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* Tyl walks down the stairs <Tyl> Oh, evening, Rhys... you got anything cooking? * Rhys walks in from the kitchen. "Good evening Tyl, I'll be with you in a moment." He unlocks the door with his key, and returns behind the bar. "Hall's open, nothing's currently on, and can I get you the usual?" <Tyl> Actually, no... alcohol doesn't go well with surgery... how about some juice? <Rhys> Apple? Grape? Pineapple? Mango? Guava? Cherry? Orange? Plum? Snozzberry? Blueberry? Lemon? * Bai walks surveying the room as he crosses to the bar and leans his staff against the wall. "Good evening Rhys, Tyl'gainia." <Tyl> Blueberry juice? That sounds interesting... <Rhys> Coming right up. Can I get you anything, Bai? Some tea, perhaps? <Tyl> Bai... hello. * Bai sits on one of the stools, half watching the door, half listening to the others. * Zoya walks in. She's carrying the same thin staff she had last week, and is trailed by a small ball of twinkling blue-ish light. * Bai shakes his head and turns to Rhys, "No, water will be fine." * Rhys whisks a mug off the rack, and carefully fills it with some dark juice that pours out of one of the taps. "Here you are, Tyl." <Zoya> Evening, everyone! <Tyl> Thanks... ::sniffs at her glass:: * Bai turns expectantly at the sound of the door opening, "Oh...Good evening Zoya." <Rhys> Of course, Bai. Well met, Zoya. That's an interesting variant on an Nchaser's Globe. Can I get you anything? ::pours Bai some water:: <Tyl> Heya, Zoya! ::looks at her trailing puffball:: Did you know you're being followed by a firefly with creativity? <Zoya> Yes, I suppose I do. I'm not sure where it came from, but it hasn't hurt anything so far. * Tyl reaches into her pocket and pulls out a few gold florins. <Tyl> Here, Rhys... for all the food and lodging for the last few weeks... <Zoya> ::sits near Tyl:: How's Jelarthna doing? * Bai sips his water. * Rhys waves off Tyl. "I'm not allowed to bill those tending to convalescents. It's in our lease." <Tyl> ::makes a face:: I'm not entirely certain. There are some problems I don't really want to mess with. I mean it'd be not so great if I got him awake again and he wasn't really himself any more * Tyl blinks at Rhys a few times. <Tyl> It's not? <Rhys> What's not? <Tyl> in your lease to bill me? <Rhys> Well, not you specifically, but the specific function you're performing, quid pro quorum, is what's at stake, and therefore, I can't accept your money. Sorry. Perhaps some other time? * Tyl laughs <Tyl> I didn't understand a word of that, Rhys... but I'm not going to argue with free. <Rhys> Anyway, Zoya? Can I get you anything? <Zoya> ::sighs:: I was afraid that might be the case. At least he isn't getting any worse... Do you need any more help? ::hefts her staff:: <Zoya> ::to Rhys:: An ale would be nice. <Tyl> Actually, I'm sort of taking the day off. There's only so much I can do before we both need some rest. Recharging my psionic energy doesn't do any good if my hands are shaking, so to speak * Rhys retrieves another mug off the rack and draws Zoya a pint of nut-brown ale. "Here you go." <Xarroch> ::the door slams open, and Xarroch's hulking form sidles through the doorway, wearing his typical poorly fastened and ill fitting clothing:: <Zoya> ::nods and takes a sip of ale, nearly splashing it as Xarroch bursts in:: * Rhys looks up. "Well met, Xarroch. Gentle with the carpentry, if you please." <Xarroch> ::sees Tyl:: Ah! Just the elf I wanted to see! ::strides across the room to where Tyl sits:: How is Jelarthna? <Tyl> ::blinks a few times:: And good evening to you... please, sit down... * Bai sips his water and eyes the stranger. * Zoya's ball of light bounces around and sort of back to her. <Xarroch> ::the stool creaks dangerously as it desperately tries to deal with the weight:: <Tyl> He's alive... he's progressing... he has a lot of problems... but I sort of need to sort out problems he can and problems he can't handle. * Tyl takes a few sips of juice * Xarroch nods <Xarroch> Good! I was confident that you