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* Michelle unlocks the door and announces, "Hall's Open!" * Michelle returns behind the bar. She's wearing a black skirt, and a black blouse embroidered with green leaves. Her hair is parted down the middle, and lightly curled. Her moon earring hangs darkly from her right ear, and she has a necklace of emeralds and onyx beads around her neck. * Bood stumps in, hands tucked into his armpits. As soon as he's inside, he starts rubbing on them and blowing on them. He's dressed in his usual plain, worn clothes. "Evening, Michelle. You look, um, nice tonight. Can I get a... no... something warm?" <Meghan> ::The door is pushed open and Meg enters. She removes her cloak and turns to hang it on the peg near the door and then turns towards the bar:: Evening everyone. * Michelle giggles, "Should someone be looking for a cloak for you Bood?" Michelle begins preparing a drink for Bood. * Taliesin holds the door for Meghan, then follows her in, Abby balanced on his hip. Abby seems to have recently been to a dress-maker, clad in a frock of rose-colored velvet, trimmed with lace. White socks, and a short cape trimmed in ermine completes the look of the little princess. <Michelle> Good evening Meghan. * Tarri enters, an early spring flower tucked behind one ear. She looks a little tired, but otherwise cheery. "Hello, everyone!" * Michelle smiles, "Good evening Abagail." * Orlann limps in behind Tarri, leaning heavily on his cane. <Michelle> Good evening Tarri, can I get anyone anything? <Bood> Huh? Uh, no, I'm fine. It's just a little, y'know, cold out. * Meghan heads for the bar and settles onto a stool. <Michelle> Good evening Orlann. * Tarri goes to the bar. "Two ciders, and something to eat, please?" <Orlann> ::nods his head, touching his fingers to his forehead:: Ma'am. ::to Abby:: Young miss. ::eyes Taliesin for a long moment:: Sir. * Michelle smiles and sets a steaming mug in front of Bood, "Yes. Most people wear cloaks went it's cold. If you don't have one, I'm sure I can find one for you. I'd hate to see a customer catch their death of cold after all." <Michelle> ->Bood: Cocoa * Ragna enters, calling out towards the bar as she heads for the washroom. "Evenin', all. Spirits, if ye please, barkeep?" * Taliesin deposits Abby on the floor. "Here you are, dear. Go say hello to your aunt Michelle." * Bood shakes his head and sniffs the mug, then taking a sip. "Nuh uh, I'll be 'kay. Thanks." * Michelle smiles and fills a mug for Ragna, leaving it on the bar at an empty stool. * Taliesin finds a seat at a nearby table, holding out one chair for Meghan. He returns Orlann's nod absently, not really paying attention. <Meghan> ::Abby toddles over to the bar and Meg bends to lift her up and settle her on the bartop. The little girl grins and waves at Michelle:: Hi 'chelle! * Michelle shakes her head and smiles, "Just tell you me that you know the signs of frost bite and hypothermia and I'll feel better." <Bood> Hey, R.... Ragna? How's your winter been? * Michelle smiles and hugs Abby, "And have you been a good little girl Abby?" <Meghan> ::Abby snuggles Michelle and squirms:: Good girl. * Orlann finds his seat and lowers himself into it with only some difficulty. <Ragna> ::drying her hands on a rag as heads back towards the bar:: Ah! Bood, is it? Well enough, lad, well enough. Work aplenty. ::grinning:: And for ye and t'other message scamps? * Michelle smiles and lets Abby go, "So do good girls want something to drink?" * Tarri leans against the bar, smiling at Abby as she waits for her order. * Meghan lowers Abby to the floor. "She could use some milk 'chelle." She glances over to Trey "Something to drink Trey?" * Michelle fills two mugs and sets them on the bar in front of Tarri, "There you are Tarri. Does anyone else want food while I'm in the kitchen?" * Taliesin nods. "White wine, please?" <Ragna> Bowl o'stew would please, Mistress Michelle, if ye have one. <Meghan> ::nods and looks back to Michelle:: And a mulled cider too, when you get a chance. <Bood> Oh, we're, y'know. Okay. Not as much t'do as during the summer, when all the merchants and caravans are in town, but there's still stuff going on. People