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* Tyl walks down the stairs... * Michelle unlocks the door and proclaims, "Hall's Open!" * Michelle returns behind the bar. She is wearing a red dress over a white blouse. Her earring is only a small sliver. <Michelle> Hello Tyl. How are things going this evening? <Tyl> Evening Michelle! I'm starving! Can I get some dinner? And some rum? * Adiethian enters through the front door. He's in plain clothes, with his unadorned long sword belted at his side. He walks up to the bar. "Good e'en, barkeep. A mug of dark ale, please." <Michelle> Certainly Tyl'gainia. Anything in particular? <Tyl> Bread, cheese, some meats if you have them... * Michelle fills a mug with ale while waiting for Tyl's reply, "Here you go sir. If you're looking for Jaret I'm afraid I haven't seen him in a few days." * Maeli hobbles in, her wrinkled face even more tired-looking than usual. She sinks carefully into a chair mid-way between the door and the bar. <Michelle> Certain Tyl'gainia. Just a moment. ::Michelle goes into the kitchen.:: * Adiethian shakes his head as he accepts the mug. "No, I'm not looking for Malkier, but thank you for remembering me." * Michelle returns from the kitchen with a tray of bread, cheese, butter, honey, and dried meats. "Are you sure you should be having rum Tyl'gainia? I'd think a clear mind who be necessary for your work at this point." <Michelle> Can I get you anything Maeli? * Tyl gives a large beaming smile to Michelle <Tyl> I don't think I'll be working much longer * Adiethian has a sip of his ale. <Maeli> Hot spiced cider, dearie. Extra spice. * Michelle begins to prepare Maeli's order. "So he's getting better then? That's good, but wouldn't it make more sense to wait until you're done, and then the two of you can celebrate together?" <Tyl> I am done, actually. I set up a feedback loop, and unless something goes really wrong, he should come out of it later tonight or maybe early tomorrow... <Michelle> Um...Tyl'gainia...Admittedly, I don't know much about what you do, but most, if not all, of the feedback loops I've heard of are bad things. What exactly is this one supposed to do to him anyway? * Michelle finishes Maeli's cider and walks it over to her table. * Maeli begins rummaging in her bag, and eventually comes up with a small packet of herbs. She opens the packet and eyes the contents, sniffs them gingerly, then dumps the lot into her cider. <Maeli> ::smiles up at Michelle:: Thank you, dear. * Michelle returns to behind the bar. <Tyl> Well, part of the problem is that he's set up his own internal loop. Every time he thinks he might be a worthwhile elf, his mind automatically goes to those places where he feels like he failed someone and it cost them their life. <Tyl> I didn't disconnect that entirely, since he wouldn't be really himself if he wasn't always striving so hard to do good things, but I did weaken it. <Michelle> Okay, I can see that, but it doesn't tell me what your loop does. <Tyl> It's not so utterly compulsive now. The loop I set up was a link between thinking good things about himself and his endorphins. It's a weak loop and will dissolve on it's own in a few days... but for the time being, what it does, rather then punishing him for thinking he might be worthwhile, it rewards him. * Adiethian shrugs and drinks some more ale. * Michelle thinks for a moment, "Okay, I can see that. But since both loops are running simultaneously, doesn't that me that every time he thinks he's worthwhile he'll remember one of his failures AND get a rush of endorphins?" <Tyl> no... the other link is weakened... it won't show up too often... but it does have to show up sometimes, otherwise he'd be a different person. Even if I could, I wouldn't severe that link entirely. <Tyl> For one thing, it's dishonorable to the memory of the woman he loved. Secondly, everyone has to hurt sometimes, or we don't appreciate the good things in life. The trick is to not get to wiped out by the bad. * Michelle sighs and puts two glasses on the bar in front of Tyl, then pulls out a bottle of rum, "Let's just hope it doesn't show up while your loop is running." * Michelle pours a few fingers into each glass, then sets the bottle down. "To Jelarthna's recovery." * Tyl knocks back the rum, neatly. * Adiethian shrugs moderately, but drinks anyway. * Michelle knocks back her rum as well. * Maeli peers into her cider, then lifts it with both hands and takes a quick drink, wincing as she swallows. * Adiethian asks Michelle. "Is something the matter with Jelarthna? Should I have a