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* Michelle sits on a stool behind the bar reading a book. After a moment she puts a marker in the book, "They should be here soon," and goes to unlock the door to the Hall. * Michelle is wearing a sleeveless short coat over a blue dress, a royal blue sash pulling the ensemble tight around her waist. Her moon earring shines brightly from her right ear, and her hair is tied back, with a light dusting of what appears to be flour. * Michelle returns behind the bar and resumes reading her book, taking a sip from a cup of tea. * Orlann walks with Tarri towards the Meadehall, his fist loosely clenched around a rumpled bit of parchment. * Jaret opens the door and slips inside. He's dressed in hunter greens, with cream slashes. He takes his plumed hat off as he enters and rests it on a peg. His rapier hangs at its usual place at his side. "Evening, Michelle. Thank you for opening for me." * Michelle smiles, "No problem Jaret. I need to get out more often than I do." <Michelle> Can I get you anything? * Tarri looks somewhat concerned as she walks with Orlann. She says nothing, but glances up at him worriedly every few steps. <Jaret> Oh, just a glass of wine, if you're being so kind. * Michelle smiles, "Am I ever not that kind Jaret." Opens a bottle of Arabellan red and pours Jaret a glass, "Here you go." <Jaret> I would hate to assume. Many thanks. * Orlann gives Tarri a quick smile and attempts to look a bit less concerned, putting his free arm around her shoulders. <Lisl> ::The back door creaks, and Lisl enters by the kitchen. There's a dull thump, the sucking woosh of the icebox door opening, and a soft rattling of chains, and Lisl reappears a minute later wearing her green hunting suedes, slightly dirty and bloody but apparently unharmed. "Evening... sorry I'm late. Michelle, there's fresh pork in the freezer. Might want to dump the bowl underneath in a few hours, though." * Michelle smiles and puts her marker in her book and her book under the bar. * Orlann opens the door to the Hall. * Michelle smiles, "Decided you needed a change of pace Lisl, or did it not want to leave you alone? And can I get you anything?" <Jaret> It's no trouble at all, Lisl, you're right on time, it seems. Good evening Miss Mandeil. And you must be... Corporal Drilgar? My name's Jaret Malkier. I saw you here a week ago or so, but we weren't formally introduced., <Lisl> ::grins:: Boar, not boor. I startled him out of the brush on the way back, and, well... ::shrugs:: A mug of 'kick would be welcome, thanks. * Orlann bows to Jaret. "Yessir. I've heard a bit about you from Mistress Lisl." <Tarri> ::entering with Orlann:: Good evening, Lord Malkier. ::she smiles a greeting to Lisl and Michelle:: * Jaret grins and looks over to Lisl. "Nothing too scandalous, I hope?" <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow at Jaret:: It's a wild pig, Jaret. What do you take me for? * Michelle carefully fills a mug for Lisl, setting it gently on the bar, "Tarri, Orlann, can I get either of you anything?" * Orlann pulls out a stool for Tarri, then sits next to her. <Lisl> Oh... ::glances at Orlann:: Heh. Sorry. ::grinning:: You think I would spread untrue rumors about you, Jaret? The true ones are so much better. <Jaret> Oh, I should have known you'd tell the truth. <Tarri> Some cider would be nice, thank you. <Orlann> ::nods:: For me as well. ::he stuffs the crumpled note into his pocket:: * Michelle fills two mugs and sets them on the bar in front of Orlann and Tarri, "There you go." <Lisl> ::taking a swallow of 'kick and wiping her mouth as she slides onto a stool:: So, what's this about, Jaret? * Orlann nods his thanks but does not drink, merely turning his mug around in his hands. After a while the mug gets a bit frustrated and kicks him. "Oh. Sorry." <Tarri> Thank you. ::She sips from her mug, then glances with slightly nervous curiosity to Jaret:: * Jaret seats himself. "Adiethian wanted me to pass on two pieces of information to Lisl and Orlann. The first was that the expeditionary group he sent out to Bleakhill has not reported in yet." * Orlann blanches. "There's been no word?" * Lisl sits up straighter. "When were