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* Tyl walks downstairs, stretching. Her black hair is pulled back with a leather thong. She's slightly dirty and looks like she slept in her clothes * Rhys walks in from the kitchen. "Evening, Tyl. One moment," He walks to the front door, unlocks it, and opens it. "Hall's open." * Rhys returns behind the bar. "What can I get you Tyl. Rum and ice?" <Tyl> Good evening Master Rhys... that would be lovely... dinner would be good too... * Rhys pours Tyl a double of rum & ice. "What would you like for dinner?" <Tyl> Something meat... I'm not entirely sure that you need to cook it first... ::grins fiercely:: <Rhys> Very well... beef or venison? * Lisl strides through the door on the end of Tyl's statement, bringing the breath of the deep woods with her and looking as though she hasn't slept in days. "Make that a double, Rhys. And make mine venison, please." <Tyl> Venison is great... ::grins at Lisl:: And how are you today, dear friend? * Rhys looks slightly askance at Lisl, but obligingly pours her two mugs of 'kick. "And I know how you like yours cooked., or uncooked, rather.." <Rhys> Two venison steaks it is, distinctly bloody. One moment please, ladies. ::heads back into the kitchen:: * Zoya comes through the door. She looks as if she hasn't slept for a few days - her clothes are rumpled, her hair is a mess, and there are huge dark circles under her eyes. She's got a silver mirror the side of her hand and a small bound book with her. She nods a greeting to those present and sits at the table furthest from any others. <Lisl> ::moving to a stool and slumping onto it:: Bloody exhausted, thanks for asking, Tyl. <Zoya> ::Every now and then, she looks up as if she's listening to something invisible, then frowns over her mirror, jotting notes in her book.:: * Glossaria enters on Zoya's heels (almost literally), looking very distracted but no less worse for the wear. "Rhys, some food, please, for Mistress Zoya?" * Rhys returns in a few minutes carrying two plates. Each plate has on it a red slab of venison that has been in the same room with a stove that was warm a few days ago, a few slices of dark bread, and a parsley garnish. Lisl and Tyl each have a plate and utensils set in front of them. "Enjoy." * Rhys looks from Glossaria to Zoya and back. "And what sort of food would Zoya like today?" * Tyl sits down at the bar and inhales the steam coming off her steak... <Tyl> You are indeed my savior tonight, Rhys... ::tips her glass to him:: * Lisl smiles happily at Rhys, bypassing the steam and starting to inhale the steak. * Glossaria puts a hand over Zoya's. "Mistress, you *have* to eat." <Zoya> ::distractedly:: In a few moments... <Glossaria> ::sighing and looking up at Rhys:: A bowl of stew, perhaps? Something nourishing...::giving Zoya a mild glare:: ...which I can feed *to* her if necessary. * Tyl does not eat like she's a furry carnivore at odd times, but does justice to packing the steak away... * Rhys narrows his eyes slightly. "Hmmm... stew? Very well. I was going to suggest a certain finger-food I know, that she might start mindlessly eating, but we can try the stew as well. I'll get that at first." ::heads back into the kitchen:: * Lisl pauses in her inhalation to grin over her shoulder at the far table. "It helps if you pinch her nose closed, Gloss." <Zoya> ::as she's writing in her book:: I heard that, Lisl... <Lisl> ::chuckles and turns back to her food:: * Rhys comes out in a bit with a bowl of stew on a plate, with a healthy spoon. "Here. I'll start preparing finger food now." ::shuffles back into the kitchen, leaving the stew on Zoya's table:: * Zoya 's response to the food is to shift her scrying mirror away from it to avoid getting it dirty. * Glossaria sighs. <Rhys> ::there is the sound of a tiny, tiny explosion from the kitchen:: <Glossaria> Thank you, Rhys. Mistress, *please* eat. <Rhys> ::a few more tiny explosions follow it:: * Zoya glances up at the explosion, doesn't see bits of Rhys flying through the air, and goes back to her writing. <Lisl> ::calling:: Rhys? You alright? * Rhys calls out. "I'm fine." ::the sounds of more and more tiny explosions are coming from the kitchen, building rapidly in volume:: <Rhys> ::the explosions are coming constantly