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<Vallel> ::One of Stick's Boys dropped off a note at Tarri's flat earlier. In Vallel's neat handwriting reads the following invitation:: "Dear Tarri, My dear wife tells me you've made a new conquest. I know I've been so busy recently, I haven't had time to come and see you. I was wondering if you and your friend might not care to join us for a late supper this evening. (It'll probably be my third dinner of the night as I'm trying to finish this senior project.) -your friend, Vallel. PS - Gloss's cooking has improved somewhat, but we're letting the Kitchen do the cooking, so you needn't eat beforehand." * Tarri - despite repeated assurances that Orlann and Vallel will get along quite well - seems somewhat nervous as they approach the Tower. * Orlann walks with Tarri, one hand on her elbow. Having gotten paid his first week's salary from the Dragons, he's purchased a new outfit, a pair of dark yellow trousers and matching vest with a brown shirt. * Tarri pulls up at the Tower's door, trying not to notice that it seems to be hung diagonally and painted in garish orange and green stripes. "Um... We're here to see Vallel and Glossaria." * Orlann shakes his head. "This has got to be the queerest place I've ever been..." <Tarri> I wouldn't argue with you there... * Vallel looks up from his stack of papers and thick research books as a foghorn echoes through the Tower. <Vallel> ::checking the sun from the window:: Oh... dinner. Again. Already. ::looks at his papers in disgust:: Show them in, would you? I'll be down to the dining room momentarily. <Vallel> ::the Tower door opens and a wisp of smoke beckons Tarri and Orlann inside:: <Glossaria> ::A muffled boom followed by several high-pitched zipping noises echoes down the stairs from a higher level of the Tower, followed by Gloss's faint call:: Down in a minute... or so... * Tarri takes a deep breath, and follows the smoke through the door. <Orlann> ::tentatively:: Is... that alive? <Glossaria> ::Three bright green lights moving at high speed zigzag down the stairs and zoom out the door over Orlann's shoulder, shooting up in the sky to explode in a sparkle of yellow fireworks:: * Orlann flattens himself against the wall to avoid the colorful pyrotechnics. <Glossaria> ::from high above, belatedly:: FORE! <Orlann> ::under his breath:: I counted *three*. * Tarri starts to answer Orlann's question, then spins to watch the lights with wide eyes. She tries again. "Um... I don't think so. But I've seen it before." She glances back at the yellow fireworks, gently fading in the sky. "*That's* new, though..." * Vallel washes ink smudges off his hands, obviously resists the urge to ignite his thesis, then heads down to the dining room. <Glossaria> ::Another green light zooms down the steps, bounces off the walls, circles Orlann's head once, and zips out under the crack of the door only to fizzle.:: <Glossaria> ::faintly, from above:: Sorry! <Vallel> ::the Staff escorts them, mostly the short way, to the dining room, although it can't seem to resist taking them through a long hallway filled with paintings:: * Tarri gathers her courage and takes Orlann's hand as they follow the Staff into the dining room. "Things aren't usually quite *that* strange, here... I wonder what Gloss is doing now?" <Orlann> ::laughs uneasily:: Is it safe to be asking questions like that, darling? <Tarri> ::grins shakily:: Probably. I wouldn't understand her answer anyway. <Vallel> ::the dining room consists of a long table, lit by several candelabras, was apparently expecting them. The table is set and a few baskets of bread are arranged on one side of the table. Each place setting includes several forks and spoons, a large dinner plate, two vegetable dishes, a soup bowl, and a smaller plate.:: <Tarri> ::blinks in surprise at the elaborate setting:: * Orlann looks not only surprised, but distinctly worried. "Don't let me make any mistakes..." <Tarri> ::squeezing Orlann's hand:: You'll be fine, love. Just keep your eyes open. * Vallel stops to make sure he doesn't look too disreputable, brushing his hair with his fingers as he peers in an old silver mirror. <Vallel> ::walks into the dining room:: Hey, Tarri. Sorry I'm late. I got up to my nose in one of those revolting treatises on psychometabolism and I sort of lost track of time... ::crosses to kiss her cheek briefly:: * Glossaria hurries down the stairs, patting absently at a smoldering scorched spot on her left sleeve and running a hand through her hair to try to coax it back into some semblance of order. <Tarri> ::smiling warmly:: Well, I was