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* Rhys walks in from the back room, tying an apron around his middle. He unlocks the main door with his silver key. As he returns behind the bar, he says, "Hall's open." * Temire enters the hall and heads towards the bar. She's in her usual undyed shirt and britches. * Lisl pokes her head in through the door. "Is it safe? She's not here, is she?" * Lisl looks around the room. "Oh, good. A night off!" * Temire sits down, "House special Rhys." * Temire smiles at Lisl, "Are you really that afraid of your own mother?" <Rhys> A night off Lisl? Been busy lately? ::pours Temire her meade and sets the mug down in front of her:: <Lisl>: ::sitting down at the bar:: Mule-kick, please, Rhys. My mother's visiting. <Rhys> Of course, Lisl. Shotglass or mug? * Temire sips her meade. * Zoya swings through the door carrying a shoulder bag and singing (off-key) the tenor half of the love theme from Evarrian's "DragonScale Cycle". <Lisl>: ::chuckles:: Well, yes and no. I love her to death, but...she's still my mother. She knows all the embarrassing stories *no one* else knows. <Lisl> Mug, of course. <Lisl> ::looking over her shoulder:: You're in a good mood tonight, Zoya! * Temire thinks a moment, "At least there true stories. You should hear some of the things MY mother says about me." * Alranis slips through the door and sidles to the bar, some small distance from the other patrons. * Rhys pours Lisl a mug of mulekick and carefully places it on the bar in front of her. "Here you go." <Rhys> ::to Alranis:: Weiders? <Zoya> ::stops singing (to the relief of those who are not tone-deaf) and sits at the bar:: Do you really want your mother to know you've been drinking? * Alranis nods, and half-grins. "If you've got it. <Zoya> Or does she not know about 'kick? <Rhys> ::nods to Alranis and pours him a mug of the dark drink:: <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow at Temire:: They're mostly true...but she tends to... ummm... exaggerate. Really. ::tone of injured innocence:: <Lisl> Oh, Mother knows about 'kick. She even tried it once....but ONLY once. * Zoya eyes Alranis as he enters and raises an eyebrow, but turns back to Lisl. <Zoya> So? She'll know you've been drinking something, then, when you get home. Mothers always do. * Alranis takes a sip. "Thanks." * Alranis nods an acknowledgement to Zoya. <Lisl> ::chuckles:: She admits that I'm a grown-up in *certain* respects, and being old enough to drink is one of them. Actually, she keeps a jug of 'kick at home for when I visit...except I think she uses it primarily for experimentation purposes. <Zoya> ::laughs:: * Temire sips her meade and shakes her head, "Be thankful you can visit." * Alranis nods quietly, pensively, almost to himself. He whispers something to his mug. <Lisl> ::frowns a little:: What do you mean? You can't even visit your parents? I know they disapprove of your current lifestyle, but they're *still* your parents. <Temire> They didn't really take it very well. When they couldn't get the guard to arrest Master Yohko for kidnapping or Mistress Michelle for witchcraft they disowned me. <Lisl> ::flicks a glance down the bar at Al, before turning her attention back at Temire:: Disowned you? ::snorts:: Their bad luck, then. Do you have any siblings? * Zoya glances cautiously at Al, then turns to Rhys. "Could I get some cider, please?" <Rhys> Of course, Zoya. Hard or soft? <Zoya> Hard, please. <Temire> Yeah, a sister and four brothers. * Rhys pours Zoya a mug of dark brown liquid. "Here you are." * Zoya pulls a wand out of her bag. It is made of a light, reddish wood, and has been delicately carved all over with abstract symbols of some sort. Bits of it are inlaid with a silvery metal, and each end displays as-yet-unfilled gem settings. * Zoya sights down the wand and turns it carefully. Without looking away from the wand, she reaches into the bag again and pulls out a piece of coarse paper. Very carefully, she begins rubbing the paper against the wood of the wand. <Xarroch> ::The door slams open, perhaps with a