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* Michelle unlocks the door and announces, "Hall's Open!" * Tyl walks in, leaning heavily on Vallel * Michelle returns behind the bar. She's dressed in a dusted green skirt, trimmed in orange along with a matching blouse and jacket. A black ribbon holds her long brown hair back, and another is tied around her waist. * Jaret walks into the hall and takes off his plumed hat. "Michelle! A goblet of Arabellan Red, if you please." He is dressed in stormcloud greys, and has his rapier on his left hip and Moon Dancer's klaive on his right. <Vallel> Vallel staggers in, supporting his teacher by one arm' * Michelle pours Jaret his wine, "Are you alright Tyl'gainia?" * Michelle sets the goblet on the bar for Jaret. * Tyl sits heavily at the bar <Tyl> I've had better days, really * Jaret stops short of picking up his goblet. "Tyl? What's the matter? Should we call for a cleric?" <Tyl> Good evening, Jaret... if you've got one in your pocket, great. Otherwise, I think I'll pass * Lisl strides into the Hall, favoring her right foot, and pauses for a moment, raising an eyebrow at the crown already present. * Zoya enters with Glossaria, looking moderately irritable. Each footprint glows orange in her wake for several seconds before fading away. "Did someone call for a cleric?" She waves at Michelle. "Cider, if you'd be so kind." <Jaret> Ah... no, I'm afraid I don't. But you really look quite tired. * Michelle pours a cider for Zoya and sets it on the bar. <Jaret> Lisl! ::he bows:: Good to see you, come in! Come in! <Vallel> Oh, thank the gods, Lady Zoya... I'm very glad to see you. Mistress Tyl's got an arrow in the leg <Tyl> Well, it's not a *whole* arrow... just the pointy bit <Zoya> ::picks up the cider and drinks deeply. When she puts the mug down, it sparkles green for a few minutes:: An arrow? Why didn't you pull it out? * Glossaria follows in on Zoya's heels, swiftly moving forward to interpose herself unobtrusively between Zoya and Jaret. <Lisl> ::dryly:: Oh, that's so much better, Tyl. Good to see it hasn't wounded your sense of humor. * Bronwyn follows not long after Lisl, a new face in the crowd. She peers around for a moment before slipping in. Small and round, with long brown hair that constantly shifts into gray eyes, her age is difficult to determine at first glance. * Vallel looks up at Glossaria <Michelle> Evening stranger, can I get you anything? <Vallel> Hello dear... do you think you could give me a hand with this stubborn Mistress of mine? <Zoya> ::sighs:: Put your leg up, Tyl, I'll see if there's anything I can do. * Tyl sits pulls her leg up to the stool top, wincing a few times. There is a nasty, blood-soaked tear across her breeches. <Glossaria> ::smiling warmly at Vallel, but retaining an air of slight worry:: What did she do to herself? Who did this? ::moving forward to inspect the leg:: * Vallel makes a face <Vallel> Well, it's sort of my fault <Tyl> You stop that... <Tyl> It certainly is not your fault * Tyl turns to Zoya * Bronwyn blinks to see all the commotion around the wounded woman, looking somewhat more startled when spoken to. To Michelle, "Oh... um, cider, please..." * Zoya lets Gloss do the examination. "So tell us what happened, Tyl." * Jaret has a sip of his wine. <Tyl> Do all apprentices take so much personally? * Tyl heaves a sigh. <Zoya> It's been known to happen. * Michelle fills a mug with cider and sets it on the floor. <Michelle> ::The mug waddles over to Bronwyn and taps her on the leg in order to get her attention.:: <Tyl> Vallel got his flame out of control again this morning. And I went the cleric, who was nice enough to heal the burns. But he also talked to that triple-damned sneaky bastard... and so we got ambushed on the way back to the school... * Bronwyn tilts her head curiously, looking down at the walking tableware. Very cautiously, she leans over and picks it up, "Erm... thank you." <Zoya> You still haven't taken care of that guy? Have you at least been able to find anything out? <Michelle> Welcome. <Lisl> ::frowning slightly:: So he's gotten a bit more serious about things, has he? <Vallel> Very serious... <Tyl> Well, I can't prove that Shadowman is in his hire, but I believe he is... <Zoya> Shadowman? Who's that? <Glossaria> ::looking up from her examination quizzically:: <Tyl> what I call that man who's been following me around all month * Bronwyn finds a seat and settles in, sipping the cider and making no secret of her eavesdropping. <Zoya> Ah. I wasn't aware you'd given him a name. ::to Gloss:: Can you take it out? * Vallel leans