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<Rhys> ::the door is quietly unlocked, and the windows and room are kept dim. Inside, Rhys finishes lighting the two candles on the bar that will serve as the night's illumination:: * Kevil enters the Meade Hall and carefully closes the door behind himself before nodding in greeting to Rhys. He looks tired - exhausted, even - but far less hopeless and defeated than in previous weeks. <Rhys> Evening, Master Bard. What can I get for you tonight? <Kevil> The house meade, Master Rhys, if you would be so kind. <Rhys> Gladly. ::he pours Kevil a mug of the house special:: * Aeryn steps out of the shadows in the alley and opens the door just enough to slip through. Shutting the door silently behind him, he removes his cloak and drapes it over the back of a chair before coming over to the bar. <Rhys> And Aeryn, a good evening to you as well. Meade? <Aeryn> ::A livid bruise stands out on his left cheek and his hair is unbound and slightly disheveled, but he seems perfectly alright:: Please. * Aeryn nods a greeting to Kevil. "An eventful week?" * Rhys pours Aeryn a mug of meade as well. <Kevil> ::nods to Aeryn:: An eventful *night*. ::eyes Aeryn's somewhat rumpled state.:: And you? * Summer heads down to the bar and quietly takes a seat there <Aeryn> One of my...neighbours...wished to play a little, despite an earlier lesson. He brought friends this time. * Goody Bea looks around quickly, listening hard to the dark. After several tense minutes, she scurries down the alley, basket over her arm, and ducks into the darkened tavern. Her face shows wear and worry as she pushes back her hood. "Good evening, good folk." * Adam opens the door and hastily steps inside, closing the door behind him, "Evening all." <Felice> ::A tabby cat follows Goody Bea into the Hall, sniffing the air curiously.:: <Kevil> ::looks up sharply as Bea enters:: Lady Beatrice! Might I beg the pleasure of a moment of your company, and a few words? <Rhys> Good evening, Goody, Adam... tabby cat. <Aeryn> Greetings, Goodwife Bea and Summer ::nods to them:: * Adam takes a seat at the bar, "A mug of meade when you get the chance please Rhys." * Summer nods to Aeryn <Rhys> And Summer. What will the group of you be having? ::pouring Adam's meade:: <Summer> Just water is fine Rhys, thank you. * Rhys pours Summer some water. <Goody Bea> Of course, Master Kevil. ::she looks around as something brushes her skirts, and tsks at the cat, calling over to Rhys:: A mug of meade, and a saucer of milk for my wayward friend, Master Rhys? * Felice walks over to Kevil and starts rubbing against his leg. <Adam> Thank you Rhys. ::takes a drink:: * Rhys pours the Goody a mug of meade and a saucer of milk for the cat. * Summer sips her water. * Kevil looks down at the cat with a half-smile, then back up at Bea, abruptly serious. "I know you are a midwife of formidable skill, Lady, but... have you any skill or knowledge of other ailments?" <Vallel> ::the air ripples in the middle of the Hall, a shimmer of colorless light explodes out of the shimmer. Everything the light touches is covered with a thin layer of dust, and the nearby area is suddenly strewn with cobwebs, as if no one has cleaned in weeks. In the middle of this burst of lights and age, two figures appear:: <Goody Bea> ::frowns:: Summat. Expecting mothers fall ill, sometimes, and there's colicky babes... ::pressing her lips together:: I've had to be as much healer as midwife, these last few weeks, as the need has been greater than the supply of healers. * Rhys sighs and starts cleaning up the mess on the bar. "Welcome back, you two." * Kevil begins to answer the Goody, then jumps to his feet in surprise at the light show. * Summer blinks * Adam turns abruptly at the sudden light show. * Vallel staggers two steps forward and nearly collapses to his knees. He is carrying a pack slung across one shoulder and his sword on his hip. * Aeryn spins off his chair into a ready crouch, eyes wide. * Felice arches her back and hisses at the light show. <Vallel> Blessed *MOTHER*. ::he retches a few times:: Remind me not to complain about *Zoya's* 'ports. <Kevil> Vallel! ::takes several quick steps to grasp Vallel's arm supportively:: What has happened? * Glossaria sneezes, peering around shakily as she brushes cobwebs from her hair and sets down a bulging satchel and a bookbag. "Well... it still stands, it