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* Nacheyla is having a soft conversation with the yellow star that is constantly flying around her head. * Zoya enters, looks around the room, and sits at the bar. "Hullo, Nacheyla. How are you tonight?" <Nacheyla> Not too bad, how are you? Drink? <Zoya> Not bad, not bad at all. Don't mind if I do. Cider, please? <Yohko> Yohko walks in and sits down at the bar. "Evening." * Nacheyla pours a mug of cider and hands it to Zoya. * Zoya lifts a hand in greeting to Yohko, then takes a deep drink from her mug. <Nacheyla> Good evening, Mistress Yohko... I wanted to speak with you. How lovely of you to show up and save me the trouble of hunting all over town for you. ::grins:: * Xarroch slams the door open and squeezes his huge frame inside, eyes automatically probing the Hall before walking over to the bar.. he pauses a moment to think and nods to the ladies. <Xarroch> Good.. ::looks at the door:: morning? <Zoya> ::chuckles:: Evening. Good evening, Xarroch. <Nacheyla> Evening, actually... ::pours a mug of mule kick and sits it gingerly on the bartop:: Nice to see you. <Zoya> ::musingly:: Though I suppose it must be morning *some*where... <Yohko> So what did you want to talk about Nacheyla? <Xarroch> ::grins at the yellow star and licks his lips a moment, then turns back to Zoya and Nacheyla:: Ah, evening. Yes. ::chuckles deeply:: It's a bit hard to keep track of such things when you live in a piece of Chaos. <Nacheyla> I'd like to see about getting some fencing lessons for my nephew. I had to stitch him up again last night and since he won't fight these... disagreements... with anything other than a sword, I think he should learn how to use one. <Zoya> ::curiously:: Do you materialize just outside the door when you come here, Xarroch? <Xarroch> ::nods to Zoya:: Usually. It's secluded enough to attract little notice. <Xarroch> It also seems easier. ::grins:: Go figure. <Yohko> I'd be happy to teach him since Temire's out of town for the next several months. But I have to admit, Jaret is the superior fighter and teacher with your nephew's chosen weapon. <Zoya> Ah, well, fair enough. I might suggest taking a few seconds, next time, to look at the sky before you come in, then, and at least ascertain whether the sun is out. I'm sure with some practice, you could even learn to tell the east from the west! ::grins:: * Nacheyla rolls her eyes and heaves a sigh, <Nacheyla> I have no desire for Vallel to act any more like Jaret than he already does! <Xarroch> ::chuckles and grins back at Zoya:: I did see that your sun isn't out, I just have trouble keeping your time terms straight. And you divide them up so oddly! Minutes I can understand... dark and light make sense. * Yohko smiles at Nacheyla, "You mean you don't want Vallel bedding every maiden who crosses his path?" <Nacheyla> ::grins:: Does Jaret actually do that, or is he just letting us think he does? <Zoya> ::laughs at Nach's comment:: By all means, Yohko - the boy could take years of training before the difference between Jaret's skill and your own would make any difference to him. <Xarroch> ::looks at Yohko appraisingly and shrugs:: I assume you're talking about those pointy swords Jaret favors? * Yohko nods her head to Zoya, "True enough. Particularly if he's only picking it up as a hobby." <Zoya> ::to Xarroch:: It's not odd. Sun going up is morning. Sun going down is afternoon. Sun set is evening. The only peculiar one is that "good night" is generally reserved for farewells rather than greetings. <Yohko> I have to admit I enjoy cutting loose with a sword on occasion myself. But generally I find that a fist or a foot will get the jump done faster, quieter, and with less of a mess to clean up afterwards. <Xarroch> ::grins at Zoya:: You should come stay with me for a while. <Zoya> If he's duelling formally, though, it's a sword or nothing. * Xarroch chuckles at Yohko's comment, flexing his hands <Zoya> ::laughs:: In Chaos? Been there. Not interested, thanks. <Zoya> It's all I can do to keep from self-combusting when Yb shows herself. * Yohko shakes her head, "I still don't get that. Why bother having all these rules. Someone issues a challenge, it's accepted or it isn't. The two face off at the agreed upon time. Last one standing wins." <Zoya> ::laugh:: There are those who follow those rules, too. <Xarroch> Yb? Oh, the mad one. ::shrugs:: Actually, dwelling in Chaos is more interesting than you might think.. it's a constant struggle to impose your will on your surroundings, or a very interesting ride through them. * Yohko looks at Zoya, "Is that from frustration, or some kind of resonance?" <Xarroch> ::nods at Yohko:: A better way it to cut them down by surprise before they get