over and kisses Gloss gently on the cheek... then notices the stranger and gives her a long, concentrated stare * Zoya takes another long drink of cider. This time, as her hands leave the mug, faint yellowish trails lead from the mug to her hand like cobwebs. Zoya shakes her hand impatiently, but the trails simply float in the air persistently. <Glossaria> Ah. ::nodding:: Well, he didn't get you too badly, Mistress Tyl'gainia. ::blushing as Vallel kisses her, and clearing her throat:: Ummm....where was I? Oh, right. No sign of poison, missed the bones and the major arteries. If someone can give me a rag, I think we can fix this up. <Tyl> You're very colorful, Zoya... what's up? <Zoya> My magic's coming back. It'll be a week or so before I can fully control it. * Bronwyn doesn't look much older than the young man staring at her. She blushes at the stare and glances away, finding her mug extremely interesting. <Lisl> ::glancing at Tyl's leg:: Need a hand getting the arrow out? Michelle, could I have some 'kick, please? <Zoya> :;raises an eyebrow at Lisl:: You're not going to put 'kick in the *wound* are you? Please? * Michelle carefully pours Lisl's drink and sets it on the bar for her. <Tyl> Ah! I'll pass, thanks... ow, Lisl... are you trying to finish me off? <Lisl> ::looking offended:: Of course not! There are easier ways of amputating a limb! * Zoya looks relieved. Especially since the yellow "cobweb" fades. <Glossaria> ::looking up:: You could probably pull it out cleaner than I could, Mistress Lisl. ::looking at Tyl apologetically:: It'll hurt less than if I had to yank it several times, really. <Tyl> well... <looks at Michelle> You wanna hit me with some rum, please? * Michelle pours a double rum and ice for Tyl, and leaves the bottle next to the glass. <Glossaria> ::looking alarmed:: Really, no further violence is necessary! Oh...wait...I see...::looking sheepish:: <Tyl> thanks... ::knocks back the rum neatly:: * Vallel sneaks another look at Bronwyn, hovering protectively over his Mistress * Lisl studies the stubby broken end of the arrow. "Actually..." She flexes her fingers and grabs the arrowhead carefully, making sure she's got a firm grip before drawing it smoothly from the wound like a knife from a sheath. * Tyl notices his look, frowns and punches him firmly on one arm. <Tyl> Stop that... * Tyl hisses painfully. <Jaret> Lisl, do you mind if I take a look at that arrowhead when you're done? * Bronwyn looks pretty harmless. Really. She's stopped staring at people, settling for furtive glances. She's also taken to letting a sheaf of shining brown hair fall to partly conceal her face as she looks through her satchel. * Glossaria nods in approval and pushes a clean rag against the wound to staunch the blood flow. "Mistress Zoya...could you dig my notebook out of my pocket, please? <Tyl> Bloody hell, that hurts! <Lisl> Be my guest. ::handing it to Jaret and grabbing a napkin to wipe the gore from her fingers:: <Glossaria> It won't in just a moment, I promise. * Tyl grabs the rum bottle and drains about a third of it. * Zoya nods and pulls Gloss's ever present notebook from her pocket. When she hands it to Gloss, it's glowing orange where she touched it. (muttering) "I thought I'd *fixed* that one..." <Tyl> I'll... um, pay for the bottle ::hiccup:: <Glossaria> ::smiles a little as she accepts the notebook, riffling through it one-handed. When she reaches the page she wants, she checks the back side of it to make sure there's nothing important there, and sets the book on her knee to rip the page out, rolling it into a ball and popping it into her mouth. <Michelle> Don't worry about Tyl'gainia. * Jaret takes the arrow from Lisl, his hand shrouded in a handkerchief. He turns it over a couple times before frowning. "I'm sorry, Tyl, but it looks like an arrowhead that the attacker probably crafted himself. It doesn't look like it's from any of the weaponsmiths around Marsember. <Vallel> Cowardly bastard anyway... shooting from behind... <Michelle> Cowardly, or simply intelligent? * Zoya smiles at Vallel, but doesn't say anything. (He's not *her* student...) <Tyl> Probably pretty smart, actually... given the demonstration I had this morning, if he'd been facing us, you'd have probably blinded him * Glossaria leans over the wound and starts whispering to it. Purple wispy tendrils of some magical script drift from her lips, forming into spiders in mid-air and settling down onto the wound. They begin moving back and forth, weaving a fine, faintly glowing mesh. * Zoya watches Gloss with interest, shaking her head. "Damn, but I wish I