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* Nacheyla wanders into the Hall dragging a reluctant Cheylon along behind her. Cheylon has a slightly worn place on the seat of his pants and seems very determined to go somewhere else. "Hall's open. Sort of." She lights the candles with some difficulty. "No, you cannot play on the slide after dark, Chey, now stop it!" * Lisl enters and pauses on the threshold. "Evening, Nach." She looks around. "You open yet?" <Nacheyla> ::nods:: Mostly... <Cheylon> ::his face lights up:: Anni Nise! I was swidin'! ::runs over and holds his arms up to Lisl:: <Lisl> ::nods:: Fair enough. ::leans her bowstaff in the corner hastily and picks Cheylon up, swinging him around in a circle. "Swidin', were you?" She glances at Nacheyla with a raised eyebrow for interpretation. * Yohko walks in wearing a silk dress that would appear more at home in Deanna's wardrobe and carrying a small handbag. "Evening Lisl, Nach. What do you have for bad moods?" * Kevil enters. The brushed wool of his cloak is marred by a splattering trail of something that looks slimy and smells foul; his handsome face is marred by an expression of anger. He seems about to express his feelings, but pauses at the sight of Chey, and locks his jaw. <Nacheyla> We went to the park for a bit... he's fond of the slide. And teeter-totters. And for bad moods, I highly recommend chocolate cake with strawberry ice cream. And maybe some nice hazelnut brandy? * Yohko gets halfway to the bar, then sighs and sits in a chair at the table nearest the bar. <Yohko> ::Yohko's purse clinks loudly as it lands on the table, "Good enough for me Nach." <Lisl> Ahhh, sliding! ::bounces Chey on her hip:: Yes, sliding can be lots of fun, can't-- ::she wrinkles her nose and looks around:: Who-- oh... d- dear. Evening, Kevil. <Nacheyla> Evening Kevil... what lemon did you swallow? ::gets out a snifter and fills it with the delicate brandy:: Here, Lisl, try this. We just got it in. ::fills another snifter for Yohko:: It's quite good. * Nacheyla catches a whiff. "Oh. Hmmm. Let me see that, Kevil dear and I'll see what I can do to remedy it, hmmm?" * Yohko sips her brandy and sighs, her body visibly unwinding, "This place is a gods send." * Nacheyla pours a third snifter of brandy. "Here, Kevil. You should like this..." <Lisl> Hm... don't usually go for the sweet stuff, but... ::swirls her glass around and takes a sip, keeping well clear of curious reaching hands.:: * Kevil pulls off his cloak with a wordless growl and seems about ready to throw it to the floor. He halts at Nacheyla's offer, folds it carefully with the slimy bit inward, and hands it to her. "Thank you, Lady." He takes the brandy offered with apparent gratitude. * Nacheyla gingerly takes the cloak. "I'll be right back. I have cake. Or some nice shark steaks in lemon sauce, if anyone wants dinner first?" <Lisl> ::nods to Kevil's wrapped-up cloak:: Did you see it coming, or no? * Yohko raises the hand with the snifter, "I'll take the shark Nach." <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: I'm good with this, Nach. I ate before I came here. <Kevil> ::to Lisl:: No, I did not. <Kevil> ::to Nacheyla:: I have eaten already, as well. * Nacheyla nods and wanders back into the kitchen. <Lisl> ::mutters:: Well, that's something, at least. <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow:: How is that? <Lisl> ::shrugs a shoulder:: It's one thing to be attacked from secret. But if they're willing to chuck garbage at you in full view, it's time to leave town, generally. ::makes a face and has another swallow of brandy:: <Nacheyla> ::there is a great deal of splashing in the kitchen:: <Cheylon> Anna Nise, whazzis? ::he points at her bowstaff:: <Kevil> ::glowers at the long-gone assailant and does a great injustice to his brandy by swigging it.:: <Lisl> ::cocking an ear:: Is she catching it in the sink...? ::looks over at where Cheylon points:: That's my bowstaff, Chey. A very good friend made it for me, to help me hunt. <Cheylon> ::looks puzzled:: Why? <Lisl> ::squirks up a corner of her mouth:: Why did he make it for me? <Cheylon> Uh-huh? * Nacheyla comes back out with a sizzling steak shark, some dinner rolls, a chunk of cheese, and about