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* Rhys comes in from the kitchen, does a quick wipe-down of the bar, walks to the front (side) door, unlocks it, and returns to his post behind the bar. <Rhys> "Hall's Open." * Vallel walks in and sits down without looking around <Rhys> Evening, Vallel. Can I get you something? <Vallel> Cider? * Rhys gets Vallel a mug of apple cider. "Here you are." <Vallel> Thanks. * Zoya shuffles in, carrying a thick portfolio. She mutters a greeting to all present, then sits at the furthest table with her back to the room and unfolds the portfolio to reveal an enormous untidy stack of papers. She begins muttering unpleasantly under her breath as she vainly attempts to sort the papers. Every now and then, one of them will flutter of its own accord to a different stack when she isn't paying enough attention. * Michelle enters the Hall in a brown velvet dress with a leaf and vine pattern embroidered on the bodice. Her moon earring shines clearly from her right ear and her hair flows freely behind her. * Meghan slowly pushes open the Hall door and steps inside. She looks very very tired and moves very slowly. She is wearing a dark green dress with a sash and hairtie the same colors. Her eyes, you might notice, are unusually bright. She slowly makes her way to the bar and sits beside Vallel * Glossaria walks in. Her dress is again clean and dust-free, her hair as combed as it gets, and she carries a large box with the local choclatier's stamp and a large bouquet of flowers. She pauses in the door to look around, and muffles a small gasp behind the bouquet when she sees Vallel. She swallows hard. <Vallel> Oh, good evening, Meghan. Feeling better? * Meghan smiles and nods slowly to Vallel <Meghan> Working on it ::softly:: <Vallel> Well, Mistress Tyl is working on a psionic shield for you. To sort of block out magical emanations. It won't do much for a spell directed at you, but might help you keep from... whatever it is you're doing when you get around stuff that's magical * Michelle sits at the bar, "Have you found any possible cures?" * Meghan nods. <Meghan> Sounds good to me. * Vallel almost but not quite glances at Glossaria out of the corner of his eye. <Rhys> Can I get anyone something from the bar? * Glossaria approaches the bar on the other side of Vallel from Meghan, a few paces down from him, trembling a little and looking like she's on her way to the gallows. <Meghan> Some water please Rhys ::smiles to him:: * Rhys gets Meghan a mug of water. * Meghan turns and smiles to Gloss "hey Glossaris. How are you tonight?" <Glossaria> Whiskey, Master Rhys...please? ::sounding like a drowning woman asking for a life preserver:: <Meghan> Thanks Rhys ::takes a swallow of the water:: <Michelle> Goldenflower tea? * Rhys sets Glossaria up with a shot of Moonshaen whisky, neat. * Zoya catches a piece of paper in the act of shifting piles and gives a short, but loud exclamation of irritation. With a single sweep of her arm, she slams the portfolio closed on the hapless papers, and banishes the whole mess with a wave of her arm and bright flash of orange light. <Zoya> Enough! * Meghan glances over at Zoya and smiles to her <Zoya> ::turning around and stalking toward the bar:: I give up! <Meghan> Good evening Zoya <Michelle> Give up on what Zoya? <Glossaria> I'll... I'll tell you in a moment, Mistress Meghan. <Vallel> ::smiles at Zoya:: you have the most peculiar problems, Mistress Zoya... flaming paperwork just seems to be the icing on the cupcake <Zoya> These idiot ACCOUNTS! ::she plops down at the bar:: I need a cider Rhys, if you have a moment to spare. * Meghan smiles to Gloss and stands offering her the stool next to Vallel patting her gently on the shoulder as she does so, then moves down a few places taking her water with her * Glossaria picks up the shotglass with a slightly trembling hand, takes a deep breath, and belts the whole thing back. * Rhys gets Zoya a hard cider. * Glossaria 's eyes bulge for a moment and she coughs a bit, dropping onto the offered stool like a stunned rabbit. "Oh. My." <Zoya> My thanks. ::she drains the