who don't want to go out, but still want to get word to people about stuff. * Michelle opens a bottle of wine a pours a glass for Trey, leaving it on the bar, "I'll be back in just a moment then." * Michelle disappears into the kitchen. * Meghan takes the glass of wine and carries it to Trey before settling in the chair across from him. <Taliesin> Thank you, Meg dear. ::picks up the glass and absently turns it in his hand, admiring the light through the wine:: <Ragna> ::grins and toasts Bood with her mug as she climbs up onto the stool:: Just as glad, m'self, not to be mending broken lynch-pins an' the like all the day. <Meghan> ::Abby looks around and toddles over to Orlann. She leans against his knee and smiles at him:: Hi Lanni! * Bood nods slowly. "Lynch... pin... that's not for what it sounds like it's for, is it?" <Ragna> ::chuckles:: Dunno... what's it sound like it's for? <Orlann> ::looks down at the little girl:: Good evening, young miss. Are you not the prettiest girl in here tonight? Your mama get you a new dress? <Bood> It sounds like a pin that's used in a lynching, but I really don't think that's what it's for. <Meghan> ::Abby grins and tugs at her dress:: Pretty dress. <Orlann> ::nods solemnly:: Yes, it is a pretty dress. * Michelle returns from the kitchen with carrying a tray, a second tray levitating behind her. Each tray holds two bowls of stew, a loaf of bread, a crock of butter, and a crock of honey, as well as utensils. Michelle carries her tray over the Tarri and Orlann's table, the levitating tray depositing itself on the bar between Ragna and Bood. <Meghan> ::Abby points to Trey:: Tay pesent <Michelle> There we go. Did I miss anyone besides Abby's milk? * Orlann blinks at Michelle for a moment before turning his attention back to the little girl, ignoring the magical floating tray as being nothing he can do anything about. * Tarri picks up the two mugs and follows Michelle to Orlann's table, setting one in front of him before sitting and taking a sip from her own. * Meghan looks to Michelle. "Mulled cider please 'chelle" <Ragna> ::snorts:: Nay. S'what keeps a wagon wheel from falling off the cart, belike. <Michelle> Ah, I knew I forgot something. Back in a moment. ::disappears into the kitchen once more:: <Bood> Oh. Oh. That's much better. Sounds like it should be called a wheel pin, though. ::he looks at the bowls of stew, but doesn't say anything:: * Taliesin smiles, leaning back in his chair. "And how goes things at the orphanage, Meg?" <Ragna> ::shrugs:: Don't make the language, lad, just work metal. ::eyes the tray somewhat nervously:: <Meghan> Things are well. Everyone seems to be weathering the winter very well. * Michelle returns with a steaming mug that she sets down in front of Meghan before returning to the bar and rummaging under it for a moment before coming up with a child's sipping cup. She quickly fills it from one of the taps, "Here you are Abagail. Come and get it when you're ready." <Meghan> ::Abby turns and runs back to the bar. She reaches for the milk:: <Taliesin> That is well. ::bites his lip for a moment:: Meg, when I was visiting, last time, I noticed the roof was badly in need of repairing, near the southeast corner, especially. Would you... be offended if I offered to get a team together and fix it? * Michelle carefully hands the cup to Abby, "Now use both hands dear." * Orlann uses several slices of bread to make short work of his bowl of stew, licking his fingers a little self-consciously. * Tarri watches Orlann eat with satisfaction, then starts on her own bowl, more sedately. * Meghan looks a bit surprised and shakes her head. "No I would greatly appreciate it. Unfortunately the man who handles repairs and things is not as young as he used to be." * Bood looks at Ragna, and then at the bowls of stew. "Those are, uh, yours, right?" * Ragna gives the tray a dubious look again, and pokes it experimentally. <Michelle> ::The tray defies the oddities of the Hall and acts like a perfectly ordinary tray when poked:: <Meghan> ::Abby takes her cup and drinks some of it before heading over to Meg. She sits on the floor near MEg and picks at the lace on her dress as she drinks her milk:: <Ragna> One