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<Nacheyla> ::The Hall doesn't exactly look like it did when the Patrons were last inside. The once wooden floor has been replaced with very small bricks - at least they look like bricks. Closer examination shows that they are actually some sort of flat panels with bricks painted on them.:: <Nacheyla> ::The table closest to the fireplace has been cordoned off. A large sign hangs off the cord - DO NOT SIT. The stairs have been repainted and are now a sad shade of dullish lime green. Behind the bar, the myriad taps look as they always have. You think. They seem to flicker and shift when you aren't looking at them.:: * Nacheyla walks into the Hall. She looks somehow older - not so much in lines on her face or grey in her hair (although these are both in evidence) but in the weariness of her copper colored eyes. <Nacheyla> ::stopping to glare at the cordoned-off table:: Guess they couldn't fix you. ::the table opens one large glowing green eye and gives her a sullen stare:: <Nacheyla> Just don't bite anyone else. ::the table doesn't answer, but a sarcastic *hmph* seems to come from the base:: * Nacheyla crosses the room and gets a taper from the fire to light the candles. She goes behind the bar and takes out a large sign. She props it up against the taps. ABSOLUTELY NO SPELLCASTING. THIS MEANS YOU. Mngmt. <Nacheyla> Hall's Open... I hope... <Nacheyla> ::the table, its point made, closes its eye and goes back to sleep:: <Aeryn> Aeryn sticks his head tentatively in through the large doors and looks around. Spotting Nacheyla behind the bar, he smiles. "A good evening, lady Nacheyla! It has been quite some time..." He steps inside and looks around curiously. * Nacheyla smiles. "Good evening. Can I offer you a drink? Tomato surprise tonight, I'm afraid." * Lisl breezes in, obviously in marvellous spirits but slightly the worse for wear. Half of a much-worn linen bandage peeks from beneath her left sleeve, and a fading scar is visible over her right eye. "Evening, Nach, how was--" She stops just inside the door and stares around in amazement. "What in the Nine Hells and Seven Heavens happened to the Hall?" <Nacheyla> How was what? ::she smiles:: Offer you a drink? I hope. <Aeryn> He blinks. "Tomato surprise?" Glancing around again, he notes the many small changes. * Jaret strolls in, decked out like a peacock in his usual regalia. He's in a dark red silk shirt under a black jacket, with black breeches. He doffs his plumed hat as he enters and realizes at the last moment the hatrack now looks somewhat pointy on top. His rapier hangs at its usual place by his side. He stops shortly after entering and looks down at the new flooring. "You've redecorated." <Nacheyla> Not intentionally, no. Good to see you again, Jaret. ::turns to Aeryn:: Tomato surprise... it's what my mother used to call it when she had no idea what something was. ::she gestures to the taps:: They've all taken a holiday. Or something. I can't guarantee what you'll get. <Lisl> ::blinking:: Um... how was... how's your winter been? ::still looking around and frowning slightly:: The stairs are... green. Any chance of... hm, no, best not. ::looking chagrinned:: Meade, perhaps? * Jaret leans over a bit to look at the not-quite-brick floor, then walks over to look at the cordoned off table, leaning over the rope some, and then over to the stairs before finally arriving at the bar. "It's certainly... different." <Aeryn> Pulling off his cloak, he folds it neatly and hangs it over a spare chair. "Ah well, then. Whatever they will prefer, although the house meade would be nice..." Under the cloak he's wearing his usual dusty black rather than the city uniform of the scouts. <Nacheyla> I can try... ::she gets a mug - this one seems to have grown a large, glassy moustache:: Can I have some of the house special, maybe? ::she looks around carefully and selects a white handled tap, then sniffs the contents:: No, no... hmmmm.... ::she dumps that into the swill and checks another. Three or four attempts later, she puts a mug in front of Lisl:: <Lisl> Thanks. ::sniffing the mug cautiously before taking a long drink:: Ahhh, that's