going to apologize for interrupting your studies, but it sounds like you need a break... Val, this is Corporal Orlann Drilgar. Orlann, Vallel d'Nache. * Vallel gives Orlann a short bow. "Nice to meet you. In between her enthusiastic gushings about meeting the King, my wife mentioned you to me. It's good to meet you." * Orlann returns Vallel's bow almost exactly. "Tarri's mentioned you to me a few times s'well. I'm right honored." * Tarri looks around curiously. "Where's Gloss?" <Vallel> I could use a vacation... I'm glad I don't have classes on top of trying to write this paper... Care for a drink? We're not as well stocked as the Hall, but we have a few things. ::he shrugs:: In her lab, I imagine. She said she'd be right down. * Tarri eyes the elaborately-set table. "Um... A little white wine?" * Vallel blinks at the table, noticing it for the first time. "Oh. Um... " He turns to the Staff. "Bring out a few bottles of whatever the Kitchen thinks will go best with dinner, please." <Tarri> ::grins at Vallel's expression:: Have you been boring the poor Kitchen lately? <Vallel> Apparently so... we've all been really busy, recently. And Marten's off on another one of his "learning experiences," so I think it's getting sulky. <Tarri> ::giggles:: Poor, underappreciated Kitchen... * Orlann attempts to look as though any of this made sense to him. * Glossaria hurries through the Library, pulling open a bookcase behind her desk and descending the narrow stone staircase behind it. She passes through several rooms, pausing in a previously undiscovered cloistered garden to closely inspect the leaves of one of the esplaniered trees growing there. "Hm... I thought this species was extinct..." <Vallel> ::the Staff returns after a time with several chilled bottles of a crisp white wine:: <Glossaria> ::A little blue wisp of smoke poofs into existence about three inches in front of Gloss's nose, startling her backward. It bobs up and down quietly.:: Yes, yes, I'm coming. ::mutters:: ...in all fairness, *you* distracted me... <Tarri> So, what's your project? Or would I understand a word? * Glossaria turns away from the garden with a sigh, patting her sleeve again to be certain it's out. She crosses the hall and steps into the dining room. "Good evening, sorry I'm late. I'm not *too* late, am I? Hello, love, good to see you surface once more." She crosses the room to give Vallel a quick kiss on the lips. * Vallel grins at his wife. "Setting your clothes on fire again, dear? That's not good form." He runs one hand over her sleeve and, with a whisper of fabric, the robe restitches itself as if nothing had ever gone amiss. <Glossaria> ::smiles, looking a little abashed:: Well, I didn't expect to need the fireproofing spells... that was supposed to be a *cold* attack. I think I mispronounced something. <Vallel> ::pulls out a chair for Gloss, then turns to Tarri:: I'm attempting to psionically tag someone as a "friend" in order that an area of effect psionic blast won't harm anyone so tagged. * Orlann follows Vallel's example and pulls out a chair for Tarri. * Tarri pauses as she works through the gist of Vallel's project. "I think I get it... That sounds like it could be useful." She smiles up at Orlann as she sits. <Vallel> ::nods:: We've had some accidents at the school... you'd think people would learn not to sneak up on other students... ::looks grim:: * Orlann seats himself to Tarri's left, across the table from Glossaria. <Tarri> Oh, dear... I hope no one's been hurt badly. <Vallel> ::makes a face:: Not so badly that Mistress Tyl or Professor Bluestar couldn't put them back together... <Tarri> That sounds... ominous. <Glossaria> ::she sits, a barbed, prehensile tail curling around the chairback to pull it in behind her:: Thank you, dear. <Vallel> ::drops his mouth open:: Um... dear? ::he reaches down to tap the tail:: <Glossaria> Yes? ::raises her eyebrows in enquiry as the tail flits around and slaps him lightly on the wrist, the barbs luckily missing his skin:: <Vallel> ::jerks his hand back:: That's a new ornament... ::he sits down:: <Tarri> ::looks startled as the tail becomes visible from the other side of the table:: * Orlann gets rather wild-eyed. * Tarri glances at Orlann, then takes his hand under the table to give it a reassuring squeeze. <Glossaria> ::turns half-around at Vallel's sudden movement. The tail "waves" at her:: Oh... oh, dear. ::covers her mouth with one hand:: I must have... um... oops. I thought it was a little odd that the Staff was assisting in my work... Well... I'm certain it will wear off. ::smiles brightly:: Dinner, anyone? <Vallel> ::the