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<Barise> ::the headquarters of the War Wizards is recently rebuilt and looks it. The paint is overly fresh and bright and there are several parts of the building that are being constructed. However the main visitor's section is not only completed but finely furnished and shows little of the money pinch that's recently affected most of Marsember.:: <Barise> ::an undersecretary with her hair pinned to the top of her head so tightly it looks like it's giving her a headache, shows Lisl and Zoya to an antechamber to wait. The room is well-furnished, but styled to make visitors feel inferior:: * Zoya strolls around the room with every appearance of comfort and control. She examines furniture and knickknacks with the air of someone considering a purchase. * Lisl tries a chair, jumping up almost as if it had bit her when she starts to sink into its cushy depths. She opts to lean against a cabinet, instead, arms crossed, giving every impression of boredom. Her eyes follow Zoya as she moves around the room. <Barise> ::it is some time before anyone has time to attend to them and a few other visitors join them and then are called to their appointments. Eventually a young man with a protruding adam's apple comes in.:: High Priestess Natovna and... ::he looks at Lisl dubiously:: guest. Master Wizard Barise will see you now. <Zoya> Thank you. I would hate for you to embarrass yourself before the Master Wizard, though. You may introduce my friend as Lady Ferinsdottir. * Lisl flashes a grin at the young man, straightening up from her bored slouch and gesturing Zoya politely to precede her. <Barise> ::the young man bows:: As you say, Priestess. I was uncertain of the pronunciation. ::leads them through the rabbit's warren of offices and libraries and hallways until finally reaching a spartan office dominated primarily by a Very Large Desk:: Master Wizard Barise, I present to you High Priestess Natovna and Lady Ferinsdottir to consult with you. ::he bows VERY low:: * Barise is in his mid 40's or early fifties to judge by his silver shot beard. He looks vaguely familiar. "Yes, Parill. We've met before." <Barise> ::the young man bows again and does his best to appear not to scurry out of the office:: * Zoya watches Parill not-scurry away with a benign smile. * Lisl bows politely (but not deeply) in the elven fashion to the man behind the desk, straightening to stand at ease with her hands clasped lightly behind her back, head cocked to one side as she studies him curiously. <Barise> So... ::he steeples long fingers and gazes at them over his folded hands:: On what matter did you wish to consult with us? * Zoya drops casually into one of the chairs arranged before the desk, slouching ever-so-slightly in companionable counterpoint to Barise's formality. "Not to put too fine a point upon it, Master Wizard, we're here about the Meade Hall." <Barise> ::raises one thick eyebrow:: Pray continue... <Zoya> You're obviously too worldly a man to actually heed common street talk, but of course you were briefed on its little... accident, last year. And that one of your own was involved in certain litigation against the property. * Barise rubs the bridge of his beakish nose thoughtfully. "I believe I've heard about the incident. Dangerous things, these... wild surges." <Zoya> ::seriously:: Oh, yes. In the hands of the untrained- Well, that's neither here nor there. But obviously we would like to make the place safe again as soon as possible, to avoid any more such unfortunate incidents. <Barise> ::nods:: That would, of course, be a benefit to many... accidents will happen, but it behooves the wise to attempt to prevent them. <Lisl> ::shifting her weight with a small smile:: Best not to tempt the gods of chance by making it *too* easy for them. <Barise> ::narrows his eyes slightly:: As you say, Lady. <Zoya> Of course. My Lord Erdian knows, all the facts must be laid in the light before a solution can be found... ::she casts her eyes heavenward briefly, then smiles at Barise again:: Which is why we hoped you would be willing to share with us all that *you* know of the accident, and your underling's unfortunate encounter. <Barise> ::coughs:: Certainly, Priestess. If you'll excuse me a moment, I believe I have the report in my filing room. ::he snaps his fingers and a pitcher of iced lemonade and some small beef and cheese sandwiches appear on a platter on his desk:: Help yourself to lunch, if you like, and I'll return as soon as possible. * Barise gives a sketchy bow and leaves the room. * Zoya stands to pour a glass of lemonade, which she offers to Lisl. "One sandwich, or two?" <Lisl> ::softly:: *That* must disconcert the kitchen staff.... ::twitches her nose:: Two, please. They're small. * Zoya hands over the sandwiches. She pours half a glass of lemonade