the stuff. So... what *happened*? * Nacheyla nods and gets a second mug - this one is definitely a female mug and has huge... tracts of land. Anyway.... She tries the same tap but what comes out is bright purple and yellow bubbles foam up at the top. <Aeryn> Taking a seat at the bar with the other two, he nods to them. "A good evening, lord Jaret, lady Lisl..." Then blinks at the mug and its...interesting...contents. "Um..." <Nacheyla> Oh for the love of Pete... ::she sniffs at the mug gingerly:: Hmmmm. That smells pretty good, actually. ::she offers the mug, which smells of warm cider and cinnamon:: You want this, or should I try again? <Aeryn> "Well...given that it now matches one of my spare daggers...why not?" He smiles and takes the mug a little tentatively. Then, glancing at the sign on the bar, he looks curiously at Nacheyla. "What exactly...um...happened? If you don't mind me asking?" * Aeryn sniffs at the mug curiously and then takes a small sip. "Hmm. Quite good." <Nacheyla> ::sits down on a stool behind the bar:: I'm not exactly sure how it started, but there was a... chaos bomb. For lack of a better description. I had my hands full trying to keep this city block from being sucked into another dimension entirely. <Lisl> ::bristling a little:: Enemy action? <Jaret> How devious. <Nacheyla> ::shakes her head:: I don't think so... if it was, they probably turned themselves into a blue and yellow platypus while they were at it. No, I think it was just an accident... magical dust buildup, if you prefer... and it just... ignited. * Aeryn makes a mental note to ask Summer what that might be. He looked over at the large doors. When she finally showed up for dinner, that was... <Aeryn> And so, an end to spellcasting here from now on, then? ::he indicates the sign:: Or is this just to be sure no further damage is done? * Jaret looks slightly crestfallen at Nacheyla's explanation. "That seems likely enough, I imagine. Given local tendencies." He gives the array of taps a dubious look. "I don't suppose any of the Arabellan Red survived the... calamity?" <Aeryn> ::he takes another sip of his oddly-colored cider:: * Nacheyla coughs and pulls out a wine glass. She turns and addresses the taps as one might talk to a not-so-bright dog who is just as likely to bite as to wag its tail. "Arabellan red, please?" She selects a tap and pours. What comes out is not even remotely like Arabellan Red, but a pale blue fluffy stuff that seems the consistency of spider-webs and smells like sugary blueberries. <Summer> ::the hall door flies open and Summer comes through at a run. Her arms are piled with books that threaten to spill over, but at the last moment she regains control of them. She's wearing a blue dress covered with a dark brown cloak. Her hair looks like she has just been through a wind tunnel. She tries to pat it into place as she makes her way to the bar. Despite the...chaos? she is smiling brightly. She places the books on a stool near Aeryn and sits on the one directly beside him.:: <Summer> ::quickly she gives him a kiss on the cheek:: I'm late, I'm sorry. * Jaret looks sadly at the goblet. "I suppose I could visit the vintner's, and bring over a case or two." * Nacheyla hesitates, then takes a bite of the solid mass that's filled up - well, overflowed - Jaret's goblet. "Hmmm. Interesting..." She dumps the stuff into a bag. "Let's try again..." <Aeryn> That is not a problem, Summer. ::he smiles:: Been studying hard today, I see? * Lisl takes another swallow of meade, grimacing a little at the tap's... creative interpretations of "drink." * Summer nods and for her a moment her attention is taken by the hall. "Wow, different." She looks to Nach and watches her testing what comes out of the taps. She grins and then looks back to Aeryn. "I found a book you might like. I don't think you've read it." She looks up and down the pile and then selects one from the middle. She quickly pulls it out and amazingly enough the top half of the stack drops down neatly. She hands it to him. * Nacheyla shakes a finger at the taps and tries again. What she gets this time looks like Arabellan Red. "Here, try that." <Aeryn> ::quite