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* Michelle unlocks the door and announces, "Hall's Open!" * Tyl wanders in, dressed in a satin gown of deep green, looking pleased. * Michelle returns behind the bar. She's wearing a blue dress with white petticoats. Her long hair is held out of her face by to thin braids tied together behind her head. Her moon earring hangs in her right ear, while a large, tear shaped sapphire hangs from the left. <Michelle> What's the occasion Tyl'gainia? <Tyl> ::sits gently on her regular stool:: Just got back from my meeting with the mayor... <Michelle> Ah. The usual then, or something special? <Tyl> Just juice would be nice... the mayor sets a grand table and I don't want to interfere with my digestion... * Glossaria enters with a frown, skirting furniture absently as she studies a small, rather scruffy-looking piece of paper. * Michelle fills a mug with juice and sets it on the bar in front of Tyl. "Good evening Glossaria. What are you obsessing about now?" <Glossaria> ::sitting on a stool and putting the scrap down in front of her:: I'm not obsessing. I'm puzzling. ::pushing the paper towards Michelle:: I'm not certain why Xarroch would do with my fiancee, much less why he would want him. * Tyl looks over... <Tyl> Oh, you got one of those too... * Michelle reads the note, "Well now at least I know what to tell Yohko. If I had to guess I'd say it's probably because Vallel's the psionic with the strongest link to Meghan." <Glossaria> ::scratching her head:: Well, he'd be safe from duelists, I suppose, but given what's happened to Jelarthna and Meghan, I'm not certain I want him there alone with Xarroch. <Michelle> Jelarthna? <Glossaria> ::looking from Tyl to Michelle:: Have either of you ever seen Xarroch's handwriting? I've only seen him write magical runes. <Tyl> I got an addition to my note, apparently. Meghan's with them. Or they're with Meghan, however you want to look at it... <Glossaria> ::waiving a hand:: In the past. The arm, the wounds, the near-death experiences. You know. <Tyl> ::glowers:: the ::cat in a blender:: <Michelle> Well Xarroch seems more inclined to getting people out of such situations rather than dropping them into them. <Glossaria> ::nodding:: That too. <Glossaria> Well, yes, but those situations tend to follow him. ::frowning:: I'm concerned. * Michelle shrugs, "Well there's not much any of us can do about it." * Tyl pats Gloss on the shoulder. <Glossaria> ::hooking her feet into the rungs of the stool:: We can worry ourselves sick. <Tyl> Don't worry... you get used to it... I haven't yet figured out a way to nail Jelarthna to the floor... <Glossaria> Tyl, you're his teacher! He didn't even ask you for permission to go, first? <Tyl> ::shakes her head:: Nope. Actually, they're all gone... Nacheyla too. I stopped by the cottage and found this note on the table. ::waves a scrap of leathery paper:: <Glossaria> I mean, I mean....::waving her hands, gesticulating:: what if it wasn't Xarroch? What if this so-called letter is a ruse? What if he was taken by the same people who took Meghan? Or-- or-- pirates! <Michelle> When the giant, slavering, demon asks you to come with him to help save a friend, you don't worry about the formalities. <Tyl> ::looks at Gloss:: I don't think anyone would be stupid enough to sign Xarroch's name except Xarroch... <Glossaria> He could be on a slaving ship, bound for a life of servitude in some forgotten desert kingdom to a foreign princess who collects men like coins!!! <Tyl> ::raises an eyebrow:: He's not that handsome... <Glossaria> Ah, but they might think that we'd THINK that. <Glossaria> ::indignantly:; Yes he is! * Michelle shrugs, "Didn't Jaret and Bai take care of a ship full of slavers once. And if the slavers are collecting men like that then it's definitely a job for Jaret." <Glossaria> ::standing:: Well then, where's Jaret? Why isn't he here, when his friends are in trouble? <Glossaria> ::pacing up and down:: I don't like this. I can't even scry them, any of them. <Michelle> No idea. Probably fretting about the fact that Xarroch's saving Meghan instead of him. * Xarroch slams open the door and squeezes in, holding it open for Meghan and Vallel behind him * Vallel follows behind Xarroch, looking well-rested, dressed in black pants and a white shirt, with a multi-colored leather vest. <Michelle> Speak of the devil. * Meghan slips in she is wearing a green dress with a dark green cloak wrapped around her <Glossaria> Xarroch! ::rushing forwards:: What did you do with.... VALLEL!!! ::throwing her arms around him and practically leaping on him:: <Xarroch> ::chuckles:: No, those are from another plane altogether. * Meghan grins at Gloss's reaction to seeing Val <Vallel> Erk! ::coughs a bit:: Nice to see you, too, dear... ::looks at her:: You're doing well? * Tyl looks over at Xarroch. <Tyl> Evening, friend. Where have you been with everyone?