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* Loria is bustling around, cleaning her house of dust, obviously thinking about other things as she washes the windows and dusts the mantelpiece. * Lisl strolls down the alley from the marketplace towards Loria's house, carrying an upright wooden box similar to those used by restaurant delivery maids around town. Her gaze lingers a moment on a pile of refuse half-blocking one side alley, and her mouth tightens fractionally. With a shake of her head, she continues on, not looking back. <Loria> ::Pepper rubs against his mistress's legs, then leaps from the floor to the sofa, the sofa to the windowsill and the windowsill to the top of a tall bookcase, where he wraps his tail around himself and looks around at his domain:: * Lisl leaves the alley behind and starts across the street, pulling up short and dodging gracefully as a wooden ball whizzes past inches from her head. She shakes her head and gives the flustered stickball players a wave, and continues up the walk to knock on Loria's door. <Loria> ::sneezing:: Yes? ::she moves over and opens the door:: Lisl! <Lisl> ::grinning, and holding up the box one-handed:: Delivery, ma'am? <Loria> ::taking the box:: What's this? Come in... pardon the mess, I'm cleaning... why that always makes things messier before they get better, I'll never know. <Lisl> Because in order to move the dust... ::sneezes gustily as she surrenders the box to Loria:: ...you have to stir it up first. I take the wise course and leave it where it chooses to lie. <Loria> ::shaking her head, she takes the box into the dining room:: This smells good. ::looking around:: But I can't let it be dusty, I won't be able to show it. <Lisl> Show it? ::raises an eyebrow:: Are you selling? <Loria> ::nodding:: Probably... * Lisl lifts the other eyebrow to meet the first, and then brings them both down in a frown. "Really? I thought you were settling in to Marsember quite nicely... well, a few rough spots, but..." <Loria> Oh, it's been good, I think... but it's just not home... ::sighs:: <Lisl> Oh. So you're... moving back to Khymrych, then? Well... I... suppose it's not that far. We could still visit... ::though she's obviously trying to sound positive about this, her voice is sad:: <Loria> ::turning her back slightly:: Well, with everything Kevil and I talked about... we thought it would just be best... ::trails off:: <Lisl> Best? ::a line forming between her eyebrows:: Loria, I... I'm sorry if you and Kevil can't... can't straighten things out. But... you have friends here too! You shouldn't have to leave... you can't *want* to leave... can you? ::voice hardening a little:: If he's making you leave, the lout, I'll happily pound him for you myself! <Loria> ::not able to resist anymore, she bursts out laughing, nearly falling on the floor and using the chair to hold herself up:: * Lisl stares at Loria, completely flummoxed. "...Loria? Are... are you alright?" <Loria> ::still snickering:: Fine, fine... ::gasping for breath, she stands up again, grinning at Lisl:: We're getting a place together... this house isn't big enough for two people, really. <Lisl> Getting... ::blinking, her expression still a little stunned and her voice doubtful:: ...in Khymrych? <Loria> ::at that, Loria gets the giggles again:: N-oooo. * Lisl gets the beginnings of a smile. "You're... not leaving Marsember? You're moving... *with* Kevil?" <Loria> ::nodding:: Yes... ::wipes her eyes:: Oh, that was funny... I'm sorry, Lisl, I shouldn't tease, but really... ::snickering:: You should have seen the look on your face. * Lisl snorts. "I think I'm just as glad I didn't, thanks." She grins wider. "So, congratulations are in order? Complete with celebratory dinner?" She waves a hand towards the box. "...Or are you expecting him?" <Loria> ::shaking her head:: No, he's having dinner with his apprentice today... ::peeking in the box:: <Lisl> Ah, ah, no peeking. ::reaches out an arm and snags the top handle, lifting the box over to her:: Let's see... I don't *think* I spilled the soup... Ah, good. ::looks up from the box:: Plates? <Loria> ::turning to the cupboards:: Sure... ::gets down plates and bowls:: <Loria> ::looking at Lisl curiously:: Would you have really beaten him up? * Lisl removes a delicious-smelling covered pot from the top compartment, carefully unwrapping the cloth cozy keeping it warm and setting it down on the table with a flourish. "Venison consumme with winter cress, and," she peers into the box, "ah, here we are, sourdough bread." She frowns. "Marlee called it something else, but I don't remember... the girl's spent too much time abroad, I