distracted from the misbehaving taps, he eyes the stack of books with some respect.:: Impressive... ::he takes the book and glances at the cover:: * Jaret takes the glass, swirls the wine around in it, samples the bouquet, has a swallow, quietly sets the glass down, removes a handkerchief from his pocket and delicately coughs in it. "In appearance and scent, yes. However, the taste is not quite what those other characteristics would indicate." * Aeryn brightens considerably and leafs through the book quickly, stopping at a well-illustrated page. "Thank you!" He smiles brightly at her and then leans over to give her a kiss on the cheek. <Nacheyla> ::sighs:: Will you *please* cooperate? I have a bar to run here... ::she tries again, tasting it herself before handing it over:: There. Not their best year, but palatable, I believe. * Summer smiles brightly at Aeryn and nods. Then she looks to Nacheyla. "Umm could I get something warm, and sweet maybe, please?" * Jaret takes the glass and has a tentative sip, and then brightens. "Yes, that is quite acceptable. I still may see if I can leave a few bottles here. Nice, safe, bottles." <Lisl> Ha. Guess I'd better savor what little bit of 'kick I've got stashed away at home. <Nacheyla> ::nods again:: I'm almost entirely positive that the 'kick was part of the problem. I found bits and pieces of the Hall up to seventeen miles away. <Lisl> ::winces:: So... no more? ::looking a bit hangdog:: <Nacheyla> ::gives Lisl a small shrug:: Unless you happen to have the address of Sealgair's homeworld. <Aeryn> ::he blinks:: Seventeen...wow... ::he shakes his head a bit:: I found a couple of oddly-colored bits of wood in the nearby forest, but nothing quite so far... * Summer raises an eyebrow and leans close to whisper to Aeryn. * Aeryn smiles a little and whispers back. <Lisl> ::sighs:: Not... so's I could find it again, no. ::cocks her head, considering, and sighs again:: He and his kin are all moved away or dead, now. Mostly dead. ::takes another swallow of meade and frowns at her mug:: * Summer nods a bit and leans against the bar. * Kevil sweeps through the door in a veritable whirlwind of color. His pants are green, his shirt is cream, his vest is maroon, the sash at his waist is deep gold, and the cloak on his shoulders is rich navy, sparkling with silver thread. * Nacheyla smiles. "Kevil... nice to see you." She eyes the outfit. "You clash, though. Badly." <Kevil> ::bowing elaborately:: Good evening, my friends, and well... ::pauses as he spots the floor:: ...met... ::straightens and looks around, blinking in confusion:: <Aeryn> ::he turns:: Masterbard Kevil! It has been quite some time! ::he smiles:: * Jaret enjoys some more of his wine. "Well, you've done a marvelous job rebuilding the Hall, Lady duRosten. I find the flooring especially interesting. What is it, exactly?" <Lisl> Kevil? ::turns around with a grin:: What's brought you to our door? I thought you didn't like winter! * Jaret toasts Kevil's arrival. "Master Bard. So good to see you're well, hale, and hearty." * Nacheyla grins, then gets a mug and pours something from a bright yellow tap. Something brown and steaming fills the mug, then a strange popping noise sounds from the tap and the top of the mug is covered with thick whipped cream and chocolate shavings. "Hmmmm. Looks inter..." Another loud pop and a peppermint stick drops into the drink. "...esting." <Aeryn> And that is... ::he tries not to wince:: ...quite an...interesting...array of colors... <Kevil> ::gives Nacheyla a hurt look:: And I tried so hard to dress... subtly. ::grins:: I have been in Alanis for too long, d'va? ::he turns to grip Aeryn's hand in greeting and then hugs Lisl before bowing to Jaret:: I have missed you, my friends... <Nacheyla> Here, Summer... ::she sets the mug in front of the apprentice mage:: I'm not entirely certain what that is, but it smells good. * Lisl gives Kevil a hearty hug in return, wincing a little as his embrace wraps around her arm. * Summer sniffs at the mug and then takes a tentative sip. She smiles and brushes some cream from the tip of her nose. "Delicious!" <Kevil> Loria declared that she was tired