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<Rhys> ::Much like last week, the door to the Hall is quietly unlocked from inside, but the door is left closed, and no light escapes around its edges. The building itself still seems darker than usual, cast in shadow, and somehow farther back from the street than other buildings:: * Diya assists Kevil onto the Hall. Both men look weary and pained. Diya is limping badly. * Adam slips into the alley the Hall door is on and opens the door, slipping through quickly. <Rhys> Diya, Kevil. What happened? I assume you didn't fall down the stairs? Sit, sit.... <Rhys> Evening, Adam. How're things at the forge? * Kevil is helping Diya as much as leaning on him as they slip into the Hall. Kevil looks distinctly relieved to be out of the street, and he offers Rhys a bow that is far stiffer than his usual florid grace. He goes to the bar and sits gingerly, peeling off his work-gloves to reveal hands that are already beginning to form calluses. "They caught us out after dark last night." * Adam shrugs, "As well as can be expected with orcs watching everything I do and complaining about my workmanship." Looks at Kevil and Diya, "I'm at least used to the work." * Adam takes a seat at the bar. <Diya> ::in his halting accent:: Diya could use a cup wine, yes? <Kevil> ::glances at Diya with concern and nods to Rhys:: Two glasses, please. Laced with brandy. <Rhys> Oh, dear. Yes, of course, some wine. Red or white? <Kevil> Red. * Aeryn pushes open the door and enters, glancing behind him somewhat nervously. Seeing Diya and Kevil already at the bar, he sweeps the hood of his cloak back and heads over to them. <Kevil> ::nods to Aeryn:: How is your back? * Rhys pours Diya and Kevil goblets of red wine with a generous splash of brandy in each glass. "Gentlemen. To your health, may it improve dramatically." <Rhys> Adam, Aeryn, would you like anything? <Aldis> ::the door seems to hesitate for a moment before closing behind Aeryn, and a heavily cloaked and muffled form seems to melt out of the darkness to cross the threshold. The door closes quickly but silently behind it.:: <Aeryn> ::wry face:: I do not believe we will be taking the rooftops two nights from today. <Adam> Meade please. <Aeryn> What would you suggest, good Master Rhys? * Adam looks questioningly at Aeryn. * Kevil raises his glass in accord with Rhys' toast, and takes a largish gulp. <Rhys> ::pouring Adam his meade:: Lady Aldis, well met tonight. And, Aeryn, if you enjoyed the meade before, we still have our stocks of it. * Diya drinks two swallows with the grimace of someone who is not at all accustomed to the taste of alcohol. * Adam drinks his meade. <Aeryn> Very well. Meade then, please. <Kevil> ::looks around as Rhys greets Aldis:: Lady Aldis! How fortuitous! I was hoping I might find you soon. * Aeryn looks at Adam and raises an eyebrow. "Yes?" * Rhys pours Aeryn a mug of meade. Also as last week, the mugs are still and inanimate. <Adam> Rooftops? <Aldis> ::the looming figure seems to deflate a little as the hood is pushed back, and Aldis smiles tiredly at Rhys:: A good evening to you, Master Rhys. It gladdens the heart to see this place open. Might a weary house guest beg a glass of feywine of you? <Kevil> :;to Adam:: Diya and Master Aeryn and I went down to the drydocks last night. Master Aeryn and I took the high road. * Aeryn takes a deep drink of his meade, and sighs. "Yes, the little jaunt that earned the three of us this souvenir. <Rhys> She wouldn't need to beg, simply ask and I'll see what I can do. ::he commences to shifting bottles about under the bar with the quiet clinking of glass on glass. He pulls out a tall, thin, light green bottle after a search. "Here we are..." He pours Aldis a goblet of the feywine. <Adam> I see. Did you learn anything of interest? Besides the fact that orcs apparently look up more often than the Dragons ever did. * Diya takes another sip of the laced wine and sighs with a bit of relief as the alcohol takes some effect. * Aeryn swiftly finishes his first mug and politely asks