there. ::chuckles:: <Nacheyla> ::grins:: Well, I'm most interested in him learning "block" and "parry". <Yohko> That's ambush, not duel Xarroch. Not that it isn't an effective way of doing business, and taught in most practical societies. But most societies insist on cloaking their darker impulses in terms of "honor". Thus duels have rules. * Glossaria enters, carrying a sheaf of papers and larger notebook than her personal one, all of which she sets down carefully on the bar before taking a seat herself. <Yohko> And those rules, here, dictate that Vallel can't use the most effective weapon at his disposal. <Glossaria> Vallel? Duel? Oh, no, what's he gotten himself into now? <Yohko> I'll see what I can do with him. This is the second or third of these he's fought so I'll probably skip the formal training and go straight to practicality. <Nacheyla> I'd appreciate it. ::reaches for her beltpouch:: What's your going rate? <Xarroch> Bah. "rules" such as that are only meant to shackle those who are stronger. In any battle, one of so called honor or not, victory and life are the important considerations. <Nacheyla> ::gives Gloss a guarded look:: I don't know, exactly. He's... not talking much right now. <Xarroch> Practicality... ::laughs:: <Glossaria> ::seeing and assessing the guarded look:: Do you mean he's unconscious? If you don't know *exactly*, what *do* you know? * Yohko waves Nacheyla off, "Don't worry about it. I'm not starving. And if I teach him it might save all of us the trouble of having to save him later on." <Glossaria> Save him? ::looking more alarmed as she pays attention to what Yohko's saying:: Save him from what? Someone tell me what's going on! <Xarroch> The fool boy is apparently crippling himself in battles of "honor" and Nacheyla is asking Yohko to help train him. <Nacheyla> ::sighs:: Vallel came home very very early this morning with a bad wound. He's resting. But he hasn't been able to tell me what happened. * Yohko shrugs, "Someone probably made some more off comments about your appearance, your behavior, or your parentage." * Meghan walks into the Hall looking a bit tired. She has a green cloak wrapped around her. She takes a seat at the bar <Xarroch> ::looks quizzically at Yohko:: Why should that matter? * Xarroch looks around and smiles at Meghan <Glossaria> Battles of honor? But-- oooooooh! ::stomping her foot:: I TOLD him, he doesn't have to fight about it if what they're saying is TRUE! Yes, I *do* have green hair! Yes, I *am* a worm! So WHAT? Why should I care what a bunch of over-inebriated bar stoolies think? ::pausing and suddenly biting her lip:: Um... not you all, of course. <Yohko> How are things going Meghan? No more attacks I hope? * Nacheyla pours herself a small glass of deep amber liquid and tosses it back with a practiced flick of the wrist. * Meghan smiles at Yohko <Meghan> Hey Yohko. I am good, and no more attacks thankfully <Yohko> In some societies it's a measure of your manhood what people say about your woman. If you can't prevent people from saying insulting things about her, then you're not a man yourself. Very foolish. <Zoya> ::chuckles quietly and gulps back some cider:: <Xarroch> ::nods:: Foolish indeed. He should just kill a few of them if it means that much. No others will bother him after. <Glossaria> ::getting a dangerous look in her eye:: Then perhaps *I* should prevent them from saying insulting things about me in the first place. ::putting her hands together and cracking her knuckles:: <Xarroch> ::grins:: Even better! * Meghan grins at Gloss * Nacheyla makes a face. <Nacheyla> Great... just what I need... two hot-heads to worry about. <Zoya> ::laughing:: That's not the point, Glossaria. <Xarroch> Hot-head..? ::touches Glossaria's hair, puzzled:: It's not even warm. * Yohko looks at Nacheyla sympathetically, "Give me a call if you need someone to sit on one of them." <Nacheyla> It's an expression. It means short-tempered. <Zoya> ::looks from Xarroch to Gloss and back, and laughs again:: <Xarroch> Ahh, I see. <Glossaria> I never said anything about being short-tempered, Nacheyla. I plan on going about this quite methodically. After all... ::glancing at Zoya:: Have you ever heard people say blatantly insulting things about my mistress? Or Yb? <Zoya> ::mutters:: All the time. Scrawny elf twit. * Xarroch smiles and nods approvingly, reaching for the mug of kick and downing it, carefully setting it back down, where it shivers for a few moments <Xarroch> ::grins:: Which scrawny elf twit? <Yohko> Has anyone managed to find out how she got like that? <Zoya> Yb. I was demonstrating a blatant insult of Yb for my faithful apprentice. <Zoya> ::to Yohko:: I'm almost certain it's a curse of some sort, centered on that staff of hers, but