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* Michelle opens the door to the Hall and a trunk stumps out into the alley bearing a sign that reads "Coat Closet" <Michelle> Hall's Open! * Michelle heads back behind the bar. * Tarri comes down the alley and blinks for a moment at the peculiar coat closet. After a moment, she pulls off her light cloak, folds it neatly, and carefully puts it in the trunk. * Tarri enters the Hall. "Hello, Michelle! How are you tonight?" She takes a seat at the bar, and stretches as if she's working a number of kinks out of her back. "Can I have some hot tea, please? <Michelle> ::The trunk purrs as Tarri puts her cloak away:: * Nacheyla comes in, dressed in her finest - the full regalia of a priestess of the Blessed Mother (not entirely inaccurate). She is frowning over a packet of official-looking documents. <Michelle> Certainly Tarri, and I'm doing alright. Worried about the Hall's latest set of problems, but otherwise alright. <Michelle> Good evening Nachan. I was about to go into the kitchen for the kettle, would you like anything while I'm back there? <Tarri> ::eyes widen as Nacheyla comes in, and for a long moment she looks like she's on the verge of standing back up and- bowing? kneeling? This uncertainty alone is what keeps her on her stool:: <Nacheyla> ::looks up:: How about broiled liver of idiot War Wizard? ::for just an instant, her eyes gleam redly:: * Michelle frowns, "That bad?" <Tarri> Things didn't... go very well? ::timidly:: <Nacheyla> Well, not entirely... ::she heaves a great sigh:: It could have been worse, but we've still got half the fine. It was decided that while we couldn't influence his activities once he'd been... *changed*, we were responsible for changing him in the first place, thus making his criminal behavior possible. Sort of like fining a sword-maker for a murder. <Tarri> But that's- ::bites her lip:: - it's just stupid... * Michelle shakes her head, "See if I ever cater one of their parties again. Or maybe I should and get something from Zoya that changes all of their genders." * Nacheyla sits down at the bar. "Strange perspective, this. Could I get something? Wine? Brandy? Whatever's convenient." <Tarri> ::to Michelle:: But.. That would just get Lady Natovna in trouble, wouldn't it? * Michelle uncorks a bottle and pours a glass of Jaret's usual for Nach, leaving the opened bottle on the bar in easy reach. <Michelle> Probably get us all in trouble. On the other hand, from what Vallel was saying the other week and a few other things I've heard it sounds like we're already in trouble. If we're going to be punished anyway we may as well get the pleasure of committing the crime. * Lisl strides in, brushing vainly at grass stains on her knees. "What's this? Are we in more trouble already?" <Lisl> 'Evening, Chelle. 'Evening... Nach, aren't you on the wrong side of the bar? <Michelle> I'll be back in a second. ::moves towards the kitchen when she sees Lisl enter:: Good evening Lisl, how are you doing? <Lisl> Could be worse. Set me up with a small mug of 'kick? * Jaret enters nearly on Lisl's heels. He is not adorned with grass stains, instead he's in dapper navy blue. "Aren't we always in more trouble already?" <Tarri> ::frowns:: That's not a very good attitude... I mean, *some*one out there might eventually care about justice instead of graft, and if we've been behaving the way the rumors have been painting us, then they won't want to help, will they? * Michelle smiles, "You're probably correct Tarri, but as satisfying as it would be I wouldn't actually go through with it." <Lisl> Aye, but usually I've at least caused some before I'm *in* some. Or... something like that. <Michelle> Good evening Jaret. I was about to get the kettle out of the kitchen. Would anyone like anything while I'm there. I'll get you your 'kick when I come back Lisl. * Jaret smirks a little at Lisl. "Something like that, of course. It sounds familiar enough. And I've already eaten, so I'll be happy with a glass of the usual vintage once you return." * Lisl waves a hand as she slides onto a stool next to rush. "Take your time, no rush." * Michelle disappears into the kitchen. <Lisl> So... what new trouble? * Michelle returns from the kitchen with a pair of tea cups and a large pot of tea. Setting the china down on the bar she fills both cups, "There you are Tarri." * Michelle gets a glass and fills it from the bottle she opened for Nacheyla, then gives the glass to Jaret. "There you are Jaret." <Tarri> Thank you. ::she picks up the nearest cut and sips gingerly:: <Jaret> Thank you, Michelle. ::he toasts Nacheyla:: I see you share my tastes tonight. <Nacheyla> We got found half-guilty... ::she waves the official-looking document at Lisl:: Half the fine. Of course, that idiot mage has the other half, which is some satisfaction, I suppose. * Michelle finds a stone mug underneath the bar and carefully fills it from a cask beneath the bar. When she sets the mug on the bar in front of Lisl it appears as if the mug is sweating. <Lisl> After all that... ::shakes her head:: Glad that ass got stung, but... why'd we still wind up with half? ::accepts the mug absently:: Thanks, 'Chelle. * Lisl picks up the mug and frowns at it slightly as its expression comes into view. "Oh, stop