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* Michelle unlocks the door and announces, "Hall's Open." * Michelle returns behind the bar. She's dressed in a simple brown skirt and silver jacket. * Sylith enters, a wood elf in deceptively simple clothing. She stops inside the door, looks around, then shrugs and takes a seat near the fire. * Goody Beatrice toddles in, a small, plump, grandmotherly woman in a conservative grey homespun dress. A small black cat pokes its head in the door, and after a moment strolls carelessly in after her, twitching its tail free of the closing door just in time. <Michelle> Good evening and welcome to the Meade Hall. What can I get for you this evening? * Sylith looks up from warming her hands at the fire. "Ale, please." * Goody Beatrice looks around with a smile on her lips and a sparkle in her eye. With the air of someone who feels they're being quite adventurous, she advances towards the bar. The cat follows nonchalantly, and twines itself around the legs of a stool. <Goody Beatrice> Good evening, young lady. ::she looks over Michelle, and smiles:: My, aren't you neatly turned out! The sign outside says meade, so I that's what I'll have, then, if you'd be so kind, dear. * Michelle pours a mug of ale and places it on the floor so that it can waddle over to Sylith. * Michelle smiles, "Certainly." Michelle fills a mug with meade and sets it on the bar in front of Goody B. * Sylith picks up the mug. "Thank you." She looks the mug over, and mutters a quiet, "Good evening," to it. It waves cheerfully to her, and she takes a drink. * Goody Beatrice watches the mug with some delight, catching sight of the cat as she turns her head back to the counter. "You! Did you follow me all the way here?" She tsks and accepts her mug. "No help for it, then. Might I have a saucer of milk, as well, for this one?" She gathers the cat up into her lap. "I'd meant to name him Precious, but I think Precocious would suit better." The cat looks smug. * Alranis slips through the door and takes his customary position at the bar, a little distanced from the others. * Michelle smiles at the cat, "I think we can arrange that." Turning to Alranis, "Weiders?" * Alranis rasps, quirking a grin, "Only if you've got it." * Michelle fills a mug and sets it on the bar in front of Alranis, then disappears into the kitchen. * Alranis takes a sip, and sets the mug down. <Sylith> ::smiling, she looks over Goody B and the cat, then frowns thoughtfully:: Haven't I seen you before, goodwife? * Goody Beatrice sips from her mug and sighs. "Ah, just as good as it was under that nice Ko... Ku... ah, Kalthean. That's it. I'd heard he died, poor man. Tell me, barkeep, who owns this Hall now?" * Michelle returns from the kitchen with a saucer of milk and sets it down in front of the cat. <Goody Beatrice> ::turning to frown thoughtfully at Sylith for a moment, her brows raising after a moment:: Ah! Of course, you'd be Bright Eyes, then. I remember. So much nicer without the hood, you have such beautiful hair, child! <Sylith> ::smiles tolerantly:: Brighteyes no longer, goodwife, but I thank you for the compliment. You have a very good memory. * Goody Beatrice gives the cat a small nod and pulls her stool in a little closer to the counter. Very daintily, the cat puts one foot up on the edge of the bar for balance, and begins to lap milk from the bowl. <Michelle> The ownership of the Hall is a bit confused at the moment. Moon Dancer reopened it sometime after Sealgair left. Then Sealgair came back and died. Then Moon Dancer disappeared. Now he's back, but he's not Moon Dancer anymore. It's very confusing. * Alranis bends his head towards his mug, briefly, and nods. <Goody Beatrice> ::shakes her head:: Such an adventurous life you young people lead. ::smiling:: Changed names, deaths, dark comings and goings, mysterious doings... it's all *quite* exciting. <Goody Beatrice> ::nodding to Sylith:: A good memory is the stock of my trade, lass. I keep myself with a little herbalism, these days. Tell me, if it's not prying, what name do you use now? <Sylith> I'm called Sylith these days. <Goody Beatrice> Sylith... ::nodding to herself:: Very pretty. Elven, if I'm not mistaken? <Sylith> ::chuckles:: Yes, from north and west of here. <Goody Beatrice> ::smiles and nods again:: I'm sure you've travelled far in your day. ::looking wistful:: Perhaps next year I'll take a little trip up to the capitol... but it's so hard to leave the cats, you know. ::petting the black absently:: <Sylith> ::smiles at the cat:: Ah, but goodwife, cats travel quite well! <Goody Beatrice> ::chuckling:: Oh, aye, but it's hard on their person, when there are thirty-one of them to care for. ::The black cat looks up and makes a brrt sound:: Ah, yes, I *do* apologize. Thirty-*six*, now. <Sylith> Thirty-six cats? My goodness, that's quite a brood. <Goody Beatrice> ::still smiling:: Well, yes, it's so hard to turn them away, the dears. So many others in the city mistreat them, and they have nowhere else to go... * Michelle shakes her head, "I have a sinking feeling that's about to change." <Goody Beatrice> ::she looks down at the cat in her lap:: This one's lucky Mistress Lisl wasn't here tonight. She wouldn't dream of harming my