I can't get it away from her to study it. <Xarroch> ::looking at <Glossaria>: But why should either of you care what these people say? It means nothing. And if they act, the boy should be able to take care of any mundane threats.. even as untrained as he is. <Glossaria> ::smiling:: I mean by *other* than present company, mistress. My impression is that the general townsfolk are terrified of her. <Meghan> Nacheyla could I get a glass of red wine please <Nacheyla> Surely. <Yohko> Which means whenever she isn't within ear shot they're saying all kinds of nasty things about her. It's how people generally deal with fear. <Glossaria> ::cocking her head to the side:: I'm not certain that it's a *curse* on the staff, mistress... in fact, I've suspected that staff is an Artifact with a stronger will than her own, and that it may well have malevolent intentions. * Nacheyla pours Meghan a glass of a very dark red wine. <Nacheyla> This just came in yesterday. Berduskan dark. * Meghan nods <Meghan> Thanks so much <Glossaria> :::Looking back at Xarroch:: For a non-human, you're quite perceptive of their inner thoughts. ::looking suspicious:: *You're* not psionic, are you? <Zoya> ::to Gloss:: The curse is on *her*, through the staff. You're probably right in your guess. <Xarroch> ::shrugs:: What people say in hiding matters even less... when they piss their pants as you look at them, no one pays heed to their big words later. <Xarroch> Me? ::grins widely at <Glossaria>: <Xarroch> Cowards are the same anywhere. I've dealt with so many I couldn't even begin to tell you. * Meghan takes a sip of the wine and pulls a notebook out of her pocket and begins to write <Nacheyla> ::makes a face:: Well, this "coward" put a good sized hole in my nephew. <Zoya> ::laughs:: It's easy to inspire cowardice with a natural form like yours, Xarroch. The rest of us have to put forth a little more effort. <Glossaria> At any rate, as I said, I could care less what the common populace thinks, as long as my friends or working associates do not share their views, or said views do not hamper my ability to get on with my work. ::frowning fiercely:: It *does* bother me when my own beloved is getting holed every other week on account of these microcephalic insults. <Xarroch> Because the fool boy held back. <Xarroch> ::grins at Zoya:: I'm actually quite handsome among my own kind. <Zoya> I'm sure you are. * Meghan glances at Xarroch and grins <Nacheyla> What kind of insults? * Xarroch chuckles and smiles back at Meghan <Glossaria> microcephalic. ::thinks a moment:: Pea-brained. * Meghan looks back to her notebook and continues writing <Nacheyla> Oh... I thought... well, let's just never mind what I thought. <Glossaria> ::raising a finger:: Nacheyla, I think I'd like to try a glass of that wine, if I may. <Zoya> Now, Xarroch, I'm not so sure he's necessarily a fool for not using his psionic powers. There's a lot of fear about psionics floating around, and while dealing with one or two idiots is certainly within Vallel's ability, I don't think he could handle a full-blown panic. <Xarroch> pea-brained? ... ::pauses a moment:: Ah, little brain! ::chuckles:: <Yohko> Well I'll see what I can do about teaching him a few things so that he doesn't get perforated again. Though given his natural talents I have to agree with Xarroch that he's crippling himself. * Nacheyla pours another glass of the dark red wine for Glossaria. <Glossaria> ::looking musingly at Yohko:: Mistress Yohko... is it considered honorable to use magic in a duel? <Xarroch> Hmm.. That is true, a mob of insects can take down a behemoth, and the boy doesn't qualify. ::grins:: <Glossaria> Thank you. ::accepting the glass and taking a sip:: <Yohko> As long as we're all trying it, do you think there's another glass left in that bottle? <Yohko> No, but that doesn't stop most mages from using it. Or hiring a swordsman like Jaret to fight the duel for them. <Yohko> Or just ignoring the duel all together. <Nacheyla> Surely. I just got several bottles. Now that the problem with the Alchemist's Guild is solved, I expect to have a regular supply of it. <Xarroch> ::nods:: Picking your battles is the first step to smart fighting. <Zoya> Ha! He's an adolescent, Yohko. It will be a few years before he's able to sagely ignore insults. Maybe you should make that part of his training. <Xarroch> ::looks curiously at the wine:: What is that stuff? <Glossaria> ::swirling the wine around in her glass, admiring the color:: Wine. Fermentation of grape. <Nacheyla> It's called Berduskan dark wine. It's made from grapes and some sort of alchemists experiment. It's very sweet. <Yohko> I was planning on it. If he's fighting duels over Glossaria then he's going to have to learn to control