half of a chocolate layer cake. <Lisl> Hm... good question. I think... he likes to make bows like that one, and he wanted to do something nice for me. He's that sort of person... he likes to do good things for his friends. <Lisl> ::grins a little wider:: Actually... he liked to do good things for total strangers, too, come to that. * Yohko smiles at the sight of the food, "Thank you Nach. My meals have been rather erratic ever since I moved out of Ellesmere." <Cheylon> ::pats the bow fondly:: Is nice? * Nacheyla puts the dinner down in front of Yohko, then returns to the kitchen. She returns a moment later with several small dishes of ice cream. "Here... " She starts passing out slices of cake. <Lisl> ::grins:: Is *very* nice. It was made to suit me perfectly... even the right draw weight. A very *special* gift, that. * Yohko savors the aroma of her meal for a moment before picking up her utensils and starting in on the meal. * Lisl hitches Chey up on her hip a little and picks up her bowstaff, carrying it over to the bar and perching on a stool so that she can sit Cheylon on her lap. * Kevil looks at his slice of cake almost dubiously, then shrugs and takes a bite. <Nacheyla> It's cake, Kevil... I absolutely promise, no cake will have violent expressions towards you in my bar... <Kevil> ::very nearly smiles at Nacheyla as he takes another bite:: <Lisl> I realize, of course, that a bow couldn't be anywhere *near* as interesting as chocolate cake, but would you like to see it strung? Just be careful, it's a weapon, not a toy. * Yohko sips her brandy, "The shark is wonderful Nach." <Nacheyla> ::grins:: I'm glad you like it. We've got quite a fervent admiration group among some of the dockside workers and fishermen. <Cheylon> Uh-huh! Peeeeeese! Show! <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow at Nach:: Really? *Why?* * Yohko looks at Nach curiously, "Do tell." Yohko takes another bite of her shark. <Nacheyla> ::sits down behind the bar and picks up a dinner roll and smears it with butter:: There were several fishermen's wives and daughters among the hostages. They all know that Vallel and Kevil and Diya were responsible for getting them out. <Yohko> Ah. That would make sense. <Lisl> ::grins:: Well, since you said "please"... don't slide off, now. ::keeps one knee bent to give Cheylon enough lap to sit on, extending the other foot to the floor to brace the end of the staff against it. With a faint grunt, she bends the staff into an arc and slides the bowstring up into its notch. A faint twanging hum resonates from the taut string as it snaps into place:: <Lisl> ::glancing up from her bow:: Hm. Good to know this place has some friends, still... * Kevil looks up with interest, chocolate having apparently calmed his temper. "Gratitude that outlives nasty rumors. Will wonders never cease... Or have the rumors not quite penetrated the docks, yet?" <Cheylon> ::holding out his hands:: C'ni see? <Nacheyla> ::shakes her head:: No, they've heard them... "Don' rightly know 'bout tha', ma'am... but we's not bein' much t'fergit what ya done fer us." <Kevil> ::snorts slightly at Nacheyla's rendition of the accent:: Perhaps I will take my own custom to the riverfront. If I earn less coin, at least I might be better certain of appreciation. * Yohko nods, "Unless you need the money Kevil you're more than skilled enough to take your services where ever they're properly appreciated." <Lisl> ::sliding her leg back up to the rung to give Cheylon more of a lap again:: It's a little big for you to test-draw, yet, Chey, but you can touch it. Just remember, you shouldn't ever "twang" a bowstring unless you're actually firing an arrow. It can be bad for the bow, alright? ::moving the bow closer and keeping a steady arm around Cheylon's waist so he doesn't fall off in his eagerness:: <Lisl> ::grins over at Kevil:: Besides, you might pick up a new chanty or two if you spend enough time down there. * Kevil half-bows to Yohko to acknowledge her compliment. <Kevil> ::grins back at Lisl:: What? There are more than two variations on that theme? * Yohko butters up a dinner roll as she continues eating. <Cheylon> ::attempts to pull the drawstring a little, his tiny face scrunched up in concentration:: Too