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* Rhys walks in from the back room and unlocks the front door. He strolls back behind the bar, mopping his forehead with a kerchief as he does so. "Hall's open." * Rhys pours himself a glass of something that quickly covers the surface of the mug in condensation. He takes frequent sips from the mug as he leans against the wall. * Zoya enters, dressed in homespun breeches and tunic, her shimmering priestly robes draped over one shoulder along with a cloth bag. She drops the bag on a floor and leans against a barstool. "Good evening, Rhys. How are you tonight?" * Michelle walks through the side/front door. She's wearing a dark grey velvet skirt and light grey blouse, with a silver vest with a floral pattern embroidered in black. Her moon earring hangs lifeless from her right ear. <Rhys> I am warm, High Priestess Zoya. How do you fare? <Rhys> Michelle, well met to you on this stifling evening. Can I get either of you ladies something from the bar? * Lisl meanders in, fanning herself by fluttering the front of her shirt. "Ah, what I wouldn't give to live in the mountains this time of year... trolls or no trolls.... ice water, please, Rhys?" <Zoya> ::laughs:: Warm, also, Rhys. A cider would go a long way to fixing that, though. ::she smiles at Rhys as she pulls the robes from her shoulder and holds them up, examining them as if for dirt or tears.:: <Michelle> Some juice please. * Rhys pours Zoya her cider, Lisl some ice water, and Michelle a mug of apple juice. <Lisl> 'Evening, Zoya, Michelle. ::frowns for a moment as she takes a seat at the bar, studying Michelle thoughtfully:: * Meghan enters wearing a dark green dress with a royal blue sash and same color ribbon holding back her hair. Her face is slightly flushed. * Michelle perches on a stool and sips her juice. "Something the matter Lisl?" <Zoya> ::raises her cider in greeting to Michelle and Lisl before drinking deeply:: Ah... Much better. Thank you, Rhys. * Rhys raises a hand to Meghan. "Evening, Meghan. Can I get you something from the bar to assuage the heat?" <Zoya> ::nods a greeting to Meghan as she enters:: * Meghan smiles and nods as she hops onto a bar stool "Ice water please" <Lisl> Yes, I just can't figure-- ah! ::sending a glance upward as if she could see the pale quarter-moon through the ceiling, and then looking again at Michelle's earring:: What's the matter with your earring? * Zoya turns at Lisl's comment to eye Michelle's earring. <Michelle> Just remember Meghan. It's safe to drink the water here, but the rest of the town is questionable. Also, this is probably the only place in town that regularly has ice this time of year. * Meghan nods to Michelle. * Rhys serves Meghan her mug of ice water. <Michelle> The moon hasn't risen yet that's all. * Meghan quickly takes a few large gulps and then sighs and sets the mug down <Lisl> ::raising an eyebrow:: So your earring's a reflection of a reflection of the sun's light? <Zoya> ::nods, then quirks an eyebrow:: There are other places that have ice this time of year, Michelle. You just have to pay for it a little more dearly. * Lisl takes a long swallow of water. <Lisl> Yeah. ::grins:: In trolls. <Michelle> Oh, it gets even more convoluted than that Lisl. It's a reflection of the reflection of the sun's light from my home world. <Lisl> ::raising the other eyebrow:: So...for this world, it's completely random, then. But--it generally matches. ::indicating the direction of the ceiling with a jerk of her head:: * Meghan takes a long drink of water to finish off the mug <Michelle> Don't ask me to explain it. Whenever I'm on a world with one moon it generally seems to match. If I'm on a world with some number of moons other than one it follows a nice stable twenty seven point some odd day cycle. Course I've also noticed that most worlds with only one moon have it follow a twenty seven point some odd day cycle. <Rhys> More water, Meghan? <Meghan> Please * Rhys quickly refills Meghan's mug. <Meghan> Thanks * Meghan takes the mug back and takes a smaller drink from it <Zoya> Really? I hadn't thought of comparing lunar cycles on various worlds. ::excitedly, Zoya digs a notebook from her bag:: <Lisl> That...::frowning:: doesn't make sense...although most cultures