swear..." <Loria> Sounds lovely... ::puts the plates on the table, then gets some flatware:: <Lisl> Beaten wh-- oh, Kevil? ::strokes her chin thoughtfully:: Hm. A little, I'm sure, before he managed to talk his way out of it. ::she studies Loria, a steely glint in her eye:: I don't stand for people who treat others as if they don't matter. I wouldn't have thought it of Kevil these days, but... <Loria> ::shyly:: I don't think he'd... I don't think he'd marry me, if he didn't think I mattered. * Lisl gapes again at Loria for a long moment, a smile spreading over her face. "Marry--" In an instant, she's out of her chair and around the table, wrapping Loria in an enthusiastic hug. "That's wonderful! Congratulations!" <Loria> ::laughing and crying at the same time, she returns Lisl's embrace:: Thank you... I... ::she smiles:: Thank you. <Loria> ::hisses:: Ease up a bit there, would you? I need my ribs more or less intact. <Lisl> Oh! Sorry... ::blushes a little:: So... ::giving Loria a last squeeze and holding her at arm's length with a broad grin:: I suppose you resolved your differences, then? <Loria> ::nodding:: Mostly, yes... we were... thinking of maybe staying in Alanis for a few months every year... which should resolve most of the issues. <Lisl> Oh? ::arches an eyebrow:: Is that what... that is... ::clears her throat:: Is Missa joining your circle, then? ::blushes a little:: * Loria blushes furiously. "We hadn't talked about that yet... she... I... well... we'll see." * Lisl looks faintly amused. "MmmHMM." She pauses a moment. "She likes you, you know." <Loria> ::sticks her tongue out at Lisl:: So do you... it's just different. I do like her. But I'm not making decisions for her... that could be awkward... ::she laughs:: <Lisl> ::laughs, glancing sidelong at Loria:: True. But I meant... well, of course I like you, but she *likes* you. At least... well, no, that's the sort of thing that's difficult to get wrong. <Loria> ::smiling in a pleased sort of way:: I like her, too. ::gets out a ladle and hands it to Lisl:: But she's not here right now, so we can't make decisions that concern her. <Lisl> ::nods:: Fair enough. Now sit-- there are two more courses to go after this one. ::ladles out soup:: * Loria sits obediently, tucking a napkin over her lap. <Loria> ::smirking slightly at Lisl:: So, how many "invitations" did you get, while you were in Alani? * Lisl takes a seat and pulls a bowl over to her, picking up a spoonful of soup. Loria's question catches her open-mouthed, and she quickly puts the spoon back down, blushing to the roots of her silver hair. "None that I accepted." <Loria> ::laughing, she pulls her soup over to her:: Sorry, personal question... * Lisl takes a deep breath and blows it out again. "No, fair's fair. You're just getting me back for Missa." She grins, and takes a spoonful of soup. <Lisl> I suppose it's flattering, in a way, but I don't-- that is, I wouldn't... um. No. ::face still a little pink, she takes another spoonful of soup. <Loria> ::seriously:: Do you... ::she hesitates a moment:: ... disapprove? <Lisl> Disapprove? ::cocks her head, and shrugs one shoulder:: Not my place to approve or disapprove, really. I was more concerned that... well, I knew you and Kevil had a few things that needed hammering out. And... it sort of surprised me, considering. I was worried that... well... it wasn't being done out of love. <Loria> ::nodding, looking studiously at her soup bowl:: It surprised me, too. <Lisl> ::thoughtfully, taking another spoonful of soup:: I don't know... I think I basically understand the idea, now, up here, anyway, ::taps her temple:: But... well, I come from a... very different culture, too, I guess you could say. I just... I couldn't. ::shrugs a shoulder:: I don't think my heart's big enough, for two mates at once. <Loria> ::finishing off her soup:: I don't know exactly how I feel... ::looks up, her eyes shining:: But she was so brave... you should have seen her, Lisl... <Lisl> ::smiles a little:: I *did* see her. You, too. While you're tossing those bravery medals around, you should take one, yourself. <Loria> ::blushing:: I was terrified... I don't know what I'm going to do about this "quest" that the Blessed Mother wants me to do. <Lisl> ::putting a hand over one of Loria's, looking at her very seriously:: A wise woman once told me that bravery is not the absence of fear... it's knowing fear, and doing what needs to be done anyway. ::squeezes Loria's hand lightly:: Quest? <Loria> ::nodding:: She said... I have to prove my worth. ::gestures to the living room:: I have some things, She gave me. Armor and weapons... She wants me to