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* Tarri is puttering around her kitchen, slicing strawberries for a pie, and chatting with Lisl. "...He looked like someone had dragged him face-first through one of the canals, but he wasn't really too badly off. He swore he'd pay, even though Master Bran told him not to worry about it too much. I don't know how, though... They took everything he had." <Lisl> ::growling softly:: Bran's right, he probably will... less he has, more of a matter of honor it becomes. ::runs a hand through her hair:: Did he say-- ::sighs:: No, never mind. Dragons'll see to it, I'm sure. <Tarri> ::gives Lisl an amused smile:: Have things gotten too peaceful for you lately? ::she grins impudently:: <Lisl> Peaceful? ::snorts:: Not by half. City's not on rations anymore, but... things're still tight. The rich don't have enough to satisfy, the poor have an even harder time trying to get by... if we don't have bumper crops this summer, we'll be in for some hurt again next winter. <Lisl> ::makes a face:: But under the circumstances, I've been *trying* to be on mostly good behavior. ::mutters softly:: Not that I'm allowed otherwise.... <Tarri> Allowed? Who's going to stop you? <Lisl> ::shakes her head quickly:: Nay, I'm just being... ::shrugs and grins ruefully:: a bit catty. Don't mind me. Concern well-meant still... kind of chafes. <Orlann> ::a key rattles in the lock:: <Lisl> ::looks up with a grin:: And there's another reason for me not to nose about in Dragon affairs. <Tarri> ::looks toward the door with a smile, and picks up a rag to wipe the strawberry juice from her fingers:: <Lisl> ::grins wider:: What, not licking them? <Tarri> ::sticks her tongue out at Lisl:: * Orlann opens the door and walks in. His purple tabard is slung over one shoulder and he is simply dressed in a white undertunic and plain brown trousers. "Good evenin', darling, how was - Oh! Good evening, Miss Lisl. I didn' see y' at first." * Tarri smiles and greets Orlann with a hug and a kiss - on the cheek, since there is company present. "A bit slow today, though we did have one poor fellow who'd been mugged... I encouraged him to report it, but I don't know if he will." <Lisl> ::nods to Orlann:: Blend that well, do I? ::leaning a callused hand on the neat kitchen table with its vase of bright flowers:: <Tarri> And how was your day? ::She picks up her knife and goes back to slicing strawberries.:: <Orlann> ::blinks:: I weren't exactly thinkin' you'd be here. ::shakes his head:: I reckon it coulda been a worse day, but I ain't rightly sure about that. <Lisl> ::waves a hand:: Don't mind me. Been a bit unsettled this week, myself. <Tarri> ::looks back up at him, concerned:: Are you all right? What happened? <Lisl> ::straightens up:: If you need a bit of quiet, I can go, if you'd rather. I don't mind, honestly. Last thing you need to deal with after a bad day is a houseguest. <Orlann> ::shakes his head and puts his things on the table:: Ain't happened... yet. ::takes a deep breath:: * Tarri frowns and turns to face Orlann, leaning her hip against the counter. <Lisl> ::frowns in puzzlement:: Dragons've got seers working for them, now? <Orlann> ::gives Lisl a tight grin:: Nah... jus'... well, one of m'men gave me a word t'the wise. Which weren't entirely a shock. I been about half expectin' it. <Tarri> ::frowns a little more:: Meaning what? <Orlann> Meanin' I been put on my guard... there's a promotion opportunity comin' available soon. And I'm told I might not be... considered. 'Cause of some friends what ain't exactly on the 'approved' list. * Lisl tightens her jaw, turning away briefly to lean against the counter and take deep breaths. <Tarri> Oh! Those-! ::she stabs her paring knife down into the cutting board, angrily:: I thought that was *settled*! <Lisl> ::a hint of growl in her voice, as she stays facing the wall:: Aye, settled... Hall was found *half*-guilty. * Orlann shrugs. "Some people're right good 'bout carryin' a grudge." <Tarri> I want to know who's spreading all these rumors, anyway! You're a *hero*! 