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* Tyl walks into the Tower. She is dressed in what she considers "work clothing", loose fitting black shirt, black pants, and high, comfortable boots. Golden bracelets encircle both wrists and she is visibly armed for the first time in months. * Zoya is in the hallway, leaning against the wall. "Hello. Ready?" <Tyl> ::looks at Zoya:: Not in the slightest... but I'm doing as best I can. * Zoya has doffed her usual robes for loose work clothes. She appears unarmed, but there are silvery manacles on her wrists, rings on her fingers, and three wands tucked into her belt. * Lisl enters, moving with the smooth ranginess that indicates to those that know her that her most recent minutes haven't been spent on two feet. "Morning. Got any tea, Zoya? It's been a long night." * Zoya summons the Staff. "Anything for you, Tyl?" <Tyl> Just water... * Zoya nods and places orders. The Staff returns with piping hot tea for Lisl and a mug of icy-cold water for Tyl. <Lisl> ::glancing at Tyl:: How young do you take them at the School, Tyl? ::accepting her tea with a grateful smile and blowing on it:: <Tyl> ::shrugs, taking a long swallow of water:: My current youngest is not quite twelve years, and I've got a thirty-year old elven girl. <Tyl> If they've not reached their majority, they have to have parental consent. Why? <Lisl> ::glancing the other way at Zoya:: Got the map? I've narrowed down our possibilities a little. * Zoya pulls the map out of her sleeve. The bright points have faded overnight. "Give me a minute to re-cast the spell." * Zoya spreads the map on a table at the side of the hall, and begins casting. A light blue-grey-purple glow forms and breaks over the map, settling into points. <Zoya> ::sighs:: Okay. <Lisl> ::nods, and points:: That one's a healer, who probably doesn't know what she is. And the reason I asked, Tyl, is that there's a six-year-old who kept the scary doggy pinned to the ceiling for a good two hours until her parents woke and she let me go. * Tyl leans over the map, her face calm, but pale. * Tyl turns to Lisl and laughs. <Tyl> Really? She did? <Zoya> Really? ::chuckles:: That must have been amusing. <Lisl> ::dryly:: For you maybe. <Zoya> ::smiles ingenuously:: How could it? I wasn't there. <Lisl> ::shakes her head with a sigh and takes a careful sip of her tea, following it with a longer swallow when she finds it cool enough:: Ahhh... gods above, I needed that. <Tyl> What did her parents say? <Lisl> They didn't. ::shaking her head:: I don't think they know. Like I said, she kept me up there until I could hear them stirring, and then she herded me out her window and pulled the covers up over her before they had her door open. Smart one, that. <Lisl> I half-think she thought me a night terror. <Tyl> Aren't you? * Zoya laughs. "All right. Were you able to eliminate any more of these spots, Lisl?" <Lisl> ::grins, showing teeth:: You obviously haven't met a night terror. They're *built* to be scary. <Tyl> Oh, and you're not scary? Right... sure. <Lisl> ::grinning a little wider:: Yb thinks I'm a puppy dog. <Lisl> ::frowning at the map:: Hmmmm.... <Tyl> Oh, and Yb is so completely not scary herself * Zoya snorts, and mutters, "Disgraceful, is what she is." <Lisl> ::chews on the side of her lip:: There were two... here, and here ::pointing:: ...that aren't there now. I asked at the hospice, and the ward mother told me two of her healers were out on call last night, so that probably accounts for them. <Zoya> ::nods thoughtfully:: <Tyl> You think psionics tend to be healers? That's good to know... very helpful. <Lisl> ::frowns harder, tilting her head:: That one's moved. ::tapping the map again at a spot in the markets:: There was one in the dock stews that's not, now. <Lisl> I think some healers have a mild ability they don't necessarily know about. Empaths, maybe, or... there are psychic healers, too, aren't there? <Tyl> ::nods:: Sometimes. It's a rare gift. <Lisl> Hm. ::half-muttering to herself:: Maybe one of the whores is a little better at her job that she realizes? <Tyl> ::grins, somewhat self-consciously:: It might be a good talent to have, in that line of work. <Zoya> ::chuckles:: Could well be, at that... <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: Personally, I wouldn't want to be poking into the heads of the sort that go *there*. That's... not a nice part of town. <Zoya> ::grins at Lisl:: Could be good for protecting oneself, though. ::looks back at the map:: So that leaves us with... ::points:: This one, yes? ::points again:: And this one? Any others? <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: I think those are it. ::shrugging:: Maybe the whore went shopping for a new dress... that would explain the moved one. Otherwise... all your students are back at the School by now, right, Tyl? <Tyl> ::looks at the map:: I left instructions that everyone was supposed to stay at the school today. <Zoya> Vallel might not be. I got a note from Glossaria saying she was with him, but she didn't say where they were. <Zoya> ::considers the remaining points:: So... Which one do you want to try first? <Lisl> ::frowning at the map again:: Well... ::pointing:: This isn't the greatest part of town, either, but it's close to the Hall. You think she'd try a "know your enemy" tactic? <Tyl> It would certainly be a good way to keep an eye on us... <Zoya> ::considers:: It's probably as good a place to start as any. ::grins:: Shall we? * Zoya rolls up the map and stuffs it into her sleeve. <Tyl> Let's... ::takes a deep breath:: I really hope I'm ready for this. <Lisl> ::nods, and finishes her tea, placing the cup down gently on a nearby table:: * Zoya opens the door, and gestures the way out to her friends. <Lisl> ::grins and bows elaborately to Tyl, gesturing to the door:: * Tyl leads the way, her mouth a thin line, one hand on her dagger. * Lisl follows her out the door, her feet nearly soundless on the gravel apron leading to Zoya's door. * Zoya follows behind Lisl, carefully locking the door behind her both physically and magically. She hesitates, then sets her mark on the seal before setting out. <Tyl> ::the small market street is cluttered with people, dust, and cheap merchandise, smelling of fish and cheap wine:: * Lisl slows her pace automatically to an easy, ground-eating stroll that will blend in better with the other marketgoers, and looks around. * Zoya looks around, seeing without noticing the crowds. "Where, do you think?" * Tyl taps Zoya on the shoulder, presses a finger to her lips, then fades from sight. * Zoya mutters, "Can't very well follow you if..." She gives up and sighs. "Lisl. Ideas?" <Lisl> ::shrugs slightly and carefully doesn't try to follow Tyl's track as she casts around herself for the particular scent of musk and anise that characterizes Char to her nose. <Lisl> I'm looking.... <Lisl> ::turning her head suddenly to the left, and sighing as she spots a vegetable cart with a crushed bulb of fresh anise under its wheel. * Tyl moves silently, unseen, through the crowd, slipping easily into and out of shadows surround the vender booths, pausing to look at faces. Tyl is now known as Tyl * Zoya merely waits for a signal, pretending to window-shop. <Lisl> ::softly, not looking at Zoya:: I think I'm the most vulnerable of us three... if she spots us and tries to pull a location from my mind, i don't want it to be my nose that gives our friend away... <Zoya> ::quietly, picking up a scarf and examining the weave:: Then we'd best find her quickly, before she suspects enough to start probing. * Tyl suddenly appears in front of Zoya, looking disgusted. <Zoya> What? <Lisl> Easy for *you* to say. <Tyl> Snake oil salesman... ::points:: <Lisl> Find her? <Lisl> ::laughs:: <Zoya> ::eyes the salesman:: You're sure? <Tyl> Yeah... ::glowers at the man:: I might have words with him when this is over. I don't think people should not go to clerics because they think his products will help them. <Lisl> ::nods:: Later. If she's not here, she must be the other one. ::smiling bitterly:: The whore. <Tyl> ::smirks:: Well, that suits. <Zoya> Well, mark him for later. ::She slides toward a slightly less-crowded alley and pulls the map from her sleeve:: The other hasn't moved. <Zoya> Shall we? <Lisl> ::nods:: But if we're going there... ::eyes her two companions critically, and glances back down the alley to make sure they're not noticeable:: Remember, you're slumming. Collar me, Zoya? * Lisl shifts suddenly to full-wolf form. * Tyl looks at Lisl. "Aren't you cute?" <Lisl> ::curls her lip up and growls at Tyl softly. * Zoya nods. The silver manacle on her right wrist stretches and twists to become a long loop of chain. Zoya slips it over