Rhys for another. <Kevil> Which reminds me, I picked up a phrase or two from the human mercenaries on guard down there, and I was wondering if one of you might be able to place the language... I apologize for its probable crude content, but one works with what one is given... ::he rolls his eyes up slightly, remembering, then recites a few short phrases in an oily language:: * Aldis hangs her cloak on a peg and crosses to take a seat at the bar. In place of her usual blue and grey gown, she wears a set of Lisl's hunting leathers, looking quite comfortable in them for all that they're a little broad in the shoulder for her. Her silver hair is done up in its usual braided crown.:: My thanks. ::sighs and takes a sip:: <Diya> ::his fingers twitch as he looks at Aldis, his eyes rapt with admiration and awe:: * Aeryn looks at Aldis with some interest. * Kevil has some more wine, then looks at Adam. "They took us from the ground, actually. But we learned a great deal. I made contact with and managed to bribe, I think, one of the human mercenaries. In exchange for my bribe, he promised to arrange certain... preferential treatments for Loria and those with her in the docks. I learned that the orc general keeps far better discipline than most human generals I have heard of." <Aldis> ::listens to Kevil, and shakes her head regretfully:: Human tongues are not my forte, I'm afraid. But I don't think it's from the northern wastes, if that's any help to you. ::looks wry:: <Aeryn> Not to mention the harsher punishments they deal out for infringements... * Adam lifts his mug to Kevil, "My best wishes for your family and for all the hostages." <Aldis> ::looking stricken:: Loria was taken, then, and your babes? Kevil, I'm so sorry. <Diya> ::shakes his head:: Diya thinks was not so bad. Could been much bad. <Kevil> ::nods briefly:: I thank you, Lady. But this brings me back to you. I wonder if you might be willing to assist me. <Aldis> ::glances at Diya, smiling a little, and turns her attention back to Kevil:: In any way I can... what is it you need? <Kevil> ::smiles wryly:: I captured the mercenary's attention by disguising myself as a woman. I am fairly adept with illusions, and so I was able to fool his senses enough for a short time. But I fear on our second meeting - two nights hence - he will demand somewhat... more than my illusions can withstand. * Aldis raises one eyebrow, her grin positively Lisl-like. "*Oh*?" * Adam smiles into his mug. * Aeryn smiles as he remembers the event, before wincing again as he shifts slightly. <Diya> ::to Aeryn:: It is not so bad... Diya thinks they could have killed, instead. <Kevil> ::holds up his hands:: Not *that* much help, Lady! ::he grins briefly:: I am perfectly content, believe me, to remain a man. I had hoped... you might know of a spell that would allow its target to... delude himself into believing that events had occurred according to his own wishes, d'va? <Diya> ::with a wink at Kevil:: {Diya thinks heartwing might make an *interesting* woman.} * Aldis covers her mouth, coughing lightly. "Well... that's easy enough *without* magic, but I think that's more than any man truly wishes to learn..." Her eyes dance impishly. * Adam chokes on his meade. * Aeryn stifles a laugh <Kevil> ::gives Diya an amused look before turning back to Aldis with a grin:: Va, Lady. I should not wish to pry into such secrets. And yet, I do most heartily wish to avoid being... handled more than necessary, d'va? My illusions can only withstand so much scrutiny. And besides, he had foul breath. * Adam puts his mug down before he kills himself. * Aeryn is grinning broadly, despite the end result of the night Kevil is speaking of. He takes another sip of meade. * Kevil glances at Adam and starts to laugh as well, but winces. He picks up his wineglass and drains it. * Adam grins sheepishly, "I'm sorry. I know it's nothing to laugh about, but..." * Aldis glances sidelong at Adam and winks before attempting to bridle her own amusement. "So... you wish for something he can... handle, without "handling" you? Hm." She