would be able to handle this. If there is any way that I might aid you, speak. Perhaps you would like to examine the mind that did this to him? ::large, evil, toothy grin:: <Tyl> ::gives Xarroch a dubious look:: Please tell me you don't have it in your pocket * Rhys furrows his eyebrows, flicks some sort of dark material Xarroch's way, and mutters a quick arcane verse. <Xarroch> ::grins again, pulling a jar from a pouch on his belt:: As a matter of fact, I do. ::the jar contains the head of a creature, with some sort of liquid. It seems as if it was once rather oversized, but was squished forcefully into the container:: * Bai watches the various people in the Hall and sips his water. <Tyl> eeeeewch... ::makes a face:: * Xarroch sets the jar in the table and shoot a grin at Rhys <Xarroch> Examine it as long as you wish. It is still alive, but it is powerless. And do not worry about being gentle with it... * Bai picks up his staff, closes his eyes, and mutters something. <Tyl> Xarroch, dear, wonderful friend... have you ever considered going to finishing school or something? * Zoya looks quickly from Xarroch to Bai, and tenses slightly... <Xarroch> ::looks momentarily confused, then smiles knowingly:: I *always* finish what I start, little Tyl'gainia. * Bai opens his eyes and looks at Xarroch and his "present". <Zoya> A name! He used a name! <Tyl> ::turns to Zoya:: I'd hate to think what he'd bring a girl he liked... a dozen severed Beholder eyes, maybe? <Zoya> ::grins at Tyl:: That would have to be some special woman! <Xarroch> ::stands up and looks at Zoya, then chuckles:: That I did! How amazing. ::walks to bar:: Some of that mule kick, please! * Tyl almost reluctantly peers at the jarhead <Xarroch> Bah! Beholders! They think too much of themselves. Tasty, though. ::grins:: * Rhys retrieves one of the stone mugs from under the counter, fills it with the potent Kalthean "beverage", and sets it down in front of Xarroch. "And remember, no slamming the mug on the bar when you're done." * Bai sips his water and watches Xarroch, holding his staff in one hand. <Zoya> ::grins wider at Tyl:: Beholder eyestalks and mindflayer tentacles if he's feeling especially romantic. <Xarroch> ::sizes up Bai:: I have not seen you here before. Who are you? <Tyl> Ah, let me introduce you... * Bai looks Xarroch in the eye, "I am Bai, priest of Mirgianne. Don't you think you'd be more comfortable in your true form?" * Bai gets to his feet. <Tyl> Xarroch, this is Bai, my dear friend who burned my house down... Bai, this is Xarroch, the nice demon who's best friend is giving me a headache <Xarroch> ::grins widely at Bai, looking straight into his eyes:: Only if I have a need to be. * Xarroch downs the mule kick, and glancing at Rhys and grinning, sets the cup carefully back on the counter. <Tyl> ::turns to Zoya:: I some pretty strange friends, don't you think? * Bai keeps his eyes on Xarroch, "Tyl'gainia, you have an interesting way of putting things." <Zoya> ::smiles enigmatically and takes another swig of ale:: I'm sure I don't know what you mean. <Rhys> Gentlemen, please... there's no need to get hostile with each other. Trust me. <Xarroch> Who's getting hostile? <Tyl> You'll have to excuse me... I've been tinkering inside Jelarthna's head for a few weeks, and finding out things I didn't really want to know... it's put me in an odd mood * Bai looks at Rhys, "You are aware that he's an infernal creature? And of what happened the last time one of his kind entered this building?" * Xarroch laughs. <Rhys> Bai, this is Xarroch. He's a friend of Jelarthna's from the Outer Planes. He rescued Jelarthna from horrible fates a few times, and although he's got an unusual appearance, he's better than he looks. <Tyl> ::to Zoya:: actually, truth be told, I'm taking today off because of something I found this morning... it's made me a bit depressed, and I thought I shouldn't work when I'm upset <Zoya> ::raises an eyebrow:: Oh? <Xarroch> If you wish to "discuss" my nature, we can do so later, and outside. I have enough respect for the others here