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* Nacheyla walks in, reading a piece of paper and looking extremely annoyed. <Nacheyla> Hall's open. ::she walks around the room, grouchily lighting the lamps:: Stupid, arrogant, idiotic *mangrllweth*! * Nacheyla slams the piece of paper down on the bartop and gets a mug. "Give me a beer. And I would suggest you be nice about it. I am *not* in a good mood." * Lisl strolls in with a brace of geese slung over one shoulder. "Gesundheit. Coming down with something, Nach?" <Nacheyla> ::voice dripping with sarcasm:: A case of the vile imbeciles. How are you? ::beer streams into her mug:: Thank you. * Michelle walks in, removing her cloak to reveal a white dress and blue bodice. She drapes her cloak over one of the chairs and moves towards the bar, "Which imbecile and what did they do this time Nachan?" <Lisl> Oooh, sounds nasty. ::quirking a half-grin:: I hear a good blood-letting can clear that right up, you know. I'm... doing better, I'd say. Hunting's picking up. Spring's coming, even if she's taking her time showing it. * Nacheyla snatches up the piece of paper. "Another fine! And it's his own damn fault." She launches into a tirade of nasty sounding language that might be best conveyed by grinding glass and lobsters together. Or maybe a weasel mating with a set of bagpipes. <Jaret> ::a slow rattling precedes Jaret's entrance to the Hall. The rattling is caused by a stolid laborer pushing a cart that has three small barrels in it. Jaret unloads the barrels from the cart to inside the Hall. Jaret pulls a small black pouch and hands it to the man:: Thank you so much. Your effort is most welcome, and I appreciate the care you took in not jostling things. Good evening. <Lisl> Evening, 'chelle. If the taps'll allow it, Nach, I'd take a meade. ::winces at the string of grating syllables issuing from Nacheyla's lips:: Or, well, when you've a moment.... * Nacheyla snatches up another mug and fills it with some light amber liquid. "If I didn't know there was a few decent sorts among the War Wizards, I'd... slaughter the lot of them." * Michelle sighs in exasperation, "Who got themselves in trouble and how much are we being fined?" Crosses her arms on the bar and lays her head down on top of them, revealing the bun her hair is tied up in. <Lisl> ::glancing over her shoulder:: Jaret? Need a hand? <Jaret> ::the man grunts, nods an acknowledgement, and backs his cart out of the alley and back to the street. Jaret has a pleased grin on his face. He's dressed in dapper slate blue edged in white.:: Oh, dear. It doesn't look like the best of evenings. <Nacheyla> ::sighs:: I *fixed* the problem. Even if I *did* have to haul him out of the public baths first. <Lisl> Him? Who him? <Nacheyla> ::checks the notice:: But we're fined one thousand in gold for "dubious magical usage". Why didn't *Yb* get these fines? <Jaret> Let Nacheyla finish her story first, Lisl. I'll have my time, I'm certain. ::he leaves the barrels by the door and saunters over to the bar:: * Michelle sighs, "Maybe we just need to start causing general mayhem, that seems to be how Yb got out of the fines. Everyone was too afraid to get near enough to her to actually serve her notice." <Lisl> Ha... good plan. Put the fear of you into them. On the other hand, I hear the city's pretty strapped. Even divine wrath might not help. <Nacheyla> His August Magus Niralan came in here two weeks ago to "investigate" the suspicious occurrences from the other month. Anyway, he disregarded our notices about no magical use.... <Lisl> ::raising an eyebrow:: Oh, dear.... <Nacheyla> And... well, he... became a *she*. For a few days. I found him... her... enjoying the scenery at a local public bath. In the women's side. <Jaret> We had suspicious occurrences? And I missed them? * Lisl raises the other eyebrow. <Jaret> ::at Nacheyla's description of Niralan's alteration:: Oh, my. Oh, that is a little something to file away for a rainy day. * Michelle shakes her head, "Of course, and so we're fined for... What was it, pervert facilitating magic use?" <Nacheyla> "Dubious." *Dubious* magical use. <Lisl> ::snorts:: So why's the Hall getting the fine? He's the idiot who *used* magic. <Michelle> For that matter how can he prove that he didn't do it to himself just to go in there. <Lisl> Ha! Take the word of a band of scruffy adventurers over that of an appointed official? Why, the very idea. * Nacheyla rolls her eyes. "Because he's the brother of the wife of the current head of the city council would be my guess. And he doesn't like being embarrassed in public by one of his own family members. So if his 'aberrant behavior' is our fault... then there's no blame to him, is there?" * Tarri comes in, looking tired but happy. Her hair is pulled