big! ::he agrees:: <Lisl> What theme, the sea? ::rolls her eyes:: I spent three weeks aboard a *much* too-small ship with an overly musical parrot. Trust me, there are plenty of variations. <Kevil> ::scratches idly at his beard, musing:: Maybe it is only that they all *sound* the same... <Lisl> ::hooks three fingers above Chey's to ease the bowstring back to neutral when he lets go:: It's okay. When you're all grown up, this bow will probably be too light for you. ::grins:: I promise, when you're old enough to learn bow I'll make you one more your size. If your mommy and daddy say it's alright, that is. <Lisl> ::grins at Kevil:: Why don't you ask Zoya? She's a sailor, she probably knows a few. <Cheylon> ::nods his head:: Anna Nise make. <Kevil> ::snorts:: I have no doubt. Have *you* ever heard Zoya sing? <Lisl> ::frowns:: Come to think... no. Is there a reason for that? ::looks down at Cheylon:: Only if your parents say it's alright, mind. But I'd be happy to. ::looks wry:: Probably won't be quite as nice as this one... I'm a better fletcher than a bowyer. <Kevil> ::solemnly:: The very best of reasons. She cannot. <Cheylon> Da' say! Ma? ::looks over at Nacheyla:: Oh! Cake! Chey fordot... ::he lets go of the bow suddenly to scramble onto a barstool:: <Lisl> Ahhh, come now. Everyone can sing. Not *well*, maybe, but... <Lisl> ::hooks a stool closer with her foot and allows Chey to scramble off her lap, holding the bow clear:: Wow... he forgot cake. ::looks amused:: A born warrior. * Nacheyla cuts Cheylon a piece of cake and hands it to him. "Fork. Use the fork!" The admonishment is heeded just long enough for Nacheyla to relax and then Chey proceeds to stuff most of the entire cake into his mouth with both hands. <Kevil> ::winces:: No. Really. She can not. I convinced her to try, once, after far too many bottles of wine. <Lisl> You can't eat cake with your nose, lad. You're supposed to use a fork for the *whole* thing. Slow, aye, but that's the way it's done when you're eating in company. * Yohko finishes her meal, "That was wonderful Nach. If you ever get bored with your current job you could start up a restaurant or catering business." <Nacheyla> ::looks at Yohko demurely over the piece of cake:: When I get bored with my current job, I was thinking of trying to convert the Lathanderites.... <Lisl> ::grins:: What, that's not *part* of your current job? * Yohko grins, "Alright, I'll admit that sounds more entertaining that cooking." <Nacheyla> ::faintly mortified:: Not *yet*. I have to build up a larger base of followers, first... <Lisl> ::grins:: You can't get followers from Morninglords? Or am I getting you in trouble, here? <Nacheyla> I'm always in trouble... ::she grins:: Actually, I'm getting quite a large following of thieves, recently... <Lisl> Thieves? Why-- ::stops with her mouth open, glancing at Cheylon on the next stool:: --oh. Heh. Never mind. <Lisl> ::scrubs at her hair and has another sip of brandy from her forgotten glass:: <Kevil> ::raises his eyebrows at this exchange, but says nothing as he carefully scrapes the last of the cake crumbs up with his fork:: <Lisl> ::absently grabs a napkin and claims one of Chey's hands to start cleaning it of cake remnants:: <Kevil> I wish ::speaking to no one in particular, or perhaps the room at large:: that this whole rumor mess might be forced to come to a head. It has become entirely tiresome. * Nacheyla shakes her head. "I think cleaning him up is one of the most pointless activities on the planet..." * Yohko leans back enjoying her brandy, "I need to come here more often. There's no place in the city with an atmosphere anywhere near this." <Lisl> Aye, sort of like laundry... but I have to do that, too, so... might as well. ::grins:: Besides, the cleaner he is, the cleaner I stay. <Lisl> ::snorts:: Fighting shadows is easier than fighting rumor. <Kevil> ::nods in agreement with Lisl:: More productive, as well. And yet, there must be *some*thing we can do. <Lisl> ::grins:: Well, you're the bard. Fight fire with fire? <Kevil> ::bows floridly to Lisl:: Certainly. Whom do you believe I should target with my return slander? <Lisl> ::makes a face:: Didn't mean for you to spread slander... more like... hm. ::takes a thoughtful