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* Kevil is sitting in the parlor, trying (occasionally successfully) to distract Shavyl from her temper tantrum while she waits her turn for lunch. He bounces her on his knee, dangles brightly-colored toys, and lets her chew gummily on his fingers. * Lisl leans against one of the venerable trees lining Kevil and Loria's street, watching their gate as the light foot-traffic flows around her. She winces a little and rubs her ear at a faint wail from within. * Loria is nursing Aylin, humming an Alani song under her breath. Aylin doesn't seem very serious about nursing and keeps falling asleep. <Diya> Diya thinks the children inherited their father's lungs. ::he grins at a particularly loud complaint:: <Kevil> ::winces himself at a shriek from Shavyl, then sighs and changes tactics again, winning them a brief respite:: And *your* short attention span, sunshine. ::he grins at Diya, then glances at Loria:: Do you want to switch, if she is not going to take any more now? At least they will both be quiet for a bit... <Loria> ::nods:: Aylin seems to be done... ::she laughs:: I only wish she'd sleep like this through the *night*. ::hands Aylin off to Diya to burp:: <Kevil> ::laughs as he hands Shavyl over:: <Diya> ::sniffs:: Diya pays attention to those things that are worth his while... ::smiles in relief as Shavyl shuts up long enough to eat:: * Lisl takes a deep breath, uncrosses her arms, pats her supporting tree, and strolls towards the gate. She gets as far as putting her hand on the latch before turning around again and pacing back and forth, holding a subvocalized argument with herself. Passers-by glance warily at her and give her a wide berth. <Aylin> ::burps with sleepy contentment and falls asleep on Diya's shoulder:: * Kevil leans back in his chair, watching his family with a smile. <Lisl> ::mutters to herself:: Hells, woman, it's not like you haven't met others before... come on, get a grip. * Diya absently dances Aylin around in a gentle circle in time to Loria's humming. * Lisl reverses her pacing and strides up to the gate again, putting her hand on the latch and taking a deep breath. "Right." She pushes open the gate, letting it swing closed behind her, and strides up to the front door with a determined set to her shoulders. * Lisl pauses again at the door, fist raised. She lowers her hand, starts to turn, and raises it again, knocking quickly and perhaps a little harder than she intended to. * Kevil-- as both Loria and Diya are occupied with babies-- gets up to answer the door. He glances out the window, and grins widely as the door swings open. "Lisl! A pleasant surprise!" * Loria picks up a nearby blanket and drapes it around her shoulders, modestly covering the nursing baby. <Lisl> ::nods to Kevil, hesitating at the threshold:: Afternoon, Kevil. <Lisl> You sound-- if you're occupied, I can always come back later? <Kevil> ::laughs as he steps back for her to enter:: With these two, we are *always* occupied. Company will be welcome - please, come in. ::he gestures toward the parlor:: * Lisl nods shortly again, taking a deep breath as she steps inside and looks around keenly. Her nostrils flare a little. * Lisl wrinkles her nose a bit at the unavoidable olfactory byproducts of two infants in the house. * Loria looks up. "Good afternoon, Lisl." <Lisl> ::nods again:: Afternoon, Loria. <Kevil> ::in slow, careful Alani, as he accompanies Lisl to the parlor:: Allow me to introduce you... Lisl, this is Master Ranger Diya Nabihazan, and in his arm is our eldest daughter, Aylin. Shavyl is... ::he glances at the lump under Loria's blanket:: ...indisposed. * Diya bows, one hand cupping the back of Aylin's head. "Diya is honored to meet the friend that heartwing and Oriole have spoken so highly of." * Lisl grins involuntarily as she follows Kevil's glance before returning her gaze to Diya and studying him keenly. She returns his bow, still watching him as she responds in accented but passable Alani. "The honor is mine, Master Ranger Nabihazan." <Loria> ::a little loftily:: I'd stand up to greet you, but