could do that." <Glossaria> Oh! That's an effect I didn't expect. If you're arachnophobic, I apologize. <Tyl> Ug... ::looks away and takes another slug out of the rum bottle:: Not that I'm not grateful or anything, Gloss, but it, um... turns my stomach <Tyl> I just won't look at it and everything will be just peachy <Glossaria> ::smiling:: They should be gone in a moment. ::As she speaks, the spiders finish weaving their web, and dissolve back into puffs of violet smoke, taking the form of words once again before disappearing completely. <Tyl> Well... thank you... ::hiccup:: <Zoya> ::takes another drink of cider, with still more showy lights:: Damn it, where *is* Marten, anyway? * Bronwyn finds what she was looking for in her satchel, a case carrying a well-crafted, if plain, hammered dulcimer. Setting her mug on the table, she cocks an ear to the instrument, testing the tuning. * Glossaria inspects the wound carefully. The web forms a neat bandage that packs and wraps the wound, clinging lightly to the skin. She nods. "It should keep it free of infection, as well, but you may want to have a healer check in a day or two. <Vallel> Not on your life, sweetheart... ::makes a face:: not after this... from now on, we only seek aid from people we already know * Jaret has another sip of wine, and gingerly holds the arrowhead out to Tyl and Vallel. "Do.. do you want this?" <Tyl> Um, no, not when you're so attached to it, Lord Ja'et ::hiccup:: <Glossaria> ::putting a hand on Vallel's arm:: It's that bad? Are you alright? You didn't get hit, did you? ::running a hand across his chest:: <Jaret> Very well. Michelle? Can you.. dispose of this, then? <Michelle> Certainly. ::Michelle takes the arrowhead from Jaret and disappears into the kitchen.:: <Vallel> No, I'm fine... but we've been having some major problems recently. <Tyl> Problems is putting it mildly. ::to the group:: Vallel is the only student still here after last night, and only because he won't leave <Lisl> ::taking a sip of her 'kick and flicking her eyes toward the stranger:: We seem to be full this evening...although Marten seems to have had other plans. ::frowning a little:: Has anyone seen him? I hope he hasn't left the city yet...sorry, Zoya. <Glossaria> ::looking concerned:: But...you're a wonderful teacher, Mistress Tyl! What's gone wrong? <Vallel> ::looks at the floor:: <Vallel> Someone tried to kill two of the young lady students yesterday... I sort of... well... <Tyl> He burned half the building down saving their lives. I don't know why he's so upset about it. * Zoya smiles briefly at Lisl. "That's okay. No, he's not gone yet. He promised he'd tell me before he went, if he does." <Bronwyn> ::the stranger is, to all appearances, concentrating on her dulcimer. Conversation? What conversation?:: <Glossaria> ::smiling hugely and hugging Vallel's arm:: Oh, you're so brave! You shouldn't be ashamed of it. ::smiling a little wickedly:: At least it was only *half* the building this time...your control is improving. <Jaret> Did you report the attack to the Purple Dragons, Tyl? They shouldn't just let it go uninvestigated. <Vallel> ::studies his feet carefully:: It wasn't like I expected him to blunder into the curtains like that... then ::woof:: the whole room went up <Tyl> I reported it... on my way to the cleric to get my burns taken care of... <Zoya> I thought you said you got shot on your way *back* from the cleric? <Tyl> Of course, with the would-be assassin as so much ash... there's not much they can do * Jaret looks slyly at Tyl. "You haven't had the best of luck with curtains in your houses, have you?" * Tyl laughs <Tyl> No, not really <Tyl> I think I'll forgo curtains the next time I build anything <Lisl> ::chuckling:: Build in stone. That's the ticket. Just ask Michelle. ::chuckling:: <Vallel> Well, after she got injured *again* I thought we should come someplace safe <Bronwyn> "Stone can burn too," she pipes up without thinking, then ducks her head back down. * Zoya laughs. * Vallel looks over at the bard again... * Tyl waves a small fist in Vallel's direction. <Tyl> Stop that... it's not polite <Vallel> Sorry, Mistress... I'm just worried * Michelle returns from the kitchen, "Worried about what Vallel?" <Glossaria> That's alright. I think he's just trying to make me jealous. ::snuggling against his arm:: * Bronwyn finally stops ducking for a moment, and tilts her head to look at Tyl. Softly she says, "No... it's all right. It sounds as if he's got reason to be suspicious of strangers." <Vallel> Worried about everything... really * Tyl pops off her bar stool and walks over