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* Nacheyla walks out from the kitchen, nervously patting her long black and gray hair into place. She walks over and unbolts the door. Carefully, she opens the door and sticks her head out into the alleyway. "Hall's Open" * Nacheyla walks back behind the bar. <Nacheyla> Very odd, having a door in the alley. * Temire enters the Hall wearing her usual undyed shirt and trousers. "Good evening" <Nacheyla> Good evening, My Lady... may I get you a drink, if you please? * Lisl melts out of the shadows and strolls in. "There're reasons for it. Hi, I'm Lisl. You're new?" * Temire perches on one of the stools at the bar and smiles. "You must be new here. No one calls me a lady, but you can get me a mug of meade... Assuming you know which tap it is?" <Nacheyla> Good evening, my lady. I am Nacheyla, newest barkeep for the meade hall. ::to Temire:: Let me see if I can guess. ::places her hand on a sword hilt at her waist - that's all there is, just a hilt, no blade, no scabbard:: <Nacheyla> ::smiles:: aha! ::gets a mug and draws a mug of meade for Temire:: * Lisl raises her eyebrow at the swordless hilt while Nach's back is turned, but refrains from comment:: <Nacheyla> ::hands the mug to Temire:: And for you, my lady? * Temire takes a sip of her meade. <Lisl> ::smiling wryly:: No need for formalities with me, either. Lisl is fine. I drink mulekick... the tap's over there ::indicating a tap with a flame-shaped blue handle:: and be careful not to spill it. It has... repercussions. ::grinning a little:: <Jolly_Guy> ::A short, rather round man enters the Meade Hall. His face is wide and friendly, and his hair is slicked back. His clothes are well made and somewhat formal:: * Jolly_Guy walks up to the bar * Nacheyla studies the indicated tap for a moment. The mugs clatter and chatter together. She picks out a stone mug, draws half a mug full of mule kick and gently sets it in front of Lisl. <Jolly_Guy> Good day to you! Perchance would you know the whereabouts of one Moon Dancer, proprietor of this establishment? * Nacheyla turns to the stranger. <Nacheyla> I haven't seen him since early this week. May I be of assistance? Get you a drink? * Lisl accepts her mug with a nod of thanks, and turns to study the newcomer with a sizing-up sort of gaze. <Jolly_Guy> Oh, not thank you, no thank you. Would you happen to know if he has read the missive I left from my client here some time ago? I feel we have been very patient on this matter and we would appreciate some sort of correspondence. * Temire sips her meade. <Nacheyla> I do not know. I have only been acquainted with Moon Dancer for a few days now, since he was kind enough to provide me with a job. I could remind him, the next time I see him. * Lisl takes a swallow of 'kick, continuing to study the man over the rim of her mug. <Jolly_Guy> Ah, thank you so much! ::smiles broadly while pulling a scroll from his belt, and hands it to Nacheyla:: Just in case he has misplaced the last one, here is another copy. <Nacheyla> ::nods and takes the scroll:: I'll make sure he gets it. May I inquire as to the nature of your business? <Lisl> ::under her breath:: Let me guess.... process-serving.... <Jolly_Guy> Ah, nothing of overly great importance, I assure you; just a matter between my employer and Mister Dancer. * Jolly_Guy smiles and bows slightly <Jolly_Guy> Thank you so much for your time. May you all have a good day. <Nacheyla> Have a good evening, sir. <Lisl> ::taking a step forward:: If you could elucidate a bit more, and if the matter were pressing, we could make an effort to find him. <Lisl> Moon Dancer's often out of town for months at a time. It *is* an adventurer's bar, after all, and he's an adventurer. * Temire sips her meade. <Jolly_Guy> ::smiles at Lisl:: I assure you, good lady, 'tis nothing of huge import, or particularly pressing, else I would have visited again prior to this. I am acquainted with the reputation of the establishment, and we understand the pressures and problems involved. * Jolly_Guy bows slightly to Lisl and heads for the door. <Lisl> ::smiling back, showing a LOT of teeth:: It's been