bit less force than usual when opened by Xarroch. A smile of sorts is plastered on his face, and his right arm seems to have a bit of greenish ichor dripping from it. He waves enthusiastically with this arm after entering:: Good evening! <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: I suppose that makes them think they can spare one. ::lets out a breath and claps a hand on Temire's back:: Don't worry about it. You can't stay tied to the apron strings forever. * Zoya jumps with Xarroch's entrance, turns around to glare at him briefly, then begins to check her work for damage. <Rhys> Evening, Xarroch. Thank you for not abusing the door with your usual vigor. Can I get you anything? A towel, perhaps? <Xarroch> ::makes his way to the bar and leans his arms against it:: You are welcome! Why would I need a towel? <Lisl> ::turns around slowly and eyes Xarroch:: Really getting into this etiquette thing, aren't we? If you want to be *really* polite, don't bleed on the floor. <Rhys> ::points:: You're dripping. * Temire sighs, "Yeah, but it would be nice to see Amiron occasionally." <Lisl> Amiron? One of your siblings? <Xarroch> ::looks at his arm:: Oh! That's not mine. ::licks a bit off of his fingers and smiles:: I suppose I missed a spot. I would be happy to wipe it off. <Temire> My sister. <Lisl> ::shrugs:: What's keeping you? If you're not their daughter anymore, your parents can't very well forbid you anything. * Temire shudders at Xarroch display and turns away. * Nacheyla walks in, limping a little. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: It's also not polite to lick your fingers in public. You should have ::glances at Zoya:: Glossaria get you an etiquette manual. * Rhys hands Xarroch a clean white towel from behind the bar. "Try this." <Zoya> ::looks up at Lisl:: Glossaria. Etiquette manual for Xarroch. Right. <Xarroch> ::grins at Lisl:: One step at a time. :as an afterthought, he adds:: Lisl. * Xarroch takes the towel from Rhys and wipes his arm off. <Lisl> ::chuckles:: Wow...names. We *are* getting formal. ::grins:: * Nacheyla sits down near the bar. Nacheyla: Good evening... <Xarroch> I am trying. <Lisl> ::grins wider:: Yes, you are. <Rhys> Good evening, Nacheyla. Can I get you anything? Nacheyla: Beer... please... <Xarroch> Hail, undead hunter! How goes the struggle? <Lisl> And speaking of trying....::leans forward (and upward) to murmur something in Xarroch's ear:: Nacheyla: It's going... oddly... <Rhys> We have a wide variety of beers, as you know. Anything specific, or bartender's pick? * Alranis takes a sip from his mug. Nacheyla: a nice ale would be good... I've been using ::points to a pale yellow tap about midway down the row:: that one... <Rhys> Very well. ::pours Nacheyla a mug from the indicated tap:: Here you are. Nacheyla: Thank you... * Xarroch takes a moment to absorb Lisl's words, then shrugs and taps Temire on the shoulder. * Temire turns to Xarroch, most of the blood having drained out of her face, "y...Yes?" <Lisl> ::clears her throat and mutters something:: <Xarroch> ::leans a little closer to Temire and puts on a nice, wide smile:: I am sorry I have frightened you. You have nothing to fear from me. * Lisl puts a steadying hand on Temire's arm...incidentally keeping her from bolting. * Alranis takes a sip from his mug. * Temire leans as far back as she can without losing her balance on the stool, Xarroch having SERIOUSLY invaded her personal space, "I'm sorry for leaving so rudely the other night." <Xarroch> ::leans back upright:: There is no shame in fleeing under the right conditions. <Zoya> ::laughs:: * Temire sits up and downs a significant portion of her meade. * Nacheyla drinks her beer and watches Xarroch. * Lisl looks from one to the other and nods in satisfaction. <Xarroch> ::chuckles at Lisl's look:: Better? <Lisl> ::sips her 'kick with a small smile:: It'll do. I don't like having friends scared of one another. <Rhys> Can I get you anything, Xarroch? Mug of mulekick, maybe? <Xarroch> Ah, yes! That would be nice, Rhys. * Zoya finishes inspecting her wand and puts