| Main Page |
* Michelle unlocks the door and announces, "Hall's Open!" * Tyl walks in, throwing the hood of her cloak back. Her hair is about shoulder length now... she is wearing "work" clothing * Jaret walks in through the door, a long slender box tucked under one arm. He is dressed in fine deep forest green colors, with his rapier buckled at his side. "Well met, Michelle. How are you feeling?" * Michelle returns behind the bar. She is wearing a red sweater and a tartan skirt. Her hair has been done in two braids going down her back. Her moon earring once more dangles from her right ear. <Tyl> Good evening... ::sits at the bar:: Can I get a rum and ice, please? <Michelle> Good evening Jaret. Certainly Tyl'gainia. * Michelle selects a glass, deposits a few ice cubes in it, then places it on the bar and pours a few fingers of rum into the glass before putting the bottle on the bar next to the glass. * Tyl gives Michelle a quick grin... * Lisl strides through the door, looking preoccupied and completely forgetting to favor her leg. <Michelle> Hello Lisl. The usual? And what would you like Jaret? * Jaret turns around, resting his box on the ground. "Good evening ladies." He bows to each. ::to Michelle:: A glass of Arabellan Red, when you get a chance. <Lisl> A snifter of Sembian, please, Michelle. * Michelle pours a glass of Arabellan Red and sets it on the bar in front of Jaret. * Zoya enters and heads for the bar. "Good evening, everyone!" <Michelle> Good evening Zoya. <Lisl> Good evening, Jaret. <Lisl> Good evening, Zoya. * Michelle pours a glass of brandy and places it on the bar before Lisl. <Michelle> What would you care for this evening Zoya? <Zoya> I'll have a cider, please. * Jaret has some of his wine. "Ah, lovely." * Michelle selects a mug and fills it from one of the taps, then places it on the bar before Zoya. * Tyl knocks her rum back, makes a brief face and spits an ice cube back into the glass <Lisl> Thanks. ::picks up the snifter, and looks sideways at Tyl:: Hey, don't knock your teeth out on that stuff! * Zoya takes a deep draught of cider and sighs. <Lisl> ::takes a sip and sighs, herself:: Zoya, you weren't here last week...there's some sad news. * Jaret looks at Lisl, eyebrows raised in concern. <Zoya> ::raises an eyebrow at Lisl:: Oh? <Lisl> ::nods and takes a another swallow of brandy:: <Lisl> You remember the seamstress, Mistress Maeli? She passed away last week. Here. In her sleep. * Zoya sighs. <Tyl> ::looks up, startled:: Oh... that's a shame. I didn't even say goodbye, she was sleeping when I left... <Zoya> Ah, yes. Well. I'd been wondering... ::sketches a circle in the air with one hand:: <Lisl> ::nods, thinking:: Yes, it happened not a quarter hour after you left. <Tyl> Well ::pours herself another drink:: Here's to Maeli. She lived a long and rewarding life. Hope the next life is even better. ::raises her glass and then drinks:: * Zoya hefts her mug and drinks deeply. * Lisl raises her snifter and takes a hefty swallow, holding the liquid in her mouth and letting it slide down her throat. * Michelle fills a shot glass and downs it. * Jaret drinks to Tyl's toast. "Indeed, Tyl." * Lisl sets down her glass, fidgeting with the stem. <Lisl> ::After a moment, she leans over the bar and beckons Michelle:: * Jaret stares into his wine glass, thinking. * Lisl takes another thoughtful sip and asks a question in a low voice. <Zoya> Well. Aside from that poor news, how have the rest of you been doing? * Michelle leans over to Lisl. <Lisl> ::grins a little, turning to look at Zoya with a slightly evil air:: Well, I got to fight a few high-powered mages a few weeks back. * Jaret coughs and stirs himself. "I'm doing fairly well. Finished recuperating from a little something I got on my last travels, and I'm ready to face the world again. And I've got a little something here for Temire. Sort of a belated graduation present for her, when Yohko decides she's ready for it." <Zoya> ::throws a hurt look at Lisl:: And you didn't invite me? <Lisl> ::gesturing to Michelle:: Hey, don't gripe at me. It was Michelle's husband. <Michelle> I'm afraid that's my fault Zoya. I didn't want to scare them off with too many people around, and Lisl's presence helped create a few other illusions I wanted them to believe. * Michelle looks directly into Lisl's eyes for a moment. * Zoya throws up her hands. "Fine, fine, all right, I understand; I'm not wanted..." ::grins:: <Zoya> ::to Jaret:: A sword? <Lisl> ::taking a sip and turning around