train to use them. * Lisl takes another spoonful of soup. "Heh... sounds like she's definitely getting into the god thing. She helped you in need, now you owe her a geas." She nods. "Aerdrie did the same thing to me, when... well, that's another story. Are you allowed to speak of your quest? And for that matter, allowed to get help?" <Loria> ::wiping her mouth:: Well, first I need training. And then, well, we'll see what happens then. <Lisl> ::nods:: Fair enough. What sort of training? ::finishes her soup:: Ready for the next course? <Loria> Sure... ::hands Lisl a plate:: Mace and dagger. ::blushing slightly:: It wouldn't be a good idea for you to help me with dagger training, either. <Lisl> ::slides open the next compartment, and unwraps a large, golden pastry, eyes lighting up a little:: Rabbit pie. ::slices two generous pieces, and serves them out:: No? Granted, I don't use a dagger myself that often, but it's not the sort of knack you forget... <Loria> ::picks up her fork:: It's a... um... ::very softly:: silver. <Lisl> ::raises her eyebrows fractionally:: Ah. God-blessed? <Loria> Yes... <Lisl> Hmm. ::grins wryly:: I should have a word with Nach... ::shakes her head:: Ah, well. ::rubs her nose as she takes a forkful of pie:: That just means I'd best not tick you off.... I could still teach you knife-fighting, I'd just have to be *damn* careful sparring. ::looks interested:: I haven't worn armor in awhile, come to think... <Loria> Well ::in an unsteady voice:: I think she means me to go after the undead. Magic silver works against most of them, I understand. ::she takes a bite of her pastry, trying not to look as frightened as she so obviously is:: <Lisl> ...or, considering your range of acquaintances... ::she grins:: I imagine you shouldn't have too hard a time finding someone to train with, if you'd rather it not be me. <Lisl> Undead? ::raises an eyebrow:: Following in her footsteps, then... ::nods:: You may want to have a talk with Tarri, get her to introduce you to some of the Morninglord's own... they do quite a bit in that line. <Lisl> ::smiles sympathetically:: Just remember... given how roundly she *wanted* to chew Kevil out for getting you in the way of danger... do you *really* think she'd do the same, herself, if she didn't *know* you could handle it? <Lisl> Faith works two ways, after all... ::takes another forkful of pie, making a pleased noise as she swallows:: <Loria> ::looks up:: Do you think so? I don't feel like much of a warrior. <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: With the right tools, you don't have to be, to fight undead. ::brandishing her fork:: I rode for awhile with a priestess of the Morninglord myself... she had this sunblade that... ::shakes her head:: some sights you don't forget. And watching a near-army of vampires puff away into ash when she drew her blade... well, that's one of them. <Loria> ::blinks:: That sounds exciting... <Lisl> ::grins:: No, the "exciting" was *before* she drew. But... long as you know your enemy, keep your head, hold your faith, and have the proper backup... you'll do fine. <Lisl> Of course, if it's not what you want to do... ::glances slyly at Loria:: you'll still need that courage. After all, you'd have to tell Nacheyla "No." ::grins:: <Loria> ::mutters something into her plate:: * Lisl chuckles, and has another bite of rabbit pie. <Lisl> See? All a matter of perspective. <Loria> I just don't feel very adventurous... but ::determinedly:: I'll just have to make the best of it. <Lisl> ::nods:: That's the spirit. <Loria> ::finishes her piece of pie:: So, anything else in that bag? <Lisl> ::grins:: There just might be... ::slides open the last closed panel of the box, revealing a glass bowl filled with strawberry trifle, and a metal bowl set in ice containing freshly whipped cream.:: <Loria> Ooh! ::grins:: <Lisl> Just don't ask where she got the strawberries this time of year. I find it's better not to. ::grins and scoops out a serving apiece, setting the bowl of whipped cream between them:: <Lisl> Take as much as you like. I won't look. ::grins:: <Loria> ::serves herself a generous helping of trifle, then piles an almost obscene amount of whipped cream.:: Here, I'll leave you a little. <Lisl> ::giggles:: Kind of you. ::upends the bowl over her serving, scooping out the rest of the whipped cream and cleaning the bowl with her finger:: <Loria> ::grinning abashedly:: I like whipped cream. I can't seem to make it myself... I always end up with a bowlful of sugar-milk soup. Which is good enough, but not exactly the same thing. <Lisl> ::licking off her finger:: Pardon my manners. ::wide grin:: I *was* raised