cleric brought over?" <Tyl> It's sort of a mental thing... a cleric wouldn't understand... * Adiethian nods to Tyl. "I'll take your word on it." * Maeli takes a deeper drink of her cider, coughing slightly. <Tyl> ::turns and looks at Maeli, as if seeing her for the first time:: <Michelle> I've already healed his wounds as much as any cleric could. Unfortunately he fought an infernal and is suffering from wounds no one but he can heal. * Adiethian half-stands, a look of determined concern on his face. "An infernal? Where? Was it near Marsember?" * Lisl ghosts in through the back door, the effect of her mysterious entrance ruined as she trips over a lert in the kitchen and sends its tray crashing to the floor. "Um. Oops?" * Maeli doesn't notice Tyl noticing, as she is carefully tipping back her mug, trying to drain the cider without actually drinking any of the herbs she dumped into it. * Tyl reaches into her backpack and pulls out a large jar containing a ghastly severed head <Tyl> It's not anymore... * Adiethian spits an oath. "You're just toting that around?!" <Tyl> ::sits the jar on the bar, glaring at it rather grimly:: It was a gift... a souvenir, if you will <Adiethian> So put it on a mantle in a room you don't go into often! <Tyl> ::turns and looks at Lisl:: Well, graceful as a cat was never a simile used to describe you... ::grin:: <Michelle> As I understand it, he got caught up in a battle of the Blood Wars. <Tyl> ::grins a bit oddly at Adiethian:: at the moment, it sort of makes me feel better. I can pull it out and look at it whenever I'm feeling depressed. <Michelle> Maybe you should take lessons from Felice, Lisl? * Tyl tucks the grisly trophy back into her pack. * Lisl grins shamefacedly. "No, true enough, Tyl. Toting what around? Oh, that? Not bad." * Lisl shoots Michelle a very dirty look. <Adiethian> In any case... I'm moderately glad that it didn't happen around the city. No real consolation for whatever shape he's in, but still. * Adiethian gives Lisl a brief nod of hello. * Lisl glances curiously at the stranger and returns the nod. <Lisl> Michelle, could I get a glass of water, please? It's been two weeks and I *still* feel dry. I don't think I'm ever going to get the sand out of my boots. * Michelle fills a mug with water and hands it to Lisl. "Where did you go anyway?" <Maeli> ::waves toward Michelle:: Dear, I'd like another - in a different mug, please. * Lisl takes the glass and downs half of it in a swallow. <Michelle> Certainly Maeli. ::Michelle begins preparing another cider for Maeli.:: <Tyl> ::The mug Maeli was using before begins hopping around, spitting wet herbs onto the floor:: <Lisl> I was feeling a little wanderish, so I decided to go look up an old friend in Anauroch. * Adiethian looks at the hopping mug, scoops it up, and places it on the bartop. <Maeli> ::smiles at Adiethian:: Thank you, son. * Michelle finishes with Maeli's cider and walks it over to her. "Here you go." <Adiethian> ::to Maeli:: Of course, Goody. * Lisl sweeps a glance over the mug's former contents, and raises an eye at Maeli. "Been feeling poorly, Goody Maeli? <Maeli> ::accepts the mug from Michelle:: Thank you, dearie. * Michelle returns to the bar and sets Maeli's mug on the floor so it can scamper into the kitchen, then clean up the mess the mug made on the bar. <Maeli> ::takes a deep drink before smiling at Lisl:: At my age, girl, there's not much other way to feel. <Lisl> ::smiles a little:: Well, I suppose age is relative, like everything else. <Maeli> ::laughs dryly, ending with a cough:: I suppose so. * Adiethian briefly massages the bridge of his nose, and has another swallow of ale. <Tyl> ::looks curiously at Maeli:: How old are you? Forgive me if it's an awkward question, but I don't think I've ever talked to an old human before... <Lisl> ::rubbing a finger along her temple as she says under her breath:: I'm afraid I'll never be old... <Maeli> ::cackles with glee:: 'Tis not rude, but it could be - between ready-to-marry and the second grandchild, never ask a human woman her age. * Lisl takes another sip of water, licking her lips and smiling slightly. <Michelle> Do you WANT to be old Lisl? <Maeli> But since I've midwifed my *great*-grandchildren... I'm ninety... Ah... ::counts quickly on her fingers:: three. Or is it four? * Lisl looks speculatively at Maeli as she considers Michelle's question. <Tyl> ::shakes her head:: Very odd... I've lived almost forty years more then you, and yet... there is much more you know than I about life. <Maeli> ::grins:: Humans and elves mature differently. I was