> * Meghan walks quietly over to the bar and sits on a barstool <Glossaria> ::hugging him fiercely, and then stepping back and punching him in the shoulder:: I was worried SICK about you, you-- you-- bedlouse!!! <Xarroch> ::smiles at Tyl:: At my home, helping Meghan recover. * Tyl peers past them... "Where's Nacheyla?" <Vallel> ::rolls his eyes:: See, Xarroch? What did I tell you? Xarroch sent you a note, didn't he? <Michelle> For that matter, what the hell happened? <Xarroch> ::looks out the door:: Nacheyla? Is she supposed to be here? <Xarroch> ::nods to Vallel:: I sent notes, yes. <Tyl> ::shrugs:: Well, she wasn't home. I found the note on the table, but that was all. <Glossaria> Well... sort of. But I don't even know Xarroch's handwriting, and he'd disappeared after Meghan, and then you just up and left without saying a WORD, and I was so WORRIED! <Vallel> ::gives Xarroch a sidelong glance:: I wasn't given much option. It was go with him or go with him in pieces... * Meghan glances over at Gloss <Meghan> ::softly:: It's my fault Gloss. I asked for him to come * Xarroch shrugs and walks to the bar <Xarroch> He was needed. And I think perhaps the time away was as good for Vallel as it was for Meghan. <Glossaria> ::giving Meghan a glance:: Oh, it's not you're fault, Meghan... it *is* good to see you in one piece, by the way... ::stalking over to Xarroch and tapping his chest with her finger:: It's HIS fault! In *pieces*??? You would have ripped up MY sweetie??? * Vallel laughs. <Vallel> Relax, dear... everything's fine... and I was exaggerating, just a bit... * Meghan smiles at Gloss <Glossaria> ::narrowing her eyes as she looks up, studying Xarroch:: How MUCH were you exaggerating? <Xarroch> ::raises an eyebrow and looks down at Glossaria:: I did not say that, nor did I threaten it. ::smiles suddenly:: Do not worry for your man, worm-girl. <Vallel> ::gives Xarroch a long look:: I don't know about that... you're pretty frightening when you're all demoned-out like that... <Xarroch> Fearing something may be so does not mean it will. ::chuckles:: <Glossaria> ::pouting and slumping down onto a stool beside Xarroch:: It's a bit late for that. Couldn't you have even let him write a note before he left? ::putting her head down on the bar, huge tears starting to slide down her cheeks:: <Michelle> Didn't I say something earlier about the giant, slavering demon? * Vallel wraps his arms around Gloss. * Meghan shakes her head slightly <Vallel> It's all right, dear... it really is... <Meghan> Michelle could I get some water please <Xarroch> ::pats Glossaria on the head:: There are times where there can be no hesitation, because greater harm may lay at stake. * Michelle fills a mug with water and hands it to Meghan. <Xarroch> ::grins at Michelle:: Slavering? ::laughs:: <Meghan> Thanks * Meghan takes a sip of the water <Glossaria> ::nestling her head into Vallel's shoulder until she cries herself out, sniffling occasionally:: <Vallel> So... miss me? ::grins wryly:: <Glossaria> ::sniffs and gives him a watery smile:: Horribly. <Vallel> Well... I'm gratified, really... I didn't think you'd be so worried, or I'd have sent a personal note... <Xarroch> ::chuckles a little and shakes his head, then nods to Michelle:: Mule kick please, Michelle. ::grin:: I remembered to say please. * Meghan smiles at Xarroch * Tyl looks over at Meghan. * Xarroch smiles back at Meghan <Tyl> Someone told me you'd be interested in being a student at my school? * Michelle fills a mug with mule kick and gently sets it on the bar, "Keep it up Xarroch. You'll have that halo in no time." <Glossaria> Of *course* I was worried. What with people trying