his temper. <Xarroch> ::shrugs and grins a little:: I will also try some, then. * Nacheyla pours Xarroch a glass of wine. <Yohko> Alchemist's experiment? <Nacheyla> Drink it in small sips. It tastes better that way. * Meghan nods sipping her wine <Meghan> It's very good <Nacheyla> ::shrugs:: I don't know what's in it. But when the Vinter's Guild and the Alchemist's Guild were feuding, it wasn't available. <Xarroch> One method you could use... work him so hard that he can't even *think* of engaging in one of these "duels" ::said with distaste:: <Glossaria> Hm...::rubbing her chin:: Perhaps I should adopt a highwayman persona to threaten my detractors on my behalf.... Highwaymen are scoundrels, after all. They're expected to be dashing but dishonorable. * Xarroch takes a "sip" of the wine (about half the glass) and makes a face * Meghan laughs softly <Xarroch> ::pushes the glass away and points at the mug:: More of the other stuff.. I need to wash this taste out. <Yohko> I don't think Tyl or Glossaria would appreciate it if I worked Vallel that hard. <Meghan> Xarroch it's not that bad * Nacheyla laughs and fills up a mug with mule kick. <Glossaria> ::raising her eyebrows:: You don't like it? ::pulling out her personal notebook and flipping to the back:: What exactly do you dislike about it? <Glossaria> ::looking slyly at Yohko:: Perhaps *I* should work him hard enough to make him forget about the duels. I could guarantee I'd ... what was it you said? Make him feel like a man? <Zoya> ::snorts into her cider:: <Yohko> Glossaria, highwaymen, as a rule are men. Also, it would be...Unusual for a highwaywoman to defend another woman's honor. The most common motivations are, secret identity, sisters, lovers. Given the current situation I think you can deduce what everyone will pick. On the other hand, that might remove Vallel's motive for fighting these duels. * Yohko chuckles and shakes her head at Glossaria, "That's between the two of you. But be warned, I have it on good authority that too much of that sort of thing leads to children." <Glossaria> ::cocking her head to the side:: Which one would they pick? And who said I had to *look* like a woman! ::sounding indignant:: I studied my polymorphing spells! I *am* a polymorphing spell! <Glossaria> ::smiling at Yohko:: Only among the careless and overly anxious. <Zoya> No, you're the *result* of a polymorphing spell. <Meghan> ::not looking up from her notebook:: Val just needs to learn to not let it bother him so much. As long as it doesn't bother you Gloss ::glancing up at her:: <Xarroch> ::tosses back the mule kick, smiling again:: It was vile, that's what I didn't like! <Glossaria> I was exaggerating for effect, Mistress Zoya. ::said primly:: But I wouldn't *have* to look like a highwaywoman! <Glossaria> It only bothers me, Meghan, because it keeps getting *him* hurt! Well, and when they're really, *really* nasty. But that just makes me angry. <Xarroch> ::nods agreement with Meghan:: That would be the smart thing to do. But I think we've established that he will not learn this quickly. * Meghan looks up at Gloss again <Meghan> You need to make him understand that having him around is more important to you than what others say <Glossaria> Vile. Yes. But what *aspect* of the wine caused you to think it was vile? Too sweet? Too sour? Bitter? Unpleasant magical or chemical aftertaste? Putrid flavor? What? <Xarroch> ::pats Glossaria on the shoulder:: If these people cannot bother to look past their noses and see your value, they do not even deserve your scorn. <Nacheyla> ::shrugs:: When I was a child, my mother used to tell me "Sticks and stones might break my bones, but words will never wound me." And she told me that fighting back only encourages bullies to keep picking on you. ::takes a deep breath:: It was a long time before I decided that my mother was lying. Not just to me, but to herself. <Glossaria> ::smiling:: Why... *thank* you, Xarroch. That's very kind of you to say. <Glossaria> Meghan, I've tried. But *you* live with him, *you* know how he is, he emulates-- wait! That's it! I could have Lord Malkier talk to him! Surely he'd listen to *him* on a point of honor! <Yohko> The sticks and stones part I tend to agree with. But I have found the fast and most effective way to deal with bullies is to beat them into the ground. * Meghan nods <Zoya> ::smothers another laugh:: <Meghan> That's a good idea Gloss. I think he might listen to Jaret. But I also think it's important that you keep on him about it. I do live with him and more than anything I see how much he cares about you and what you think and want <Yohko> Um...Glossaria, in Jaret's world view, the only thing Vallel's doing wrong is not getting proper training so he can defend