now, with no pause between each other, overlapping in a wave of sound:: <Glossaria> ::sighing again, Gloss scoots around the table to sit next to Zoya, and picks up the spoon. "Look, Mistress, and dragon!" She starts making mini-roaring noises as she angles the spoon towards Zoya's mouth. <Rhys> ::the explosions slow, and a rather enticing smell begins to drift into the common room:: * Tyl covers her mouth (either to hide a smile or to keep from spitting her half-chewed bite all over the floor) * Lisl polishes off her steak, and looks at the parsley for a few moments pensively before shaking her head and pushing her plate away. * Zoya stops, carefully sets her pencil down, and looks at Glossaria. Then at the spoon. Then back at Glossaria. She rolls her eyes and snatches the spoon from Glossaria and eats the bite of stew. Then she picks her pencil back up and goes back to work. * Glossaria grins triumphantly. <Glossaria> The dragon has landed! <Zoya> ::without looking up:: Glossaria, if you ever do that again, I'm turning you into a frog. * Tyl carefully finishes chewing, swallows and looks over at her friend... <Tyl> So, what are you studying tonight, Zoya? <Rhys> ::the explosions stop, and a bit later, Rhys comes out of the kitchen carrying a bowl full of little white puffs. The smell is more noticeable, and quite pleasant. He places the bowl between Zoya and Glossaria.:: Here, try this. <Glossaria> ::grinning unrepentantly:: Frogs can't catalog, Mistress. <Zoya> I'm hoping to locate M.. Masato. Marten. Moon Dancer. Whoever he is at the moment. <Glossaria> And I promised the kitchen I'd get you to eat something. * Zoya does stop and look at Glossaria at this. "You promised the KITCHEN?" <Lisl> ::frowning and turning around on her stool as she picks up her mug:: Masato? Do we have a new player, here? * Glossaria nods. <Zoya> ::sighing in defeat:: If I eat the stew, will you please fill them in? I don't think I can explain this yet again... ::she somehow manages to look both sorrowful and angry:: <Glossaria> I had to do *something*...it was really hurt. It prepared your favorite dishes last night, and you let them get all cold and congealed... <Zoya> I wasn't in the mood to eat anything last night, Glossaria. <Glossaria> ::nods:: Yes, Mistress Zoya. ::turns to Lisl and Tyl:: * Zoya quickly begins to shovel stew into her mouth as fast as she can. <Glossaria> I understand...but the last time you ate a full meal was the day after you went out with Master Marten... <Zoya> ::her face darkens, but she keeps eating:: Just get on with it. <Glossaria> ::turning back to Lisl and Tyl again:: When Master Marten came back from his last trip, it was discovered that he'd had another...lapse. Of memory. <Glossaria> Somehow, three days of sleep-- or what he thought was sleep-- had turned into a bagful of gold on his dresser. <Glossaria> When Mistress Zoya...inquired further into the matter...::Glossaria bites her lip:: * Tyl mutters to herself * Zoya appears to be ignoring Glossaria, staring blankly across the room as she eats. * Lisl takes a sip from her mug. <Glossaria> Well...Mistress Zoya discovered that several people had been assassinated, in that brief space of days. <Lisl> ::frowning:: Marten *was* an assassin...he hasn't given it up, I take it? <Glossaria> ::shaking her head:: No. As I understand it...::glancing at Zoya:: *Marten* had. But there's someone else in his head who found his skills...useful. Masato. * Rhys watching the proceedings with bland interest. <Zoya> ::quietly:: As a point of order, there's no way to prove any of those people were actually assassinated, Glossaria. And at this point, I'm not sure Masato wasn't using his own skills. <Glossaria> When Mistress Zoya questioned Master Tenbones about it, he allowed her to put him into trance, to see if she could pull up his missing memories. <Glossaria> ::nods:: But aren't assassins trained to operate undetected? The number of deaths was well above the average. * Tyl whistles... <Tyl> Actually it depends if they're wanted dead or warned... a warning doesn't do any good if the man chokes on a fishbone ::absently:: * Zoya finishes her stew, and looks curiously at the bowl of white things Rhys brought out. Cautiously, she picks one up and eats it. <Glossaria> At any