strokes her chin. "I believe I understand what you wish it to do... how broad a scrutiny must it withstand? Does it need to converse?" <Aeryn> ...But it's still quite funny, right? * Diya takes another sip of his wine and makes a face. * Adam nods. <Aeryn> ::grins at Adam:: It is not as funny if you consider what the man was responsible for, but even so... <Kevil> ::ponders:: Not significantly, I believe... The persona I cast was quite timid; she might easily be silent... And I would be there in person, once the fantasy had completed, to ask what questions I dare. <Aeryn> Or for the rest of us to...ask...in a different manner, should we desire. <Diya> ::shakes his head:: Diya does not think hurting that man would be wise. Once having bribed, should keep the "friend"... <Kevil> ::gives Aeryn a tight smile:: I think far more might be gained if he is led willing. But yes, such persuasion is not out of the question. <Aldis> Hm... will it need to stand up to magical investigation? * Aeryn snorts <Kevil> ::to Aldis:: I do not think so. I detected no attempts to look past my illusion, and you are far beyond my skill as a mage. <Aldis> ::shrugs a shoulder:: Skill aside, crafting something magical that is not to *look* magical to the rankest of amateurs takes time and power beyond what I can afford at the moment, I think. ::nodding:: Let me consult with a... friend in the city, if I can find her. I believe I can offer you what you require. ::her eye twinkles again and she shakes a finger:: Only no sampling, or I'm telling Loria. <Adam> ::chuckles:: * Diya raises both eyebrows. <Aldis> So-- two nights hence, you said? Tommorow evening would be soon enough for you, then? <Kevil> ::laughs:: I assure you, Lady, you will be obeyed. If you can do this for me, then you save me a *far* less pleasant prospect. Tomorrow evening would be perfect. <Aldis> ::nods, adding sternly:: And no telling my daughter! I'd never hear the end of it. ::she grins a little, and takes another sip of feywine:: * Aeryn finishes his second mug, and places it carefully on the counter. * Kevil stands and bows deeply, if somewhat stiffly. "Your whim is my command, Lady." His eyes are twinkling as he resumes his seat, despite his brief wince. <Rhys> Would you care some more, Aeryn? <Aldis> ::chuckles:: Don't tempt me, Master Talarin. After all, you *are* married. ::winks:: * Diya takes his last sip and pushes the goblet away. * Adam sips his meade, "I'm not promising anything." Grins mischievously. * Aeryn considers it. "Maybe one more..." * Rhys refills Aeryn's mug. "Anyone else care for some more high spirits?" <Kevil> ::in something near to his light, flirtatious tone:: Twice, my Lady. Surely my circle-mates could easily be persuaded to accept one of your grace and stature and skill! * Adam drains his mug, "I could use another." <Aldis> ::raising her eyebrows at Adam in mock-surprise:: Ah! You would condemn an old woman to be disowned by her own blood? To eke out a shameful existence peddling love charms in a back alley of Pleasure Island? For shame, Master Adam! * Rhys refills Adam's mug with more meade. * Aeryn grins. "If this is what the *mother* is like, I would indeed like to meet the daughter!" <Aldis> ::pouting at Kevil:: Oh, but I'd have to *share* you? ::grinning:: Besides... do you *truly* want to stand as Lisl's stepfather? <Adam> ::Adam's immense frame shakes with his suppressed laughter:: Lady Aldis, I do not believe your daughter would disown you for anything except forcing her to wearing pink and lace. And as for eking out an existence I have seen enough of your skill to know that you could easily live a far grander life than you do, on your skills alone. <Kevil> ::considers:: I could see certain amusement value, I admit it... <Adam> ::chuckle:: Kevil, I somehow don't think she'd listen to you when you told her to behave. <Aldis> ::grinning at Aeryn:: Beware, young man, for I am my daughter's secret shame. You know, the sort one locks in the attic most of the time and only lets out on holidays. * Aeryn chokes on his meade. <Kevil> ::with