sweating. It's not like I'm going to drop you." <Nacheyla> ::takes a deep breath, then treats Jaret's usual wine like cheap brandy and drains the entire glass:: Ah! Anyway... we are technically guilty of the transformation by having an unstable magical field around the Hall. Admittedly, there isn't much we can do about that, but..." <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow and mutters:: Not like they could bring suit against Erdian... <Nacheyla> The ::coughs:: suggestion... was that we shut down the Hall until we can remove the field. <Jaret> I suppose they could, but it'd have little chance of a satisfactory resolution. <Tarri> How do you remove a- What was it? Unstable magic? Do they know how to do that? * Michelle nods, "How many other times has this place been shut down?" <Nacheyla> ::snorts:: If I knew *how*, or anyone knew how, we'd have started working on it... not being able to use magic in here is a terrible inconvenience. * Michelle nods. <Tarri> ::chews her lip:: So, then... Are they really just looking for a suggestion to shut down the Hall? What would they say if we, say... shut down this building, and then moved to another one? <Nacheyla> ::raises an eyebrow:: It hadn't occurred to me, honestly. <Michelle> Before or after the building got up and walked across town to rejoin us? * Lisl puts her mug back down before she crushes it. "Tyche's-- Do we even know what caused it in the first place? How in the nine hells are we supposed to undo something that, for all we know, was the whim of the gods?" <Nacheyla> ::in a very low voice:: We know what caused it. Or, at least, we think so... <Tarri> ::blinks:: What? <Lisl> Yb? <Nacheyla> Yb. Or, Yb's mouse... got into the 'Kick. We think. <Tarri> Uh... It certainly *sounds* bad. <Lisl> The 'kick... ::droops:: But... I can see where the fireworks came from, but why the messed-up magic? And that damned rodent is still *here*, isn't it? <Tarri> ::makes a face:: Maybe if you asked it nicely, it would put everything back. <Nacheyla> Actually, we're not sure where the rodent went... it's probably still... alive. Or whatever state it is that passes for alive. But no one's seen it since the accident. <Lisl> ::scowls and takes another swallow of kick:: Dammit... *this* is the Hall. *This* is where some of my closest friends died. We're not moving, if I have to sleep across that damn doorway every night to keep them from closing it. * Tarri eyes Lisl almost as nervously as she was looking at Nacheyla earlier, swallows a comment, and chases it with a sip of tea. * Nacheyla looks into the bottom of her glass. "I... don't really know what to do, honestly. I think... somehow I don't think this is over." <Tarri> ::softly:: Of course it's not over. The place isn't fixed. <Jaret> I'm not going to worry overmuch. They may have suggested that we close our doors, but that's all it is -- a suggestion. Until a mandate from the Steel Regent comes down, I don't see any reason we have to comply with the suggestion. The warning against magic is clearly displayed, and the only one who's violated that is the nitwit War Wizard. <Lisl> ::her eyes reflect the light oddly as she takes another swig:: Maybe they'd rather we turned it into a member's club, like one a' those hoity-toity places in uptown Suzail... <Jaret> Ah, like the Azure Cloud. Fine, fine establishment. I'm not allowed in there anymore. And I can't say I blame them. <Nacheyla> ::holds out her glass to Michelle:: I'll do this again with something cheaper? I hate treating Jaret's favorite like turpentine. <Michelle> ::giggles:: What's the story there Jaret? * Michelle opens another bottle, this one without a label, and fills Nach's glass, "There you go." <Jaret> It's a story that I won't be one to tell. Some things you have to find out for yourself. * Lisl takes another swallow of 'kick. * Michelle grins, "Jaret, you're making me want to take a trip to Suzail. You should charge them for advertising for their tourist trade. Of course you'd probably have bankrupted Arabel by now if you could do that." * Lisl drains her mug. " 'M Sure imagination would pale in comparison, but we could prob'ly come up with some good stories on our own... he wouldn't deny us the pleasure.... another, 'Chelle?" * Jaret shoots Michelle a look. <Tarri> ::musingly, to herself:: Funny, how rumors work... * Michelle refills Lisl's mug and returns it to her. "I'm just saying that your praise of Arabel's wine has alright inspired several of us to tour Arabel, and given the breadth of your social circle I'm sure there are others I don't know about. So if you were charging Arabel, which I know you wouldn't do even if you could, they'd have gone bankrupt from the enormity of the praise you grace upon their product." <Jaret> And I'd hate to bankrupt Arabel. They make such a fine product, I'd hate to stop being able to purchase it. * Nacheyla takes a sip of her furniture polish and looks around the room. "Closing would... maybe Lisl's right... a private club. Off limits to non-members... but that seems so unfair. I mean, we were all newcomers, once." <Lisl> ::nods thanks for the new mug and sips:: Damn, but I'm going to be in a mood when I'm done with this... hells, I'm already in a mood. This is feeling like a fine evening for some good, old-fashioned