Shavyl gets most vocal if she's not fed regularly... ::winks:: You'd think she was a boy. * Kevil pretends to look vaguely affronted. <Lisl> Heh. Please, Loria... I'd hate you to think you need to stand on ceremony with me. <Diya> ::laughs:: Diya seems to recall Oriole having a rather large appetite... <Lisl> ::quirking an eyebrow up:: While you eat like a bird, Master Ranger? * Diya sniggers. "Birds eat quite a lot, Mistress Lisl." <Kevil> ::with a quiet smile:: Which is to say, yes, he does. <Diya> ::wryly:: Diya wonders whose side heartwing is on, here. <Kevil> ::grins:: Mistress Ree's. After all, *she* must cook for us all. * Lisl smiles wryly. Her nose twitches a little again as she studies Diya. * Loria shifts Shavyl under the blanket. "I'm glad you came by, Lisl. I was thinking you might not." <Lisl> Oh? ::her tone is a little distracted as she continues to watch Diya, her brow creasing in puzzlement for a moment before she shakes her head and looks at Loria:: Oh? Why wouldn't I? <Loria> ::raises one eyebrow pointedly and just looks at Lisl:: * Kevil eyes the two women, and tugs on Diya's sleeve. "Let us put the baby down to nap, and fetch refreshments, d'va?" <Lisl> ::glances involuntarily at Diya again:: What? You think I'd *avoid* him just because-- alright, it was a bit to hit me with all at once, but it's not like I haven't met others before. ::she sounds a bit like she's rehearsing an old argument:: <Diya> ::shrugs:: Diya gives Aisha about half an hour before she is awake again... ::he smiles:: * Kevil smiles wryly. "It is the nature of babies to sleep often and briefly. Come, n'shava." * Diya follows Kevil from the room, his dark eyes speculative. * Loria waits until the men leave the room, then indicates a nearby chair. "Really, Lisl, the Alani aren't so bad. I know you're uncomfortable around strangers...." * Lisl takes a seat with a snort. "You can say that again. I suppose after the run-in with that dragon princess, I'm just a little more nervous about it." She shrugs a shoulder, her face wry. "Nature of the beast. Although I thought..." She frowns a little, puzzled, as she stares at the door the boys left through. "Hm. Maybe it's because he's from Alanis..." <Loria> And don't worry too much... Diya's only half-Alani. He spent a lot of time with his father's people, and they're even more prudish than Khymrych. ::she laughs briefly:: Or so I'm given to understand. <Loria> So, he knows not to be quite so... forward... ::she blushes a little:: <Lisl> ::her frown deepens:: Who *are* his father's people? <Loria> His father's a Dal... ::her eyes fade a little as she tries to remember:: From Zhakistahn, south of the Ven. <Lisl> Zhakistahn... ::frowns in puzzlement and scrubs her hand through her hair as she thinks:: That's... a pretty populated area, isn't it? <Loria> ::shrugs:: We haven't been there yet, but I think it's the capital. <Lisl> Hunh... was his father a ranger, too, then? Or his mother? Zoya told me... hm. ::scratches her head:: * Loria tries to remember. "Diya's family is quite large..." She laughs. "Almost as impressive as mine, really. Diya's mother has two husbands and two wives. And Cadale, Diya's father, isn't part of their circle at all." <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: I don't think I'll ever understand Alani family relations... so he, ah, comes by it naturally from his father? <Loria> ::grins:: It's pretty easy, actually... they're just a little more relaxed about certain... situations. <Lisl> ::shakes her head dubiously:: I guess so... <Loria> ::laughs lightly:: Well, the Bright Lady is the goddess of love... they sort of view it as almost a religious obligation. <Lisl> ::raising an eyebrow:: His people follow the Bright Lady, too? <Loria> ::shakes her head:: I don't know much about the religion of the Dals. I think they have two gods, but I've forgotten their names. <Lisl> ::gives Loria a Look:: No, I meant... oh. His father's gone? <Loria> ::blinks at Lisl:: No... he just doesn't live in Alanis. He's a trader. <Lisl> Ah. ::thinks:: So Master Ranger Nabihazan has... preferred to live as