exaggerated mock-innocence:: No? But I am certain she was no more than a dutiful and obedient daughter. How else could it be, with such a fine mother? * Diya stares dreamily at the table for a while before folding his arms and dozing off. * Aldis sags over the bar, leaning on her knees and laughing. "Aaahhh... hahahahaha... oh, my dear Kevil... I raised my daughter to be independent. I believe you have her confused with someone *else's* daughter." <Aeryn> ::grins broadly back:: You expect me to believe a statement like that, dear lady? Not without meeting the daughter in question, by the sound of those who know her. <Kevil> ::grins at Aldis, his own pain seemingly much lessened:: <Aldis> ::grins at Aeryn impishly:: Well... all of this male company *could* make me prone to small exaggerations.... * Kevil looks at the dozing Diya and gently brushes his fingers over the ranger's hair. * Aeryn inclines his head in Aldis' direction. "There is that, good lady. There is that." * Adam holds his arms out, "I swear, I caught a fish this big." * Aeryn snorts. "Oh, please. *Anything* but that one!" * Aldis smiles at Kevil, nodding to the sleeping man beside him. "Your new husband?" <Aeryn> ::to Rhys:: I happened to linger for some time after I left last week, and there was an orc captain making up all sorts of new swear words as he searched the street for something. I don't suppose you might know what he was looking for? <Kevil> ::returns Aldis' smile:: Yes... Is he not a marvel? * Rhys shakes his head. "I'm afraid I don't. I suppose it's possible he was looking for the Hall. There isn't much else of note around here. Well, except for the bakery a few doors down, they make the best morning rolls you've ever had. But I doubt that's what an orc would have been looking for late at night." <Aldis> He is quite handsome. ::sighs and shakes her head:: I regret to admit, it seems we'll have to put off that shopping trip. ::she takes another sip of feywine and putting on an airy tone:: There's simply *nothing* good coming in on the ships this week. * Adam chuckles and drinks his meade. <Kevil> ::smiles sadly:: Va. ::he brushes his hand over Diya's hair again:: I wish I *could* figure out what is coming in on the ships... * Diya stirs slightly under Kevil's hand, murmuring in his sleep. {Mish, Diya does... he is *not* wearing that.} <Adam> You mean besides orcs and their supplies? <Aeryn> There have been a lot of heavy crates coming in lately ::flexes his hands:: <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow at Diya's sleepy murmur and grins, then looks up at Adam:: Ah, but what *sort* of supplies? There can not be a need for *that* many supplies. They take all from us, after all. * Adam shrugs, "Perhaps they're preparing for a seige. I would hope the main army is still intact." <Aldis> Mmm... ::thoughtfully:: They cannot take all... there's still a whole city to feed, after all. I still wonder just what it is they wish with a city. <Adam> Perhaps to build a nation of their own? <Aeryn> Nothing good, of that we can be certain. <Kevil> ::shakes his head:: I do not know. I had considered, a few days earlier, dropping a crate to see its contents as it shattered. But now... I think I dare not risk stripes on top of those I already own, d'va? <Aeryn> ::winces:: NO! <Adam> Probably a good decision. So far they haven't had anything brought to my shop that didn't come from my own stores or the stores of one of the other smiths. <Aldis> ::shakes her head:: I dare not risk helping... there are too many orcish mages in that region of the city. ::taking another sip:: What of the psionics school? Are there any talents there than might assist? Has anything been heard of them? <Aeryn> Besides, I do not believe having them notice you as a repeat offender will be good for your health. <Kevil> ::shakes his head at Aldis' question:: I had thought to go to the psionics school, to seek aid. But it was... tightly closed. * Adam looks around, "I haven't left this district since the invasion." <Aeryn> ::frowns:: There were some strange