rate, when Mistress Zoya entranced Marten, she didn't find his memories...she talked to the Other in his head. Masato. <Lisl> ::glancing mildly at Tyl:: Unless the warning's for someone *else*... * Zoya frowns, and tries another white puff. She makes a "not bad" face, and goes back to work, absently munching on puffs. <Tyl> Well, no, that's what I mean.... if you go against certain "interested parties" say, and you choke to death on a fishbone, that's bad... but not likely to stop someone else... now having your head removed and left on your mistress' dinner table... that's a warning... <Glossaria> Michelle, some weeks ago, told me of a story they had uncovered in the East...of a general, his lord, and the general's wife. <Lisl> ::chokes back a laugh:: Remind me never to seriously annoy you, Tyl. <Tyl> Oh, not me... I have a friend... ::winks:: <Lisl> ::dryly:: Don't we all... <Glossaria> ::shakes her head at the byplay, clears her throat, and continues:: This general had won the hand of a woman both he and his lord coveted. The lord, angered that the general had married her, sent his vassal off to what was supposed to be certain death, in order to steal his wife away. A trap. <Tyl> ::turns her attention back to Glossaria...:: <Glossaria> The general survived, and returned to challenge his lord. The general's own lieutenant was in on the treachery, and challenged his general. There was a horrible battle...and meanwhile, the wife, the object of this struggle, was pushed from a high window and slain. <Tyl> Lovely.... <Zoya> The battle didn't begin until *after* the wife was killed, actually... <Glossaria> ::nods:: I didn't understand that part as well... <Zoya> ::looks up:: The lord decided that if he couldn't have her, then no one could, and killed her. The lieutenant defended his lord against the general. <Glossaria> Ah...::thinks:: So perhaps the lieutenant, at least, was an innocent party? <Zoya> ::shrugs:: One usually finds that lieutenants are more loyal to their commanding officers than to those officers' lords, but I *suppose* you could interpret it that way. <Glossaria> ::shaking her head:: I'm sorry, I'm digressing...the overall outcome was the murder of the general, who swore with his dying breath that he *would* have his wife, and the lord would never have her. <Zoya> ::idly:: The lieutenant died, too, if I remember Jaret's version correctly. <Zoya> ::goes back to writing:: <Tyl> ::turns to Lisl:: politics... <Lisl> ::snorts:: What politics? Love and greed. <Glossaria> Now it seems that the spirit of one of these feuding men has taken over Marten's-- Moon Dancer's-- body. ::thinking a moment:: It's not known how Marten got into Moon Dancer's body in the first place. <Tyl> Nah... it becomes politics when Lords and Generals are involved... <Lisl> ::snorting:: They're *all* MEN. <Lisl> ::grinning at herself:: Gods...I sound like my cousin. Oh, dear. <Glossaria> ::shaking her head again:: I'm sorry...there's so much to this...at any rate, a spirit has taken over the body Marten's mind was inhabiting, pushing him aside and destroying some of his memories to...how did he put it, Mistress? To "make room for himself"? ::curling her lip in disgust:: <Zoya> ::pausing:: Something like that, yes. <Tyl> So, what we have here are a few people trying to inhabit the same body? Where's Moon Dancer? * Zoya reaches absently into the bowl of puffs only to discover that it is empty. She licks the salt from her fingers, sighs, and leans back in her chair to stretch. * Rhys grins slightly. <Glossaria> The spirit-- Lord or General, we're not entirely sure which-- names himself Masato, and he's incredibly self-centered and ruthless. And he seems to have gotten it into his head to kill King Azoun-- perhaps confusing him with the king of his home country-- and that Zoya is the woman he wishes to own. ::snorting a little at this last bit of presumption:: <Zoya> ::to Tyl's question:: There seem to be bits of Moon Dancer left over in his body. What happened to the rest of him... ::she sighs and shrugs:: We don't know, really. <Lisl> ::narrowing her eyes:: Moon Dancer's not there anymore...pushed out, or killed, I'd guess...right? <Lisl> I have my suspicions, though. ::grinning a little:: <Lisl> ::looking at Zoya:: So Marten is confined