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* Nacheyla walks downstairs and unlocks the door. * Nacheyla talks earnestly with the small yellow star that is buzzing around her head, and moves behind the bar. <Nacheyla> Hall's Open. * Maeli limps in, stopping just inside the door to catch her breath, leaning heavily on her cane. After a moment, she continues on to the nearest table, and slowly lowers herself into a chair facing the bar. * Jaret enters graciously through the open door. "Well met, Nacheyla! I trust you are well on this fabulous night?" <Nacheyla> Good evening, Mistress Maeli, Lord Jaret. I'm as well as can be expected, Jaret. Can I get you a drink? <Jaret> Please! A goblet of Arabellan Red would be marvelous! * Nacheyla pours him a goblet of wine. * Michelle enters wearing a green silk dress with orange trim, over matching leggings, and with a matching waist coat. She has a black sash tied around her waist and another one holding her hair back. She has a black hilted, black sheathed sabre tucked into the sash at her waist, and is wearing a large black pearl ring. * Maeli coughs thickly before answering. "Hot... tea. Very strong. Lots of honey, and a dollop of apple brandy, if you've got some. * Nacheyla smiles at Maeli and mixes up a cup of tea. She cuts some lemon wedges and arranges them on the saucer. <Nacheyla> Here you go... you might try the lemon wedges for your throat... sometimes they help... * Michelle takes a stool at the bar. <Nacheyla> Evening, boss. How are you? Where have you been? <Maeli> ::cough:: Thank you, dear. I didn't want to ask for lemon, this time of year, but it's ::cough:: nice. ::She starts to carefully squeeze a couple of lemon wedges into her cup:: * Lisl strides in, cheeks ruddy and breathing hard, dry leaves clinging to the hollows of her hunting leathers. "Good evening, everyone. Michelle! You're...all right?" <Michelle> As well as can be expected given that my apprentice's soul is trapped in a mirror, part of my soul is wandering around with delusions of grandeur and my ex-husband is orchestrating the whole bloody affair. I think that answers the second question. ::smile:: <Nacheyla> ::grins at Maeli:: That big guy... Ar_Jordan or something like that, he brought a whole bushel basket the last time he was in. Pleaded not being able to get rid of them... <Lisl> All things considered, well enough. ::hangs a small pack on a hook by the door, rummaging through it and pulling out a crackling wax-paper package, after a quick glance around the room:: <Maeli> ::laughs, then coughs:: Not being able to sell them? Now, when they're so rare? Liar. He's a scoundrel, but good at heart. <Nacheyla> Oh, I think he was just looking for an excuse to see Glossaria again. Zoya keeps her away from him, you know... <Maeli> ::chuckles softly, then takes a long, slow drink of tea:: <Lisl> ::frowning as she hears Maeli's cough:: Sounds like my mother was right, as usual. ::crossing the room and dropping the bulging package on the table in front of Maeli:: Here, Mother sent these for you. She said she didn't like the sound of that cough...which means she's finally figured out how to get full sound on her magic mirror. ::grinning:: There goes the rest of my privacy. <Maeli> ::blinks up at Lisl:: I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting your mother...? <Lisl> ::still grinning:: Probably best for me. My mother's Aldis Ferinsdottir...she's been to visit a few times, and she likes to keep tabs on my doings on and off when she's not here. Her cottage is, oh, two or three days northeast of here, at the edge of the deep woods. <Maeli> Ah? Well then, you can thank her for me when next you see her. ::picks up the bundle and sniffs it tentatively:: Though that doesn't tell me what interest she'd have in an old woman. <Nacheyla> Get you something, boss? You sound like you're having a rough time of it... <Michelle> Better keep it light. Milk or fruit juice. There is absolutely no telling when they might attack again. * Nacheyla nods and pours Michelle a glass of apple juice. <Maeli> ::looks up:: Nacheyla, dear? Can I have a cup of hot water, please? And a spoon? <Lisl> ::shrugging one shoulder:: Mother likes helping people, for all that she doesn't like rubbing elbows with them every day. Besides, she's always running those experiments of hers...she did say to use only a very little at a time. * Nacheyla gets Maeli a mug of water and sits it on the red spot on the bar. After a few minutes, she takes the steaming mug and spoon over to Maeli. <Lisl> ::looking up at Michelle:: You've not heard anything, from when they wrecked my place? * Maeli scoops two spoonfuls of dried herbs from Ms. Aldis' packet into the water, then picks up her first cup and drinks while she waits for the new brew to steep. "Thank you, dear." <Michelle> Felice and Yamato had a brief run in. Fortunately Felice is smart enough to know when she's outclassed, and finding people when they don't want to be found isn't one of Yamato's strong suits. <Lisl> ::chuckling:: I'm just the messenger, Goody Maeli. But I'll pass your thanks along. <Lisl> ::frowning at Michelle as she crosses to the bar:: I take it Felice is alright, or you wouldn't