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* Rhys comes in from the kitchen, setting two freshly washed mugs on the racks before heading to the main door and unlocking it. "Hall's open." * Rhys sits on a stool behind a bar, pulls out a small chapbook, and starts to read. * Tarri enters, looking ever-so-slightly out of breath. She is dressed in her working clothes, and her short blonde hair is tied back under a scarf. <Tarri> ::looking around:: Well, I guess I'm not late, after all... ::sits at the bar:: Good evening, Master Rhys! How are you tonight? <Rhys> Ah, good evening, Miss Mandeil. Yes, it's a quiet night so far, but it's early. And I'm well enough. Reading a little collection of adventure stories. Can I get you anything? * Lisl catches the door before it closes behind Tarri and slips through. "Evening, all-- well, some, anyway." * Alorian hefts her backpack back onto her shoulder as she approaches the Hall. She glances up at it before pushing the door open and heading in. She is of medium height and build and has black hair that hangs in a long braid down her back. She's wearing traveling clothes and there is a bow with quiver on her back as well. Her skin is on the pale side and she has striking icy blue colored eyes. She heads to the bar and places her backpack down on the floor before sitting on a stool. * Michelle walks in behind Lisl, "Good evening everyone." * Michelle takes a seat at the bar. <Rhys> We happy few, yes. What can I get you, Lisl? And good evening, Michelle. How have you been? <Tarri> A glass of white wine, please, Master Rhys? Oh, hello, Lisl. And Michelle! <Lisl> A mug of-- ::glances towards the door as the stranger enters:: --meade, I think. * Rhys finds a bottle, uncorks it with some effort, and fills a goblet with its contents. "As requested, Miss Mandeil. White wine. And just one moment, Miss Ferinsdottir, and you'll have yours. Good evening, Miss. Welcome to the Meade Hall. Can I get you anything?" <Lisl> 'Evening, Chelle. <Michelle> I've been alright Rhys, and you? <Michelle> Good evening Tarri. * Alorian nods and looks thoughtful a moment. "How is your ale?" <Michelle> So what have you been up to Lisl? * Rhys plucks a mug off the racks and heads over to the taps, where he mutters, "Look you, let's try to make a good first impression, shall we?" He pulls the golden handled tap, and after a moment's pause, meade flows out into the mug, accompanied by a cheerful whistling. <Rhys> Oh, the ale's quite good. As dark or as light as you like it, we can find it for you here. <Lisl> ::sighs and runs a hand through her hair:: My job, such as it is. For those who still want my custom, anyway. <Alorian> Something in between then ::Smiles:: Thank you. <Michelle> Things getting worse then? * Orlann walks in. He looks tired and his purple tabard is covered with various smears and stains. He looks and smells somewhat like he crawled through a chicken coop. "Evenin'. Pardon me, Master Rhys, I'm gonna borrow the necessary. C'n I get a beer f'r when I come out?" * Rhys sets Lisl's mug of meade in front of her, and then takes another mug over to the taps. "Ale... medium? And... of course, Sergeant. Use as much soap as you like." <Lisl> Feh. ::shrugs:: One of the uptown restaurants found another supplier. Can't blame 'em, with-- well, hells. Aye, I *do* blame them. ::shakes her head:: <Rhys> ::the taps are silent for a few moments, and then dispense a nice, rich amber ale, with some hearty humming of a martial tune. When the mug is full, Rhys hands the mug to Alorian.:: <Tarri> ::starts to greet Orlann cheerfully, then stops, taken aback by his bedraggled state. She is obviously about to start asking questions, but restrains herself for the time being:: * Alorian takes the mug and takes a deep drink. She then pulls a smallish map out of her pack and places it on the bartop, studying it. <Lisl> Thanks, Rhys. ::raises an eyebrow at the musical taps:: * Michelle smiles at the taps, "Well I was going to ask for some amoretto, but now I'm curious as to what the