some time since I've been called "good lady," but I'll let it bide. I'll be sure to remember you to 'Dancer. <Jolly_Guy> Thank you, we appreciate your efforts! * Jolly_Guy exits the Hall. * Nacheyla mutters to herself and fiddles with the golden sun amulet around her neck. * Lisl shudders slightly and wipes her hands on the thighs of her leggings. "Ew. Lawyers. I'm almost certain that's what he was. That or a demon... I've learned there's little difference between them. * Nacheyla turns around, talks quietly with the mugs, and pours herself a beer <Nacheyla> ::grins a Lisl:: Nay, he's no demon... * Temire blinks a few times, "Are they really that bad?" <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow, but doesn't comment:: I don't suppose you could be talked into opening that letter? It's only a copy, after all, and if an old friend's in trouble, I'd rather I knew it... <Lisl> What, demons? ::shrugs:: Not all of them are as bad as lawyers, but most are. * Nacheyla looks a bit uncomfortable. <Nacheyla> I'm not certain that would aid me in my employment, Miss Lisl. Reading the boss's mail only three days into my job? <Xarroch> ::the door slams open and a large form shoulders it's way inside:: What's this? Comparing demons to lawyers, little half-elf? * Xarroch lumbers up to the bar and examines Nacheyla <Xarroch> You're new. Give me some of that mule kick stuff. <Lisl> ::chuckling:: Speak of the devil. Aye, I was. But mostly favorably. You'd be proud of me. * Xarroch chuckles * Nacheyla turns, eyes wide. Her sword begins glowing blue (or if there was a sword there, it would be glowing blue, but in actuality, all you see is a bright blue glow where a sword blade *should* be) <Lisl> ::to N:: That's alright. You could always tell him I wrestled it away from you. ::grin:: * Xarroch examines the color phenomenon with no expression * Temire looks concerned and scoots as far away as her stool permits, taking a large gulp of meade in the process. * Nacheyla reaches a hand up to her amulet, then blinks a few times. She snaps her fingers and pulls a small piece of parchment out of her pocket. She hurriedly consults it, then smiles. * Lisl, grinning to beat the band, looks from one to the other, waiting to see what will happen. <Nacheyla> Of course, Lord Xarroch... I presume? <Xarroch> ::grins:: Who else? * Nacheyla turns and gets another stone mug half full of mule kick. <Lisl> ::slaps her knee and laughs:: You warranted a special note, eh, Xarroch? <Nacheyla> ::smiles tightly at Lisl:: Given my profession, Mistress Michelle thought it might be wise... <Xarroch> ::lets loose with a deep belly laugh:: I might surprise you! <Lisl> Trust Michelle to be prepared for... eventualities. What's your profession? Besides part-time barkeep, that is? <Lisl> ::grinning at Xarroch:: I doubt it. <Xarroch> ::slaps Lisl on the back:: You have spirit! I like that. <Lisl> ::coughing a little, but grinning:: As long as you don't take it, we'll get along fine. <Xarroch> Ha! What would I do with it? Spirits were never my specialty. ::big grin:: <Nacheyla> ::twists her face a little:: I do some "hunting" on the side... <Lisl> ::still smiling, to N:: As do most of us. What's your particular brand? * Temire sips her meade. <Nacheyla> Undead, mostly... <Lisl> ::shakes her head at Xarroch:: I'm still trying to figure out what your specialty *is*. You're certainly nothing like that last one. His specialty was putting holes in people. <Xarroch> Pah! Nasty creatures. No blood, and the flesh is nothing to speak of. <Lisl> Impressive! A ghost hunter! <Lisl> ::to X:: You've obviously never caught a vampire when it's juicy... <Xarroch> Actually, I have! ::gets a look of distaste:: Second hand is never quite as good. <Xarroch> As for my specialty... ::grins:: Perhaps you will have the chance to find out some day. <Nacheyla> I've always thought the undead were nasty ::absently touches her amulet:: <Lisl> ::raising an eyebrow:: Ah, so you *do* consume human flesh! I was beginning to wonder about you... <Lisl> Yes, "nasty" sums it up pretty well... but the more breakable ones make a great workout. You should meet another of our