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<Nacheyla> ::the doors of the Meadehall are already unlocked and the smell of grilling salmon with herbs drifts from the kitchen into the main room and out into the alley.:: <Nacheyla> ::a quick conference issues from the kitchen between two voices, one familiar and one less so:: Oh, is it time already? I lost track... ::Nacheyla walks into the main room:: Hall's Open. * Lisl follows her nose into the Meade Hall, already drooling a little in anticipation. Evening! Is there enough of that to share, I hope?" Her stomach punctuates her question with a loud growl. <Nacheyla> ::the doors of the Meadehall are already unlocked and the smell of grilling salmon with herbs drifts from the kitchen into the main room and out into the alley.:: * Kevil enters the Hall and pauses just inside to sniff the air appreciatively. He smiles warmly at Nacheyla and bows to her gracefully. "Lady Imp, I am overjoyed, as always, to see you." * Temire walks in behind Kevil and Lisl. "Evening all." <Kevil> ::seating himself at the bar:: Is that fish I smell cooking? Loria sends her regards, of course. * Temire takes a seat at the bar. <Lisl> Evening, all. ::grins at Kevil:: No disrespect to Nach's cooking, but I've been cleaning all day. At this point I'd eat nearly anyone's cooking. ::cocks her head:: Nah... I'm not picky. They wouldn't have to cook it, even. ::grins wider:: <Nacheyla> It is indeed. Fish. A gift. ::there is an insistent sort of dinging in the kitchen:: <Nacheyla> Oh... just a moment... * Nacheyla hurries back into the kitchen. * Lisl raises an eyebrow. <Kevil> ::chuckles:: I will be certain to stay well out of reach, until you have slaked such a cavernous hunger. <Lisl> Ha! I'm not quite *that* hungry. <Kevil> You do not mind, do you, Huntress, if I do not test the limits? ::grins:: <Lisl> Sure, Kevil. If you think a little head start would do you any good. ::with a golden twinkle in her eyes:: <Kevil> ::solemnly:: I do not have to be faster than you, Huntress. I have only to be faster than something that tastes better than me. <Lisl> Point. ::eyes Temire:: Temire's been eating her beau's cooking, after all... * Nacheyla comes out, accompanied by a tray on top of a rolling cart. "There we go." The tray bears several grilled salmon steaks, accompanied by a large dish of wild rice and a spring fruit salad. "Anyone hungry?" * Kevil points to Lisl. * Temire looks back at Lisl, "I bet I can outrun him if he doesn't use magic." She points at Kevil. * Nacheyla grins. "Of course." She hands Lisl a plate with salmon. "Do you want to even pretend you eat non-meat foods, or should I just give you an extra fillet and save the salad for someone who wants it?" <Kevil> ::half-bows to Temire:: It is possible you are correct... But then, I *would* use magic, you know. I value my own skin quite highly. I do not with it to be... *gnawed* upon. * Temire looks at the food, "With that smell in the area I don't think I'm going to be able to avoid eating. Could I have some wine to go with it please?" <Temire> ::looks depressed:: I know, but pretending you wouldn't use magic is easier than pretending that Lisl doesn't exist. * Nacheyla slides Temire a plate and then opens a bottle of wine. "This is good with fish. A good chardonnay... oaky taste with a fruit bite. Very good, highly recommended by certain distinguished gentleman." She winks. <Lisl> ::grins:: I don't gnaw so much as... glomp. Thanks, Nach. And I will happily have rice and fruit. I quite like fruit. ::sniffs a little:: * Temire chuckles, "I don't think I've ever heard a better recommendation for a wine." <Kevil> ::gives Lisl a mock-horrified look:: "Glomp"ing sounds even worse. <Kevil> ::to Temire, slightly confused:: Why should you wish to pretend that Lisl does not exist? <Temire> Well, if there's the possibility that she's going to chase one of us down and eat us, and I'm the only one here who can't magic themselves away... It's better for my peace of mind if she doesn't exist. <Lisl> I'd take a glass of meade, if you can manage one. ::takes a large bite of salmon:: I don't know, Temire... there are plenty of prey species that react to imminent glomphing by pretending the predator doesn't exist. Or that they don't. ::grins:: <Nacheyla> ::raises one eyebrow and points to the sign:: Anyone who uses magic in this bar is going to be in a lot of trouble. <Temire> Yes Lisl, but pretending YOU don't exist... * Nacheyla takes a mug and attempts to negotiate with the taps. <Lisl> ::between bites:: Didn't say... ::slice, inhale:: ...it always worked. <Kevil> I should think it would be *far* safer to keep her *firmly* in sight. ::grins at Nacheyla:: I have been a woman before... ::shrug:: But now that she has fish, I think I am safe from imminent... glomphing. * Temire sips her wine, "Probably right." <Nacheyla> It was a random surge, Kevil... you'd like being