table shimmers and food suddenly appears. The first dish is a light salad of exotic greens, crumbled soft cheese, pignots, sliced tomatoes and olives:: <Vallel> ::takes a deep breath:: Don't worry about it, Corporal. She's done *worse* things to herself. And to me... and the surrounding room... it usually wears off. <Glossaria> ::looking a little wounded:: It's not always just *me*.... * Tarri picks up her salad fork and holds it as if carelessly, but tilting it so Orlann can see which one it is. * Orlann smiles gratefully at Tarri, then serves her some salad and takes a bit for himself before passing the dish to Glossaria. * Glossaria takes a bit of salad, slapping her tail lightly as it appears to be trying to sniff the bowl, and passes to Vallel. <Vallel> ::helps himself to some salad, then begins eating, pushing the tomatoes off to one side:: * Glossaria spears most of the tomatoes off of Vallel's plate and eats them, leaving one and pushing it back towards his salad. * Tarri takes a bite. "Oh, this is very good..." * Orlann notices the byplay with the salad and snickers softly behind his hand. <Vallel> ::makes a face:: I don't *like* tomatoes. You take it... ::looks across the table:: And how have you been keeping yourself recently, Tarri? * Glossaria nods agreement. "Fresh tomatoes. Well, not that we can't get them, but somehow the ones from the local markets taste better." She turns to Vallel. "Come now... one little hobgoblin bite... no, wait, that's not right..." She frowns. <Vallel> ::snorts:: Now I'm definitely not eating it. * Tarri pokes through her salad curiously, obviously identifying the individual ingredients for future replication. "Me? Oh... Master Bran and I have been busy, since word came of the situation in Arabel... We're making up medical kits - rolls of bandages and some simple potions and the like - to send up." <Glossaria> Pixie... nono... sprite? Ah! Brownie. ::smiles:: Brownie bite. <Tarri> ::giggles softly:: * Vallel stubbornly eats around the tomato. "Very busy, I'd imagine." He helps himself to a warm roll from one of the baskets. "And you, Corporal? What do you spend your time at?" <Glossaria> ::colors faintly, shrugging a shoulder:: Idioms still give me a little difficulty. * Glossaria shakes her head a little, spearing the last bit of Vallel's tomato and stealing an olive in the bargain. * Orlann looks up from his plate. "I've enlisted in the Dragons. Lieutenant Adiethian was right kind and signed me in at my old rank, so I ain't to start completely over." <Glossaria> ::cocking her head curiously at Orlann:: You were retired, Corporal? ::tilts her head the other way:: Do you have elven blood, perhaps? <Orlann> ::his face darkens a bit:: No ma'am. My... ::he swallows:: I was in the militia in Bleakhill, which ain't there anymore. * Tarri glances at Orlann, but doesn't say anything. * Glossaria blinks. "The militia? Or Bleakhill?" <Orlann> Both, ma'am... ::he examines a leaf minutely:: <Glossaria> ::very quietly:: oh. ::glances at Vallel, her face distressed:: <Vallel> ::perhaps the Kitchen is also attuned to the shift in moods, for the table suddenly sets the second course. Tender fillets of whitefish, braised in butter and drenched in a wine-cream sauce, fills a large platter, accompanied by a casserole of squash, onions, and cheese:: <Glossaria> I apologize if I've caused you emotional distress, Corporal. ::biting her lip:: I can be rather socially... inept, I'm afraid. * Tarri touches Orlann's arm briefly before carefully serving herself. <Orlann> ::shakes his head a few times:: Don't pay it no mind, ma'am. I'm not rightly adjusted to it yet, but it's becoming easier to live with. * Glossaria nods, and the fingers of her right hand twitch for a moment before she buries it in her lap. * Orlann takes a piece of fish and pokes at it curiously with his fork. <Tarri> ::gives Gloss a quick smile:: Well, and what have you been doing? I don't suppose I want to know what that explosion was that greeted us? * Glossaria takes the serving platter from Orlann, serving herself and studying her plate as she passes to Vallel. She looks at Orlann. "Whitefish, any one of several species of Coregonus, a genus of excellent food fishes allied to the salmons." She turns to Tarri with a grimace. "I've been researching dracoliches, red dragons, the Abyss, and healing magics that *might* work in the hells... and what went out the door was, well, a slight mispronunciation. It was supposed to be a cold spell." <Tarri> How very cheerful... ::half-smiling:: I suppose it's lucky it went out the door before exploding. <Orlann> ::stares at Glossaria