here, at least, take their calendars from the lunar cycle, so... but that wouldn't make the cycle itself the same, would it? <Michelle> Astronomy interested me as a child, but I have to admit, my interest had more to do with survival than curiosity. It's important to know when you're going to be your weakest and your strongest, and to not let others know if possible. <Rhys> A day is a day is a day, regardless of how many moons you have, I'd think. Sun comes up, sun goes down, there's day. * Lisl takes another long swallow of ice water, pursing her lips in thought. <Lisl> But what if you have two suns, Rhys? ::grinning:: <Rhys> Then I'd guess it is very, very warm, and you don't care. <Lisl> ::chuckles and takes another drink:: Ha. <Lisl> But I wasn't talking about days, I was talking about months... moons. You know. * Meghan listens to the conversation with slight fascination <Rhys> Ah. I missed the mention of months. I thought you were talking about the length of a lunar cycle. <Zoya> ::finishes scribbling hurriedly in her book and tucks it back in her bag:: <Lisl> And Michelle, you're not the only one who likes to keep track of the moon. ::grinning:: Call it a... professional-minded hobby. <Lisl> Well, yeah. Lunar cycle. Month. It's just the fancy scholar's way of saying it, isn't it? ::grinning a little wider at Michelle:: Never say in one syllable what you can say in five? <Michelle> "Unlike the white man, the Indian never learned the virtue of saying more than was necessary." <Michelle> So Meghan, how has the world been treating you? <Meghan> So far so good <Lisl> The who? ::shaking her head bemusedly at Michelle and taking another long swallow of water, draining the glass:: <Meghan> I have been trying to go out more on my own but I am hesitant to go very far or very long <Rhys> Lisl, refill? <Michelle> Well you know where the market is. During the day it's safe enough. I'd recommend staying away from the docks until you're more familiar with the city. <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: Nah, now that I'm cool, I'm ready for a real drink. ::pointing to the rack of stone mugs, and shifting her aim to the blue flame-handled tap:: * Meghan nods <Lisl> Or unless she has an escort. <Zoya> Heh. And until you either learn the mastery of a weapon, or of some magic. * Rhys fetches a stout and sturdy mug and pours Lisl a mug of her favorite. <Meghan> I did take some fencing classes about a year ago, but I don't think that will help me much here <Lisl> Thanks, Rhys. ::accepting the mug with a nod and lifting it for a sip:: <Zoya> Well, if you wanted to pick it back up, I don't see why not. <Meghan> And I only learned the very basics * Rhys shrugs. "Thousands of people walk through this city every day without any weapons training or magical ability. A little confidence is all you really need." * Michelle sips her juice. "We'll get Yohko or Jaret to teach you. Temire could use a sparring partner anyway." <Meghan> ::nods:: I would like that <Lisl> Or a willingness to be mugged every so often. <Zoya> ::grins at Rhys:: But they go in groups down by the docks, usually. <Rhys> Usually only in the evenings, or between the Dragon patrols. ::looks at Meghan:: Don't let them terrify you into feeling you need to become a swordswoman or archmage just to go out for some fresh air and fruit. Just use common sense and you'll be fine. * Meghan nods <Lisl> ::grins:: *I* had to become a swordswoman for fruit. The fresh air was free. Mother wouldn't let me back in the cottage for dinner 'til I learned my daily lesson properly. ::grinning wider:: A wonder for developing those foraging skills early. <Meghan> I am starting to feel slightly useless though. I wouldn't mind finding something to do to be more useful <Michelle> Did you have any hobbies before arriving here? <Lisl> Besides jogging? <Meghan> Mostly just running. I worked a lot <Meghan> didn't have time for much else <Zoya> Hmm. You said you were a scribe, yes? Can you read any of the local languages? <Lisl> What did you do for work, exactly? You said, some sort of scribe or law-speaker, right? <Lisl> [in stereo where available] <Meghan> I was an aid to a few different lawyers <Meghan> I mostly read through legal books and found references for cases they were working