cider in one long draught and addresses the room as a whole:: I am not an unintelligent woman. Simple sums ought not be beyond my skills. And yet - if the papers insist on being confused, and the numbers persist in *changing* every time I look at them... How am I supposed to balance things? <Vallel> ::laughs:: You sound just like Auntie looking over the books around here... * Rhys scowls at the mention of the Hall's books. * Glossaria biting her lip, eyes slanting sidewise to Vallel for a moment as she looks at Zoya. "Don't look at me, Mistress Zoya. I'm just a bookworm. Millipedes are the accountants." * Vallel looks back over at Glossaria with an almost bland expression, his eyes slightly tight around the corners <Glossaria> ::looks rather daunted, and clears her throat:: Um... hello, Vallel. You look... good. ::smiling timidly:: <Vallel> Thank you ::makes a grand sweeping bow:: I'm still working on it, but I have the advantage of height over Lord Jaret. * Meghan shoots Vallel a 'be nice to her' look and drinks some more of her water <Glossaria> ::blushing a little:: Um... these are for you. ::pushing the bouquet of flowers and the box over to him on the bar:: According to the books, this is how a man is supposed to apologize to a woman. I looked for something that went the other way 'round, but apparently, the woman never apologizes. * Meghan rolls her eyes and slightly shakes her head, then finishes off her water * Rhys hands Michelle a steaming cup of tea out from under the bar. "Sorry, Michelle. I'm a little distracted." <Vallel> ::raises an eyebrow at the gifts:: And what are you sorry for, Glossaria? * Michelle smiles and sips her tea, "It's alright Rhys, I think we're all distracted." <Meghan> Rhys could I get some more water please <Glossaria> I'm... ::pausing for another deep breath, picking up a napkin from the bar distractedly and twisting it between her hands:: I'm very sorry I... avoided you like I did. I... I have no excuse. I can only say that what you asked me made me very confused, and... and scared me. * Vallel takes a deep breath and blinks several times very hard, then takes a long swallow of his cider. <Vallel> ::takes the napkin out of her hands and places it on the bar top, holding her hands between his:: It's a small word, Glossaria. There's no need to be afraid of it. Or me. <Glossaria> ::rushing forward with her words:: It's all my fault. I didn't do enough research. All my materials told me the how-to of sex and seduction, but nothing about the why, or where it might lead....well, I mean, babies, of course, but nothing of the emotional aspects. I didn't know what it was going to... do to you. Or me. ::not quite meeting his eyes:: * Michelle sips her tea. <Vallel> ::tips her chin up:: Love isn't learned in books. Life's the only classroom for that. * Meghan turns to Michelle <Meghan> Evening Michelle. How are you doing tonight? <Glossaria> Well... ::biting her lip, and finally meeting his eyes:: It's written about enough. But... you're right. It's... the words aren't enough for the... for what it really feels like. Even the poetry. <Michelle> Much better. I'm sorry that I haven't been by to see how you've been doing, but I had some rather unpleasant reactions to that world we traveled to, and it took a while to recover. * Meghan nods <Vallel> ::blinks hard again:: It's a small word, Gloss. Go ahead and say it, and let's get it over with, shall we? As much as I enjoy posturing, I think this is breaking my heart... <Meghan> I understand. <Glossaria> I was actually starting to get a little excited about the love part. ::blushing:: I didn't quite understand it yet, but... I liked it. But... ::looking sad:: when you proposed... I wasn't expecting that at all. <Vallel> ::scratches at his thick hair:: blame it on my upbringing.... <Glossaria> Well, no.... mine. Or rather, my lack of. ::looking embarrassed:: <Glossaria> I... I had to go look it up. And when I read the standard wedding vows, I got *really* scared. I mean, 'til *death*? What would we *do* in all that time? I mean... ::blushing deeper:: aside from... you know. <Vallel> ::smiles