an Alani, then? <Loria> ::nods:: He used to visit his father when he was a boy, but I understand Cadale's wife doesn't care for him too much. <Lisl> Hm. I can see that. ::shrugs a shoulder, muttering half-to herself:: Though... suppose it depends on the clan... * Kevil comes back into the room with a tray of juice and cookies. He sets the tray down, then settles next to Loria on the couch, draping an arm comfortably around her shoulders. "Mistress Ree asked Diya to cut some wood for the stove. He will be a bit longer." * Loria peers under the blanket. "Shavyl seems to live in perpetual fear that I'm going to starve her to death." She laughs and switches the baby from one breast to the other a bit awkwardly under the blanket. <Lisl> ::smiles a little, shifting a bit awkwardly in her chair:: Well, you all seem pretty happy and healthy together. It was just so... unexpected. <Kevil> ::grins at Lisl:: We did not expect it, ourselves, truly. <Loria> ::grins:: Diya was very... persistent. ::rolls her eyes:: <Lisl> ::snorts:: No, I imagine not. <Kevil> ::laughs:: Almost as stubborn as you, n'shava. You do not complain now, I note. * Loria sticks her tongue out at Kevil. <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: I still can't believe... ::looks up at them worriedly:: you've warned him, I hope, that he can't be as... open, here as he might have been at home? <Kevil> ::nods:: He tries very hard to be restrained when we are in public. He still slips, occasionally, but so far little has come of it. <Loria> ::laughs:: He doesn't understand it, of course... but even Kevil has been known to throw up his hands and call us crazy Outlanders from time to time. <Kevil> ::grins and shrugs:: * Lisl scowls in concern. "Little slips can be dangerous. You may call me paranoid, but still... I'm pretty open with my friends. Strangers, though... they aren't usually so accepting." <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow at Lisl:: Your slips are a little more dangerous than his, Huntress. <Lisl> ::frowns:: When it comes down to it, Kevil, species makes little difference. There are lots of people who just see us all as monsters. <Loria> ::blinks at Lisl:: What are you talking about? <Kevil> ::blinks at Lisl in confusion:: <Lisl> ::looks back and forth from Loria to Kevil:: Uh... your new husband? <Lisl> What are *you* talking about? <Kevil> ::looks at Loria:: I *thought* we were talking about Diya... Well, Alani habits, perhaps. * Loria nods in agreement with Kevil, her face perplexed. <Lisl> ::glancing from one to another:: Look, I know the Alani are accepting and all, but... hells, even Zoya warned me to keep my head down. * Loria blinks several times and shakes her head. "Honestly, Lisl, I'm completely confused now." <Kevil> ::blinks again, then his eyes widen:: You think Diya is... like you. ::he starts laughing, half in relief:: I thought you were warning him not to kiss me on the street... ::he slumps down in his seat, nearly hysterical:: * Loria blinks. "You... where did you get *that* idea??" <Lisl> ::looks from one to the other, nonplussed:: You *told* me he was. If-- wait. What in the nine hells have *you* been talking about, then? <Loria> ::looks affronted:: I certainly did *not* tell you that... <Lisl> You did! At the Hall! *Both* of you did! ::looks back and forth between Kevil and Loria, confused and thinking about getting angry:: <Kevil> ::regaining control of his amusement:: Diya only *talks* to birds. Zoya thinks it may be a limited form of psionic ability, actually, but she is not sure. <Lisl> ::looks disgusted:: I thought you were being subtle. <Loria> ::snickers:: Not usually one of Kevil's finer traits... <Lisl> I was half-afraid that-- I thought-- ::groans and puts her head in her hands:: Gods above and below, never *mind* what I thought... <Kevil> ::gives Loria an indignant look, then turns to Lisl seriously:: If he had such a secret as you hold, would I have shared it, even so subtly? <Lisl> I... ::sighs:: Don't know. * Kevil looks a little hurt. <Loria> ::sighs:: In any case, I only wanted you to like him... both of you are