it away. <Lisl> ::nods towards Zoya's finished project:: What's it do, Zoya? I didn't think wild mages used...accessories that much. <Zoya> Doesn't do anything, yet - I haven't put the stones in it. Eventually it'll be a, ah... Mind-weapon. <Lisl> Mind-weapon? ::frowns thoughtfully:: For psionics? <Xarroch> ::looks thoughtful:: I hope that you are being cautious. Such things are very dangerous <Zoya> Actually, there are chaos specialists who specialize in item-use - our studies give us a better than normal chance of controlling some of the less predictable ones. <Zoya> ::nods:: Well, for fighting psionic creatures. * Nacheyla watches Zoya, looking thoughtful. <Zoya> ::grins toothily at Xarroch - a surprisingly good imitation of his own demonic grin, for a human:: Well, cautious within reason. I can't kill them if I don't hunt them, after all. * Alranis takes a sip from his beer. <Xarroch> Oh? Why are you hunting psionic creatures? * Temire whispers to Lisl. <Zoya> Not all psionic creatures. Some of my best friends are psionics. ::grins:: But every now and then I go... Um... Out. ::waves a hand vaguely at the sky:: And that almost always involves fighting illithid. ::Zoya's grin grows nastier:: * Lisl notes Nacheyla's gaze, and narrows her eyes. <Xarroch> Ah yes! The squishy ones! <Lisl> ::looks at Temire for a moment, takes a sip of 'kick, and bends her head to explain:: <Zoya> ::laughs:: Maybe I'll invite you along, next time. <Zoya> I *had* promised to take Jelarthna, but I think it will be a while before he's really ready. * Alranis whispers something to his mug. <Xarroch> Hmmm. I would not be averse to such a journey. Exploring new areas usually poses new challenges. I think perhaps you would be better off with some sort of defense that would free you to use your magic on them, however. It is harder to be caught by surprise that way. <Lisl> ::lifts her head:: Zoya? This is more your field than mine. How would you explain the psionic realm, and planes travel? <Zoya> ::to Xarroch:: This is not a defense. This is an offense. If you know of a good way to use magic to defend passively against psionic attack, I'd love to hear it. <Zoya> ::looks at Lisl, then to Temire:: Ah.... Mm. Well, there are mages still who don't believe in psionics, so... Um... Okay. <Xarroch> ::grins at Zoya:: It is a wand, so I assumed that it was for offensive use. I am afraid I know little of your human magic, but I have seen items that could protect the wielder from mental assault. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow at Xarroch:: From which end of the assault, pray tell? <Zoya> Magical energy is latent in the world around us. I won't get into the debate on where it comes from. Mages - whether they know it or not, use this energy. Psionics use energy exclusively from within themselves. <Zoya> As for planar travel... I don't know if you'd believe it without seeing it. Nacheyla: Well, that's not entirely true, Mistress Zoya... <Xarroch> The defensive end of the mental assault. There are places it is foolish to go without strong will, mental defense, or extreme caution. <Zoya> ::raises an eyebrow at Nach:: Well, Er-the gods know I'm not an expert on psionics. What did I get wrong? Nacheyla: It's not the psionics bit. I don't know much about that... but not all magic comes from without. My own abilities, called Sorcery by my people, come from within * Alranis smiles into his drink as he finishes it off. He pushes the mug in the general direction of Rhys, and it tromps up and pulls on his sleeve. HM<Rhys> Refill, little one? ::lifts it up, refills it with Weiders, and sets it back on the counter:: Here you go. * Lisl raises an eyebrow and edges away from the magic discussion, picking up her mug of 'kick and carrying it with her to a stool closer to the shadowy end of the bar. <Zoya> ::sighs slightly:: Well, there is a camp of mages who believe that magical energy is produced by living things, and therefore, I suppose it's possible that your people are able to draw only off the magical energy produced by themselves. No offense, but