on <Zoya> There are places here and there that specialize in writing for those who can't - if you can write, you could easily get a job taking dictation, or transcribing old books. <Lisl> So...you were a librarian? ::exchanging a glance with Zoya:: Maybe Gloss...? <Zoya> ::to Lisl:: Gloss, what? Need help? Allow someone else to touch her precious books? ::grins:: She winces when *I* use the books, and they're technically *mine*! <Michelle> Rhys, could you hand me a piece of paper and a writing implement? <Lisl> Heh...good point. But maybe as a tutor or something? She knows a lot of languages, right? Does she have any experience teach-- oh, wait. Experience. Silly me. ::hitting herself softly on the forehead before taking another swallow of 'kick:: <Meghan> transcribing might be fun. I would probably have to spend some time learning though <Rhys> Just a moment, Michelle... ::Rhys goes into the cramped office just off the Hall, and comes back with a sheet of parchment, an inkwell, and a quill:: Here you are. <Zoya> ::laughs:: Well, if she needs to learn the written language, I'm sure we can engage Glossaria to teach her. Lack of experience is no excuse. ::chuckles:: * Michelle takes the implements and scribbles a few short phrases on the paper, then pushes it to Meghan, "Can you read these?" <Lisl> ::grinning slyly:: She certainly uses it as an excuse to try enough things.... * Meghan looks down at the paper <Meghan> Can I have that book? Please pass the bread. Where is the bathroom? ::nods and look up:: Yep <Zoya> ::laughs:: Well, I meant, "Lack of experience is no excuse not to try something." <Michelle> Well I think we've found a profession for you. ::Michelle smiles at Meghan.:: * Meghan smiles back <Zoya> Write a few sentences, Meghan - let's see what your penmanship is like. * Meghan copies the sentences that Michelle wrote with surprisingly smooth and clear penmanship <Zoya> ::examines the paper:: Very nice. Can you keep that up for hours, do you think? * Meghan nods <Meghan> One of the requirement for working at my firm was that you could write for long periods of time and that a judge might read you work so it had to be perfect <Zoya> Well, then, Michelle, maybe you can show Meghan around to some of the temples and libraries and see if any of them need a scribe. <Meghan> [;p to you to :)] * Lisl smiles to herself and sips her 'kick. <Michelle> Certainly. ::Michelle sips her juice.:: * Meghan drinks down the last of her water and melted ice <Lisl> Just a word of advice, Meghan...if someone from, say, the Temple of Loviatar or Cyric asks you to take a memo, run, don't walk, in the other direction. <Meghan> Ok...why is that? <Zoya> ::laughs;: They're not going to identify themselves as such, Lisl! The ones that stupid have been weeded out ages ago! <Lisl> Hmm...well...scowly shifty-eyed priests or priestesses in leather and chains? ::grinning a little:: <Michelle> Loviatar is the Goddess of Pain if memory serves, and Cyric is the God of Evil. <Zoya> ::laughs harder:: Lisl, you're being absurd. * Lisl nods agreement as she takes another hit of 'kick. <Lisl> Who, me? ::pulling an overly-innocent poker face:: * Michelle sips her juice, "Maybe you're losing your tolerance for that stuff in your old age Lisl." Michelle smiles at Lisl. * Rhys waggles a hand back and forth slightly. "Cyric's portfolio isn't Evil, per se, just charming things like torture, betrayal, and a few other sundry things." <Zoya> ::nods:: Yes, but you're not likely to encounter them, Meghan. Don't listen to Lisl. * Zoya takes another deep drink of cider. <Lisl> What, this? ::dipping her finger lightly into her mug and making a circle of finger and thumb, ready to flick it at Michelle.:: * Meghan nods * Tyl walks in, her face devoid of expression. She sits down carefully at the bar, moving slowly <Rhys> Evening, Tyl. Can I get you something? <Zoya> ::raises an eyebrow at Tyl:: Are you all right? <Lisl> And "not likely" doesn't mean "won't"....better safe than tied up and tortured. Tyl! Good to see you...are you okay? <Tyl> ::to Rhys:: I'd like rum, and lots of it, please... ::lays a thick gold coin down on the bar:: this should cover a bottle, I think. ::turns to the ladies:: I'm fine... or at least as fine as I can be without the use of my