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* Michelle unlocks the door and announces, "Hall's Open!" * Kevil enters and heads straight for the fire. He nods to Michelle as he pulls off his cloak, then hangs it and extends his hands to the crackling warmth. * Michelle returns behind the bar, she's wearing a simply blue dress, with her long hair in a pony tail, her moon earring shining brightly from her right ear. <Michelle> Good evening Kevil. How are you this evening? * Tyl walks in, her black hair has finally grown out some and she is wearing it up in a twist. She is dressed in her "work" clothing, black pants, a grey shirt and vest and a black cloak over her shoulders. Although she rarely goes around obviously armed, this evening she is wearing her short sword at her side. <Kevil> Cold, my lady, but otherwise in good spirits. How do you fare? <Michelle> Well enough Kevil. ::smiles at Tyl's entrance:: Tyl, it's been too long. How have you been? * Kevil greets Tyl with a bow as she enters. "Lady, the stars shine brighter for your presence among us." * Ragna emerges from the washroom in back, tying off a leather thong at the end of a braid of her beard. She looks relaxed and well-rested in a considerably less sooty version of her usual work attire. "Evenin', all." <Kevil> ::bows to Ragna as he makes his way to the bar:: Good evening to you, Lady Irontongue... ::sliding onto a barstool:: Lady Michelle, might you possibly be persuaded to part with a measure of mulled wine? <Michelle> Good evening Ragna. ::looking at the patrons:: So can I get anyone anything this evening? * Anders is quietly announced before he arrives by the muted clanking and ringing of his plate mail as he walks towards the Hall. He enters, clad much as he was his first night on the Hall, wearing a white tabard with Torm's symbol on the chest, his long bastard sword sling across his back. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen... or simply gentleman, it seems." * Michelle smiles and picks up a glass, "Anyone else for mulled wine while I'm in the kitchen?" <Michelle> Good evening Lord Anders. How are you this evening? <Ragna> Wine, eh? ::shrugs:: I'd try a cup, if ye please. <Anders> I'm quite well, Michelle, thank you for asking. I hope you are well? * Michelle nods, "Well enough." Michelle picks up a second glass, "Tyl, Anders, would either of you like some mulled wine?" <Ragna> ::takes a stool, pausing and half-turning to inspect Anders with a semi-professional eye as he comes through the door and nodding respectfully:: <Tyl> ::sits down on a stool:: Just my usual... without the ice this time... I think it's cold enough without. * Kevil smiles and bows to Anders. "Gentlemen, now, my lord. Come and join us." <Anders> No wine for me, thank you. * Michelle nods, "I'll be back in a moment." Michelle disappears into the kitchen. * Anders returns Kevil's bow, setting his helm on a nearby table. "I'd be glad to, Master Bard." He squints at Kevil for a moment. "You're the one with the expectant wife, yes? How is she?" <Kevil> ::grins:: Expecting. And less than entirely sanguine about it. You see me here in exile from my own home, my lord. * Michelle returns and sets to goblets of mulled wine on the bar before produce a glass from underneath the bar and pour a few fingers of rum into it, leaving both the glass and the bottle within easy reach of Tyl, "Can I get you anything this evening Anders?" <Ragna> ::raises an eyebrow and grins:: What, again? Where does she send you the rest of the week, pray? * Tyl knocks back one shot of rum with a practiced flip of her wrist. "It's nice to be back in civilization." She pours herself another shot of rum. * Michelle looks curiously at Tyl, "Where have you been?" <Kevil> ::taking a grateful sip of his wine:: There are errands aplenty for her to send me on during the day, Lady. * Anders grins. "I remember similar events, decades ago. They're still fresh enough in the memory. Allow me to buy a drink for you, as consolation. I'd like... some vodka with a little gin, shaken with ice, please." <Tyl> ::grins at Michelle:: Out. * Michelle smiles at Tyl, "Fair enough. We're happy to have you back In." <Kevil> ::raises his glass to Anders:: Thank you, my lord. I expect these last weeks will pass soon enough, and then I hope she will be too occupied with the child to remember she is angry with me for having fathered it. ::grins:: * Michelle begins preparing Anders drink. <Ragna> ::offers a hand to Tyl:: Ragna Irontongue. Ye