outdoorsy types and... I think he feels a little penned in sometimes. Kevil and I being so fond of the city. He doesn't have anyone to hunt or ride with. ::she looks a little sad:: Especially since Kyar died. <Lisl> ::making a face:: Look, Kevil, it's not like that. I mean... I've gotten so used to the subtle jokes and double-speak with people that *do* know, that... ::shakes her head:: Well, you had *me* half-convinced. <Lisl> ::raising an eyebrow at Loria:: Kyar? <Kevil> ::makes a wry face:: I wonder who else has taken the wrong impression... ::sighs:: <Loria> His falcon... ::she sighs:: He was killed by the Ven'Hedi while Kevil and I were here in the autumn. <Lisl> The Ven'Hedi... ::face hardening:: they're raiding close to the city again? <Kevil> No. But Diya is a Ranger. <Lisl> ::grinning a little wryly:: A *Master* Ranger. * Lisl shakes her head. "'Like me' indeed." <Kevil> Yes. ::his eyes are hard with anger:: He was on patrol, and surprised the Ven'hedi attacking a small caravan. <Lisl> And... Kyar was his partner? <Kevil> His bondmate. <Loria> ::sighs:: He doesn't talk about it much, which, for Diya, is a rare thing. We got an earful about it from his older brother. Salah's not very taken with us as family. ::she sighs:: There's a lot of that going around. At least Kevil's family is sensible. <Kevil> ::gives Loria a slight smile and tightens his arm around her in a hug:: My family adores both of you. And truly, aside from Salah, the rest of Diya's family was very nice. <Loria> Pompous little... ::she cuts off that diatribe:: <Lisl> ::snorts, grinning at Loria:: Sounds like whole bunches of *my* family. <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: So he lost his bondmate... and found you two? ::mutters:: No wonder he wanted to leave. <Kevil> He found us first, actually. When we came home last autumn, Kyar yet lived. <Kevil> But yes, I think it has been good for him to leave Alanis for a time. <Lisl> ::nods, looking from Kevil to Loria:: Dare I ask whom he was attracted to first? ::smiling faintly:: I admit, I wouldn't have expected you to be bringing another husband home, Loria. <Loria> As I understand from Mish, he sort of fell in love with us both... and Mish helped him in his conquest. ::glances at Kevil:: She's a terrible matchmaker... never happy unless people are doing what she wants them to. <Kevil> ::laughs and nods in agreement:: <Lisl> Mish... ::frowns a moment in thought:: Missa? The horse mistress? The one we rescued? <Kevil> ::nods:: <Loria> You remember? ::nods:: A dear friend, and a dreadful meddler... <Lisl> ::grins:: Wonder if she's maligned as badly as I am? Ha! From what I remember of her, though... probably not. * Kevil grins, and his voice takes on a laughing, lilting tone. It's still far too deep to pass for a woman's voice, but he's captured Missa's cadences perfectly. "Lori, Kevish, I *must* introduce you to my dear friend..." <Loria> ::blushes a little:: Another one of Mish's collectable Outlanders... * Lisl laughs. <Lisl> Gods... I was one of the lucky ones, then. <Kevil> ::chuckles and kisses Loria's cheek:: I should have been suspicious the first time she invited us to play cards with them. <Loria> ::eyes Lisl frankly:: I think she might have been a little hesitant to approach an elf. <Lisl> Half-elf! ::runs a finger over the soft point of her ear and chuckles:: I think she would have been more hesitant to approach the Chained's "companion." ::snorts:: I about had a fit the first time I heard *that* particular rumor. <Loria> ::shakes her head:: I don't think the Alani really understand "not interested." <Kevil> Half-elves are even more rare in my world than true elves. You are lucky you were known as an elf. <Lisl> Lucky? ::raises an eyebrow:: The Alani actually *frown* on something? <Kevil> No... Just that, if you were generally known as a half-elf, there would have been even *more* awe and staring. <Lisl> Ye gods. ::sighs:: <Kevil> ::smirks:: * Lisl takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "Well... yet another stupid blunder on my part neatly avoided. Thank Aerdrie! I probably would