cats, of course, but the poor child *does* get so upset around them... <Sylith> ::glances up at Michelle:: Do you like cats? <Goody Beatrice> Change? ::taking another sip of her meade, and cocking her head questioningly:: What do you mean, dear? <Sylith> ::to Beatrice, smiling crookedly:: Yes, I suppose she does. <Michelle> I like cats, but one of my housemates treats cats the way Lisl treats wolves. * Michelle smiles at the Goody, "Just that Felice is probably going to start pestering me to let her house every stray in the city. And possibly import some of those flying ones." <Goody Beatrice> ::chuckles roundly:: Ah, yes, Felice. I remember her. She *did* enjoy playing with my kitties. <Goody Beatrice> She's doing much better then, I trust? ::sounding a bit disapproving:: She's not been back to visit since I treated her.... <Michelle> Things got very distracting. <Michelle> But Felice is feeling better. <Goody Beatrice> ::nodding sadly:: Aye, that's always the way. Living lives of dangerous adventure, and no time for the old folks... <Goody Beatrice> How about it, young man? ::turning to look at Alranis:: A nice, quiet lad like you, I'll bet you visit your grandmother twice a month at least, yes? * Alranis smirks, looks down for a sec, and rasps, "Lad? I'm, um, flattered, miss." He barks a laugh. "Next, you'll be calling me a kid." <Goody Beatrice> ::she squints at him:: Goodness, do forgive me, sir. In the darkness, you look not a day more than forty. * Alranis laughs. "The errors usually go in the opposite direction, miss." * Alranis raises his mug to her, winks mischievously, and takes a sip. <Goody Beatrice> ::smiling:: Oh, do call me Goody Bea. "Miss" sounds so formal. ::chuckling earthily:: And it's been two-score years and more since I've been able to claim that title, anyway. * Sylith looks at Alranis with surprise, as if she'd missed his entrance. She eyes him for a moment, then shrugs and takes a drink of her ale. * Meghan walks into the hall. She is wearing a burgundy long sleeve dress with her hair braided and held back with the same color ribbon * Goody Beatrice twinkles back at him, tatters, scruffiness, and all, and raises her mug in return, taking another swallow. * Meghan takes a seat at the bar <Michelle> What can I get for you this evening Meghan? <Meghan> ::smiles:: Hey Michelle. Red wine would be very nice <Goody Beatrice> ::turning to look at the newcomer, the small black cat jumping down from her lap to twine himself around Meghan's legs and investigate this newcomer:: Ah, another fresh face, how nice! Good evening to you, child, I'm Goodwife Beatrice. But please, everyone around here calls me Goody Bea. * Meghan smiles to the woman <Meghan> Good evening. My name is Meghan. IT is so nice to meet you * Michelle pours Meghan a glass of wine and sets the glass and the bottle on the bar in front of Meghan. * Meghan looks down at the cat and gently runs her hand across it's back * Meghan takes a sip of her wine and sits back <Goody Beatrice> Ah, and polite, too! ::smiles as the cat purrs and rubs himself up against her legs:: I see you've made a friend in Precocious, already. ::taking a sip of her meade:: * Meghan smiles down at the cat and gently scratches under it's chin * Goody Beatrice looks up with a frown as a loud "meow" sounds outside the door. Putting her mug down, she goes to open the door, letting in a chill breeze and a pair of ginger tabbies, who rub up against her briefly before proceeding to add to the quantity of cat around Meghan's ankles. * Meghan laughs softly and pets the other cats gently <Goody Beatrice> Oh, dear. And just when I thought I'd have a night off.... ::putting her mug down:: I *do* apologize for leaving so abruptly, but it seems one of my expectant mothers couldn't quite wait... or, rather, her twins couldn't. <Michelle> Goodnight Goody Beatrice. <Meghan> Goodnight Bea <Goody Beatrice> I shall leave the cats here... I hope to be back. If not, just put them out when you close, they'll find their way home. Oh, dear... yes, I'm coming. ::said to one of the gingers, who has separated from Meghan's ankles to scratch at the door:: <Goody Beatrice> Goodnight, all. It was such a pleasure meeting you. ::dropping a small curtsey and making her way out the door:: <Sylith> ::bemusedly watches Goody Bea bustle off:: * Meghan smiles as Goody Bea leaves then turns back to the bar taking another sip of her wine * Meghan finishes her glass on wine and stands stretching * Alranis takes a sip. * Meghan smiles to Michelle and drops a few coins on the bar. <Meghan> I think I need to be heading home <Michelle> Alright Meghan. Take care of yourself. * Darus sidles up to the bar and orders an ale * Michelle deposits the coins in the strongbox. <Meghan> Night Michelle * Meghan turns and heads out into the night. * Alranis peers at his mug for a moment, almost as if listening. * Sylith shoots Alranis a glance, frowning slightly, then glances at the newcomer. * Michelle fills a mug with ale and places it on the bar in front of Darus. "Good evening stranger and welcome to the Meade Hall. I'm Michelle. Let me know if there's anything you want." <Darus> Thank you good lady * Alranis offers, "They *do* server Weider's, if that particular beer matches your