to the stranger, just barely limping * Jaret shrugs. "Worry about what you can, plan ahead for what might be, but don't let it consume you." <Tyl> I'm Tyl'gainia Nightstorm... Mistress of the very short lived Psionic School. Pleased to meet you. ::offers a small, somewhat dirty, hand:: <Michelle> That kind of worrying doesn't do you any good. Unless you've got specific problems you can address the best you can do is to be cautious and stay alert. <Zoya> ::Very slowly, without her noticing it, the purple lock of Zoya's hair begins to glow.:: * Bronwyn all but jumps to her feet, offering her own hand in return, "Bronwyn ferch Clement. Pleased to meet you, Mistress. I'm... well..." She offers a faint smile, "nobody, really. Just a wanderer." <Michelle> Tyl'gainia, if that wounds starts giving you trouble come back here and I'll take a look at it. * Zoya fingers the scars at her throat. "Glossaria's very good with healing spells, actually, Michelle." <Glossaria> ::blushing and looking over at Zoya, her eyes lifting to her hair:: Um...Mistress...? <Zoya> What, Glossaria? <Glossaria> ::pointing to her own hair:; You're...umm...glowing again. <Michelle> I believe it, but Glossaria did mention that she should have a healer look at it. Since it seems unlikely that she'll trust the professionals in Marsember for some time I was offering my services. <Glossaria> ::nods agreement with Michelle:: * Jaret follows Glossaria's gaze to Zoya's hair, and one of his eyebrows quirks a bit. "Well.. that's rather fashionable, Zoya, to tell the truth." <Zoya> ::frowns and pulls her hair over her shoulder to look at it. She frowns at the purple lock, and closes her eyes. Slowly, it stops, and Zoya opens her eyes again.:: <Glossaria> ::nods:: Is your control getting better? <Zoya> ::dryly, to Jaret:: Do you think? I suppose I could turn it back on. <Jaret> Honestly, Zoya. It's rather... striking. <Zoya> ::to Gloss:: A bit. It's like trying to dam a river with a single log, though. I'll get the hang of it eventually. <Lisl> ::raising an eyebrow and chuckling:: Fashionable where, M'lord Malkier? Kara-Tur? <Jaret> A mark of primacy, if you will, but not as basic or gaudy as an amulet or scepter. <Zoya> ::chuckles in Jaret's direction:: <Jaret> Kara-Tur? No, we didn't see enough of the citizenry to really get an idea of what the ladies of court are wearing this season. ::he grins, impishly:: <Lisl> A-HA! But you admit you *did* go adventuring without me again! <Zoya> ::raises an eyebrow:: What *did* you see in Kara-Tur, Jaret? <Michelle> I believe someone was babysitting. <Jaret> Yes. You were occupied, however, Lisl. * Tyl takes Bronwyn's hand and shakes it twice <Tyl> Nice to meet you. And nobody is nobody. Can you actually play that? I'd love to hear some music, if you would be so kind... <Jaret> What did we see...? I'm... I'm not really sure *what* we saw, yet. <Lisl> ::making a sour face:: Oh, sure, pick an excuse I can't argue with. * Vallel mutters to himself under his breath <Zoya> ::innocently:: You didn't *have* to take care of me, Lisl. I'm sure Glossaria and Marten could have managed. * Glossaria looking up at Vallel from somewhere under his chin:: Hmm? <Bronwyn> Oh... yes... I'm a.. fair hand, I suppose. ::she smiles again, sinking back into her seat:: Any requests? If I know it, I'll happily give it a try... <Vallel> Nothing, my dear... I'm just seeing wolves in the thickets... <Zoya> ::to Jaret:: Well, when you've figured it out, I hope you'll agree to come and tell me? * Tyl glances at Vallel, then makes a sly smile and winks at Lisl <Lisl> ::taking a long swallow of 'kick:: Ha. Gloss does what you tell her, and Marten doesn't know you well enough to know when to sit on you...or to do it without blushing. No, you needed someone at least as stubborn as you are. ::giving Vallel an odd look at his last comment:: <Zoya> ::solicitously:: How's your foot doing, Lisl? * Vallel looks at the two women with a puzzled expression, then turns back to Gloss <Vallel> I haven't seen you recently... how are you? * Tyl turns back to the bard... <Tyl> Angus's kilt? <Lisl> Not too badly. ::in the same tone of voice:: And is your rump still sore, Zoya? ::grinning at Tyl's request:: Last I heard, Angus was still very much alive.... <Jaret> ::to Zoya:: Of course. <Bronwyn> ::her brow furrows:: That's the one that goes... ::she whistles a toe-tapping bit of tune:: Or do I have it confused with another one? <Bronwyn> ::blinks, then giggles at Lisl, an almost startled sound:: That's awful. ::grin:: <Glossaria> ::snuggling back down against him:: Well enough. Very busy