have scared the boy half to death." <Loria> ::shrugs:: I don't know, Lisl. Diya's pretty brave... the story goes that after Kyar was shot down, Diya attacked and killed all ten of the Ven'Hedi who were raiding that caravan. <Lisl> ::a glint of gold in her eye:: If raiders had killed *my* partner... self-healing or no, I would have done the same. <Kevil> ::nods:: As we said-- we think you will get on well together. <Kevil> Poor Diya... ::he does not sound especially sympathetic:: His first week here was quite a muddle. He came in through the Tower - and you *do* know how the Alani feel about the Chained - and then Marsember itself... ::grins widely:: Have you ever stopped to look at how many other races there are, striding our streets? <Lisl> ::shaking her head a little and blinking before grinning back at Kevil:: Aye... bit culture-shocked, was he? <Kevil> ::grins:: I had to remind him to blink. <Loria> ::laughs:: And breathe... <Lisl> Heh. Hm. ::looks back and forth between them:: No criticism intended of you, but-- does he have *any* idea what I am? <Loria> ::shakes her head:: Oh, no. That's *your* secret to tell, not mine. <Kevil> ::half-smiling:: He knows you are our good friend. And Zoya's. That you were part of the group who rescued Loria and Missa. He does not know your secrets. <Lisl> Right. ::takes a deep breath:: Do you want him to? ::looking at Kevil:: You know your people a hell of a lot better than I do... can he take it? <Kevil> ::shrugs:: He can take it. Do not tell him until *you* are ready. * Loria peers under the blanket again. "Well, *finally*... " She pulls Shavyl out from under the blanket and cuddles her. "Isn't she just lovely, Lisl?" * Kevil smiles at his daughter, clearly besotted. <Lisl> ::smiles a little, peering at the little face wreathed in blanket:: I never get over how *tiny* they are.... ::reaches out and, glancing at Loria for permission, gently strokes the infant's cheek with one finger:: <Loria> ::the baby is somewhat lighter skinned than Kevil, but darker than Loria, with a headful of black hair and deep blue eyes that look up at Lisl:: <Lisl> Hello, there. ::smiles and glances at Loria again:: Which one is she? <Loria> This is Shavyl, the younger by about thirteen minutes or so. * Kevil notes a tiny crease forming on the baby's forehead. "She needs burping, n'shava, or she will start screaming again..." <Lisl> Shavyl... and Aylin? ::raises an eyebrow:: Do those names mean what I think they mean? * Loria nods and burps the baby, positioning the blanket on her shoulder to catch any mess. <Kevil> ::grins:: Love and love... Aylin was my little sister's name, as well. <Lisl> ::nods:: I remember. <Loria> ::grins:: Or, if you want to get into the peculiarities of the Alani language, you could say "Love" and "Desire". <Lisl> That's... closer to what I thought. ::quirks a grin:: Ah, well. They're beautiful names. <Loria> ::shrugs with one shoulder as Shavyl spits up onto the blanket:: I had to think very quickly when Shavyl was born. I'd already decided if I had a daughter, I would name her after Kevil's sister, but *two*? * Diya, a bit red-faced and dripping water from having washed his face, peeks into the room. "If Diya promises to be good, can he come back in and talk?" <Lisl> ::chuckle:: I think I prefer my method better, there. Name them something convenient and sort out the permanent ones later. <Kevil> ::laughs and holds out a hand to Diya:: Do come and join us, n'shava. <Lisl> ::grins and looks up:: I think *I'm* the one who's supposed to promise to be good, Master Ranger. <Diya> ::eyes her with interest:: And is Oriole's friend so very bad? <Lisl> ::snorts:: Not usually. Only when I'm being an idiot. Okay... perhaps it's more frequent than I'd like. * Loria stands up slowly. "Excuse me a minute, and I'll put this one down with her sister. They get upset if they're separated for too long." * Lisl nods. * Diya leans in the door frame. "Diya thinks Mistress Ree does not like him very much, heartwing. She struck Diya with her spoon." He displays reddened knuckles for Kevil's appraisal. <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow:: What