tastes." <Sylith> But the ale is excellent. ::raises her own mug and drinks, grinning:: <Darus> [darus is a tall, thin human in dusty traveling robes, carrying a small pack] <Darus> ::sips his ale and surveys the room:: <Sylith> ::smiles at Darus:: So are you travelling, or have you arrived? <Darus> Travelling, yes. <Darus> Arrived.... i'm not sure yet * Alranis shakes his head, and takes a sip from his mug. * Darus realizes that he hasn't paid for his ale, yet <Darus> I'm afraid I donŐt have any local currency * Michelle smiles at Darus, "Don't worry about it, the first hits free kid." * Darus fishes out an odd silver coin <Darus> s'okay, I always pay my way, one way or another * Darus tosses the coin on the bar <Michelle> You're sure? * Goody Beatrice enters again, sans cat, looking tired but happy. "Well now. That's two more souls in the world, then. Two boys, both as red-headed as their da, thank goodness." * Michelle: Another meade then? <Goody Beatrice> Aye, that would go down well. ::seating herself on a stool with a somewhat alarming creak:: * Michelle fills a mug with meade and sets it down in front of the Goody. * Alranis polishes off his mug and, standing, pushes his stool back. <Goody Beatrice> Many thanks, lass. ::hefting the mug and taking a long swallow:: Ah, that's the stuff. We had a bit of a dicey time of it there for a bit... the mother wasn't entirely sure they were her husband's, apparently. Something about a recently fired shop boy. ::smiling knowingly:: * Alranis: The night is young, and I have a lot left to do. <Michelle> So does the father know about this, or was he going to find out on a need to know basis? * Alranis bows to Goody Beatrice, smiling. "Thanks again for your compliment, mi..... Goody Bea." He flips a coin on the counter and disappears into the night. <Michelle> Night Alranis. * Michelle scoops the coins off the bar and deposits them in the strong box. <Goody Beatrice> Any time, sir. ::smiling:: You're only as old as you feel, you know. * Darus sips his ale * Goody Beatrice takes another swallow of meade, and retrieves her cat, who comes wandering around from behind the bar. "Ah, and what have *you* been up to, young sir? He's not been any trouble, has he, Mistress Michelle?" <Michelle> No. Course most cats aren't trouble till 15 minutes after they've done the deed. <Goody Beatrice> ::chuckling:: Aye, that's true. I can still remember when this one's mother had him and five others in the middle of my loom's yarn-pile. ::shakes her head:: I had to cut them out of there... I still don't know how she worked herself between the warps. * Michelle looks around the Hall, "Last call folks." * Darus drains his glass <Darus> I appreciate your hospitality <Goody Beatrice> ::nodding:: I'll just finish this last one and toddle off to bed. Too much alcohol hits me like and oxcart, these days. ::taking another swallow of meade and licking her lips:: <Darus> I'll make a point to pass this way again in my travels <Michelle> Not at all. Please come again. And if you've not found a room for the evening we have several upstairs. <Darus> A warm room would be a welcome change <Goody Beatrice> ::smiling, taking another sip before addressing darus:: You're an adventurer, then, lad? <Goody Beatrice> Or a businessman, come to town? <Darus> I've been traveling a lot, of late <Darus> some of it could be called adventure <Goody Beatrice> Ah, for the open road... ::raising her mug:: It must be wonderful. I've never been past Marsember's gates, alas. Well, no, there was my daughter's birthing, she and her man settled just outside of town.... but not far. * Darus raises his mug <Darus> the road <Goody Beatrice> ::nodding approvingly, and finishing off her meade:: Well, that's that, then. We'd best let this young lady get home, and I to bed. * Goody Beatrice stoops to put her empty mug on the floor, tapping a finger against its side. "Run along, now, I'm finished, thank you." <Michelle> ::The Goody's mug waddles into the kitchen.:: * Darus makes arrangement for the room and adjourns for the night <Goody Beatrice> 'Twas good meeting you, lad, and good seeing you again, Mistress Michelle. * Michelle shoos the rest of the dishes into the kitchen. <Michelle> Felice or I may stop by the visit later Goody Beatrice. It really has been far too long. <Goody Beatrice> ::fixing Michelle with a stern maternal eye:: You'll be sending that Felice along to visit me sometime soon, you hear? I want to make certain there are no aftereffects. * Darus raises an eyebrow at the sight of animate dishes <Goody Beatrice> ::nodding, satisfied:: Well enough. ::Covering a huge yawn:: Oh, dear, pray excuse me. I'd really best be getting home before I fall asleep on your counter. Thank you again for your kind hospitality. <Michelle> Goodnight Goody Beatrice. <Goody Beatrice> Come, you scamp. ::picking up the black cat by his scruff as he's about to commence further investigation behind the bar and bundling him into her arms:: <Goody Beatrice> Night, then. ::raising her hand in a blessing gesture:: Peace on this hall. * Goody Beatrice makes her way out, listing gently. * Michelle dims the lamps and then walks out, locking the door behind her. |
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