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* Nacheyla breezes into the Hall, child-free and dressed in her undead hunter garb. There appears to be some sort of blood on her pants, although in the light it looks more purple than red. "Hall's open." She lights the candles quickly, then pours herself a small stone shotglass of Xarroch's 'kick. * Michelle enter, "Good evening Nacheyla. How are you this evening?" * Michelle heads to the bar and has a seat. <Nacheyla> ::raises the shot glass in Michelle's general direction:: Feeling much better, thank you. ::she downs the 'kick in a single gulp:: * Lisl enters, wrinkling her nose and looking around. "Gods below... something die?" <Nacheyla> ::looks up, a single trickle of 'kick running down her chin:: Several somethings. <Michelle> Nacheyla's sense of taste apparently. * Kevil enters, his lute in hand. "Good evening, my-" He pauses at Nacheyla's grim countenance. "Has something happened?" <Lisl> Now, now, 'Chelle, don't knock it 'til you've tried it. ::raises an eyebrow at Nacheyla:: Something happen? ::gives Kevil an amused glance as their words come out in near-unison:: * Jaret strolls through the door, humming under his breath. "Friends! Good evening!" He's wearing a rich green silk shirt with puffed upper sleeves and close-fitting black breeches. His rapier hangs peaceknotted at his side, and he removes his plumed hat as he enters. "Something happened? What happened? Did I miss something?" <Nacheyla> ::takes a deep breath, then smiles:: Something did happen. And I feel a lot less tense now. There's nothing quite like random unrelated violence to put one in a much better frame of mind. <Lisl> Ha! ::mutters:: Why does no one believe me when *I* say that? * Michelle smiles, "Maybe because random unrelated violence for you Lisl is life shattering catastrophe for anyone else." <Lisl> ::quirks an eyebrow:: I'm not going to even ask you to explain that one, 'chelle. Nach, might I have one of what you're having? <Kevil> ::taking his seat at the bar:: Tell us the tale, Lady Imp. You see - I am prepared immediately to set it to music. <Jaret> I find other alternatives much more relaxing, but it's really not somethin to get into now. And if there's still some left, a goblet of Arabellan Red, if you would be so kind? * Nacheyla pours Lisl a mug of 'kick. "It's on the house tonight, Lisl." She sets the mug on the bar, then sets a heavy pouch next to it. * Nacheyla nods and fishes a bottle of red out from under the bar and opens it. "Here, let that breathe a bit." She sets a goblet next to it. <Lisl> My thanks. ::eyes the pouch, glancing at Nacheyla for permission before twitching it open with one hand:: <Michelle> May I have a cup of tea when you get the chance Nacheyla? * Jaret pours himself a glass but sets it on the bar and doesn't drink from it yet. <Nacheyla> Mint? Chamomile? Jasmine? Lemon herb? I think I even have some Vanilla Bean tea around here somewhere. <Michelle> Jasmine please. * Nacheyla nods and heads into the kitchen. She messes around in the kitchen for a bit and comes back with a somewhat damp, but cleaner outfit and a steaming cup of tea with milk and honey on the side. <Michelle> Thank you Nacheyla. ::takes the tea and sips it:: <Lisl> Ahh. ::rubs her nose:: Thank you, Nacheyla. <Nacheyla> Anytime... ::she wipes her hands on her pants:: Sorry about the mess. I was almost late. <Kevil> May I hope that you will now entertain us with your... amusement? <Nacheyla> ::grins:: Xarroch had visitors this afternoon. We... had a disagreement as to their right to be there. They lost. <Kevil> An epic battle? Or an ignominious squish? <Nacheyla> They made a very... satisfying thump when they hit the ground... <Lisl> ::grins:: I'll bet. ::sips her 'kick:: So, who were they? Besides lunch? * Jaret studies his goblet. "How old is the wine, Lady Nacheyla?" <Nacheyla> Just some old friends of his who objected to his sudden abandonment of the Blood Wars... ::to Jaret:: Um, I don't know, not too old. Maybe ten years or so? <Jaret> Ah, then it can breathe for a while, still. I assume Xarroch is well, also? And Cheylon, of course? <Nacheyla> They're fine... I left them cleaning up the mess... <Lisl> ::snickers:: Well, that's one way to teach him responsibility... ::takes another swallow:: <Kevil> ::chuckles, then turns to Lisl:: I see you are still with us... Are you enjoying Zoya's hospitality? <Lisl> Aye. ::snorts:: I don't know which concerned her more, that I might flee out one of her windows, or that I'd wear permanent ruts in her floors with my pacing. She pinned me down and we had a nice, logical conversation. ::looks wry:: I think I lost. But either way, we're going to have another nice, logical conversation soon, with the War Wizards this time. Better them than me. <Kevil> ::laughs sympathetically:: At least she did not leave you with the