lights over...where was it again, Kevil? <Kevil> ::snaps:: I am reminded, Lady... As we passed the Mage's Academy last night, there were lights, deep within its towers. Do you know if the orc-mages have taken up residence there? * Aldis frowns and shakes her head. "The War Wizards that weren't killed in the initial attack were largely scattered... I understand some were even attacked in their homes. I don't know what might have happened to the Mage Academy... but I know there *are* orc mages. Several of them. It seems to me a likely place for them to set up shop, as it were." <Kevil> Mm. It would be nice to know for certain. The place is *heavily* guarded, but if there are more war wizards in there... ::he sighs and shrugs stiffly:: <Aeryn> The guards appeared to be set to keep people out, not to keep them in, did they not? <Aldis> ::snorts a little:: If there are more war wizards in there, they should be able to get *themselves* out. ::mutters:: Damned specialists... <Kevil> ::nods slowly:: I wish I knew... ::he sighs, frustrated, and runs his hand roughly through his hair:: <Aeryn> Although one must assume the hostages weigh as heavily on their minds as it does on ours. ::gestures at Kevil and Diya:: That is what cost us so dearly last night--we dared not fight back. <Aeryn> And I do not believe the orcs would have hesitated to take Diya's life had I fled. ::hangs head:: I could not let that happen. * Diya mutters something else and nearly knocks over his wine glass. * Adam drinks from his mug. <Aldis> ::smiling faintly and nodding:: Knowledge is half of any battle... which is why surprise attacks are so devastating. And yes, our captors count on us to be more... human... than they. * Aldis looks rueful. * Kevil moves the glass out of Diya's reach and pets his hair again to soothe him. * Aeryn pushes his empty mug around a little. <Rhys> Another, gentlemen? <Aldis> ::smiles at Kevil:: Such a pretty color... I never see its like, at home. How did you meet him? <Aeryn> No, thank you. * Aldis finishes her glass and sets it on the counter. "My thanks, Rhys, this will be enough. I'll need a clear head to return undetected." <Kevil> ::smiles at Aldis:: Actually, a friend brought him as her escort to Loria's and my circle-ceremony, at home. He is a half-blood, d'va? The red is very common in the country south of the desert. <Rhys> Of course. ::he takes Aldis's goblet and sets it on the ledge by the door to the kitchen:: <Aldis> ::looking amused:: Half-what? * Aeryn looks up. <Kevil> Half Alani, half Dallish. ::grins at Aldis:: Races of humans. <Aeryn> Oh. * Aldis tsks. "So alike are we that some must cling to their lines of division..." <Kevil> ::shrugs and grins somewhat sheepishly:: * Diya murmurs something else, and jerks awake with a wordless exclamation. * Aldis smiles at Aeryn. "Would you not agree, young man? I believe we've not been introduced, but luckily, I've never been one to stand on formality unless it's likely to needle some pompous ass." She offers him a bow in the elvish fashion. "Lady Aldis Ferinsdottir, House Greyfall." * Aeryn returns the bow. "Aeryn, a Ranger of the forest." <Kevil> ::puts a hand on Diya's arm as he snaps awake to reassure him:: <Aeryn> Pleased to make your acquaintance, my lady <Diya> ::his eyes wide:: {Heartwing...} ::he buries his face in Kevil's arm, shuddering:: * Aldis smiles. "Not of a nearby forest, I think." <Aeryn> No, but it matters little. ::looks at Diya:: <Kevil> ::starts to put his arm around Diya, winces, and instead goes back to stroking his hair:: {What is it, n'shava?} <Diya> ::shakes his head:: {Diya had a dream. He is sorry... he did not mean to alarm heartwing...} <Kevil> ::soothingly:: {Do not fret, sunshine. All will be well...