seems, love." * Aeryn darts a quick glance at the others in the Hall. * Rhys walks over to the main door and locks it with a quiet 'snikt'. "Best be safe. That might have attracted a bit of attention." * Summer takes her water and goes to Val, holding it out for him. <Glossaria> ::blinks at Vallel, bending down to touch his shoulder in concern:: Is something wrong, love? * Vallel nods a quick thanks to Summer and drains her water glass before looking around. <Kevil> ::looks up at Glossaria:: And the bright angel, of course. What *happened*? * Adam settles back down and takes a large gulp of his meade, "Where have you two been keeping yourselves? And why the flashy appearance?" <Vallel> ::hands the glass back to Summer:: Wild magic makes me sick, love. ::to Kevil:: What day is it? * Summer takes the glass and returns to the bar. "more Val?" <Kevil> ::blinks, then counts quickly under his breath:: The... 26th. * Goody Bea sits, shaking her head bemusedly. * Felice settles down, a look of disdain on her face and she moves to a relatively clean spot and begins washing herself. * Aeryn makes a wry face and goes back to his meade, muttering under his breath. <Vallel> ::stares at him, then looks at his wife:: We've... damn, we lost twenty-three *days*? <Kevil> *Lost*? * Summer settles back onto her stool and pushes her empty mug back to Rhys <Glossaria> ::bites her lip, and nods:: The water clock was accurate, then. The Tower placed itself in a timestop in order to stave off destruction at the hands of a band of orc mages. ::urgently:: Where are Loria and the children, Kevil? And Tarri and Orlann, and Meghan and her girl? * Rhys refills Summer's water. "Vallel, Glossaria, anything to drink?" * Aeryn looks sharply at the pair. * Adam sighs and has a drink. * Vallel nods. "Anything, thanks Rhys." <Kevil> ::scrubs a hand over his face in dismay:: Loria and Meghan and Miss Mandeil, along with their children, are among the hostages. Corporal Orlann is... as well as he can be, resting at home. * Summer reaches and places her hand lightly on Aeryn's arm. "They are friends." * Rhys squints at Vallel a bit before pouring him a dark stout. <Glossaria> ::looking distraught, putting a hand on Vallel's arm:: Hostages? <Kevil> ::gives Glossaria a piercing look:: You did not *know*? <Aeryn> ::quietly to Summer:: Aye, I understand that from the lack of reaction, but I would have thought them more knowledgeable of the situation. <Glossaria> A shot of tequila, please, Rhys, and a room key. We cannot return to the Tower until the danger has been dealt with. * Vallel takes several sips of the beer before gaping at his brother-in-law. <Aeryn> ::to Summer:: But it would appear not. Who are they, and from where? <Summer> ::shakes her head a bit and looks back at Gloss and Val:: Not if they have been stuck in time 26 days ago. <Kevil> ::sighs and sinks back onto his stool to take a long draught of his meade. He looks back at Vallel and Glossaria:: Marsember has been invaded. Lest we allow patriotism to overrule good sense, the orcs have taken some four hundred - mostly women and children - hostage. <Vallel> Dear gods... ::he pales:: Loria? And *Tarri*? * Rhys sets Glossaria up with a shot of tequila and a small plate that has a pile of coarse salt and a lime slice on it. <Kevil> ::nods:: And your nieces. And Meghan and Abby. Among others. * Aeryn quietly finishes his meade, face grim. <Glossaria> ::faintly:: Sweet Erdian... <Kevil> ::eyes Vallel closely for a long moment:: There is more. You... may wish to sit. * Vallel nods numbly and nearly falls into a chair. * Adam finishes his meade, "Could I have another Rhys?" * Summer looks to KEvil <Rhys> Of course, Adam. ::he refills Adam's meade:: <Kevil> Khymrych is... under attack. It is why Lady Imp was unable to protect your sister. Master Greyson died in the first wave. * Felice perks her eyes as a cat can be heard yowling outside, but a moment later sits down over her feet, watching the humans disinterestedly. <Adam> Thank you Rhys. ::has a drink:: <Aeryn> ::quietly to Summer:: Who are they, exactly? * Glossaria slips an arm around Val's shoulders. With her other hand, she picks up the lime and a finger of salt. She tastes the salt, knocks back the tequila, and bites the lime, making a face. * Vallel stares at him for a moment, then covers his face with his hands and shudders. A moment later, he is sobbing