to avoid damaging anything unnecessarily. * Bai shakes his head and sits back down, leaning his staff against the wall in the process, "Why not? I'm chasing a dark elf and a mad mage, why shouldn't Jelarthna be friends with demons." <Rhys> We attract all kinds who seem to rebel against their usual natures. I keep waiting for an angel with bloody wings and a blackened conscience to step in, but it hasn't happened yet. <Xarroch> Demon. Singular. There are no others like me. They are all dead. * Bai chuckles, "Just so long as it's after someone else's head. One duel with an angel is enough for me." <Tyl> ::peers sort of mournfully into her cup:: I think I drink too much, sometimes. Especially when I'm upset. I know this because I really really want a drink. But I don't think it would be a good idea. <Xarroch> So you have found things not to your liking in Jelarthna's head, little elf? That is the danger of being in there, there are some things you are not meant to know, and indeed should not. <Bai> If I might ask, what exactly is wrong with Jelarthna's mind? <Tyl> He's got a guilt complex... a very very bad one... <Zoya> ::to Bai:: He meddled with something he shouldn't have, and it seems to have locked Jelarthna in his own mind. * Bai sighs and shakes his head, "I'm afraid I can't help you with that." <Tyl> ::to Xarroch:: It's not a matter of not liking it. People are who they are... it's just... I feel rather responsible for this, actually <Bai> I thought you said, Jelarthna had the guilt complex? <Tyl> There's more than enough blame in the world to go around... <Xarroch> You? Responsible? ::laughs:: He is his own elf, and his follies are his own. <Bai> I hope this never gets back to anyone, but Xarroch's right. <Tyl> I don't think that's true, Xarroch. I don't know how your people act towards each other, but humanoids react to things, to other people... <Tyl> He did what he did because of me... * Bai glances at the jar, "And what did you do that made him challenge that thing?" <Xarroch> Bah! He makes his own choices, as do you. Or I. Or any of us here. <Tyl> Yes, to a limited degree, Xarroch, but our choices are influenced by people we care about, people we like, people we hate, knowing consequences... everything we do it to some degree or another, influenced by all the people we touch * Zoya leans back and takes a sip of ale. <Xarroch> ::laughs again, deep from his belly:: Of course! I am not an idiot, little elf, I know this. But you need to realize that it is only influence. Not control. Jelarthna's choices and actions were his own. He trotted off along to the Blood Wars of his own volition, not because of something you did. <Xarroch> And what did you do that makes you think you forced him to be stupid? * Bai sips his water. <Tyl> He... ::makes a face:: I'm not sure how much of this I should be sharing... I mean, they are sort of his private thoughts and stuff... <Xarroch> Your choice. I would certainly like to know, but it does not matter. <Bai> True, but by the same token, you are now burdening yourself with guilt over those thoughts. If you wish, we can certainly find a priest with discretion, but we are friends here ::glances at Xarroch:: Of a sort at least. <Tyl> He... has a need to prove something. That he's worth anything. He really doesn't feel like he's got any value as an elven being... * Zoya looks slightly uncomfortable. * Xarroch looks back at Bai and smiles somewhat challengingly <Bai> Does this have anything to do with his moping about not having received an invitation to Evermeet or whatever that thing is? <Xarroch> ::shakes his head:: The foolish elf. I would not have saved him if he was worthless. <Tyl> ::shrugs:: It might be foolish, but it doesn't make it any easier to deal with. * Bai thinks for a moment, "It's possible Jelarthna thinks you're a better person than you are Xarroch." <Xarroch> ::looks for a long moment at Bai, then laughs:: And I feel certain that I am far better than *you* think I am! <Tyl> The need to feel like you have some sort of value... it can make you do some