a spider, perhaps? Or have your ears on your elbows? <Lisl> ::swallows:: Besides, *both* of you are working on the assumption that I'd even have a taste for human flesh. Or that I'd prefer it over what's in the stockroom. ::points her chin towards the stockroom:: <Kevil> ::grins:: I suffered more peculiar effects, travelling with Zoya... But I would not chance your displeasure, Lady Imp, without very good cause indeed. <Temire> ::chuckles:: Of course. It wouldn't be entertaining to think of you charging into the kitchen, ripping a door off its hinges and gorging yourself on the first piece of meat you could lay your hands on.... Well, okay, that would be amusing, but I hadn't thought of it at the time. <Kevil> ::grins at Lisl:: I seem to have handily outrun the fish, without even having stood up. * Lisl chews, swallows carefully, and lowers her knife long enough to stick her tongue out at Temire. * Nacheyla offers Kevil a piece of fish and some salad. The salad is composed of mixed exotic greens, strawberries, orange slices, raisins and almonds, with a light, spicy dressing. "Hungry?" * Temire takes a bite of her fish, "Oh, this is really good, Nacheyla." <Nacheyla> I'm glad you like it... it showed up this afternoon with a very nice note. * Lisl raises an eyebrow as she inhales the last of her fish. <Kevil> ::eyes the plate, then takes it:: I was not *especially* hungry, but that does look quite good, and it *will* be some time before I return home. ::takes a few bites:: Oh, quite nice. Mistress Ree will want the recipe for this dressing. * Jaret strolls in, a little windswept but none the worse for it. He's carrying his fine woolen cloak over one arm, and wearing a lightweight crimson jacket over a billowy white shirt, and close-fitting black pants. He has his rapier at his side, and removes his plumed hat as he enters. "Something smells delightful. Ah! Deus ex kitchen, I assume." <Nacheyla> Evening, Jaret... hungry? ::gestures to a few remaining plates of grilled salmon:: * Lisl pauses briefly to clear her palate with several swallows of meade and nods to Jaret. "So... who's it from, Nach?" <Nacheyla> I'm not entirely certain, really. Although my guess is that we're not alone in this war of rumors and reputation. <Jaret> Now that I have entered, my appetite has in fact roused itself, and would appreciate some attention, so I gladly accept your offer. And to accompany it... if Temire's goblet is filled with what I think it is, I'd be honored if there's still some from the bottle it came from...? * Temire has some more fish, "So this bastard's been slandering lots of people? Or lots of people want to see him fall?" Sips her wine. <Kevil> ::to Nach:: No? Dare I ask who else may have been ensnared in this mess? <Lisl> ::frowning a little:: What'd the note say? * Temire lifts her glass to Jaret, "Never fear. I haven't had that much to drink... Yet." <Nacheyla> There's definitely more in the bottle... ::she pours another glass for Jaret:: And the note said only "Good luck, we're on your side." Anonymous support isn't much, but I'll take what we can get. <Lisl> Hunh. ::frowns and takes a slower sip of meade before starting in on the salad:: I wasn't aware it had really settled into "sides" yet. Any rumors that what's-his-ass is building a case against us? <Jaret> Well, it's heartening to know that not all is dark and dismal. A toast to anonymous benefactors of good taste. * Temire lifts her glass, "Here, here." <Lisl> ::grins:: In more ways than one. This is good, too. <Nacheyla> I don't know... I admit to not looking forward to the hearing this week. ::she sighs:: <Kevil> Indeed. ::reaches for his glass, then realizes he hasn't got one:: Lady Imp, might I persuade you to provide me with some drink? Meade, ale, wine... Whatever the taps can be coaxed to produce. <Nacheyla> Certainly... ::she picks the same tap that Lisl's drink came from and hands it to Kevil when the mug is filled:: <Kevil> ::blinks:: Is that *this* week? ::takes a quick drink from his mug:: Is there anything I might do, to assist? * Temire has some more fish. <Lisl> ::snorts:: Who looks forward to facing down a bunch of bureaucrats? ::mutters:: Unless it's over a blade... <Nacheyla> You're welcome to show up as a Patron witness... someone respectable-looking might prove useful. ::she winks at Lisl:: <Jaret> Depends on the bureaucrats, depends on the situation. And I believe that I don't have any pressing engagements this week, which is unusual for the spring. I'll do my best to attend, if I'm presentable. <Kevil> ::chuckles:: Of course. Not to mention harmless. * Temire thinks, "How about I not show up. I suspect all the War Wizards have heard about how disrespectful and sex crazed I am by now." She makes a face. <Lisl> ::sniffs:: I'm quite *capable* of looking respectable. I just don't *prefer* to. If you want me to wear a dress, Nach, I'll wear a dress. <Kevil> ::gives