they due?" <Jaret> ::quietly:: No, I'm afraid not. They left from Suzail, and that was the last anyone's heard from them. <Jaret> They were due to send word from Bleakhill on the fourteenth. That's with some padding in their schedule to allow for bad weather and slow travel days. <Orlann> ::darkly:: Five days past due... Damn! <Lisl> ::frowns, counting on her fingers:: We were there... the ninth? So we did beat them, at least. I'd wondered... there was no trace fresher than a couple of months, at best. * Tarri bites her lip and puts a hand on Orlann's shoulder. <Jaret> They didn't teleport in because... well, as I understand it, Bleakhill's a small settlement. None of the mages had been there, and a teleport was deemed too risky, so they were forced to take an overland route. Their current predictions for the force... well, I wasn't told details, but they didn't look very optimistic. <Lisl> ::nods:: I'll bet they tracked deeper into the mountains... ::frowns into her mug, and looks up, narrowing her eyes on Jaret again:: You said two pieces of information. * Michelle sips her tea, looking concerned. <Jaret> So I did. Adiethian would like to look into this further so... he's putting together another group. This one will be larger, and is probably going to be teleported to Bleakhill directly. Since the two of you have already been there, he wants to know if you'd be interested in being a part of the group, in senior roles. <Orlann> ::glances at Tarri:: How much larger? <Jaret> A battalion? Whatever that means. * Tarri pales and looks at Orlann quickly before looking away. She twists her fingers together in her lap, obviously extremely unhappy about the idea. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: Look, hm? ::thinks, taking another swallow of 'kick:: * Orlann frowns and disentangles Tarri's hands. "I... I have to go, darling." <Tarri> ::quietly:: I know. * Michelle sips her tea, looking at Tarri and Orlann. * Lisl 's eyebrow climbs a little higher at Orlann's comment, but she says nothing. <Tarri> ::looks quickly up at Jaret:: Lord Malkier? When? <Jaret> Three, maybe four days. They're assembling the equipment and trail rations now. <Lisl> ::rubbing her chin:: Mages? <Orlann> ::with another glance at Tarri:: And healers? <Jaret> They were talking with the War Wizard's liaison when I left. They weren't sure how many to send at that point, but it was somewhere around a dozen. <Jaret> They're going to go to the temples and quietly ask for some volunteers. Both Lathander and Torm should be good for five priests apiece, they were thinking. * Tarri draws in a breath. "I could go." * Orlann hisses, looking at Lisl for a bit of support. "I... Tarri, I don't know that's such a fine idea..." * Michelle watches Tarri but says nothing. <Tarri> ::looks steadily at Jaret:: I've more than a year of healer's training, and I've seen and treated combat wounds. I can take orders. I went with Lady Quel'shu on that slaver operation last year... <Jaret> With all due respect, Miss Mandeil, this has the chance to be much, much more than a band of slavers. * Lisl chews her lip, observing levelly, "Adiethian's committing an awful lot of men to a scouting expedition... and we *still* don't know what might be out there." She takes another swallow of 'kick. <Tarri> There will be more people there on our side, too. <Jaret> Did you have some advice, Lisl? * Orlann rubs his chin. "Well, the militia in Bleakhill was only seventy of us. And we had no wizards..." <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: No, not precisely... I'm not faulting his logic in the slightest. I'm only thinking..." Her eyes slide sidewards towards Tarri and Orlann for a moment, and back to Jaret. "Have any of the Wizzies tried scrying the area? Hell of a lot of forest, I know, but..." * Michelle smiles and sips her tea. <Jaret> I don't know, Lisl. I can certainly ask. <Lisl> Might not hurt to talk to a druid or two, either, if they can scare one up. ::takes another swallow of 'kick:: Aerdrie... Mother's going to kill me. * Lisl grins faintly. * Michelle looks critically at Lisl, "When is your mother not going to kill you Lisl?" <Tarri> ::nods at Lisl's suggestion, then