though...lots of research. ::giving Michelle a small frown:; <Lisl> I try. <Zoya> My rump is just fine, thanks for asking. Wonders what a little salve can do. <Michelle> Don't look at me like that Glossaria. I never said you couldn't take a break from your research. <Glossaria> ::smiling a little:: You obviously don't know many librarians on your home world... <Michelle> ::Bronwyn's mug starts pacing the edge of the table.:: * Lisl slants a grin in Bronwyn's direction and takes a swig of 'kick. * Jaret has another sip of his wine. <Lisl> ::glancing back and forth from Michelle to Jaret:: So, were you two planning on keeping your findings to yourselves? If Marten's not here, it's an excellent opportunity to go over it all without...discomfiting him. <Bronwyn> ::peers at the pacing mug for a moment:: "Be patient," she murmurs to it, then looks back to Tyl, "Well, was that it?" <Tyl> Oh... yes... that was it... * Michelle passes the question to Jaret. * Jaret glances at Michelle. "I'm not certain. We're still trying to determine the veracity of what happened. I don't want to send people off on wild goose chases until I'm certain of what I'm saying." <Michelle> Well we can at least put forth what we do know for certain. <Lisl> ::dryly:: Though you're perfectly prepared to go off on them yourself, of course. Can't you at least give us a *hint*? <Bronwyn> ::nods:: Oh, I can fake it then. ::settles the instrument across her lap, the tune she plays mirroring the one she was just whistling:: * Glossaria opens her mouth, glances at Michelle, and closes it again in consternation. <Jaret> We found the place where Moon Dancer... ended. It was horrible. <Tyl> Moon Dancer ended what? ::looks up:: <Michelle> Moon Dancer definitely made it to Kara-Tur. He got into a fight with someone or something that was skilled both with sword and spell. Or else had a sword capable of casting spell for them. * Zoya leans forward, listening. <Jaret> ::bleakly:: Ended. Stopped. Ceased. <Lisl> *Ended*? ::sitting up straighter...her mug making a tiny whimpering noise as she takes a tighter grip on the handle:: What do you mean, ended?? <Michelle> Moon Dancer and his opponent seemed evenly matched, though I never would have guessed at Moon Dancer being even half that powerful. * Bronwyn softens her playing, although she doesn't quite stop, one ear cocked to the conversation at hand. <Lisl> ::darkly:: You didn't know him as well as I do. Don't mince words, Jaret. Are you telling me Moon Dancer's dead? <Jaret> If I knew he was dead, I'd say so. I'm not certain, so I'm not going to state it. * Zoya stands and moves toward Lisl. She rests one hand on Lisl's shoulder, gripping tightly. <Michelle> The trail ended in a valley that had been laid COMPLETELY to waste. Spiritually dead. Unfortunately whatever did was so terrible that all the spirits who witnessed it and survived are too shell shocked to give particularly useful descriptions. <Glossaria> ::unable to resist putting in her two coppers:: Not spiritually dead. Magically dead...wasn't it? <Michelle> I'm working on a spell to try and locate Moon Dancer's spirit. Unfortunately I won't be able to cast it until the next full moon. <Jaret> Several hundred yards of dead earth in all directions. No vegetation inside. Michelle said no spirits would come near it. Complete devastation. * Michelle shoots a glance at Glossaria, "No, spiritually dead." <Lisl> ::gritting her teeth:: What...exactly...did you find, Jaret? Was there a body? Any trace of 'Dancer at all? * Tyl whistles softly under her breath <Jaret> We found.... nothing. The battle raged until it got to that area, climaxed, and then stopped. * Zoya frowns, thinking, looking serious as she tries to imagine what could cause that kind of devastation. <Michelle> Lisl, I'm speculating now, but I'm also morally certain that we've all seen Moon Dancer's body. The question is, where is his spirit? <Lisl> ::looking puzzled:: But...if everything was so...dead, how did you even know it was 'Dancer that caused it? * Jaret passes Lisl's question off to Michelle. * Glossaria opens her mouth, and closes it again, looking frustrated. * Vallel reaches out and takes hold of Gloss's shoulder, comfortingly <Michelle> The battle moved around a lot. I followed the trail to the valley. The destruction got worse the closer we got to the valley, but one opponent was definitely a native of this world, or at least a world very similar to this one. The other possessed powers similar to those I know Moon Dancer possessed. Additionally, the spirits in Moon Dancer's klaive led us to the site. * Zoya