must be one a'those Meade Hall adventurers I hear so much of, out and about. <Anders> Good luck. I imagine you'll discover her recollection of who the child's father is will resurface at the most inopportune times. Such as when it breaks something of hers. * Michelle pours Anders drink into a glass and sets it on the bar for him, "Here you are Anders." <Kevil> ::laughs:: Yes... I seem to recall a similar sort of thing among my parents... * Tyl shakes hands with the dwarf. "Well met. Tyl'Gainia Quel'shu, Headmistress of the Psionics Academy, and all around meddlesome individual, yes." <Anders> Thank you, Michelle. ::he drinks some:: Ah. Hits the spot. * Michelle giggles at Tyl's introduction. <Ragna> ::grinning and pumping Tyl's hand:: Psionics, ay? What's that at home, then? <Tyl> Psionics? The ability to affect things outside of ones self using only one's mind to do so... ::she drops straight into lecture mode without a thought:: <Kevil> ::glancing slyly at Tyl from the corner of his eye:: You could think of it as a branch of magic, if it would make things easier, Lady Irontongue, though I am doubtless in for a tongue-lashing for suggesting such an inaccuracy. * Ragna blinks a few times thoughtfully, running that over in her head with a faint frown of puzzlement. "Ah-- mindbending? Aye, I've heard of it, once or twice, but never paid it too much mind, if you'll pardon the pun... a whole school, you say?" She blinks again. "Gods of the earth..." <Tyl> ::winces:: If you must... <Ragna> ::looking a little shamefaced:: Yer pardon. But... a whole school... one can learn it, then? * Anders turns, with a bit of a creak, to better follow the whole of the conversation. <Tyl> ::shrugs:: If someone has the ability, then generally they *must* learn it. Psionics is very dangerous, both to those who possess the talent as well as to those affected by it. Unfortunately, the highest risk to my students is insanity. My school attempts to help them learn to control their abilities, rather than having the ability control them. <Ragna> ::eyes round:: So... ye *can't* learn it... it's to train those with the gift. ::shakes her head slowly and, after some thought, lifts her glass to Tyl:: More power to ye, Mistress. <Tyl> Thank you. ::knocks back another sip of rum:: My school also provides a haven for those who are persecuted because of their talents... many people don't understand, and when first coming into their strength, a psionic may exhibit some... frightening tendencies. We have several at the school who fled their homes one step ahead of the lynch mob. <Ragna> ::shudders a little:: Aye... I could see it. <Tyl> ::pours herself another rum:: And when I'm not doing that, I'm causing all manner of troubles... ::grins at Kevil:: <Michelle> Speaking of students Tyl, I'd expect a visit from Temire in the next few weeks. She's starting to realize that no more school means she doesn't really have anything to do with her time. And unfortunately, the only things I can think of for her to do that she might enjoy involve leaving Ilarion and Ilya, which I know she doesn't want to do, even if it's only temporary. <Kevil> ::grins back at Tyl:: <Michelle> Though honestly, I'm hoping she'll find something on her own. <Kevil> Is she thinking of re-enrolling, then? * Michelle looks at Tyl, "As I understand, she can't re-enroll. She's taken her abilities as far as she can and she'd just be wasting her time and everyone elses if she did." <Tyl> ::digs around in her waist pouch for a while:: That reminds me, I brought you a souvenir... ::glances up at Michelle:: I've been eating trail rations for over a month now, I don't suppose you have something fresh cooked in the back? * Michelle smiles, "Stew or chili?" <Tyl> Stew would be lovely... and fresh bread, if you have any. And cheese... and vegetables? ::looks hopeful:: I hate dried fruit and jerky for dinner every night. ::pulls something out of her pouch:: Ah, here it is... ::hands Kevil a necklace, the emblem on it one he's seen before, from the elite castes of Illithid:: <Michelle> Would anyone else like any? <Anders> Nothing for me, thank you. * Kevil looks at the pendant for a long moment, his face suddenly sober, then looks back up at Tyl with a quirked eyebrow. "And you did not call for me? Lady, I am wounded." <Ragna> Aye, I'd take a bowl of stew, Mistress Michelle, thanks. <Kevil> ::shakes his head to Michelle, still examining the necklace:: * Michelle disappears into the kitchen. <Tyl> ::looks somewhat