quietly. <Summer> ::softly to Aeryn:: Vallel and Glossaria. They live in the Tower with Zoya, and are married to one another. ::she glances back to Vallel and frowns sadly:: <Glossaria> ::softly:: Vallel... ::she slides her arm tighter around him to rub his back as a mother would do for a small child woken from nightmares, and kisses his hair:: * Kevil gives Vallel a sympathetic look, then offers Glossaria a small, apologetic smile. <Glossaria> ::nods to Kevil, her brow drawn down in a thoughtful frown:: The attack upon Khymrych-- when did it begin? Do you know? * Felice stirs and walks over to Vallel, rubbing against his leg and looking up at him with wide eyes. <Kevil> ::sighs and looks back at Goody Bea:: My Lady... While they recover - I know you to be a woman of great resourcefulness and even greater bravery. Somewhat more to the point, you are one of the very few healers I know within city limits... I believe I will have in my possession, tomorrow, a pass that will get you into the drydocks. ::his face darkens:: They require a healer. Exposure and poor living conditions have created an epidemic of some sort. <Vallel> ::looks up, his eyes red and his face tear-streaked:: Who's sick? <Kevil> ::to Glossaria:: The same day Marsember was invaded, as near as I can guess. At least, Lady Nacheyla was called away that same day. * Aeryn looks sharply at Kevil. "Epidemic?" <Goody Bea> ::the worry lines deepening on her face:: Epidemic? What is its nature? Have the sick been set apart? <Kevil> ::takes a deep breath before meeting Vallel's eyes:: A third of the hostages, as near as I can guess... including Loria. ::to the Goody:: They have not been quarantined, which has only served to spread it faster. The symptoms include a cough, sometimes enough to bring up blood. Fever, chills, sleeplessness, overall weakness... Pain in the joints, especially wrists and ankles. * Glossaria blinks slowly, stroking Vallel's hair. "The invaders were well acquainted with the city's strengths, I surmise. I mistrust coincidence." * Vallel takes several deep breaths and wipes his face. * Summer sighs and sips her water. <Kevil> ::carefully:: Your talents - both of you - might be well-used. The psionic school has been sealed since the first attack. <Vallel> Sealed? How in the *hell* did the orcs manage to do *that*? * Adam sips his meade. * Aeryn pushes his empty mug forward slightly. "Master Rhys, could I trouble you..." <Kevil> ::shakes his head:: I believe it was sealed by Master Bluestar, to protect those within. At least, the orcs are guarding the perimeter, and I have seen none of them within the seal. <Vallel> Oh! ::he looks paler than before:: The shields... my goddess... <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow:: What do you know of them? <Adam> You know about them? <Rhys> No trouble at all, Aeryn. ::he refills Aeryn's meade:: * Goody Bea scowls, thinking. "They're being kept by the water, in close quarters... merciful heavens." She looks up at Kevil with worry. "It's the consumptive disease... at least it sounds like it." <Aeryn> Thanks. ::he takes a sip:: <Vallel> ::nods, a dull blush creeping up his cheeks:: I know. No one can go in, no one can leave. The shield will leech all the life from them until they are nothing but dust. <Kevil> ::gives the Goody a helpless look:: Is there anything you can do to help? Some potion to slow its progress, perhaps? <Glossaria> ::murmurs:: Better than cutting them in half... <Adam> Sounds just like Bluestar. ::sips his meade:: <Vallel> ::with an apologetic look at his wife:: Actually, Mistress Tyl and Zoya designed them... back when we were having problems with the Mage's Academy. * Aeryn gives Summer a sideways glance. "Do you have any idea what they are talking about?" <Goody Bea> ::looks distressed:: The poorer families down by the docks... sometimes they would get it, wet winters. It would spread, neighbor to neighbor... it's terribly contagious, especially with those who can barely afford to keep body and soul together. <Kevil> ::closes his eyes and shivers:: My Lady, please... My *wife* is ill, and my children... Please, tell me there is something that can be done. <Goody Bea> ::bites her lip:: How long has it been among them, do you know? * Summer glances sidelong at Aeryn and sakes her head a bit "No" <Kevil> ::shakes his head:: I do not know. I suspect - though I have no proof - that they have already