to attack and kidnap Meghan, and the school in such a dubious situation, and all those duels... * Meghan looks past Xarroch over to Tyl <Xarroch> ::nods to Tyl:: Aye, she will need help training herself. <Meghan> I think it is probably a good idea Tyl <Tyl> Well, great... the new semester has already started, but I don't think you'll be too far behind... <Glossaria> I was so afraid it was another plot, and someone had forged a note to ease my mind. <Xarroch> ::grins at Michelle again:: Halo? I've had a few. Bloody awful idea, if you ask me. * Meghan nods <Meghan> I will do everything i can to catch up <Glossaria> ::frowning at Meghan:: What *did* happen to those people who were trying to kidnap you or take your stone? Do you still have it? Did Xarroch rip them into itty bitty pieces, too? <Meghan> ::to Gloss:: He did, and yes it was about the stone ::reaches into her cloak and pulls out the necklace:: and yes I got it back from them <Glossaria> So... but... ::looking puzzled:: What did you need Vallel for so suddenly? <Meghan> It's a long story Gloss. I don't know that I am quite ready to tell it all yet, but suffice it to say that I felt very very lost and needed someone to guide me home, and that someone was Val <Glossaria> Oh. ::thinking about this for a moment, and smiling:: Okay. * Vallel smiles warmly at Meghan and touches her shoulder fondly. * Meghan smiles warmly at Val <Glossaria> ::cocking her head to one side:: Is that part of the story, too? ::nodding her head to indicate a tattoo on the inside of Meghan's wrist, turned towards Gloss as Meghan showed her the stone:: * Tyl looks over at Meghan, then her eyes narrow to dangerous slits. <Tyl> How exactly did you do that? ::glowers at Vallel:: * Meghan glances down and gently runs her fingertip over the rose tattoo on her wrist * Vallel looks somewhat abashed. <Meghan> It is. A reminder of the people who care about me, and a guide home when I get lost. <Vallel> To be honest, I don't really know. It just sort of happened... <Xarroch> ::nods and looks thoughtful, glancing at Meghan and speaking softly to himself:: There is one still alive... ::drains the mug of kick and sets it down carefully:: * Meghan nods at Xarroch <Tyl> That's very advanced... you could have killed yourself! ::looks furious:: <Glossaria> One what? Friend, or enemy? <Xarroch> It may also be partly because of the nature of where it was done. I live in a sliver of Chaos. * Michelle shakes her head. * Meghan looks between Tyl and Val, opens her mouth and then shuts it silently * Tyl twists her mouth to one side. <Meghan> an enemy Gloss * Xarroch nods <Tyl> You know, ::to Michelle:: I think all the people I care about in my life are determined to give me stomach pains! <Xarroch> ::laughs and claps Tyl on the shoulder:: Quite likely, when you care about the likes of him and Jelarthna. ::grins:: <Glossaria> ::pulling out her little notebook and flipping through pages to a section tabbed "Healing":: I can recommend something for that, Tyl, if you'd like... * Tyl looks over at Vallel, then suddenly hugs him and kisses him firmly on the forehead. <Tyl> You need to stop scaring people to death, you know! What would I tell your aunt? * Vallel looks completely startled. * Xarroch chuckles * Meghan smiles lightly at the fuss over Val <Glossaria> ::protests mildly:: Hey! *My* boyfriend! <Xarroch> Oh? And weren't you the one that asked me to ravish you? ::looking at Glossaria with amusement:: * Vallel chokes. <Vallel> You did *WHAT*? <Glossaria> Welllll... ::blushing and becoming suddenly *very* interested in digging a hole in the floor with her toe:: Yes. But that's different. <Michelle> You're on your one on this one Glossaria. <Vallel> Really? * Xarroch watches Glossaria squirm with a grin * Meghan finishes her water <Meghan> Michelle could I have another glass please * Michelle refills Meghan's mug. "Anyone else want anything?" * Vallel looks over at Meghan. <Glossaria> A cup of mint tea, please, Michelle. <Vallel> Please. Ginger beer, please? <Glossaria> That was for the purposes of research, it wasn't anything *personal*. * Meghan takes a sip of her water <Vallel> ::raises an eyebrow:: Oh. And that makes it different? * Michelle fills a mug with ginger beer then sets about preparing Glossaria's tea. * Meghan