a bit sadly and looks at the floor:: I thought... I thought you were the perfect woman. So smart. So beautiful. So completely unlike anyone I'd ever met. The things we talked about... I... just listening to you tell me about what you read that day... * Michelle sips her tea and studies the young couple. <Glossaria> Well... ::sighing:: Oh, I'm making a hash of this, I know I am. That's... that's kind of what I mean Vallel. ::covering the hands cupping her hand with her other hand:: We... we don't really *know* each other. I mean, we know our bodies... we *did* get to page 173, after all... but we don't *know* each other, you know what I mean? I barely know myself, come to that. * Meghan glances over past Gloss to Vallel smiling softly <Vallel> ::looks surprised:: You think I don't know you? <Glossaria> Well, I... ::biting her lip:: Not... not enough. <Vallel> Pardon me for saying so, my love, but you never shut up. How can I help but know you? ::almost laughs:: <Vallel> That's what I love about you... you're so *interested* in everything. Everything wonders and amazes you. And you want to learn, and you love looking at everything. Nothing bores you. It's amazing. <Glossaria> ::blushing again:: Well... you were probably like that, too, when you were a baby. <Vallel> Nah... I was lots louder... ::drinks again:: * Michelle looks at Meghan, "So have you found any cases similar to your own?" * Meghan shakes her head. <Glossaria> ::giggles a little:: Well... you *are* a boy. And...:glancing at him slyly, sidelong:: And you've heard *me* be plenty loud. I'm sure Mistress Zoya could hear me, even through the soundproofing. <Meghan> No I haven't. But I am starting to think that it's not an allergy. <Michelle> What makes you think that? <Meghan> I did read in a book I borrowed from Zoya of some people that came from a world where there was no magic reacting the same way that I did and after a while they were fine. Some even we able to do magic of their own. <Vallel> ::takes her hands again:: Look. I suppose I should be the one to be sorry... I... here in my heart there's a place that doesn't want to go through the rest of my life without you. But I shouldn't... shouldn't have put any obligation on you. <Michelle> Acclimation sickness of some sort...Seems reasonable enough. <Meghan> So I think it is just some sort of process my body has to go through to get used to the magic * Meghan nods. <Vallel> When I'm with you, I... I feel more like myself. Like I can be myself. Because you don't expect anything from me. I don't have to be the perfect son, or the perfect student, or even the perfect fop. I can just be me, and you like me anyway. <Glossaria> ::smiling:: Really? ::tilting her head to the side:: Do you... do you feel that way with all the *other* girls? <Vallel> You're reading the wrong books again. I've never felt like this about anyone. * Meghan stands up and stretches a bit <Glossaria> ::raising an eyebrow:: I didn't read about that female student on the field trip in a book. You're *sure*? <Meghan> Well I think I need to be getting. I'm still a not feeling my best. <Rhys> Fare thee well, Meghan. <Meghan> Night Michelle ::nods to Rhys:: been a pleasure Rhys ::smiles to him:: <Glossaria> ::spares a smile and a wave for Meghan:: <Michelle> Goodnight Meghan. * Meghan offers Gloss a soft smile <Meghan> Night you two <Vallel> ::touches her bottom lip with one finger:: Charoli doesn't hold even a tenth of the charms to me that you do. * Meghan turns and walks to the door a bit faster than when she came but still slowly <Glossaria> Well...okay. ::taking a deep, settling breath:: I have a proposal for *you* then. Something I came across in my reading. <Vallel> ::blinks:: * Meghan slips out the door and into the night <Glossaria> A betrothal. One year, to *really* get to know each other, and be sure that this is what we really want. Maybe a little time to meet more family. And... and if we can stand each other, for a whole year, and you still want to... then yes. I'll marry you. ::glaring:: But I'm *not* giving up my career. Okay? * Vallel takes two steps backwards, blinking