to quarters until you can figure this all out? How powerful is this Masato? <Marten> ::as if on cue, Marten seems to materialize at the end of the Hall, sitting in a chair alone:: A fine evening to the lot of you. <Glossaria> ::looks at Zoya worriedly:: Mistress? <Tyl> ::looks a bit non-plussed:: Well, speak of the demons... <Rhys> ::evenly:: Marten. Evening. Can I get you anything from the bar? * Marten waves his hand absentmindedly. "No, thank you Rhys. I'll be fine as I am." * Zoya sighs. "I *tried* to reason with him, but..." She turns to Marten/Masato, and her eyes fade to silver as she examines his face carefully. <Lisl> ::narrowing her eyes:: Yes, we were just discussing that. Who *are* you, may I ask? * Zoya waves a hand, canceling any number of spells that are now pointless. * Marten nods to one side slightly, taking Lisl in and sizing her up. "I think you know who I am. I seem to be quite the topic of recent, don't I?" <Zoya> ::cooly:: What do you want, Masato? <Lisl> ::glancing at Zoya:: I think we covered that question, too. <Zoya> ::still watching Masato:: Not thoroughly enough. <Lisl> How 'bout something new? Your Lord's dead, and so are you, General. Why didn't you take the hint?? <Marten> ::looks at Zoya, and smiles coldly:: Tonight? At all? What do any of us want, milady, other than happiness? <Zoya> ::raises an eyebrow:: And do tell me, then, what would make you happy? * Tyl narrows her eyes and reaches a casual hand under her tunic * Marten turns to look at Lisl, and frowns. "Tsk, tsk. That's no way to treat company, my lycanthropic friend." * Rhys shoots a casual glare at Tyl, and another at Marten, but says nothing. <Lisl> ::raising an eyebrow:: I'm Marten's friend. I'm 'Dancer's friend. I never said I was yours. * Tyl twists her mouth and locks eyes with Rhys for a moment. * Marten turns back to Zoya. "I thought we had covered this as well, milady. I've told you what I want. I want my revenge, and I want you. Is that simple enough?" * Marten ignores Rhys and Tyl completely. <Glossaria> My Mistress is no slave, spirit! <Zoya> Ah, but you didn't answer the attendant questions: Against whom do you want revenge, and precisely what do you want me *for*? <Lisl> I already told you your Lord's dead. How do you expect to get revenge on a corpse? * Marten looks at Glossaria, amused. "Slave? I would not have her as a slave, child. I want her as bride, and will settle for nothing less." * Marten looks at Lisl, and pauses for a few moments. He then shakes his head slightly, and looks at Zoya. "I had you once, love. I will not lose you again." * Tyl flinches and presses her fingers to her temple briefly. <Glossaria> You have a funny way of wooing. * Zoya considers Masato for a long moment, then stands carefully. "Tell me, Masato, what makes you believe I am she?" * Marten looks a little confused. "Why would you try to deny it? I would know you if you traveled across worlds unknown and time immemorial. You are my bride." * Zoya crosses slowly to stand in front of him, looking down. "And yet, when last we spoke, you forbade me speak what was once - as you believe - my name?" <Lisl> ::murmuring:: Maybe his sight's gone bad in his old age... * Rhys coughs quietly, looking over at Zoya and Marten. * Marten looks up. "You have taken other names through the ages, love. Your true name... to hear you speak it as if you did not know it pains me. But, you will remember, given enough time." <Lisl> ::getting a vicious gleam in her eye, and leaning forward:: Akiyata left you once already for another man, Masato. What makes you think she'd *want* to be your bride? * Marten looks down at the mention of her name. He swings his fist down to hit the table, but when it does, it makes no noise. "You LEFT me?!? LEFT ME?!? He *STOLE* you, my love. He stole you, because he could not have you himself. He will not do so again. His words, his lies have blinded you, and the ages have clouded your mind. Until..." He tries to calm himself. * Marten looks at Zoya, anger slowly dissipating. "You will remember. I swear it." <Lisl> ::sits up very, very straight as his pounding fist makes no noise, and leans back, closing her eyes and flaring her nostrils. * Zoya looks carefully at him. "Perhaps I will. Who is he, now? What body does he