catches Val's look and smiles softly at him <Glossaria> I don't want to have sex with Xarroch because I love him. I just want to know what ravishing is like. ::looking frustrated:: And you can't do it, because we're *already* a couple. Besides, I love you! * Michelle sets a cup of tea in front of Meghan. <Vallel> I see. * Michelle shakes her head, "It's not ravishment if you ask them to Glossaria. It's not ravishment if you want them to for ANY reason, even research." * Meghan glances at Michelle curiously <Xarroch> ::chuckles:: Some things are better left to learning in books, worm girl. Remember how Jelarthna learned of what a ::sound of a choking cat and a blender:: could do? <Meghan> Michelle I didn't ask for tea? <Glossaria> Hm. ::folding her hands on the bar and studying them, thinking:: Michelle, have you ever been ravished? * Michelle shakes her head, "I thought someone did?" <Michelle> No. But it has been tried a few times. Fortunately at this point it would take someone like Xarroch to pull it off, but I wasn't nearly as powerful the first time. If the bastard hadn't been so damn old I probably wouldn't have been able to drown him in the bath like that. * Xarroch points at Glossaria <Glossaria> Do you know who? Tyl, have you ever been ravished? Or you, Meghan? * Tyl flinches. <Tyl> That's a rather personal question, don't you think? <Glossaria> I'm sorry. ::looking genuinely sorry:: I'm just trying to determine how common an occurrence it actually is. ::blithely:; It happens all the time in literature. Generally, it's a significant plot point, and sometimes, the beginning of a relationship. * Meghan stands and quickly walks out of the Hall into the cool night and leans back against the outside wall to the Hall * Vallel gives Gloss a very angry glare. <Vallel> Why don't you *think* once in a while. ::walks out after Meghan:: <Glossaria> ::looking at Vallel wide-eyed:: What? ::looking around:: What did I say? * Xarroch sighs almost imperceptibly and keeps one ear towards the door * Michelle sighs, "Dammit. I'm going to learn some alarm spells if it kills me." * Vallel and Meghan are talking quietly outside, Vallel holding the shaking Meghan tightly... <Xarroch> ::raises an eyebrow at Michelle:: For what? <Glossaria> What did I say *wrong*? <Tyl> Well, it is a really personal question, Gloss, especially if it *did* happen to someone. I mean, honestly... <Michelle> So that I can try to prevent things like this, or Temire getting killed. <Xarroch> ::shakes his head at Glossaria:: I would not be able to tell you properly, worm girl. Else I would. <Glossaria> ::wrinkling her brow:: But... people often gossip very freely about their sex lives, although some take pride in an amount of discretion. Why is this different? <Xarroch> There is only so much an alarm spell can do.. though I admit to not knowing much of them myself. <Michelle> Glossaria how would you feel if someone forced you to burn down a library? <Glossaria> ::gasping and going bone-white, leaning back suddenly against the bar:: WHAT? I *never* would! Not if they killed me for it!!! <Xarroch> ::solemnly:: You could be forced. There are magical means. <Xarroch> ::glances at Tyl:: And psionic ones as well. <Michelle> ThatŐs how most people feel about ravishment Glossaria. <Glossaria> ::horrified:: No! No, they wouldn't! If they could do that, why wouldn't they just set it themselves?? <Tyl> ::looks thoughtful:: Because it's not the burning down that they want... they want to prove their power over you. <Xarroch> ::meets Glossaria's eyes:: And to enjoy your suffering. <Glossaria> ::still shaking, but some of her color beginning to return:: But... why? Sex is a pleasurable thing. A... ::having trouble getting out the word:: A-arson isn't. <Xarroch> There are things far more twisted and evil than arson that some beings take pleasure in, little worm girl. <Michelle> It isn't about sex, it's about power. * Meghan walks back into the Hall in front of Val. She is shivering slightly * Vallel walks back in with Meg. <Vallel> Can we get a glass of wine here, Michelle? * Xarroch looks at Meghan with concern * Meghan smiles lightly at Xarroch <Glossaria> But... ::looking confused:: How can it be about power? It's... I don't have power over Vallel because I have sex