taps will surprise me with." <Orlann> ::from the necessary comes the sound of splashing, undercut with a muttered voice:: * Lisl glances at the necessary door and shakes her head. * Alorian continues to sip her ale and study her map. <Tarri> ::looks worriedly toward the sound of Orlann's voice, then offers the newcomer a friendly smile:: Hi there - I'm Tarri. On a trip? ::she peers curiously at the map:: Where are you going? <Alorian> ::she glances over and nods to Tarri:: Alorian, and to be honest I am not sure. That's what I am trying to decide now. <Lisl> ::takes a swallow of meade, takes another glance back at the necessary door, and looks at Alorian over the rim:: Got lost? <Alorian> ::looks over at Lisl:: I am never lost. ::smiles a bit:: I never really have a specific destination, so I can never get lost. * Orlann falls mostly silent, then snaps out a few choice phrases, barely audible. <Lisl> Hm. Rhys? ::nods towards Orlann's beer:: Set 'im up with a shot of whiskey, too? <Tarri> ::looks back toward the necessary door, recognizing the tone, if not making out the words, and wincing slightly:: * Michelle turns to Alorian, "So what brings you to Marsember?" * Orlann comes back into the Hall, shirtless and gleaming with water droplets. He has his extremely damp shirt and tabard slung over his forearm. "I'm right sorry 'bout this. I ain't got a change here." <Lisl> ::half-grins:: Rooms upstairs... wouldn't hurt to adopt a dresser drawer, I'm sure. <Alorian> ::She looks to Michelle:: I thought it sounded interesting mostly ::Glances over her shoulder at Orlann and then back to Michelle:: So I decided to come. <Lisl> Interesting... ::snorts quietly into her mug as she takes another swallow:: As in, "may you live in interesting times." * Tarri blinks in surprise to see Orlann partially undressed, then shakes her head. "What on earth happened to you, love?" <Lisl> Bad day, I'm guessing. * Rhys sets a shot glass of whiskey and a mug of beer up for Orlann. "Whiskey's courtesy of the lady at the end of the bar." * Orlann nods to Lisl. "Thanks kindly." He knocks back the whiskey in a single practiced swallow, grimacing slightly. <Rhys> You can borrow some clothes out of the lost and found, if you'd like, Sergeant. As long as you clean them and bring them back when you're done. <Lisl> ::winks at Tarri:: Sorry for poaching on your job, Tarri. <Rhys> And Miss Michelle, are you asking for taps's choice? <Michelle> ::giggles:: Absolutely Master Rhys. <Tarri> ::grins at Lisl:: It's okay. Looks like he needs it. <Orlann> Bad day don't even begin t'cover it. Ain't as bad as some, though. ::he shudders:: * Alorian takes a last glance at her map before tucking it away. She then relaxes on her stool and enjoys her ale. * Orlann nods. "Aye, I'd be right grateful f'r that, Master Rhys. Where might I be findin' t'Lost box?" <Lisl> Aye, it can always be worse. ::looks wry:: * Rhys gets a small cup out and heads over to the taps. "It's in the closet, over there. See if it needs to be let out while you're there, would you? It always slips my mind." He approaches the taps with the cup. "Now... it's for Miss Michelle, so how about we act pleasant, hmmm?" <Tarri> ::blinks:: ...Let... out? * Orlann raises an eyebrow, then shrugs. "All right." <Orlann> ::goes to look in the closet, somewhat cautiously:: <Lisl> Heh. Would you be wondering if it were Zoya's closet, Tarri? * Rhys holds the cup under the taps, pulls, and gets an odd, strong smelling white liquid. "Miss Michelle...? Care for a do-over?" * Michelle leans over the bar to take a look, "Yes, I think we'll try again." <Rhys> PING request <Notice> PING Rhys: 1 second * Rhys sets the cup well off to the side, and gets a clean cup. The coat closet helpfully pushes the box of lost clothing forward for Orlann's perusal. * Lisl glances over the bar and twitches her nose. "Gah... never thought I'd see *that* stuff here." <Tarri> ::gives Lisl a dry look:: No. But then, I wouldn't be opening it, either. * Alorian finishes her ale and stands, pulling some coin