had deaths among the weaker inhabitants. But I was only granted a view of the hostages last evening. * Vallel closes his eyes. "Sometimes the old tricks are the best. Give me a moment..." * Rhys coughs quietly. * Felice jumps up on the bar before settling down to survey the room from her new vantage point. * Aeryn gives her a quick smile. "Glad to know that I am not the only one lost here." Then to Kevil, eyes widening. "Deaths?" <Aeryn> What good would dead hostages do the orcs? Surely they would... <Kevil> ::shrugs to Aeryn:: There are those too ill to even sit up. If they have not had deaths yet, there will be some, soon. <Adam> Take new hostages? <Kevil> The orcs, I suspect, will not *tell* us of the deaths. * Summer bites her lip and nods a bit. She glances to Kevil for only a moment and then looks away. <Goody Bea> It is... ::shakes her head slowly:: The rich could go away, take the cure... get the medicines. But without proper care, or quarantine, or medicines... ::looks deeply worried:: I... I'm not certain of the treatments, but... ::eyes straying to the grey tabby curled up on the bar:: I have a friend who might be able to tell me. <Kevil> Or they will manufacture crimes and present us with the dead as punishments. ::he looks bleak:: We are running out of time. * Vallel holds up one hand. "I have her... she is... not strong... " His face takes on a look of intense concentration. <Aeryn> ::very quietly, for Summer alone:: Those who were taken may yet thank you for removing them from there. <Glossaria> ::frowns:: Do any know the fate of those in Lathander's temple? <Kevil> ::hopefully, to Vallel:: Loria? * Summer glances to Aeryn then to Val. <Kevil> ::shakes his head in answer to Glossaria's question:: If any survive, they are in hiding, even as we are. <Vallel> ::shakes his head:: I didn't want to strain her. I have Tarri. She's used to me in her mind. <Kevil> ::makes a wry face, and nods:: * Glossaria squeezes Vallel's hand, looking worried. * Aeryn takes a sip of meade, eyes intent on the others. <Aeryn> ::Noticing the cat on the bartop, he tentatively offers his hand:: Hello there... <Goody Bea> ::eyes brightening:: Ah! Tarisa is 'prenticed to Master Bran, is she not? <Vallel> ::tears form in his green eyes again and run, unheeded, down his cheeks:: * Felice gets up and walks over, sniffing at Aeryn's hand. * Summer frowns, watching Val intently. <Glossaria> ::softly:: Val, I'm here... ::kissing his cheek gently and carefully wiping his face with her handkerchief:: <Kevil> ::glances over at the Goody and nods:: She is. ::he speaks quietly, lest he break Vallel's concentration:: * Aeryn gently but absently starts to stroke the cat, attention focused more on Vallel. * Felice affectionately rubs against Aeryn's hand. * Vallel sits back in his chair, gasping for breath. * Glossaria fetches Val's mug, offering it to him. <Kevil> ::straightens, obviously restraining himself from demanding a report from his brother-in-law.:: * Rhys heads back into the kitchen and comes out with a platter of fruit, bread, and cheese, which he sets near Vallel. * Vallel scrubs his hands over his face. "Meghan's getting it, too." He glances at Kevil. "And Lori can't nurse right." * Adam looks grim and takes a healthy drink from his mug. <Kevil> ::winces and turns away, massaging his temples with one hand:: * Goody Bea frowns in concern. "Nay, she'd not... and just as well, or she'd likely infect the babes. She's malnourished, belike." * Summer shakes her head and takes a drink. * Aeryn clenches his teeth. "Is there *nothing* we can do about it?" <Goody Bea> The sick *must* be set apart. If not, the lot of them will get it. The mercenaries, too, and from them the rest of the town... ::shakes her head:: It's not a sickness to be trifled with. * Vallel takes up a roll and eats it hungrily. "And Tarri's damned near starving herself to death, trying to help..." <Kevil> ::draws several very deep breaths:: Not *all* the news is dire... I have a contact among the mercenaries who assures me that there are at least two hundred of them who might fight on *our* side, were we to turn on our captors. <Aeryn> Aye, but how to convince the orcs to do so? They have not yet even admitted to sickness, let alone an epidemic. * Felice half walks, half stretches her away across the length of the bar. <Goody Bea> I know not if the orcs themselves could catch