regulars... the vamps just *love* her.... <Xarroch> I've never claimed that I have not. ::looks grim for a moment:: But vampires feed on all kinds of creatures... <Xarroch> Ah, Little Tyl! How is she faring now? <Nacheyla> Do they? ::looks interested:: Who might that be? * Temire sips her meade. <Xarroch> ::grins at Nacheyla:: Nearly anything that wanders the length of the Blood Wars. It is a rich hunting ground for many. <Lisl> ::absently:: Yes, well, so have I, at times... Tyl'gainia. I think she may be a rival of yours, of sorts. ::giving Nach's accessories a quick once-over:: <Temire> I could be mistaken, but I believe Mistress Tyl'gainia would be perfectly happy if she never saw another undead in her life. <Nacheyla> Really? How very interesting... Maybe I should pay a call... <Lisl> You're probably right, Temire... but Zoya's little pet seems to think that as long as she's carrying that book around, she'll be on the Undead's Most Wanted list. ::looking at Nach:: I think she's moved already, actually... she was planning on leaving Marsember. <Xarroch> ::to Temire:: I think you are right, little human. She never did seem quite... eager enough. ::grins:: <Lisl> Something about not being able to keep a house standing. * Temire shudders and has another gulp of meade. <Xarroch> Ha! That's right, Jelarthna told me of that incident. And my favorite new friend was apparently to blame. ::laughs:: * Nacheyla looks confused... <Lisl> new friend... ::frowns a moment before her brow clears, and she laughs:: Oh, you mean Bai? I'm sure he didn't mean it, tho' he can be rather... zealous at times. <Lisl> ::chuckling:: Hells, you should have seen how he reacted when he first met *me*! <Nacheyla> Sounds like a real charmer... ::takes a sip of her beer:: <Lisl> Ah, he means well enough. Sometimes that's the problem. ::sipping her 'kick:: <Xarroch> Oh, he is that! ::cracks his knuckles:: I would not mind meeting him again. ::grins:: <Nacheyla> ::looks up at Xarroch:: How can you be comfortable squished in there like that? Pardon me for asking, it's just professional curiosity <Lisl> ::shaking her head:: You're just a troublemaker, Xarroch. I suppose it's in your blood, though, and you can't well enough help it. ::taking another swallow of 'kick:: <Xarroch> Oh, it is not comfortable at all. However, I do try to keep up some appearances. I also prefer being able to walk standing straight up. <Xarroch> ::laughs loudly:: I *make* very little trouble. I always finish it, though. * Nacheyla takes a long sip of her beer. <Lisl> ::smiling into her drink:: Believe whatever makes you happiest, Xarroch. <Xarroch> I usually do! <Lisl> Aye, I've noticed. ::glancing over:: Temire, you're awfully quiet tonight. Something wrong? <Temire> No. <Xarroch> ::smiles at Temire:: Have we met? <Lisl> ::looking around:: Michelle doesn't seem to be here tonight. Cat got your tongue? ::putting a hand over her mouth and giggling a little, as if at a private joke:: * Lisl drains her half-mug of 'kick. "Might I have another please, Na... Nacheyla? * Xarroch raises an eyebrow at Lisl * Nacheyla nods absently and refills the mug. The mug gives her a pleading look, but she ignores it. * Temire gets uncontrollably flustered at Xarroch's question, stutters a few half replies, then runs for the door. * Lisl returns his look. <Lisl> ::raises both eyebrows, and gives Xarroch a hard look:: There, now, you've gone and frightened her off! * Xarroch watches Temire's retreat for a moment <Xarroch> ::shrug:: She has nothing to be afraid of in here. If she did not realize that, then she needs to learn it. <Nacheyla> ::raises her eyebrows:: timid... * Lisl gets up and goes to the door, peering out. "Temire?" <Lisl> ::glancing over her shoulder:: She's young, and she has much to learn. But she has good instincts... I'd run from a demon, too, if I didn't know him better. <Xarroch> ::grins at Lisl:: Why do I not believe that? <Lisl> ::returning you grin:: Because you know *me* better. ::turning back to the door again:: Temire? It's alright, he's harmless. Well, harmless in *here*, at any rate. <Lisl> ::tilting her head back to sample the night breeze