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* Rhys wanders around from the kitchen and unlocks the main door. He returns behind the bar. "Hall's open." * Tarri bounces through the door with Orlann, laughing. She wears a light spring dress of pale lavender, a dark violet tucked into her hair. She beams widely when she sees Rhys. "Good evening, Master Altain!" <Rhys> And good evening to you, Miss Mandeil. What can I get you tonight? * Orlann walks in behind her, shaking his head and looking amused. <Tarri> Cider, please. ::she grins conspiratorially:: Did you know Orlann's never had ice cream? <Rhys> And Corporal Drilgar. So good to see you as well. And he hasn't? Well, I have a tub of strawberry ice cream that's just arrived, if you'd care to introduce him to the dessert. <Orlann> Good evening... ::he pulls up a stool and sits down:: <Tarri> ::pretends to think about it:: Hmm... Do you have chocolate sauce, too? * Lisl enters through the back, spending some time banging around in the kitchen before coming out into the main hall. A small smudge of blood smears her right cheek. <Rhys> I do think we have some, back in the cold box, that is still suitable for consumption. Good evening, Lisl. Restocking our larder? <Tarri> ::seriously:: Well, I wouldn't want his first experience with ice cream to be substandard... ::she grins:: But since you have chocolate sauce, then everything's fine. We'd love some ice cream, please. <Lisl> Aye. I figured it might be awhile... didn't want to leave you without something to cook, Rhys. ::grins:: * Orlann looks up. "Evening, Mistress Lisl." <Rhys> Quite kind of you. What can I get you? Are you interested in a bowl of strawberry ice cream as well? And with or without chocolate sauce? <Tarri> Lisl! ::she smiles:: How have you been? * Rhys serves Tarri her cider. "Anything for you, Corporal? Is it still Corporal?" <Lisl> ::nods greeting to Tarri and Orlann:: Busy. That's the problem with having a life... damn hard to go on vacation. And I'd be delighted to have some ice cream with chocolate sauce, Rhys. I'll save the 'kick for later. <Orlann> Yes, sir, it is... ::he grins:: The Lieutenant was kind enough to sign me in at my old rank... <Orlann> ::considers:: I ain't had ice cream before. What... what do you think would taste best with it? <Rhys> How pleasant of him. I'll let you consider what sort of imbibible you might want with the ice cream, water is quite well enough, while I go back and scoop. ::Rhys bustles back into the kitchen:: <Lisl> ::snorts:: He should've promoted you. <Tarri> ::grins:: Water or milk, usually. Lemonade, if you like sour things... Definitely not anything bitter, like beer. Ice cream is very sweet. <Rhys> ::gentle activity can be heard back in the kitchen, doors opening and closing, the rattle of ceramics against each other, a stretch of near-quiet, and then Rhys comes out with four bowls of strawberry ice cream with chocolate sauce ladled over the top, and four spoons.:: Here you are. Happy eating. I hope no one minds if I have a bowl myself, I hadn't a chance to try it before it was time to open. <Orlann> ::to Lisl:: Oh, no ma'am... that wouldn't be right. It'll take some time for me to learn all the ways of the Purple Dragons, and all. <Orlann> ::to Rhys:: Just water, please. <Lisl> ::grins:: Have to check on the quality of the merchandise. <Rhys> ::nodding, he pours Orlann a mug of water:: And of course, Lisl. I can't allow the Hall's reputation to suffer. Why, if it were found out we were serving substandard ice cream... I'm sure it would be horrible. * Tarri pulls a bowl toward her and takes a tiny bite, careful to get both chocolate and ice cream in the spoon, and briefly closes her eyes in bliss. "Mmm.... Perfect." <Lisl> Bah. Well, it shouldn't take you long, with the line of raw recruits I've seen snaking out of the barracks these days. They're going to be wanting to give experienced men plenty of reason to stay. * Orlann pokes at his ice cream for a bit, then takes a bite. <Lisl> ::grins at Rhys and takes