looks at Jaret again:: And please tell the Lieutenant I'm offering my services. <Michelle> Are you going on this trip Jaret? * Orlann bites his lip, but does not protest. He tucks his boot under Tarri's stool and pulls it closer to him, sliding one arm around her waist. <Tarri> ::looks startled as her seat moves, then gives Orlann a warm, if slightly nervous, smile.:: <Jaret> I was going to go along, in an advisory role, yes. I owe Adiethian a bit of a favor. <Lisl> Ha. When I'm not running out on her in the middle of a visit.... ::considers:: I don't know about "senior role," but... long as there's someone willing to listen to me, Jaret, I'd be happy to tag along. <Jaret> ::outside, the sound of someone hammering nails into wood -- most likely the Herald posting a broadsheet -- can be heard. The sound ceases, and running footsteps can be heard approaching the mouth of the alleyway the Hall's entrance is on. The runner stumbles just outside the mouth, falling down, and quickly gets up and runs off:: * Lisl turns her head, tracking the sound. * Michelle nods, "Good. With the two of you there hopefully someone will be able to talk some sense into Temire. I can't imagine her not finding out about something this big, and if Tarri's going Temire will almost certainly insist on making sure Tarri's safe, even if it means having to follow the battalion." <Orlann> ::blinks at Michelle:: Miss Temire? Wasn't she the young lady we met the other day? ::he turns to Tarri:: * Lisl hides a scowl behind another swallow of 'kick, her jaw tightening. * Michelle looks up curiously, "They're normally not in that much of a hurry. I wander what the news is." <Tarri> ::snorts:: I'll be smack in the middle of half a dozen or more priests, if Lord Malkier is right... She'd better not sneak off to follow me again. Last time got her in a *lot* of trouble. <Jaret> I haven't seen Temire in a while. I wonder how she's keeping up on her training.... <Lisl> ::the faintest hint of a growl in her voice:: Last time got everyone involved in a *lot* of trouble. Be right back... ::puts her mug down, sliding off her stool to stroll out the door:: * Michelle looks at Tarri, "I know Temire's grown up since then but... Do you honestly think she's less protective of her friends than Lisl here?" <Jaret> ::a scream, and the shattering of dropped glass is heard from outside, followed by sobbing:: <Tarri> ::grins at Michelle and shrugs:: But Lisl's going *invited*. If Temire wants to go, she'd better volunteer, or- ::she looks around quickly at the scream outside:: * Orlann jumps, turning to look. * Jaret follows everyone outside. A woman is standing, reading the broadsheet and crying. "My... boy..." * Michelle shrugs, "I think she got a bit out of the habit what with attending Tyl's school and then meeting Ilarion. And Yohko's not around as much as she used to be. Last time I spoke to Temire she was bored stiff. If it wasn't for Ilarion I have no doubt that she'd have run off to find some trouble to get involved in by now." * Michelle follows the others. * Tarri gives the woman a concerned look before turning to scan the broadsheet. Her face turns paper-white. "Oh, Blessed Mother..." * Orlann looks concerned, then downright worried. He elbows a path through the crowd and reads, his dark face going grey. <Jaret> ::a crowd is gathering around the sheet, murmurings passing back and forth:: ARABEL FALLS TO INVADING ARMY Arabel has been invaded by an goblinoid army, led by a red dragon of colossal size. Few details are known, but the attack came without warning, and all Cormyrean forces that were in the city are now assumed to be lost. King Azoun IV has issued a call to the Purple Dragons to prepare for a march to retake Arabel, and already Marsember's members of the Purple Dragon are heeding the call, and are readying for the long road to Arabel. We at the Herald will issue more sheets as we learn more. * Orlann staggers backwards a few steps, leaning hard against the wall. "Gods and Demons!" * Lisl stands at the edge of the crowd gathering around the 'sheet, silent and pale. Her eyes almost burn yellow. * Tarri puts an arm around Orlann, though her eyes linger on the broadsheet as if