Lisl's head. "I thought you'd prefer this to the surge sphere, this time." * Lisl nods. <Zoya> For that matter... ::Zoya whispers a short magical phrase, and her features blur. Her jaw squares and darkens with a short brown beard. Her hair darkens to match the beard. She grins, and in her best hamming mockery of Kevil, offers her arm to Tyl.:: Shall we? * Tyl takes Zoya's arm, sort of dubiously. <Zoya> ::chuckles:: Perfect. Keep that look. Remember that you're not sure why you let me talk you into this. ::"He" winks at Tyl.:: * Lisl lolls her tongue out in a doggy-laugh. <Tyl> ::the dock market place reeks of fish and salt water, the people are dirty and unwashed:: * Lisl shakes her head, sneezing at the salt-tang. <Zoya> ::whispering almost silently:: You lead the way, Lisl. * Lisl pulls on the leash like an eager dog, casting around, sniffing at everything. * Lisl sniffs long and hard in a few places before shaking her shaggy head quickly and squatting for a moment to mark territory. None of the other shoppers seem to notice or care, other than taking a wider berth of the well-dressed couple. * Tyl looks around casually. * Zoya walks with a man's stride with apparent ease - a gait that says she has more than a passing familiarity with ships, though her clothes are too clean for her to have been recently aboard. * Lisl drags on the leash harder in one direction, pausing to bark convincingly at a stray dog before her "master" pulls her off. * Tyl looks around, her eyes scanning people almost casually. * Lisl pulls off towards the left, slightly. * Zoya strolls after Lisl, pulling a somewhat reluctant Tyl along. <Charoli> ::a dark haired girl is picking through herbs at a nearby apothecary:: * Tyl shakes her head, then nuzzles "Kevil's" arm suggestively, muttering under her breath. "Look there." <Zoya> ::mutters:: That's her? * Lisl dips her nose to the ground, apparently to drink from a puddle. <Tyl> not thure... ::lisps purposefully, as sibilants are easier to overhear:: look how the moveth... wearing high heelth <Zoya> Hmm. Lisl? I'm going to let you go. Be good and play runaway doggie, would you? * Lisl nods once in Char's direction and cocks an ear questioningly. <Zoya> Yeah. Check her out. * Charoli picks out a few things, putting them in a basket, then turning to the stall man. Lurker is now known as Jelarthna <Zoya> ::The chain around Lisl's neck suddenly falls loose:: * Jelarthna stumbles through the crowd, looking lost and confused * Lisl barks once and starts to run as the chain falls loose, her tongue lolling goofily sideways out of her mouth. She beelines it for the dark-haired girl, and butts up behind her, sniffing her crotch in that patented doglike way. * Charoli squeals, backing away from the dog. * Lisl leaps up on the girl, growling fiercely as she knocks her down. Her foreclaws glisten as though they've been dipped in silver, and her dress rips where they touch. * Zoya waits half a heartbeat, then runs more slowly after Lisl, shouting, "Heel! Heel, dammit!" * Charoli shrieks, falls and turns her hands on her attacker. Bright blue flames flash out from her fingertips, scorching fur and flesh. * Jelarthna spots Charoli and Lisl and gasps in shock, looking shaken to the core, then quickly casts a spell, pointing his finger at Lisl * Tyl turns, staring at Jelarthna in confusion * Lisl yelps in pain, rearing away for a moment. After a few seconds, the scorched flesh heals over and starts to sprout fur. She tries to go for the throat. <Zoya> ::catches sight of Jel:: Shit! Tyl... ::she runs harder toward Lisl and Charoli, dropping her disguise as her concentration shifts.:: * Lisl growls as a wave of force brunts her in the ribs, knocking her off the frightened girl. * Charoli scrabbles backwards, her hands ducking under her shift. She pulls out a small vial and tosses it to the ground, a thick mess of purplish smoke springing up all around them. <Jelarthna> ::leaps between Lisl and the girl, his sword flicking into his hand almost magically:: No! I won't let you do it again! * Zoya gasps a few syllables which lock Charoli in a skin-tight net of half-psionic, half-magical energy that will prevent her from summoning a portal. * Jelarthna looks around with crazy eyes, standing protectively close to Charoli * Lisl stands at bay in front of Jel for a moment, growling deep in her throat, hackles