back under a scarf, her face is slightly smudged, and the unmistakable scent of medicinal herbs clings to her like a briar. She gives everyone a smile, and finds a vacant seat at the bar. "Hi, everyone." <Lisl> ::mutters:: It's payback for not anticipating that hells-damned sneaky dracolich, that's what it is.... * Michelle shakes her head, "Unfortunately there's nothing for it but to pay the damn fine. Though I'd heartily enjoy breaking into his place and 'procuring' the necessary funds." <Lisl> Evening, Tarri. ::rubs her nose:: <Nacheyla> Oh! Tarri... one moment. ::she disappears into the kitchen:: * Michelle picks her head up off the bar, "Evening Tarri. How are you doing?" <Tarri> ::grins:: Sorry, Lisl... I've been in the stillroom all afternoon. <Lisl> Heh... don't worry about it. My nose, not your problem. <Lisl> Oh-- ::belatedly unslings the brace of geese from her back as Nach heads for the kitchen, holding them out:: Here, take-- damn. ::slides off her stool and follows Nacheyla through the kitchen door, dangling her string of geese:: * Tarri looks like she's about to say something to Lisl, then grins wryly as Lisl disappears. "How is everyone tonight?" <Jaret> Fairly well. Back from a trip abroad, and engaging in some speculative trading and commerce upon my return, hopefully to future benefit. * Michelle smiles wanly, "I was doing alright until I found out about the Hall's latest fine. Hopefully I'll be able to find some good news to end the day on." <Tarri> ::laughs:: You've been talking to a lot of people who think they're very smart, haven't you, Lord Malkier? Are those your barrels? * Michelle giggles, "Tarri that's so... True." <Jaret> Indeed they are my barrels, and the people I were talking to came off more as desperate than smart. Of course, now that I am back here, I am among unparalleled intellect and capacity for informed thought. * Lisl returns, picking feathers off her sleeve and absentmindedly stuffing them in a pocket. "Are you trying to sell us something, Jaret? And did you want those somewhere?" She nods towards the barrels. * Nacheyla comes back into the room with a tray. On the tray are several bowls of strawberry ice cream. "I know it's a little chilly, but... well, with no magic, we have to rely on more normal methods of keeping things frozen." * Jaret looks hurt. "I don't *sell* things to my friends, Lisl. These are gifts. And as soon as the lady behind the bar is ready to receive them, they are hers." <Tarri> ::giggles at Jaret:: If you talk any more fancy, I'm going to need a translator... ::her eyes light up as Nacheyla appears with the ice cream:: Strawberry? Ooh! <Lisl> ::grins:: Just teasing, Jaret. I was only wondering if all that flattery was a wind-up for something. ::grins:: <Nacheyla> ::looks up:: What's for me? * Jaret gestures to his small stack of barrels by the door. "In the interest of having some distilled spirits on hand not subject to the whims of the newly recalcitrant taps, I bring you three small barrels of Sembian brandy, which the Sembian merchants are having a hard time finding a market for, of late." * Nacheyla laughs. "I wonder why. But thank you." * Michelle smiles and shakes her head, "I swear Jaret, we should hire you to keep us stocked." <Lisl> ::rubs her hands together and grins:: Thank you indeed, Jaret. Where d'you want them, Nach? <Jaret> I think that even I would have trouble satisfying the many varied tastes of the Hall's patrons. Therefore, I do my best to make sure that my wants are at least seen to. <Nacheyla> ::jerks her chin towards a corner:: That would be a good place for the time being. * Tarri does not comment, being nose-deep in a bowl of strawberry ice cream. <Lisl> ::nods and shoulders a barrel, taking a step for balance as it sloshes a little:: * Jaret picks up a barrel of his own, and plods after Lisl. * Tarri eats around her strawberry bits, saving them for last. * Lisl sets her barrel in the corner and goes back for the rest. * Nacheyla takes a swig of her beer, then eyes the ice-cream. "Hmmm." She turns to the taps again and pours herself a glass of something pale yellow and icy. <Tarri> ::watching Lisl as she licks her spoon:: Hey, Lisl, if you don't want your ice cream, can I have it? <Lisl> ::grins:: Help yourself. I'm more in a chocolate mood today, anyway. * Jaret sets his barrel next to Lisl's. "Care for some assistance with that last one, Lisl? I did bring them here with the intention of hefting them about myself, and not foisting the responsibility off on anyone." * Michelle grabs a spoon and a bowl of ice cream, holding them protectively as she eyes Tarri in mock fear. <Tarri> ::eyes widen, as she had not expected an affirmative answer, and pounces on Lisl's bowl:: * Lisl chuckles at Tarri's lunge. "Beware the