apologetic:: I'm very sorry... by the time I realized what it was, I was too deep in its lair to come find anyone... ::smiles:: I was investigating some reports... it had nearly killed a whole caravan, and the few who managed to escape it thought it might be a rogue psionic responsible. <Kevil> ::nods:: So there was only the one? * Ragna rubs her arms and has a quick, deep draught of her wine. <Tyl> ::shakes her head:: There were six, which was two more than I really wanted to deal with... ::shudders, knocking back her rum again:: <Tyl> ::looks at Kevil seriously:: Do you know they keep the brains of their dead in a sort of amniotic fluid? And that these brains sort of merge to form one overmind? Very frightening thing, it was. <Kevil> ::winces in sympathy:: Va. You might want to pass the word to Zoya, and their location. * Ragna swallows hard, looking faintly green, and has another swallow of wine. <Kevil> ::grimaces:: Zoya told me, once, when we had encountered a ship-full of them, but I was not paying much attention to her at the time. <Anders> Are you all right then, Mistress Tyl? <Tyl> ::nods:: I'm mostly all right. Nothing a few weeks of sleep *away* from that thing won't cure. ::for a moment, her gaze is haunted:: But three of them got away, so I won't have *time* to rest. Have to go out and hunt them down. But I thought I'd take a bit of a breather first. * Michelle returns from the kitchen with a large tray which she sets on the bar. On the tray are two bowls of stew, two loafs of bread, one of which has been cut lengthwise and covered with melted cheese and some spices, a block of cheese, a crock of butter and another of honey, a bowl of salad, a selection of salad dressings, and a plate of finger food vegetables. <Michelle> Everyone help yourself. <Ragna> ::quickly:: Mistress Michelle? A mug of spirit, if ye please? ::pushing her empty wine glass away:: * Anders frowns. "If I was staying..., well, no point in what ifs. Best of luck, Mistress Tyl. And be careful." * Michelle fills a mug from the multitude of taps and places it down in front of Ragna, "There you are." <Kevil> ::wistfully:: Zoya will almost certainly be thrilled to help you with your hunt. I would offer, but Loria is due in mere weeks... I shudder to think how furious she would be if I indulged in such a pastime *now*. * Michelle looks at Anders, "When are you leaving then Lord Anders?" * Tyl helps herself to enough food for three normal individuals and begins eating with a rather determined air. Between bites she looks up, "Are you leaving then, Sir Anders?" <Ragna> My thanks. ::takes a swallow from the fresh mug and sits back with a sigh, looking a little better as she pulls a bowl of stew towards her:: * Anders nods. "I'm going home. I came tonight to give my goodbyes. I've been gone as long as I can be." * Michelle nods, "It was a pleasure to meet you. You'll have to come and visit us again if you get the chance." <Tyl> Oh. ::wipes a bit of salad dressing off her chin:: I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sure Jaret will miss you... unless... he's going with you? <Ragna> ::blinks:: Yer Lord Jaret's father, then? Pleased to know ye, Sir, even for so short a time. * Anders smiles sadly. "I'm sure Jaret will miss me for a time. No, he's staying here. He's made this his home now. He'll have some nostalgia for Valen, I'm sure, but it's faded now, and will become more faint with more time." <Kevil> Home... ::smiles slightly:: I am sure he will forever remember fondly his first home, my lord. And I hope you will return to visit as often as you may. ::bowing:: * Anders blinks at Ragna. "Oh, my manners. My apologies. Yes, I'm Jaret's father, Sir Anders of the Order of the Golden Lion, if you're feeling formal, but Anders will do just fine, I've found." He extends his hand. <Ragna> ::clasps Anders' hand firmly and shakes it:: Ragna Irontongue, daul of Botil Hammerskold, and well met. <Anders> Jaret is... he's always drawn most strongly to whatever his most recent attraction is, and he can't imagine being more devoted, more meant-to-be with it, until the next attraction comes along. I'm sure he cherishes Valen, but this is his place now, until he leaves it, and finds another. <Tyl> ::snorts into her stew:: I won't tell him you said that... <Anders> He probably wouldn't believe you even if you did, but I appreciate it. He's happy, and there's no point in me trying to make him otherwise simply because I don't think it's wholly emotionally