for a moment, then chuckles:: Lor', I feel like I ought to be introduced to the fish, now... ::he takes a large spoonful of casserole:: <Vallel> ::snickers:: Don't mind her, she's always like that. She's got more than half the Library memorized. ::gives his wife a proud, fond smile:: <Glossaria> Well, I did herd it in that direction... ::looks briefly alarmed:: It didn't harm anyone, did it? <Glossaria> ::smiles back at Vallel:: I should, the number of meals I've taken in there. ::winks:: <Tarri> ::shakes her head:: I don't think so. It zipped by us rather nearly, though. <Glossaria> Oh, good. ::sighs in relief, accepting the casserole, taking a very small spoonful of casserole and passing it on, absently separating out the onions with her fork:: * Orlann takes a bite of casserole, then another. In an astonishingly short time, he has devoured all of it. "*This* is wonderful." He indicates the casserole dish. * Tarri eats a little less ravenously, but nods agreement. "I want this recipe." * Vallel leans over to Gloss. "Just a little brownie bite of onion, dear." * Glossaria takes a teeny bite of casserole and makes a small face, pushing the onions alllllll the way to the edge of her plate. With an air of duty, she eats the rest of the casserole." <Tarri> ::giggles:: * Glossaria sticks her tongue out at him. "YOU didn't eat your tomato." <Vallel> ::snickers:: I was waiting to follow your good example... * Orlann eats some of his fish, then helps himself to a bit more casserole. * Glossaria takes a deep breath, scoops up all of her onions onto her fork, and swallows them down in one gulp without breathing. Her eyes water a little and she looks faintly green, but she grins at him. "You owe me a tomato." <Tarri> ::laughs at Glossaria's theatrics:: * Vallel laughs, shaking his head. "Oh, I do love you, Gloss." He leans over and kisses her cheek. <Glossaria> ::smiles back at him fondly:: You know, I probably have a fireproofing spell left... that is, if I can get rid of the third party. ::gives her tail, which is curling around behind Val's head, a glare and a swift yank:: * Orlann blushes, looking down at his plate. * Tarri grins faintly and pretends to be very interested in her fish. <Vallel> ::under his breath:: I haven't set anything on fire by *accident* in years... <Glossaria> ::just as softly:: Now, now, we've not been married *that* long... * Orlann suddenly raises both eyebrows and stares at Vallel for a long moment. * Glossaria giggles softly and takes great interest in her fish. <Vallel> ::the Kitchen has very good manners and clears the table again. Small glass dishes of a palate cleaning ices appear near each plate:: * Glossaria looks up at the lull in conversation, glancing curiously from Orlann to Vallel and back to Orlann. "Oh! Sorbet!" She smiles and picks up the small outside spoon, digging in before the frost is off the glass. * Tarri eats a little sorbet. "Gloss, I don't suppose you have time soon to give Orlann a look at the Library? I promised him wonders beyond imagining..." She grins, having missed Orlann eyeing Vallel. * Orlann takes a deep breath, then puts his thoughts aside to taste the sorbet. He blinks in astonishment. "It's *cold*." <Glossaria> You read? I'd be delighted! Do you have time tonight? I'd be happy to show you around... I have to wait for my latest potion to cook, anyway. Brimstone. Very unhealthy. ::wrinkles her nose:: <Tarri> ::grins at Orlann:: We must remember, next time Master Rhys is manning the bar at the Hall, to ask for some ice cream. You're in for a treat, love. * Orlann glances shyly at Glossaria. "Yes'm. Books were right rare in Bleakhill, and I already read most of them that Tarri's got." <Glossaria> ::looks at Tarri, her tone taking on something between "school marm" and "drill sergeant":: He takes good care of the books he's borrowed? No dog-earing? Cracked spines? Crumbs in pages? * Orlann blushes again. <Vallel> ::rolls his eyes:: Gloss, be nice to the poor man... <Tarri> ::nods solemnly, though her eyes sparkle:: He's very careful, I promise. Like he said - books are a rare treat for him. <Glossaria> ::sniffs, glancing sidelong at Vallel, sounding faintly apologetic:: I have a duty to my books. I'm charged to take care of them. <Orlann> I won't be mistreatin' your books, ma'am... I can't likely afford to replace 'em. ::he looks at her earnestly:: I promise. <Glossaria> ::looks back at Orlann:: Well... you have an excellent reference. ::smiles at Tarri:: I accept your oath, Corporal Orlann, and I'd be happy to loan to you. * Tarri grins, pleased. "I could use another book or two, as well... You