to look musingly at Jaret:: Another little trip, hmm? Where did you get yourself off to this time, M'lord? * Jaret looks from Michelle to Lisl. "I... I'm glad you both came through in one piece." <Lisl> ::raising a eyebrow at Michelle:: * Michelle smiles shyly, "I admit, it was a bit closer than I really would have liked to play things, but I was never going to have a better chance to resurrect Temire, and it would have been foolish to resurrect her just so the two of them could capture her." <Jaret> Oh, I was in Thythssia. It's a town a couple days south of Marsember. It's where I picked up Temire's present. <Lisl> ::one eyebrow going up, and the other quickly climbing to join it:: Thythssia? Isn't that a bit...lower-class than your usual digs? I'd heard it was populated by pirates, smugglers, and slavers. And that's just the town council. <Jaret> ::to Zoya.:: Yes. * Michelle smiles at Jaret, "Should I get Yohko, or do you trust me with the knowledge of this gift?" <Lisl> ::grinning ruefully:: I'm glad, too. I'll be fine soon enough. I just got a little...extra crispy around the edges. * Zoya chuckles benignly at Lisl's comment. <Jaret> ::to Lisl:: No... I think you're thinking of the Dragonisle, which is more to the east. * Tyl takes out a largish yellow stone and her jewelers glass and begins examining the stone... <Lisl> ::narrowing her eyes:: But...*due* south? Jaret, there's naught there but sea. Trust me, I've found out the hard way more than once. <Jaret> Yes, Lisl. That's correct. ::drinks some more of his wine:: * Michelle nods, "I think she's earned the right to carry the kind of blade I suspect you procured." Tilts her head to the side. "Though Yohko will probably spend quite a while debating between letting her have it as a reward for keeping her sanity while she was a ghost and thinking it would be better for her to earn it on some adventure." <Jaret> ::to Michelle:: I trust you with the knowledge of the gift, but I think it'd be right if Temire were the first to actually see it. <Lisl> ::taking a long swallow of brandy, holding it in her mouth as she thinks:: Since when did you become so chummy with the blue elves, Milord Malkier? <Michelle> Quite proper. * Tyl tucks the yellow stone back into her pocket, muttering under her breath. She pulls out a small black translucent stone and begins examining that one. <Jaret> Fairly recently. And I was there on a business matter, anyway, and didn't have much time for personal conversation. ::he gets a small mischievous grin:: Although King Aolis's daughter was quite charming. <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: Just have a care. From what I hear, they're more rabidly opposed to half-breeds like me than *most* elves. * Zoya is obviously bursting with curiosity, but trying to drown it in cider. * Tyl looks up at Lisl <Lisl> ::catching Tyl's look:: Half-elf. What, the pointy ears don't give me away? ::tweaking one softly pointed ear with a finger:: <Tyl> Actually ::laughs:: I thought they were indicative of the other part of your heritage... * Zoya takes another gulp of cider. <Zoya> Michelle, could I trouble you for a second draft? * Jaret grins at Lisl. "In any case, I got back from my trip, discovered my dwelling had not been burgled while I was gone, and have spent these last few weeks in the dreary pursuit of settling a few minor legal issues that came up while I was gone. Taxes, you know." <Lisl> ::chuckles:: Sorry, I only *act* like an imp sometimes. No blood relation. <Tyl> Ah well... I wasn't in elven society long enough to pick up all the stupid prejudices. I've made my own stupid prejudices instead <Lisl> Yes, and I'm sure the vampires will be contacting the Civil Rights League any day about you. ::grin:: <Lisl> Taxes? ::looking blank:: Oh, taxes! Hm....I should do something about those sometime, I suppose.... * Michelle takes Zoya's mug and refills it, "Here you go." * Jaret makes a face. "Actually owning property, and having a fixed address draws the tax collectors like flies to sh... sherry." <Tyl> Tell me about it. You should see the large sheaf of papers they gave me last week. And inheritance tax too... <Lisl> ::grinning...well, impishly:: Hmm...I didn't know flies were that fond of sherry. Manure, now...give then a good, warm pile of manure any day. <Jaret> "That and, what with Cormyr's sword tax, the local office sent their newest employee out to me, as a practical joke on him, me, or the both of us I have no idea. The things he wanted to