Main Page |
* Michelle unlocks the door and drags a chest out into the alley with a note that says, "Coat Closet" <Michelle> ::straightening up Michelle announces:: Hall's Open! * Michelle steps inside and heads behind the bar. <Aeryn> The ranger peeks in through the Hall doors cautiously and looks around. Quickly making a tally of the tables, he winces very slightly and then steps in, heading for a seat at the bar. "A good evening to you, Michelle..." <Michelle> Good evening Aeryn. What can I attempt to get you this evening? * Aeryn gives the taps a slightly pointed glance. "A mug of the house meade would be very appreciated..." * Lisl enters, covering a yawn with one hand as she leans her bowstaff in the corner. "Evening, all. Mug of... ah, make it house choice, I guess, Michelle." * Michelle picks up a mug and turns to the taps, "Are you going to embarrass yourselves by not coming up with the house meade?" Sets the mug under the taps at random and pulls the handle. <Aeryn> ::glancing over:: A good evening, Lisl... ::looks back at the taps:: * Michelle survey's the contents of the mug, "Good timing Lisl. Tell me if this is the house or a cheap imitation." Sets the mug in front of Lisl. <Lisl> S'right. Give the lad what he wants, and then they can have their way with me as they like. ::half-grins as she slides onto a bar stool:: * Lisl picks up the mug, sniffs, and sips cautiously. * Kevil pauses in the alley a moment to eye the coat chest, then grins and pushes through the door. "Good evening, my friends!" His lute is under one arm and he is - even for Kevil - well-dressed, apparently on his way home from some entertainment. * Aeryn looks over at the door again, eyebrows going up. "Evening, Masterbard...with, I think, more than a little of the 'master' today?" * Lisl sets the mug down again in front of Aeryn, producing a mostly-clean handkerchief with which she wipes the lip of the mug. "Meade." <Lisl> ::glances over her shoulder:: Evening, Kevil. Just off work, or is it laundry day? <Aeryn> ::smiles:: Much appreciated! ::picks up the mug and takes a sip:: <Michelle> Evening Kevil. Have you had a good day? <Kevil> Far from it, my friend. When one plays to the desires of others, one is less "master" and more "bard." ::he grins and sits at a bar, tucking his lute neatly between his feet, out of harm's way. He reaches into a pocket and drops three gold coins in front of Michelle.:: Which is not to say that more of "bard" is not lucrative. <Aeryn> I see... <Kevil> ::winks at Michelle:: Is there enough of Lord Malkier's favorite vintage in the cellar that I might be permitted a glass or two? <Michelle> So what can I get you Kevil? ::picks up another mug and turns to the taps:: House meade for Lisl. ::fills the mug from a random tap:: * Michelle giggles brightly, "I think we can spare a bottle if you promise not to tell Jaret." * Michelle places the mug in front of Lisl, "There you go." <Kevil> ::looks hurt:: Why should I keep it a secret? I will pay its worth; I certainly would not *steal* from so noble a friend - or so dangerous a man. * Lisl takes a sip and raises an eyebrow. "Well. The quality of the house has improved, I'd say." She grins and takes a larger swallow. * Diya walks in. It is hard to tell where the clothes leave off and the man begins, as he is well swaddled in heavy fabric. His cheeks and nose - all that is visible aside from bright, sparkling black eyes - are red and slightly chapped. * Michelle laughs as she pulls out a bottle of Arabellan Red and begins opening it, "Fair enough Kevil." * Lisl glances over her shoulder, turns back, and turns to look again. "Well. Not letting your husband go out without a hat anymore, Kevil? Evening, Master Nabihazan." * Aeryn gives Lisl a sidelong glance, then takes another sip of his mug before glancing over again. "A good evening, ranger Diya..." <Lisl> ::grins wider at Aeryn's look:: I didn't get what you got. * Bluestar enters, following and occasionally nudging forward a young boy with dark hair and an olive complexion. The boy is dressed in coarsely woven, warm clothes in browns and undyed beiges, while Bluestar is in storm gray, under his midnight blue cloak. The boy breaks into a wide smile when he enters the Hall. Bluestar strides amiably enough to the bar. "Evening, 'keep. Whisky?" <Michelle> Good