being courted when you were learning to speak. <Lisl> I don't know. Sometimes I do. People never seem to take you as seriously when you look young. Sometimes I think it would be nice to see my past in the lines on my face. <Adiethian> ::to Lisl:: It's overrated. <Maeli> ::hoots at Lisl's comment:: There's they that won't see past the lines on *my* face, either, pup. Those who are rude will find an excuse to be rude no matter what your age or appearance. * Michelle shakes her head, "I've thought about this for a long time. Living for a very long time, possibly even forever could be nice, but only if you had a body that could enjoy it with you." <Lisl> ::smiles and sighs:: Aye, true enough. But it's easier to ignore the wisdom of experience when it comes in such an inexperienced-looking package. ::putting on a somewhat comical expression:: When I think of all the scars I *don't* have.... * Adiethian snorts a quick laugh. <Lisl> ::glancing at Adiethian:: Aye, easy for you to say. You don't have someone wanting to "learn that young snip some manners" every other town or so. <Jelarthna> ::faint shuffling noises can be heard from the stairs, and it is not long before Jelarthna reaches the bottom. His clothes are clear, but obviously just changed, his hair is disheveled, and he looks slowly around the room:: <Adiethian> No I don't... although the fact that I don't travel often probably helps. <Tyl> ::looks up, her eyes lighting up:: Jelarthna? Do you need some help? Here... you should eat something... <Maeli> Heh. And you've not been told that you're too old to understand what's really happening - as if love and hate never happened for us. * Jelarthna blinks and looks somewhat confused. <Jelarthna> Er, yes, please. What... what happened? How did I end up here? The last thing I remember is... ::trails off with a shudder:: * Michelle picks up Tyl's snack tray and sets it on a table near Jelarthna. * Tyl moves over and helps Jel over to a table <Adiethian> And when you get older, people are only too happy to underestimate you in other ways, too. <Maeli> ::chuckles and nods at Adiethian's statement:: * Michelle returns to the bar and fills a mug from one of the taps, then walks it over to Jelarthna's table. <Tyl> Xarroch brought you back... ::grimaces:: Well, the pieces of you that were left, that is... <Jelarthna> ::smiles at Michelle and Tyl:: Thank you. <Jelarthna> Xarroch? I don't remember... ::shakes head:: <Michelle> Probably for the best, ::Michelle returns to behind the bar.:: <Lisl> ::somewhat mournfully:: Still, it would be nice to have a *change,* at least.... Jel? What do you know, the dead awake....::winces:: Sorry, that was perhaps less than tactful.... <Tyl> I should say you probably don't. Current events get lost when someone puts your brain in a blender... <Tyl> ::gives Jel a mock glare:: Next time you intend to go take on Psionic enemies, what say you have Xarroch or me tag along? <Jelarthna> That's alright, Lisl. I have the feeling I deserve some serious reprimanding. <Jelarthna> ::to Tyl:: Er. I don't think I did it on purpose... <Tyl> Well, I'm not going to reprimand you... I'll leave that to Xarroch - he has a much more colorful vocabulary than I do... * Michelle shakes her head. <Lisl> ::giving Jel a Look:: I wasn't apologizing to you. I was apologizing to Tyl. You're right, you don't deserve an apology. You owe her and Xarroch your life and sanity, at this point, the way I understand it. * Michelle leans over and whispers something to Lisl. <Jelarthna> ::nods:: I think you're both right... Some of it's starting to come back a bit. ::winces:: My head still hurts. <Tyl> ::grins, but her chin is shaking and her eyes tear up:: Hah! Your head hurts? <Jelarthna> So, what exactly happened? I have only the vaguest recollection. ::concentrates for a moment, and looks somewhat distraught at not remembering:: <Tyl> ::brushes a hand across her eyes:: Xarroch brought you in after you'd been maimed by some <makes a noise sounding not quite like a cat fighting with a dishwasher> <Jelarthna> A what? <Lisl> [what's a dishwasher? <grin>] ::frowns and leans back towards Michelle, saying something in response.:: <Tyl> Maybe that's not quite right... and I've been practicing... <makes a noise sounding more like a cat being sucked into a disposal> * Jelarthna tentatively starts to eat a bit. <Tyl> I'm afraid I don't speak Infernal very well... <Jelarthna> I don't... wait. ::looks thoughtful for a moment:: Do you mean a [the proper cat/garbage disposal noise]? <Tyl> Yeah, that's the thing... * Michelle whispers back