classify as a sword and have me pay taxes on were astoundingly ludicrous." <Zoya> ::looks at Jaret:: I'd think the definition of "sword" would be fairly obvious. <Tyl> Sword tax too? I didn't get that one... ::looks around nervously:: * Jaret looks at Zoya. "You'd think so, wouldn't you? <Lisl> ::grinning wider:: You fight main-gauche, don't you? I bet he had a fun time with those.... <Jaret> ::to Tyl:: It's not much... 1 gold piece per weapon, but it adds up if you happen to, say, teach swordplay, and own practice swords. <Lisl> ::chuckling at Tyl:: I wonder if they can classify it as a sword if it doesn't reside the main part of its existence in this dimension? <Tyl> ::makes a face:: I can't believe how low I've fallen.... look at me... paying taxes and everything. I've become... an upstanding citizen... ::takes a drink:: Somebody stab me now... * Michelle shakes her head, "I'm usually thankful to not have to worry about income tax, but sometimes I think it was simpler." <Lisl> And besides, they have to FIND them first. * Michelle grins at Lisl, "Think they'll manage to find Temire to get her tax." <Lisl> ::nodding towards Tyl:: I meant her...cutlery. <Lisl> ::chuckling:: <Lisl> That depends...::looking back at Michelle with a straight face:: Think they'll find Yohko, Felice, and all the rest of that lot? * Michelle smiles, "Probably not." * Tyl pours herself another drink, tucks the black stone back in her pocket and pulls out a green one. <Lisl> Luckily, I don't have anything more than eating and flaying knives to my name. ::nodding to Jaret:: I gave him my sword, and now I'm a tax-free industry. ::leaning back on her stool and draping her arms over the bar, the picture of relaxation:: * Michelle brightens, "Maybe I should point that out to my landlord the next time he starts building up a head of steam about my destroying his house." <Lisl> ::short laugh:: There's a difference between taking away taxable items and taking away livelihood. Did he give you the line about his son having been born in that house? <Michelle> No. Did your landlord? ::Looks innocently at Lisl.:: <Lisl> I gave my sword away because Jaret needed one, and I didn't anymore. <Lisl> The last one did. ::grinning:: This one is owned outright by "damned furrin' money" in the words of some of my neighbors. * Michelle giggles, "I've bumped into that sentiment just about everywhere I've ever been." <Lisl> [Michelle's house went squish. and THEN burned down] <Michelle> [Everyone said I was daft for building a castle in a swamp...] <Lisl> [THWAP] <Lisl> ::drains her snifter of brandy and sets it on the counter:: Michelle, might I have some cocoa? And put a dollop of...something in it. * Michelle looks at Lisl quizzically for a moment, "Certainly Lisl." Goes about preparing the cocoa. * Jaret has some more of his wine. <Lisl> ::thinking more:: Maybe that raspberry stuff...Sham-something? * Michelle sets a mug of cocoa on the bar in front of Lisl, then splashes something from a brown bottle into the cocoa. "Would you like something to stir that with Lisl?" <Lisl> ::leaning back on the counter again:: I'm surprised, Jaret, that your employers don't just take care of your taxes for you. After all, they send you out of the country so often... <Lisl> ::glancing back at Michelle:: Any more of those chocolate swizzle-thingies back there? <Jaret> My employers? No, not really. I'm paid a modest salary, but my finances are my own business. I wouldn't have it any other way, even if it isn't the most clear cut situation most of the time. * Michelle grins, "We have a few." Pulls a jar out and sets it on the bar in front of Lisl, taking one for herself. "I guess I haven't outgrown my sweet tooth yet." <Lisl> Hmmm....::studying Jaret with a rather thwarted expression:: <Lisl> ::taking one:: Moon Dancer had said something about starting a "coffee bar" in Marsember...I think that's why he bought them. ::shakes her head:: I don't know how he expected that bitter stuff to catch on here... * Jaret finishes his wine, looks mournfully into the glass, and then at the night outside. "I guess it isn't *too* late. Michelle, can I have another glass, please?" <Michelle> Certainly Jaret. ::Michelle refills Jaret's glass.:: * Tyl glances up for a minute... then back down at the gemstone <Zoya> What'cha got there, Tyl? <Lisl> ::thinking a bit more, and deciding on a different tack:: You know, if you ever need some help on those excursions of yours, I'd be happy to lend a hand. <Tyl> Oh... green