your honor without getting hurt. <Glossaria> ::shakes her head:: Violence is never a final answer, Mistress Yohko. ::smiling a little:: Now revenge, that's another matter. <Xarroch> ::grins fiercely at Yohko:: And then tear out their throats! They never try it again, and it cows the others! <Nacheyla> ::mutters under her breath:: Actually, violence is *frequently* the final answer. * Zoya thinks Xarroch needs to get out a little more often... <Xarroch> Revenge is important, but better to strike first. <Glossaria> ::looking stubborn:: Then I'll get Mistress Lisl to talk to Lord Jaret to talk to Vallel. She says *she* expanded his world view. <Xarroch> ::chuckles:: I think Lisl has expanded many peoples' views. * Yohko sags a little, "Lisl expanded Jaret's world view by pounding on him till he conceded that occasionally a woman was capable of defending her own honor." * Zoya poorly disguises another snort of laughter. * Xarroch looks thoughtful <Glossaria> Well, then. ::thinking:: Then it seems we're back to my defending my own honor. ::sounding a little forlorn:: I've got to do *something* to keep him from getting hurt, but I don't want to hurt his pride, either.... * Nacheyla affects a puzzled look and turns to Yohko. <Nacheyla> I thought I *was* doing something? Getting you to teach him how to block and parry... <Zoya> Ah, Glossaria. Just let him take some fencing lessons. They won't hurt him, and once he becomes a harder nut to crack, they'll eventually leave him alone and go looking for an easier target. <Yohko> And so we come full circle. <Glossaria> But... surely there's something *I* could do. ::slumping in her seat and taking a deep draft of her wine, muttering:: They're using *me* to pick on him, after all. <Xarroch> ::shakes his head a little:: Some will... others will not. The boy is not going to learn fast enough if he keeps getting himself injured. I understand how bullying works.. as long as you can be goaded, as long as you show any weakness, they will continue, or others will. <Xarroch> hmmm... then duel them with words. <Zoya> Well, certainly there's something you can do. You can let him know you disapprove of this duelling. You can make sure he *sees* you ignoring remarks when you're together. Perhaps you could help him think of a few witty retorts for these jokers. <Yohko> Well, the solution from Jaret's world view would be for you to nurse him back to health after each of these duels. Course, given blood loss, fatigue and the rest of it that would mean he'd be bed-ridden for at least a week. <Glossaria> Ooh! Words! I can fight with words! They're *my* battleground, after all! I can fight them with words they can't even *pronounce*! ::sounding gleeful:: <Xarroch> ::grins and nod:: Force them into your battleground. <Zoya> That's the spirit! ::looks relieved that her apprentice isn't going to become a highwayman.:: [That comes later in Erdian's priesthood... ;-) ] <Glossaria> ::shakes her head at Yohko:: I don't *want* him bed-ridden. Well, ::smiling a little:: not *that* kind of bed-ridden, anyway. <Glossaria> [snert] <Yohko> You need to be careful about using words Glossaria. I suspect most of the people Vallel's having to deal with won't appreciate your vocabulary and will consider it just one more thing to ridicule you about. A worm putting on airs. <Nacheyla> Of course, there is one thing I'd very much like to know... * Yohko sips her wine, "As I said, that how things are in Jaret's world view." <Yohko> And that is? <Zoya> ::shrugs:: That matters less, I think, than making sure you keep your words small enough that they actually *understand* them. At least, mostly. <Nacheyla> How do they *know* you are a worm, Gloss? I mean, you don't generally bring it up, do you? <Xarroch> If their so-called "honor" is something they must give value to in public however, they cannot take the battle outside that arena. What they say amongst themselves will carry no weight when they knew only defeat when they face you. <Glossaria> ::taking another, smaller, sip of wine:: I still think it would be more romantic to become a highwayman. ::getting misty-eyed:: Glossaria, meek librarian by day... but at night, a blood-thirsty, vengeful highwayman, dressed all in black! I could wear a cape! * Meghan smiles at Gloss <Zoya> ::sighs:: You can wear a cape without being a highwayman, you know. * Xarroch laughs <Glossaria> ::shrugging a shoulder:: It's not putting on airs, Mistress Yohko, if I know what the words mean and they *don't*. After all, it's widely known who I work for. ::smiling at Zoya:: <Xarroch> ::notices Meghan's notebook and glaces over curiously:: What are you writing there, Meghan? * Yohko puts her head in her hands, "Zoya, her work load obviously isn't heavy