I've also seen any number of mages who've insisted that it was entirely internal energy while subtly draining everything around them. * Alranis retrieves the mug after it waddles its way back to him. "Thanks, little fellow." Nacheyla: <shrugs> It would not occur to me to take offense. Sorcery is an inborn ability... magery, from what I understand, is taught and memorized. I was born with the ability, much to my mother's dismay.... <Lisl> ::takes a sip from her mug and glances at Alranis:: So...come here often? <Xarroch> There are many sources of magic. Magical beings can draw energy from themselves. If you can do so, then you must be a magical creature of some sort. <Zoya> Some... Among the people of my birth, an inborn talent is necessary for *wild* magic, such as I do, but even wild mages use external magical energy. We're just able to tap less tame streams of it. * Alranis shrugs. "When I can." * Rhys looks at Nacheyla. "Hmmm.... that's interesting... Nacheyla: <shrugs> I may well be... it was never something I thought about it. <Xarroch> ::to Zoya:: I believe that has something to do with how your body channels the magic. It is interesting that you are less able to handle non-wild magic. <Lisl> ::takes another sip:: And when you can't? * Alranis laughs. It's a raspy sort of a sound. "It means I'm busy elsewhere." He takes another sip. <Xarroch> ::drums his fingers on the bar:: I wonder if there is such a difference between the two energies. Perhaps there is something in the body that prevents or enhances the ability to use one over the other. <Lisl> ::grins:: Sounds reasonable enough. <Zoya> In my experience, it's the difference between a stream and a river. The vessel of my mind is more suited to a faster current, if you will. * Alranis shrugs. "If business keeps me away, who am I to complain?" * Xarroch nods thoughtfully. <Xarroch> Do you know any wild mages whose lives you do not care about? Nacheyla: ::blinks at Xarroch a few times:: <Lisl> ::shrugs:: It depends. D'you like your job? * Alranis laughs. "Oh, yes. Very much so." * Temire sips her meade. * Alranis takes a sip of his beer. <Lisl> ::grins and sips her 'kick:: Let me guess...you work as a spy for the Purple Dragons. <Zoya> ::frowns at Xarroch:: None that I'm willing for you to experiment on. <Xarroch> Pity. If you come across any, let me know. * Alranis shrugs. "Not that *they're* aware of." He laughs. "And I wish I'd been told, if that were the case..." <Lisl> ::smiles:: No, I thought you were a little too nervous around Adiethian for that one. <Rhys> ::spies Xarroch's empty mug:: Here, let me take care of that... ::pours Xarroch a refill of mulekick:: There. * Alranis raises an eyebrow. "Nah. Not *nervous*, exactly." He smiles. "Maybe *cautious*, but not *nervous*." <Xarroch> So, undead hunter! You had mentioned that your hunting had been odd of late. Have you come across creatures unknown to you? <Xarroch> ::looks at the mug and Rhys for a moment, obviously trying to remember something:: Thank you? * Nacheyla yawns. <Lisl> ::nods judiciously:: It's a wise man who knows when to be cautious. * Lisl sips her 'kick. * Alranis nods. "Yeah." <Lisl> So... ::lifts her mug again and looks over at Alranis:: <Lisl> ..dare I stop dancing around it and ask you what you do? * Nacheyla blinks a few times and looks at Xarroch <Rhys> Very good, Xarroch. You're welcome. Nacheyla: I'm sorry, Lord Xarroch, did you address me? I was sort of dozing off... <Xarroch> ::to Rhys:: Ah good, I got that right! I know the words, but it is a different matter to know when to say them. * Alranis snickers. "Let's just say that money changes hands." <Zoya> ::laughs:: THAT narrows it down. * Alranis winks at Zoya. "You know..." <Xarroch> ::to Nacheyla:: Indeed, I was wondering how your hunting went. You mentioned earlier that it was going "oddly". <Lisl> ::chuckles softly:: Yes, but is it willing or unwilling? Nacheyla: Well, I know there's a vampire in town, but he has some strange abilities, powers I've never seen before. And he acts oddly. I do not know... he is very