be here? <Lisl> Nacheyla, could I have a cup of mulled wine, please? Arabellan, if milord here doesn't mind? ::shooting a grin at Jaret:: * Nacheyla pours Lisl some wine, sits the glass on the red spot and adds a spice packet. <Nacheyla> Here you go, Lisl... * Jaret bows fluidly in Lisl's direction. "Lisl is welcome to all the wine she can consume, as is everyone, of course." <Michelle> That's right Lisl. <Lisl> ::grinning wider:: Be careful what you offer, m'lord Jaret...you *know* what I can consume! <Jaret> Your stomach can only hold so much, dear lady. I don't think the Hall's cellars are in too much danger of being emptied tonight. <Nacheyla> And if not... ::waves her hand over the glass and another glass, exactly the same, appears next to it:: * Maeli picks up the well-steeped mug of herbal tea and takes a careful sip. Her already-wrinkled face scrunches up even more. "I know medicine is supposed to tasted bad, Lisl, but you might suggest to your mother that it wouldn't hurt this to add a little spearmint to cut this... whatever it is that's so bitter." * Jaret looks at the new glass. "How... how much can you do that?" <Lisl> You're right, there... I'm not one of those ugly, spitting humped beasts of Elga'ar'a's. <Lisl> I'll let her know. But honestly, I have no idea what's in it, tho' she promised me no eye of newt. <Nacheyla> ::to Jaret:: Oh... as long as I have a little bit to duplicate, quite a bit. It's a great way to not go hungry on long trips. I can't do it with stuff like... gold, for instance... * Maeli takes a deep breath and another sip of tea. "It does soothe the rawness, though." <Jaret> Oh. Well, I imagine that would be quite useful on the road. <Nacheyla> ::nods:: It especially helps when you get surrounded by a wolf-pack. Very nice animals, really, once you understand that they'd rather eat deer than you... * Jaret doesn't even glance at Lisl. "Oh, well, it's good you ran into one of the cultured packs, then." <Lisl> ::taking a sip of her mulled wine and sighing with satisfaction:: Do it with one of the rare spices, and you wouldn't *need* to do it with gold. <Nacheyla> ::looks startled:: I never thought about that... <Lisl> ::smiling a little:: I don't know how the wolves feel, but I certainly think venison tastes better. <Nacheyla> ::gives Lisl one of those long, semi-speculative looks:: * Michelle sips her drink. <Lisl> ::raising her eyebrows at Nacheyla:: What, you've never sucked your finger when you cut yourself? <Lisl> I'm no cannibal! * Maeli takes another big gulp of tea. * Jaret has some more wine. <Nacheyla> ::shudders:: Um, actually, no. But in my line of work, tasting blood is something you really work to avoid... <Lisl> ::frowns in puzzlement for a moment before her face clears:: Oh...THAT line of work. Right. But...you've never even been curious? <Nacheyla> ::looks weird:: Um... a few times... but... You don't graze, do you? <Lisl> ::frowns:: Graze? Oh! You mean, eat grass? ::looks a little embarrassed:: Actually...I have tried it, once or twice. It's sweet enough going down, but by Aerdrie did it make me sick! ::makes a face:: <Nacheyla> ::laughs:: yeah... same thing... I think <Lisl> Well...::thinking about it for a moment:: Not exactly, I don't think...I mean, people *do* eat meat, and vegetables. Blood and grass are really only variations. And I eat the deer I hunt, but I rather doubt you eat the vampires. Or whatever's left, once you kill them. ::looks slightly ill at the thought:: <Nacheyla> Dust mostly... but they'd eat me, if they won, you know... hunting prey that hunts back is sort of a dangerous sport. <Lisl> ::grinning rather wolfishly:: I've done that, too. Dangerous, but fun. * Michelle sips her drink. <Lisl> ::looks into her cup as she swirls the spices around, before taking another swallow:: * Maeli finishes off her tea, and coughs softly. <Lisl> ::thinking a moment, taking another swallow as she looks at Nacheyla pensively:: Do you really think they would just eat you? Or would they try to turn you? <Nacheyla> I suspect that all depends... ::looks thoughtful:: It would be a point to their favor if I became one of them. I know a lot of tricks, and could probably help them hide better... <Lisl> ::frowns:: Hide? <Nacheyla> Hide from hunters... I've seen just about every way there is to stash a body... * Jaret has some more wine. <Lisl> ::shudders a little:: How did you get into this line of work, anyway? * Michelle sips her drink. <Nacheyla> ::turns to the bar and pours herself a mug of beer:: My family was killed by a vampire a few days before some hunters came into town after it. I left with them, since I had no place else to go. <Lisl> ::takes a sip of her wine:: How old were you? <Nacheyla> ::takes a long draught of beer:: Twelve. <Nacheyla> A few weeks later, my younger sister came after me. <Lisl> Came after....? Oh. ::closes her eyes:: <Nacheyla> ::looks into her beer, as if the answers to the world might be down there:: I decided to stay with the hunters after that. I'm the last one, now... <Lisl> ::pinches the bridge of her nose:: Somehow I don't think you're going to tell me that they retired gracefully. <Nacheyla> ::laughs shortly:: Not many have... a few did, usually when