with him... ::uncertainly, as she begins to think it through:: Do I? * Vallel looks at Gloss with sudden merriment. "You certainly do, my dear." ::kisses her nose:: <Vallel> I'm sorry for yelling at you. I wasn't mad at you. I was worried about Meg. * Michelle fills a glass with wine and sets it on the bar for Meghan, then puts the bottle on the bar as well. * Xarroch blinks at Meghan with surprise for a moment, then smiles and chuckles <Xarroch> Good. <Glossaria> I'm sorry, Meghan, if I disturbed you. I didn't understand what I was asking. * Meghan takes a long drink of the wine <Meghan> It's ok Gloss. I promise we will talk about it soon and you might understand then. Although I hope you never truly do <Glossaria> ::frowning:: I'm still not certain that I understand. ::speaking slowly, working it out:: I suppose we have power over each other, Vallel and I, but... ::frowning deeper:: I would attribute that more to our relationship and our attraction and friendship than the sex. <Glossaria> ::offhandedly:: Although the sex is certainly nice. <Vallel> ::looks mildly offended:: Well... "nice" eh? Hmph. ::laughs:: <Glossaria> ::giving Vallel a sly smile:: Perhaps I understated. Serves you right. <Michelle> ::Meghan's glass rubs up against her hand consolingly.:: * Meghan glances down at the glass and grins <Glossaria> But I can't see a bond of that nature developing from a... wait, there's a term... ::flipping through her book:: A one-night stand. ::looking up:: Do they do it standing, then? <Glossaria> ::rubbing the bridge of her nose thoughtfully with her finger:: Is it... hm. Is it because the power of choice is taken away? Is that the power you refer to? <Michelle> Glossaria, I'm going to TRY to put this in terms you'll understand. You remember what I was telling you about burning down a library. Well, what you and Vallel have is like two people writing books and putting them into a library. Slowly building it up one book at a time. Does that make sense? <Michelle> That isn't quite the way I would have put it, but it's close enough for now. * Meghan wraps her cloak around her and stands finishing her glass of wine <Meghan> I think it is time for me to get home <Glossaria> ::nodding to Michelle:: <Glossaria> I'm sorry again, Meghan. It *is* good to have you back. I hope your troubles are finished. <Michelle> Xarroch or Tyl'gainia, could one of the two of you go with her? * Xarroch stands also and fishes around for an ancient-looking gold coin, then sets it on the counter <Xarroch> I shall. * Meghan smiles at Gloss and hugs her lightly <Tyl> Come by tomorrow to the school... we'll get you placed in classes. <Meghan> They will be soon Gloss. We should talk....soon. * Meghan nods to Tyl <Glossaria> ::gaping at the coin, distracted for a moment:: That's... that's pre-Empire elvish! Where'd you get that, Xarroch? <Meghan> I will Tyl <Glossaria> ::nodding to Meghan and returning her embrace:: <Xarroch> ::looks at the coin and shrugs:: I've run into all sorts of things. It's just another piece of gold to me. ::grins:: * Meghan waves goodnight to all and walks to the door waiting for Xarroch <Vallel> I'll walk Gloss back to the Tower, then be home soon, okay? * Xarroch digs out a similar one and gives it to Glossaria <Glossaria> ::shaking her head and grinning back:: It means you pay a steep price indeed for your drinks. <Michelle> Goodnight Meghan, Xarroch. * Meghan nods to Val <Meghan> Take your time lovely <Glossaria> ::gapes at the second coin:: Unbelievable... I'll have to show... ::shaking her head:: Thank you, Xarroch. <Xarroch> Ah yes... Goodnight, everyone. ::chuckles and smiles at Meghan, going out the door with her:: * Meghan walks out into the night <Glossaria> ::grinning:: He got it right! He *is* getting better at Common. <Tyl> ::grins:: Well, if I know this chatterbox ::indicates Val:: Xarroch's gotten lots of practice. <Vallel> Hrmph. I do not come here to be abused... ::grins:: <Glossaria> ::smiling fondly:: No, you come to my room to do that. * Glossaria grins devilishly. <Michelle> So are you still going to be getting into duels or did this experience help you grow out of that? <Vallel> We'll see, Michelle... <Glossaria> ::winking at Michelle:: We'll have to see if this power I have over him works. <Vallel> ::gives