strong... very strange * Alranis shakes his head. "That's a question for the philosophers," he suggests as he raises his mug. <Lisl> ::laughs:: You *are* a cautious one. * Zoya looks at Al oddly again, then shakes her head and downs her cider. * Alranis takes a sip as he grins. "Sometimes." <Xarroch> They can come from different places and have different powers. I have seen many different kinds. If you wish some help, I would not mind a challenge. ::grins:: <Lisl> Meaning that sometimes you're reckless? ::looks around:: Like when you come drinking here? Nacheyla: Well, I never mind the company... however, he is my target... * Alranis looks at Lisl a little oddly. "No. This place is... homey." He shrugs. "Probably just a quirk of mine, I guess." * Alranis glances fondly down at his mug. "I like these little guys. They're fun." <Xarroch> Ah! I shall not interfere with your kill then. How is this one acting different from what you know? * Alranis pats his mug on its "head". More or less. Nacheyla: Well, for one thing, he has the most amazing abilities... * Xarroch grins at Nacheyla <Lisl> Homey? ::lifts a shoulder and takes another sip from her own, terrified mug:: No, I can understand that. It's as much home to me as anywhere in this realm is... barring my birthplace. Nacheyla: He's doing something strange to people, too. Somehow, he has gained control of a few normal humans, and made them different, stronger, but still able to go out in the day, and undyingly loyal to him. <Lisl> ::nods to the mug:: I noticed you talking to them before. ::grins:: You just have to worry when they start talking *back*. <Xarroch> I prefer the dyingly loyal type, myself. ::grins wickedly:: I take it you have had trouble with these followers? * Alranis looks a little puzzled. "They don't?" He glances at the mug. "Are you sure?" Nacheyla: Yes... they keep coming after me. I've killed two so far, mostly from luck. I was very surprised when they didn't react to my ability to turn undead <Xarroch> If they are human followers, they are not undead. You shall have to battle them normally. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: Well, they haven't since...::looks down at her mug and takes a sip as if that's what's expected of her:: Not for a long time. Nacheyla: Well, I know that now... But I was surprised. Usually humans do not fight for vampires * Alranis shrugs. "Maybe it was my imagination. They're so expressive sometimes..." He takes another sip. <Xarroch> ::laughs:: You have not met enough humans, then! Would you believe there are those that willingly worked for my kind in the Blood Wars? Nacheyla: Oh, I believe it... it's just not *normal* * Temire sips her meade. <Lisl> That they are, but...::brows knit in a frown:: You really hear them? I thought they'd lost the ability to do more than squeak. Nacheyla: And this vampire, he casts reflections and shadows... <Xarroch> Oh? And what is normal? <Xarroch> Is this not the realm where humans willingly formed a nation around the rule of a group of beholders? * Alranis shrugs. "Now that you ask, I'm not sure." Nacheyla: ::looks at him:: Well, there are exceptions to all rules, of course, but usually not so many exceptions in one creature... <Lisl> H'm. ::picks up her own mug and inspects it carefully:: Nacheyla: And he seems to lack the one weakness that usually saves careful people... He does not need an invitation to invade a person's home. <Xarroch> ::looks puzzled:: They normally need an invitation? How interesting. I am not normally around an area with all these houses. <Lisl> ::shakes her head an puts her mug down:: There are some things that *have* changed, that I miss. ::sighs:: But that's life, I suppose. * Alranis looks puzzled. "I haven't been here very long. What d'you mean?" He takes another sip. * Temire sips her meade. <Lisl> ::chuckles:: Ah, you shouldn't get me started. But, well... ::looks around:: Some of the old patrons. Some are gone for good. ::nods to the mugs:: Like the gentlemen who were responsible for the self-sufficient tableware. Others... I don't know what's