it, but... ::pressing her lips together:: Master Vallel, were there any non-humans in your sight, among the captives? <Vallel> ::shakes his head and starts to answer with his mouth full:: i' 'oesn' 'ork' ::swallows:: Sorry. It doesn't work that way. I can only hear her, not see around. <Kevil> ::glances over at Rhys:: And I discovered Sembia's involvement. * Aeryn raises an eyebrow at Kevil. <Rhys> Oh? What're the coin-counters doing? * Adam looks curiously at Kevil. <Kevil> Buying their worthless lives. They dealt with the dragon. In exchange for sovereignty, when it completes its dominations, they have provided ships and men, as well as more material wealth. <Glossaria> ::frowns:: That was... strongly unwise of them. <Vallel> ::mutters:: *Never* deal with a dragon... very basic concept... <Kevil> ::looks over at the Goody:: There were orcs among the prisoners. They looked hale enough. But then, they sleep in warm beds at night, and have their own healers to tend to them, d'va? * Summer nods in agreement with Gloss. <Adam> ::snort:: And how much do you want to bet, that if we do get rid of the dragon and the orcs that the Sembians will promptly march their army across the border. <Aeryn> Deal with a dragon? ::snorts:: I hope they got that in writing. * Adam drains his mug, "Writing. One sneeze and the contracts gone, why should getting it in writing help them any." <Adam> Could I have a refill Rhys? <Kevil> ::shrugs:: I will let King Azoun deal with Sembia, if it comes to that. For now, I only wish to shake the chains from our city. <Rhys> Of course, Adam. ::he refills Adam's mug:: <Glossaria> ::shakes her head:: Red dragons, as a rule, are not known for keeping their word. They are loyal only to themselves and their own ends. <Aeryn> And to do that, we must free the hostages somehow...or at least make sure they are cared for, if we cannot do that. * Adam nods in agreement, then looks at Gloss, his expression brightening, "Glossaria. Do you think you could manage something to allow me to understand orcish?" <Vallel> ::actually *grins* at his wife:: Good thing I finished my thesis... * Adam looks curiously at Vallel. <Kevil> ::turns to the Goody:: Lady - I wish you luck at convincing the orcs to separate the ill. My contact among the mercenaries indicated that such a need had been communicated, and ignored. * Felice curls her feet under her, closes her eyes, and rests her head on the bar. <Glossaria> ::looking worried:: Could you, for so many, love? ::cocking her head at Adam:: How adept are you at languages, and what level of proficiency do you wish to attain? <Vallel> ::nods:: I *think* so... and certainly the fire itself will be no problem... I have more trouble making them *small* <Adam> Umm... Never actually tried to learn another language. And I don't actually know how good I'd have to be. I just know that I've got orcs in my shop all day long, and they know I don't understand a word of what they're saying. I thought if I could figure out what they were saying I might be able to pick something useful up. <Kevil> ::looks around at Vallel:: What are you speaking of? * Glossaria grins, her face coloring suddenly in a deep blush. "Aye, love." <Vallel> ::leaning forward conspiratorily:: I have learned to... shield people. I can designate a person or people as being friendly, and then my fire won't touch them, no matter what it does to anyone *else* in the area. <Kevil> ::eyes lighting:: And you could shield a large number? Say... four hundred? * Glossaria clears her throat and looks at Adam again. "Ah, I comprehend. You wish for something in the nature of a spell... long-term." She frowns. "I have no tools to enchant items with me, although I might acquire some..." She glances at Rhys, and back to Adam, frown deepening. "But-- you run a forge, do you not, Adam?" * Adam nods, "Yes." <Aeryn> ::to Vallel:: Like all the hostages? And then you could blast out the rest of the drydock? <Vallel> ::considers:: It... it would take a lot of energy. Someone would have to protect me, while I did it. I wouldn't be able to do anything else. <Kevil> ::grins:: There are all of us... And if my contact can be believed, there are two hundred mercenaries who could be used. <Glossaria> ::frowning:: An enchanted item would be *very* obvious, in such an environment, to any who had the ability to look. Unless-- do you enchant weapons there, as well? <Vallel> ::winces