fearsome strawberry-hunter... I'm fine, Jaret. You were kind enough to acquire them, least I can do is lend a hand before I empty them." She winks. * Nacheyla sits down, sipping at her lemon ice for a few minutes before helping herself to some ice-cream. <Tarri> ::grins at Lisl:: It's *almost* strawberry season, and I've been waiting as patiently as I can, but you can't expect me to resist this kind of temptation, can you? <Jaret> If you do finish them off, let me know. I acquired a larger stock than that as a personal investment, for when tastes re-emerge over a momentary sense of patriotism. I'd be happy to restock the Hall's cellars out of that supply, while I still have a cache to do so out of. <Lisl> Almost, hm? I've been doing an awful lot of shivering in the heath for "almost" strawberry season. Might have to hold onto your patience just a bit longer. * Michelle quietly starts in on her ice cream. <Tarri> ::sighs:: Then I'll have to enjoy this even more.... ::looks around:: You don't want *yours*, do you, Lord Malkier? * Michelle giggles at Tarri's enthusiasm. * Nacheyla laughs. "I was hoping you'd enjoy it. Val left some of the strawberries here from his... little visit." <Lisl> I'll bear it in mind, Jaret. Tho' if we do go to war, we could always confiscate a few barrels as rightful spoils... ::grins:: <Jaret> Don't want my... Oh, goodness. I didn't even realize I had one to want. I don't suppose that imposing gentleman I've seen you with would get jealous if we shared the bowl? <Lisl> Vallel brought strawberries? Where'd he get off too? I thought he was all tied up getting his shop going again. <Tarri> ::laughs:: He'd probably be grateful that I was stealing someone *else's* strawberries, for a change... But I've already had two bowls. I probably shouldn't have three, or I'll pop out of my dress. <Nacheyla> ::smiles:: It'll be... two more weeks. Until his shop is fixed. <Michelle> Apparently there was a psionic child in the area who wandered off in a dream to talk to its dead grandmother. Val went to bring the child back home. <Lisl> ::blinks:: They can do that? Damn. That's sort of... disturbing, when you think about it. <Jaret> Well, I certainly wouldn't want it to be known that such an event was my fault, so I'll keep the bowl to myself. <Michelle> ::nods:: Fortunately the parents have the child enrolled at the school now. * Michelle giggles at Jaret's comment. <Lisl> ::grins:: I could always some by and offer you a few extra sparring sessions to keep the weight off, Tarri. * Jaret twirls the spoon around in his fingers before starting in on the bowl. * Tarri gives Lisl a dubious look. "No, that's okay, Lisl. I'll just stick to two bowls." She fishes a few more strawberries out and sets them carefully to the side. * Lisl reseats herself and turns her attention to her neglected mug of meade. * Nacheyla finishes off her ice-cream. "Now... how will we take care of this? Another fine. On top of all the others? I don't think we've got it. And no one else really has it to spare right now, with all the repairs." <Tarri> ::blinks at Nacheyla:: Fine? Another one? How bad is it? <Michelle> How long do we have to collect the money? <Lisl> ::shrugging a shoulder:: What could they do to you if you ignored it? Close us down? I'd like to see them try. ::a glint of gold in her eye:: <Jaret> I can dip into my accounts, if need be, Lady. Although the invasion has left me with less than I had to start, I am in no position to plead poverty. Although I do not think I would be able to manage the whole sum on my own, unfortunately. <Lisl> I can probably get my hands on a bit of ready cash, tho' I've been dealing in barter mostly, lately. What's the damage, again? * Nacheyla sighs. "They could shut the doors, Lisl. You think I'm - or Rhys - is going to *fight* with the War Wizards?" <Lisl> ::mutters:: Hells, they try to shut down my favorite bar, *I'll* fight 'em. <Lisl> Then... protest it, can't you? The fine's a load of owlbear droppings... why should we pay for his mistakes? <Nacheyla> ::nods:: There's an... appeal process. I have to go stand in line tomorrow to get a hearing. <Michelle> I'll go with you if you want. This is absolutely ridiculous. <Lisl> Pah. Load of nonsense. Want company? Character witnesses? ::grinning a little:: Or would I get you in worse trouble? <Jaret> I can drop word around those close to the council about Niralan's activities, suggest that he was in fact in control of his actions. Perhaps hint that, for such crucial testimony, obtaining a priest to ascertain truth from falsehood would be prudent. If he gets wind of that, he might withdraw his complaint. <Nacheyla> ::shrugs, then grins widely:: You might make the line shorter, if nothing else. <Lisl> Heh. Well, hunting's been better of