become of them. ::shakes her head:: I went away, I lost touch... it never used to be a problem for me. But now... I miss some of them. * Xarroch downs his mug of mule kick * Lisl glances over her shoulder at the blackened swords over the mantle, and runs her finger around the rim of the mug of 'kick. * Zoya is watching Lisl with fascination. * Alranis takes another sip. * Lisl dips her finger into the 'kick and absently makes a little smiley-face doodle on the counter with an "-E" next to it. The liquid burns into the surface, leaving the picture as if it had been scorched there. * Rhys rolls his eyes and sighs quietly. <Zoya> "E"? * Xarroch chuckles <Xarroch> ::looks around:: My, it has gotten quite in here! <Rhys> Last call, ladies and gentlemen. * Nacheyla yawns * Alranis cocks his head, then drains his mug. He's looking at Lisl's handiwork, then he raises an eyebrow. <Lisl> ::notices what she's doing and looks up guiltily:: Oh! I'm so sorry, Rhys! ::licks her finger and fruitlessly tries to rub the marks away with her fist:: * Nacheyla digs a few small copper coins out of her pocket and lays them on the counter <Xarroch> ::stands up and pulls a handful of assorted things from his pocket, tossing it all on the counter. There do seem to be some coins among the mess:: * Temire finishes her meade. * Zoya stands and slings her bag over her arm again. <Lisl> ::glancing at Zoya:: Hmm? ::looks down at her handiwork:: Oh...I guess I was thinking about Erdian. <Rhys> Thank you, Xarroch, I think. And don't worry, Lisl. I'll get the lert to take care of it. <Zoya> Really? ::looks somewhat excited:: What about him? * Rhys collects Nacheyla's coins and drops them into the lockbox. Nacheyla: Goodnight, Rhys... <Rhys> Good night, Nacheyla. Be careful. * Temire rises and heads for the door. <Rhys> You, too, Temire. Nacheyla: I was born careful, ::grins tightly:: <Xarroch> Good night to you all! Time to find something a bit more exciting to do. ::grins ferally:: Would you like to join me, little human? ::directed at Temire:: <Lisl> ::picks up her mug and drains it:: Oh... well... just... I don't know, exactly. I was just reminded of him, for some reason. The mugs, I guess. Nacheyla: ::turns to Xarroch:: Shall we go hunting? ::fierce grin:: My blade is itching again... <Xarroch> That sounds like a fine idea! ::flexes his hands like claws:: <Lisl> ::fishes a handful of coins out of her jerkin:: Just in case you can't get it out.... * Alranis shrugs, and stands. He prods his mug towards the kitchen. "Guess I'd better push off. The night is yet young..." <Zoya> You know, you did promise once to come and tell me your memories... ::looks hopeful:: * Alranis flips a coin onto the bar. * Temire pales again, "Um...I don't think I'm quite ready for something like that yet." <Lisl> For you, I'm sure. Good talking to you, Alranis. ::grin:: Good hunting. <Rhys> Good night, Alranis. <Zoya> ::watches Alranis leave, frowning slightly:: <Xarroch> ::smiles at Temire:: Perhaps another time, then! ::with a glance at Nacheyla, heads out the door:: * Nacheyla follows Xarroch out the door <Temire> Um...Lisl...Do you think you could walk me home? I think I'm going to be jumping at shadows the entire way. * Zoya is still looking at Lisl with a puppy-like eagerness... <Lisl> ::watches the others go:: Not a problem, Temire. I'm sort of in a mood to talk to Mother, anyway, and she's probably with Michelle. * Alranis waves and nods to Lisl as he departs. * Temire follows Lisl out the door. <Lisl> ::turns to leave, and notices Zoya:: I'm sorry Zoya, I just-- not tonight, please. I'll tell you about it later. <Zoya> Ah, well. Another time, I suppose. <Zoya> ::sighs, and heads out into the night:: <Lisl> ::walks out with Temire, one hand brushing against her cheek as she goes:: * Alranis slips through the door after the others leave. * Rhys locks the door behind the shady character and walks into the kitchen. A lert emerges a few moments later and resignedly begins sanding down the scorch marks on the bar top. |
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