a bit:: I'm not *positive* though... I'd... damn, Tarri'd kill me if I set her hair on fire again. <Glossaria> ::frowning in concern at Vallel, leaning close to put a hand on his arm:: So many, love? It... if you overextend... ::bites her lip:: <Aeryn> ::wry look:: In that case, I would suggest testing the theory *first* * Adam shakes his head, "Not since the orcs arrived. Bad enough to see them using my blades and armor. I sure as hell don't intend to give them any of my custom work." <Summer> He would have to know which mercenaries would be helping us to, or they would be unshielded and die was well, right? So it would be more like 600 people? <Adam> Testing the theory would almost certainly draw too much attention to us. <Kevil> ::claps Vallel on the arm:: It is thrice the weapon we have held before, d'va? ::he grins:: Perhaps we can arrange a signal - our friends on the inside might gather the hostages together in one area, and then you would only have to shield those in front. <Kevil> ::to Summer:: We would pass word to arrange for our allies to find excuses to leave the area before the attack. * Summer nods thoughtfully. <Kevil> ::back to Val:: Or, if Lady Beatrice is successful in convincing the orcs to move those who are ill to some quarantined area, under shelter, then they as well reduce the number which you must shield. * Adam smiles, "I'm fairly certain I can breach the walls of the dry dock, but everyone in the city will know about it the moment I start." Frown, "And anyone standing too close to the breach will almost certainly be killed." * Vallel sighs. "This would be easier if Mistress Tyl were around." <Kevil> ::talking almost to himself, now:: The bright angel also knows spells useful in protecting people from fire, and it is possible that Lady Aldis knows of such spells... * Aeryn frowns, remembering something. "What are we to do about the possibility of the orcs scrying these plans as we tell those outside this building?" <Kevil> ::grins at Aeryn:: I have... many friends. I hope to learn enough to overcome that obstacle in the near future. <Aeryn> Good. I am becoming quite tired of acting meek. <Glossaria> ::nods:: I might aid the spread of the fire, as well... ::frowning:: That's a good deal of building for you to affect on your own, love. And-- the Psionics School is intact, you said, only warded? * Adam looks concerned, "Scrying?" <Kevil> ::to Adam:: I assure you, it will be noticed if the orcs in the drydocks suddenly catch fire. If you can open a breach, it will provide a way for hostages to escape quickly. * Adam nods, "My thoughts exactly." * Kevil very carefully does not look at Summer. "It has been discovered that the orc-mages have some method of spying upon us. I do not know what they use for a key to that spell, or how much information they can obtain. I hope to know more soon. * Vallel looks at Gloss. "I... I have over-extended before and lived through it. And... if it should come to that, isn't one life worth four hundred?" <Adam> My concern is the orcs in the rest of the city. If Woundwort has these orcs and disciplined as he appears to have them, they're going to be able to overwhelm two hundred mercs before word can spread through the city that the hostages are safe. <Glossaria> ::taking his shoulders and giving him a light shake:: No! Not yours. Please... ::pulling him to her and holding him tightly:: * Felice stretches, then scratches her chin with her rear paw. <Aeryn> ::considers:: Might one of you be able to make some kind of magical... message, like the orcs did? <Kevil> ::considers Aeryn's question:: Not I... But Lady Aldis might, or... ::looks at Glossaria hopefully:: <Glossaria> ::looking up at Kevil from over Vallel's shoulder:: Message? * Vallel embraces his wife. "I'm not *intending* to throw my life away, love. But this would be *much* easier if I had some of Mistress Tyl's gems." <Adam> If there were enough that we trusted, we could scatter them through out the city to wait for the ruckus at the dry docks to start, and then begin proclaiming what's happening in the streets while the orc runners are still carrying messages to Woundwort. <Kevil> ::to Glossaria:: After the orcs took the city, their general... appeared, in an illusory vision, to everyone throughout the city, warning us of the hostages and spelling out the rules we must obey to keep them safe. <Kevil> ::nods to Adam:: Another