'Most everyone at the Hall has saved this city, and this is the thanks you're given?! ::tears fill her eyes, and she snatches up her rag:: It's not right! <Orlann> ::softly:: An'... well, the Hall done lost it's spokesman. Lieutenant Adiethian's been transferred fer speakin' up for the Hall patrons. <Tarri> Wh-- ::her mouth falls open:: No! <Lisl> ::runs a hand over her face, taking a deep breath before turning around again. A faint tinge of yellow remains, but her eyes are mostly their normal color:: Nay, it's not right, but it's nothing we can fight. It's naught but words... dammit. <Lisl> ::raises her eyebrows:: Adiethian's gone? ::scowls:: Dandy. Hells... I need a drink. Where'd they send him? <Orlann> ::shrugs:: 'Posted elsewhere'. <Orlann> It weren't exactly said like that, but enough people know... it was pretty obvious... he was investigatin' these rumors, tryin' to track 'em back. <Tarri> ::bites her lip:: That... means it's someone high who's starting them, doesn't it? <Lisl> ::narrows her eyes:: Or someone who has influence high-up enough to get him sent down. That narrows it down... a little, at least. ::snorts:: <Tarri> Oooh, I wish I knew who it was. I'd... Ooh! ::she stamps her foot again:: * Orlann sighs. "I ain't gonna let this scare me off. My... advisor... suggested I leave th' Dragons. I ain't gonna, tho." <Lisl> ::glances sidelong at Tarri, her eyes nearly slits:: Whoever it is has enough sense *not* to be known, or *I'd've*-- ::breaks off and glances at Orlann with a grunt:: Well. Done enough to make for a really *satisfying* life sentence, at least. * Orlann smiles tightly. "Jus' because I'm on the side of 'right' don't always put me on the same side as the 'law'." * Tarri sits at one of the kitchen chairs, her hands trembling slightly. "It's that bad? Really?" <Lisl> ::grins:: Aye, well, no need to put you on the bull's horns unnecessarily. ::runs a hand through her hair in a frustrated gesture:: Just... what in the nine hells *have* they been saying about us? No way is this the kind of reaction you get over a lousy peeper.... <Orlann> Tarri, darlin', I *know*. The patrons ain't bad people. They really ain't. An' no one's got the right to make things so damn - ::he blushes:: - pardon me, ma'am. So *hard*. It ain't right to run a good man out of a good job. <Lisl> ::waves a hand:: Lad, I've been cursing worse than that since before you were born, and the sentiment's well-deserved. No apologies needed. <Orlann> ::inspects the tip of his boot:: Well, I heard a bit of this 'n' that. Look, it ain't uncommon to know that people what go to the Hall are a mite different. But it's been whisperin' how different they might be. <Tarri> ::softly:: How different...? What've you heard, 'Lann? <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: Won't hurt to tell us. I'm not one to kill the messenger, Sergeant. <Orlann> That y'all associate with demons an' they're often at th'Hall. An' dangerous mages an' clerics of false gods, an' vicious animals... an' the like. That 'things' happen at th' Hall what's dangerous to the rest of the city. <Lisl> ::raises eyebrows:: *False* gods? Just who in the nine hells is ballsy enough to call a god *false*? <Tarri> And whoever heard of a mage that *wasn't* dangerous to *some*one? <Orlann> It ain't... open, like that. Damn rumors're always "I heard from m'cousin what talked to a man who overheard..." <Lisl> ::looking like she tasted something bad:: Aye... rumors are like that. "...and I heard it from three different people, so it *must* be true." <Tarri> But... Sometimes dangerous stuff *does* happen there. How do you defend against rumors that are partially *true*? ::she wipes at her eyes impatiently:: What do we *do*? <Orlann> An' some of 'em, even I can't deny... yer cousin, Miss Lini'leah, she *has* been seen at th'Hall. And she *is* a dark elf. <Lisl> ::rubs her temples:: Aerdrie's wings... aye, that she is. Tho' most any drow from her clan would like as not kill her on sight. Same goes for most of what we "consort" with down there. ::looks disgusted:: <Orlann> An' Master Kevil and his husband are... ::wiggles his hand back and forth:: That one I got *real* up close and personal proof of. Didn' I live with 'em for the whole of the invasion? <Lisl> ::wryly, as she looks from him to Tarri:: Aye. And you'd be living proof that it's not "catching," either. * Orlann blushes furiously. "No, it ain't." <Tarri> ::blushes, but