inhabit?" <Tyl> ::blinks:: Oh look, Lisl... he's a delusion... or is that illusion? I always forget those magey type terms... <Marten> ::curls his lip:: Why are you pretending not to know? He's come to you, and he's beguiled you. You know his face as well as I do. I... I refuse to play these games with you." * Lisl opening her eyes again, now gleaming yellow, and grinning. "Why Tyl, I do believe you're right." * Marten looks around the room. "Now, which of you decided to send my ship back to Marsember?" <Zoya> ::shakes her head, confused:: Perhaps I do, Masato, but I haven't recognized him as such. Why won't you help me? Perhaps knowing who the liar is will help me ward off the lies. * Glossaria frowns, looking back and forth between Tyl and Lisl:: <Lisl> ::looking from Gloss, to Tyl, to Zoya:: Perhaps it was a group effort. We so love Marten's company, after all. <Marten> ::looks at Zoya:: These games will stop, now. I will concede that you may not remember your past. I will concede that you may not know your heart now. But, I will not be a toy for you to play with. <Tyl> ::gives Lisl a wink and a grin, then raises her glass mockingly towards Martin-Masato-Moon Dancer-Moron guy:: <Lisl> ::laughing:: Oh, but we're toys, for you to *shadow* box with? ::stressing the word, and looking hard at Zoya and Gloss:: * Zoya shakes her head and backs up, sitting down again. "And I will not be an object bandied about. If you want my heart, you'll have to win it the same as any other man would. Though I confess you're starting at a disadvantage, treating me with so little respect." * Glossaria looks from Tyl to Lisl again, her eyes widening a little. * Tyl gives Glossaria a long look <Marten> ::Marten looks at Zoya:: I won your love and your heart years ago. If that means so little to you, that you would mock the memory of our love... Then perhaps it would be best if we waited until the next time our souls met, love. * Zoya shakes her head imperceptibly, watching Masato. <Zoya> Perhaps it would. The revenge can wait, as well. "A dish best served cold," as they say... <Glossaria> ::frowning at him:: Love is not something to win once and stick on a shelf like a trophy. You have to *keep* it with devotion. There's no love in your heart, ghost, only obsession! * Zoya turns to look at Glossaria and smiles at her proudly. "Well put, Glossaria." * Rhys pours himself a mug of water and has a drink. * Marten nods. "Wait, then? If you're willing to sacrifice to have our souls meet again. Honestly, love, you surprise me. The last time, you were so afraid to let this world go. I didn't expect you to embrace death so quickly." * Glossaria smiles happily for a moment, before remembering herself and continuing to frown at Masato. <Lisl> ::muttering:: Dammit, where's an exorcist when you need one? <Zoya> ::laughs:: You've waited this long, Masato, what's another forty or fifty years while I live our my natural span? * Glossaria looks back at Tyl, gasping a little, and nods slowly, taking a step back and quietly flipping through her notebook. * Rhys sets the mug on the counter and rolls his shoulders a little. * Marten looks puzzled. "You don't remember, do you? This comes full-circle, love. It always ends the same way; you die, I die... he dies. We are linked, forever linked together. It is inevitable." * Glossaria finds the page she wants and carefully tears it out, rolling it into a ball, slipping it into her mug, and drinking. * Tyl looks like she has a comment on this last bit, but decides to make a few gestures instead * Zoya suddenly laughs hysterically. "*Nothing* is inevitable, Masato. You might even have the forgiveness you need, one day." * Marten raises his eyebrow, and chuckles slightly. "The forgiveness *I* need? I need no forgiveness." * Rhys looks at Glossaria and drums his fingers once. <Tyl> ::looks at Lisl:: I wonder what's with the "M" theme... Martin, Moon Dancer, Masato... you think that means anything? <Zoya> ::smiles quietly:: Not this time, I see. ::She holds up a hand as if she would touch him, then drops it:: You will not be the one to move the cycle along, though. If it is fated that you wait until next cycle, you will have to wait for him to kill me again. <Lisl> ::shrugs:: If he's been killing girlfriends starting