Lisl a mock-amazed look:: <Lisl> ::glances sidelong at Jaret with a grin:: I don't know, Jaret, she said "respectable-looking." <Lisl> ::irritably:: Oh, don't give me that, Kevil, you've seen me in a dress before. ::mutters:: Even if you look better in one... <Jaret> I heard you had an apprenticeship with the Purple Dragons during the invasion, Temire. I wasn't aware that you made such an impression. * Nacheyla watches the bickering with an amused expression. <Kevil> ::chuckles:: * Temire shrugs, "The War Wizard I was assigned to protect wasn't exactly thrilled with the job I did. Being locked up inside the Academy taking orders from Bluestar apparently didn't sit well with him." <Jaret> No doubt a little practice wearing more feminine attire would have you looking quite fetching, Lisl. Comfort in ones clothes does induce confidence, which, I am told, betters overall appearance. Perhaps we should meet early one morning and instead of fencing to and fro, we could practice lacing you into a corset? I imagine your mother would be a bountiful source of ideas. * Temire chuckles. * Nacheyla nearly falls over giggling. "Now that's a priceless idea, Jaret... we can raise money for our legal defense by selling tickets to the event." <Lisl> ::glowers:: No. Corsets. * Kevil makes certain he is not in the path between Lisl and Jaret, lest he be run over should she decide Lord Malkier required dismemberment. * Temire sips her wine. <Jaret> They're all the rage in Suzail. The ladies at court flaunt their enhanced figures as they prop themselves on ornamental columns and ceremonial guardsmen. All the court is out of breath due to the wardrobe, for better or ill. <Temire> Even the Regent? <Lisl> Ill. *Definitely* ill. Not wearing one of those damn bone-benders. Besides... my dress fits fine without it. I just don't like playing... ::glares:: "fetch." <Nacheyla> ::another series of insistent dings sounds from the kitchen:: Oh! The cake! damnit! ::she rushes back into the kitchen hurriedly:: <Lisl> ::looks hopeful:: There's cake? <Jaret> The Steel Regent chooses to abstain from the ebb and flow of momentary fashion. The rest of the ladies at court, however, are of a different mind. <Temire> Oh good. * Lisl polishes off her fruit salad. <Jaret> ::quietly:: After that expletive, from that source, I would advise against partaking in whatever dessert is brought through the door. <Lisl> ::snorts:: We can always ask her to bless it before we dig in, if you're worried, Jaret. <Kevil> ::laughs as he takes another bite of his dinner:: <Nacheyla> ::from the kitchen:: I heard that, Jaret! * Lisl picks up the bowl and drains the juice from the bottom with a sigh. "That hit the spot. Anyway... yeah, the Steel Regent has a head on her shoulders. Don't know why *she* can't set fashion trends, honestly." <Jaret> I thought you might, Your Refulgence! I daren't think too loudly in this establishment without wondering who's sharing in my meanderings. <Lisl> ::silently mouths "Your Refulgence?":: * Nacheyla comes back into the room bearing what looks like a blueberry and chocolate torte. "Besides, it's just fine. The kitchen is reluctant to let even my absent-mindedness interfere when it's in a good mood." <Jaret> Princ-- Regent Alusair spent many years away from Suzail, adventuring with rough folk. She doesn't have the patience or desire to dabble in fashion. She's rather busy trying to rule a nation. <Lisl> ::grins:: My point exactly. Rest of 'em could stand a little more practicality. * Temire smiles, "Looks good Nacheyla." <Kevil> ::laughs:: Fashion is not meant to be *practical*, Lisl. It is meant to be *pretty*. <Nacheyla> Fortunately, cake is meant to look pretty and be practical... have some? ::puts the torte down on the bar and begins slicing:: <Lisl> ::stoutly:: Exactly why I don't like it. Fashion, that is, not cake. I'd be happy to have some cake. <Jaret> I'm going to be finished with my salmon shortly, and then I would be all too happy to have a slice of cake, now that you've assured me of its pedigree. <Nacheyla> ::grins:: Well, I could squash your piece of cake first, Lisl, if you wanted. <Jaret> Is there something the matter with pretty? * Temire finishes her fish. "Let me get through this salad, and then I'll have a slice." <Lisl> I don't mind pretty... I don't even mind pretty for special occasions. What I mind is *useless*, expensive pretty that only serves to put apart those who have too much money on their hands from those that don't. * Kevil sets down his fork with several bites left unfinished. "I would love a small bit of cake, please. It will be refreshing to have dessert without tiny fingers finding their way into it before I am half finished." <Lisl> ::grins:: And it would taste just as good squashed, Nach, but I'm just as good with it whole. * Nacheyla hands out slices of cake before helping herself to one. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: Brownie problem, Kevil? Oh, no, wait... twins. Heh. Sorry. * Jaret finishes off his salmon, has a drink of wine, and waits for a few minutes to let his palate settle before having a forkful of torte. "I think you've just described three-quarters of my closets, Lisl." <Nacheyla> ::eyes Jaret with appreciation:: I don't think you being pretty is at all useless, Jaret. Easier on the eyes than plaid, at any rate. <Kevil> ::grins at Lisl:: Ah, Lady Imp, this is quite marvelous. My sincerest compliments. Were I not in terror of Mistress Ree's spoon, I would offer you a position. <Kevil> As for useless and expensive pretty... I doubt I have much in the way of plain or practical clothing, myself. Why should I not indulge in fine items if they please me and my loved ones? <Jaret> Why, thank you, Blessed Mother. Your kindness is truly legendary. <Nacheyla> ::grins:: I already have a job, Kevil... several, even. <Kevil> Just as well, Lady. I do not think Loria would accept such a shift of her household with equanimity. <Temire> ::chuckles:: <Lisl> ::grins impudently at Jaret and Kevil:: Ahh, but I still like you both anyway. Besides, neither of you seem to have a problem seeing past your clothes. <Lisl> Pah... what shift? Technically, Nach is in your household already, Kevil. She's got her own room and anything. ::winks:: <Nacheyla> ::snort:: <Kevil> Yes, but that room is not the kitchen. <Lisl> Point. ::takes a big bite of cake:: Ahhh... paradise. * Temire finishes her salad and has a sip of wine before pulling the torte over to her. <Nacheyla> ::smiles:: I have had a lot of time to perfect my skills in the kitchen. But I'm glad you like it. I'm feeling particularly smug about it tonight. * Jaret has a bite of torte and sighs. "I really need to hire a cook. A good cook." <Nacheyla> Well, you know, a bad cook wouldn't be really worth the money... ::grins:: <Lisl> ::grins:: Does Ree have a sister, Kevil? <Kevil> ::drily:: Three of them. They sell... other services. <Lisl> Other-- ah. Apologies. <Kevil> None needed. <Jaret> After a meal like this, an average cook would seem like an army barracks slop-ladler. I don't think I could stand it. * Nacheyla starts cleaning up plates. "Anyone need a cap off of their drink?" * Temire finishes her torte and her wine. "No thank you Nacheyla." <Kevil> No, thank you... Actually, I should head home. I promised Loria I would not stay out too late. * Nacheyla smiles. "Good night, then, Kevil." * Lisl taps the rim of her cup, her mouth being full of cake. * Lisl makes a face and waves at Kevil. <Jaret> Good evening, Master Bard. Pass on my greetings and best wishes to the rest of your family. <Temire> Night Kevil. * Lisl swallows hard. "Night, Kevil." <Kevil> Thank you all. ::he bows elegantly, and directs a flourish in Nacheyla's direction:: Thank you for the marvelous meal, Lady Imp. * Kevil heads out into the night, humming. * Jaret finishes his torte, and has the last of his wine. "I should be leaving, as well. I have an rendezvous tomorrow morning with a friend, and I would hate to oversleep. Good evening, everyone!" <Nacheyla> Good night, Jaret. Be well and prosperous. ::she winks at him:: <Temire> Goodnight, Jaret. * Temire stands, "I should probably go as well. I'll talk to you all later." <Lisl> A *morning* rendezvous? Isn't that backwards, Jaret? ::grins:: 'Night. <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: Never thought I was a slow eater... 'Night, Mira. ::attacks her cake again:: * Jaret leaves a stack of coins on the counter, heads to the door, tests the night air, and swirls the cloak onto his shoulders. "Not if it's business, Lisl. For pleasure, tonight I am unattached. Are you... Ah, I'm sure you're too busy with your own liaisons. Good night!" He hastily exits, grinning. <Nacheyla> ::laughs:: It's all right. ::looks at the cake:: There's some leftovers, if you've got a countertop that's lonely for some leftover cake. * Temire scatters several coins on the bar as well. "Goodnight Lisl, Nacheyla." * Temire heads out the door. * Lisl glowers and looks very much like she's considering throwing her fork at Jaret's fleeing head, but in the end decides on a better use for it. * Lisl finishes her slab of torte in a few more bites. "Well... if you're really trying to get rid of it..." She tries not to look too eager. * Nacheyla herds dishes into the kitchen and scoops up the cash for the lockbox. <Nacheyla> Take the cake, Lisl. You always do anyway. ::she laughs at her own joke:: <Lisl> Here, add these. I've been negligent on my tab. ::tosses Nach a couple of gold:: * Nacheyla nods and scoops more coins. <Lisl> Thanks, Nach. ::grins:: I'll bring your plate back intact, promise. <Nacheyla> Be well, Lisl... <Lisl> I'll do my best. I'm sure dressing up for that hearing won't *actually* kill me.... * Lisl waves and exits, cake in hand. * Nacheyla heads back to the kitchen. |