of the desert and wanted some "real weather." So we have come back. Winter or no. ::raising an eyebrow at Lisl:: But what is this? A wound? *You*? Never say it! * Michelle enters dressed in a heavy white cloak over a white great coat, a scarf lying loosely around her neck. "Good evening. How has everyone been in the interim?" <Lisl> ::pushing her shirt-sleeve up a little to show a glimpse of travel-worn, blood-crusted bandage before tugging it down again:: It *does* happen from time to time. I've the scars to prove it. ::making a face:: Tho' the really nasty ones do seem to have a fondness for this arm... * Michelle removes her cloak and coat along with several other layers before finally revealing an undyed shirt and breeches, "Any chance of something warm Nacheyla?" * Aeryn smiles at Summer and then flips through the book again. "Winter here is not so bad. And it brings out several of the good points of the forest..." He glances up. "A good evening, lady Michelle..." <Jaret> Michelle! How have you been? So good to see you. I'm just fresh back in Marsember, myself. Shaking the dust of the road from my clothes, so to speak. * Nacheyla looks at the taps. "About 32 percent, I think." <Kevil> ::eyes Lisl's bandage suspiciously:: Dare I ask what you have been doing? And whether it has anything to do with this... ::gestures at the vastly redecorated Hall:: ...renovation? <Lisl> Evening, Michelle. Well enough. * Summer winces slightly as she sees Lisl's arm. "I can fix that, if you want." She motions to Lisl's arm. * Nacheyla gets another mug, eyes its... attributes and blushes furiously, putting it down hastily and turning it towards the wall. "Ahem. Just a moment, Michelle." * Michelle approaches the bar and hugs Jaret, "Good to see you as well. I've been keeping busy, though the next time I decide to spend two weeks crawling around on glaciers I'm going to bring some company." <Lisl> Hey, this was just as new to me-- I just got back in town a little while ago. No, this is from gallivanting. ::grinning:: And a little run-in with some stubbornly anti-social individuals. <Kevil> ::snorts:: Individual *what*s, I wonder? * Nacheyla gets another, less aroused mug and fills it with a sweet-smelling brown liquor. She sniffs at it. "Hmmmm. I don't know what this is, Kevil, but you're welcome to try it, if you want." <Lisl> ::glancing at Summer:: I don't think you could... it's a tricky wound, and I don't take well to healing magics. Runs in the family. Thanks all the same, girl. <Aeryn> It is beginning to sound as if I have had the quietest 'holiday' here. ::he muses, listening to the others, and grimacing at Lisl's bandage:: * Summer shrugs and nods then looks to Aeryn and smiles. "Well I hope you find the book useful." <Nacheyla> ::points to the sign:: NO magic in here, please. Not until I get everything fixed up. Please. <Kevil> ::turns toward the bar and captures Nach's hand long enough to kiss her fingers before picking up the mug:: My eternal thanks, Lady Imp. I was only just about to perish of thirst. * Michelle rubs her temples, "Yes. Do what Nacheyla tells you." <Summer> ::nods:: I would have gone outside. ::she grins at Nach:: <Lisl> Ah, they were human enough, they just played really dirty. Matters little enough, now; they're dead. ::grins wolfishly:: * Nacheyla pours another mug of... something or other. It's warm, cream colored, and smells vaguely of toffee. "Here, Chelle. Try that." <Jaret> A... glacier? For two weeks? Heavens, whatever for? * Summer sips her drink and sits quietly, listening to the others. * Kevil takes long swig from the mug and coughs in surprise, but manages to avoid spraying everyone in the room with the liquor. He grins widely and takes another - much smaller - sip. "For certain, I have been too long away." * Michelle tentatively sips her mug, then sighs contentedly sitting on the stool next to Jaret, "It's perfect Nachan." <Nacheyla> Oh good. ::she glances sidelong at the taps:: It's been one of those days. <Aeryn> Well, I think we had all earned a well-deserved holiday, master Kevil. ::he nods to the gaudily dressed Alani:: You and your family especially. <Nacheyla> ::raises an