were you doing, stealing cookies? * Lisl covers her mouth to restrain a laugh, but her eyes dance. <Diya> ::looks wounded:: Diya was only wondering what she was making for dinner. He thought it smelled good. <Lisl> ::grins:: Cooks are a very territorial species, Master Ranger. Very protective of their domains. <Kevil> ::laughs:: So you took the lid from the pot and earned a crack, d'va? Mistress Ree does not approve of "snitching." ::He uses the Cormyr word:: <Diya> ::grins, then draws his expression into a sulky pout:: She lets *Oriole* taste. <Kevil> ::sighs, his own expression much-abused:: She likes Loria best, I fear... <Lisl> ::grins wider:: Loria's the woman of the house. That makes her the boss, no matter *who's* signing the pay chits. * Loria comes back into the room. "That's because I *ask*, Di-dear..." She bounces onto her toes and kisses his cheek. <Kevil> ::grins:: I like our theory better. * Loria has dropped the blanket off to be washed and buttoned up her dress again. She rolls her eyes at her husbands and sits down opposite Lisl. * Lisl chuckles and shakes her head. <Kevil> If only the wooden spoon were a more formidable weapon, I am sure Mistress Ree would have earned an officer's rank in the city guard by now, such is her prowess. <Lisl> So... Master Ranger Nabihazan, I hear you're not much of a city boy? <Diya> ::shrugs:: Diya is a ranger. He does not mind the city, but he sometimes misses his horse and being out. He took Oriole and heartwing hunting once, but he thinks Oriole didn't care for it much. * Loria shudders just a little. "I'm as fond of a good meal as the next person, Di-dear, but I'd rather not have to chase it down first." <Lisl> ::grins at Loria:: Is it the chasing it down part that bothers you, or seeing what it looks like before it hits the plate? <Loria> ::firmly:: Yes. * Lisl chuckles. "Well, if it's a hunting partner you're looking for, Master Ranger, you'll find I'm not so squeamish." <Diya> ::brightens:: Diya would not mind. He has not been able to see many of the strange creatures that live around Oriole's home. <Kevil> Lisl is... if not *the* best ranger in these parts, then certainly *among* the best. She would be a good guide for you, sunshine, to show you the wonders and the dangers of our forests, d'va? <Lisl> ::grins and tweaks the soft point of her ear again:: Strange creatures? Elves, dwarves, gnomes, and halflings, oh my? <Diya> ::blushes as red as his hair:: Diya meant *animals*, Mistress Lisl. Heartwing tells him there are even *bears* in the forests. <Lisl> Sorry... I'm only joking. ::nods to Diya:: Aye, there's bear. I imagine the hunting's rather different from what you're used to, as well. The nearest desert's... ::pauses to think:: A hard week's ride from here, at least. <Kevil> ::half-smiles with memory:: The desert folk here would be more confusing than the city folk, anyhow. <Diya> Diya is more interested in seeing new things than more desert, right now. ::for an instant, his black eyes dim with remembered pain:: <Lisl> Aye. ::pauses, her look softening:: I'm sorry. <Lisl> ::clearing her throat and continuing:: What I meant was that tracking's likely to be quite a bit different from what you're used to. ::smiling a little:: Heck of a lot wetter, for one. <Lisl> ::chuckles at Kevil:: You made quite an impression on El, you know. <Kevil> ::grins:: And I am only half as... flamboyant as Diya. <Lisl> Oh, dear. ::shakes her head:: Still... bards are highly respected where she comes from. Probably just as well you're safely married off now. <Kevil> ::grins:: * Loria laughs. "He's still Alani... being circled doesn't make him 'safe'..." <Lisl> Ha! *She's* Bedine. It makes him *plenty* safe. <Kevil> ::laughs:: I was safe enough before. I have never in all my years given so much as a kiss on the cheek to a woman who did not want it from me... And she was very clear that she expected me to keep my hands to myself. * Loria glances at her red-haired husband. "Diya, on the other hand, can be exasperatingly pushy..." She smiles fondly at him. "Probably for the best, I