of 'em is, lad. I'll not eat two, you're welcome to t'other. ::poking the tray again:: Seems to be safe enough. ::claims a bowl gingerly:: <Taliesin> ::touches Meghan's hand:: I'd be happy to attend to it, Meg. I can hire a few enterprising sorts and get it sealed up as soon as the weather's a bit clearer. Unfortunately, you can't really repair a roof when it most needs it. The beams will swell. ::he makes a face:: * Michelle smiles at Ragna, "Honestly, what with the mugs and cutlery dancing in the middle of the night you'd think you'd be used to it by now Ragna." * Bood takes a bowl, gingerly at first, to make sure no one claims it as he grabs it, and soon begins eating it with his usual fervent gusto. * Ragna looks even more dubious. "They dance at night?" <Michelle> Some times. * Ragna picks up a spoon and furtively touches it to the cold steel of her hammer before shoveling it into the stew and taking a bite. * Meghan smiles and squeezes his hand. "Thank you." <Ragna> Uh shle... ::swallows and tries again:: Sorry. I sleep like stone. Wouldn't know. * Michelle smiles but doesn't say anything. * Bood finishes eating the stew and cleans out the bowl with a few slices of bread. "That was good, Michelle. Thanks." * Orlann uses one last piece of bread to clean his bowl, then sits back. "Ah... " <Tarri> ::gives Orlann a quick smile:: You've certainly been eating better these last days... Do you want more? * Michelle smiles, "You're welcome Bood." * Ragna eyes Bood's already-empty bowl with a grin and a shake of her head, and takes another few spoonfuls followed by a swig of spirits. * Orlann looks up at Tarri almost shyly. "I am feeling a little better, ma'am. And walking here seems to make me very hungry." * Bood has some more cocoa. <Tarri> ::nods:: Healing and exercise will do that for you. Really, if you're still hungry, the pot here is always full. * Meghan sips her cider. * Taliesin rests his chin on his hand and watches Meghan with a dreamy smile. * Orlann considers the idea for a moment. "Maybe a little?" <Meghan> ::Abby stands and wanders back over to Orlann. She leans against his knee and looks up at him:: <Tarri> Sure. ::She puts his bowl on the tray and carries it back to the bar.:: ''chelle? Can I get another bowl of stew, and another slice or two of bread? <Michelle> Certainly Tarri. ::looks around:: Anyone else want anything while I'm back there? * Lisl enters, stifling a wide yawn. "Evening, all. Sorry, Goody Bea needed a hand with an early foaling." * Orlann looks down at Abby. "How are you, this evening, young miss?" <Lisl> ::sniffs:: Is that rabbit stew? * Bood raises a hand. "Hey... uh... Lisl. It's been a while." <Lisl> Hey, Bood. Good seeing. <Tarri> ::looks up with a smile:: Hi, Lisl! * Meghan glances to Trey and smiles to him. "Yes?" * Michelle smiles, "Well someone hasn't been around to provide us with venison so I've been having to make do with what I can find in the market." <Michelle> I was just heading back to the kitchen Lisl, should I bring you out a bowl? <Taliesin> ::grins roguishly:: Just basking in the glow of your company... ::he bats his eyelashes at her with exaggerated adoration:: <Lisl> ::scowls:: I left word with... ::shakes her head:: No matter. Aye, I'd love a bowlful, thanks. * Orlann indicates a chair at their table. "Madam Lisl, would you care to join us?" * Michelle disappears into the kitchen. * Meghan smirks and shakes her head a bit. She sips her cider and glances to Abby then to Orlann. "Let me know if she's bothering you, ok?" * Michelle returns from the kitchen with two more bowls of stew and another loaf a bread. She deposits one bowl on the bar for Lisl, and carries the other bowl and the loaf of bread over to Orlann. "There you go. Get you anything to drink Lisl?" <Lisl> ::turns, raising an amused eyebrow at Orlann:: If you like. And if you promise not to call me "Madam" again. ::grins a little:: Just "Lisl" is fine. ::turns back to Michelle and takes the bowl:: Thanks, ''chelle. Mug of meade, if you will. * Tarri goes back to the table and resumes her own meal. * Ragna shakes her head a little with a small smile as she takes a swig of spirits and scrapes out the last of the stew in her