eyebrow at Kevil:: What is that, anyway? <Michelle> ::to Jaret:: Looking for and then harvesting ice melons. They only grow on or at the base of glaciers. One of the local merchants grew up in the north before his wife made him move south and was willing to pay quite well for the taste of home. <Kevil> ::nods:: We were lucky to have such a retreat available to us. A few months in the sun have performed miracles for Loria and the girls. <Kevil> ::grins at Nacheyla:: I do not know what name it goes by here, but in Alanis, we call it araji. A fine liquor made from dates, with... ::he takes another small sip:: ...just a hint of orange, in this batch, I believe. <Jaret> Ice melons? I've never had one. What do they taste like? Are they a dessert fruit? * Aeryn nods, face still serious as he recalls the events of half a year ago. {And a very good thing that would be, given what they went through,} he says softly in his mother tongue. <Nacheyla> Oh... good. I hope you like it. The taps are giving me no end of grief. ::the... ahem... aroused mug makes an evil cackle and grabs another mug, throws it over its shoulder, and heads into the kitchen, laughing:: Not to mention the mugs... ::she sighs:: * Summer smirks at the mugs. * Kevil watches the mugs go with a raised eyebrow. "What... happened?" * Michelle shrugs, "It's a pretty unique taste. If you stop by Ellesmere in the next day or two you can have some. Raw it is generally served as dessert, but I've seen it prepared in various fashions for almost every course of a meal. When it's one of the few fruits you can get for six months out of the year you get creative with how to prepare it." Smiles at Jaret, her eyes twinkling. * Aeryn watches the mugs with the slightest trace of embarrassment, then glances back at his own. He takes another swallow of his oddly-colored cider. <Nacheyla> I'm not entirely sure but there was an accident... something blew up in here. It was a disaster. And we're almost broke. Jelarthna's great horde of small pouches that he left here are all that kept us from being evicted after all the fines imposed. <Lisl> Ah-- that's arak, here. You can find it in some of the Anaurochian cities. Strong stuff... tho' I dearly hope the next big patch of sand I see has a nice, wet sea right next to it. <Aeryn> Allow me to be prompt in paying for this excellent mug of cider, then. ::he smiles and digs into his pouch for a couple of coins:: * Nacheyla looks slightly ashamed, but scoops the coins into the lockbox. "Thank you." <Jaret> Scarcity and necessity do inspire much creativity, don't they? I may see if I can arrange to call on Ellesmere, and sample your foreign treat. <Lisl> ::grins:: We'll just have to see about hunting Jel down and dragging him back here, then, so he can start being over-generous again. <Kevil> Arak... ::you get the impression Kevil is rolling the word on his tongue like the liquor:: Excellent. I will remember. It might make an interesting gift for Diya, if he were to be homesick. Though I doubt I could get him to do more than wet his lips with it... ::ponders, then shrugs and has another small sip:: <Aeryn> Quite welcome. ::he nods, then glances at the stairs:: Although I have a place to stay at present, I confess to being curious...are the rooms above still...? ::he gives Nacheyla a curious look, one eyebrow raised.:: <Lisl> ::raising an eyebrow:: Diya doesn't drink? But he's been in... hm. ::looks thoughtful:: <Michelle> So where have you been in your travels Jaret? * Nacheyla nods. "You're more than welcome to stay, of course. I'm *pretty* sure we got rid of *most* of the dangerous furniture." <Kevil> ::half-shrugs in Lisl's direction:: He will consent to half a cup of wine, now and again, and water it well. Small beer, if water is scarce or suspect. He does not care to muddle his senses, however, even slightly. <Jaret> Oh, it seems most everywhere between here and Waterdeep. We thought we had a lead on Lini'leah's whereabouts, but it turned out to be a wild goose chase. <Aeryn> *Most*? ::he grins a bit:: <Lisl> In that case, be careful what you get him. There's good arak and there's really, really *bad* arak. It's an old desert