} ::he smiles faintly:: Sit up, n'shava, and have a little water before we go. * Rhys pours a mug of water and sets it by Kevil and Diya. * Diya nods and takes a few sips. After a bit, his trembling calms. <Rhys> Last call, everyone. Any who don't wish to risk the streets tonight are welcome to spend the night here. * Adam nods, "I'm fine with this, thanks Rhys." <Aeryn> I believe I will take you up on that, Master Rhys. I would not care to find out what happens to repeat violators. * Kevil nods thanks to Rhys. * Rhys hands a key to Aeryn. "Room six." <Aeryn> Thank you. * Aldis cocks her head at Kevil. "Your husband has difficulty with Common, still? Lisl told me he's not been here long." <Kevil> ::nods to Aldis:: He understands it better than he speaks it. But he is learning rapidly. ::smiles at Diya:: * Adam drains his mug, "I should be going." Smiles to Aldis, "I'd offer to walk you home, but I suspect that you'll be safer by yourself." * Diya looks up at Aldis. <Aldis> ::smiles at Adam:: My thanks, Adam, but you're right. After all, I have my reputation to think of. ::winks:: Walking about after curfew with a strange man... <Kevil> ::looks at Rhys:: By the way, did Diya's waif make his way here? * Adam stands and heads for the door, "Goodnight everyone." Chuckles at Aldis's comment. * Adam slips out the door. <Aldis> ::turning back to Kevil and smiling at Diya:: If you would prefer it, Master Diya, I could offer you a charm to aid your understanding and being understood. <Aeryn> ::nods to Rhys and stands:: Very well, I believe I shall retire for the night. * Rhys nods. "He stopped by long enough for a meal, and skedaddled soon after. I told him he could come back whenever he liked, but... I don't know. I suppose we may see him again." <Diya> ::he smiles, a bit wanly:: Diya is charming... <Aeryn> ::bows politely to Aldis, and heads up the stairs with a wave for Kevil and Diya:: <Aldis> ::bows again to Aeryn:: {A most pleasant evening to you. Dream of the stars.} <Kevil> ::nods:: Thank you, for that and your hospitality, Master Rhys. ::he stands carefully and nods to Aeryn:: Come, sunshine. Time to make our way home. <Aldis> ::grins:: Aye, Diya is. But I meant a magical charm. <Aeryn> ::to Aldis:: {May the leaves of your life tree never turn brown} <Diya> ::shrugs:: Diya is not having such a ... he does not talk so well. <Kevil> ::grins at Aldis:: If you give him the amulet, he will never finish learning the tongue. <Aldis> Ahhh... point. ::smiles:: Fair enough... think on it. You're living at Tarisa's now, above the seamstress's? <Kevil> ::nods:: Will you come to us tomorrow evening, then? * Rhys blows out one of the two candles on the bar. <Aldis> ::nods:: I think it would be safer than for you to find me. I'll need to key it to you, and the image you wish to project, but that shouldn't take long. <Kevil> ::bows to Aldis:: My thanks for your assistance, Lady. ::he puts a hand on Diya's arm:: Are you ready to go, n'shava? * Diya takes Kevil's arm. "Diya is ready..." <Aldis> What little I can offer, is yours. ::she bows in return:: It was a pleasure meeting you at last, Master Diya. * Diya bows. "Diya is always honored." * Kevil bows to Rhys in farewell, and leads Diya out the door. He pauses as they exit the Hall's wards to whisper a spell to cloak their passage through the streets. <Aldis> ::smiles wider and sighs, watching the boys leave:: I don't suppose he has male relations at home.... * Rhys cups his hand around the candle, shielding the light from the street as Diya and Kevil exit. <Rhys> I think he's mentioned a half-brother, but I'm not positive. <Aldis> Hmmmm. ::grins merrily:: Well then... I only hope Kevil's beau is at least *somewhat* discreet, or I *will* be setting up shop on Pleasure Island. ::she retrieves her cloak, bundling herself back into it. With a few whispered words, the cloak shifts, seeming now to enclose someone much larger:: I'm off. Keep up the fight, Rhys. ::she smiles and blows him a kiss as she slips out the door, vanishing into the shadows:: * Rhys blows out the last candle, and quietly locks the door behind Aldis as she exits, listening at the door until he is assured there is no commotion out in the alleyway, and then walking in the darkened Hall back behind the bar, picking up empty glasses along the way, before going into the kitchen. |
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