hard. He tries to sit, misses the stool completely and ends up on the floor with his mouth open * Rhys leans over and levitates Vallel back up to his stool. "Here." <Glossaria> ::biting her lip, looking distressed:: What's the matter? Don't you want to? * Vallel gapes for a few more moments. <Glossaria> ::looking more distressed:: Vallel... say something. Please? * Vallel rushes to his feet, grabs her around the waist and twirls her around in a circle, kissing her soundly. <Vallel> ::gently puts her back on her feet:: Hey, it's not "no". I've been bracing myself for "no" for about a month now, my dear. <Glossaria> ::kisses him back, staggering a little as she regains her feet and breath:: So... that's a yes? * Zoya watches Val and Gloss discreetly from the corner of her eye, smiling. <Vallel> Well... ::grins foolishly:: of course it is. <Glossaria> ::heaves a huge sigh and nearly collapses back onto her stool:: *I've* been bracing myself for a no, too, after forcing you to wait so long. I thought you might've found another girl you liked, or that you'd be so mad you wouldn't talk to me.... <Glossaria> ::hugging him:: You may know *me* very well, love, but *I've* been the one doing all the talking. You've got a year to learn to talk more. ::smiling:: <Vallel> I think we'll manage. ::grins:: <Glossaria> And, since the betrothal was my idea, and *you* need a lot more protecting from suitors than *I* do....::digs into her skirt pocket for a moment. A look of alarm crosses her face, and fades into relief as she digs into the other pocket:: It's not very much, but... ::holds out a little box:: * Vallel takes the little box and opens it * Vallel removes a ring and admired it. <Vallel> Very nice, my love. * Vallel hands it to her. <Vallel> You're supposed to do the honors... ::extends his hand to her:: <Vallel> I think <Glossaria> You don't want-- :;eyes widening:: Oh. Oops! I forgot. ::smiling a little as she takes the ring and shyly slips it onto his fourth finger. At first, it looks too big for his hand, but after a moment it seems to constrict, and fits comfortably.:: <Glossaria> There! ::smiling:: It's enchanted against accidental loss. But you *can* take it off... if you want to. <Vallel> I'd rather take off my head. ::kisses her cheek:: So, where's yours? I did give it to you, didn't I? I meant to.... <Glossaria> ::grinning a little foolishly:: Hm? Oh! I...well, you *did* present it to me, but I... that was when I, um, ran away. * Vallel blinks a few times. <Vallel> Well, I don't have it... * Michelle sips her tea. * Vallel turns to Rhys. <Vallel> Did I leave it on the bar? <Glossaria> ::eyes widening in alarm:: Uh-oh... ::thinking a moment:: Um... Rhys? Is there perchance a, um, little brown velvet box in lost and found? <Rhys> One moment, Glossaria, let me look. <Glossaria> ::smiling at Vallel as her words tumble over his:: * Rhys rummages around for a while under the bar, and eventually comes out with a slightly abused looking brown velvet box. "Is this it?" <Glossaria> YES! ::nearly bellying over the bar in her excitement to reach it:: * Rhys hands the box over to Glossaria. * Vallel takes the box from Gloss <Vallel> My turn, I think. ::opens it and extends the small gold band with it's small diamond towards Gloss:: * Glossaria smiles and holds out her hand, fingers spread. * Vallel (in traditional male fashion) manages to put the ring on the wrong finger <Glossaria> ::smiles a little:: Other finger, love. <Vallel> ::blush:: sorry <Glossaria> It's okay. It's your first time, after all. ::looking at him mock-fiercely:: It IS your first time, isn't it? <Vallel> Yes, dear... ::mock sighs:: <Glossaria> ::admires the ring glistening on her finger, gives Vallel a quick, fierce hug, and then runs over to Zoya, holding out her hand:: Look, Mistress Zoya! I'm *engaged*! * Vallel stands by the bar and attempts to look nonchalant * Zoya takes Gloss's hand and turns the ring toward the light and examines it gravely. "Well. Well, well, well." She looks over at Vallel solemnly for a moment, then smiles. "Congratulations, Glossaria." Zoya gives her apprentice a brief