from her pocket and leaving it on the bartop. "Thank you kindly for the drink." She nods to Rhys and then the others as she pulls her backpack up to her back. * Rhys is so busy studying the taps he misses two shoes -- one right boot and one left sandal 'walk' out of the closet. "Very nice to meet you, Miss. Do come again soon. I hope you find your way." * Alorian turns and heads on out, making a mental note to remember the place. <Lisl> ::nods:: Evening, safe journey. * Tarri would certainly have wished Alorian a pleasant evening, if she were not transfixed by the sight of the strolling footwear. * Orlann eyes the wandering shoes, then looks around. He snags a shirt just as it prepares to waltz out of the closet with a pale yellow dress. "Right. This'n outta fit." <Lisl> ::grins:: The dress? * Rhys pulls on a tap, and a pale green liquid streams out quickly, almost overfilling the cup. Rhys offers the cup to Michelle. "Again?" * Michelle looks curiously at the cup, "Let me try that." * Rhys hands Michelle the cup. "Does anyone require a refill?" <Lisl> ::nods her chin towards the white stuff:: Better cork that before it draws a Horde. * Michelle takes a cautious sip, and then sits back and smiles, "Excellent choice." <Orlann> ::gives Lisl a tight grin:: Was thinkin' *that* is more your style. ::shuts the door, the sleeve of the dress waves frantically, trapped between the door and the jam:: <Lisl> Bite your tongue. <Tarri> ::grins impishly:: Now, now, dear; you looked quite marvelous in my bathrobe the other morning when you got up to let the cat out. <Lisl> ::snorts:: Yours, too. ::takes a swallow of meade:: * Orlann gives Tarri a token smile. "Better'n starkers, eh?" <Tarri> ::meets Orlann's gaze, but doesn't give voice to the reply she has in mind.:: * Lisl shakes her head and mutters something under her breath about springtime. * Orlann pulls the linen shirt over his head and sits at the bar, moodily wrapping one hand around his beer, but not tasting it. <Rhys> ::the boot and sandal clump-step around to behind the bar. Rhys steps from behind the bar to try to close the closet door without pinning the dress in the jamb. He's struggling a bit.:: <Tarri> ::nudges his arm:: Take your medicine, love. What happened, anyway? You looked like you've been crawling through the canals - the nasty ones. <Lisl> Smelt more like chicken. * Michelle sips her drink, waiting to hear the story. <Orlann> ::dully, suddenly completely serious:: There was... some murders last evenin'. Bad ones. <Lisl> ::frowns:: Bad... how? <Orlann> ::shudders:: Messy. Cruel. <Lisl> ::rubs a hand through her hair again and settles her shoulders:: ...and? I'm getting the feeling there's an and, here. <Tarri> ::puts a hand on his shoulder, her eyes wide and soft:: <Orlann> ::takes a deep, slow breath:: The bodies were... mauled. By an animal. A dog, we think. Someone's got a trained dog in this town, and they're usin' it t'kill people. <Tarri> Oh! Who would do- ::her lips tighten:: That's awful. * Rhys purses his lips. "There are a lot of dogs in Marsember. That's going to be a tough link to track down." * Michelle sighs, "This town can't ever seem to catch a break. Rhys, can I get a shot of vodka in this please." <Orlann> ::shakes his head:: We got nothin' to go on... nothin'. <Lisl> ::narrows her eyes:: Could be... ::absently strokes a hand down her arm, where fine hairs are standing on end:: What do the Dragons usually do, when there're no leads? <Tarri> ::bites her lip:: Are you sure it's a trained dog? It's not just some feral beast? * Rhys sets Michelle up with a shot of vodka that he pours out of a bottle from under the bar. * Michelle knocks the shot back, then chases it with some of her first drink. <Orlann> Ain't ever'one dead... there's a few what lived through it, though they're hurt bad... there was men with it, they saw men... ::he sighs, looking absently at the polished bar top:: <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: No descriptions? <Tarri> How many? How bad? Do they need medical