swallow of brandy and makes a face:: Is there such a thing as un-slander? * Nacheyla looks up. "When considering fighting fire with fire remember that fire fighters generally use *water*." <Kevil> ::quirks a smile:: You expressly forbade me to compose so much as a ditty praising your heroism, Huntress. <Lisl> Heh. Not in forest fires... ::swirls her glass idly:: Hm. Guess some analogies just don't hold well... * Yohko chuckles at Nacheyla's comment. <Lisl> ::makes a face:: Aye, I did, thanks very much. But... ::waves a hand:: You've got a whole Hallful of patrons to work with, here. ::starts on Cheylon's other hand and hands the clean hand a fork:: <Kevil> ::sighs and finishes his brandy:: Do you think it has not been tried? Those who spread gossip are strongly in favor of the more unpleasant rumors. <Lisl> ::sighs:: Aye... that's gossip for you. ::puts her glass down:: Sorry, Nach... it's not bad, but it's too sweet for my mouth. Could I have a shot of kick? * Nacheyla nods. "Sure... just be careful with His Highness around..." She jerks her chin at Cheylon, who is playing with his fork now that there's no cake left. * Nacheyla pours a mug of 'kick. "Although how you can claim anything is 'too sweet' when I've seen you licking ice cream out of your bowl, I'll never understand." <Lisl> ::grins:: Aye. Am I ever n-- no, wait, I don't want an answer to that. <Lisl> ::sniffs:: Ice cream is different. Besides... s'like milk with a bit of sugar in it. It's practically healthy. <Nacheyla> ::snort:: <Yohko> ::chuckle:: <Lisl> ::takes a swallow of 'kick, careful to keep the mug more than her own arm's length away from Cheylon.:: <Lisl> How 'bout you, Chey? Want something to wash down that cake with? ::eyes his face:: Or "off"? <Cheylon> Jooz? ::he licks crumbs off his chin with a disturbingly long tongue:: * Yohko finishes her brandy, "I'll have a little more of that please Nach." <Lisl> ::grins:: Barkeep, my young friend here would like some juice, please. * Nacheyla laughs. "Sure, why not?" She pours some more brandy and then appeals to the taps for a glass of apple juice. "Here you are, Lord Crumb King." <Lisl> Need help with that, Chey, or can you handle it? * Yohko chuckles and lifts her glass in a toast to Chey, "All hail Lord Crumb King." <Lisl> Heh. Don't give him ideas. * Nacheyla takes another bite of her cake. "Don't worry, he doesn't need any." * Kevil stands and stretches. "Might I have my cloak back, Lady? I believe it is time I returned home." * Nacheyla nods and goes into the kitchen. "One moment." <Lisl> ::takes another sip of 'kick and raises an eyebrow:: Want an escort home, Kevil? * Nacheyla comes back out of the kitchen with Kevil's cloak, freshly ironed and slightly steaming, folded in a neat little package. "Here you are." <Lisl> Well. Do you do regular laundry, too? <Kevil> I believe I can hold my own against the cowardly throwers of garbage, Lisl. But if you would like to walk with me, I should enjoy the company. * Nacheyla shrugs. "You have to ask the kitchen nicely. I suspect this was sort of a favor." <Kevil> ::bows deeply as he takes his cloak:: My eternal gratitude, Lady. To you and the kitchen, as well. ::he unfolds it and pulls it over his shoulders with a smile:: <Lisl> Hm. Guess not for regular laundry, then, alas. ::darkly:: After dark, they may not be so cowardly. ::stands and downs the last of her shot:: Chey, lovely to see you again. Be a good lad for your mother, aye? <Nacheyla> You're quite welcome, Kevil. Be well. * Yohko toasts Kevil with her glass, "Night Kevil." <Cheylon> Byebye ::waves enthusiastically enough to nearly separate his hand from his wrist:: * Kevil bows again to Nacheyla and Yohko, salutes Cheylon, and heads out the door. * Yohko drains her glass, "And I want t get home and into something comfortable." <Lisl> ::grins and ruffles Chey's hair, carefully avoiding the horns:: Bye, now. ::unstrings her bowstaff and follows Kevil out:: * Nacheyla starts cleaning up while Cheylon chases one of the brandy snifters around. * Yohko stands and heads out the door. * Nacheyla sighs. "Stop tormenting the poor tableware, dear, and come on." She takes his hand and leads him out of the Hall. |
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