bowl. <Tarri> ::grins:: It's hopeless, Lisl. He insists on calling me "ma'am" all the time, too. <Orlann> ::nods, working on his second bowl of stew.:: If you say, ma'am. ::he looks over at Meghan:: The young miss? Bother me? I don't think so, ma'am. * Meghan nods and smiles to him. "ok" * Michelle fills a mug from the taps and hands it to Lisl. "There you are." <Lisl> Thanks. ::covers another yawn with her free hand before picking up the mug:: Gods... early bed for me tonight, I think. Don't know how that woman does it... ::nods her thanks and heads over to Tarri and Orlann's table, hooking a chair with her foot:: <Tarri> ::grins:: I thought you liked being up early, Lisl? <Lisl> ::looking wry:: "Up early" assumes you've gone to bed in the meantime. * Orlann finishes off his second bowl of stew and looks down at the little girl. "So, young miss, you remind me of Prince Marco's bride. Did you ever hear the story of Poor Prince Marco?" * Bluestar flings the door open and kicks it shut again after he enters. He's dressed in blacks and greys, and removes fine gloves from his hands as he stalks towards the bar. "Evening, Michelle. Whiskey, clean glass, no water, no ice, thank you." <Tarri> ::laughs:: She's only been a midwife for... how long? Twice my life or more? She's probably so used to it she doesn't even yawn any more. * Tarri casts Bluestar a quick, faintly nervous glance, and turns back to her stew. * Taliesin jumps in surprise and watches Bluestar stalk across the room. * Ragna grins and pushes her empty bowl away, picking up her mug as she turns on her stool to listen to Orlann's story, not even paying attention to the newcomer's entry. <Meghan> ::Abby pats Lanni's knee:: Story! * Lisl looks up from her chair and nods. "Bluestar." * Michelle quirks an eyebrow but places a glass on the bar and pours a few fingers of whiskey into it, setting the bottle down next to the class, "Hello Bluestar. What brings you by this evening?" <Lisl> ::looks back at Tarri:: Aye, most like. Doesn't make it any easier for her press-ganged assistants. ::smiles a little:: <Tarri> ::laughs softly:: Well, yes. * Orlann lifts the little girl up to sit on his leg, sparing one glance for the irate stranger. "All right, then... a long time ago, in a kingdom that no longer exists, there was a custom. When a child to the royal family was born, faeries would come and bless the child. They gave out wisdom and good looks and luck..." He takes a swig of cider. "But when Poor Marco was born, the faerie didn't have any good gifts left." * Bluestar nods to Lisl, and picks up the glass Michelle sets down in front of him, holding it up to her eye level. "This would be, if all goes well, fine whiskey. I find coming here when I'm left to administer several dozen precocious, careless teenagers with amazing mental powers and amazing mental defects and having a few drinks makes it less likely I grind my teeth at night when I sleep." * Meghan glances to Orlann and Abby and smiles fondly. She finishes her cider and sets the glass aside, looking back to Trey with a smile. <Orlann> She searched in her magic bag, but couldn't find any wisdom, or any good looks, or any luck, or even any skill with the sword. So she gave him the only gift she had left, the ability to break a curse with a kiss... so Poor Marco, the youngest child, was stupid and plain and clumsy... and there were no curses to be broken. <Taliesin> ::raises his eyebrows:: Friend of yours, Meg? * Tarri finishes off her stew, shoves the bowl away, and leans her head on her hand, obviously enjoying Orlann's story almost as much as Abby. * Michelle smiles, understanding dawning in her eyes, "Oh yes. I'd forgotten that you'd be in charge while Tyl was gone." <Bluestar> Quite all right. I think Tyl forgot about it as well. * Bood edges away from the cranky elf, mug of cocoa coming along with him. <Lisl> ::snorts:: You wouldn't be happy if you couldn't do a little cabinetry from time to time, Bluestar. <Meghan> ::shakes her head:: No actually last week was the first I've seen him. A friend of Tarri's I think. <Orlann> And when he was grown up, his wise older brothers were all off slaying dragons and rescuing maidens, and his beautiful