with Akiyata, does that mean he's at the end of his list? <Marten> ::he smiles:: Wait for him to kill you? Don't you see? That is how we will break the circle. I will stop him, before he has the chance. Then, you will be mine. <Tyl> ::looks at Zoya and Martin/Masato who are plainly ignoring the two commentators:: I'm sure glad you're here, Lisl. I'd hate to think my wit was going totally unappreciated this evening... <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: Man, you just don't get it, do you? She is NOT a possession. <Lisl> Besides, how do you plan to kill her if you won't even grace us with your presence, hmmm? <Zoya> You will break the cycle by killing me? A bold plan. I have one bolder yet: Accept the final death, and rest in peace. * Marten looks at Lisl, for a moment. "I will not kill her, foolish cub. I will prevent it. Do I have to write it down for you to understand?" <Zoya> Ah, I see. And you will prevent my death by killing him, eh? * Glossaria frowns at Tyl, and then at her notebook, and starts to flip through it again. <Marten> ::smiles:: Finally. You begin to see the truth. <Lisl> Oh, there's a bold plan. Kill a dead man. <Tyl> He could kill himself... ::helpful suggestion:: <Lisl> And watch who you're calling "cub", buddy. <Zoya> ::sighs:: And he is in Suzail? * Glossaria , after a long moment's thought, tears out another half-page, frowns at the back of it, and eats it. * Marten looks slightly puzzled again, then smiles. "He's in the palace, yes. He knows I'm coming for him, now." <Zoya> ::frowns:: I don't know anyone in the palace at Suzail, Masato. * Glossaria traces a symbol in the air that looks remarkably like a question mark. * Marten shakes his head, almost patronizing Zoya with his tone. "You have so much to remember, and time is quickly running out. I don't know if I can make you remember it all, but I don't know if it will matter in the end." <Tyl> You know, I think you'd do better with a dog... you know, sit, stay, roll over? Sheesh... ::gives a quick glance at Lisl and grins, somewhat flustered:: No Offense... <Zoya> ::frowns:: I... I would *like* to remember, Masato, if only to lay the confusion to rest. <Lisl> ::grinning:: None taken. Actually, he could use a dog...his tracking skills could obviously use some work. ::grinning:: His proper quarry's not *in* Suzail. <Marten> ::frowns:: Would you? You can, if you want. You have in the past, and you will if you want. ::he shakes his head:: You *must* remember, love. * Tyl gives Zoya a quick look <Zoya> Tell me how. <Tyl> Come on, girlfriend. Don't tell me you're buying this story? I've read better copper-store trash novels... * Marten sighs. "I can't *make* you remember, any more than I can *make* you love me. You will remember, in time. You always do." <Zoya> I see. Will you hold off killing him, then, until I do? As I am, murder... distresses me. And if I *do* come to remember, well, then... Perhaps I'd enjoy witnessing the end of the cycle. * Marten looks at Zoya, and just stares at her for a few moments. * Zoya is, to all appearances, perfectly sincere. * Marten continues to stare at Zoya, then drops his head, chin resting on his chest. <Tyl> ::to Lisl:: Was I this mindless before Jelarthna and I got together? <Lisl> ::whispering back:: Hm...darn close. C'est l'amour. * Lisl takes a long swallow of 'kick. * Tyl shakes her head * Rhys has another drink of water. <Tyl> And no one slapped me? I'm amazed... * Zoya watches Masato, waiting. <Lisl> ::still whispering:: People who slap you tend to lose fingers. <Tyl> ::laughs softly:: I'm not as dangerous as all that, you know... <Marten> ::his head shakes from side to side slightly, and he lifts it to look at Zoya directly in the eyes:: * Zoya continues to watch Marten, her silver gaze meeting his brown one. <Tyl> Personally, though, I think Masato has his women mixed up... the soul he's paired with... ::looks around:: No one's seen Yb recently, have they? * Marten looks at Zoya, almost desperate. "Zoya? Is that you? Are you here in Suzail?" * Lisl claps her hand over her mouth to keep from spraying 'kick over the room. <Zoya> ::quickly:: Where? * Tyl looks around, her eyes distant, squinting... * Marten looks frightened, and reaches a hand out to Zoya. "I... I don't know why I