swallow:: That was intense. ::blinking again and wiping her eyes:: <Lisl> ::chuckling:: Well, I certainly wouldn't recommend you drinking it, Bai. I think it'd make for a fairly painful way to die. <Lisl> ::looking mildly affronted:: I lived, didn't I? <Lisl> Not sure I'd want to take them both together, though.... * Bai shakes his head and proceeds to finish off his plate of sausage and bread. <Lisl> Now *that* looks like a capital idea. Could I have some more bread please, Rhys? ::smiling at him sweetly, eyes back to normal:: <Eljorin> ::to Lisl:: Lass, if ye want to kill ye'self, I can always toss you overboard in the middle of the Dragonmere... <Lisl> ::smiling reassuringly at Eljorin:: Oh, don't worry, I've no wish to kill myself. I just like...hmmm...testing my boundaries, every so often. <Eljorin> ::shakes his head:: Testing your boundaries is one thing. Tearin' the lining outta yer tum is another altogether... * Eljorin takes his last piece of bread, and sops up what little sausage juice is left on the plate, and hands the empty plate back to Rhys. <Rhys> ::slices some bread and puts it on a plate, and adds some sausages to the plate as well:: Here you are, Lisl. <Rhys> ::takes Eljorin's plate, quickly walks it back into the kitchen and returns:: <Lisl> My thanks, Rhys. ::biting into a sausage:: Wow...everything tastes better now...it's so odd! * Tyl takes out a knife, balances it delicately on her fingertip, moving her hand around under it to keep it upright. <Lisl> Ahhh, nothing that'd do permanent damage, Eljorin. ::reaching up to clap him on the back reassuringly:: <Eljorin> ::finishes his ale, and places the mug back on the bar before standing to face Lisl:: Lass, the offer stands. If you want to travel on one o' my ships, let me know; I've been staying here, so I'm not hard to find... <Lisl> ::grinning wickedly at Bai:: I may look like a delicate hothouse rose, but I'm pretty hardy on the inside. <Lisl> ::nodding to El:: I'd be happy to. I'm sure I could track you down. * Rhys looks out at the night. "Last call, everyone." * Tyl tosses the knife up a little and catches it. She puts the blade away and sets another small coin on the bar. <Eljorin> ::nods:: Well, then... goodnight, Lisl. ::slightly louder:: Goodnight all! * Bai shakes his head, "You look like you could terrorize small villages, but that doesn't mean you should do it." <Bai> Goodnight Eljorin. <Maeli> ::glances up and smiles:: Well. Time to go home and get some sleep. I'll need to be back at my great-granddaughter's in the morning to help her out. <Lisl> Sleep sweet, milord Eljorin! ::smiling:: * Bai finishes his water. "I should be going as well." * Tyl downs the last bit of her rum. <Tyl> G'night... * Bai sets a coin on the bar, picks up his staff, and heads for the door. * Lisl tipping her head back to drain the rest of her half-mug of 'kick. "Wow. I wouldn't do it often, I think, but that's a damn good chaser combination." * Eljorin stretches slightly, and places several silver on the bar. "I'll be back before too late, Rhys..." <Lisl> ::pointing to herself:: Moi, Bai? <Maeli> Good night, my friends. ::takes a silver bit out of a pocket, shows it to Rhys carefully, and then just as carefully puts it back in her pocket, eyes twinkling, before walking out. * Bai smiles, "Yes you Lisl." <Rhys> ::grinning:: Good night, Maeli., <Lisl> ::steadying herself against the bar for a moment before taking a few coins from a pocket in her jerkin and dropping them on the bar, picking up the remaining hunk of bread:: Thanks, Rhys. Good night, all! * Eljorin walks out of the Hall, quietly whistling... <Rhys> Good night, Eljorin.... <Rhys> And good night, Lisl. * Lisl strides out of the Hall, occasionally weaving slightly. * Rhys trails behind Lisl to the door, which he locks behind her. He douses the lamps in the main room, and heads back to the bar to clean up. |
|
|