excellent thought. * Adam looks at Vallel, "What kind of gems do you need?" <Glossaria> Oh... a... broadcast message, of sorts? Intriguing concept... a combination of... ::mutters magical nonsense to herself:: <Glossaria> ::drawing back from Vallel a little to regard him with wide eyes:: Love... do you know *how* she made those gems? * Kevil eyes Vallel. "I have an... acquaintance, who intends to attempt to get through the shield soon. I might be able to pass word along for him to ask Master Bluestar for any such gems that might have been left behind." <Vallel> ::looking over Gloss's green hair at the smith:: Very expensive ones... and preferably ones that have already been charged. I... ::he makes a face:: I know *how* she does it, but I've never tried it myself, and we don't really have time for me to learn. <Aeryn> ::grins suddenly at Kevil:: Is there anyone in the city you do *not* know? <Kevil> ::grins back at Aeryn:: Certainly. Any number of orcs, to begin with. * Adam sags, "Expensive I could do. Charged I can not." <Glossaria> ::looking around:: Who is this Woundwort? <Vallel> ::hesitantly:: I could *try*... but I don't know that I'd do anything more than break it. * Adam lifts his mug to Kevil, "I see your wit is still about you Master Kevil." <Aeryn> Oh, good. I hate killing friends of friends--and a lot of orcs are going to be coming down with bad cases of dead shortly. <Kevil> The orcish general. Rumor says he is part-ogre, and he is certainly part human. * Goody Bea chuckles and sips her meade. * Aeryn raises an eyebrow at Kevil. "Part human?" * Glossaria cocks her head. "Certainly? What makes you say that?" * Summer sips her water * Felice walks into the Goody's lap and curls up, looking up at her with closed eyes. * Aeryn finishes his meade and places the mug carefully back on the bartop. * Goody Bea smiles and pets the cat's head, stroking her ears. <Kevil> His features are not... ::he gestures at his own face:: I can not explain it, but he *looks* too human. And I have trouble believing that an orc could be so damnably clever. Even the brightest of them are slow. ::shrugs:: Perhaps it is only a rumor - but it is one I have heard frequently, even among the mercenaries. * Felice begins purring loudly. <Glossaria> Hmm. ::frowns:: Has there been any news of the dragon, since the attack? Was it involved at all? <Kevil> It was not seen here. I fear we have had little news from outside the city. ::he scratches at his beard:: Perhaps I could ask my contact. He might know something. * Vallel absently takes an apple from his tray and bites into it. * Adam takes a drink of meade. * Aeryn looks around at the others. "And is there anything I can do other than wait? I do not enjoy sitting around while innocents die slowly." His face darkens. <Rhys> Last call, everyone. ::he gets out a key for the d'Naches and puts it on the counter by the emptying platter of food.:: <Glossaria> ::nods:: Not to chase phantoms, but... I *have* spent quite a bit of time of late in the study of dragons. They are quite skilled magic-users, you know, and their skills increase as they age. * Adam drains his mug, "Patience Aeryn. It will keep you and the innocent alive longer." <Kevil> ::grins at Aeryn:: If you can think of anything, we will be happy to include you... * Summer finishes her water and pushes her mug aside. <Aeryn> ::muttered:: {Damn.} * Vallel sighs. "That reminds me, does anyone know where Tarri's sweetheart is?" <Kevil> ::to Glossaria:: If Zoya or Lady Tyl were here, I might allow myself to worry that the dragon is already in the city, disguised. But I do not believe any of us still here are strong enough to face it - therefore, there is no point in attempting to plan for such a contingency, d'va? <Kevil> ::nods to Vallel:: He was kind enough to give Diya and I a place to live. * Glossaria cocks her head, blinking at Kevil's logic. * Adam shakes his head, "Last dragon I ran into I had to stand there and let it beat on me. There's a reason I stayed in town this time." <Aeryn> ::to Kevil:: Now that is a cheerful thought. Thank you for that. <Aeryn> Next time, please do not mention it at all? <Vallel> ::looks earnestly at Kevil:: Tell him that Tarri is well, and that she sends her love. She misses him. I thought I was going to drown in the backwater of her emotions. <Kevil> ::shrugs:: The bright angel actually brought it up... ::he nods