a spoonful of ice cream, frowning at it critically and taking a bite:: Horrible, Rhys. Obviously defective. I think you'll need to toss the whole lot... I'd be happy to take care of it for you. * Rhys snorts derisively. "I'm quite wise to your gambits, Miss Ferinsdottir. You'll have to get up earlier in the morning than that to get that ice cream out of this coldbox." * Orlann looks at the spoon after he's taken his bite. "How... how's it stay cold?" <Lisl> Damn. And here I was hoping you'd say "I'll see you in the Abyss before I give you this ice cream." ::shakes her head:: Perfect chance to use that line, and I haven't managed to snooker anyone with it yet this week. <Rhys> We've a box in the back, with some ice and rather cunning engineering, it manages to keep things below freezing. Cunning engineering and other advancements, to be completely honest. * Orlann takes another bite. <Rhys> Oh, and Corporal, don't eat it very quickly. The headache it causes is over swiftly, but mildly excruciating while it lasts. * Orlann pauses, bite halfway to his mouth. "Thanks... I'll keep that in mind." * Tarri savors another bite and sighs, her eyes half-lidded. <Lisl> ::grins:: Aye, I thought you cheated. ::looks at Orlann:: I've got a cold box at home, but I just get by on the "cunning engineering" bit. Cut ice from the lake in winter, pack it in straw in a dark room with thick walls-- instant cold. For awhile, anyway. * Lisl scoops up another spoonful, chasing a drool of chocolate over the side and transferring the whole mess to her mouth before it has a chance to drip. * Rhys fetches a damp cloth from under the counter and sets it near Lisl. "Miss Ferinsdottir, when you get a chance. Your quarry has left its mark on you." He taps his right cheek. <Tarri> ::gives Orlann a hopefully expectant look:: Do you like it? <Lisl> Now the pashas in those merchant cities in Anauroch-- they do it the hard way. Send runners to the high mountains at night to collect snow and get it back before dawn. ::shakes her head:: Riches don't buy smarts.... mm? ::touches her cheek:: Oh, thanks, Rhys. ::wipes her cheek with the cloth, frowning at it:: No, not mine. Thanks. ::gives Rhys the rag:: * Rhys carries the rag back into the kitchen and returns swiftly, picking up his bowl and nibbling at the ice cream. * Orlann considers the question carefully, eyeing his remaining half-bowl. "I... yeah, I think so. It's a bit odd, ain't it?" <Tarri> A little, being so cold... But I think it tastes just *lovely*. And in the summer, when things are so hot and heavy, it's the perfect treat. <Lisl> ::grins:: Acquired taste. If you don't like it, go ahead and say so. I'll finish it for you. ::winks at Tarri:: <Tarri> ::give Lisl a mock-challenging look:: Oh, no you don't! * Orlann eyes Lisl suspiciously. "No, that's quite all right, ma'am. I think I c'n manage." * Lisl takes another big spoonful of ice cream and swallows it. "Shall we say spoons at dawn?" <Tarri> ::giggles and cuts a largish strawberry in half before devouring it:: * Lisl grins back and picks out a strawberry with her fingers, licking it clean of cream and swallowing it whole. * Orlann stirs his ice-cream as he gets towards the bottom, melting it into a strawberry and chocolate puddle. * Lisl finishes, scraping the bowl, licking off her spoon, and hesitating a moment as she eyes the empty bowl. <Rhys> Would anyone care for seconds? Anyone at all? <Orlann> ::snorts, pointing to Lisl with his spoon:: * Tarri scrapes the last ice cream from her bowl with relish. She uses a finger to capture a little missed chocolate sauce from the rim and catches Orlann's eye with a wink as she licks it off. Finally, with a satisfied sigh, she pushes her bowl away. "I think I've had enough for now, Master Altain. Thank you very much." * Lisl grins a little shamefacedly and pushes her bowl towards Rhys. "Yes, please, Rhys." <Lisl> And... if you could possibly find any cherries in the back, I'd be deeply indebted to you, Rhys. ::looks hopeful:: * Orlann spoons up the rest of his