saying that the bad stuff blinds you twice-- first, you're robbed blind, and then you drink yourself blind. * Nacheyla indicates the cordoned-off table. "Some of it is a little... stubborn about leaving." * Aeryn glances at the indicated table. "Dare I ask?" <Kevil> ::laughs:: *I* know good araji from bad. * Summer finishes her drink and crunches the last of the peppermint stick. She digs in her pocket and places a few coins on the bartop. Carefully she hops down from her stool and glances to Aeryn. <Lisl> ::glances over at the table as Nach points to it:: Hm. ::grinning:: Well, maybe that's something, if I get bored someday... <Nacheyla> You can ask... I'm not obligated to answer. ::she laughs:: Honestly, I don't know. But it bit one of the gnomes and I'm pretty sure it's not entirely safe. <Michelle> I'm sorry Jaret. ::sips her drink, her eyes sad:: * Nacheyla blinks as a tray of cookies and chocolates wanders out of the kitchen on its own accord. "Hmmm." She lifts it up to the bartop. "Thank you." She turns to Jaret. "Sorry to hear about your girlfriend. Care for a mint?" <Lisl> ::stretches and cracks her knuckles:: Well, it was a scenic trip, at least. Good to get out for a bit. ::grins:: * Aeryn drains the last of his colorful cider and also stands. "I see..." He glances at Summer, then at the impressive stack of books on the next stool. "Would you care for a hand, perhaps?" * Jaret looks over in the corner at nothing in particular and shrugs. "News will come, eventually, I imagine. I hope. Until then... we'll see. No thank you, Nacheyla. It probably wouldn't agree with the wine." * Nacheyla picks up a chocolate covered cherry and bites into it. "Very good. Thank you." She pats the tray fondly. <Summer> ::she grins and nods:: That would be much appreciated. ::She reaches and takes the top half of the stack:: <Aeryn> ::he retrieves his cloak and then, placing the book she had given him on top, takes the bottom half:: I shall see you all another time, I would hope? <Michelle> Goodnight Summer, Aeryn. * Nacheyla waves. "Good night, Aeryn." She scoops up Summer's coins and drops them into the lockbox. After a slight pause, the box burps. * Kevil helps himself to a chocolate, then leans against the bar comfortably. "Good night, my friend, Mistress Summer." <Jaret> I certainly hope so, Master Aeryn. Good night, the both of you! Safe journey home! <Nacheyla> Good night, Summer. * Summer quickly waves with a free hand. "Good night everyone." Then she heads for the door, and out. <Kevil> ::turns to Nacheyla with a faint smile:: Should I invite you to come and re-acquaint yourself with the girls, or have you already been peeking? <Nacheyla> I'd be delighted to stop by... anyway. ::she grins:: * Aeryn has no idea how she managed *that* wave. He's got his hands more than full as he follows her out. <Kevil> ::laughs:: Much as I thought. Please, do come. I am sure Loria would welcome your presence wholeheartedly, and of course, there are Aylin and Shavyl to see. <Nacheyla> And, of course, your charming and delightful mate... he is a handsome creature, isn't he? <Kevil> Yes, I think so... Though of course one might say my opinion is hardly objective. ::covers a grin with another sip from his mug:: <Lisl> ::snorts and grins:: <Nacheyla> Just as it should be, Kevil. Just as it should be. ::she smiles:: Chocolate? ::she indicates the heaped tray:: <Lisl> ::drains her mug:: Nach, do you have anything stronger back there? Or should I not dare ask? Nothing too strong, I need to ease back a bit for awhile. ::makes a face at her arm:: <Kevil> Thank you, I believe I will. ::has another chocolate, then considers the full tray:: Would you perhaps be able to find a bit of paper? So I could take a few home to the rest of my family? * Michelle helps herself to a chocolate before having another sip of her drink. * Nacheyla addresses the taps sternly. What comes out is a dark liquid, hot and almost thick. Nacheyla sniffs at it. "I'm pretty sure this isn't what you had in mind." * Lisl filches a few pieces of chocolate from the tray, putting one piece into her mouth entire and starting to chew slowly. <Lisl> Wh't 's't? Co'ee? <Nacheyla> ::sniffs:: Something