waiting for the printed words to change into something less horrific. * Jaret re-reads the sheet over and over again, expressionless. <Orlann> ... a red dragon? Dear merciful heavens... ::he is trembling like a reed:: <Tarri> ::her arm tightens around Orlann, as much for her own support as his:: Oh, gods... <Tarri> ::draws a long, shaky breath, then looks up at Orlann questioningly:: * Orlann nods as if in answer to a question she hasn't asked. "You ain't leaving my sight, darling. Damned if you are." * Lisl slowly clenches her hands into fists, controlling herself with effort as she shoulders her way through the crowd back to her friends. Most are too shocked to move. Some, glancing in irritation at her, take one look at her face and step back with a shiver. * Michelle sighs, "Why don't we head back inside. I'm sure we'll hear if there's any more news and I think we could all use a stiff drink." * Jaret re-reads the sheet a few more times and heads inside. <Tarri> ::to Orlann:: Fair enough. Then you won't be out of mine. ::she glances at Michelle and nods, pulling Orlann back toward the Hall door:: * Orlann twines his hand with Tarri's as if he intends to never release her. * Michelle follows the others inside and goes behind the bar produce a bottle of a golden liquid and a set of shot glasses, "Tequila shots for anyone else?" Fills one of the shot glasses. * Lisl re-enters the Hall and beelines it to her stool, picking up her mug of 'kick and draining it in a few swallows. "Refill on this, 'chelle, please." * Orlann nods and reaches for one of the shot-glasses. <Jaret> I'll stick with this for the moment, if you please. * Michelle fills Orlann's shot glass, then knocks back her own, leaving the bottle on the bar as she refills Lisl's mug. "Lisl, I don't know that much about warfare involving large armies. Are they likely to head this way?" * Orlann downs the tequila and gasps harshly, coughing once. He shudders, then sits back on his stool. * Michelle refills her glass and fills one for Tarri, "Refill Corporal?" * Tarri eyes the tequila uncertainly, then picks up a shot glass in a shaking hand and tosses it back like medicine. * Tarri grimaces at the taste and wheezes. "That's vile..." <Lisl> ::takes another swallow of 'kick before answering... her voice is rough, almost a growl, when she does:: They're goblins... they're likely to head anyway they damn well please. If they go by the roads... there's Immersea and Hilp between here and there to sack. And, of course, the capital's just west of us. <Michelle> ::chuckles but with a sad undertone:: You can make some quite lovely drinks with it, but yes, by itself it's really only good for providing a shock to the system or getting very drunk very quickly. <Lisl> Then again... ::raises her eyes to Michelle:: that dracolich you all rousted was a red, wasn't it? * Orlann nods once. "They'll have to fight every step to get this far, with the Purple Dragons roused against them." <Michelle> Yes. But that was much farther west, and to the south. I suppose it could have flown up there, but I wouldn't think it could build an army that quickly. But then, I don't know much about goblinoid armies either. <Tarri> ::shudders:: *Any* dragon is bad news. <Orlann> ::shakes his head:: Before this winter, I'd have said they don't gather like that... but what I saw at Bleakhill. It's all turned on its head. * Lisl takes another swallow of 'kick. "Bleakhill was west and south. I'm just hoping there's only one army..." <Tarri> ::looks shakily at Jaret:: Is... Do you think the Lieutenant is going to still want to send troops to Bleakhill, now? * Michelle nods to Tarri, "Very true." Knocks back her shot. * Orlann shakes his head slowly. "I don't reckon he will. This is... more important. Everyone in Bleakhill's already dead." <Jaret> I think it's safe to assume that our trip to Bleakhill is postponed indefinitely. * Orlann turns his shotglass of tequila slowly, then knocks it back without tasting it. * Jaret is staring at his half-drunk glass of wine. * Lisl traces her finger over the bartop, lining out an invisible map in the moisture. "Likely raised them out of the Goblin Marches north of the Storm Horns..." She