her a long, serious look:: Actually, we need to talk about that, Gloss... * Michelle quirks an eyebrow. <Glossaria> ::frowning:: We do? Did I do something wrong again? <Vallel> Not at all... but Xarroch and I had a long talk... and there are some things you need to know. <Glossaria> ::frown deepening:: You're in love with Xarroch? <Vallel> Um... no. * Michelle shakes her head, "Tyl'gainia, how do you determine if someone has the potential to learn psionics?" <Vallel> We'll talk about it later, Gloss... <Glossaria> ::eyes going wide, the color leaching out of her face again:: You're... Vallel, are you in love with Meghan? <Vallel> You do have a one-track mind, dearie... ::taps her chin:: <Glossaria> Genetic failing. Comes of being a bookworm. ::pausing, more quietly:: But you didn't answer my question. <Vallel> Well, it wasn't what I meant... I meant we needed to talk about these duels... <Glossaria> ::even more quietly:: Oh. ::sighing:: That's a bit of a relief. * Tyl mutters something to Michelle. * Michelle giggles and whispers something back to Tyl. * Tyl whispers back... * Michelle gets a resigned look on her face and nods in agreement. <Glossaria> Well... ::twining her fingers in his:: Do we need to spend the *whole* night talking? I really did miss you.... <Vallel> No, dear... we can talk after... <Glossaria> ::nodding:: In that case.... ::looking over her shoulder at Tyl and Michelle, and grinning:: We'd best leave these two to whisper in peace. * Tyl grins. "Don't forget, you have a quiz tomorrow!" * Vallel groans. <Vallel> Just what I wanted... come along, dear... * Vallel offers his arm to Gloss. * Glossaria hooks her arm into his elbow. "I can help you study. That is, assuming you don't need psionics to be a study partner." <Vallel> Pyrokinetics... but you've got a fireproof room at the Tower... <Glossaria> ::nodding:: Study away. Just... ::suppressing a shudder:: Don't mention pyrokinetics around the Library anytime soon, alright? <Vallel> all right... * Vallel looks puzzled. <Glossaria> Ask Xarroch. I don't think I could bear to explain, right now. <Vallel> 'kay... ::takes her arm and leaves the Hall:: <Tyl> ::shakes her head:: * Michelle sighs, "All I want to do right now is wrap Meghan up in some nice warm blankets, give her some hot chocolate and mother her to death. And barring that I'd very much like to beat some perspective into Glossaria's head." ::Looks at Tyl:: "Somehow I don't think either gesture would be appreciated." <Tyl> Probably not... ::looks after Val and Gloss:: I wonder what happened out there... <Tyl> So, ::looks at Michelle with admiration:: You drowned him? Good for you. <Michelle> All I know is that I'm not going to pry. * Michelle gives a grin she appears to have copied from Lisl, "Well it was there. Besides, do you know a better way to keep a mage from casting a spell on you?" <Tyl> If they can't talk, most of the time they can't cast spells ::nods in agreement:: <Tyl> Well, I should shove off... I've got some stuff to do... Oh, I meant to ask you, do you think the Hall kitchen would be up to catering a small party of about fifty people? I can pay for supplies, of course. <Michelle> Depends on the fifty people and what you want to serve. Fifty politicians and merchants eating venison or something of the sort isn't a problem. Fifty of Xarroch's friends eating dragon is. ::Michelle smiles at Tyl.:: <Tyl> Politicians and merchants and lesser nobles. And I'll need a nice big cake. <Michelle> Not a problem. When do you want this, and if you have any food or beverage requests the sooner I get them the better a chance I'll have of filling them. <Tyl> I can draw up a menu in the next day or so... and see if you can get about three casks of Arabellan red, will you? ::smiles:: * Michelle giggles, "I'll be sure to leave a note saying that Jaret can't have any for the next few weeks." <Tyl> ::laughs:: I'll drop by in a day or so with a menu. Thanks, Michelle, you're a life saver. * Michelle smiles at Tyl'gainia, "We can't all be mind benders." <Tyl> ::grin:: I'll see you later. ::walks out the door.:: * Michelle shoos the dishes into the kitchen, cradling Meghan's wine glass and crooning to it as she follows the dishes into the kitchen. |
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