to Glossaria:: <Glossaria> That... has an odd sort of sense to it. ::nods:: <Kevil> ::nods to Vallel:: I will tell him. I am certain it will ease his mind greatly. * Glossaria strokes Vallel's back soothingly again, absently pocketing the room key. <Vallel> ::grumbles to himself:: I need to learn how to hold a mental meeting. Relaying messages is a pain. * Summer smiles a bit to Val. "Do you think it would have been easier with both of them in your head at the same time?" * Adam stands and stretch, his joints popping loudly, "I should be heading home. I don't know if there's a good way to get in contact with me, but if nothing else I should be back here next week." <Glossaria> ::giggles and kisses his cheek:: You *do* have hope, love. You're grumbling again. <Vallel> ::shakes his head:: I suspect it would be harder... but... I'd feel better, if I could. <Rhys> Those of you leaving, be careful, as always. The patrols are heavier, lately. * Felice climbs onto the bar and stretches, looking around at all the movement. * Summer sighs softly and stands. <Glossaria> ::looking concerned:: They patrol the streets? <Aeryn> ::somewhat idly as he stands:: I wonder why...do they feel their grip weakening? * Kevil picks up his meade and finishes it in several large gulps. He grins at Vallel. "My mother was right. Family *is* a joy." <Kevil> ::to Glossaria:: I would not advise leaving this building without dire need, bright angel. * Vallel holds out his hand to Kevil. "We'll get them back... " <Glossaria> ::nods, touching a hand to her hair:: I would be one they had... obviously missed. And their intelligence so far has been very thorough. * Glossaria frowns again, thinking. * Summer nods to Gloss. "If you want I can tell you what I know so far." <Kevil> ::takes Vallel's hand:: We will. And soon. I am glad to see you safe. * Goody Bea finishes her meade and belches contentedly. "Excuse me." * Aeryn strokes the cat softly once more, then goes to get his cloak. * Adam heads for the door, "Goodnight everyone. Stay safe." * Kevil kisses Glossaria's cheek warmly. "And I am glad to see you as well. I will see you both again soon, d'va?" <Rhys> Good night, Adam. The same to you. * Goody Bea stands, wrapping her cloak around her again. She looks at the cat. "Well, puss? Time to get home?" <Glossaria> ::nods, impulsively hugging Kevil:: I'm so glad to see you, helasavin! <Kevil> ::to Bea:: I will bring you that pass tomorrow evening or early the next day. * Felice jumps down off the bar and heads towards the door with her nose in the air, like she's leading a forgetful child home. <Goody Bea> ::nods:: I'll get word to my friend as soon as I may. * Summer glances around once and then quietly heads to the stairs. * Aeryn pulls his cloak on and nods to all present. "Aye, stay safe. And may we find a way to end this all soon." Opening the door just enough, he slips out and shuts it silently behind himself. * Rhys blows out one of the candles on the bar. * Goody Bea chuckles and follows the cat to the door, opening it and cautiously peering out before leaving. * Kevil takes a deep breath and composes his features into something between neutral and fearful, then heads out into the night. * Vallel picks up another apple and sits at the bar. "If you're not too busy, Rhys... would you tell me everything that has happened which I have not already heard?" <Rhys> Gladly, and yet not, Vallel. Would you like ought else to eat before I begin? * Glossaria sits beside Vallel, sliding an arm around his waist and leaning a head on his shoulder as she looks at Rhys. * Rhys goes to the door and quietly locks it, returning behind the bar afterwards. * Vallel looks down at the sadly diminished tray and flushes. "I feel bad about that, but a psionic needs to eat. I won't do anyone any good if I don't eat." <Rhys> Don't fret, lad. The Hall's larder is deep, and as of yet, unconfiscated. <Vallel> ::nods:: All right then. Anything, as long as it's not *rabbit*. * Glossaria covers her mouth and giggles. <Rhys> Right. Lady? You've had nothing but the tequila since you arrived. May I get something for you as well? <Glossaria> ::a little wistfully:: I don't suppose you've any mulberry paper? <Rhys> ::smiling:: I'll see what we have. ::he heads back into the kitchen, the couple left lit by the light from the single candle on the bar:: |
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