mayhem... What rumors, Tarri? <Michelle> Well I'm sure private clubs have rules for allowing new members, but yes, it lacks the spontaneous character that so many of our arrivals possessed. <Tarri> Oh, I was just thinking. Vallie's business is being hurt, and 'Lann's picked up a lot of nasty looks and comments, but... There's a few of Master Bran's customers who're asking for me 'special. <Jaret> Lisl, you've stopped savoring the flavor of that fine stew Xarroch cooked up for you. Take some time to appreciate its delicate subtle bouquet, its rich palate, and tawny color. * Michelle quirks an eyebrow at Tarri, "This is really starting to get out of hand." <Lisl> ::raising both eyebrows at Jaret and peering into her cup:: Have *you* been sampling it, then, Jaret? <Lisl> What sort have been asking for you, Tarri? * Jaret grins. "Of course not, dear Lisl. I have no desire to be carried out, unconscious." <Lisl> ::mutters into her mug:: Came close enough to it last week... <Tarri> Probably not the most upstanding sort - dock workers, some other portsiders, that sort, really. The sort who think that a healer tough enough to brave this den of iniquity must really know what she's doing... ::grins weakly:: No need to mention it to Orlann. He'd have a fit. <Lisl> ::snorts:: <Nacheyla> ::eyes Tarri:: He's a little overly protective of you. <Lisl> ::takes another swallow:: 'S a Dragon. S'how they're built. <Tarri> ::glances at Lisl with a hint of concern, then nods to Nacheyla:: He lost everyone else he ever cared about... It's bound to do things to a man's mind. He tries hard not to get in my way too much. <Lisl> Didn' mean it as a slur on 'im, lass. Just... guardsmen're protective by nature. S'why the career ones are so good at their jobs. Well... the career ones that aren't taking graft.... <Nacheyla> ::pats Tarri's hand:: He seems a good choice, Tarri-dear... ::she smiles:: I'm sure he'll be good for you. <Tarri> ::blushes and smiles:: Thank you, Lady. <Tarri> ::to Lisl, carefully:: I know you didn't mean anything bad by it, Lisl... I'm just a little- Did you know you're slurring your speech a bit? That stuff you're drinking must be stronger than 'kick, even. * Michelle sips her tea. * Jaret has a bit of his wine. * Lisl eyes her mug and takes another sip. "'t *is* kick." <Tarri> Well, but a different... kind. Right? * Michelle quirks an eyebrow at Lisl, "That's definitely your last for the evening Lisl." <Lisl> Aye. ::grins a little wolfishly:: Def'nitely different kind. Aye... any more an' I wouldn't be walkin' home. <Nacheyla> Maybe you should have an escort... <Jaret> I wonder where you could find one of those at this time of night, in this neighborhood. <Lisl> ::scowls a little:: I'll be fine, truly. ::mutters:: 'Sides... already said I *'ntend* to get in trouble... <Nacheyla> *That* would be the problem, now, wouldn't it, Lisl? <Lisl> What? * Michelle sips her tea, "Last call everyone." <Nacheyla> ::laughs:: You. Looking for trouble. Sounds like a bad plan to me. Unless you'd like to come over to Xarroch's place and help me clear up a little *pest* problem... * Tarri finishes her tea and sets the cup down on Michelle's side of the bar. "Thank you." * Michelle smiles, "You're welcome Tarri." <Lisl> What, girl's not 'lowed to look for a little fun anymore? ::mutters:: I'd stay outside the city... ::takes another sip:: What pest? <Nacheyla> Well, pests, actually. Very large demony sorts of roaches, actually. Quite entertaining. <Tarri> ::grimaces at Nacheyla's description:: I'd better head back home. * Tarri waves good night, and heads out the door, stopping to collect her cloak from the trunk. <Lisl> ::shakes her head quickly, and holds onto the edge of the counter for a moment:: No ma'am, no demons. Not like this. Gonna find m'self a nice lil' owlbear, maybe head to the mount'ns for a leucrotta or somethin.... <Michelle> Just be careful Lisl, alright. * Nacheyla shakes her head. "Well, then you're going to have company." She stands up, blinks a few times and her robes meld into her hunter's outfit. "Sorry... I insist." * Michelle whispers, "Thank you Nacheyla." <Jaret> Nice, little, and owlbear. Three words that really don't belong together. <Michelle> ::giggles:: I take it an owlbear is exactly what the name implies? * Lisl scowls. "Fine." She drains the rest of her mug, gritting her teeth for a moment as her eyes turn yellow and fade slowly back to grey. "Take away all my fun.... 'M goin' home." * Jaret finishes his wine. "I think I'll do the same. Go home, that is. I do try to avoid the local fauna whenever I can." <Nacheyla> Oh, surely you wouldn't deny me the opportunity to watch and make commentary... ::she grins:: I promise, I won't interfere. <Jaret> Good night, everyone! * Jaret leaves the Hall. <Michelle> Goodnight Jaret. * Lisl puts her mug down carefully and slides off her stool. "Don' need a bloody nursemaid. Goin' home. G'night, all." <Michelle> Goodnight Lisl. * Lisl strides out of the Hall, the occasional sway in her step. * Nacheyla sighs and hands Michelle a few coins. "Night." She leaves the Hall. * Michelle sweeps the coins into the lock box, shoos the dishes into the kitchen, dims the lamps, lets the trunk in, and locks the door behind her. |
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