makes an "X" and traces her finger in a downward semi-circle. "But there're more west of Skull Crag, in the Tun River valley... hells." She looks up at Jaret. "What if... what if Arabel's a feint?" * Tarri picks up her unfinished mug of cider and sips, rinsing the taste of tequila from her mouth before swallowing. She doesn't seem to hear Lisl's speculation. * Michelle looks curiously for Jaret's answer. <Jaret> I don't know, Lisl. I'm not a general. I... I can barely bring myself to understand what's happened to Arabel -- what might be happening there right now. I can't begin to try to plot what sort of military tactics might be in play. * Orlann puts the empty shot glass on the bar. "It'd be folly to speculate now. We don't know near enough." * Lisl flushes a little, looking away. "I'm sorry, Jaret." * Jaret reaches out. "It's okay. It's okay. I just... I don't know what to say." <Tarri> ::shudders:: *More* dragons... <Orlann> ::in a low voice:: I wonder if it's too late to enlist. * Lisl grips Jaret's hand silently, taking another swallow of 'kick with her free hand. * Michelle sighs, "Keep us informed Jaret. We may not work for the Dragons, but we do live here. And Lisl may still turn out to be right... Though I honestly don't know if that would be a good or a bad thing." <Tarri> ::gives Orlann a fearful look, then closes her eyes tightly:: <Orlann> ::shakes his head:: No, darling, I won't leave you. But if all the regulars are headed out, *someone* needs to stand the gates here. * Lisl glances at Michelle. "News is going to be harder and harder to come by for civilians, I think, no matter how well-connected." <Jaret> I imagine they'll accept most any recruits, right now. * Michelle shrugs, "So what do you suggest we do Lisl?" <Orlann> ::nods to Lisl:: Another reason to sign up. I'd not care to be in the dark about this. <Tarri> ::bites her lip and looks up, relieved and uncertain:: You... I wouldn't stop you, if you... had to go. * Lisl turns her mug around, toying with the handle. "Fresh out of ideas, 'chelle. Though I'm going to talk to Zoya... I'm thinking I still want to take a quick scout westward. Quietly." <Jaret> Would you take any company with you, Lisl? <Tarri> ::looks over at Lisl:: Do you think your... ::her eyes flicker for an instant toward Orlann:: your contacts among the other rangers might be able to get us warning, if there's anything... coming? <Orlann> ::pulls her into his arms:: No. I lost everything I cared about once already. Be damned if I'll lose you, too. I'm staying where I can protect you. * Michelle nods, "I'll start scrying, but unless I have something specific to look for I don't think I'll be able to do much beyond keep tabs on the army's progress." <Tarri> ::leans against Orlann, but keeps her eyes on Lisl:: <Lisl> ::turning her head towards Tarri:: Not sure... but I'll see. Orcs and goblins aren't very popular with anybody... I can probably find a few volunteers. <Lisl> ::looks towards Jaret:: Mm... depends. I'm thinking light and fast. * Michelle looks at Lisl, "You could ask Felice. I know you don't like her that much, but she is good and fast and silent. When she wants to be at any rate." <Jaret> I don't think I have anything on my docket, but I'll leave it up to your judgment. <Lisl> ::nods:: A good thought, 'chelle. ::grinning a little:: I wonder if Adam managed to talk her into something practical? * Michelle giggles, "Probably not. But she should be able to handle goblins just fine without." <Lisl> ::nods:: It's not the goblins I'm really worried about. ::glances at Jaret:: You've been out with my friends. Think you could keep up? <Jaret> Most likely. * Orlann shakes his head. "You'd best damned be a little worried, Mistress Lisl. We're not talkin' about a raiding band here." <Michelle> Jaret, I doubt I'll find anything in my scrying that the War Wizards won't find first, but who should I report to if I find anything important? <Lisl> ::looks at Orlann:: Oh, I'm worried, alright... but the dragon worries me *more.