know, something to do with my ten minutes or so a day of unoccupied time..." She eyes Glossaria. "That's a joke, Gloss. Exaggeration." <Glossaria> ::smiles a little:: Of course. I imagine you only have five minutes of unoccupied time per day. <Tarri> ::grins:: That's probably closer. <Glossaria> ::sly grin:: There's a form of Kara-Turian gnomish poetry in which the entire theme is contained in one word. I imagine you could get through a few of those a day, at least. ::pausing to consider:: Well... perhaps one or two, anyway. They're very long words. <Vallel> ::when the sorbets are gone, the table shimmers again and produces a cream soup in a silver tureen:: <Vallel> ::shakes his head:: We've been neglecting the Kitchen, dear... * Glossaria raises her eyebrows, lifting the lid off the tureen with a flourish and setting it down. She jumps a little at a faint hiss, and peers under the lid again, lifting it briefly to release her trapped tail. <Glossaria> Perhaps we should open a cafe to keep it entertained... I wonder where the gnomes have gotten themselves off to? ::she eyes her tail sidelong, muttering:: Perhaps a minor exorcism... <Vallel> Maybe you should talk to Felice... she can probably tell you how to control that thing... if it's going to stay attached for a while. * Tarri looks extremely startled as Glossaria's tail hisses, and does her best to concentrate on her soup. * Orlann begins to get the numb, semi-glazed look of a man who's been startled once too often in a short period of time. <Glossaria> ::shakes her head, frowning slightly as she squeezes her tail:: No, I don't feel it at all. And it seems to be independently sentient, although I realize in terms of cats' tails, this is not a telling argument. Perhaps... well, I have my suspicions as to how I, um, acquired it. I'll try a few things later. I can always consult with Xarroch, if it comes to that.... ::frowns thoughtfully:: * Tarri takes Orlann's hand again, her voice pitched low. "You... kind of get used to it, after a while." * Orlann squeezes Tarri's fingers, looking at her own slightly wild eyes. "Do you now?" <Tarri> ::grins shakily:: Well... a little. * Glossaria shakes her head and ladles out some soup. <Vallel> ::grins widely at Tarri and Orlann:: I don't know that you get used to it so much as you just get numb after a while... <Tarri> You're not helping, Vallel. ::she speaks sternly, but her eyes sparkle:: <Vallel> ::gives Tarri a soulful look of wide-eyed innocence:: I'm *not*? <Glossaria> ::raises an eyebrow at Vallel and sniffs a little:: Perhaps you would have preferred to carry Yb's love child after all, love? ::her eye sparkles as well, although her expression is serious:: <Vallel> ::shudders:: Let's *not* talk about that, shall we? * Tarri is about to make a rejoinder to Vallel when she stops to stare at Glossaria. "Yb's-" She looks at Vallel again, takes a deep breath, and rather determinedly has a spoonful of soup. <Glossaria> ::looking innocent:: Just offering some perspective. <Vallel> ::darkly:: I have all the perspective I need from that angle, dear. * Orlann apparently decides that the safest course is to ignore that which he does not understand. He has a bit of soup. <Glossaria> Well, he wasn't *actually* pregnant. Yb was drunk. Vallel was not. ::her face darkening a little:: Had I any physical evidence that she had *actually* laid a hand on my husband... ::her tail lashes, the barbs bristling, and she lets out a breath:: But that's all over now, thankfully. * Glossaria takes a demure spoonful of soup. * Vallel pats his wife's arm soothingly. "Just the same, I'm happier never seeing her again." * Tarri glances at Vallel with a look halfway between concerned and amused. * Glossaria smiles, covering Val's hand with hers and squeezing lightly before releasing it to take another spoonful of soup. <Vallel> ::the tables clears off the soup when everyone is done and presents a magnificent dessert in tall hurricane glasses. Layered through the glass is chocolate, cake, whipped cream, strawberries, and a delicate vanilla mousse.:: <Tarri> Ooh, this looks wonderful, too. The Kitchen's really outdone itself tonight. ::she grins:: Feel free to ask us over again the next time it gets bored. <Glossaria> ::smiles:: Dinner tomorrow? I'm afraid we'll give it little challenge until the expedition is off, at least. ::sighs:: And then there will be the matter of appetite... <Vallel> ::snorts:: I eat... just not always paying attention to *what* I eat. ::he glances at Orlann:: Using psionics burns a lot of calories... * Glossaria turns her head sideways, eyeing the layers and muttering