like coffee, I think. <Lisl> ::speaking-- or trying-- around a mouthful of chocolate:: Na'... ne'er touch t's'uff. <Jaret> ::murmuring:: And yet, she drinks mulekick.... * Nacheyla gets a new mug and tries again. What pours into the glass is bright orange and seems composed of liquid flames. The smell of cinnamon is so strong that Nacheyla's eyes water. * Lisl swallows, licks her lips, and regards the new mug dubiously. "Um... I'm not sure I like the way it's turning red on the bottom like that...." <Nacheyla> You? ::she snorts:: Afraid of a drink? <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow at Lisl:: I thought you liked to live dangerously, Huntress? <Michelle> Too bad we'll never find that tap again, Deanna would love it. <Lisl> Hmph... ::muttering something that sounds like "done that already this week" as she accepts the mug:: Whew... strong stuff. ::holding it at arm's length:: <Nacheyla> You asked... ::she grins:: <Lisl> Aye, well, I meant strongly *alcoholic*... teach me to be imprecise at this bar.... ::takes a deep breath and a tiny swallow:: * Kevil pulls a handkerchief from his pocket. He unfolds it carefully, and begins piling chocolates on it, muttering under his breath. "...for Loria, and that one... Fruit-filled for Diya..." He pauses and considers the tray. "Maybe just *one* each for the girls." <Nacheyla> ::the tray blinks and opens a pair of dewy brown eyes, regarding Kevil with interest. With a sudden crackle, a box folds itself around several of the chocolates and a bright gold bow ties itself around the box. In a feminine hand, the tag appears "For Kevil & Family.":: <Lisl> ::coughs a little, eyes going wide:: Oh... well... ::blinks and stretches out one leg, flexing the muscles:: I'd definitely try this one again. ::loosening her collar as she takes another swallow:: * Jaret subtly looks back and forth from the chocolates to the roped-off table by the fireplace. * Michelle smiles at the tray, "Oh, I wish I had one of those at home." <Kevil> ::jumps a little, then half-bows to the tray:: Thank you. <Nacheyla> ::nods:: I think a lot of the Hall's better... nature, for lack of a better word... was preserved. But it hasn't always been peaceful in here. <Lisl> Hunh... ::follows Jaret's glance, and looks at the kitchen:: So that's the way of it. Wonder if you're going to be getting a litter of shot glasses in a few weeks, Nach. <Lisl> ::snorts:: "Always"? How about "ever"? <Kevil> ::grins sheepishly to the room at large:: Certain parties could have been quite annoyed if they discovered there had been chocolate to hand, and I did not think to bring any home. * Michelle giggles at Kevil's comment. <Lisl> ::grinning:: Is there an Alani word for "doghouse"? <Kevil> ::laughs softly:: In Alanis, the disgraced spouse sleeps on the roof. <Lisl> Ha! So during a sandstorm, everyone's extra-nice, ay? <Jaret> ::to Kevil:: And now, you're sure of a warm welcome when you come home. Or at least a warm reception, once it's known what you're carrying. <Nacheyla> ::the table, perhaps sensing Jaret's interest, slits one eye to watch him. When Jaret turns back to the table, the eye closes:: <Kevil> ::nods to Jaret:: Precisely. * Jaret slides a small square chocolate off the tray and puts it in front of himself on the bar. <Nacheyla> ::the table opens its eyes again, giving Jaret a suspicious glower:: * Lisl takes another swallow of the cinnamon-balm drink and sighs. "Good stuff to warm you on a cold evening." * Jaret puts the chocolate in the palm of his hand, checks over his shoulder for distance, looks back front again, and lobs the chocolate back at the surly table without looking. <Lisl> ::follows the arc of the chocolate with her eyes as if she were a spectator at an archery match:: <Nacheyla> ::with perfect timing, a large toothy mouth opens in the center of the table and a slimy tongue licks its "lips" as the chocolate falls into the gaping maw. A moment later, the table utters a large crockery-rattling belch:: * Kevil jumps in surprise. <Lisl> 'Scuse you. * Michelle shakes her head and has a sip of her drink. * Jaret flinches a little bit and pushes his empty goblet