in the woods, after all. Of course, Mother would *kill* me if she heard me say that. <Lisl> Better than me... *I* generally wind up with a bowl of butter and buttermilk. <Loria> ::snickers:: My mother always asked Vallel was he born in the barn. <Lisl> ::chuckle:: Well, she'd be the best to know, now, wouldn't she? <Loria> ::nodding:: I happen to know he was born out in the west forty, actually... * Lisl snorts, covering her mouth quickly to avoid spitting anything out. "He was *lambed*??" <Loria> ::shrugging:: Well, it was a ways from the house when Mamma started laboring. There was just Bessa and me and one of Father's hired men out there. ::laughing:: He ran off like his pants were on fire, so we did what we could do out there. <Loria> ::smiling fondly:: I was four... <Lisl> ::chuckles:: I think that's the same the world over... the womenfolk help while the men pace the floor and look worried. ::grins toothily:: They probably realize on some level that it's safer for their future progeny that way. <Loria> ::nodding:: So... you are surprised about me and Kevil? ::she grins girlishly:: I have to go back to Khymrych for a while, talk to Saint Greyson. I'll be taking Kevil-lin home with me. Bet that'll go over well... <Lisl> ::grins:: I'm delighted. I had hopes, but I never expected you'd iron everything out so fast. ::takes another bite of trifle:: <Loria> ::blushing rosily:: Dehlia told him off, while we were at his home. <Lisl> ::laughs aloud:: *Dehlia*?? The quiet one??? <Loria> ::earnestly:: She basically told him that when he was here, he would be treating me with dishonor, if he acted according to Alani rules. <Lisl> Hmf. Sensible. ::cocks her head:: So... when you go visit Alanis again...? <Loria> Well... ::blushing again:: <Lisl> ::frowning a little anxiously:: Have you not resolved that yet, or are you really alright with it? <Loria> ::composing herself:: It's different, there. Everyone understands... ::looks at Lisl:: I'm sure that they care about each other, and that at least that kind of hurting... it's not done to deceive or to steal anyone else's love. <Lisl> ::nods thoughtfully:: They have big hearts indeed, the Alani... * Lisl takes another bite of trifle. <Loria> Here... things are different. ::slowly:: I'm not as much afraid for myself, as for him and... and well, that someone else not understanding... <Lisl> Hm. You're right, although I think that, if *anyone* does, Kevil knows how to handle himself in... those situations. <Loria> ::snorts:: That's going to do him wonders against an angry husband with a pitchfork. <Lisl> ::laughs:: I'd pit Kevil's tongue against a pitchfork *any* day. And if somehow that failed him, well, we *were* sparring together pretty regularly. <Loria> ::nods:: Yes, but then, even if he escapes without harm to himself, what's going to happen to that woman and her marriage? ::shaking her head:: No, it's really best to not meddle. Altho, with someone like that Dulcea woman, I suppose it wouldn't matter. <Lisl> ::nods:: True enough. And if it were a matter of need, well, there's a whole island for that... ::grins:: He did well enough there as a girl, after all. <Loria> ::still coloring a little:: If nothing else, Missa showed me that... I can care for her and... ::blushing again:: feel like that without it changing that I care for Kevil. <Lisl> ::nods, leaning her elbows on the table:: For all of me, if there's love there, and Kevil supports you, I wish you joy of... each other? ...all of you. ::waves her hand dismissively at her problems with the terminology:: If anything about it troubles you, still... well, maybe you should talk to Nach about it. She's good for that sort of advice. <Loria> ::raising an eyebrow:: I suppose so... I'd feel sort of silly, talking to Her about that, tho. <Lisl> ::cocks her head curiously:: Why? She's your closest female relative in town, after all. ::grins:: I could just see you asking your mother about it... ::shakes her head:: No, I think your visit to Khymrych will be challenging enough. <Loria> ::worriedly:: My father's going to be furious, I think... ::quails:: <Lisl> Do you have Nach's blessing on it, or haven't you asked her yet? <Loria> ::shaking her head:: It only just happened last night... ::thinking:: This morning? Something like that <Lisl> ::grins wickedly:: You mean... *I* know before *she* does? ::laughs:: Oooh... <Loria> ::a little defensively:: It just happened! I haven't told anyone else. <Lisl> ::grins wider:: I'm not complaining. I'm generally the last to know about these sorts of things. This feels rather nice. <Loria> Well ::shaking her finger at Lisl:: Don't tell anyone else. I