might have missed anything less obvious." <Diya> ::laughs:: Oriole complains and complains and *complains*, but she watched Diya just as much as Diya watched *her*. Diya is not blind, no matter what Oriole thinks... ::he leans over and kisses her warmly:: <Lisl> ::clears her throat and colors faintly, glancing away:: <Loria> ::from the other room, one of the twins starts crying, picked up swiftly by the other one:: Oh... ::she sighs and gets up:: Excuse me for a moment... <Kevil> ::sighs:: Well, half an hour of quiet is better than none, I suppose. <Lisl> ::looks faintly relieved, very carefully *not* looking at Kevil's expression:: Right. I expect you'll be getting a lot of that in the next few months. <Kevil> I imagine so. ::he grins foolishly despite his tired look:: <Lisl> ::shakes her head with a grin:: Looks like you got what you wanted, in spades, Kevil. <Diya> ::shrugs:: Diya thinks they will eventually become more content. He remembers his sisters, Samiha and Samira, did *eventually* stop crying all the time. <Lisl> Oh, eventually, I'm sure. ::with an evil grin:: Just before they start noticing *boys*. <Kevil> ::throwing Lisl's wicked grin back at her:: Or girls, perhaps. <Lisl> ::rolls her eyes:: Alani. Or girls. <Lisl> Suppose it'll depend on where they do most of their growing-up. Will you all be staying for awhile, or are you going back again in a few months? <Kevil> We will be here a little while, at least. But two of our three families are in Alanis. We will be spending significant amounts of time there, I should think. <Loria> ::from the nursery comes the soft sounds of Loria singing to her children in an attempt to soothe them:: <Lisl> ::nods, cocking her head and smiling a little as she listens to Loria:: She sings to them in Alani... <Diya> ::shyly:: And Diya should like eventually to take his circle to Zhakistahn to meet his father. <Kevil> ::gives Diya a warm smile:: Yes, n'shava, we will. <Kevil> ::glances toward the sound of Loria's voice, smiling:: Sometimes she sings Cormyrian. She liked the Alani songs she learned while we were there, though. <Lisl> ::nods:: has Master Ranger Nabihazan met Loria's, ah, great-grandmother yet? <Kevil> ::to Lisl, with half a smile:: He has. Though not her mother and father, yet. <Diya> Diya thought the Blessed Mother was very beautiful... ::half-smiles:: Although he thinks she might not be so motherly as her reputation holds her... she seemed a bit dangerous, to Diya. * Lisl coughs. <Kevil> ::grins:: Fierce as a bitch-wolf, defending her young, d'va? * Lisl gives Kevil a mild glare. <Lisl> Most husbands seem to think their mothers-in-law are out to get them. <Kevil> Most wives, too, if I understand correctly... <Diya> ::sniggers:: Diya's mother was just *fine* after she decided that heartwing and Oriole really did care for Diya. <Kevil> Your mother was very nice to us. If only we could drop Salah head-first into a tar pit... <Lisl> ::looking from Kevil to Diya:: Salah is... Master Ranger Nabihazan's step-mother? <Diya> ::shrugs:: Diya has always thought that a good sized fire in his precious papers would do Diya's brother a great deal of good. <Kevil> Salah is Diya's brother. He... does not like Loria or I. Even a little bit. <Lisl> Ah. I get that impression, yes. ::hiding a grin:: Well, Kevil takes some getting used to, I admit, but he sort of grows on one. <Kevil> ::gives Lisl an eloquent bow:: * Lisl laughs. * Diya turns a dreamy gaze on his husband. "Diya has always thought well of heartwing." <Kevil> Though I should much rather grow on Kristo than on Salah. At least Kristo is *honest* in his distrust and mislike. Salah speaks with a snake's forked tongue, in venom as sweet as honey. <Kevil> ::gives Diya a fond smile:: <Lisl> ::her voice flat:: Ah. Yes... I know that type all too well. <Diya> ::shrugs:: Salah is a politician... he is overly impressed with himself and his position. He does not like it when Diya does things that might not be considered exactly right. <Kevil> ::shrugs:: He is a little man, with a little soul, who must be jealous of others' happiness. Truly, he is not worth