older sisters were all married... and Marco was still breaking any dish he held and forgetting which shoe went on which foot. <Bluestar> I like to think I'd enjoy it, if I only had the chance. Someday, I may actually be able to find out. <Orlann> And his father called him into the throne room. "Marco," he said. "The time has come for you to make your way in the world. I have heard of a captive princess in a tower not too far away. I've written detailed instructions here for you, just follow them, and everything will be fine." <Taliesin> ::looks over:: Well, Abby seems to be fond of him. ::he smiles uncertainly:: <Orlann> "But father," said Marco. "I'll get lost. I can't even tell my right hand from my left." But Marco's father had prepared for that, and took out an inkpot and wrote Left and Right on Marco's hands. * Lisl chuckles a little. * Bluestar finishes his first glass of whiskey, and pours himself another. * Meghan nods looking to Orlann."He tells very good stories." * Lisl eats her stew as she listens. <Orlann> So, Poor Stupid Marco set off. Not long after he left, it began to rain very hard, and Marco, of course, had forgotten to pack his raincoat. But he was cheerful anyway. Until he got to the first crossroads. He took out his instructions, which told him he should turn right. But when he looked at his hands, the rain had washed the ink away, so he turned left instead. <Tarri> ::giggles softly:: <Orlann> And Marco rode for days. He eventually realized he had to be lost, so he stopped at a village and asked a young lady there if she knew where the tower was. The young lady was pretty, dressed in a dress of rose velvet, and had dark black hair and bored, blue eyes. <Meghan> ::abby snuggles against Orlann, her eyes locked on his face:: * Lisl eats almost as quickly as Bood, washing the stew down with a swig of meade. <Orlann> So Marco told her about his father, and the lady he was supposed to rescue and asked if she could help him. "Oh, you poor dear," said the lady. "No one should let you out by yourself... I'll come with you." And she packed her bags, got a horse, and went with him. * Lisl lowers her voice so as not to distract from Orlann, leaning a little closer to Tarri. "Who's the peacock at the bar? Meghan have a new admirer?" <Orlann> And Marco and Sylvia traveled for weeks, trying to find the Tower. They consulted a wise woman who was suffering under a curse. Every word that the wise woman spoke, frogs and branches fell from her mouth. Marco kissed the wise woman and broke the curse. In thanks, the wise woman gave Marco a magic cloak that would shield him from dragonfire, and directions to the Tower. But of course, Marco forgot them again. * Tarri glances back over at Meghan and Taliesin, then shrugs to Lisl. "He's from Waterdeep... Lord Aldril. He's been around once or twice." <Tarri> ::lowering her voice for Lisl's ear alone:: Depending on which rumor you listen to, he's either here in disgrace, or searching for a bride... Or both. * Orlann continues his tale, as Marco and Sylvia have many other adventures, including consulting a wizard, slaying an evil dragon, and recovering a magic key. And *finally* they come to the Tower. In front of the Tower, a giant with two heads and a wicked club stood guard. <Meghan> ::Abby's eyes begin to take long hard blinks:: * Taliesin reaches across the table and pushes a lock of hair behind Meghan's ear. <Orlann> But Marco had lost the instructions his father gave him. "Oh, no!" He said. "My father will be so upset. I'm supposed to rescue a princess to marry!" * Meghan tilt's her cheek against Trey's hand and smiles to him. <Lisl> Hunh. ::snorts:: The one generally leads to the other, in that set. <Taliesin> ::softly:: It is good to see you again, my dear. I know you've been very busy with your children... ::rolls his eyes:: And I have been invited to tea almost every afternoon the past fortnight. I think I shall drown if I have to swallow one more cup of tea. * Ragna takes another swallow of spirits and eyes Meghan and Taliesin sidelong, hiding a smile. * Bluestar finishes the second whiskey, pours a third. <Tarri> ::half-smiles and shrugs:: I wouldn't know... <Orlann> But Sylvia said to