illusion of winning, only to realize hours, days, or weeks later that you had in fact lost quite badly. <Lisl> ::makes a "pfh" noise and waves a hand dismissively:: I know Zoya's a hell of a lot smarter than I am, and I knew perfectly well when I went there that she could talk me in circles. ::sobering:: But I trust her to be able to figure out what's right, even when I've lost track of it somewhere. <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow:: She is not infallible, you know. <Nacheyla> ::grins:: Occasionally, she is wrong. Drink, Kevil? <Kevil> Yes, thank you, Lady... Nothing too strong. The house specialty would do nicely. * Nacheyla picks up a mug and turns to the taps. "Play nicely, please." She eeps and dodges out of the way as the first thing out of the taps is a pair of sewing scissors. "Hey! You could have put someone's eye out with that." <Lisl> No, 'course not. Who is? ::points at Nach:: No comments, you. But... ::shakes her head:: I'm getting old. And times like this, my paranoia gets me worrying my own tail until I can't tell up from sideways. ::shrugs:: Zoya helps. <Jaret> I really feel like the guest who's arrived far too late to the party, but if no one minds, I was wondering what's being done? <Lisl> ::eyes Jaret with a small frown:: Aye, come to think... you've not been around much, before last week. There's not been more trouble elsewhere, has there? Something with Lini? <Jaret> Oh, nothing much. My employer... wished to make it known that I was replaceable, and that my recent stretch of relative inactivity was coming to a close, so I've been away for a while. And now I am returned. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: You? Replaceable? Wherever would we find another Jaret Malkier? <Jaret> I expressed a similar sentiment. I don't believe the ensuing discussion changed either of our opinions. <Kevil> Ha. And to answer your question, my lord, most of us are scrambling for ideas as to what we *can* do. If you have any suggestions, we should be delighted to hear them. <Lisl> ::snorts:: I thought-- ah, well, never mind. Anyway... ::runs a hand through her hair:: The Dragons are on the matter of the wolf... werewolf... whatever she is. Dammit, I forgot *again* to go talk to Orlann about those smugglers... <Lisl> And as for our pernicious little rumormonger... Zoya and I were thinking of going to have a polite chat with the War Wizards, to see if they could help us with our problem. <Kevil> ::frowns at Lisl:: I thought they *were* the problem... <Lisl> Exactly. So Zoya promises to teach me about some odd custom called "knocking politely," and she promises that they will answer and talk to us, and she seems confident that she can talk rings around them and perhaps get at least an inkling of what in the Nine Hells is going on. <Nacheyla> You? Knocking politely? That must have been some talking to... <Lisl> ::takes another swallow of 'kick:: And she promises that she *may* be able to turn me back from a newt. Possibly. Well, a chance, anyway. <Kevil> ::solemnly:: I understand the lives of newts are quite peaceful. <Lisl> ::sticks her tongue out at Nacheyla:: Easy for you to say, now that you're not covered in ichor. <Lisl> Aye, she told me that, too. But I'd rather do something than nothing, and this may even be a productive something. <Nacheyla> ::laughs:: They started it. And they *didn't* knock politely. <Kevil> ::bows from sitting:: I wish you luck, then. May the Bright Lady watch over your endeavor. <Lisl> Aye, well... ::takes a deep breath:: If I try to finish it my way, the lot of us would get kicked off the playground, I'm sure. I'm willing to try Zoya's way. <Jaret> Not that I had an overwhelming respect for them in the first place, but this gruesome escapade diminishes my regard for the local reprobates considerably. I had hoped such viciousness was confined to other metropolises, or at least exempt from my home. <Lisl> Um... ::glances at Kevil:: ...in Common? <Kevil> ::grins at Lisl:: *You* are the native speaker... ::to Jaret:: I would be much surprised if this particular set of attacks came from someone local... It is far too... noticeable, d'va? I believe most of the locals are smarter than that, if not more principled. <Lisl> ::nods:: Zoya said much the same. I'm still not ruling out our rumormonger's involvement *some*how, though... even if he only takes advantage of it to point them a little harder at us. <Jaret> ::shrugging to Kevil, finally taking a sip of his wine:: Times and people change. And if the recovery means life is more difficult for honest Marsembrians, I doubt it is easier on the dishonest ones. Who can say to what levels they may stoop, in desperation to maintain their livelihood. <Kevil> A point, certainly. * Nacheyla nods absently, listening. <Lisl> ::shakes her head dubiously:: So... you think some of our old friends could