abilities... <Lisl> Without-- ::brows contracting into a frown:: From withdrawal from that powder? Or something else? <Zoya> Without... *Why*? * Rhys slowly looks from the coin up to Tyl's face. "What happened?" <Tyl> Drink first... story after... * Rhys looks at Tyl again, and reaches under the bar. He brings out a glass and a bottle of rum, and pours Tyl a glass. * Rhys retains possession of said bottle. * Tyl knocks the whole glass back in one quick swallow, breathes deeply for a moment... then turns to her friends. <Tyl> I've discovered something interesting about biology recently... * Meghan watches Tyl her eyebrows raised slightly <Lisl> Oh no...more biology. ::taking a deep swallow from her mug:: Okay, go on... <Tyl> If you artificially provide your body with something... it stops knowing how to provide it for itself... * Michelle sips her drink and listens to Tyl. <Tyl> Hence, I've been artificially providing psionic energy to myself for several months now... and now... ::makes a fist with one hand, then opens it slowly:: Now I can't make my own psionic energy... <Zoya> ::thinks, then nods slowly:: Yes... You're right. I wouldn't have guessed it applied to psionic ability, but that principle's been witnessed elsewhere. <Zoya> But almost always, it comes back after some time without the artificial stimulant. <Lisl> Is there...can you, umm, goose it out somehow? * Meghan listens hard trying to keep up with the conversation <Tyl> I don't know... I mean, if I were able to use my abilities, I could lend energy to Vallel, but I don't know how to tell him how to do it without showing him <Zoya> Not without running into the same problem as before. Actually, ::to Tyl:: if this follows true to physical conditions, after a little bit, you'll start *over*producing psionic energy as your body suddenly realizes it's starving for it. <Tyl> Really? ::perks up:: well, that's good news, at any rate... <Lisl> Starving for it? ::puzzled frown as she moves her free hand to her temple, and then looks at it:: Funny, I never felt the lack. <Zoya> Well, you'll want to keep an eye on it so you don't accidently do things like, say... set barns on fire. ::grins:: * Rhys suddenly grins. "Imagine laying off the red meat for a while, Lisl." <Michelle> Yes, but that isn't your normal state. Imagine if you had been like Moon Dancer, and then cured. <Zoya> ::nods at Rhys and Michelle's explanations:: <Lisl> ::looks from Rhys to Michelle:: Oh. OH. Oooooh, nasty. <Lisl> My sympathies, Tyl. ::taking another swallow of 'kick:: If you're looking for oblivion for a little while, I'd recommend a shot of this. ::lifting her mug:: I'd tell you to water it, but it has a nasty tendency of burning water. <Tyl> No, that's quite all-right, Lisl... I've had enough of picking myself up off the floor, wondering what happened recently to want to try it some more <Lisl> Still getting flak from that wizard? * Meghan pushes back her mug and stands * Meghan yawns <Meghan> Well I am off. Feeling a bit sleepy tonight <Michelle> See you at home later this evening then. <Tyl> Flak isn't the half of it * Rhys stands. "Good night, Meghan. Take care." * Meghan nods to Michelle and waves to the others <Meghan> Night all <Tyl> Goodnight Miss <Zoya> ::nods to Meghan:: Good night. Let us know how the job hunt goes! * Meghan turns and strolls out the front door "I will" over her shoulder to Zoya <Tyl> What sort of job is she looking for? <Lisl> scribe. <Tyl> Hmmm... is she awfully... morally restricted? <Zoya> ::laughs:: I think it's probably too soon to introduce her to that side of town, Tyl. ::grin:: <Lisl> Morally restricted? ::grinning:: I like that. <Tyl> Well, I know a merchant who does... well... shady dealings that he needs official looking documents for... <Tyl> It's a very nice side of town, actually... <Michelle> Well she did work for lawyers... <Zoya> Hmm. Probably her first job or two should be legit, Tyl - if only so she can learn what the legit stuff is supposed to look like. <Lisl> She's got to know what an official document looks like, first. Give her time. <Tyl> well, then... * Lisl takes a sip of 'kick. <Tyl> If she's any good with numbers, there's a Cheese Merchant on Pasture Lane who needs someone to balance his books. As far as I know, he's legit <Zoya> She