before shaking her head and closing the door again:: * Zoya strolls in, a book tucked under one arm. She stops and blinks at the new bartender, but shrugs and lowers herself carefully onto a stool anyway. <Lisl> She's long gone. ::stalking across the bar to poke Xarroch in the chest with a finger:: YOU. If you want to "blend in," as you say, you've got a LOT to learn about tact. <Xarroch> ::smiles at Zoya:: Greetings, wild mage! How are you? <Lisl> 'Evening, Zoya! <Zoya> Good evening, Xarroch, Lisl. I'm fine, thanks. <Xarroch> ::examines Lisl's finger with a little smile:: Tact? ::chuckles:: I suppose I might try to learn something about it eventually. <Nacheyla> Good evening, Ma'am. May I get you a... excuse me, sir... get you a drink? <Zoya> ::chuckles good-naturedly and pulls her hood back:: You were right the first time, but Zoya will do. I'll have cider, thank you. * Nacheyla blushes a bit <Nacheyla> My pardon... ::turns to the taps and studies them, her hand on her sword hilt:: <Nacheyla> Here we go... ::pours a mug of cider:: * Nacheyla hands the mug to Zoya, studying the mage's face carefully. <Lisl> ::frowning at Xarroch:: Better sooner than later, I think. She's a good girl, she's just not used to dealing with monsters on a casual basis. <Zoya> ::takes a long drink from the mug:: Ah, thank you. ::notices Nach's scrutiny:: Can I help you with something? <Xarroch> Ha! I'm not a monster, I'm a *demon*. There's quite a difference. ::said somewhat proudly:: <Nacheyla> Just looking, ma'am... I apologize. I've heard some interesting things about the people I'd be dealing with, but Mistress Michelle left you off the list of oddities... <Lisl> ::quickly claps a hand over her mouth to smother a laugh:: * Xarroch laughs <Zoya> ::grins:: Am I an oddity now? You should have seen me six months ago. ::grins:: <Lisl> ::biting back a grin:: You're right, the white hair is MUCH more natural-looking. <Xarroch> ::claps Zoya on the back:: How does it feel to be an confirmed oddity, now? <Lisl> ::narrowing her eyes and poking Xarroch again:: And you KNOW what I meant. <Zoya> ::laughs:: I was an oddity when I had purple hair, Xarroch. Now that I'm down to just the voice, I'm merely... eccentric. <Nacheyla> ::grins:: Purple hair beats graying any day of the week... ::touches her black and grey hair ruefully:: <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: Now, now...I had this discussion *last* time.... <Xarroch> ::nods sagely:: Yes, that robe truly adds to mere eccentricity. ::grins broadly:: <Zoya> I don't know about that. There's a certain dignity to grey. <Nacheyla> Dignity... that's one of those code words for old, you know... ::laughs:: <Zoya> ::glares at Xarroch briefly:: I didn't get a choice about the robe. <Lisl> ::grins and runs her fingers through her elven-silver hair:: Unfortunately, this doesn't quite cut it. ::giving Zoya a look:: One of Erdian's little jokes, eh? * Xarroch laughs at Zoya * Zoya hmphs slightly and takes another drink of cider. <Lisl> Ha! So I was right! It sounds like his sense of humor... strange as always. ::getting a bit of a wistful look in her eye:: <Nacheyla> Pardon me, but who is Erdian? <Xarroch> ::grins and looks back at Nacheyla:: Another mug of the mule kick. <Zoya> ::takes a deep drink of cider before replying:: My god. * Nacheyla refills the mug with mule kick. <Nacheyla> ::touches her amulet:: Ah... <Zoya> He's got a... peculiar sense of humor. <Lisl> ::answering in chorus with Zoya:: An old Patron. A wild mage. <Lisl> ::snorting:: That's one way of putting it. * Lisl sips her 'kick. <Lisl> ::looking a tad wistful again:: Tho' I *did* like the bubbles.... <Zoya> ::raises an eyebrow:: Bubbles? <Xarroch> ::snaps his fingers:: Ah! I almost forgot! ::pulls a jar full of an oily reddish green substance out of a pocket and sets it in front of Lisl:: <Lisl> ::eyes the jar warily:: Am I going to wish you *had* forgotten? What is it? <Xarroch> ::smiles:: Drink it. <Lisl> ::looking wary:: I have a policy... never trust a smiling demon. What IS it? * Zoya eyes the jar, and then Lisl, dubiously. <Xarroch> ::smiles more broadly:: Just try it. Do not worry, it