away. "Well, there are those adherents to the 'better out than in' school..." <Nacheyla> ::laughs:: If it follows you home, Jaret, you can keep it. * Kevil inches just a little further away from the table and has a somewhat larger sip from his mug. <Lisl> If it tries, I want to see it get itself out the door... <Michelle> Don't challenge it Lisl, it might decide to follow you home. <Jaret> Let's not set any challenges for it, shall we? I already have some nice, placid tables at home... at least, I think I do, and little place for a more rambunctious breed. <Lisl> It could try... I don't doubt Mother would put a doily on it. <Michelle> Is your mother still staying at your place? <Nacheyla> ::the table opens its eyes again and hurmphs loudly:: <Kevil> Well, enough for me, tonight - of sentient furniture and drink, both. ::carefully sets his mug down:: Delicious as this is, if I tried to finish the mug, I would have to crawl home - which state might cancel the goodwill purchased with the chocolate, d'va? * Nacheyla smiles. "Take care, Kevil. Give my love to your family." <Lisl> ::glancing at the table:: Aye, I meant you. ::looking back at Michelle:: She took it upon herself to house-sit 'til I got back. ::glancing at Jaret:: She was worried about Lini, too, with those thugs... ah, well, it all came to naught. This rate, though, I don't think I'll be ri-- I mean, I don't think she'll choose to leave 'til springtide. * Michelle snags another chocolate, then finishes her drink. "Well I should probably be heading home and to bed. It will be nice to sleep in a warm, soft bed again." <Lisl> ::grins:: One of us could always carry you, Kevil. * Nacheyla yawns. "I don't feel up to carrying anyone..." * Michelle smiles, "Well if she's staying in Marsember for a while then you're both invited over for dinner sometime." * Jaret stands up. "I had best be going as well. My house is still in a frightful state, and I should do a little more to it before I retire for the night." <Kevil> ::bows to Nacheyla:: Do come and visit soon, Lady Imp. ::smiles at Lisl:: But unless you could un-muddle my mind, I still fear I might find myself on the roof, d'va? ::he scoops up the box of chocolates and bows to the rest of the room:: Good night, my friends. <Nacheyla> ::nods:: I will... ::she waves:: <Lisl> ::grins:: True enough. G'night, Kevil. Send my love to your family, will you? <Michelle> Goodnight Kevil. Say hello to everyone for me. * Jaret reaches into his purse and withdraws some thick silver coins. "For the wine, and the effort it took to coax it from those stubborn taps. And the chocolate, too." He puts the coins on the bar, and makes ready to leave. <Lisl> ::takes another swig of her mug and peers into the depths:: Nach? Do you think you could find a container for me for the rest of this? I'd best be going as well. * Michelle pulls her great coat on, bundling the rest of her garments inside her cloak and slinging the improvised bag over her shoulder, "Goodnight everyone. Now that we're all back in town feel free to stop by anytime." * Nacheyla puts the coins in the lockbox. * Michelle smacks her forehead, "Thank you Jaret." Rummages in her pocket and pulls out a gold coin that she tosses to Nacheyla. <Nacheyla> Thank you. ::she gets a small ceramic jug - blue with orange and purple spots - for Lisl's drink:: Here. <Jaret> Most welcome, Michelle. Good night, ladies. <Lisl> ::eyeing the jug:: It's safe? <Nacheyla> Goodnight, Jaret. ::to Lisl:: I think so. * Michelle heads out the door. * Jaret leaves the Hall. <Lisl> Right. ::fishes in her pouch and leaves a pile of mixed currency on the bar, some gold showing:: There we are. ::picks up another couple pieces of chocolate, chucking one to the table and slipping the other into her pouch:: 'Night, Nach. Sleep sweet. Say hi to Chey for me. * Lisl strolls out. <Nacheyla> ::the table opens its eyes again and gives Nacheyla a pleading look:: <Nacheyla> Oh, fine... ::she takes the depleted tray of chocolates and dumps the remainder into the table's eager maw:: Thank you for behaving so well. * Nacheyla snuffs the candles and locks up. |
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