for herself, but sets it on the edge of the desk and goes to examine a painting on the wall. "I'm sure the staff is used to it. ...I wonder if he's got anything stashed in here..." <Lisl> ::starts to take a big bite out of the first sandwich, but recalls her surroundings with a sigh and restrains herself to small, ladylike nibbles.:: * Barise returns with a thick file held together with blue ribbon. "Here we are. Niralan's personal records and..." He holds another package, bound with yellow ribbons. "... the investigation of the Meade Hall." <Zoya> Oh, splendid. ::she holds out a hand:: May I? * Barise hesitates, then hands her the Meade Hall package. "Niralan's personal file, you understand, contains a great many things quite unrelated to your... little disagreement." He opens the other package. "But I'll see what's in here directly related." <Zoya> Oh, of course. I hardly want to plough through his training records and disciplinary notices, at any rate. ::she smiles, then resumes her seat and opens the Meade Hall's file, flipping the pages quickly, her silver gaze intent:: <Lisl> ::softly:: True. A man's... affairs... are his own business, even when he is a public servant. * Barise takes a sandwich and begins flipping through the papers, then eyes Lisl over the sheaf. "I'm glad you agree, Lady Ferinsdottir. The War Wizards make many sacrifices for the sake of their duty." <Lisl> Aye, in some respects, at least. ::taking a small bite out of her sandwich:: The Regent is lucky to have good people devoted to keeping her peace. <Barise> ::smiles thinly:: We do our best, Lady. Even if some forget that the actions of a few reflect on us all. ::he looks disapprovingly at the stack of paperwork in front of him:: <Zoya> ::grins suddenly and plucks out a sheet:: I warrant a Need-to-Know seal? How very flattering. I wouldn't mind seeing *that* folder... Oh, look, you're in here, too, Lisl. ::shows Lisl a sheet with some common-knowledge information about Lisl, and a scribble, "Further information sealed on a Need To Know Basis". <Lisl> ::raises her eyebrows:: Do tell. ::looking up at Barise:: How do you determine who needs to know? <Barise> ::his eyes narrow again:: Yes. Certain information is considered sensitive and held by... another department. <Lisl> Really? ::cocking her head curiously:: Which one? <Zoya> ::goes back to flipping through the documents:: The actions of a few are always dangerous. I'm *still* constantly being confused with that... Yb person. ::Yb's name falls from her lips dripping with disgust:: <Barise> ::gives Lisl an almost-but-not-quite apologetic shrug:: Another department... <Lisl> ::giving Zoya an amused glance:: Certainly not by anyone who's met both of you. ::looking back to Barise:: Aye, I heard you say that. I asked which. <Zoya> ::slowing down slightly as she reaches the reports of the Hall's accident:: He can't tell you, Lisl. Jaret might know. <Barise> ::glowers, but not at Lisl:: I don't know. <Lisl> Ahh, well enough. I do apologize, Master Barise, I'd misunderstood you. <Barise> ::gives her an almost-smile:: There is some... interdepartmental rivalry. I'm sure you understand. ::flips through some more papers:: Ah, here's the report. Mage Niralan, assigned to investigative duty on the Seventh day of Ches. <Zoya> ::finishing the file, she ties it neatly closed again and places it on the desk, then sits back and folds her hands to give him her attention for Niralan's report:: <Lisl> ::sighs:: Aye. Bureaucracies have their own foibles. ::shrugs a shoulder and sets her empty plate on the edge of his desk:: <Barise> Assigned by Mage Penyl to... "investigate reports of unlawful magic use in drinking establishment Meade hall, opened by C. Sealgair, (deceased) and currently held in estate by N. duRosten and R. Altain." <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow at Zoya:: Nach and Rhys own the Hall? <Zoya> ::shrugs affably:: Someone has to be responsible for paying the taxes. <Barise> ::shakes his head:: No. They hold it in estate. The previous owner died without a will and no heirs have been located. Rather than turn the building over to the city, Miss duRosten and Master Altain paid a fee to hold the property until an heir comes forth. <Lisl> Ahh. So-- hm. No, she's dead. Her children then, I suppose, when they choose to step forward. Pray continue, Master Barise? <Barise> The investigation was opened on request of one Master Teckar, a grain merchant, who reported that driving his cart by the establishment caused his shipment of valuable seed grain to turn purple and start ... according to this, *singing* a hymn to Erdian. <Zoya> Oh, dear. I hope it wasn't the Hymn of Farewell. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow at Zoya, but stays silent:: <Zoya> ::gives Lisl a somewhat pained smile:: One of the gnomes wrote it. It's a little... discordant, for human tastes. <Barise> Niralan was to interview the trustees and to inspect the site for a probable cause. A magical surge caused unfortunate... changes to the person of Mage Niralan. <Lisl> ::mutters:: There *was* a warning sign... <Barise> So I'm given to understand. An unfortunate event that reflects badly on all of us. ::he sighs:: Since, Master Niralan has been removed from duties while he undergoes some... clerical assistance. <Lisl> That's a relief to hear. I understand he was nearly drowned in the bathhouse. <Barise> ::his jaw twitches slightly:: He will be reassigned after his return for... health concerns. To Suzail. <Zoya> ::nods solemnly:: I understand Suzail is a beautiful city. I'm sure he'll appreciate the transfer away from such... trauma. <Barise> Further investigation was limited to observation from a distance, to prevent a repeat of the incident. We've had, however, little success in determining the cause of the surges. Other concerned citizen reports have been issued in the meanwhile. <Lisl> There have been further incidents outside since his surge? * Zoya gestures at the stack she finished with. "No major incidents, but a lot of reports that, most likely, originate with the rumors circulating about the Meade hall and its patrons." <Barise> Well ::shuffles through Zoya's stack for a moment:: We've had reports of other... inconveniences. Nothing overtly harmful, but irritating, disturbing, or costly. <Lisl> ::snorts:: *Those* have been more than an inconvenience for *all* concerned. <Barise> And... ::looks directly at Zoya for a moment:: The building itself seems... well... *hostile* to our attempts to investigate. Another mage was abruptly teleported to Waterdeep when attempting to complete an interview with Master Altain. <Lisl> Erdian did always keep to himself... <Zoya> Which brings me to a rather delicate point, Master Barise. I wonder if you know whether Wizard Niralan was involved in starting those rumors. I don't blame him for his indignation or even his ire, but many of the patrons are loyal citizens of Cormyr - heroes of the orc-war, even, such as Sergeant Drilgar - and hardly deserve to be painted with such a black brush. <Zoya> ::laughs softly:: I'll have to ask Master Altain about that. He's occasionally... a bit overprotective. <Zoya> But the Hall itself shouldn't be hostile. It's usually very welcoming, especially to newcomers. Unlike, say, my own Tower. <Barise> ::shrugs:: As I've said, we've been unable to determine the cause of the surges, although I believe one magus... Ah, here it is, yes. Mistress Penyl again. Brilliant magus, if a bit blind to the faults of her underlings... had a suggested cure. <Zoya> ::raises her eyebrows:: Did she, indeed? And what was her cure? <Barise> She believes that the Patrons themselves are fueling the surges... ::holds up his hand:: Not intentionally, I'm sure. But that magic clings to most of them and... much like shuffling your feet on a thick carpet builds up a static charge that is discharged upon contact with metal... so you all might accidentally be "charging" up the Hall. Her solution then, was to close the building for a few months to allow the charge to... dissipate. <Zoya> ::considers:: A worthy conjecture. And the Hall was, indeed, closed for several months, so I see her theory was put to the test. Were the results conclusive? <Barise> She is currently experimenting with another location to see if she can duplicate the effects, I believe. <Lisl> ::spreading her hands:: But the building *was* closed for a few months. And most of us aren't all *that* magical. ::ponders:: Would explain, though, why it seems to take so unkindly to the War Wizards. <Zoya> Nonsense, Lisl. Master Alfonse has been in on several occasions and suffered no ill effects. <Lisl> Hm... that's true. ::frowns:: So have you, for that matter. <Zoya> ::half-smiles:: I may be a special case. <Barise> You might consult with her directly on her experiments, if they interest you. As for the rumor mill... ::he spreads his hands:: As you know, mobs of people are reduced to the single lowest denominator. I'm afraid there's little that can be done to still people's superstitious and often quite fanciful beliefs. But these things usually die out in time. <Lisl> ::Scratching her jaw:: Might the Hall have had a... personality change? Like a child turned youth? <Lisl> ::looking at Barise:: Aye, they *do* usually die out in time. Which is why it's curious that they only seem to be growing. Thus our concern that someone who might have felt he'd got the raw end of matters might be... egging them on. <Barise> ::nods:: I understand your concern, Lady. But I'm afraid I don't know much about it. I've... limited my contact with Niralan since his... accident. Perhaps once the summer harvest is assured a good growth, the people