him, "Is that all? Well, I'm a princess. You can just marry me instead." Marco stared at her. "You are? How splendid. From what shall I rescue you?" "But you already have, dear," she said. "Before you came along, I was ready to scream and die from boredom. With you, I'll always be entertained." <Meghan> ::nods:: Well perhaps you find time to share an afternoon with me soon? I could use some adult company. <Lisl> Wouldn't you? ::smiles a little uncertainly:: Bran mentioned a young lord...? <Orlann> So Sylvia and Marco rode back to his father's kingdom and were married right away. And if he still couldn't tell his right hand from his left, it was all right, because Sylvia was there to tell him which was which. And they lived happily until the end of their days. <Lisl> ::chuckles at Orlann's story:: So much for destiny... * Bluestar chuckles blackly. "Too bad for the princess in the tower." <Tarri> ::doesn't quite meet Lisl's eyes:: Not really a lord... And I haven't seen him for a few weeks hardly at all... Master Bran's kept me busy. ::she nods vaguely in Orlann's direction:: <Taliesin> ::nods:: I'd be delighted to, my dear... I have discovered a very nice place for a little riding. Perhaps we could prevail upon your friend to watch the wee one for an afternoon? <Lisl> ::dryly:: Aye. And... ::pauses even more uncertainly:: ...San? * Michelle smiles, "I'm always happy to have Abagail over." <Meghan> ::nods:: I can ask Michelle ::She glances to Orlann:: I'm not sure Orlann is up to watching a toddler yet. * Meghan glances to Michelle and smiles "Thank you 'chelle" <Tarri> ::bites her lip, her voice low:: San went home. We were... *I* was... ::she sighs:: It- It just fell apart. * Orlann puts the blinking little girl down on the floor and watches Lisl and Tarri out of the corner of his eye. <Lisl> ::lowers her head, drawing her hand down over her face:: I'm sorry, Tarri. Sorry for you both. <Meghan> ::Abby hugs Orlann's arm before heading over to Meg:: * Orlann takes a huge swallow of his cider. * Meghan lifts Abby into her arms and snuggles the little girl against her chest. "I think someone is ready for bed" * Bluestar suddenly looks up from his drink and watches Abby intently as she walks across the floor. <Meghan> ::Abby yawns and rests her chin on Meg's shoulder. She blinks sleepily at Bluestar:: <Tarri> ::looks down at the table:: I'm sorry. I know you liked him a lot, and it was... ::she draws in a breath:: It was my fault. He tried... But the harder he tried, the worse it got. It just... ::she makes a helpless gesture with one hand, and her voice drops to a whisper:: He deserves better. <Bluestar> ::quietly:: Interesting. * Orlann looks away, his pale blue eyes troubled, trying not to hear the conversation. <Lisl> ::takes ahold of Tarri's shoulder, squeezing hard before remembering herself and backing off quickly. Her eyes are golden:: Don't say that. Don't you *ever* believe that! * Meghan looks over to Orlann. "Please feel free to stop by the orphanage anytime. I have a group of kids who would love a visit from you, and a story." * Taliesin raises one eyebrow in Bluestar's direction. * Orlann looks relieved to have someone else to speak to. "Yes, ma'am, I surely will. I always..." he stops, his dark face paling. "I always liked to spend time with the children, after my patrol was over." <Tarri> ::glances up at Lisl, startled, then wryly looks down at the table again:: I thought you'd be mad. * Bluestar ignores the lord in favor of the child, fingers steepled in front of him, his breathing quiet, slow, and measured. * Meghan nods, looking thoughtfully to the man. "Well you are always welcome." She smiles to him as she pats Abby's back. * Taliesin nudges Meghan with his foot under the table, tilting his head towards Bluestar when she looks over. <Lisl> ::releases her hold on Tarri's arm, looking wry:: Sorry... I didn't hurt you, did I? I... yes, I like San. But I like you, too, Tarri, and by the nine hells, I'll *be* mad if you give up on yourself like that. Do you understand me? * Lisl takes a swallow of meade, and makes a face. "''chelle, could I have a mug of 'kick, please?" <Meghan> ::blinks and glances to Trey. She sees the head tilt