topaz... lovely isn't it? * Zoya leans over to look at Tyl's gem. <Jaret> If I ever am going somewhere where your talents would be handy, I'll be sure to see about inviting you along, Lisl. <Zoya> Very pretty. An unusual color for topaz. Are you sure it isn't an emerald? I know they don't usually get this big, but... <Tyl> ::hands over the jewelers glass:: Look for yourself. I'm pretty sure it's topaz. I've seen dark blue ones before, so I'm not sure there wouldn't be green ones. <Lisl> Thanks, Jaret. ::still looking frustrated, stirring her cocoa agitatedly:: <Zoya> ::waves away the glass:: I'll take your word for it; I don't know anything about gems. If you really want to be certain, I have a friend at the mage's guild who could do a structural analysis. <Tyl> ::chuckles:: and would there be anything left of it when he was done analyzing it? <Zoya> Of course! It's actually a sort of very high-powered divination. I'm dying to learn how he does it, but he won't tell me a thing. ::chuckles:: Of course, I think he's just trying to get me back for being so vague about the surge spheres... <Lisl> ::taking a hit of cocoa:: Mmmm.....just what I needed. * Jaret has a healthy drink of his wine. <Lisl> ::tracing her finger around the rim, thinking:: Jaret... <Jaret> Yes, Lisl? <Lisl> I have a confession to make. <Jaret> I'm curious, Lisl. What could you possibly have to confess? * Michelle glances back and forth between Lisl and Jaret. <Lisl> ::grinning broadly for a moment:: Oh, if only you knew....but I digress. ::face sobering:: <Lisl> I make a damned lousy spy, and all this sneaking about trying to find out what you're up to these days is driving me absolutely batty. <Lisl> ::grinning:: I confess to having tried to follow you south. I *expected* you to take ship. I did *not* expect to get so...suddenly wet. * Jaret grins widely. <Michelle> ::blink, blink:: <Lisl> So, I'm going to go back to what I do best, and be tactlessly blunt. WHAT are you doing these days? Who do you work for? <Jaret> ::Jaret smiles:: Oh, traveling about from here to there. Seeing the local sights. Admiring the local... color. And I work for the good of all people. How's that? * Zoya is hiding her curiosity in her mug of cider again... * Michelle shakes her head. <Lisl> Clear as mud. ::sighing and taking a sip of her cocoa:: I've tried the sneaky approach, I've tried the casual approach, I've tried the straightforward approach...about the only other things I can think of are to get you flaming drunk, to beat it out of you, or to sleep with you, and I'm not particularly up for any of those. What else IS there? <Lisl> Wait a moment..."the good of all people"? Don't tell me you joined those Harpers? <Jaret> You can't just accept that my employer would rather remain nameless? And, no, I don't work for the Harpers. They mostly stick to the Dalelands anyway, and rarely wander into the heart of Cormyr. <Lisl> I can accept it...well, no I can't accept it, because I don't trust people who claim to work for my good. I tend to think they're trying to make my decisions for me. And the Harpers might always try to expand.... <Jaret> I think over everything I do before I do it, Lisl. I don't want to become entrapped into some moral dilemma, and so far everything has been very straightforward. And I wouldn't make your decisions for you. I wish I knew what I could do to ease your concerns. * Michelle shakes her head, "That's one dilemma I've never managed to figure out. I'm fairly certain it's insoluble. People, as a group, are stupid and petty, so letting the people rule results in a government that is stupid and petty. On the other hand, while one good individual can benefit everyone, one wicked person and destroy everyone, and there's never anyway of knowing what kind of person they'll be before hand." <Lisl> ::grinning:: You could tell me who you work for. * Tyl yawns, peers into her empty glass and stands up. * Jaret grins back, "Ah, but all that would tell you was who was employing me, and then you still wouldn't have enough to make a reasonable decision." * Jaret drinks some more wine. <Tyl> It's been a busy week, I think I'll wander on home... ::places a small coin on the table:: <Lisl> Sleep sweet, Tyl. * Zoya looks up at Tyl, realizes the time, and starts up. "Oh!" <Tyl> Good night all <Jaret> Good evening, Tyl. <Michelle> Goodnight Tyl'gainia. * Zoya finishes the last swallow of her cider and sets the mug on the counter. * Tyl leaves the Hall <Zoya> I'd best be getting