to herself. "I wonder if they're layered in order of specific density... no, wait, that's pousse cafe, not mousse..." <Tarri> ::laughs:: Well, we should probably give Orlann time to recover from *this* visit, first... * Orlann inserts a long spoon into the glass and looks positively blissful after taking a bite of whipped cream and strawberries. <Glossaria> ::looks faintly surprised:: But it generally takes the human body less than six hours to fully digest a meal... * Glossaria takes a spoonful of mousse, licking whipped cream off the spoon and smiling. * Vallel dips deeply into his parfait to get at the chocolate down at the bottom. "I wonder if the Kitchen sent any of this up to Zoya... heh. She probably wouldn't notice." * Glossaria nibbles a bit of cake and sighs. "I wish I could go..." * Tarri eats around most of her strawberries, saving them for last. * Vallel casts a slightly relieved look at his wife. "I'm sure Zoya will bring back really good notes, dear." <Glossaria> ::very softly:: If she can come back.... <Tarri> ::glances up at Glossaria with a worried expression:: I'm sure if anyone can do this, it's them... <Vallel> ::nods:: They'll be fine... <Glossaria> ::nods:: I believe they have the greatest chance at success, yes. But... they are not required to survive to succeed. ::looks troubled:: <Tarri> ::shivers and eats the last of her strawberries with less enjoyment than she had anticipated:: <Glossaria> I'm... I'm sorry. I'm being a poor hostess. ::passes a hand over her eyes and picks up her spoon again:: <Tarri> ::glances at Orlann, then shakes her head:: It's not as if we can just pretend none of it exists. <Orlann> No need to be sorry, ma'am... It'd be foolish to think there weren't danger to our friends in what they mean to do. ::gives her a quick smile:: But ain't no reason to give up hope. <Glossaria> No, but... "morale" refers to a certain buoyancy of spirit in times of battle or other stress, does it not? I've read of the importance of keeping up morale. ::smiles a little:: <Tarri> Well, yes... ::she smiles a little, then peers into Orlann's dessert glass:: Oh, you ate all yours already. Hmph. ::she looks up at Gloss:: The Library, then? You can suggest some cheery reading, maybe. <Orlann> ::nods earnestly:: A man expecting to die in battle, well, he usually does... <Glossaria> ::cocking her head:: Indeed? ::blinks:: Mistress Lisl's philosophy of warfare is that the one prepared to die is more likely to prevail, sometimes without even fighting a stroke. <Tarri> ::gives Orlann a shadowed look:: You'd better be expecting to come home every night, then. <Glossaria> ::shakes her head:: Somehow, I doubt this conversation can have a positive effect on morale. ::pushing her half-empty glass back and rising:: Come, let me show you the Library. <Orlann> ::grins at Tarri:: I told you, I ain't planning on dying yet. ::to Gloss:: Mistress Lisl and I've had a bit of talk about it. I reckon we're on opposites in a lot of philosophy. <Glossaria> Intriguing... if-- if you don't mind ::glances at Tarri:: I'm always eager for more perspectives on a topic... ::leaning over to kiss Vallel's cheek:: Coming with us, dear, or back to the salt mines with you? <Tarri> Just making sure... ::she laces her fingers with Orlann's as they stand to follow Gloss:: * Vallel stands with Gloss. "Oh, no... I ought to come along and make sure you and Tarri don't load the poor man down with your dreadful romances." <Tarri> ::sniffs indignantly:: He's already read two of my "dreadful romances." <Vallel> You have my sympathy... * Orlann laughs. "It really ain't that bad..." <Glossaria> ::ducking her head a little:: Well, if he *likes* romances.... ::winks at Tarri and undertones:: We should introduce him to Ilarion... perhaps he could stand model for him. ::giggles:: <Tarri> ::giggles and blushes rather hard:: <Glossaria> What do you like to read, Corporal? Or-- you said you didn't have a great deal of access to reading material... what subjects interest you? * Orlann follows them towards the library. "Oh, just 'bout anything... I'm not so very particular." * Glossaria looks over her shoulder at Orlann as she leads them down the Hall and, with a touch of her finger, causes the immense Library doors to swing wide. * Tarri watches Orlann's face with ill-suppressed anticipation as Glossaria ushers them into the Library. <Glossaria> Hm... well, if you prefer fiction, it's arranged alphabetically by genre. The non-fiction... well, best you let me help you find things, there. I had to modify Isidor's Schema a bit, as some of our collection areas are a bit... specialized. * Orlann