be behind this, Jaret? <Kevil> Still, I remain at a loss for ideas. I have no desire to tangle with these criminals, and my attempts to trace the source of the rumors thus far have fallen flat. <Jaret> I wouldn't describe them as friends. We only met the once, on Cheylon's birthday. I haven't seen them since. Not even the fetching ebony woman. You think she'd stick out, wouldn't you? <Nacheyla> ::the corner of Nacheyla's mouth twitches slightly:: <Lisl> ::grins:: Fetching, ay? Why Jaret, I wouldn't have pegged you for having a "type." <Jaret> 'Twould be dishonest to call her something but. <Kevil> One does not need to have a "type" in order to recognize beauty. <Lisl> Heh. Still... I know they had a death in the family, but I can't believe the rest of them would have such an attack of stupid. They have to live here, after all, and they know *I* live here. <Lisl> No, Kevil, but you're not living with my cousin. <Jaret> Technically... ah, never mind. More pressing business. <Lisl> Aye, I know, I know. Technically, she's living with you, only she's not there, so no one's really living with anyone else at the moment. But yes, let's go on. Any thoughts on the matter, Jaret? <Jaret> Perhaps you could send them a calling card? 'Realize we haven't talked in a while, sorry for your loss, if you were involved in the incident a few weeks ago with the dog, kindly do not engage in a repeat performance.'? * Nacheyla laughs, covering her mouth with one hand. "Jaret, you are too much, sometimes." <Lisl> Already did, on Zoya's suggestion. I admit, I hadn't given them a thought since Chey was born. I figured we were quits. <Jaret> An admirable decision on your part. I admit, I felt a small amount of relief at Lord Hooke's death a few weeks afterwards, as it meant I no longer knew the identity of... whatever he did. * Kevil takes a deep swig of meade. * Nacheyla checks out the window. "Last call, folks. Anyone need a top off?" <Jaret> Mmmmm, I'll just finish this glass here, I think. Thank you, Lady Nacheyla. <Lisl> I'm good, thanks. ::takes another swallow of 'kick and, while she's thinking about it, fishes a handful of coins from her pocket to put on the counter:: <Kevil> Not I, though I thank you. I should return home soon, as I promised Diya I would rise with him at ::small shudder:: sunrise. <Michelle> No thank you Nacheyla. <Jaret> My most heartfelt sympathies, Master Bard. <Nacheyla> ::taps the bag she set on the counter at the beginning of the evening:: It's on the house tonight. Or, more precisely, it's on the late visitors Xarroch had today. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: You? Up with the sun? Whatever for? <Kevil> ::half-smiles at Lisl:: Hunting. <Lisl> Hunh. Well, if you say... ::tweaks the bag open curiously, peering within:: <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow at Kevil:: What, I don't have enough competition? <Nacheyla> ::inside the bag glitter a medium sized fortune of gems and raw silver:: <Lisl> ::raises both eyebrows and closes the bag again:: Hells, woman. <Nacheyla> Evening wasn't a total loss... ::she grins:: Now we can pay off some of those fines that have been hanging over our head. <Kevil> ::snorts:: I do not know, Lisl. In truth, I doubt I can provide him much in the way of aid, but he asked, and I had no pressing reason to decline... ::shrugs:: <Lisl> You better go to a moneychanger's first. You pay them off in *that*, they're not going to want to make change. <Lisl> He asked you to come? ::small frown:: Is he worried about something? * Jaret finishes his wine. "Thank you for the glass, Lady Nacheyla. A delightful unexpected gift." <Kevil> ::laughs:: Diya? Worried? No, I do not think so. * Nacheyla smiles. "Glad you liked it, Jaret. I'll see if I can get some more." * Michelle finishes her tea, "I should head out. Let me know if anyone learns anything new." <Jaret> Good night, Michelle. Would you like an escort to Ellesmere? * Michelle smiles and stands, "Absolutely Jaret." * Nacheyla starts cleaning up. <Lisl> I'd best get back, myself. ::drains her mug and stands:: Oh... Nach, could I have a pint of meade to go? For Zoya. <Lisl> ::grins wryly:: She *did* say she'd be along in just a moment. I suspect I'll find her the same way I left her. <Nacheyla> ::nods:: Surely. ::she preps a few drinking flasks:: Here you are. * Jaret stands as well. "It would be my pleasure to accompany you, then." He goes to the door and holds it for Michelle. <Kevil> In any case... ::drains the rest of his meade:: ...my thanks, Lady, for the drink. May your good fortune signal a change in the general fortunes here, d'va? * Michelle steps out, "Goodnight everyone." <Kevil> Good night, my friends. ::bows and leaves:: <Lisl> My thanks. Good night, stay safe, all. * Jaret follows Michelle out. * Lisl waves and exits. |
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