pretty desperate things... <Tyl> Jel needs tangibles... things to point to and say "See, see what I did? Am I not worth something because I accomplished this?" * Bai sighs and rests his hand on his sword hilt, "That I know all too well." * Xarroch spits out a sound that most closely resembled fingernails being dragged across a chalkboard. <Tyl> And he has delusions... he found something out - remind me to punch Maeli the next time I see her... gently of course, she's sort of a friend, and she's very old - and he felt like... <Tyl> like he needed to prove why it was true... <Xarroch> He doesn't have enough stories of senseless heroism already? ::shakes head:: * Bai shakes his head, "The more things change..." <Tyl> I think I surprised him... he's not used to thinking about people that way... <Xarroch> And what did the old woman say to him that was so dreadful? <Bai> I'm not sure what Jelarthna had in mind Xarroch, but if I had to take a page from my own youth, I'd say he had to do something new for this. <Tyl> It wasn't dreadful... <Tyl> ::looks up at Xarroch:: Do you understand love, Xarroch? <Xarroch> ::eyes narrow:: Yes. * Bai sighs, "Sorry about this Tyl'gainia." <Tyl> Well, I have feelings for Jelarthna... and Maeli told him... <Xarroch> ::glances at Zoya for a moment:: Ah, so you fell for our elf, then? That he had not told me yet. <Zoya> ::returns Xarroch's gaze evenly:: * Bai shakes his head and sips his water. <Xarroch> So why did you not tell him yourself? Why leave it to the old woman? <Tyl> ::looks down:: Because, Xarroch, it was very obvious to me that those feelings were not returned. I did not want to lose him as a friend by admitting what would be a very one-sided thing... <Xarroch> ::looks at Tyl's glass for a moment:: Keeping a secret is a difficult thing. You should not do it if you do not have the strength to. <Xarroch> And what did you expect him to do? Scorn you? <Xarroch> You should know that he is not like that! <Tyl> No, I didn't expect him to scorn me... ::gives Xarroch an angry glare:: It just makes things difficult... how can one pursue one's true object of affection if there's someone hanging on your coattails, so to speak... ::glances sideways at Zoya:: <Xarroch> Rhys! Another mule kick, if you would. * Bai shakes his head, "It's never that simple Xarroch. You should try giving up your powers and living as a mortal for a lifetime. It will most certainly effect your perspective on the world." * Zoya flushes and takes a deep drink from her mug. * Xarroch looks around an laughs * Rhys pours Xarroch another mug of 'kick. "Here you are." <Xarroch> Thank you. ::downs the kick and again carefully sets down the cup:: <Xarroch> ::points at Tyl:: You should be more straightforward with the people you care about, if you trust them. <Xarroch> ::points at Bai:: You have no idea what *I* have been through, so I will thank you to keep your "perspective" to yourself. * Bai shakes his head and mutters. * Tyl puts her hands over her face and shakes <Xarroch> ::points at Zoya:: And you should have another drink! ::laughs:: <Zoya> ::laughs shakily with Xarroch:: That's the best idea I've heard all night. Rhys? Another ale, please. * Bai glares at Xarroch, "You're right, so I don't know what makes you think you can throw your Outer Planar arrogance in our faces." <Rhys> Of course, Zoya. ::pours Zoya another ale:: <Xarroch> Because I have the strength to throw it where ever I like. And because Jelarthna is my friend. And because some of you need to see through the silly illusions you surround your lives with. You I know nothing of, so I won't presume to advice you except for where it concerns me. Do not push me, little man. <Rhys> Xarroch, there's no need to be rude. And do be careful of what you try to throw around here. Be very careful. <Zoya> Bai, please. ::Zoya's face is a bit pale:: Even twice-removed... Strife will help nothing. * Zoya takes the mug from Rhys gratefully and downs half of it. <Xarroch> ::nods to Rhys:: Very well. As I said, I would not do anything in here unless I was forced to