much concern, and he was the only one of Diya's family - which is quite large, even by Alani standards - who did not welcome Loria and I warmly. <Lisl> Yes, I *do* know that type. ::her expression grows distant for a moment and her lip curls. She coughs suddenly, blinking, to cover a soft growl:: <Diya> ::grins:: It is another reason to stay in Marsember for a bit, this time. Diya needs to buy presents for his sisters. He did not have enough time. <Kevil> ::grins:: We will get your sisters gifts the like of which they have never seen, d'va? * Loria wanders back into the parlor. "Are you talking about shopping *again*, Diya?" <Kevil> Of course he is. <Loria> ::shakes a finger at Kevil:: You are a bad influence. <Lisl> ::grins at Loria:: At least it wasn't clothes shopping. <Diya> ::groans:: No, no, no. Diya has *enough* clothes. <Kevil> ::grins smugly:: We will get around to it... <Lisl> ::laughs again, shaking her head:: That's one excursion you can count me out of. My mother's bad enough. * Diya moves across the room and hides behind Lisl's tiny form, shaking comically. "Mistress Lisl will save Diya, won't she?" <Lisl> Ha! I had more in the order of self-preservation in mind. <Kevil> ::eyes brighten:: We could call upon Lady Aldis to shop *with* us! We have not seen her in far too long... <Lisl> Gods above and below, spare me. <Diya> ::mournfully:: Diya thinks he and Mistress Lisl are in trouble now. <Kevil> ::chuckles merrily:: <Lisl> It's alright. I can run fast. Well... except that Mother's a mage. <Loria> ::nods in agreement:: I like your mother, Lisl. ::she smiles:: She was very kind to me at Vallie's wedding. <Lisl> ::grins:: Mother never can pass up the opportunity to play fairy godmother. ::grins wider:: So to speak. <Kevil> There, see? You could ask her to-- ::he eyes Lisl suspiciously:: No, I suspect the message would never arrive. I could have *Zoya* invite her to come for a visit. <Diya> ::brightly:: Diya has a solution... heartwing and Oriole can shop with Mistress Lisl's mother, and Mistress Lisl and Diya will go hunting. Then everyone will be happy. ::aside to Lisl:: And Diya can always find excuses not to wear whatever Oriole buys for him later. <Lisl> I'm doomed... ::laughs:: But then again... * Kevil manages to look both abused and amused. <Lisl> Alright, Master Ranger Nabihazan. I'd be delighted to take you hunting. Especially if it gets us out of shopping. * Loria shakes her head, laughing. "You are hopeless, the pair of you!" <Lisl> On the contrary, I live in constant hope of not having my comfortable wardrobe tampered with. <Lisl> ::glances at the window and stands:: But now, I'm afraid need to get to work. I've got a few deliveries to catch up on. <Diya> ::bows:: Diya will look forward to the hunting, Mistress Lisl. * Loria hugs Lisl quickly. "Do come again, Lisl." <Kevil> Alas. ::stands and squeezes Lisl's arm gently:: Please come again. <Lisl> ::returns Loria's hug gently and nods to Kevil:: I will. ::grins at Diya:: I think you were right, we will hit it off. <Loria> ::primly:: I *told* you... <Lisl> ::chuckles:: Yes, you did. Not your fault I heard more than you said. <Lisl> ::grins:: Master Ranger? Any time better for you than another? <Diya> ::shrugs:: Diya doesn't have any responsibilities here. He is beginning to feel quite lazy. Although Mistress Ree keeps having Diya do *her* chores. <Kevil> ::grins at Diya:: Should we pay you a salary, n'shava? <Lisl> Heh. Right. Much of an early riser, or are you a lie-a-bed like Kevil here? <Kevil> ::feigning a disgusted look:: Diya likes to be up for the sunrise. <Diya> ::grins:: Diya *likes* mornings... <Lisl> ::grins:: Ah, perfect. I'll swing through in a few days, take you out to meet the woods. Sound good? <Diya> ::nods enthusiastically:: Diya will be waiting... <Lisl> ::grins:: Well enough. Be well, then, all of you. ::throws a glance at the nursery door and grins:: Get as much sleep as you can while they let you. <Kevil> ::chuckles:: Be well, Huntress. <Loria> See you soon, Lisl... <Lisl> ::waves:: I'll see myself out. |
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