honest. <Ragna> ::raises her eyebrows:: He struck me as a gentleman any father'd be proud of, Sir Anders. <Tyl> ::devouring a lump of cheese in one bite:: Could be worse... he could be the sort who was unhappy no matter what, simply out of sheer hardheadedness and determination to be *un*happy. * Anders smiles at Ragna. "Oh, I'm proud of him, don't get the wrong idea. I'm privy to a larger view of his behavior, though, than most, and certain flaws stick out to me a little more than others. That's all." <Ragna> ::grins:: Aye, well, that's being a father for ye. * Tyl mutters something in elvish, pours herself a somewhat larger glass of rum and drains it. * Michelle looks questioningly at Tyl. * Tyl looks back at Michelle with a bland expression. "Perhaps I'll drop in on Bluestar this evening. I haven't seen my sister and nephew in a while... And I haven't given my old teacher an excuse to chew me out in months." * Michelle giggles, "I'm sure it's therapeutic. I'm not sure who derives benefit from it, but I'm sure someone does." * Ragna grins and takes another swallow of spirits. <Tyl> Ah, Jalavier always has a comment to take the wind out of my sails... it's good for the ego to be reminded once in a while that you're not as impressive as you think you are. * Michelle smiles, "So who takes the wind out of his sails?" <Tyl> ::laughs:: My sister, his wife. * Ragna covers her mouth quickly, swallows hard against a red face, and starts to laugh. * Michelle giggles, "Just so long as all is still right with the world." <Kevil> ::snorts, grins, and takes a drink of wine:: * Anders chuckles, deep in his chest. <Tyl> ::looking a bit cross:: Besides, it's good to visit with my family... with Jelarthna still god-knows-where, they're all the family I have. * Michelle nods sadly, "True. Very true." * Ragna looks down at her mug, a faintly wistful smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. * Ragna clears her throat, tugs her tunic straight, and takes a swallow of spirits. * Anders grins at Ragna. "Family talk can sober things up right quick, eh?" * Kevil grins and finishes off his wine, then starts idly humming under his breath. * Tyl polishes off the bowl of stew, then mops out the last of the juices with some bread. "Ah, much better... I really need to figure out a better way to eat on a journey... I wonder if Zoya could help me think of something?" <Kevil> ::laughs:: Zoya knows many tricks - most of them designed to help her avoid having to eat her own cooking. <Ragna> ::grins back and takes a bite of stew, blowing on it a bit:: Aye... well, it depends on the family, it does. * Michelle shakes her head, "Sorry Tyl, I just had this image of Zoya conjuring up a chef you could keep in your pocket to prepare fabulous meals for you while you're on the road. As long as you don't mind the occasional meal that turns out chartreuse and smelling of incense." * Anders looks at Kevil. "What're you humming there?" * Ragna chuckles. "Now that'd be handy, shipboard. Better than maggoty bread and Cooky tellin' ye it's fresh meat in yer diet, what ye asked for, ain't it?" * Michelle giggles. <Tyl> ::sniggers:: Well, yes, there is that... but really... psionicists eat so much, especially when we've been using our talents, and even then I could barely look at a piece of jerked beef. <Ragna> ::mutters:: 'Course, with magicked-up food, who know what in all the hells ye're really eating... * Michelle shakes her head, "You never saw a Meal Ready to Eat. That would convince you that jerked beef was a truly wonderful thing." <Tyl> ::gives Michelle a flat stare:: I do not think eating something *worse* is going to make me feel better about this, 'Chelle. ::she laughs:: * Michelle giggles, "Probably not. But feel free to stop by for all the home cooking you want before you leave again." <Kevil> ::to Tyl:: When will you be going again? <Tyl> Day after tomorrow, I think... I need a bit of rest or I won't be able to do anything... ::she sighs:: <Kevil> ::to Anders:: Oh, just a little dance tune. I have a performance in a few days, so I have been refreshing my repertoire. <Anders> It's a nice tune. Has Jaret come to talk to you yet? <Kevil> ::raising an eyebrow:: Come... to talk to me? No, I have not seen him in several weeks. About what, might I ask? <Anders> It's something he's gotten himself involved in that he thought he could interest you in. I'll let him introduce you to it, lest I get it all twisted around and backwards. I'm sure he'll be by soon enough. <Kevil> ::looks