it. * Xarroch casually studies Bai * Bai holds Xarroch's gaze, then glances at Zoya and sighs. Then he returns his gaze to Xarroch as he rises to his feet, "Xarroch, don't let me catch you using your strength to justify your actions, or you WILL answer to me." Bai rests his hand on the hilt of his sword. <Rhys> I know you said that, Xarroch, but I'd appreciate it if you didn't go out of your way to provoke anything, either. ::turns his head slightly:: And the same thing applies to you, too Bai. Everyone just settle down. Now. * Bai picks up his staff and leaves. <Xarroch> ::smiles:: I have more justification for my actions than just my strength. Do you think I would be Jelarthna's friend were that not the case? * Zoya turns to Tyl and rests a hand carefully on her shoulder. <Tyl> ::looks up:: Yes, Zoya? <Zoya> I'm sorry the burden of this has been laid on you. <Tyl> I'm not... not sorry, really... just confused and hurt, and being yelled at by someone who could squish me like a grape isn't helping my state of mind, really <Zoya> Does it... ::looks pale and shaky:: Should I... Would it help if I came in with you some time? <Xarroch> Indeed. If I could take up any of it, I would gladly do so. As I said earlier, if there is anything I can do to help, ask. If you want my help, that is. ::grins:: <Xarroch> Do not worry, little Tyl'gainia. I would not hurt you. My temper does get away with me at times, and that Bai fellow bothered me. <Tyl> ::to Zoya:: I'm not sure... more than one person messing around in there might do more harm then good... <Tyl> and, Xarroch, I know you care about Jelarthna, but I am not certain of your capacity for compassion... <Zoya> ::looks vaguely relieved, but still concerned:: Well... Let me know, if you think it would help. I'll... ::crooked smile:: This is partly my mess, too. And he's my student. <Xarroch> ::grins toothily:: That is because you do not know me. <Zoya> ::to Xarroch:: Try not to let Bai get to you. He's... I think the place he came from had a different sort of discretion than we do. He is sometimes a bit blunt and frequently quite tactless, but he means well. <Tyl> You are correct in that, ::she looks up at him, her eyes glimmering:: But your solution to problems seems to be to beat on it until it's not a problem, and I don't think I could relax... not knowing what you might do... <Tyl> If you think I am doing this wrongly, or that my own emotions are getting in the way, I'll tell you what I've done, and let you handle it the way you feel best. <Xarroch> ::laughs at Zoya's comment:: Sounds familiar! <Xarroch> ::to Tyl:: I could do far less than you already have. If my staying away will help, then I will. <Zoya> ::grins weakly at him:: Yes, a bit. Now you know why *you* grated on *his* nerves. <Tyl> But I would give my life in an instant to bring him home safely... and I will do the best I can do... I don't know that that's enough <Xarroch> ::nods to Zoya:: Perhaps, but I did not survive this long by backing down. <Zoya> ::sighs:: We will all do our best, Tyl. Whatever that is, and whatever it means for this case. <Xarroch> I know that Tyl'gainia. You should just keep trying for now. I have faith that you will succeed. <Tyl> That's what I meant earlier by finishing school, Xarroch... it's to teach you manners, and politeness and common courtesy. I know you probably feel those things are worthless, but it makes interacting in the world of demihumans easier... <Xarroch> Ha! I am still a demon, you know! ::grins evilly:: <Tyl> ::smiles at him:: just a suggestion <Tyl> ::looks at him curiously:: Faith in what? If I can be nosy... I mean, you're a demon... surely you don't worship a god? <Xarroch> So this is certainly an interesting situation. ::chuckles:: I wonder how it will al turn out? <Xarroch> I do not? I would have to have to break that to him. ::grins:: <Tyl> You do, then? <Tyl> I sort of thought demons and gods were on opposite sides... <Zoya> ::looks on with interest, nursing her ale:: <Xarroch> Some gods, anyway. Demons have their own gods also, you know. <Tyl> No, actually, I