smiles thinly at Glossaria. <Lisl> ::glancing at Jaret:: It's...not him. Smells like him, but it's not his body. ::smiling without humor:: There's more to what he was than spirit, and that's not in Marten, either, remember? ::looking at Michelle, shocked:: You *talked* to his klaive?? <Michelle> Yes. * Glossaria looks up at Vallel gratefully, burrowing a little deeper into his comforting embrace. <Jaret> I can't be certain whether Marten is a remnant of Moon Dancer, a product of whatever attacked Moon Dancer, a completely separate third entity or... or something else. I'm not coming to any conclusions yet until I have a better idea of what might be. <Lisl> ::frowning in consternation, looking down at her hand as if just remembering that it holds a mug in it. Absently, she takes a long swallow of 'kick:: So...something...inordinately powerful, I'm assuming...attacked 'Dancer out of the blue? Why? For what purpose? * Zoya nods. "Wise. There are still too many possibilities to attempt to draw conclusions." <Michelle> Your guess is as good as mine. About all I managed to get out of the klaive about it was that it tasted bad. * Jaret spreads his hands wide and shakes his head. "I don't know. I only wish I did." <Lisl> Marten didn't do it. If he had anything to do with this, he'd at least have *some* memory of 'Dancer. And he doesn't have the air of a dissembler. * Zoya lets go of Lisl's shoulder and heads back to her stool. From where her hand had rested, a shower of small flowers falls down to rest on Lisl's lap. <Lisl> It...tasted bad? * Michelle shrugs, "I assume Moon Dancer hit his opponent with the klaive. The spirits say that bit the opponent but that it tasted bad." <Jaret> I'm not going to condemn Marten, but I'm not willing to completely exonerate him, either, Lisl.' <Zoya> ::eyes Jaret, then sighs slightly and nods:: * Michelle sighs and shakes her head, "I just wish we could get into those memories of his." * Lisl notices the fall of flowers, and picking one up from her lap, studies it. It's small, and the petals are a glowing blue. She stares at it, her fingers trembling slightly, and whispers a word. "Erdian..." <Zoya> ::to Lisl:: The flowers aren't Erdian's, Lisl. <Jaret> I don't think he's going to be willing to let people delve into his memories. The last time the idea of Tyl aiding him in recovering his memories was broached, he fought off the idea quite fiercely. * Michelle responds tiredly, "I know, I know..." * Tyl looks up sleepily at the sound of her name <Zoya> To be honest, the idea of letting a psionic I've only just met root around in my mind is fairly repugnant to me, too. He might be more receptive to the idea now that he knows us better. * Lisl gives Zoya a sad look, and lets the flower fall to the floor. "He *was* more receptive to the idea, after we'd talked about it a bit. But by then, Tyl had gone. <Tyl> Sorry... ::mutters:: * Zoya nods. <Michelle> ::Bronwyn's mug wanders over to her and starts tapping its foot.:: <Jaret> You're welcome to reintroduce the idea to him, but I don't think it'd wise to let Marten know what Michelle, Temire and I found in Kara-Tur. I don't want him to feel.. forced. <Lisl> Wasn't blaming you, Tyl. ::shakes her head:: Tho' I'd dearly love to find *something* to blame for this mess, and cut it into very tiny pieces...::her eyes take on a yellow gleam for a moment, before returning to their normal blue-grey:: <Michelle> I think we all agree with you on that sentiment Lisl. <Lisl> ::raising an eyebrow at Michelle:: Care to fight me for the privilege? <Bronwyn> ::blinks at the mug, then gives a startled grin, picking it up again and murmuring:: Felt neglected, did you? ::obligingly, she drinks, still watching the drama unfold:: <Zoya> Much as I hate to keep knowledge from anyone, Jaret, I agree, for now. If he had any hint that he might be *responsible* for this mess, I don't know what he'd do. * Michelle smiles at Lisl, "I've seen you fight Lisl, but you have a problem with magic." <Michelle> I don't even want to think about the possibilities Zoya. <Lisl> ::grinning:: "No matter how powerful the mage, a knife in the back will severely cramp his style." Words to live by. <Glossaria> ::pipes up, no longer able to resist:: But what about the wolf cub? <Zoya> ::raises an eyebrow at Lisl:: You have to *get* to the mage's back first, my friend. Once I've got this... nonsense under control again, I'd like to see you back on my sparring floor. <Michelle> Assuming you can get the knife there. After all, Moon Dancer didn't manage it. <Lisl> You mean you'd like to see me *on* my back on your