evening Diya. Can I get you anything this evening? * Kevil blinks and looks around at Lisl's comment. His eyes light as he spots Diya. "N'shava! I had not thought to see you here!" * Aeryn eyes the taps and mutters something in Elven, before looking over yet again. "Ah...good evening, headmaster..." <Lisl> Bluestar. Still alive, I see. That's good. ::glances at the boy:: Evening, lad. * Michelle picks up a snifter and looks questioningly at the taps, "Whisky for Master Bluestar." Selecting a tap she pours a few fingers of orange syrup into the glass. <Bluestar> * Ash leaves off from slowly making a circuit of the Hall as he's spoken to. "Evening, Miss Lisl." * Kevil glances at the boy curiously, then nods to both him and Bluestar in good spirits. "Good evening to you both." * Diya stamps off an impressive amount of snow. "Diya is *freezing*. Oriole took him *sledding*, while Sunflower was watching the babies." * Lisl raises both eyebrows as the boy addresses her by name and glances at Bluestar. <Aeryn> ::looks at his fellow ranger amusedly:: And did you enjoy it, or were you perhaps too cold? <Kevil> ::laughs and stands to help dust snow off his husband:: Did you have fun? <Lisl> ::looks from Kevil to Diya:: "Sunflower"? <Diya> ::nods vigorously:: Diya thinks snow is quite wonderful. Although sometimes he wishes it was just a little bit less cold. Diya can hardly feel his toes. <Kevil> ::winks at Lisl:: He means Miss Mandeil. <Lisl> ::mutters half to herself:: And I thought I had too many names sometimes... * Michelle sets the glass aside and selects another, "Whisky for Master Bluestar please." Selecting another tap she tries again getting a drink that appears in red, green and yellow layers. * Bluestar looks contemptuously at the orange syrup. "Perhaps I should try out this water thing I hear so much about." He turns to Lisl. "Oh, yes. Apparently tables do more than just be furniture. Sometimes they listen to what goes on both above and under them." <Kevil> It is warmer by the bar, n'shava. Come and have something hot to drink. Chocolate? Coffee? * Aeryn glances carefully at the boy... <Diya> ::his already bright eyes brighten further:: Chocolate? <Lisl> Ah. ::looks rueful:: Just as well for him, then, that he didn't live at the 'Warren.... <Kevil> ::grins and takes Diya's arm to lead him back to the bar:: Lady Michelle, hot chocolate for Diya. With lots of cream. * Michelle sighs, puts a mug under one tap and a glass under the other, pulling both handles and saying a brief prayer. <Kevil> ::to Bluestar:: Tables, my lord? Are you applying your most notorious threat in reverse? <Bluestar> Depending on interpretation, Master Bard, your conjugation is incorrect. I have applied my most notorious rumored punishment in reverse. <Michelle> ::A loud clanging sound comes out of the taps and several chunks of something shoot into the mug followed by a brown liquid. The glass on the other hand is filled with a half frozen pink substance. Taking the mug Michelle sniffs at it delicately:: Well I don't think this is the quantity you wanted, but it smells like one of the better Moonshae's. ::Sets the mug in front of Bluestar:: * Lisl takes another swallow of her house-doctored meade. <Bluestar> Thank you, Miss Michelle.... I think. If I collapse to the ground, foaming at the mouth after I consume this, consider the thanks withdrawn. <Kevil> ::laughs and bows to Bluestar:: I am corrected. ::eyes the boy:: And he was once a... table? From here? How very intriguing. ::watches the boy curiously:: * Aeryn shivers slightly. "That would be one way to call it, perhaps..." * Michelle laughs brightly, "Certainly Master Bluestar." <Bluestar> Philosophically, an interesting point. Is he a boy? Is he a table in the shape of a boy? What determines one's true state of being? I've been giving it some thought, these past few weeks, and I haven't made significant headway. <Michelle> Besides Diya's chocolate have I taken care of everyone else? And would anyone like anything from the kitchen while I'm back there? <Kevil> ::grins at Bluestar:: Why not simply ask him? <Bluestar> Speaking of which: Boy! Come here. Order something to drink. It's what people do when they come to a bar, most of the time. * Diya raises one eyebrow and says something to Kevil in the liquid tones of