don't know... that's why I asked... <Xarroch> Ah! I shall have to show you around some time, then. The Blood Wars are enough to drive anyone to religion. ::grins:: <Tyl> hmmm... tell me about when you met Jelarthna... and why you consider him your friend... * Zoya looks apprehensively at Xarroch, then shudders slightly and downs the rest of her ale. <Xarroch> There is not too much to tell. He and some of his friends at the time were plane walking and managed to stumble into the middle of one of the raids I was making on another nest of demons. They were in the way. <Tyl> What a stellar recommendation.... really... <Xarroch> It happens all the time. The Blood Wars almost seem to form a gravity well at times that diverts things and travelers there instead of where they were trying to go. It does not usually go well for them <Tyl> So, why do you like him? It sounds like he messed up your plans... <Xarroch> The raid was going well otherwise. I was down to just a few demons at the time, and the opposition was crushed, so I killed them all to save Jelarthna and his friends. One of them had died already, but I was not able to move to help them until the numbers dwindles. <Xarroch> Pah. As if it had any meaning. Running those raids and winning battles was not my true purpose there. <Tyl> You saved them... why? <Xarroch> However, I did watch how he fought, and what he was trying to do as he fought. ::nods approvingly:: I liked him on the spot. He was the one I spoke to, and the one that kept his friends from committing suicide by attacking me, even though he did not seem to be the "leader" of that group. <Xarroch> That is what I was doing there, silly elfling. Saving people. Good people. <Tyl> ::shrugs:: it's important. Jelarthna thinks he's worthless, but he is your friend. There has to be a reason for it. There's something worthwhile about him, if it gains him such an ally. He needs to know it, and needs to be able to accept it <Rhys> Last call, everyone. <Xarroch> I recognize what he is, and what he tries to do. They were weak, and I hid them for several days, so I had ample chance to talk with him. He can be surprisingly open about some things, and his friends were still rather distrustful of me. ::smiles:: * Zoya stands and places her mug back on the counter. <Zoya> No more for me, thank you. <Rhys> Very well, Zoya. ::collects her mug and sends it waddling back to the kitchen:: <Xarroch> Well! I can continue the story another time. But I can say that I did recognize Jelarthna's spirit as a good one, and one worth saving. ::shrugs:: There does not need to be more than that. * Zoya shoulders her staff and heads toward the door. Just before exiting, she turns back. <Tyl> I don't think so either... personally... I love him because I do... he doesn't need to be or do anything more then he is... but *he* does not believe that * Xarroch pulls out a large gold coin with odd markings on it, and sets in on the counter <Xarroch> ::looks at Zoya expectantly:: <Zoya> If you need my help, Tyl - in any way - just call me. You know where to find me. ::sighs, and leaves:: <Tyl> Thank you... * Rhys looks at the coin. "How curious... thank you." <Xarroch> ::shakes head:: Her I do not understand. ::laughs:: <Tyl> no one really understands anyone else... it's part of being elven... <Xarroch> Well! Good luck with your work, Tyl, and do not hesitate to call upon Zoya's aid. <Tyl> Rhys, if you could send the 'noid up with dinner in about an hour or so, I'd appreciate it... <Xarroch> Ha! The most truth you have spoken tonight, I think. * Xarroch opens the door and squeezes himself out. <Rhys> Noid...? Oh, the lert. Of course. Anything you'd like? <Tyl> ::looks at him oddly:: Then it must be profound indeed, as I have spoken nothing but the truth all evening... <Tyl> Bread, cheese, meats, that sort of thing... <Tyl> thanks... <Rhys> Of course. * Tyl walks up the stairs * Rhys walks to the door and locks it. He heads into the kitchen, and begins preparing Tyl's dinner. |
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