* <Jaret> I'll let Adiethian know that if you find something out, you'll let him know. <Orlann> ::snorts:: Dead's dead. Don't matter too much, does it, if the dragon lands on you, or you get swarmed under by orcs? <Michelle> ::nods:: Alright. <Lisl> ::opens her mouth to answer, grins, and shakes her head:: No, s'pose not. But then... they have to catch me first. And a dragon's got a *much* longer reach. <Orlann> Just... don't be getting over-confident. I seen too many friends die already. <Lisl> ::sobering, her voice quiet:: I saw, Corporal. Don't worry, I'm taking this enemy *dead* seriously. <Tarri> ::shivers, talking quietly to herself:: I'll have to talk to Master Bran... We'll be making up kits to send north, at the very least... <Lisl> ::nods:: I'll see Zoya after this. ::makes a wry face:: I doubt she'll have heard the news. * Orlann laughs a bit shortly. "Give the Lady Mage my regards." * Lisl nods. * Jaret finishes his glass of wine. * Lisl takes another swallow of 'kick. * Michelle sighs, "Would anyone care for anything to eat?" <Jaret> Nothing for me, please, Michelle. I don't seem to have an appetite. * Tarri looks vaguely nauseated by the idea of food. <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: Thanks, Michelle, but... not really hungry. * Orlann shakes his head briefly. <Lisl> 'Chelle... any idea where Felice is holing up, these days? <Michelle> ::shakes her head:: No, but I can find her inside of an hour. Do you want to come with me or should I send her to your place? <Lisl> ::looks over at Jaret:: How soon could you be ready to go? <Tarri> ::looks up at Orlann:: Can we go home, now? Please? <Jaret> Fairly soon, I'd suppose. I need to be around for a little bit, to take care of some business. <Orlann> ::nods:: Of course. ::he gets down from his stool:: <Lisl> ::nods to Tarri and Orlann:: Be well. <Michelle> Tarri, Orlann, the two of you are welcome at Ellesmere whenever you like. <Orlann> As well as can be, Mistress Lisl... <Tarri> You, too... ::she goes to Lisl and hugs her tightly:: Be careful. * Jaret stands. "Good night Corporal, Miss Mandeil." * Orlann nods to Jaret. "Lord Malkier, when you return, I'd... appreciate your stopping by." * Lisl returns Tarri's hug, careful not to make her ribs creak. "I will." <Jaret> Of course, Corporal. <Tarri> Thank you, Michelle... Good night, Lord Malkier. ::She takes Orlann's arm, leaning heavily against him as they leave.:: * Orlann puts his arm around Tarri's shoulder. * Lisl finishes her mug of 'kick and sets it down, patting it absentmindedly. Her eyes show a faint tinge of yellow ringing the grey-blue. "There. Now I'm not likely to accidentally kill anyone on the way home." <Jaret> Would you like an escort home, just to make certain of that? ::Jaret's tone is light:: * Michelle corks the open bottles and puts them away before shooing the empty glasses into the kitchen. <Lisl> ::chuckles:: If you don't mind a short detour to the Tower. ::she stands:: Michelle... whenever you can send Felice along to my place, she'd be welcome. And if you can fill her in along the way, that'd be welcome, too. <Lisl> Oh, and... ::leans on the bar with a grin:: A flask or two for the road? <Michelle> ::nods:: No problem Lisl. I'm going to check up on the others after that, make certain they know what's going on. <Jaret> No, I don't mind in the least. Whenever you're ready. <Michelle> ::giggle:: Munition or victual? <Lisl> ::a gleam in her eye:: Munitions. <Michelle> ::nods:: Just a moment. ::rummages beneath the bar, before coming up with two glass flasks. She carefully fills each of them with an oily, colorless liquid and then stoppers them securely.:: There you go Lisl. <Lisl> Thanks. ::takes the flasks, handling them very carefully:: I've got something to carry these in back home... alright. After you, Jaret. * Jaret holds the door for Lisl. "Oh, no. Ladies first." <Lisl> ::snorts and precedes Jaret out:: And how I qualify, I'll never know... <Jaret> ::trailing behind Lisl, quietly:: If you don't know... <Lisl> *Ja*ret! ::sounding both vastly amused and faintly scandalized:: * Michelle finishes straightening up the Hall and heads out, locking the door behind her. "I'm actually glad Lisl didn't come with me. Now where are you Felice. Here kitty-kitty!" Wanders off in the opposite direction from Lisl's place. |
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