strawberry soup. * Rhys takes both ladies's bowls and heads back into the kitchen, returning with one freshly filled bowl that has three cherries resting on top, which he places in front of Lisl. "No trouble at all, Lisl. Enjoy the comforts of home while they're available." <Lisl> ::her eyes light up and she curls one arm around the bowl protectively, her spoon hovering in attack position:: *Thank* you, Rhys. * Tarri grins at Lisl. <Orlann> ::rolls his eyes:: I ain't gonna steal it, ma'am. <Lisl> Never said you would. ::not relaxing her guard as she takes a fresh spoonful of ice cream:: <Rhys> Corporal, do you know anything about the near-riot at the docks from a few days ago? The Herald was inconclusive when it came to pointing the finger of fault. <Orlann> You seem right untrusting this evenin', Mistress Lisl... * Orlann turns on his stool. "Oh, a mite. My unit was one called down there to break it up. I'd say the fault mainly is panic and greed, sir." <Lisl> I'm merely asserting my right over my cherries, Corporal. ::grins and picks up a cherry, pulling it off its stem with her teeth and laying the stem neatly to one side:: * Rhys shakes his head and makes a quiet tut-tutting. "How unpleasant. I'm glad to see you emerged from the event no worse for the wear." <Tarri> Speaking of which, how's your arm? <Orlann> ::looks a little sheepish:: It's fine, darling... be right as rain in another week or so. * Lisl takes another bite of ice cream, raising an eyebrow. "Sounds like we'd best get our job done quickly." <Lisl> Speaking of... Rhys, any chance that, in your wanderings, you got to know Vangerdahast? You know, Azoun's pet wizard? <Orlann> People're just scared... some want to be leaving for a spell, and the captains got only so much room on the ships... 'Course, some of 'em are acting like it's the chance to provide for their children's grandchildren... <Rhys> We've never met. I know him by his work. <Lisl> Hm. ::nods and takes another spoonful of ice cream, frowning distractedly at the countertop:: <Tarri> What for, Lisl? Usually, when you want a mage, you just go over to the Tower... <Lisl> Hm? ::looks up:: Oh, that's a thought, I'll ask Zoya tonight. I should make sure she goes to bed, anyway... ::shakes her head:: It's... nothing. Well, at least I hope it's nothing. I'm being my usual paranoid self again. <Tarri> ::looks amused:: You're being paranoid about the king's own court wizard? ::she shakes her head and sips cider:: <Orlann> What's fretting you *this* time, Mistress Lisl? <Lisl> No, I'm being paranoid about the king. Or what we think was the king. <Tarri> Nope... That's not your usual paranoid self, Lisl. That's stretching things, even for *you*. ::grins:: * Rhys raises an eyebrow. "What's this then?" <Orlann> You think he wasn't who he said? I don't reckon that's too likely... <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow at Orlann:: I'm thinking I've known a great deal of people in my lifetime who weren't what they said. And we've got, by all accounts, an ancient red dragon loose out there. And you've got to admit, showing up by himself in the middle of the night at a crazy adventurer's bar isn't the usual way royals go about recruiting for a quest. <Orlann> I'm sure that I wouldn't be knowing that, ma'am. I ain't had so very much experience with the nobility... But I wonder... what would it gain someone to make the ruse? <Lisl> Well... as that particular question's been running through my mind in the wee hours of the dark for about half a week now... I can see two things. <Tarri> It's not the usual sort of quest, Lisl. ::she shakes her head:: You might as well start being paranoid that *I'm* actually Princess Tanalasta, and Orlann here's the red dragon. ::she shrugs:: Besides, you can't really *refuse* the quest, can you? You gave your word. And if it *is* real, it would ruin things. <Lisl> ::raises her eyebrows:: I have no intention of refusing. If it's the real thing, yes, it's *critically* important we get that sword into Azoun's hands as soon