and turns a bit, glancing over her shoulder at Bluestar, and smiles pleasantly:: Good evening Master Bluestar. * Michelle nods and fills a stone mug for Lisl, setting it carefully on the bar. "Here you are Lisl." <Tarri> ::laughs shortly, shaking her head:: No, I... I haven't given *up*. I just couldn't... ::she looks up into Lisl's eyes:: He's so *pure*. I couldn't take it. It was too much. <Bluestar> It is an evening, Miss Lore, and let's leave it at that. Abagail's growing up quite quickly, isn't she? <Meghan> ::nods:: A bit faster than I can keep up with. How is the school? <Bluestar> It yet stands. I look forward to Abagail's first day within its halls. * Orlann flounders again. He finishes off his cider and gets up hastily, moving to the bar, his limp pronounced as he puts distance between himself and his companions. <Lisl> ::fetches her mug and returns, taking a deep swallow, her eyes turning even brighter yellow:: Pure? And you're sp-- ::breaks off, glancing at Orlann and shaking her head quickly:: Never mind. A conversation for another time, I think. <Meghan> ::raises an eyebrow:: Well She's got a few years yet. But I look forward to sending her as well. <Michelle> More cider Orlann? <Tarri> ::nods and looks relieved. She takes a deep drink of her cider:: <Orlann> Please, ma'am. ::it's hard to tell, as dark as his skin is, but he seems to be blushing:: * Lisl leans back in her chair, taking another swallow of 'kick and glancing at Bluestar with an amused smile. <Bluestar> A few years, yes. As you said, those years pass faster than can be kept up with, it seems. * Michelle refills Orlann's mug for him, "So what have you been up to while you've been recuperating?" * Meghan nods and wraps an arm securely around Abby. * Orlann leans against the bar. "Helping Master Bran with his chores that I can do yet. Listening to his lessons with Madam Tarri. Resting. Master Bran has lent me a few books. Didn't get much time for reading, at the garrison." * Ragna cocks her head curiously at Bluestar. "You're at Mistress Quel'shu's, then?" * Bluestar laughs. "Yes, I am. I'm Headmaster, in her absence." <Ragna> Ah! So ye're one of those... si... cynics? ::shakes her head, frowning and muttering to herself:: Nay, that's not right... <Bluestar> Cynic and psionic, all in one skin. * Lisl chuckles. * Ragna grins a little. <Tarri> ::glances up as she hears her name from Orlann, then smiles wryly and waves a hand in his direction, still talking to Lisl:: I can't even get my patient to stop calling me "Madam" and "ma'am." * Ragna widens her eyes as her head catches up with the rest of the conversation. "So then Abagail...?" <Lisl> ::snorts:: Least he's polite. ::grins:: <Bluestar> Abagail will one day, I hope, be one of my pupils. She has the capacity to distinguish herself, and I look forward to ensuring she does so. * Michelle giggles, "And hopefully not have to turn her into a table." <Tarri> ::grins back at Lisl:: Well, yes... But last week it was "Mistress" and this week it's "Madam"... I shudder to think what it will be next week. "M'lady?" ::She looks both amused and horrified at the thought:: * Meghan rocks Abby gently. * Bluestar smiles thinly at Michelle, and finishes his third whiskey. "That will do nicely, Michelle, thank you. You may have the bottle back." * Michelle smiles and corks the bottle, placing it under the bar and setting the glass on the floor so it can waddle into the kitchen. <Lisl> ::mutters into her mug as she takes another sip:: Could be worse... ::calls over to the bar:: You can sit down again if you like, Corporal Drilgar. No more girl talk, I promise. ::looks wry:: * Orlann returns somewhat sheepishly with his half-empty mug of cider. "Sorry, ma'am. I thought not to intrude where I wasn't wanted." <Lisl> My fault, not yours. Catching up on the news while I can. <Tarri> ::flushing:: I'm sorry, Corporal. I didn't mean to embarrass you. * Bood stands up and puts a small pile of coppers on the bar. "Here y'are Michelle. If it doesn't cover it, I'll be back tomorrow with the rest." <Orlann> ::looks at Tarri seriously:: Ma'am, I owe you my life. It is more than ever I can repay. I'll not intrude in your personal matters, unless you