care? <Orlann> ::shakes his head:: They was wearin' masks. An' they're in t'care of some of the city's best physikers, darlin'. You don't wanna be seein' this, love. <Lisl> Masks... ::her mouth twists:: <Lisl> Where did all this happen? <Tarri> *Why*? Why would someone... ::she bites her lip angrily:: <Orlann> ::shrugs:: They ain't real coherent, neither. Too scared... ever'one was lookin' at the dog, not t'men. But one was right broad, with dark hair, but that ain't much t'go on. <Tarri> Ha. There must be a thousand broad, dark-haired men in this city. More. That's no more help than knowing it was a dog. * Lisl stares moodily into her glass. <Orlann> ::nods, then drinks about half of his beer in one swallow:: We got nothin'. <Lisl> *Where*, Orlann? <Orlann> ::to Lisl:: Down near Scaler Row, just beyond the docks, you know? <Michelle> Were there any similarities between the victims? <Lisl> ::nods:: Aye, I know it. ::picking up her glass and taking a hefty swallow:: According to Nach, we've got some friends down that way. <Orlann> ::shakes his head:: Jus' poor... normal folk. Ain't no reason t'be killin' people like that. They ain't got nothin' worth stealin'. I don't understand it, I swear. <Lisl> ::darkly:: Theft isn't the only reason some people have for killing. <Tarri> The whole thing is terrible... * Michelle shakes her head, "Sounds like someone's going to have to play bait again." <Lisl> ::slowly:: I don't think... bait... is what's looked for, here.... <Tarri> ::shudders violently, remembering her own stint as bait:: We don't know what they're *after*. How can you bait a hook without knowing what kind of worm to put on it? <Rhys> I think this might be best left to the proper authorities, hmm? Leave talk of vigilantism for another, darker night. * Michelle shrugs, "A fair questions Tarri. But by the same token, what else can you do but wait and pray?" * Michelle lifts her cup to Rhys, "True enough Rhys." <Tarri> ::sighs and nudges Orlann's arm gently again:: Drink up, love. It sounds like you need to get home and try to get some sleep, if you're stuck on a case this awful... <Orlann> ::studies his hands:: They're in shock... won't talk much, jumpin' at the slightest sound. I don't blame 'em. <Lisl> ::shakes her head, draining her mug:: That's not what I was thinking of. I was thinking more... of how I could help the proper authorities. <Rhys> Last call, in any case. * Orlann nods and finishes his beer. <Lisl> I'm good, Rhys. If I start something new, it'd be the hard stuff, and I want to think this through a bit. * Michelle finishes her drink, "And I should probably be heading home." * Tarri finishes her wine, then sighs as she stands. "And it was going to be such a nice evening... Moonlit stroll, late supper... Ah, well." * Orlann stands up and puts a few coins on the bar. "Much obliged, Master Rhys." <Rhys> Always good to see you, Sergeant. Take care. * Michelle stands and puts a few coins on the bar, "Thank you Rhys." <Rhys> Very welcome, Michelle. I'm glad the second cup turned out to be to your liking. * Tarri tucks her arm through Orlann's as they leave. * Michelle smiles, "With summer coming we'll have to try and cajole that one out of the taps again." <Lisl> Evening, Orlann. If you don't mind... I'll stop by to have a chat later this week? <Michelle> Goodnight Tarri, Orlann. <Orlann> ::nods:: Feel free, Miss Lisl... ::offers Tarri his arm:: <Lisl> Thanks. * Michelle follows Orlann and Tarri out. * Lisl digs in her belt pouch and leaves a handful of coins on the bar. "Night, Rhys." * Lisl walks out, shaking her head and muttering to herself. <Rhys> Many thanks, Lisl. Get some sleep tonight. * Lisl raises a hand as she goes. * Rhys collects all the coins on the bar and puts them in the strongbox. * Rhys follows Lisl to the door and locks it behind her. He heads back behind the bar, picking up cups on the way back to the kitchen, including the one still-full cup. "Now don't you do anything too awful to our plumbing...." |
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