nods:: And Gloss told me once that Lady Natovna's got a... kind of argument going with the head priest of Lathander about whether Lord Erdian's really a god... <Lisl> ::snorts:: I've seen her cast out demons in Erdian's name. Proof enough for me. <Orlann> ::sighs:: 'Least the ones 'bout vampires an' werewolves isn't true... ain't many too convinced 'bout that... but I done heard it, anyways. <Lisl> ::raises her eyebrows:: Vampires and werewolves? What, both together? <Tarri> ::glances involuntarily at Lisl, then looks quickly back down at her hands, twisting anxiously:: <Orlann> ::snorts:: They're supposedly sittin' down t'drinks with us. One o' each, as I hear it. <Lisl> Hmf. Well... wouldn't put it past the taps to *produce* blood on occasion, but... you ever notice anyone downing a reddish pint or two, Tarri? <Tarri> ::quickly:: That's preposterous. Lady Nacheyla's a vampire *hunter*. <Tarri> She'd never stand for one in her bar. <Orlann> It don't matter. Y' can't charge someone with a crime jus' to live. It don't matter *what* they are, just what they *do*. Iffen, say, Miss Lisl, here, were a vampire, it wouldn't make no nevermind. She ain't hurtin' *anyone*. <Tarri> ::glances at Lisl again:: But... What can we *do*? If the rumors are partially true... How do we stop them? <Orlann> ::thoughtfully:: I ain't sure the *what* is all that important, darling. <Tarri> ::blinks:: What do you mean? <Orlann> *What* they're sayin' ain't the problem... or, leastways, we ain't gonna find 'em that way. It's *why* are they sayin' it? My da' always asked me, whenever anyone did somethin' wrong to me... "well, what'd you do to *him*?" <Orlann> ::holds up a hand:: I ain't sayin' we did nothin' *wrong*, say. But that someone might *feel* wronged... <Tarri> ::sniffs:: How many thieves and such have *you* been responsible for putting in prison since you took up the purple, 'Lann? And you've only been here a little over a year! If we lined up everyone who's been caught at something bad, or punished for wrongdoing, by every Hall patron, the line would go halfway around the city walls! <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: S'possible. It's also possible that they just hate what's different... that's nothing new. ::frowns and explores the softly-pointed tip of her ear with one finger:: Believe me, nothing new.... <Orlann> ::nods:: P'rhaps... but ain't no common thief what's got the friends t'do somethin' like *this*. <Lisl> Aye, true. So, someone high-up is taking umbrage at us, for some real or imagined slight, or jealousy, or prejudice, or their own little agenda... ::sighs:: Still doesn't narrow it down much, does it? <Tarri> ::chews on her lip:: It's got to be someone who hates the whole place, and not just one or two people. Or they'd just strike at those people. <Lisl> ::frowns and rubs her cheek:: Wonder why it came out now...? <Lisl> ::glancing at Tarri:: Not necessarily. If someone hated one of us enough to want to strike at all our friends, everything we loved... ruining the Hall'd be a good way to go about it, for starters, were it me. <Orlann> ::sighs and knuckles at his forehead:: I ain't really cut out fer lots o' thinkin'. It ain't m'strong point. <Lisl> ::grins:: I'm more a person of action myself, aye. <Tarri> ::reaches up to take Orlann's hand:: This is too big for any one person, I think, love... <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow at Tarri:: A conspiracy against...? Oh, you mean, too big for any one of *us* to solve. <Tarri> ::nods, her expression troubled:: <Lisl> ::smiles without humor:: I wonder where that damned chaos mouse is now? I'd wager *it* feels pretty well wronged by the Hall. <Tarri> ::softly:: I *like* Marsember. I don't... ::she draws a breath and looks up at Orlann:: Do you think maybe you shouldn't... visit the Hall until this blows over? Or is the damage already done? <Orlann> ::firmly, his jaw set and his pale eyes almost dangerously obstinate:: I ain't goin' nowhere. They ain't gonna drum me out, and they ain't gonna scare me off. This is my *home* now. <Lisl> ::pulls out a kitchen chair and turns it around, sitting on it backwards:: Y'know... something bothers me. <Tarri> ::with a wan smile:: Just one