to Lisl. <Jelarthna> ::looks surprised:: I did? By myself? That was stupid! ::winces a bit at his own exclamation, and rubs one of his temples:: <Tyl> Um, yes... actually, it was... * Lisl finishes her water and casts a dark look at Jel as she responds to Michelle's last comment. "Who said anything about bringing him back?" <Tyl> ::gives Lisl a raised eyebrow:: <Michelle> He'd hardly learn anything from it. * Michelle whispers something else to Lisl. <Lisl> [returns Tyl's eyebrow and raises another one] ::gives Tyl a bland, innocent look:: <Jelarthna> Is... how... ugh. ::puts his face in his hands for a moment, then looks up again:: I'm sorry for causing so much trouble. Again. And thank you for saving me. Again. ::sighs:: <Adiethian> ::to Jelarthna:: It's good to see you're well again, Jelarthna, even though I just heard you were ill an hour ago. <Tyl> I think you should know... you've been ill for about three weeks now... I've been here since it happened, putting your mind back together again. So, do me one small favor, will you? <Jelarthna> ::nods to Adiethian:: Thank you. <Jelarthna> ::to Tyl:: Whatever you ask, Tyl'gainia. <Lisl> As if he's learning anything *now*? ::raises both eyebrows at Michelle in response to her last comment:: <Tyl> ::takes both his hands in hers and looks him right in the eye:: Don't you ever ever ever do anything like that again! * Michelle sighs, "True." <Jelarthna> ::meets Tyl's gaze solemnly and nods:: I swear, I shall not. <Tyl> ::blinks back a few tears, then turns to the group:: You all heard that? That was an oath. ::turns back to him:: I intend to hold you to it. * Michelle shrugs, "Just thought I'd let you know." <Michelle> So, what's the penalty for oath breaking anyway? <Jelarthna> ::squeezes Tyl's hands gently:: I keep my promises. <Lisl> ::nods briefly at Michelle, working her jaw against an angry expression:: Michelle, get me a mug of 'kick, please. * Tyl turns and looks hard at Lisl * Michelle gently fills a mug with mulekick and sets it down in front of Lisl, she then pours a few more fingers of rum into her glass and knocks it back. <Jelarthna> Tyl, I have no idea what you must have gone through to save me. I owe you more than my life, and I do not know how I can ever repay you. ::shakes head sadly:: <Jelarthna> But rest assured, I will keep my promise. * Lisl widens her eyes in surprise, and takes a long, slow pull at her mug. <Tyl> ::reaches out and touches Jel gently on the cheek:: I'd have gone through worse, if need be. I'd rather not, of course, but... I'd have traded places with you in an instant to spare you from it... <Jelarthna> ::shakes head:: No. No, I think... ::sighs:: It was my mistake, and my foolishness. No one else should have to suffer for that... <Tyl> No one else *should*.... but people care enough to involve themselves in some crazy stuff, you know...? <Jelarthna> ::smiles:: I know, as you and our other friends have demonstrated more than once. * Lisl grinds her teeth and takes another long pull of 'kick. <Jelarthna> I just wish that there was something I could do to make up for everything. <Tyl> I can think of just one thing, Jelarthna... * Michelle whispers to Lisl. * Adiethian raises an eyebrow at Lisl's mastication, but shrugs and has some more ale. <Jelarthna> Anything. <Tyl> ::very gently:: Stop hating yourself so much... * Jelarthna blinks in surprise <Jelarthna> But... but I.. I don- I... ::trails off:: I have a lot to think about... * Lisl gives Adiethian a "what're you looking at?" look, and turns to Jel. "Aye, that'd be a start, boy." <Tyl> ::takes a deep breath as if steeling herself to put her hand in a fire:: While you're thinking, ::she reaches into her pocket and pulls out a small silk pouch:: I have a gift for you. * Maeli finishes her cider and laboriously climbs to her feet. Well, I can feel the herbs starting to take effect, so I'd best be gettin' home. G <Jelarthna> ::looks surprised:: Tyl, there is no need, you've done so much already. <Michelle> Goodnight Maeli. Have a safe trip home. * Maeli hobbles out the door... <Tyl> There is a need.... for me... ::hands him the pouch:: * Jelarthna carefully takes the pouch from Tyl. * Adiethian finishes off his ale, stands, and stretches. * Adiethian fishes a silver piece out of his pouch and lays it on the counter. "Many thanks. Ever since I got assigned this case, I haven't had time to go out and relax. Good e'en." * Jelarthna looks into the pouch and stops dead for several moment, then slowly looks back up at Tyl. <Lisl> Sleep sweet, Maeli! ::calling after her:: * Adiethian walks