want to share it with people. <Lisl> ::grins smugly:: Alright. ::looks a little plaintive:: How about... not tell anyone else on two legs? <Loria> ::delightedly:: Oh, all right... could I... ::shyly:: would they let me see them? <Lisl> ::looking a little surprised:: The pack? Or do you mean the pups? <Loria> Well... both. I don't think they'd let me see the puppies when they weren't around. <Lisl> Hmmm... ::takes another thoughtful bite of trifle:: the pack, yes... the pups... ::looks up at Loria:: would you be willing to wait a few days? <Loria> ::nodding:: There's no hurry... I just... ::smiles:: I've never seen another wolf before. <Loria> Just you... <Lisl> Well... ::blushes faintly:: They will be a little different, you understand. Some of them have my blood in them... well, a trace, anyway... but they'll be smaller on the whole, and much more skittish. ::grins:: I'm domesticated, after all. ::takes another bite of trifle with relish:: <Loria> ::laughs:: No, you're not. <Lisl> ::grins:: Well... more than the rest of my pack, I am. <Loria> ::finishes off her trifle:: Thanks for dinner, Lisl. Really, it was very thoughtful. <Lisl> ::smiles warmly:: My pleasure. I certainly wasn't going to push *my* cooking on you, tho' most of this was my hunting, at least. And... well, I guess you can consider it sort of an apology for letting you get conked on the head, back aboard ship. ::shakes her head ruefully:: If I hadn't been so itchy for a fight, he never would have had the chance to get *near* you. <Loria> ::shaking her head:: Oh, that wasn't anyone's fault. I'm just glad I could help... I felt pretty useless. <Lisl> ::shakes her head again:: That might've been only the second time you saw battle, but *I* should've known better. In a melee, the fighters protect the healers. Basic strategy. <Loria> ::snorts:: Like I would know... one more thing I need to learn, I guess. <Loria> ::thoughtfully:: Actually, I think we were lucky that they were slavers... horrible as that sounds. They were aiming to capture, not kill, and that's harder... <Lisl> ::grimly:: The *slavers* were lucky they caught us so unprepared for attack. If I ever get my hands on that arrogant minx again.... ::Lisl's eyes gleam yellow briefly:: <Loria> ::her face hardening a little:: If I can train up to it, I'd like to help... for what she... ::shaking her head:: <Lisl> ::nods slowly:: I think you and Kevil have more right than any. ::grins, showing tooth:: I'm sure it won't be hard to divide that one up three or four ways.... <Loria> ::getting up, she starts gathering up the dishes:: When I was at home, I never dreamed it was possible to hate someone that much... ::shrugging:: But, I never knew being this happy was possible either, so I shouldn't complain. <Lisl> ::smiles:: I've poked into almost every corner of the world at one time or another, and I *still* find things that surprise me every so often. I think you'll discover a great deal, yet, that you never dreamed possible... <Loria> Well, *that* wouldn't surprise me... I wasn't given much to dreaming... <Lisl> ::smiles wider, gathering serving dishes and replacing them in their carry-box:: Well, then you'll have some catching up to do, won't you? ::teasing grin:: I'm sure with that much whipped cream, you're bound to have interesting dreams tonight. <Loria> ::pulling the serving dishes back out of the box:: Let me at least rinse them off! They'll attract bugs or something. <Lisl> Oh. ::blushes a little:: Marlee generally takes care of it. She's fussy about such things. <Loria> ::rinses the dishes off and packs them neatly:: There. * Lisl slides the covers closed on the box. "Thanks." She gives Loria another hug, gentler than the last time. "I'm glad to see you well again. We were so worried about you..." <Loria> ::hugs Lisl back:: You know, for someone who grew up with three sisters, you feel more like a big sister to me... <Lisl> ::blushes furiously again:: I don't know quite how your other siblings would take that if they heard, but I'm honored. <Loria> ::waves a hand:: Thanks for stopping by... have a good evening... <Lisl> You too. ::returns the wave:: I'll come get you when the pups are ready for visitors, alright? <Loria> ::nodding eagerly:: Sure! <Lisl> Goodnight, Loria! ::smiles warmly, and lets herself out the front:: <Loria> Goodnight, Lisl! ::closes the door behind her:: * Lisl retreats down the path, whistling softly between her teeth. * Loria looks around the still slightly dusty house. "Ah, bother! I'll do it tomorrow." She sits down on her couch almost defiantly and picks up her novel. |
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