up, making her look even larger than she is. She feints right before ducking and plowing forward towards Jel's legs. <Zoya> ::looks at Jelarthna, and her eyes narrow, then widen with comprehension.:: DAMN her... ::looks wildly around for Tyl:: * Charoli looks puzzled for a moment, standing with the purple smoke surrounding them, then smiles wickedly and clings to Jelarthna's arm. * Tyl stops dead, her face filled with horror. "Oh, oh no..." <Tyl> Lisl! No! ::flicks her hand out quickly, psionically forcing Lisl away from Jelarthna:: * Jelarthna grabs Charoli and dives to the side, his sword moving lazily, but staying between Lisl and himself as he rolls to his feet <Jelarthna> ::very softly, voice determined:: I *will* protect you this time... * Zoya balls her hands into fists and whispers a spell to herself, her eyes going nearly white with anger. * Lisl looks over her shoulder and growls at Tyl as well for a moment before turning back to keep her eyes on Jel's sword. * Jelarthna looks determined but seems reluctant to attack * Charoli dodges out from behind Jelarthna's arm, her fingers clutching something that she throws at Zoya. * Zoya flinches as Charoli's dart sinks into her shoulder, but her voice falters not at all. A bluish-grey light is building around her hands. * Tyl moves forward, her face pale and bloodless. "Jelarthna..." she hold out one hand towards him. * Zoya suddenly turns grey, herself, as the poison rushes through her body. Her voice becomes ragged, but she continues chanting, and the bluish light continues to build. * Lisl dives at Jel again, snaking under his sword to catch her teeth in the leather of his trouser leg, shaking it mightily in an attempt to unbalance him. <Jelarthna> Stay back... I won't let you hobgoblins get her this time! ::his sword moves towards her just as Lisl leaps, but seems to be back to nick her flank as if it hadn't moved:: * Charoli grins, then touches her chest, then traces something along Jelarthna's back, smirking at Tyl. <Lisl> Yelps and backs away, circling again, showing a little more respect for his sword this time. * Tyl stares at Charoli, every last bit of blood draining out of her face. <Tyl> Oh, gods. * Jelarthna curses and barely keeps his balance, his eyes flicking between Tyl, Zoya, and Lisl, looking wild and haunted * Zoya is beginning to shake with the effort of remaining upright, but her voice strengthens. The light in her hands is growing steadily brighter. <Charoli> ::puts one hand on Jelarthna's back, her eyes cruel:: Mine. all mine. * Lisl switches head for tail suddenly, spinning on her back heel as she turns and bites Tyl hard in the rump. <Zoya> ::With a final shouted syllable, the light - now too bright to look at - shoots from Zoya's hands to impact squarely between Charoli's eyes:: * Jelarthna moves his mouth in the start of a spell, his guard looking perhaps even tighter, then stops in suddenly and dives at Lisl <Jelarthna> No! ::swings wildly, barely missing:: * Charoli shrieks, her hands going to her head in agony. * Tyl yells, her hand dropping to her dagger, then relaxing a bit. * Zoya drops to one knee, gasping with effort. She eyes Charoli and begins chanting again... * Jelarthna cries out in pain and stumbles to one knee, his free hand going to his head <Tyl> Zoya, careful! She's linked them... ::running forward, towards Jelarthna:: * Zoya - in the midst of casting - shows no sign of having heard Tyl. * Lisl gallops over to Zoya, pushing a furry shoulder up under her and closing her teeth carefully around one gauntlet before tugging gently. * Tyl looks at Charoli, clutching her head, and spits. "Jelarthna? Are you in there?" * Zoya moves her hand and lays it on Lisl's head to indicate she understands, but doesn't stop casting... just in case. * Jelarthna spots Tyl out of the corner of his eye and rolls backwards, not quite smoothly getting to his feet, and *almost* cuts at her with his sword, crying out and twisting himself painfully to pull short * Lisl moves carefully around Jel, keeping her eye on him, to take up guard position on Charoli. <Tyl> No, no... Jelarthna, look at me... * Jelarthna threatens Lisl with his sword, straining to turn his head towards Tyl but still watch Lisl <Tyl> Honey, ::approaches him slowly:: it's not what you think. It's not when you think... * Lisl backs and circles the other