ask me. * Ragna pushes the pile back at Bood. "Never ye mind, lad, I've got it." * Michelle chuckles, "It's alright Bood. Meals are free on the new moon." Pushes the coins back to Bood. * Bood looks at Ragna. "Are... you sure? It's no trouble." <Ragna> ::grins at Michelle:: You're gettin' as good as Master Rhys at that. Is there a manual back there, or summat? ::tries to peer over the bar:: <Bood> Free on the... um, okay. ::he takes his coins back, and says to Ragna:: Thanks, though. <Tarri> ::still blushing:: There's nothing to intrude in, Corporal. It's... old news. Lisl just hadn't heard it yet. * Meghan stands and glances to Trey. "I need to be getting this one to bed. Care for a walk?" <Ragna> ::smiles and waves at Bood:: My pleasure, lad. You do enough for the rest of us stay-at-homes. * Taliesin gets up hastily. "Of course, dear Meg. I'd be delighted." * Michelle pulls a book out from under the bar, "Just the ledger. Not that any of us can actually read it." <Bood> Anyways... I'd best be going out. G'night, everyone. <Michelle> Goodnight Meghan, Abagail. Let me know if you need me to take her for a time Meghan. You know I always love to have her over. <Michelle> Night Bood. Keep warm. * Lisl looks from Orlann to Tarri and narrows her eyes slightly, taking another swallow of 'kick. * Taliesin puts a small stack of silver coins on the table. <Michelle> Goodnight Taliesin. * Meghan nods to Michelle. "I will 'chelle, thank you." She heads for the door. "Night everyone." * Taliesin follows Meghan out of the Hall, waving cheerfully to Michelle. "Good night." <Lisl> 'Night, Bood. ::her eyes follow Taliesin to the door, and she shakes her head a little as he leaves:: * Bluestar watches as Meghan carries Abby out the door and out of sight. * Michelle looks out the window, "Last call folks." * Orlann stands gingerly, leaving his mug on the table. <Ragna> ::snorts:: No moon. How d'ye tell? * Tarri finishes the last of her cider, and carries her empty mug and bowl back to the bar. "I guess we should be getting back to Master Bran's." * Michelle smiles, "Barkeeps privilege." <Ragna> Heh. I'm good with this, thanks. ::finishes off her mug of spirits and puts the empty mug on the bar:: * Bluestar stands and begins pulling his gloves back on. "Well. This was certainly a pleasant evening. I really should come by here more often, keep on the current events and such." * Orlann fetches his cane from under the table, leaning on it. <Tarri> ::to Lisl:: Are you going back out? Do you want to walk with us as far as Master Bran's? I know he'd like to see you again... <Lisl> ::nods:: Be glad to. I'm headed back out in a bit... ::looks at the door thoughtfully:: just remembered an errand I have to run before bedtime. * Bluestar heads for the door. "Evening, everyone. Safe walk back to your destinations and all that." <Lisl> Night, Bluestar. ::raises a hand in farewell:: <Michelle> Goodnight Bluestar. <Ragna> ::nods:: Goodnight, then, headmaster. * Bluestar briefly raises a hand as he wrenches the door open again, disappearing as he slams it closed once he's through. * Orlann shakes his head as Bluestar leaves. "Reminds me of Captain Culler, he does." <Ragna> ::raises an eyebrow at Michelle:: He always like that? <Lisl> Captain Culler? <Tarri> ::flashes a quick grin at Ragna:: Oh, no. He was positively *nice* tonight. <Michelle> No, that was actually pleasant for him. ::smile at Ragna:: * Ragna looks faintly alarmed, and shakes her head. "Well, best I be headed up, as well. G'night, all." <Tarri> Good night! <Michelle> Goodnight Ragna. * Tarri heads for the door after making sure Orlann and Lisl are ready to follow. * Ragna leaves a few coins on the bar before she slides off her stool and tromps up the stairs with a last wave. * Michelle begins shooing dishes into the kitchen. * Lisl tilts her head back as she finishes off the last of her 'kick and wipes her mouth. "Ready when you are." * Michelle scoops up peoples coins and deposits them in the lockbox. * Orlann follows Tarri and Lisl. * Lisl follows Tarri out, looking back for Orlann. * Michelle dims the lamps and exits the Hall, locking the door behind her. |
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