intrigued:: I will be looking forward to his visit, then. * Ragna looks from one man to the other, shrugs, and has another swallow of spirits. * Tyl absently devours the second loaf of bread. * Ragna eyes Tyl's single-minded eating and curls one arm a little protectively around her bowl, taking another spoonful of stew. <Kevil> ::glancing back at Tyl:: Well, before you go, do drop by our house. Loria would be grateful for some company, I think, to whom she is neither wife nor employer. ::grins:: And there is someone you might like to meet. * Michelle smiles, "There's more of everything in the kitchen." Looks out the window. "Though I'm going to have to ask you all to leave in a few minutes." * Anders finishes off his drink. "I should go soon, anyway. Early morning tomorrow." * Tyl wipes her mouth and offers her hand to Anders. "It was both an honor and a privilege to meet you, Sir Anders. I'm sorry your stay was so short, and hope very much that you'll come and visit again." * Michelle nods, "Good night and safe travels Lord Anders." <Kevil> ::nods to Anders:: Marsember will be the poorer for your absence, my lord. I wish you a pleasant journey. <Ragna> ::nods:: Aye, just finishin' up. ::taking another quick bite of stew and washing it down with a drink of spirits:: Good journey to you, Sir Anders. Good to have met you. * Anders leans far over and takes Tyl's hand. "It was good to meet you too, Tyl'Gainia. Be careful now, while you're out. I'll see about coming back in a few years, when I've made sure I've cleared my schedule some." <Anders> Fare thee well, Michelle. Safe travels to you, as well. I hope you get to see your daughter again very soon. * Tyl pulls out a handkerchief from her pouch and wraps up the leftover food in it. "Don't mind if I take this with me, do you?" It's a moot point as she looks like she might gnaw the arm off someone who objected. <Anders> Thank you, Master Bard. I'm sure you will enrich Marsember plenty, in my absence. * Michelle sighs, "Another half year before I can even think about leaving to look for her." <Anders> And good journey to you, Ragna Irontongue. It was brief, but I am glad to have met you. <Ragna> ::grins:: Ahh, I'm tight in port 'til the Sea's Mercy finishes her repairs, at the least. * Anders picks up his helm. "And off with me, before I overstay a welcome. Good night." <Michelle> Good night Anders. * Kevil stands and bows farewell. * Anders exits the door, and can be heard to leave in the ringing sound of his mail, and then is gone. * Tyl finishes packing up the leftover cheese, bread and vegetables. She drops a few coins on the bartop. "I'm off as well... Must get some sleep. Let Loria know I'll come by and visit tomorrow, around tea-time, would you Kev? That'll leave me time to pester Zoya in the evening and then head out again." <Kevil> I will, my lady. Thank you. * Ragna turns to watch the door as he goes. "Don't make many like that anymore..." It's uncertain whether she's referring to the old paladin or his armor. <Kevil> ::murmuring:: Well... Shall we guess how soon Lord Jaret will find himself in trouble, now that his father no longer keeps an eye on him...? * Ragna nods to Tyl politely as she goes. <Michelle> Night Tyl. Feel free to stop by for a meal if you decide to spend another night in town. * Tyl waves briefly, then heads out. <Kevil> At any rate, I should go. Good night, Lady Michelle, Lady Irontongue. I hope to see you both again soon. ::he bows, and leaves:: <Michelle> Goodnight Kevil, give my best to Loria and Diya. <Ragna> Evening, Master Kevil. ::nods to him as she scrapes her bowl clean and gives a satisfied sigh:: Safe homeward. * Michelle begins gathering up the dishes, "Can I get you anything else before we close Ragna?" * Ragna tips her head back to finish her mugful of spirits with another sound of contentment. "Nay, Mistress, my thanks, this does me nicely. What do I owe ye, then?" * Michelle looks at the coins Tyl left on the bar, "She must be tired. She actually over paid." To Ragna, "Don't worry about it. I was going to have to throw it all out anyway if someone didn't eat it." * Michelle sweeps Tyl's coins into the strong box. * Ragna shakes her head a little with a grin, and slides off her stool. "Well enough. 'Night, then, Mistress." She heads upstairs to her room, disappearing down the hall. * Michelle finishes tidying up the dishes, dims the lights, and locks the door behind her as she leaves. |
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