back, myself. Goodnight! <Lisl> It would tell me who was employing you, and get me started towards a decision on whether I trusted them. <Michelle> Goodnight Zoya. <Lisl> Goodnight, Zoya! Sleep sweet. <Lisl> After all, how can I trust "Them" if they don't even trust me with a name? <Michelle> Having a name doesn't always help matters any Lisl. <Lisl> Sh, you're not helping my case, here. <Jaret> I'm... I'm afraid that is still primarily my decision, and my business, Lisl. I'm very sorry if that offends you. And I don't reveal my employer more for my own safety, such as it is, so I'm not immediately identified when I arrive in... less than friendly locales. <Lisl> ::sipping her cocoa:: <Jaret> I trust you not to reveal it, but still, I'm trying to be careful. I'm not used to keeping so many secrets, especially from my closest friends. <Lisl> Oh, don't get all bent out of shape about it, Jaret, I'm not offended. I just worry about you sometimes...and I'm jealous of your fun. <Michelle> We understand Jaret. But if the burden ever grows to great remember, "Joy is in the heart that hears, not in the mouth that speaks." * Jaret instantly relaxes. "Oh, good. I was worried that I had upset you. And I've been able to take care of myself so far. And... well, everyone finds fun in their own places, I guess. I've just been lucky lately." <Lisl> Seriously, I *do* tend to be a tad paranoid about these "greater good" people, but then, paranoia is what's kept me alive. ::rueful smile:: Too often, they've decided that the "greater good" involves hunting me down or running me out of town. <Michelle> "The path to Hell is paved with good intentions." <Jaret> And if anyone decided that running you out of town was their goal, I'd be at your side in an instant. That certainly hasn't changed. <Lisl> ::chuckling:: I know that, Jaret. But what I meant is that these black-and-white visionaries make us grey folk a trifle nervous. <Jaret> *laugh* If anything, I've noticed that the people I've been talking with are a lot more into seeing things in shades of grey than in starker contrasts. * Jaret finishes off his wine. <Lisl> Actually...::taking another sip of cocoa, and tipping her head back to drain the gooey chocolate sludge from the bottom:: ...that *does* ease my mind somewhat. <Lisl> ::grinning:: I *still* may have to get you drunk, though. * Jaret stands and hoists his box under his left arm. "I had best be going, though. I'll bring this by in a week or so, and hopefully Temire will be able to make it that night." * Jaret laughs. "I don't think that's a fair offer from you, but we'll see what we can come up with." <Lisl> Well, I'm certainly not sleeping with you. I might break you or something. <Lisl> ::grinning wider:: Jaret slyly winks at Lisl. "You tease." <Lisl> I try. Goodnight, Jaret. <Jaret> Goodnight, Lisl. Good night, Michelle. Sleep well. * Michelle shakes her head. "Goodnight Jaret." * Jaret leaves the Hall. * Michelle sighs, "Maybe I should listen to Deanna and Felice occasionally." <Lisl> ::standing and stretching, every bone in her spine popping loudly:: I'd best be going to. The more I rest, the faster I'll recuperate. Or so Goody Bea tells me. * Michelle shoos the dishes into the kitchen. <Michelle> Wait for a moment and I'll walk home with you. <Lisl> They say the same thing? ::grinning:: Or did they finally get up the nerve to ask you to change your wardrobe? * Michelle finishes tidying up and heads for the door, retrieving a scarf that matches her skirt and a pair of gloves along the way. <Lisl> ::nodding and waiting at the door for Michelle to finish up:: * Michelle smiles, "They complain loudly about the wardrobe, though Felice has spent most of her time arguing with Yohko on the score. No, they think I should have tristed with Jaret rather than wanting him to settle down." * Michelle shrugs, "They have their idiosyncracies and I have mine. There what make us what we are." <Lisl> Tristed? As in, had an affair? <Lisl> I'm sorry, Michelle, I'd forgotten you had feelings for him. <Michelle> I don't think affair is quite the right word, since neither of us is married. * Michelle smiles at Lisl, "It's alright Lisl. I learned to accept these things long before I was born." <Lisl> ::opens her mouth, thinks for a moment, shakes her head, and closes her mouth:: I won't pretend to have understood that. Let's go home, shall we? * Michelle steps out into the street. * Lisl leaves the Hall, pulling her fur more tightly about her shoulders. |
|
|