sparring floor...wolf cub? What wolf cub? You mean the one in Marten's painting, Glossaria? * Jaret shoots Glossaria a mildly dour look, but speaks. "One of the den mother's in Moon Dancer's old pack, one thought to long be barren, is pregnant." * Lisl looks grim at Michelle's last comment. "Don't jump to conclusions, you said." * Zoya glances from Jaret to Lisl to Bronwyn and back, frowning slightly. <Jaret> The apparent father was a great, silver-furred wolf who appeared at her side one evening, mated with her, and then was gone by morning. The pack dismissed it as a dream, but once she started showing, they've accepted it as the truth. <Lisl> ::glances at Bronwyn herself:: His old pack? The ones he cared for, you mean. ::giving Jaret a narrow-eyed look:: Silver....? <Jaret> I believe the yet-unborn pup has something to do with Moon Dancer, but I just don't know yet. ::he shoots a stern glance around the room: Of everything, this I especially don't want Marten to know. <Zoya> ::looks confused, but glances at Bronwyn and decides to wait until later:: <Jaret> Yes, Lisl, the pack Moon Dancer watched out for. ::squints slightly, remembering:: A silver-furred wolf, with green eyes. <Lisl> ::looking very disgusted with herself:: His old pack...::shakes her head:: How stupid of me. I told him I'd keep an eye out for them while he was gone. ::glancing at Zoya:: Ranger's professional courtesy, of course. * Bronwyn returns the look this time, glancing between Zoya and Lisl, "I didn't mean to interrupt a private party," she offers, tucking away the dulcimer. "If you've something to discuss, I can come back another day." <Lisl> GREEN eyes... you're sure? ::looking puzzled:: How...odd. <Zoya> No, by all means, stay. This is a public place, after all - we'd best save our more private discussions for other places and times. ::smiles at Bronwyn:: You play beautifully, by the way. * Vallel shrugs and exchanges glances with Tyl - they seem to be "talking" together <Michelle> You're welcome to stay. If we chased people off every time things got interesting around here we'd have gone out of business years ago. * Tyl looks over at Michelle... <Tyl> Mind if we stay the night? I seem to be out of unburned houses <Lisl> ::snorts:: If we chased people off every time things got interesting, this place never would have opened in the first place. * Vallel blushes furiously <Lisl> ::grins at Michelle:: Lots of that going around. <Michelle> Certainly Tyl'gainia. <Glossaria> ::shakes Vallel's arm a little and smiles at him tolerantly:: She's right...it's not your fault. You were very brave. <Zoya> ::to Lisl:: Well, perhaps the next time your duties take you around to that side of the woods, you should look in on the pack? <Michelle> Stranger, do you have a place to stay. We have several empty rooms if you're in need of lodging. <Bronwyn> ::ducks her head at Zoya:: Thank you. ::then adds:: If you know of anyone who might be looking to hire a musician... or a performer of any type...? * Michelle returns Lisl's grin, "No one's come to burn your house down yet." <Lisl> ::nodding, looking determined:: I imagine I could find some time to stop by there this evening.... <Lisl> ::smiling at Bronwyn a trifle wistfully:: This Hall used to have a regular bard...it's been a long time. <Jaret> ::to Lisl:: I could accompany you, if you like. They seemed to have become accustomed, at least somewhat, to my presence. <Lisl> ::looks somewhat offended, and then nods reluctantly as she thinks about it:: It would probably be...diplomatic. <Glossaria> ::looking up, and glancing at Zoya:: Vallel could always stay with me for a little while, I've plenty of room for him...if Mistress Zoya doesn't mind, that is....::cheeks coloring a little:: <Zoya> ::to Lisl:: And you could stop by afterwards and tell me what you find. I'm likely to be up quite late. * Vallel grins from ear to ear, then noticing Tyl giving him a strangely amused look, blushes again <Zoya> ::to Gloss:: I think it would be better if he'd stay with Tyl for now, Glossaria, if he's worried about her safety, don't you think? <Glossaria> Oh....::face falling:: That's true. But if he *wanted* to, he could stay, couldn't he? ::looking hopeful:: <Tyl> He can stay at the tower, if you don't mind, Zoya, if he wants to... you're only young once, you know. I wish Jel would get back from wherever he's gotten off to these days <Michelle> Last call folks. <Zoya> ::considers Gloss for a moment:: I suppose. Try to remember that your training will begin as soon as I've taken care of this inconvenience, though. * Jaret looks at his remaining