didn't trust you. I was a fool for leaving the Tower, love. I'm sorry for hurting you." <Zoya> Damn it, Marten, tell me where you are so we can come and help you! * Zoya is doing something complicated with one hand at her side. * Marten looks around the Hall, taking everyone in. "Suzail. He's... he's stronger than he was before, Zoya. He's so willful, so... I don't know how much longer I can hold him back." <Lisl> He's *letting* you, Marten. Where in Suzail are you? <Zoya> Fight it just a little longer, Marten... ::Zoya's voice is strained and she's using both hands now:: * Marten shakes his head. "No, he's not. It takes all I have to fight him, when he's in control. I don't know what he wants yet. I think it might be you." <Lisl> He wants to kill again, Marten...you've got to stop him! <Zoya> Me and a death, Marten, but I don't know who it is he's trying to kill. <Lisl> Just...dammit...stay away from anyone you recognize, Marten! Please! * Marten turns to look at Lisl. "Kill again? I don't know how to stop him, Lisl. I don't..." Marten's image shimmers slightly, and his lips move, but nothing comes out. * Tyl starts breathing hard, her forehead damp with sweat * Marten looks at Zoya, and he stops trying to speak. After a moment, he mouths three words, and his image just stops, and freezes in place. * Rhys pours Tyl a mug of water. and sets it front of her. <Zoya> ::A thin line of power runs from Zoya toward the illusion, trying to bolster it, but it can't find a purchase.:: * Tyl falls down hard in her chair, her eyes clearing slowly <Glossaria> ::focusing on her surroundings again, instead of the air in front of her, and letting her hand drop:: Mistress...I know where he is. And I think I know who he's after. * Tyl says softly... "he disagrees... lord mayor... " her eyes slip closed for a moment <Marten> ::after a few moments of lingering, Marten's image fades into the air, like smoke caught in a strong breeze:: * Zoya stands in front of the image of Marten, and reaches to touch his face as it fades. <Glossaria> ::looking at Tyl:: Thank you, Mistress Tyl. <Tyl> ::not opening her eyes:: Welcome... <Glossaria> The lord mayor? Jaret thinks he's after the *lord mayor*? <Zoya> ::turning around:: Well. Since we were obviously all trying various things - shall we compare notes? * Rhys has some more water. <Tyl> That's what he said... he said he was having some major problems over there, as we were having problems over here... :: turns to Rhys:: Can I trouble you for a coffee? <Glossaria> ::nods:: I traced the illusion, Mistress, to somewhere near the palace, in Suzail. <Rhys> Of course. ::pours Tyl a steaming mug from the taps:: Cream, sugar? <Tyl> and I spoke briefly with Jaret, who was either really busy, or not too fond of my contacting him, but he was pretty brief... * Zoya nods. "I got the same thing." <Tyl> Black... * Rhys sets the mug down in front of Tyl. <Glossaria> Mistress, you need to eat something. You're still weak. * Tyl takes the cup, wraps her hands around it and drinks deeply <Tyl> What a twerp... no offense Zoya, but you attract some really weird admirers... <Lisl> ::shaking her head:: This story would take a sage to trace out... What's all this business about past lives? Are you telling me, Zoya, that you really *are* a reincarnation of this Akiyata? <Zoya> ::laughs at Tyl's comment:: <Glossaria> ::somewhat petulantly:: Master Marten's not a twerp. It's not his fault a ghost took over his mind. * Zoya glances up at Glossaria, then down at a hand suddenly trembling violently. "Perhaps you're right, Glossaria. Would you be so kind as to fetch something?" <Glossaria> ::nodding, and heading for the kitchen, pausing as she realizes this isn't her home:: Um...Master Rhys? <Zoya> ::to Lisl:: No, I don't think I believe it. But if it will save someone's life, I'll for damn sure *pretend* I believe it. * Rhys gestures to the kitchen. "Feel free. Just don't open the doors. Cabinets and stoves and the like are fine, though." <Tyl> ::mutters:: I never said Marten was a twerp... I said Masato was a twerp... all I said about Martin was that he was weird... which he is... <Lisl> ::frowning:: You still think there's a chance of saving Marten? <Glossaria> ::nods and takes a deep breath, pushing her way into unknown