as possible. <Lisl> I'm just glad that Mother, at least, is staying here. ::frowns at the bartop again:: Because if that *wasn't* the king... then someone will have just managed to acquire the most powerful dragonslaying weapon in the country, *and* get most of the loyal heavy muscle out of Marsember in one easy move. <Tarri> So don't use the scabbard thing to send the sword back. Hand-carry it. <Orlann> ::looks at Lisl with a raised eyebrow:: I understand, ma'am, that you and your friends are right impressive, but I don't think you'd rightly be called *most* of the loyal heavy muscle. <Lisl> ::nods to Tarri:: It's crossed my mind. On the other hand... Azoun will need that blade in his hand as soon as we can get it to him. ::grins at Orlann:: And you're right, I'm discounting the War Wizzies, and the Dragons who have been left here, and any adventurers who haven't been hired up north yet. <Lisl> But... ::murmurs to herself:: Never underestimate the subtlety of a dragon.... * Lisl takes another spoonful of melting ice cream, following it up with another cherry. <Tarri> ::under her breath:: Or the paranoia of a Lisl... * Lisl grins at Tarri. * Tarri covers her grin with a swallow of cider. <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: I hope I'm paranoid. My life would be a whole lot more relaxed if I were never right. <Orlann> ::shakes his head:: Bet you'd sleep a mite easier, though. * Lisl scrapes her bowl clean. "Sleep? What's that?" <Orlann> Don't reckon you'd know, would you, ma'am? ::grins:: <Lisl> ::grins:: Kidding. I'm not *that* bad. ...usually. * Tarri laughs lightly. <Lisl> ::eyes her bowl:: I'll just go put this in the sink. ::stands and carries her bowl into the kitchen:: * Rhys opens and holds the door for Lisl. * Tarri waits until Lisl disappears through the kitchen door, then whispers, "You know, she's doing that so she can lick the bowl before she rinses it out." * Rhys holds his finger to his mouth. "Shhhh..." * Lisl puts the bowl in the sink with a clatter and returns, wiping her mouth with her fingers. * Lisl looks around at the others. "What, am I *that* obvious?" <Tarri> ::gives Lisl a wide-eyed look of innocence:: Call it our innate sense of Lisl-paranoia. <Orlann> ::laughs:: * Lisl snorts and shakes her head with a smile. "Rhys? I'd take that mug of 'kick now, if you would." * Rhys pours Lisl a mug of the oily clear liquid. "And here you are. One acquired taste, ready to serve." <Orlann> ::eyes Lisl's drink dubiously:: Do I even want to know what that is? <Lisl> Many thanks. ::picks up her mug and hesitates, half-turning on her stool to toast the blackened crossed swords over the mantle with it before drinking.:: <Rhys> ::to Orlann:: You can ask about it all you want. It'd be better off if you didn't drink it. Or smell it too closely. <Tarri> ::glances at Lisl's drink and shudders:: It's completely foul, is what it is. * Lisl takes a sip. "It's called mule-kick. It's..." She glances at Rhys with a grin. "An acquired taste which most patrons do not care to acquire." <Orlann> ::shudders:: With a name like that, I reckon I'll pass... <Orlann> I'm on duty tomorrow, and I don't reckon a sore head would stand me in much favor. * Lisl takes another swallow. "We're set to leave tomorrow. I'm getting it in while I can." <Lisl> ::thoughtfully:: Makes a handy munition, too. <Tarri> 'Kick would give you more than a sore head, love. I think Lisl only drinks the stuff because she likes being miserable so much. ::she gives Lisl an impish grin:: <Lisl> ::grins at Tarri:: You've found me out. * Orlann shakes his head at Lisl. * Lisl toasts Orlann with her mug and has another hefty swallow. * Orlann takes a swallow of his water. "Every time I think I'm getting used to the people 'round here, I get all rattled again..." * Tarri smiles and hugs his arm. "It's part of the charm." <Lisl> ::grins:: A little alcoholic rattles you, Corporal? Best not take him to the Tower ever again, Tarri. ::winks:: <Lisl> [make that "alcoholic poison"] * Orlann flushes at the mention of the Tower. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: You took him there? <Tarri> Vallel invited us to dinner. <Lisl> Oh, dear. Did Gloss cook? <Tarri> ::laughs:: No, the Kitchen did. It's been bored lately, I think - it set out the most wonderful spread... <Lisl> Heh. Not surprised... Zoya's probably in high research mode all week. <Tarri> They all are, it sounds like. Glossaria's helping Lady Natovna, and Vallie's doing a big project for school, and he said Master Marten's out of town again. <Lisl> Mm. ::glances over at the crossed swords again:: He's out of town a lot these days. <Tarri> I wouldn't know, really... * Orlann shrugs. "For food like that was, I reckon I'd learn to get used to girls with tails." <Tarri> ::laughs:: Oh! Drat! I forgot to get that recipe! * Lisl blinks. "Girls with tails?" <Lisl> Am I missing something? Was Nach there? <Tarri> ::grins:: Gloss'd had an accident, right before we came over. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: A tail. <Tarri> ::vastly amused:: And it wasn't like a normal tail, either. It definitely had a mind of its own. And, I think, a little crush on Val. It was very funny. <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: If memory serves, that's how Nach-- heh. Well... wonder if it'll be permanent. <Tarri> I don't know. Though Gloss couldn't *feel* anything, she said, so maybe if it got in her way too much she'd just cut it off. * Lisl winces. <Tarri> Well, she *said* she couldn't feel it. She didn't know it was there until Val pointed it out. <Lisl> Mm. ::takes a deep swallow of 'kick:: Well, luck to her. ::chuckles and shakes her head again:: * Orlann finishes off his water and sets it back on the bartop. <Rhys> Last call, ladies and gentleman. <Tarri> Oh! ::she finishes the last of her cider with a gulp:: <Lisl> Good with this, Rhys, thanks. ::glances out the window at the waning moon:: I don't need a sore head tomorrow, either. Though maybe it'd put me in the right mood... <Rhys> In such a hurry to get another, Miss Mandeil? <Tarri> ::smiles:: No, but we've both got to be up early in the morning, and I hadn't realized how late it was getting... * Orlann nods. "Morning gate-duty tomorrow..." <Tarri> ::looks up at Orlann:: Ready to go home? <Orlann> ::stands up and offers her his arm:: Surely, darling. ::reaches for his belt pouch to fish out one thin, silver coin:: * Lisl finishes off her mug, setting it down on the floor and prodding it a little with her toe to watch it waddle off to the kitchen. <Tarri> I said I'd pay tonight, didn't I? <Orlann> Oh... ::puts his coin back:: I forgot... <Rhys> First ice cream of the year's on the house. No charge. * Lisl stands and stretches. "Thanks, Rhys." * Tarri grins at Rhys. "Is that really a rule?" <Rhys> Of course, Lisl. <Rhys> Why, yes it is, Miss Tarri. One of the oldest on record here at the Meade Hall. * Orlann looks as if he might question the veracity of that statement, then shrugs. "Thank you." <Lisl> ::grins at Tarri:: I remember that one back from *my* days behind the bar. ::winks:: <Tarri> ::laughs:: I would never dream of doubting you, Master Altain... Thank you. It was wonderful. ::she puts a copper coin on the bar:: For the cider. * Orlann escorts Tarri from the Hall. * Rhys shoots the copper a look and it scampers off the bar and out the door, after Orlann and Tarri. * Lisl watches them leave, and sighs. <Rhys> The weight of the world settling on your shoulders, Miss Ferinsdottir? <Lisl> Weight of the underworld, more like. ::cracks her knuckles:: Keep the Hall safe 'til we get back, alright, Rhys? <Rhys> We'll do what we can, naturally. Safe journey, Lisl. Safe as can be hoped for, at least. <Lisl> ::starts to grin:: Well, not *too* safe, I hope. Thanks, Rhys. Sleep sweet. <Rhys> And you. * Lisl strolls out, whistling an old, *old* drinking song. * Rhys follows Lisl to the door, locking it behind her. He returns back to the room and starts cleaning up ice cream bowls and spoons. |
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