way, easing carefully around Tyl. <Tyl> Come on, Jelarthna... you know who I am... * Charoli shudders, then seems to come partly back. She opens her eyes and blinks in confusion. * Zoya slows her chanting, watching Charoli with active menace. <Jelarthna> won't... won't let you... ::seems to start seeing Tyl, face softening a little, then shakes his head and sobs, lowering his guard for a moment:: * Lisl shoots past Jel and launches herself at Charoli again, butting her head HARD into the other girl's. <Charoli> No! ::clutches at Jelarthna's arm:: Help me! * Jelarthna looks up, eyes steely, and slashes at Tyl to drive her back, again, obviously not connecting, then turns to stab at Lisl and try to pull Charoli away * Tyl puts a hand to her throat, pulling out a small tiger eye pendant. <Tyl> You know who we are... come on... come on back to us... * Zoya continues slowly chanting, watching through narrowed eyes, the bluish light building in her hands. * Lisl yelps again as Jel's stab catches her flank, and menaces his hand to keep him from Char. * Charoli cries out, reaching out to Jelarthna. "Help me, my love!" * Tyl winces, hearing Charoli. * Lisl leaps up on her again, knocking her to the ground and going for the throat, her leathery lips curled in over her sharp teeth. <Tyl> No! Lisl! ::leaps forward, towards Jelarthna and Charoli:: * Lisl closes her mouth around Charoli's neck, turning a little as she bears down so Tyl can see there's no blood. * Zoya stops chanting, biting of her last syllable with a curse. She shudders violently as the blue light fades. * Charoli screams, an agonized sound. * Charoli brings her hand up suddenly, stabbing something into Lisl's belly. <Zoya> ::Hoarsely, Zoya snaps off a few ragged syllables.:: <Jelarthna> No no no no no... ::darts at Charoli and Lisl, then stumbles and falls, dropping his sword and stretching his hand out and starts to cast a spell, then starts at the scream and looks confused, trailing off as he stares at Lisl for a moment, hand scrabbling for his weapon:: * Zoya curses virulently through four languages before snapping, "She's protected from magic, damn it." * Tyl moves over to Jelarthna, touching him. "Please, please... come back." * Lisl yelps in pain, loosening her grip as she curls in over her stomach. <Jelarthna> ::looks unsteadily at Lisl, crawling slowly towards her and Charoli:: please.. no.. not again.. don't hurt her... ::flinches a little at Tyl's touch:: * Charoli stands shakily, throwing a nasty look at the wolf before staggering forward, blade in hand. She stumbles, planting the knife firmly between Tyl's shoulder blades. * Zoya stands, shrieking in sudden rage. * Tyl wrenches forward, a gush of blood coming out of her mouth. "Oh... oh... Jelarthna, I lo..." Falls to the ground at Jelarthna's feet. * Lisl howls and struggles to get up again, shaking herself as she makes it to her feet, right foreleg lifted and hanging. * Jelarthna looks suddenly clear, his sword snapping up to toss the knife from Charoli's hand, then turns in a fluid motion to bury itself in her body <Jelarthna> NOOOO!!!! * Zoya tries to run to Tyl, stumbles over her own weakness, and falls to the cobblestones. * Charoli shrieks, her face more stunned than pained. * Charoli staggers backwards, clenching her hand over her wound. * Lisl howls and grabs at Jel's sleeve with her teeth, half-heartedly trying to undo the damage too late. <Charoli> Why? What? ::turns and notices the shady figure, her eyes widening with horror:: Shady_Figure: ::appears suddenly from nothingness behind Charoli and puts long, gloved fingers on her shoulders, speaking in a far off, low voice with a haunting pitch:: Thank you. * Shady_Figure disappears in a swirl of fog, Charoli vanishing with him, right off of Jelarthna's blade * Charoli shrieks. "Nooooooo!" * Zoya struggles to her knees and belatedly pulls Charoli's dart from her shoulder. * Lisl shudders, her fur rippling from head to tail on one long, prolonged shiver. * Zoya crawls on hands and knees toward Tyl. <Jelarthna> ::drops his sword and collapses on top of Tyl, crying and sobbing:: oh please.. oh Tyl.. what have I done? ::his eyes look a little wild again as he claws at his belt pouch, spilling several miscellaneous items from it's magical depths:: * Tyl doesn't move, a dark stain of crimson spreading beneath her. * Lisl goes down on