Alani. <Bluestar> * Ash looks darkly at Bluestar, and then makes his way to the bar. He watches Michelle quietly for several beats, then asks, "Meade?" * Aeryn shakes his head. "Thank you, but I will be fine." * Kevil enters a low conversation with Diya in their native tongue. <Lisl> ::scowls:: He's what nature and magic have made of him. ::sniffing:: He's certainly human for now. ::glances at the boy again:: Have you a name, lad? You'd be entitled to one, if you want one. * Diya blinks at Kevil, then stares at Bluestar for a long moment before bowing very deeply. * Michelle smiles, "Alright dear." She takes a mug and turns to the taps, "Meade please." As she fills the mug from the tap several other mugs walk up to the mug Michelle is filling and begin decorating it with garlands. At the same time a parade of flatware makes its way out of the kitchen and begins dancing around Ash. * Michelle hands the mug to Ash, "There you go dear. Can I get you anything else?" <Bluestar> * Ash looks at Lisl. "He calls me Ash. Should I get another name?" * Aeryn 's eyebrows go up as the Hall apparently decides to make a resident more than welcome. <Aeryn> ::Or, perhaps former resident.:: <Lisl> ::scowls a little:: Well, he *called* you "boy." But if you're fine with Ash, then Ash it is. ::holds out her hand:: Nice to meet you, Ash. <Bluestar> * Ash shakes Lisl's hand sort of awkwardly. <Michelle> I'll be back shortly. ::Disappears into the kitchen:: <Aeryn> ::also offers his hand:: Your...former? associates appear to be giving you quite a welcome... <Lisl> ::releasing his hand:: Enjoy your drink. Looks like your mates haven't forgotten you, at least. ::nods to the begarlanded mug:: <Bluestar> * Ash shakes Aeryn's hand as well. "I... we all... it's home." <Aeryn> And it definitely hasn't forgotten you. ::smiles:: * Bluestar grins into his drink as he has another swallow. <Kevil> He gets to choose a name, while I wasted hours of my youth attempting to convince my parents I should have been named otherwise? ::grins at Lisl, then offers Ash one of his best seated bows:: Delighted, sir Ash. <Bluestar> <Ash> ::to describe Ash's return bow to Kevil as 'wooden' would be both charitable and accurate:: <Lisl> ::snorts:: The lad said Bluestar gave him the name, Kevil. Not a far sight different from getting saddled with one by your parents. ::raises her eyebrow:: And you're old enough to change it yourself, now, if you liked. Why haven't you? ::grins a little:: * Michelle returns from the kitchen two mugs of cocoa, setting one on the bar in front of Diya and sipping from the other other herself, "There you are Diya. Anyone else need anything?" <Bluestar> * Ash shrugs one shoulder and then the next. "All the names I know... belong to someone else." <Kevil> ::takes a sip from his wine and leans an elbow on the bar to argue amiably with Lisl:: You said it was only his name if he wanted to keep it, though. And by the time I reached my majority, I had... ::he gropes for a word, then shrugs:: ...grown into my name well enough. * Diya slowly peels his gloves off of slightly stiff fingers before wrapping his hands around the warm mug. "Diya is grateful." <Kevil> ::smiles fondly at Diya:: Loria will kill me. ::he doesn't sound overly distressed at the notion:: <Lisl> Ha! They usually do, Ash. Some families pride themselves on preserving the same name, generation after generation. Others like a bit more variety. ::twists up a corner of her mouth:: Some of them name their kids after whatever's convenient... which is, I'd wager, what happened to you. ::glances at Bluestar again:: * Diya takes a long gulp of hot chocolate, then covers his mouth to burp. "Oriole will do no such thing." <Kevil> No? ::considers:: No, perhaps she will only bludgeon me with something heavy. <Aeryn> ::finishes his first mug:: I would perhaps appreciate another mug of meade... * Lisl takes another swallow of meadish spirits. <Lisl> So you didn't like your name, Kevil, because it was too big for you? ::grins:: * Bluestar turns to face Ash and those talking to him. "And now for tonight's choice. Ash, you've had a few weeks to experience life as a human being. You've taken a few general education classes at the school, you've eaten and drank food as a human being, and you've been out and seen some of the city. I'll let you choose. Do you want to be returned to your past life, as a table here in the Meade Hall, or do you want to stay as you are?" * Diya nearly spits his mouthful of chocolate back into his cup at Lisl's innuendo. * Michelle takes Aeryn's mug and turns to the taps, "More of the same please." After filling the mug Michelle sets it back down in front of Aeryn. <Bluestar> * Ash looks at Bluestar, and then to everyone else. "I don't know." <Kevil> ::laughs at Diya's reaction:: For a time, perhaps. <Aeryn> ::checks it and takes a cautious sip:: * Michelle quirks an eyebrow at Bluestar and Ash's conversation. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow at Diya's spit-take, and looks over at Bluestar again:: Hunh... well, I admit, that's more of a choice than most newborns have.... <Kevil> ::to Lisl:: Indeed, and Shavyl was *quite* put out when she found out, too. <Lisl> ::snorts:: Ha. I'm sure it didn't take her long to figure out how to make it work for her. ::grins:: That one's definitely your daughter, Kevil. <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow:: Loria assures me quite firmly that they *both* are. Some times more than others. <Diya> ::grins widely:: Heartwing is disappointed, however. Neither of them thus far can carry a tune. <Bluestar> * Ash looks at the people around him, and back at the tables in the Hall. He has an unsteady drink. * Aeryn looks at Ash, interested in his final answer. Table, or boy? <Lisl> ::eyes Ash:: You can ask questions if you need to, lad. Like, "will this be a one-time offer, sir, or can I try it a bit longer and think about it some more?" ::takes another swallow from her mug:: <Kevil> ::hams a melancholy air for a moment:: <Lisl> They're only one. Give the girls time, Kevil. <Lisl> I'm sure if it doesn't work out they'll make excellent critics. ::winks at Diya:: <Bluestar> It's not a one-time offer, but the windows of opportunity to reverse the switch grow fewer and fewer as time passes. <Diya> Heartwing has choral ambitions... Oriole belonging to the family of the Blessed Mother... <Lisl> ::looking surprised:: Gods above and below, I hope not. She's built for babies, not litters. * Aeryn continues to watch the exchanges between Ash and Bluestar. <Kevil> ::looks vaguely hurt:: Chorals can be sung with as few as four parts... <Lisl> ::grinning wider:: Ah, so, if the girls can give voice, you're done, then. <Diya> ::softly:: Diya wouldn't *mind* more issali. <Kevil> ::snorts:: I would not presume to make such a decision on Loria's behalf. She would... ::pauses, unable to think of a suitable punishment:: <Bluestar> * Ash puts his mug down. "I want to be back like I was. But maybe... once in a while?" <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: Last I checked, Master Nabihazan, you're married to her, too. * Aeryn looks over at Bluestar, now, taking another sip of his drink. * Michelle sips her cocoa waiting for Bluestar's response. <Bluestar> Once in a while... perhaps. Depending on how things are. Are you ready? * Kevil laughs and puts an arm around Diya's waist. "A little red-haired issal, d'va?" <Aeryn> ::shifts his seat back some:: <Diya> ::shrugs and blushes:: Perhaps... * Lisl looks over at Ash, sighing softly. "Was good meeting you, lad." She looks a little rueful. "I'll try to go a little easier on the furniture in the future, aye?" <Michelle> No Demon Kick experiments anymore Lisl? ::smiles jokingly:: * Kevil glances over at Ash and smiles. <Lisl> ::scrubs a hand over her hair:: Aye, well... I don't *try* to burn holes in the bar. ::mutters:: I usually aim for the floor... <Bluestar> Get out into the room, now. I'm not picking you up and putting you where you belong. <Michelle> ::The furniture in the Hall shuffles around to make room for Ash:: <Bluestar> * Ash puts his mug down on the bar and makes his way into the center of the empty spot in the Hall. * Aeryn shifts his chair back further. * Bluestar relaxes and shudders, and Ash smoothly flows from being a boy into being a table, once again. * Diya blinks, rubs his eyes, and stares. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow and drains her mug:: Well, now. That looked easier than the first time. Need something to eat, Bluestar? <Aeryn> ::frowns and nods a little at Lisl's comment:: * Bluestar takes a long, quiet breath, and wipes his forehead clean. He pulls a smallish leather pouch out from inside his cloak, pushes through the insides with a finger, and then tugs the strings closed. "All gone. And yes, something to eat would be nice, if you've got anything." <Bluestar> And it is somewhat easier that way... and practice makes perfect. <Michelle> I'll be back in a moment, ::disappears into the kitchen:: * Kevil grins at Diya and says something to him in quiet Alani. <Lisl> ::sets her mug on the counter and fishes a gold piece out of her pouch to put down next to it:: <Aeryn> ::eyes Bluestar:: And you are perhaps planning on more practice? <Lisl> ::mutters:: Well, the rumors are true *now* at least... sort of.... * Michelle smiles around her mug. <Bluestar> I don't have to plan on practicing anything. Most days the students seem all too happy to volunteer themselves as test cases. * Kevil raises an eyebrow at Diya's grinning response, then laughs outright. "Come, let us get you home, n'shava, before all the warmth of your chocolate has worn off." He puts another coin on the counter and smiles at Michelle. "Should you see Lord Malkier, please tell him I thank him for the use of his cellar." * Michelle smiles, "I most certainly will Kevil. Goodnight to both of you." <Aeryn> I see. Hence your...reputation? * Kevil bows to the room at large. "Good night, my friends!" He and Diya head for the door, arm in arm. <Bluestar> I've done some things to earn it. As for the rest, excitable students are all too ready to believe the most fanciful explanation for the dreariest of events. <Lisl> Night, Kevil. Night, Master Nabihazan. Stay warm. ::grins a little:: Like they need the encouragement... <Aeryn> ::nods to Kevil and Diya:: A good night to you two... <Lisl> Not that you do anything to, ah, disabuse them of the notion. <Aeryn> ::he raise an eyebrow at Bluestar:: A student being transformed into a table is so much more interesting than one expelled who left quickly? <Bluestar> ::to Lisl:: Why would I? ::to Aeryn:: Wouldn't you say so? <Kevil> <Diya> Diya does not feel nearly so chilled now, heartwing... Perhaps he will practice making snowballs on the way home. And his aim... ::grins mischievously at Kevil as the door closes behind them:: *** Kevil has left the channel <Lisl> ::grins:: My point exactly. <Aeryn> Indeed... ::he finishes his second mug and places it down, beginning to fish out silver:: * Bluestar puts a small stack of silvers on the bar. "I trust that the issue of the table I owe you is settled, Miss Michelle?" <Lisl> ::cocking her head to one side, frowning a little at the table which was once a boy who was once a table:: Why'd you do it in the first place, Bluestar? * Michelle nods, "I'd say so." <Bluestar> Because the table was a little too brash. Because I hadn't done it before. Because I felt like it, I suppose. And the most common reason of them all, because it seemed like a good idea at the time. <Aeryn> ::mutters in Elven:: I think I should perhaps remember to watch my manners around a certain person, then... <Lisl> Ha! Well enough. * Michelle looks out the window, "Last call folks." <Lisl> ::glances at Aeryn:: If you only remember to watch your manners around people who show off their strengths, lad, I'd say you need to work on your manners a bit more. ::rolls her eyes:: Aerdrie, I sound like my mother. * Bluestar stands and wraps his cloak around himself tightly. "Good night, everyone. Good night, Ash." He leaves the Hall, a small smile still on his face. <Lisl> ::raises a hand in farewell:: Night, Bluestar. Sleep sweet. * Aeryn places several silver pieces on the bartop as his mug scurries off. "Thank you, but I am fine..." he glances at Bluestar and nods with a faint smile, then nods again. "A good night to you, then." <Lisl> ::goes to the corner to retrieve her bowstaff, smothering another huge yawn:: Bed for me, I think. The morning hike's only gotten worse for me... ::shakes her head:: I only pray we've a better summer to come than we just had. <Michelle> You and the rest of the city Lisl. <Aeryn> Indeed... ::he also gets up:: And I shall bid the two of you a good night... <Lisl> Night, all. ::saunters out, yawning:: * Aeryn follows suit. * Michelle shoos the dishes into the kitchen and then dims the lamps, pausing to pat Ash, "Welcome home." |
|
|