sounded interested in transcribing books. But it's something to consider, when you take her around, Michelle... <Lisl> ::smiling a little:: You'd know if he wasn't, wouldn't you? <Tyl> Unless he was very very careful, or really stupid... <Lisl> And she said she did research, didn't she? That doesn't mean she's any good with numbers... I mean, look at Rhys, and the Hall's books...::grinning:: <Lisl> You mean it's hard to recognize a really stupid crook? Gods, why? * Rhys mock glares at Lisl. "If you'd like to volunteer the next time I need to practice turning people into radishes, please continue." <Lisl> Nah, thanks, I get enough practice shapeshifting. ::grinning unrepentantly:: <Rhys> And the books are completely out of whack due to the state they've been left in. Marta made some good progress, but some of it is still incomprehensible. One of the columns in the book I'm working on now just says 'Blue' at the top. That's it. I'm still puzzling out what it's supposed to refer to. <Lisl> Blue? Aren't accounts supposed to be in the blue, or the red, or something? <Zoya> ::laughs:: I'd try to tell you that I'd make Marten come in here and straighten it out, Rhys, but he's no better at accounting than 'Dancer was. * Tyl looks at Zoya <Rhys> If we've made money, we're in the black. If we're losing money, we're in the red. But this is a column... it's supposed to be a category of expenses or payments. I assume we're not buying the abstract concept "Blue", so I'm trying to find out if it's blue paint, a supplier whose nickname is blue, a drink that's referred to as blue... it's quite annoying. <Tyl> Well, that's only to be expected, isn't it? <Lisl> Well...::thinks:: How often is there something written in it? <Tyl> I mean, seriously, that weirdo demi-demongod guy didn't exactly strike me as the sort of guy who keep his books balanced... or much of anything else balanced... <Lisl> demi-demongod? ::raises both eyebrows:: <Tyl> semi-god demon? <Zoya> ::grins:: I don't know. He picked up a number of interesting talents that 'Dancer never had. And Masato was highly educated before he went mad, from what I've been told. ::shrug:: I guess it's something he didn't retain. * Rhys coughs quietly. "I think she means Masato, Lisl." <Lisl> Ah. ::chuckling briefly:: I thought she might've meant Sealgair or one of his clan. <Tyl> Oh! ::slaps herself in the forehead:: I almost forgot... I stole something I'd like you to take a look at, Zoya... <Zoya> ::turns to Tyl:: Oh? What is it? * Tyl pulls out a book bound in a strange reddish-orange leather... the book smells odd, and the lettering on the cover pulses in a weird purplish black light <Zoya> ::raises an eyebrow and keeps her hands to herself:: Where'd you find it? * Lisl pulls back a little. "Tyl, that smells...bad." <Tyl> I nicked it from his mageness's pocket <Rhys> Last call everyone. If you want one last something from the bar, speak now or forever hold your peace... until we next re-open. <Zoya> And it didn't do anything bad to you? Have you tried to open it? <Lisl> His mageness? Your bully? <Tyl> ::turns her left hand upright to Zoya and shows a wicked red burn across the palm:: Oh yeah... which is why I thought maybe you could do something with it <Tyl> Yep... * Lisl takes another swallow of 'kick, keeping away from the book. "I'm fine with this, Rhys, thanks." <Zoya> Heh. That happened when you tried to open it? ::she reaches into her bag and comes out with an elbow-length leather glove, which she pulls on before holding the protected hand out for the book:: <Tyl> ::nods:: The cleric I spoke to couldn't fix it, either... <Zoya> Really? Keep an eye on it, then. If it starts getting worse, let me know at once. * Zoya looks the book over cautiously without opening it. <Tyl> Sure... it's not the most comfortable thing in the world... <Tyl> ::the runes flicker almost silver, then pulse back to blue/purple/black as Zoya handles the cover:: * Lisl wrinkles her nose. "I'd say keep it away from Gloss. It smells...dead." <Zoya> Well, mage-fire sometimes resists normal healing. It might heal with time correctly, but... You remember what happened to Jelarthna's arm. Don't wait until the last minute if it starts to spread. <Zoya> ::nods to Lisl:: I try to keep her away from the more