enough. She's reading romance books again." * Meghan smiles at Xarroch <Meghan> Just writing thoughts and things <Glossaria> And no, my parentage is *not* something I generally bring up, but... ::thinking about it:: I'm not sure, really. Rumor is a difficult thing to trace. ::getting a gleam in her eye:: Oooh... rumor!!! * Xarroch returns the smile <Glossaria> ::rubbing her hands together:: I think I just found myself another weapon. <Xarroch> What sorts of thoughts? I don't recognize the language... <Nacheyla> I mean, Vallel's not ashamed of you or anything, but he didn't mention it to his father. And, I might add, neither did I. <Zoya> ::chuckles:: Unfortunately, I don't think I can make her workload heavy enough to keep those romances out of her spare time. <Glossaria> ::looking hurt:: I *like* romance books. And I could wear a cape as a librarian, but... ::sighing a little:: It just wouldn't be as romantic. <Meghan> My own thoughts. It's called a journal Xarroch <Xarroch> A journal? What's the purpose? So you might remember things later? * Meghan nods to him <Meghan> Something like that. <Meghan> It helps me to relax. <Zoya> You're just not thinking about it the right way, Glossaria. Imagine: You're darting from shadow to shadow in the dimly-lit library, long black cape fluttering behind you. A hapless visitor enters, and looks for a book, but - alas! - it is nowhere to be seen! But then, just as all hope is lost, as the visitor turns in despair for the door... There it is! On the table! And no one saw you put it there! <Xarroch> Interesting <Glossaria> No, but Mistress Zoya knows, and you all know, and the gnomes know, and the Tower knows (well, of COURSE the Tower knows), and some of the other archivists around town know... it's possible that it leaked out quite innocently. And, of course, there *are* people who seek out potentially harmful pieces of information professionally. In certain circles, character assassination is quite a finely developed art. * Meghan grins at Zoya's description * Zoya winks at Meghan. <Glossaria> ::thinking about it for a moment, and then shaking her head:: Mistress Zoya, that just sounds *silly.* <Xarroch> ::laughs:: But isn't this whole highwayman thing silly? <Zoya> No sillier than sitting in the cold, waiting for some damn fool to ride by in the dark. * Xarroch grins at Zoya and nods <Glossaria> Well... no. Highwaymen are *romantic.* ::reciting it as though it's a law of the universe:: <Nacheyla> ::frowns:: I don't know, Gloss... it seems rather sudden... I mean, you and Vallel have been engaged for what, about four months now? And just after the Ball, all these rumors started flying around? Vallel's father arranges a marriage for him? Meghan's been attacked a few times recently. It just seems... fishy. <Yohko> I've always been more inclined towards the barbarian librarians myself. Leather outfits, sweaty bodies, and REALLY big weapons. ::Yohko smiles at the group.:: <Zoya> ::sighs:: This is going to be another one of those Life Lessons, isn't it? I'm actually going to have to take you out one night and rob carriages so you can see it's not really romantic. <Glossaria> But I *wouldn't* be sitting in the cold and dark. I know warmth spells. And, and... I'd have a *purpose*... I'd seek out my targets, and wreak sudden vengeance upon them! I'd be-- I'd be the Masked Avenger! <Xarroch> ::seems to dredge something from memory:: Conan the librarian? <Yohko> Something like that Xarroch. <Nacheyla> Masked Avenger? I've heard that one before... <Glossaria> ::shaking her head:: That doesn't make sense. Sweat damages parchment. <Xarroch> ::shakes his head:: That one I haven't heard of. <Yohko> As for Glossaria, maybe you should just seal away her magic for a while and let her get robbed by bandits. <Zoya> ::puts her head in her hands and moans softly:: Your targets aren't gallivanting up and down highways at night, Glossaria. They're either at home, asleep, or they're lurking in alleys. <Glossaria> Rob carriages? REALLY? Would you, mistress?? <Zoya> ::eyes Yohko:: You weren't here when she was hoping to go down to the docks and be ravished, were you? * Xarroch raises an eyebrow <Xarroch> Does ravish mean what I think? <Yohko> I wasn't but i heard about it from Michelle. You have my sympathies. <Zoya> ::to Glossaria, cautiously:: I've done it before... But what would be the point? <Glossaria> Well, but... it's just the *name* that involves highways. I know they're at home. As I understand it, most of them are petty nobles. I could frighten them in their beds! I could tie them up and allow them to be found in embarrassing situations involving sheep! <Yohko> Probably Xarroch. <Zoya> ::to Xarroch:: That depends. I'm not willing to make any assumptions