to the door and leaves the Hall. <Lisl> ::blinks and looks at Michelle:: Case? <Lisl> They're not studying us again, are they? * Michelle puts the silver in the strong box and goes back to watching Tyl and Jelarthna. <Jelarthna> I... I don't know what to say, Tyl... <Tyl> ::winces just slightly:: I know my timing's not good, but I was afraid I wouldn't... I was worried that I would get scared, and not tell you... <Michelle> I have no idea Lisl. This is the first he's mentioned a case to me. He showed up shortly after Jaret left to find a new sword. That was the first time we saved Jelarthna. <Lisl> ::snorting:: I rather hope this isn't about...you know, the one with the bad heart.... <Jelarthna> ::looks into Tyl's eyes, deep echoes of pain clearly visible within his own:: I... I have so much to think about. And I need to sort out my feelings... ::shakes head:: I can't make you any promises about this, I hope you understand... <Jelarthna> But I will hold this until I can think clearly... and I *will* let you know... ::trails off uncertainly:: * Michelle sighs heavily, "I had blissfully forgotten about that." * Lisl takes another long swallow of her 'kick. <Lisl> ::shakes her head at Jel's last comment and sighs:: <Tyl> I needed for you to know. I love you. I'd like to... ::smiles:: Well, as you say, you have a lot to think about. And rest to get. And strength to regain. * Jelarthna nods quietly, still looking somewhat shocked * Lisl sips her 'kick. <Tyl> ::looks around a little abashedly:: Well, we're keeping Michelle up past her bedtime. Come on upstairs and get some rest. We can talk more later. <Jelarthna> ::looks around and nods:: Oh, I'm sorry! ::shakes head:: My head is still kind of fogged up... <Lisl> ::raises her eyebrow:: You're going up with him, Tyl? I thought you wanted him to get some rest. ::impish grin:: <Michelle> Michelle giggles lightly, "Get some rest both of you." <Tyl> ::winks back at Lisl:: I need to be close by, in case of a relapse... <Lisl> ::wryly, at Jel's comment:: Aye, and that's news? * Jelarthna carefully holds the pouch and slowly makes his way over to stairs, obviously not hearing Lisl and Michelle's comments. * Michelle looks at the rafters, "Didn't I say something like that a few weeks ago?" * Tyl follows him up the stairs, rolling her eyes behind his back <Lisl> What, that he's foggy? ::shakes his head:: Sometimes I think he hears what he wants to hear, but I don't think he's that guileful. * Michelle looks at Lisl, "Well, what are your plans for the evening?" <Michelle> Um...No. I don't think he'd recognize guile if it broke his arm off. Probably wouldn't notice subtle if it took the other one either. * Lisl drains her mug, and squints accusingly at the bottom of her mug. <Lisl> after a night like this, I think a night of hunting would be just the thing. * Michelle giggles, "Funny, Felice was thinking the same thing." <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: It's amazing you can get a thought to yourself in there, I swear. * Michelle carries the tray of food into the kitchen, shooing the other dishes in front of her. <Lisl> I'm glad enough there's just the one of me. ::carrying her mug into the kitchen:: <Lisl> Does the Hall need meat, or could we do some sport hunting? I heard of a tribe of bandits up northward.... * Michelle smiles, "It took us along time to work out the right balance of sharing and privacy. It can be rather embarrassing sharing your mind and body with someone else, but at least you're never lonely. And you usually have someone to try and talk you out of doing something stupid." <Michelle> Just a moment. ::Michelle disappears into the kitchen.:: <Lisl> ::looks speculatively at the stairs:: Hmmm....have room for one more in there? * Felice exits from the kitchen. "Lisl, I'm sure they want to be left perfectly alone...Though I admit it'd probably be fun anyway. Let's hunt for sport. Provisioning is just too serious after everything that's been going on lately." <Lisl> ::nods and rubs her hand together gleefully, a yellow glint in her eye:: Bandits it is, then. <Lisl> ::grins at Felice:: Cats and dogs, working together...what *ever* is the world coming to, these days? * Felice dims the lamps and opens the door, "After you my friend." * Felice giggles, "I don't know. But it's going to be a lot of fun." * Lisl nods and grins, bowing an elaborate Jaret-bow to Felice before taking off out the door, a chilling howl echoing through the woods before her. * Felice closes the door and locks it. |
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