stares at the shelves of books. "My glorious god!" He looks awed. "Ain't this just about what my father said Candlekeep was like..." <Tarri> ::grins and bounces on her toes excitedly:: Isn't it marvelous? <Glossaria> ::blushes, pleased:: Oh, Candlekeep's collection is nearly three times larger than this... ::mutters:: although our fiction selection is better, and I'm working on the rest... <Orlann> I never saw Candlekeep, I was just a babe at the time... ::he walks in a sort of daze between the shelves:: But my father did a job there, once... getting back some books what this fellow had stolen... * Tarri laughs softly and releases Orlann's hand to drift toward her favorite sections and browse. <Glossaria> Really? ::nods approvingly, giving Tarri a broad smile and a thumbs-up:: You're welcome to browse as you like. Please don't reshelve, though-- you can leave unwanted selections on the book cart. ::she snaps her fingers, and a little wooden bookshelf on wheels rolls out of the corner and starts following Orlann like a puppy:: And show me your selections before leaving-- the books are spelled against theft, and I'll need to dispel that. * Orlann barely notices the attentive bookcart, so lost in amazement is he. <Vallel> ::shakes his head:: Another bibliophile... <Glossaria> ::smiles, murmuring:: Yes, isn't it lovely? <Vallel> ::quietly:: Well, I wasn't certain, when you said Tarri's latest beau was a soldier... <Glossaria> ::An enormous white dog lifts her head from where she's sleeping beneath Gloss's desk, gets up with much wagging of tail, and crosses over to butt her head against Gloss's hip:: * Tarri makes her selections quickly - the next books in a couple of series she's reading - and after a quick glance down the aisles to see Orlann still deeply engrossed in wonder, brings them over to Glossaria. She gives Vallel a faint smile. "Well?" <Vallel> ::gives her a stern big-brother frown:: Isn't he awfully tall for you... ::his mouth twitches as he tries not to smile:: <Glossaria> Truly, it's the greatest portal every created... once one learns to read, your background, your station, matter nothing... an entire universe of knowledge is yours... ::fiercely:: And it *will* change Khymrych, it *will.* ::she pets Realia and scratches her between the ears:: <Tarri> ::gives Vallel an amused/irritated look:: Vallie! * Glossaria wrinkles her nose, sneaking an arm (and a tail) around Val's waist and leaning her head against his arm, emphasizing their own height difference. <Vallel> ::grins openly:: I wish you joy, Tarri, I really do. ::puts one hand on her shoulder:: You've been through so much... * Orlann picks up a few books, caressing the spines as if they were purest gold. <Tarri> ::hugs Vallel:: Thank you. <Glossaria> ::smiles, watching Orlann:: I like him. <Tarri> ::gives Gloss a fond smile:: Of course you do. He reads. <Vallel> ::lifting one eyebrow:: Where's he from? I don't think I've ever seen anyone quite so... dark. <Glossaria> ::blushes a little:: Well, he's cute, too. ::hugs Vallel one-armed:: <Tarri> His father was from Chult. <Tarri> ::grins at Glossaria:: I noticed that. * Vallel gives his wife a raised eyebrow and ruffles her green hair. "Cute, huh?" * Orlann picks up a thick leather book and flips idly through the pages. <Glossaria> ::looking the picture of wounded innocence:: Just window-shopping, love! You're cute, too. ::tugs a lock of his hair lightly:: <Vallel> Oh, *thank* you... ::laughs:: <Tarri> ::laughs:: <Glossaria> You're welcome. ::pulls him down for a kiss, slapping her tail aside again as it tries to sneak in between:: * Orlann takes down another book and opens it. He shuts it with a snap and blushes bright purple. He places it as far away from the other books on the cart as possible. After a moment, he puts the other discarded books on top of it. <Glossaria> ::yanks on the tail again as Realia starts to trying to chasing it:: Down, girl. No, not you. Sweet Erdian, this is going to get confusing... oh, look, Orlann's found the sex manuals. <Tarri> ::glances at Orlann, blushes, and resolutely looks away:: <Vallel> ::stoically:: Poor boy. <Glossaria> ::grins sidelong at Vallel, and assumes an overly innocent expression:: Page thirty-seven. <Vallel> ::puts his arm around his wife:: You said something about a fire-proofing spell, earlier... * Glossaria giggles. "I thought I wasn't to discuss such things in detail in mixed company?" * Tarri blushes rather harder. "Perhaps I'll just go hurry him along so you two can get back to your... research." She heads down the aisle without waiting for an answer. * Vallel laughs as Tarri hurries