dangerous books anyway, Lisl. She's got enough on her plate with the *benign* magical texts. <Tyl> ::shudders:: Ug. You don't think it's anything like that, do you? ::peers intently at her palm:: * Rhys coughs quietly. <Zoya> Probably not, but I don't know very much about this fellow. Can't hurt to be careful. <Lisl> Actually... ::leaning forward a bit, the surface of her skin shuddering like a horse's trying to rid itself of flies:: It's... it WAS... human. Several of them, I believe. <Zoya> ::glances up:: Oh, right. Sorry, Rhys. ::downs the rest of her cider with her un-gloved hand, then begins rummaging in her bag for something to wrap the book in for transport.:: <Tyl> Which brings me to the next thing... do you think I could stay at the Tower? I don't really want to be totally defenseless when he discovers I've nicked his little nasty... * Lisl leans back again and takes a deep swig of 'kick to clear out her nostrils. <Rhys> Just as curiosity, have you made arrangements for your remaining students, Tyl? <Tyl> Most of them have gone back to their parents... <Tyl> Vallel is still with his aunt... and Charoli is... god knows... the girl has contacts and I'm assuming she's with them... <Zoya> ::wrapping oilskin around the book:: Really, Lisl? That's interesting... ::she tucks the book into her bag and looks up at Tyl:: Certainly. Wouldn't hurt to have you around when I start poking into this book anyhow. <Lisl> Is...whassisname, ah, right, Vallel... is he better now? Glossaria hasn't been in the Hall much lately, I don't think. * Rhys has a long sip of his iced tea. <Lisl> Interesting? ::making a face:: It's sick. Evil. <Tyl> Vallel? He's recovering... slower than I'd like, but I think depression is hindering his recovery... <Lisl> Depression? What, did Glossaria finally muster the courage to turn him down? <Tyl> No... but she hasn't come to see him either... he's a little naive sometimes, but he's not dim... he knows... <Zoya> ::laughs:: Probably, but not necessarily. ::smiles:: I'm a researcher, Lisl. There are certain things one learns not to be disturbed by if one is going to learn all the facts one needs. <Tyl> Anyway, I think Rhys is getting ready to turn us into radishi, so maybe we should get moving? * Michelle finishes her juice, "Let me know if you need help with something. Unfortunately I think I'm going to have my hands full with my own charges for a while here." <Lisl> ::frowning:: I'd say if that doesn't disturb you at least a little, you're losing touch. Facts be damned. <Rhys> Radishes... it's radishes, Lady Nightstorm. <Zoya> ::nods, hoisting her bag and tossing her robes back over her shoulder:: Yes, I suppose so. * Rhys smiles slightly. * Lisl tipping back her head to swallow the rest of her 'kick. * Tyl tucks the bottle of rum into her bag after securing the cork. <Lisl> Heh...I'm not one to become like broccoli, either. ::standing and setting her mug on the counter, giving it a little push in the direction of the kitchen.:: <Tyl> Thanks, Rhys... but I think Radishi sounds more dignified.... if I have to be vegetation, I want to be dignified vegetation. <Rhys> I'll remember that, Tyl. Just in case. ::he winks at her:: <Lisl> Dignified vegetation? It's a radish, Tyl, not an oak. * Michelle rises, "Goodnight everyone." <Tyl> What's dignified about a tree that breeds by dropping acorns all over everything? <Zoya> ::to Lisl:: Well, I don't know the circumstances the skin was gathered under, Lisl. Could be it was given voluntarily - don't snort at me, I've seen it. Or that it was taken from dead who had no need for it anyhow. ::she shrugs:: Evil is disturbing,but so is ignorance. Best to face either with calm and poise. ::she smiles:: Come on, before Rhys acquires a taste for celery to go with his radishes... * Tyl opens the door and walks out, lingering outside the door * Zoya heads into the night... <Lisl> I could make a comment about the way *humans* breed, but I think I'll refrain. * Michelle leaves. * Lisl follows Zoya out. Her voice floats back through the door, saying something like, "What, so I'm not good enough to be a radish? I'm CELERY?" * Rhys laughs heartily as he locks the door behind Lisl. "Celery... I'll have to remember that, too..." |
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