will stop being discontent. <Zoya> ::cocks her head curiously, then smiles:: Perhaps. Is he with the Morninglords? We might gather a contribution from the patrons to... encourage his recovery. <Lisl> ::sighs, shifting her feet to a more relaxed stance and lowering her head, although she doesn't take her eyes off Barise:: Aye, you may be right. Seems as though a lot of our problems wind up going back to the Invasion. <Barise> ::nods:: I believe so, Priestess. They've... restricted his movements to the monks' tower, as I understand. <Barise> ::nods with almost-sympathy:: Many of our current difficulties date back to those tragic events. <Zoya> Well, we certainly wouldn't insist on seeing him. Best not to cause him further embarrassment, I would think. * Barise looks up as his undersecretary appears in the doorway. "But, unless you've further questions, I believe my next appointment is ready to see me?" <Zoya> I have no further questions. Lisl? <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: No. Tho' while I'm thinking of it, I believe thanks are in order. ::cocks her head:: You were one of the War Wizards who sent the lot of us to the Abyss, weren't you? <Barise> ::his jaw twitches again:: Yes. On Lieutenant Adiethian's recommendation. <Lisl> ::nods:: Then I should also offer condolences... Master Alfonse mentioned on of your leaders was lost not long after that, in the Invasion. * Barise almost flinches. "Thank you, Lady. Yes, Dandolak was much beloved and is much missed, for both his skills and guidance. We have all suffered a terrible loss." <Zoya> ::stands and brushes nonexistent wrinkles from her robes:: Thank you very much for your time, Master Barise. I know how busy you must be. <Barise> Good day to you, Priestess. Lady. <Lisl> ::nods:: Good day, Master Barise. * Zoya remains silent as they are led back out of the building, and for a good way down the street. * Lisl strolls out of the War Wizard's tower under escort, keeping a few steps behind Zoya. <Zoya> Whatever else he is, he's an excellent politician. Do you know, he only actually lied once? <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: You were checking? Out of curiosity... when? <Zoya> When he said he'd limited his contact with Niralan. Everything else was - at least technically - truth. ::sighs:: It *had* to be the Morninglords, didn't it? I wonder if Tyl could sneak in there and have a chat with him... <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: So he's not distancing himself from their black sheep? Hm. Well, it does sound like he was one of Dandolak's lot. <Zoya> ::smiles:: He said Dandolak was missed. He didn't say by whom. <Lisl> Aye, but he flinched when I asked. Just like he did when he talked about his boy being reassigned. I must say, I'm glad *he* can't see the inside of my file. <Zoya> Come to think of it, Tyl may be the one to talk to in any case. They have sealed files on you, me, Nacheyla, Xarroch, Jaret... All of us that you might expect, really - except Tyl. They either have learned nothing of her beyond her activities at the school, or she's being protected from very high up. <Zoya> ::nods:: I'd very much like to talk with Wizard Niralan now. <Lisl> ::grins:: Or someone she knows knows the right people to pay. ::shifting her shoulders uncomfortably:: Tho' I don't much like the idea of *anyone* having a sealed folder on me. <Zoya> ::grumbling:: ...stupid Morninglords. *You* don't have any friends inside Lathander's temple, do you? <Lisl> ::considers:: I used to, but that was... quite some time back. Tarri might, but I mislike sending her in to talk to that letch. ::grins:: Nach might. <Zoya> Tarri? Oh, that's right; she was training with them as a healer for a while. She might be a good choice, actually. She can handle herself, and if he's busy drooling over her, he's less likely to guard his tongue. <Lisl> ::dubiously:: If you say so... best not ask her when Orlann's home, though. ::cocking her head:: You'll go have a talk with that lady mage he mentioned? <Zoya> ::nods:: Yes, although I suspect that will wind up being a strictly technical discussion. Interesting and useful for my research, but unlikely to lead anywhere as far as stopping the rumors. <Lisl> Aye. ::chewing her lip:: Might be worthwhile to talk to her underlings, though. Barise didn't seem keen on them... that's enough of a recommendation for me. <Lisl> Meanwhile... ::grins:: I'm glad enough not to be a newt. And I've got to go have a talk with Nacheyla about curses before it gets much later. ::glances at the position of the sun:: <Zoya> ::nods:: I'll leave you here, then. If you change your mind about being a newt, let me know. ::she winks:: <Lisl> Aye. Thanks, Zoya. ::wrinkles her nose at Zoya and strides off in the direction of Nacheyla's:: |
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