away and whispers something to his wife. * Glossaria covers her mouth to stifle a gasp and giggles, slapping her tail away again. * Orlann still has burning cheeks when Tarri catches up to him. "Oh..." He indicates the four or five books in his arms. "I think this'll suit me for a mite." * Glossaria whispers back to Vallel. <Tarri> I was coming to fetch you... ::she glances back toward Vallel and Glossaria:: I think we're about to wear out our welcome. <Orlann> ::nods:: All right... ::he follows Tarri back to the couple, the bookcart squeaking along behind him:: * Vallel grins widely, his green eyes dancing with glee as Orlann and Tarri come back. "Find something you like?" <Glossaria> ::smiles, schooling her features into something a little less impish, and nudges Vallel in the ribs:: Behave. * Tarri gives Vallel a dirty look. <Vallel> ::points to his wife:: Blame her... she's a bad influence. <Tarri> ::sniffs:: I doubt it. I knew you before you'd met her. <Glossaria> Ha! *I* am a respected instructor and pillar of the community. ::winks:: You don't need any of those, correct? ::points at the bookcart behind Orlann:: * Orlann nods hastily, not looking at the piled books. "Yes'm." He hands her a small stack. "I b'lieve these'll suit me just fine." <Glossaria> ::nods, taking his stack from him for a moment and pushing the bookcart over to one wall:: Very well... just a moment.... * Glossaria pulls a short stack of paper squares inscribed with mystic script and touches them to the inside front cover of each book, where they vanish. With her body shielding view of the books, she adds the purple-bound book to the stack and passes a hand over it with a whisper. It vanishes. <Glossaria> Here you are, Corporal... the dispel lasts about a month. I'm happy to renew them, but you should bring them back before then to get it done. ::hands Orlann the stack, including the invisible top book:: * Orlann nods his thanks. "I surely will. I don't reckon these'll take me more'n a month." <Glossaria> ::grins:: Well, you're welcome to come back for more, as well. <Orlann> Thank you, ma'am... * Vallel bends to pet the dog to hide his grin. * Vallel glances up at his wife, then sticks his finger in his ear and rattles it around a bit. * Tarri takes Orlann's arm. "Ready to head home, love?" * Glossaria glances sidelong at Vallel with a small smile. "Let me escort you... the front door can be a little... hard to find without assistance." <Orlann> Surely, darling. ::he turns to Vallel and Glossaria:: Thank you kindly for having us to dinner, Master and Mistress d'Nache. You'll please allow us to return the favor in time. <Glossaria> Certainly! ::grabs her tail a few inches shy of exploring her ear:: Hopefully just the two of us next time. ::gives the tail a glare:: * Tarri grins, and gives the door an uncertain look. "Um... If you could give us a guide back to the front door?" <Glossaria> ::smiles:: This way. ::leading them back down the hall, down a broad wooden staircase that wasn't there on the way in, and through a couple rooms to the foyer, which now appears to be a small garden. The front door is round and red, with a knob set exactly in the middle.:: <Orlann> ::shakes his head:: I ain't asking... really... <Glossaria> ::smiles a little:: Lord Erdian is the god of chaotic magic... what some people call "wild magic." This Tower was his before he Ascended, and it's imbued with some of his essence. The Hall is also one of his holy places. * Glossaria opens the door for them. * Orlann nods as if what she said made any sense. "Goodnight, ma'am." <Tarri> Thank you again. ::she hugs Glossaria and kisses Vallel's cheek:: We'll see you soon! <Glossaria> Goodnight, Corporal, Tarri. <Vallel> Take care, you two... * Glossaria returns Tarri's hug with a smile. * Tarri takes Orlann's arm again as they leave, leaning comfortably against his side. * Orlann looks back at the Tower a few times as they stroll back towards Tarri's flat. <Orlann> Odd place... very, very odd. <Tarri> ::laughs:: There's an understatement if I've ever heard one... * Glossaria stands at the door, watching the couple stroll down the walk. "Hope they go straight home... that invisibility spell wears off in a few hours." <Vallel> ::grins:: If he got a good look at one of those pages, I don't suspect he'll be at all sluggish in getting her home. <Glossaria> ::giggles:: Well, it's not for everyone... ::her grin turns sly:: Though I seem to recall *you* being fond of it... come on, I want to get rid of my hitchhiker. ::grabs her tail as it "peeks" out the door:: |
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