thing? <Orlann> Jus' one thing, Miss Lisl? ::he grins:: <Lisl> ::grins a little and glances from one to the other:: You two should take that on the road.... anyway-- one thing in particular. <Tarri> Which is? <Lisl> ::looks up at Tarri:: You've been around longer, you're maybe a bit more familiar with the Hall's patrons than the Sergeant is... and you said it yourself. Think about all the things they got *half* right. This isn't going to be a random grudge... this is either someone who knows up pretty well already, or has taken quite a bit of time to study us. That... makes me, for one, pretty damn uncomfortable. <Orlann> ::raises an eyebrow:: So... y'*are* a vampire? ::his face shows clearly that he's joking:: <Tarri> ::nodding slowly:: It means they must be *very* well-connected, too... Because if they know even half of what there *is* to know, they ought to know better than to mess with us- Well, most of you, anyway. <Lisl> Nossir, no vampires. * Orlann makes a show of wiping his forehead. "Well, that's a relief t'be knowin'. Not that I'm prejudiced or nothin' but I ain't big on the idea of bein' considered someone else's dinner." * Lisl eyes Orlann speculatively. "Nah. Too stringy." * Orlann looks down at himself. "An' here I thought I was gettin' back in shape, too." His tone is mock-mournful. <Tarri> ::grins up at him, and quite obviously swallows a comment that Orlann would probably not approve for mixed company. Instead, she gets up, pries her knife out of the cutting board, and starts slicing strawberries again:: * Lisl glances casually around the room, rising from her chair to twitch the shade over the kitchen window the rest of the way closed. "Aye, well... muscles are stringy. Just think of the difference between deer and cow." * Orlann leans over Tarri's shoulder and snitches a strawberry. <Lisl> ::sits again:: But either way, I've never been keen on human. I much prefer deer. <Tarri> Hey, now! Those're for the pie! <Orlann> An' you ain't got more'n half a dozen extras here, noways... I reckon someone's been snitchin' a few while she's slicin'. <Tarri> ::sniffs:: I'm the cook. I'm allowed. <Lisl> ::grins:: You didn't cut off my fingers for it, either. <Tarri> ::brandishes her knife mock-threateningly at Lisl:: Keep it up! I learned to handle a knife from the best! <Lisl> Ha. And the teacher never teaches the student *everything.* ::snatches at a slice of strawberry with uncanny speed while Tarri is busy brandishing:: <Lisl> But I think you've got the way of it, Sergeant. This is our home, and we don't intend to get scared off, no matter how many half-truths they try to sell as the whole loaf. <Orlann> Well, I sure ain't forsakin' my friends... ::looks at Tarri, his eyes misting slightly:: It weren't the Dragons what gave me reason t'go on livin'. <Tarri> ::smiles up at Orlann:: * Tarri-- used to no-holds-barred sparring sessions with Lisl-- chops her knife at Lisl's snitching fingers. "I didn't say it was *you.*" <Lisl> ::snatches her hand away, but not quite fast enough to avoid a broad slice up the side of her hand.:: No? Who've you-- ah, hells.... * Orlann gasps, then grabs Lisl's wrist with an experienced field first aid grasp. "Get yer bag, darlin'." <Tarri> ::looks startled at actually having been fast enough to scratch Lisl:: Oh, my! Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't- ::she glances at Orlann, then looks at Lisl with half-panicked eyes:: <Orlann> ::curtly:: Sorry c'n wait. Get yer kit... <Lisl> ::shakes her head at Tarri, responding to Orlann calmly:: It'll be fine, Orlann. You don't have any recent cuts or scrapes on that hand, do you? <Tarri> I don't... It's just a little scratch, 'Lann. * Tarri eyes her knife with sudden unease, and takes it to the sink to wash it thoroughly. <Lisl> Tarri, it's alright. If I hadn't been distracted by dithering over this anyway you never would've gotten me. * Orlann turns Lisl's hand gently. "It ain't..." He looks puzzled - Tarri is the healer, she should know the severity of the wound. Slowly, before his astonished eyes, the rent closes itself smoothly. <Lisl> I told you it'd be fine. Tough as those turnips from Goody Baker's stall can be, I didn't think Tarri'd use a magical blade in the kitchen. * Orlann raises his eyes