half-glass of wine and has a healthy swallow. "This will do it for me." <Lisl> ::giving Zoya a raised eyebrow:: Up late? What happened to going to bed early and recovering your strength, miss? <Vallel> Thank you mistress Zoya... Mistress Tyl... <Glossaria> Yes, Mistress...all the better to...umm...spend time with him...now, isn't it? <Zoya> My strength is just fine, Lisl. I've never needed much sleep, and it's difficult to rest when random flashes of light appear in one's bedcurtains. <Glossaria> It's up to you, though, Vallel. ::smiling at him and releasing her death grip on his arm, so he doesn't feel pressured:: * Tyl smiles at everyone and wanders up the stairs. <Tyl> I've had enough excitement for one night... I'm going to bed... * Vallel grins at Glossaria.... <Vallel> What could possibly happen to Tyl on the Hall? <Lisl> Good night, Tyl. Sleep sweet. And no hiding assassins in your curtains anymore, okay? <Tyl> Thanks mommy Lisl... I'll remember that... * Zoya almost chuckles at Vallel, but manages to control herself. <Lisl> ::snorting at Zoya's comment:: Your strength's just fine...so I shouldn't be able to knock you on your butt the *next* time we spar, should I then? <Zoya> You know as well as I that strength is only the smallest part of that! <Lisl> ::Shakes her head:: Try to take care of people, and what do they do? Sass you. I swear. <Bronwyn> ::continues the process of tucking away her belongings, offering payment for her cider from a rather meager-looking purse:: <Bronwyn> ::to Michelle:: Thank you... it's been... an interesting evening. <Lisl> ::grinning evilly:: I should get *my* mother to come take care of you. Then you'd *really* know what mothering was like! * Jaret finishes off his goblet of wine. * Michelle waves the coin off, "First ones free." <Zoya> ::smiles calmly:: I rather liked your mother when I met her last, Lisl. <Vallel> ::suddenly a small pile of coins rains down on the bar from midair and Tyl's voice comes ghostly down the stairs:: Sorry, Michelle, I forgot... * Vallel nearly jumps out of his skin. <Vallel> oh, I hate it when she does that... * Michelle sweeps the coins up into a pile, "And I thought I told you not to worry about Tyl'gainia." <Lisl> ::chuckles:: You've never had her feed you snake liver oil.... * Zoya drinks the last of the cider from her mug and puts it down with a thump. Half a dozen small gems bounce out from under the mug. Zoya examines them for a moment. "If they're still around tomorrow, Michelle, put them in the coinbox." <Glossaria> ::chuckles and gives Vallel a squeeze:: <Bronwyn> ::blinks, then tucks her money away:: Um.. thanks again. <Michelle> Certainly Zoya. Useful trick that. * Vallel offers Glossaria his arm... Shall we? <Zoya> ::laughs:: I'd not have taken your mother for a snake oil salesman, Lisl! <Lisl> ::picks up her mug again and drains it:: Ahh. <Zoya> ::glares half-heartedly at Michelle:: I didn't do it on purpose. <Michelle> Maybe you should learn how. <Glossaria> ::smiling:: Certainly...I can't wait to show you...::blushing furiously and glancing around the room:: Um...the new book I got. <Zoya> Maybe I should, at that. <Bronwyn> ::finishes her own mug, then pats it awkwardly:: Thank you, too. ::with a grin, she turns and heads out:: <Lisl> Heh. She doesn't sell it. She forces it on you. * Jaret hops off his barstool and stretches up onto his tiptoes for a moment (keeping a lookout for those rapscallions who might target his ribs), comes down and then offers his arm and a grin to Lisl. "Whenever you're ready to go." <Zoya> ::chuckles:: I'm not ill anymore, you know. I'm just trying to cope with the expanded intake of magic. * Vallel escorts Gloss out of the Hall <Michelle> Sounds like you're hyperventilating Zoya. <Zoya> Time for me to go as well. Those two certainly aren't going to be watching the shadows for *themselves*... ::follows Vallel and Glossaria at a discrete distance:: <Lisl> ::grins at Jaret and darts her free hand over to poke him in the ribs:: I'd be delighted. * Jaret reflexively blocks her hand with an elbow. * Jaret grins at Lisl. "Ready?" <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: Your reflexes are improving, Jaret. You've still got a few years in you, I suppose. <Lisl> ::grinning back:: Ready. <Jaret> Then we're off! Good night, Michelle! ::heads for the door, graciously motioning for Lisl to go first through it:: <Lisl> ::snorting and preceding Jaret through the door:: * Jaret leaves. * Michelle shoos the mugs into the kitchen, dims the lights, and locks the door. |
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