injury made them weak or slow... but I've outlasted them, and somehow, after seeing everyone I know fade away and die, I didn't really have the heart to take on more apprentices... <Nacheyla> ::grins suddenly:: Although, if I could get my hands on a few of Xarroch's relatives, I might train someone again... <Lisl> ::mouth twisting:: So when they don't eat your blood, they eat your heart? <Nacheyla> That's a good way of putting it... you sort of... ::takes a sip:: get to the point where all you're doing is vengeance... you lose site of the real goal... all you want to do is hurt the people who hurt the people you loved. * Michelle sips her drink. <Michelle> "When you draw your blade, think not about what you are killing, but rather what you are allowing to live." <Lisl> Which means that, in the end, they're going to win anyway. When they get you, or when you retire, there won't be anyone after you, will there? ::raises an eyebrow:: I think you'd better look up Xarroch's kin soon. <Nacheyla> Well, not of my group, no. I think there are other hunters that work as individuals. Although I've often found it is much safer to work with trusted allies <Nacheyla> ::touches her medallion:: Aside from that, I have many years left before I retire... many indeed... <Lisl> ::shrugs a shoulder:: Even the strongest or wisest of men doesn't know the time of his own death. <Nacheyla> True, Lisl... ::finishes off her beer:: On the other hand, my heart's not in training right now, and I'd rather not train someone just to get them killed. <Lisl> ::glancing at Michelle:: Understandable. * Michelle sips her drink. <Lisl> ::looking a little wistful:: I think that's the reason Mother occasionally bugs me about settling down and raising more kids. ::snorting:: Not that that's likely to happen. * Jaret has another sip of wine. It's hard to tell, but he may be smiling a bit. <Nacheyla> I thought you had nearly as many children as I have had... ::raises an eyebrow:: I mean, after the first dozen or so, how many more do you need? <Lisl> Well yes, but....::making a face:: It's complicated. They stayed with their...father, and I think Mother wants some *she* can teach for a change. ::hmph:: As if she doesn't have enough old war stories from raising *me.* <Nacheyla> I can understand that... I had to foster several of my children out... a hunter's camp is no place for a two-year-old. * Michelle smiles at Lisl. "Maybe she wants a new audience to tell those stories too. Besides, she probably wants to be able to spoil them rotten so you'll have your own war stories." * Maeli starts to quietly snore, her hands still wrapped around a warm mug of tea. <Lisl> ::rolls her eyes at Michelle:: By the gods... when you talk like that, I feel barely grown up myself. ::looking back at Nacheyla:: Well, I settled with them for awhile, but...my husband's clan was very insistent that they be...raised in the clan's ways. And I couldn't stay with them forever. ::looking a little melancholy:: * Jaret stands and stretches. "I had best be getting on home. Long days ahead of me and all." <Nacheyla> Good night, Lord Jaret * Jaret finishes off his wine. <Jaret> Good night, everyone. Sleep well. ::heads for the door:: * Lisl shakes her head as if to clear it and lifts a hand to wave at Jaret's retreating back. <Nacheyla> Last call, I think... I wonder if Maeli would mind if I just moved her upstairs for the night? <Lisl> ::smiles:: She might carp, but I doubt she'll really mind. Want me to carry her? <Nacheyla> If you wouldn't mind... * Maeli rouses slightly at the sound of her name... <Nacheyla> It's really very cold out, and I think she shouldn't walk home in it... <Maeli> Eh? What's that? Closing time? Already? * Lisl lifts her mug and drains the dregs, standing. * Michelle finishes her drink. "I should be going as well. Do you still have space at your place Lisl. I don't think being alone is particularly wise under the circumstances." <Lisl> We were just about to offer you a room upstairs, Goody Maeli. <Lisl> I've got plenty of room. I even replaced the couch. ::grins:: <Maeli> Did I doze off? No, no, don't trouble yourself on my account. I'll just head home. ::laboriously climbs to her feet:: <Nacheyla> Lisl? ::gives Lisl a significant eye-roll towards Maeli:: * Maeli toddles toward the door. "Imagine dozing off! Lisl, don't forget to tell your mother thank you for the herbs. I think I'll have another cup before bed - maybe I can sleep a few hours through." <Lisl> ::shrugs helplessly as Maeli moves past Lisl's attempt to intercept her:: <Nacheyla> ::mouths at Lisl:: Walk her home? <Lisl> I'll be sure to pass it along. ::nodding at Nacheyla:: Here, at least let me offer you escort. ::heading towards the door, and taking Maeli's arm, unobtrusively supporting her:: * Michelle follows Lisl and Maeli out. * Maeli doesn't protest the help, and allows Lisl to support her as she leaves. * Lisl smiles at Nacheyla over her shoulder, and winks. <Nacheyla> Thanks! * Nacheyla goes and locks the door. She looks around the Hall curiously... <Nacheyla> I need to remember to ask Michelle about that... <Nacheyla> ::blows out the candles and walks upstairs:: |
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