territory and peering around.:: <Zoya> ::sighs:: I'd like to think so, Lisl. Nothing is impossible - only extremely difficult. <Rhys> So, can I get anyone something from the bar? <Lisl> ::nods, grinning just a little:: Mind you, I'm not certain yet, but I think Moon Dancer may be making his own... living arrangements. <Zoya> ::catches Lisl's eye:: Yes, so I hear. You and I should talk, and soon, Lisl. <Lisl> ::nodding:: But not long. I want to get back out there. I don't *think* there's any danger, but they have little defense against...these sorts of things. ::waving a hand at the seat formerly occupied by Marten's image:: <Lisl> ::gives a shuddering sigh, and takes a strong belt of 'kick:: This has been a *very* long week. * Glossaria returns after several moments with a truly resplendent cheese dish. Cheese, fruit, bread, dips, all artfully arranged as if for a photo op:: * Zoya picks up a piece of cheese from the plate with nary a thought for arrangement. "Why don't you drop by tomorrow morning, then, Lisl?" * Tyl yawns... <Tyl> I think I'll head up to bed... g'night all... <Lisl> ::nods:: I can do that. * Tyl stands up, stretches and yawns again <Rhys> Good night, Tyl. Sleep well. <Zoya> Good night, Tyl. Thank you for your help. * Glossaria picks up a piece of brie herself, and nibbles it curiously, making a face.:: "Ew, mold." <Glossaria> Goodnight, Mistress Tyl. Thank you very much for your assistance. <Tyl> No sweat... glad to know you aren't playing a starring role in this soap opera... gak... let me know if I can do anything else. All I've been doing recently is eating Rhys' cooking and dodging that damned limpy wizard * Tyl leaves <Glossaria> ::staring after Tyl with a puzzled frown:: Was that a deliberate Spoonerism? * Rhys has another sip of his water. "Beats me." <Zoya> ::finishing her cheese:: We should head home as well, Glossaria. <Glossaria> ::nodding:: Yes, Mistress. <Lisl> I should be getting back as well. ::looking longingly at her near-untouched mug:: <Rhys> Take the food with you. Have some on your walk home. <Zoya> If you insist, Rhys. We'll send the plate back tomorrow. <Rhys> Please, do. It looks like it would make Glossaria happy. ::smiles gently:: <Glossaria> ::smiling, and swirling her cloak over her shoulders. "Thank you, M'lord Rhys. * Lisl stands, looks at her mug again, and picks it up, draining it in several long swallows and putting her hand against the bar to keep from swaying in place. <Rhys> You're welcome, Glossaria. * Zoya gathers up her book and silver mirror, and heads for the door. * Glossaria scoops up the tray and follows Zoya. <Rhys> Would you like to sit and rest a bit before leaving, Lisl? <Rhys> Good night Zoya, good night Glossaria. * Lisl shakes her head rapidly to clear it. "Whoa. Still packs a punch." <Lisl> I think...I'll be alright, Rhys. ::staring blankly for a moment, with golden-yellow eyes, in his general direction:: <Rhys> Your decision, Lisl. <Lisl> ::shaking her head again and blinking several times, her eyes gradually fading to normal:: I just...::taking a deep breath:: I haven't been getting as much sleep as I should, perhaps. <Rhys> Well, get some sleep. You don't want your senses dull and limbs weary when the time comes. Lisl> But I need to go back out there. ::standing as her eyes return to their usual grey-blue, and nodding once:: I'll sleep with the pack. Best I can do, I suppose. <Rhys> Just get some sleep. You'll need it. <Lisl> ::raising an eyebrow and turning back, having started for the door:: Oh? Don't tell me you know something I don't, too? <Rhys> I just know things are drawing to an end, and that endings often are beginnings, and along with them come tears and laughter, death and birth, and sometimes with bloodshed. That's all. Good night, Lisl. <Lisl> ::smiling a little:: Why Rhys, you're a philosopher. Sorry, I'm just paranoid. Sleep sweet, Rhys. <Rhys> You, too. * Lisl smiles to herself, and pauses for a moment to glance at the crossed swords and buckler on the wall. "Soon enough." * Lisl heads out the door into the night, disappearing into the blackness. * Rhys trails Lisl to the door, and locks it behind her. He heads back into the kitchen, and the lamps dim behind him as he goes. |
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