her belly to crawl under a nearby wagon, wriggling out from the noisome mud on the other side as a human and getting up to limp around it, favoring her right side. * Zoya reaches Tyl and Jelarthna. Her voice is so ragged it sounds like her throat is bleeding on the inside. "What... can you do... Jel?" She reaches into her shirt for her surge sphere, barely capable of loosening the strings at her throat. * Xarroch appears in his human form with a soft snapping sound and looks around quickly, spotting Zoya, Lisl, Jelarthna, and Tyl <Jelarthna> ::sobbing:: nothing.. nothing.. no *damned* potions left!! * Zoya whimpers once, very softly, and pulls the sphere free. <Lisl> Dammit, Jel, why couldn't you have gone to my mother's like a proper lovesick fool? <Xarroch> ::curses under his breath:: nine bloody Hells... ::bounds over to the small group and kneels, looking at Tyl intently:: * Lisl bends with a groan to help Zoya as best she can. <Lisl> Xarroch, thank the gods.... ::pausing a moment:: Whoever would have thought I'd say THAT? ::shaking her head:: Xarroch, Tyl's in desperate need of healing. <Lisl> ::muttering:: I hope not resurrection. * Jelarthna looks up at Xarroch with teary eyes, his face twisted with confusion and pain <Zoya> ::looks up at Xarroch, and croaks:: You... heal? <Lisl> He blesses, why not? * Xarroch spares a bit of a grin for Lisl, and begins to chant in a low sing-song, placing his hands on Tyl.. the sound of flesh mending is nearly audible * Lisl winces at the sound and turns, trying to stand up a little straighter. <Lisl> You, ah... might want to cure her of lycanthropy, too. ::looking defensive:: Just in case. It was all I could think of. * Zoya gasps with relief and leans back away from Tyl, Jel, and Xarroch. * Jelarthna nods a little, looking slightly comforted, then collapses at Tyl's side with a little sigh * Tyl coughs suddenly, ejecting a good deal of blackish blood, then takes a deep breath. * Xarroch takes a deep breath and looks at the other three critically. <Tyl> Ow! What... where... where is she? ::looks around in sudden terror:: <Xarroch> ::holds Tyl firmly:: Don't move <Lisl> Gone to the Shades. ::looking regretful:: Sorry I couldn't get you the heart, Tyl. <Tyl> Gone where? ::still trying really hard to sit up:: <Lisl> And I'm sorry I bit you. I couldn't think of anything else. <Xarroch> I said don't move. ::more firmly, looking Tyl in the eye:: <Lisl> A black shade came for her. Made all my f-- ah, hair stand on end. ::shivers and rubs at goosebumps:: <Tyl> Oh. ::shrinks back, a little intimidated:: sorry. * Zoya - seeing that everyone else is more or less taken care of - carefully lays down in the street, breathing very slowly and carefully. <Xarroch> ::smiles slightly:: this is not a *good* place to recover, but I can only do so much at once. * Xarroch turns his intense gaze on Lisl and motions her closer, already beginning a similar chant * Lisl waves her hand. "Don't waste it on me if she still needs it." * Xarroch looks a little irritated as he stretches out to very gently touch Lisl's leg, spreading a white glow through her with that same mending-flesh sound <Xarroch> Hardly a waste. I can only do so much for one at a time, especially when poison is involved. * Lisl sighs in relief and lifts her right arm to show another bleeding gash in her side. <Lisl> Poison? Figures. All I got was Jel's pigsticker. ::gesturing:: And a knife I could have SWORN she didn't have in hand. <Xarroch> ::blinks at Lisl with a small show of surprise:: Any others? And were you poisoned also, or did you shake it off? ::quietly heals the wound inLisl's side:: <Zoya> ::Wearily, Zoya lifts a hand to her shoulder. A ring on her hand glows slightly, and she sighs softly:: <Lisl> ::shakes head:: None that I noticed. Unless Jel got talked into tainting his blade. <Xarroch> ::shakes his head:: No, he would not. <Tyl> ::glances at Xarroch a bit nervously, and peeks around:: Where did she go? <Lisl> Didn't think so. ::plopping down on the ground suddenly:: I think I'll sit down now. <Xarroch> ::turning to tend to Zoya:: Where did *who* go? And what *happened* here? ::casts two spells on Zoya, one right after the other:: <Lisl> Which she? Zoya's over there. The trollop went to the Shades, I said. * Lisl represses another shudder. <Tyl> Is she dead? ::gasps suddenly, staring around