isn't any more dangerous than what you're drinking now. <Lisl> ::snorting and dripping sarcasm:: Oh, *that*'s a relief. And here I thought it might be *dangerous* or something. <Lisl> ::reaching for the jar, moving as if to shake it but thinking better of it and opening it, instead, and sniffing carefully:: * Lisl raises both eyebrows, eyes the concoction dubiously for a moment longer, and takes a swallow, sitting still and waiting expectantly for some effect. * Nacheyla eyes Lisl with interest. <Lisl> ::looks thoughtfully into space:: How'd you take the smell out of 'kick? Don't tell me this is what you drink at home?? <Xarroch> ::grins:: Not bad, eh? And the best part is that it is not volatile. <Lisl> ::takes another experimental swallow:: Not bad... but you're saying it doesn't blow things up? What's the fun of that? <Xarroch> ::smiles broadly:: I can carry it with me. <Lisl> ::shakes her head disbelievingly:: If 'kick had an analog *anywhere*, I should have guessed it'd be the infernal regions.... <Xarroch> And it is not too difficult to get. I just have to be careful not to kill him. <Lisl> ::swirling it around in the glass:: I suppose the color is disgusting enough to drive people off... I usually let the fumes take care of that, but this is a reasonable substitution. Kill him? Why? What do you call it? <Xarroch> Oh, it is the blood from a colleague of mine. I visit him at times to refresh my supply. <Xarroch> He does not appreciate it much... ::grins:: * Nacheyla makes a face. "Ug." <Lisl> ::wrinkles her lip:: Blood? I'm drinking demon's blood? ::tastes it again:: But there's no metallic tang! <Xarroch> ::smiles at Nacheyla:: Want some? <Nacheyla> No, thank you anyway... I don't take up the habits of my prey.// <Xarroch> ::nods to Lisl:: There are number of demons that never leave the Abyss. Not all of them are the same. I daresay there are more kinds than there are species on this planet. <Lisl> ::looking suspiciously at Xarroch:: This isn't going to make me grow horns and a pointy tail, is it? ::glancing at Nach:: Hey, there are more things than vampires that drink blood, you know. <Lisl> The Golden Horde finds yak blood and milk very tasty, you know. <Xarroch> ::shrugs at Nach:: Suit yourself. <Xarroch> But many hunters do drink the blood of their prey. If nothing else, it is convenient for a quick snack. * Nacheyla looks a little ill * Xarroch chuckles <Lisl> ::grinning a little:: And who was teasing Temire for being timid, hey? * Xarroch laughs <Xarroch> Would you like to try some, Zoya? <Nacheyla> I'm too old to be trying something new... <Lisl> ::drinking a bit more from the jar before handing it back to Xarroch:: Not bad, but I think I'll stick to 'kick. I like being able to smell what I'm drinking. <Zoya> Mmm. I'm not sure. If it's a potent as 'kick, I probably shouldn't. <Xarroch> Bah! It is never too late to try new things. <Lisl> ::chuckles at the "too old" comment:: In that case, Zoya, you probably shouldn't. <Xarroch> ::grins at Lisl:: Understandable. It is part of the reason I like to come here. <Xarroch> ::to Zoya:: I suppose if you are not used to it, it might be something of a shock to the system. You should practice more often. <Lisl> ::giving Xarroch a Look:: If I find you sniffing at any of the patrons, I'm gonna have to get nasty, you understand. <Xarroch> ::laughs:: Do not worry, I do not eat friends. <Lisl> ::thinks for a moment:: No sniffing around Bai, either. <Zoya> ::laughs:: I like to remain awake to enjoy the fun! ::silently toasts with her mug before downing the rest of her cider:: <Xarroch> I won't eat him, either. I would not mind playing with him a bit, however. ::feral grin:: <Lisl> ::chuckling:: Xarroch, this isn't the sort of thing most humans or demihumans can "practice". If you're not born to drink it, it just eats away your stomach and then starts in on the rest of you... <Nacheyla> <shakes her head> I need to meet this Bai person, I think... <Xarroch> ::looks serious for a moment:: Oh really? Perhaps you should stay away from it then, Zoya. Those are nasty wounds. <Zoya> ::nods:: <Lisl> What, he's not in Michelle's notes? ::cranes her neck:: Am *I* in her notes? * Xarroch chuckles <Nacheyla> ::pulls out her notes:: um, let's see... Xarroch, Yb, Glossaria, and Marta... <Xarroch> I would think she had enough material for a book! ::looks at Nacheyla:: You are best off just learning on your own. <Lisl> Yb? ::chuckles:: There are some things I wouldn't want *anyone* to learn on their own. <Lisl> But the other two seemed harmless enough... hm. <Xarroch> Is that the crazy elf woman Jelarthna has spoken of in hushed tones? <Lisl> ::chuckles:: Probably. ::glancing sidelong at Zoya and grinning:: I don't THINK he meant anyone here. * Nacheyla blinks a few times... <Xarroch> Harmless? The worm-girl was performing Demon magic. I would not call that harmless. <Nacheyla> Ooops... last call, gentles... <Zoya> Well. ::stands up and gives her mug a gentle push toward the kitchen:: I need to be getting back to my experiment. <Zoya> I just stopped in for a break. Good night, friends! * Xarroch reaches into a pocket and deposits the contents on the counter, then knocks back the mug of mule kick and puts away the jar of blood. <Nacheyla> Goodnight, Zoya... nice meeting you... <Xarroch> Fare well, Zoya. <Lisl> Goodnight, Zoya! <Lisl> Sleep sweet, and don't blow yourself up. <Zoya> ::nods to Nach:: Same to you, ah... <Nacheyla> Nacheyla... <Lisl> Mistress Nacheyla, I'd appreciate a glass of water before I go... <Zoya> But blowing myself up is half the fun! ::grins and winks:: * Xarroch chuckles <Nacheyla> Of course... ::gets a glass of water for Lisl:: <Lisl> Demon magic? really? I must have missed that. ::frowning:: Where'd she learn that? <Zoya> ::nods again at Nach, waves at Lisl and Xarroch, and heads out, taking her book with her.:: <Lisl> ::takes a large swallow of water, swishing it around in her mouth a little before swallowing:: <Xarroch> I have no idea, but she was dabbling in some dangerous things. ::shrugs:: She seemed to have the power to do so, and she survived using it. <Lisl> ::frowns in thought:: I thought she was merely a sage... perhaps I underestimated her. Hm. <Xarroch> ::nods to Nacheyla:: Nice to meet you. Good luck with your undead. <Xarroch> It is easy to underestimate people here! ::laughs:: <Nacheyla> Thank you... <Nacheyla> good evening... <Xarroch> Until next we meet, Lisl. I look forward to hunting with you again some time. <Lisl> ::with a teasing smile:: Oh, I don't know... I overestimated you, after all. <Lisl> 'til next time, then, Xarroch! * Xarroch grins at Lisl and heads outside. * Nacheyla watches Xarroch with interest as he leaves the Hall <Lisl> ::tilting her head back to finish her glass, and bending to place it on the floor, giving it a pat on the backside:: Run along now. * Nacheyla scoops up Xarroch's coins and deposits them in the lockbox <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: That one never ceases to amuse. Thanks for the 'kick. Was your first night everything you expected it to be? ::pulling a pair of coins from her jerkin and tossing them on the counter:: <Nacheyla> ::grins:: It was... enlightening... really. <Nacheyla> Do you know where I might find Miss Tyl, I think you said her name was...? <Lisl> Tyl? ::running her fingers through her hair:: I'm not sure... I know she was going to a wedding.... ::thinks:: <Lisl> Somewhere around Waterdeep, maybe? Or is that where she was hunting, last? <Nacheyla> Ah, well... I'll find her. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: I'll warn you, she doesn't like being interrupted unexpectedly. The vamps who tried that last time got made extra crispy. <Nacheyla> I'll be cautious... ::smiles lightly:: <Lisl> I'm just warning you to knock first. ::smiling and tossing Nach a light salute as she heads for the door:: <Nacheyla> Good night, Miss Lisl... * Nacheyla stands behind the bar, absently fiddling with her amulet. <Lisl> take care of yourself. It would be nice to see you again, I think. ::smiling and slipping out the door, melting back into the darkness:: * Nacheyla rolls her eyes a little. <Nacheyla> What have I gotten myself into? * Nacheyla locks the door and blows out the lamps. |
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