late... one day in town shouldn't put off my take. <Nacheyla> Well, that's good. I'll convey your thanks to the appropriate parties. ::glances upwards:: <Tarri> ::looks slightly confused, then extremely indignant:: Someone else made a mistake, and *we're* being blamed? ::she sniffs angrily:: So much for gratitude! <Lisl> ::snorts:: If She's feeling really thankful, She can zot the ass with lightning. <Michelle> Or at least give him a nice long case of raging impotence. <Lisl> ::grins:: Raging impotence? Isn't that a contradiction in terms? * Michelle shrugs, "Well the impotence isn't really a punishment if the sex drive dies with it." * Tarri flushes and concentrates very hard on her ice cream. <Lisl> Ow. Damn, girl, you're crueler than I am. * Jaret finishes off his bowl. "Lovely. Nacheyla, if you don't have a special recommendation for an imbibable to wash this down with, I suppose that a glass of water would do all right, to cleanse my palate for something else in time." * Nacheyla fills a glass with more lemon-ice. "The first sip might be a bit sharp." <Lisl> ::takes a swallow of meade and pokes Tarri lightly in the side with a finger:: Hey, now. You're a healer. You can't tell me this is a completely foreign concept for you. <Tarri> ::gives Lisl a faint grin:: You're not discussing the concept in a *medical* way, though, are you? <Lisl> ::grins a little sheepishly:: Well, more in a venge-taking kind of way, really. * Jaret sips the lemon-ice Nacheyla gives him. "Oh, top. Thank you." <Tarri> You see? ::goes back to her ice cream, her cheeks still faintly pink:: <Lisl> ::leans over the bartop to peer at Tarri's face:: So why does wishing nasty diseases on him make you blush? * Michelle finishes her ice cream with a sigh, "May I have some of that as well Nachan?" <Tarri> ::mock-glares at Lisl:: * Nacheyla fills a few more glasses with lemon-ice. "Here. Anyone else?" <Lisl> Hm... I'd try a bit of that, I think. * Michelle takes a sip, "Maybe we should just bring the judges here for a meal... Course the dishes, taps, and kitchen would chose that evening to act up." * Lisl crosses her eyes at Tarri. * Tarri eats the last of her strawberries, loftily ignoring Lisl. * Lisl chuckles and leans back again to have another swig of meade. * Jaret finishes off the lemon-ice and stands up. "That was lovely. I had best be going, though. My house has a tendency to get destroyed when I'm away for the briefest stretches of time, and I'm hoping the chain has been broken. Good night, everyone!" * Nacheyla laughs. "Good night, Jaret." <Tarri> Good night, Lord Malkier! <Lisl> ::quirks a grin:: You need a guard-dog, Jaret. Safely home, and sleep sweet. <Michelle> Goodnight Jaret. <Nacheyla> Guard cat, perhaps... * Jaret almost says something back to Lisl, but instead grins, puts his plumed hat back on his head, and heads back out into the night. <Lisl> ::shudders:: Bite your tongue. <Nacheyla> Attack parrot, perhaps? <Michelle> ::giggle:: Attack peacock. <Lisl> ::snorts:: Now you're just getting silly. Maybe a giant spider... Lini'd like that, provided she ever finds her way home again. <Tarri> Peacocks are *mean*. And stupid. You couldn't train them to attack. <Tarri> ::gives Lisl a strange look and edges away from her:: That's just gross. <Lisl> What? ::mutters:: Dusty's not such a bad sort.... <Michelle> While I suspect Lisl is right, I have to agree with you Tarri. * Tarri sets her bowl on the counter. "I should go. I'm pretty tired." * Tarri waves good night to everyone and heads out into the night. <Michelle> Goodnight Tarri. Have a safe trip home. * Nacheyla smiles. "You looked tired when you came in. I thought your student days were over?" <Lisl> Night, Tarri. Take it easier on yourself, can't let the healer get sick. * Lisl drains her mug and sets it down. "When are you planning to make siege on town hall, Nach?" * Michelle finishes her drink and smiles, "I was just about to ask the same question Lisl." <Nacheyla> Tomorrow morning. The closer it is to dawn, the shorter the line might be. <Lisl> Well enough. Want me to come roust you out of bed, or meet you there? <Michelle> Sounds like a reasonable assumption. * Nacheyla starts shooing the dishes into the kitchen. "Oh, no. I can wake up on my own." <Lisl> Fair enough. Meet you in line, then, ladies. * Nacheyla smiles. "Good night." * Michelle stands and retrieves her cloak. "I should be heading home as well if I'm going to join you all in line at dawn." <Michelle> ::sweeps her cloak on:: A pleasant evening to both of you. * Lisl slides off her stool and heads for the door, mock-saluting Nacheyla before strolling out into the night. "Night, all." * Michelle exits after Lisl. * Nacheyla finishes cleaning up, then leaves. |
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