hug. <Glossaria> ::grins over her shoulder at Vallel with a wicked gleam in her eye:: Just be glad I didn't make you ask for my hand in marriage. My father doesn't speak human, and I'll bet Mistress Zoya would have put you through the wringer! ::grinning at Zoya and returning her hug:: <Michelle> Congratulations you two. <Zoya> ::smiles:: Perhaps. <Vallel> Well, I suppose I could learn to speak Wyrmish... if you wanted <Glossaria> Vermish, actually. Wyrmish is dragon-tongue. ::correcting absently:: It's alright. ::grinning again and trotting over to Michelle, extending her ring-hand for inspection:: <Rhys> Last call, everyone. <Vallel> ::smiles:: Well, isn't Meghan going to be surprised? She's had a bit of damp shoulder recently... sort of being trapped in my aunt's house and all, she was a good ear <Zoya> I believe I'll have one for the road, Rhys... * Michelle examines the ring for a few moments then smiles at Glossaria, "Remember Glossaria, if he can afford this ring while he's an apprentice you should demand even better gifts once you're married and he's self-employed." <Glossaria> ::grinning at Rhys:: Rhys, could we have champagne? All around? I want everyone to celebrate with me. <Vallel> ::makes a face:: Thanks Mistress Michelle... <Glossaria> :;raises her eyebrows, and looks thoughtful after a moment, turning a smile on Vallel:: Yes, thank you, Mistress Michelle. <Rhys> Very well. ::fishes a bottle from under the bar, and sets up four tall champagne flutes, uncorks the bottle, and begins pouring:: * Michelle raises her hand, "Not for me Rhys. I've never had a head for Champagne." * Rhys skips over Michelle's glass. <Glossaria> ::raises an eyebrow:: Mere alcohol doesn't thrill you at all? You're not having any, Rhys? <Zoya> Surely you should have a glass yourself, Rhys? A sip, at least. <Rhys> ::to Zoya:: Would you rather have your usual or some of this? <Zoya> Oh, I'll have the champagne, as long as it's opened. <Rhys> Very well then. I usually avoid drinking while on duty, but I figure just this once... ::takes Michelle's flute and pours himself a glass:: "To the newly betrothed, may the coming year fill them with joy, and prepare them for a happy life." * Vallel lifts his glass, winks at his lady, and takes a very very small sip * Rhys has a swallow and smiles at the group. * Zoya raises her glass to Rhys' toast, and sips appreciatively. <Glossaria> ::smiles and picks up her own glass, raising it in a toast:: Thank you, Rhys! ::smiling at Vallel as she sips from her glass:: Oh! ::putting a hand over her mouth as she hiccups once, and a bubble floats from her nose:: That was...unexpected. * Vallel smiles. * Michelle raises her tea cup, then empties it. <Glossaria> ::smiles ruefully and takes another, more careful sip:: * Vallel puts his glass on the bar discretely * Zoya toasts, "To the promise of a beginning, and the beginning of a promise. All joy, children." She finishes her glass and sets it carefully on the bar. <Vallel> ::smiles:: That was very poetic, Mistress Zoya. Thank you. <Glossaria> ::smiling:: Thank you, Mistress. ::wrinkles her nose, looking thoughtful:: Hm. Well, I like the bubbles, even if they *do* go to y head. But the taste isn't what I expected. * Glossaria takes one final sip, and places her glass on the bar next to Vallel's. * Vallel offers Gloss his arm. <Vallel> Shall we go tell my aunt? <Zoya> ::smiles:: And now I must go. If nothing else, I have to bewitch those papers so they follow Marten around for a fortnight or so... ::she strolls out into the night, grinning to herself and chuckling:: <Glossaria> Indeed! ::taking his arm:: And then, I can think of a few *more* ways we can celebrate... * Vallel grins broadly * Glossaria exits on Vallel's arm. * Michelle shakes her head but has a smile on her face. <Michelle> Well I should be going as well. Goodnight to you Rhys. * Rhys begins cleaning up the champagne glasses and the rest of the evening's remnants. * Michelle exits the Hall. <Rhys> Good night, Michelle. * Rhys locks the door behind Michelle, cleans up, and then lets himself out. |
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