about the way you think. <Zoya> That's definitely *not* what highwaymen do. You're going to have to make up your mind. <Zoya> Besides, they already probably *do* embarrassing things with sheep. The point is to get the word out, and you can do that without ever even *seeing* them. <Xarroch> sheep? ::looks puzzled for a moment, then looks at Zoya:: Forcibly taking another being sexually, correct? <Glossaria> Well... but... ::thinks about it for a moment, trying again uncertainly:: Character Assassin for Justice? <Zoya> ::nods to Xarroch:: More or less, yes. * Meghan stands and drinks the last of her wine <Meghan> Well all I need to get. I need to go to bed <Zoya> What's wrong with just "Glossaria, Irritated Librarian"? <Xarroch> ::chuckles and pats Glossaria on the head:: You need more experience, little librarian. <Zoya> ::winces:: Don't tell her that, Xarroch. It'll just add fuel to her fire... <Zoya> Good night, Meghan. <Meghan> Night Zoya <Glossaria> Goodnight, Meghan. Thank you for your counsel. I *will* talk to Vallel. And... would you.. could you talk to him too, please? And tell him when he wakes up that I've been worrying about him all night? <Xarroch> ::stands up with Meghan:: I will walk you home.. ::digs out and drops a couple of oddly marked golden coins on the counter, along with some lint:: * Meghan hugs Gloss <Yohko> Want an escort Meghan? <Meghan> I will dear. <Glossaria> ::shakes her head:: It just doesn't have the same ring to it, Mistress. <Glossaria> Thank you. * Meghan smiles at Yohko <Meghan> Thank you but I think I am all set Yohko <Zoya> ::rolls her eyes:: Of course it needs a ring... <Xarroch> ::grins at Zoya:: Good night was the farewell, wasn't it? <Zoya> That's it. <Yohko> Night Xarroch. <Yohko> Night Meghan. <Glossaria> Xarroch, I *know* I need more experience. ::shooting a look at Zoya:: But *some people* are concerned that gaining said experience would interfere with my welfare. <Nacheyla> Good night, Xarroch, Meghan. Don't forget to lock the door when you go in, meg, dear. * Meghan nods to Nacheyla <Xarroch> ::chuckles and walks to the door:: Take it a step at a time, little one.. you're jumping into things too quickly. <Zoya> ::ignores Gloss's look benignly:: <Glossaria> Good night, Xarroch. Keep her safe. ::nodding to Meghan:: <Meghan> I will. Goodnight Nach <Xarroch> Of course! * Meghan winks at Gloss * Meghan walks out into the night with Xarroch * Yohko shakes her head, "Now I know we're in trouble. Even the demon is counselling restraint." <Nacheyla> ::rolls eyes:: I bet three silvers that she forgets to lock the door again. I've come home several times this week with a door unlocked. <Zoya> ::laughs:: Another year or so, and he'll remember how to tell time. <Glossaria> ::smiles, and returns to her wine, looking thoughtful:: Maybe I could get Xarroch to ravish me... if it were alright with Vallel. After all, he's a friend, that would be safe, wouldn't it? Or that nice man with the ship that Jaret knows.... <Zoya> ::eyes Nach:: Really? She seems like a very conscientious sort. Are you sure it's not Vallel? <Zoya> Why don't you just get Vallel to ravish you? <Glossaria> Or sneakthieves? All three of you have enemies, after all? <Nacheyla> ::Nacheyla's face hardens suddenly:: <Glossaria> ::tossing her head:: Oh, Mistress. ::sounding aggrieved:: Vallel is my *fiance*. He can't ravish me, he already has my consent. <Zoya> Well... I understand it's amusing for some couples to, ::cough:: well, sort of *play* at that kind of thing. * Nacheyla sits down, pours herself another glass of amber liquid, knocks it back, then glares at Glossaria. <Nacheyla> You should be careful what you wish for. * Yohko just shakes her head, "Someone smack me upside the head the next time I complain about what a handful Temire is." <Glossaria> Oh, roleplaying? Yes, we've tried that several times. ::smiling a little:: The lonely shepherdess is one of Vallel's favorites. But it's not the same.... <Zoya> ::sighs:: Trust me, Glossaria, you don't *want* it to be the same. * Nacheyla gives Glossaria a very nasty look, gets up and stalks into the kitchen. From the kitchen, the patrons hear muffled swearing and some pots and pans being violently flung around in there. <Xarroch> ::slams open the door and squeezes in, quickly covering the distance between the door and the bar with a grin:: Meghan forgot her journal thing. <Xarroch> ::picks up the little notebook and his face goes slack for a moment:: No... <Glossaria> But I can't *know* that until I had the experience... ::turning as the door opens again:: Xarroch, you would ravish me if I asked you to, wouldn't you? <Yohko> No what Xarroch? <Zoya> ::groans:: <Zoya> If you ask him to, it... ::gives up and takes a long drink of