wildly:: Jelarthna? * Xarroch takes a deep breath and wipes some sweat from his forehead <Lisl> She's dead. You're not. ::glumly:: No thanks to me. * Zoya sighs softly as Xarroch's second spell takes effect. "Ah... That's better." She sits up, very slowly, wavering with exhaustion. "Thank you." <Xarroch> ::gestures at Jelarthna:: He seems unharmed. Physically. * Xarroch offers Zoya a half smile <Tyl> Jel? ::reaches a hand out to him:: Jel, honey? * Jelarthna lays still, breathing evenly <Lisl> ::disgustedly:: That's because I wasn't allowed. He had no such compunctions. ::rubbing her thigh ruefully:: <Lisl> Bladesingers. Pah. <Tyl> Jel? ::squirms around, trying to look at him:: <Xarroch> ::raises an eyebrow at Lisl:: Which do you wish to carry? ::gestures indicating Zoya, Tyl, and Jel:: <Zoya> ::grumpily:: I can walk. I just need a hand up. * Jelarthna whimpers softly and curls up a bit * Lisl sighing and leaning on her hand, making a face as something under it squishes before getting up slowly as if not everything's attached firmly. * Xarroch stands and lifts Zoya carefully, watching her movements critically <Lisl> I'll carry Zoya. I've done it before. <Xarroch> ::nods:: Very well. ::hoists Zoya and hands her to Lisl with a grin:: <Lisl> ::to Zoya:: You're not walking. You're exhausted. <Tyl> Jelarthna? ::her voice breaks:: <Zoya> ::glares at Lisl:: I'm *burnt*, is what I am. I can walk. No way are you *coddling* me for a week again. * Lisl takes her from Xarroch, and shifts her carefully to carry her half-piggyback. <Xarroch> Tyl'gainia... he *will* be alright. ::voice assured:: now come... let's get you someplace to rest. ::kneels down to gather up Tyl and Jel in his arms and lifts them easily:: <Lisl> Don't need to. Your 'prentice is probably home by now, she can do it. ::grinning shamelessly:: * Xarroch snorts and chuckles a little * Tyl wraps her arms around Xarroch, laying her head against his skin, tears falling from her eyes. <Zoya> For Erdian's sake, put me down. I'll lean on you if it'll make you feel better. <Lisl> Nothing doing. ::frowning in concern as she turns to look at Jel:: I think he thought Miss Minx was his old love. Is he alright? <Xarroch> ::growls just a little:: Ah. * Xarroch blinks and sniffs the air suddenly, eyes opening a little wider in surprise, then shakes his head and looks at Lisl <Lisl> ::cocks her head:: What? <Xarroch> Where to? The Meadehall, or Zoya's Tower? * Tyl wipes her eyes, sniffling. <Lisl> ::thinks a moment:: Tower. She'll be stronger there, and it's more... sheltered. * Jelarthna stirs slightly, his hand reaching out unconsciously to touch Tyl and rest there * Tyl takes Jel's hand, kisses his palm, then presses his hand to her cheek. "Oh... oh love..." <Xarroch> ::nods:: Very well. ::looks down and sighs for a moment, twisting a finger slightly and uttering a word.. Jelarthna's sword rises from the ground slowly and slides home into his sheath <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow, but declines comment:: * Zoya glares at Lisl. "Oh, fine. Have it your way." She locks her fingers in front of Lisl's neck, lays her head against the back of Lisl's shoulder, and promptly falls asleep. * Jelarthna settles slightly, looking a little more relaxes at Tyl's touch and voice * Xarroch watches Zoya's reaction and snorts quietly, then sets off vaguely towards the Tower. <Lisl> ::grins and shifts the sleeping Zoya slightly to a more comfortable position:: I always do eventually. 394 years of stubbornness add up. <Lisl> Hey... Flyboy! This way! ::jerking her head and starting off down the next street over, headed dead for Zoya's Tower. <Xarroch> Three hundred and ninety-four? Just a bit older than I would have guessed. ::offers Lisl a small grin:: * Xarroch chuckles and follows Lisl <Lisl> ::smiles cherubically, looking all of about 23:: I age well, don't I? <Xarroch> ::laughs:: I suppose. I was basing it more on *attitude*, however. * Lisl raises her eyebrow. "What? If you want to say something to me, say it. Just don't be surprised if I slap you into next Thursday." <Xarroch> ::laughs again:: I just did, Lisl. * Lisl shakes her head and grumps as she stalks off towards the Tower. * Xarroch follows Lisl to Zoya's Tower, easily carrying Tyl and Jel, and watching Zoya's sleeping form bounce lightly with a grin |
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