slowly to look at Lisl. "No vampire?" <Lisl> ::meeting his eyes levelly:: Nossir, no vampire. <Tarri> ::backs unobtrusively to the far side of the kitchen, watching Orlann nervously:: <Lisl> ::looks somewhat wry as Tarri moves away, but remains in her chair:: You know, you're not necessarily giving him the best lead to go on, there. <Orlann> ::drops her hand and looks down at his own, smeared with Lisl's blood:: We were talkin' 'bout half-truths... ::his tone is completely flat:: How 'bout the whole truth? <Tarri> ::looks from Lisl to Orlann and back, and half-smiles:: No demonstrations, okay? Not here. <Lisl> ::nods:: Aye, you deserve it. Particularly now. ::glances around the room again out of nervous habit:: Right... no demonstrations. We'll try for the short version. My father was bitten by a wolf-- a werewolf-- about a year before I was conceived. He was cursed. I inherited his blood, but not the curse. ::nods:: So yes, you *do* occasionally raise a glass with werewolves. Well, werewolf, anyway. * Orlann pales, his rich complexion fading to an almost sickly grey. <Tarri> ::bites her lip:: Orlann, love... It's all right, really. <Lisl> As you might expect, it's not the sort of thing I tend to share around, though many of my close friends know, now. ::nods towards Tarri:: Tarri knows. ::meets Orlann's eyes again, not moving from her chair:: And I'm still exactly the same person you know, the same person you've fought beside. * Orlann coughs and blinks as if he'd just taken a jolt of some amazingly potent alcohol. "Werewolf?" <Lisl> ::glances at Tarri and back to Orlann:: Aye. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: I swear on Aerdrie's name, I'm not having you on, here, Sergeant. Orlann. <Orlann> ::softly:: I'd almos' rather y' were. * Tarri picks up her washrag and brings it to Orlann. "Here, wash off that blood, love." She looks at Lisl, a mixture of nervousness and relief on her face, then looks back at Orlann. "You said yourself, love. She's not *hurt* anyone. There isn't a law against what she *is*. And she's been a good friend to me. To both of us." <Lisl> ::sympathetically:: Aye. It's one of the reasons... I didn't want to tell you, unless I had to. It's a tremendous risk for me, aye, but... ::glances at Tarri again:: ...don't think I don't consider the burden it places on my friends, too. But with all this rumor floating about... you deserved the truth. Be worse for you *not* to know. * Orlann washes his hands off, inspecting them closely for nicks or cuts. "It ain't often y' get called on yer beliefs..." He takes a few deep breaths, apparently trying to settle his mind. <Lisl> ::looks at Tarri:: No law, no... but an awful lot of monster-hunting tradition. ::makes a face:: * Tarri lifts her chin stubbornly. "I'd be dead or worse without you, Lisl. You're not going to convince me you're a monster." <Lisl> ::looks wry:: I've... done enough, in the past. And obviously, *someone* out there's pretty convinced. <Tarri> ::remaining stubborn:: Well, *someone* will just have to change their mind. * Orlann continues to breathe slowly, as if his very life depended on coming to grips with what he just heard. <Lisl> Or succeed in driving the lot of us out of town, aye. Not that I've not been driven out of places before, but... ::shakes her head:: I don't know what makes this town different... but aside from my mother's, this is the only place I've ever come back to. <Tarri> ::glares at Lisl:: We're *not* *going* *anywhere*. ::she glances at Orlann:: Though... Maybe you should head home for tonight, just to give him a little time to digest... It took me a while, too. <Lisl> ::nods and stands up very slowly and deliberately:: Orlann... you know where I live. I intend to be home all night, so you'll know where to find me if you... if you have to. * Orlann nods slowly. "Ayeh, I do." <Tarri> Good night, Lisl... Thanks for the visit. I'll see you soon. <Lisl> Right. Goodnight, then. ::gives Tarri a faint smile and an apologetic look, and carefully takes a slice of strawberry from the board as she leaves:: * Orlann turns to Tarri, his eyes stunned and moving towards angry. <Orlann> Miss Tarri, I... reckon we need to talk. |
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