cider. And then another:: <Glossaria> ::pausing:: What's wrong, Xarroch? * Xarroch knocks the door out into the alley going through the doorway, changing into demon form as he moves, not even slowing as he leaves the Hall <Glossaria> Xarroch? XARROCH! ::running to the door and looking out:: <Zoya> ::stands:: Something's happened to Meghan again, damn it! ::races for the door:: * Yohko jumps off her stool and follows Xarroch, "Think he'd have the decency to at least tell us what's happening." <Glossaria> ::frowning:: The last time he came... does he have some sort of tie to Meghan? ::moving from the door over to the bar, pulling out her notebook and peering into the mirror behind the bar:: Quicksilver mirror... it'll have to do... ::ripping out a page, wadding it into a ball, and stuffing it in her mouth, chewing quickly and swallowing as she holds up a hand to salute the mirror:: <Xarroch> ::in the distance can be clearly heard a disturbingly loud roar of sheer rage, shaking the windows of al the buildings in the area:: * Nacheyla wanders out of the kitchen, looking a bit calmer. <Zoya> Hm. Too far to reach in time, from the sounds of it. ::turns back to Gloss's mirror:: <Nacheyla> Well, and I thought I was peeved. What's up? * Glossaria chants, "Mirror, mirror, on the wall, show me what doth now befall." A blue ring glows in the depths of the mirror, expanding into a grey-fogged window. "Show me Meghan." <Zoya> We're not sure. Xarroch came back in for Meghan's journal, and then ran back out, looking quite, ah, upset. <Glossaria> ::glancing at Nacheyla:: That's what I'm trying to find out. <Zoya> ::eyeing the image in the mirror-window:: It's wobbling, <Zoya> ...Gloss. Stabilize it a bit. <Glossaria> ::nods and lifts her other hand, closing the fingers together as if she's grasping the edge of an invisible box:: Something's fighting it... <Zoya> ::in her "teaching" voice:: That happens. Work across it, not against it. * Glossaria brings her hands together slowly, reducing the size of the frame to a glowing pinprick, and opens it again, slowly and carefully. The frame still shows grey. <Zoya> That's better. Now try the location again. <Zoya> Try looking for Xarroch this time, though. <Glossaria> ::clearing her throat:: Show me Meghan. ::closing her eyes for a moment, and opening them again, looking at the still-grey screen. <Glossaria> No good. Meghan's being warded, I think, by something a lot more powerful than I am. ::shaking her head:: Even drawing on the Hall, I can't get her. ::nodding:: I'll try Xarroch. <Zoya> ::nods:: Or she's been moved. This spell can only go so far. <Glossaria> I made a few improvements... ::shake:: But no matter. ::addressing the frame:: Show me Xarroch. * Glossaria blinks as the frame explodes into sudden, dizzying action, showing a raging Xarroch in full-demon form, tearing huge chunks out of a city street. * Nacheyla 's mouth drops open in surprise * Zoya reaches out a hand almost without thinking about it and holds it several inches over Glossaria's, helping to steady the image in the mirror. <Nacheyla> Well, the pavers aren't going to like that much <Zoya> Oh, dear. I hope Yohko gets there soon and calms him down. <Glossaria> But...why? ::sounding puzzled:: Why would he get mad at the street? <Zoya> I... think, maybe... He's not mad at the street. <Zoya> What precisely happened, we'll have to hope he comes back to tell us. I'm not up for a time-spanning spell tonight. * Glossaria makes a noise of frustration as the image of Xarroch, obviously very, very angry, half-turns, pauses a moment, and then casts a portal, vanishing into it. The screen turns grey again, and Gloss brings her hands together, ending the spell. <Zoya> ::dropping her hand:: Hmph. I guess we'll just have to wait. <Glossaria> ::closing her notebook and tucking it away again:: I hate waiting. * Nacheyla mutters something under her breath <Glossaria> No, I hate not *knowing.* <Zoya> ::sighs:: That makes two of us. Come on, apprentice. Let's go home. <Glossaria> ::nods:: I hope Yohko's alright. ::hesitantly:; Xarroch looked very mad. <Nacheyla> I hope *Meghan* is all right. <Glossaria> ::confidently:: Xarroch was going after her. Meghan will be alright. After all, Jelarthna always manages to survive, and *he* had an evil mage trying to take over his arm! <Zoya> ::laughs wearily:: Come on, Glossaria. * Zoya heads out the door, looking around warily as she steps into the street. * Nacheyla starts herding the mugs into the kitchen for clean-up. <Glossaria> Yes, Mistress. ::sighing and finishing the last of her wine before she follows Zoya out, taking a crumpled spell-page from her pocket and holding it at the ready as she exits:: |
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