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* Rhys comes in from the back room, and unlocks the front door, lighting the lamps as he makes his way back behind the bar. "Hall's open!" * Tarri enters, wearing her practical healer's clothes and a tired expression. She takes a seat at the bar. "Good evening, Master Altain. How are you tonight?" <Rhys> I'm doing well, Miss Mandeil. How have you been? <Tarri> Very busy... Can I have a glass of white wine, please? ::she puts a silver coin on the counter:: <Rhys> Of course you may. ::he finds a thin green glass bottle under the bar, uncorks it, and pours Tarri a glass:: Why so busy? Summer accidents? * Lisl enters, muttering curses and wiping at her face. She heads straight for the little werewolf's room and spends several minutes washing up. The only time the low litany of curses ceases is when (by the sound) she dunks her head underwater. <Tarri> Thank you... In a way, I suppose. Another healer who's a friend of Master Bran's slipped while he was patching his roof and broke his leg, so we're covering a lot of his usual rounds and patients while he's on the mend. ::sips her wine and sighs gently:: This is good. <Rhys> Oh, dear. I hope he's... ::Rhys casts a glance at the foul murmurings coming from the necessary:: ... doing all right. And to have a broken leg just as the heat of summer arrives. How dreadful. Hopefully he'll heal quickly and get it off soon. Perhaps Master Bran should consider taking another apprentice? * Lisl emerges at last, head damp, water spotting the front of her vest and staining the rolled-up sleeves of her shirt. She stops her creative and multicultural cursing, takes a deep breath, and lets it out. "Evening, all. Might I have a mug of 'kick, please, Rhys?" <Tarri> ::half-smiles:: I think Master Bran only took *me* on as a favor to Lisl. But Pie's starting to get old enough to help out a lot. There's just a lot of ground to cover. <Tarri> ::eyes Lisl a little uncertainly as she emerges:: Hello, Lisl... Um... what happened to you? <Rhys> I'll give it to you in trade for an explanation for what has you so riled up, Miss Ferinsdottir. ::he fetches a scarred stone mug from under the bar, and begins to fill it with the foul brew Xarroch brewed up for Lisl:: <Rhys> ::to Tarri:: In any case, always better to be busy than to be otherwise. I bet you're becoming quite an accomplished healer in your own right, with all this training. <Lisl> ::glances at Tarri:: He took a look at you as a favor to me. He took you on on your own merits. ::sighs heavily:: A devout follower of the god of big, rotten, maggoty tomatoes bestowed a blessing upon me on my way here. A really *rich* blessing. And I made the mistake of trying to block it. ::makes a face:: This rumor business has *got* to stop. No one's ever had the balls to toss stuff at *me* before this. <Lisl> ::wipes a drip of water from her face and grimaces:: The price of fame. Or infamy, at least. Hells... and to think I was relieved that Jaret didn't get his parade. <Tarri> ::grimaces:: Yuck. I thought you and Lady Natovna were going to, um... You know. Do something. * Rhys sighs. "I'm sorry to hear that. Soon, hopefully." <Lisl> Zoya's working on... something, I hope. And I hope her Staff is feeding her, because she's not been out of that damn lab in three days. I'm doing whatever good deeds I can think of. And Jaret... well, Jaret's going to do something, all right. ::scowls, if possible, even more darkly than before:: * Rhys pulls his eyebrows down and mutters. <Tarri> ::bites her lip:: Which reminds me... Lord Malkier came to see me a couple of days ago, and he *just* missed Orlann... ::looks a little sheepish at Lisl:: I'd kind of rather 'Lann didn't know about me talking to that poor man, if you don't mind not mentioning it to him, Lisl... <Lisl> ::glances at Rhys:: Better ham than bacon, I'm hoping. ::to Tarri:: Which poor man? Jaret, or Peeping Tim? * Lisl takes a sip of her mulekick and sighs, relaxing a little on her stool. <Tarri> Wizard Niralan. <Tarri> Orlann would just have *kittens* if he found out I'd done that. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: He didn't know you-- no, what am I saying, of course he didn't. Aye, well, he'll not hear it from me, but he *should* hear it from you at some point. ::mutters:: I think he had kittens enough over *me.* <Tarri> ::looks even more sheepish:: Maybe when it's all over. I *know* I should be more honest with him, but he gets all agitated if I forget to lock the door behind me when I come back from the market. He's so overprotective... <Lisl> ::gently:: You know he has reason to be. But he also has to understand that you'll only be cosseted so far... <Tarri> I know. *He* knows. We've talked about it a dozen times. He *knows* he's too touchy about these things, he just can't help himself. <Lisl> Aye, well... ::grins:: Maybe he'll help himself better when he finds out about a few things that you've already safely survived. * Lisl takes another swallow of 'kick. <Tarri> I mean, I'm honest with him about most of the risks of my work, and he tries not to go overboard lecturing me. But something like this- Well, he'll go crazy when I give him this, I'm sure. ::she pulls a small velvet bag from her pocket and pours a lovely silver necklace from it onto the bar:: * Temire enters the Hall, her sword at her side, "Good evening everyone." * Lisl raises her eyebrows. "Where'd that come from?" <Tarri> A patient. <Lisl> Evening, Mira. <Rhys> Good evening, Miss Temire. It's been a while since I've seen you here, I trust you've been well? <Tarri> Hey, Mira. <Lisl> ::hiking her eyebrows further:: As payment, or as, um, admiration? * Temire walks over to the bar and takes a seat before shrugging in reply to Rhys's question, "I'm biggest problem at the moment is that I can't find a hat I like, so I really can't complain." <Tarri> ::stiffly:: Payment. I don't take gifts. <Rhys> I suppose you can't, at that. What can I get you tonight? <Lisl> Aye, well, be certain whatever you find's stain-proof. * Temire thinks for a moment, "Wine please." <Lisl> ::taking another sip of 'kick:: I'm guessing, then, that the patient you got it from didn't look the sort to be wearing that? ::nods to the necklace:: <Rhys> Miss Mandeil? Do you mind sharing your bottle of white wine with Miss Temire? * Temire grins at Lisl, "I didn't know such hats existed Lisl. Why haven't you told Jaret about them yet?" <Tarri> Oh, certainly, Master Altain. ::smiles:: * Rhys fetches a goblet off the racks and pours Temire some wine from the thin bottle. <Lisl> ::grins:: If Tarri finished that whole bottle herself, I'd be carrying her home. <Tarri> ::to Lisl, very carefully:: I have no proof that the necklace was acquired by illegal means. ::half-smiles:: But if I were a gambler... <Lisl> ::snorts:: Perhaps you'd be better off with a cash-only system, then. At least they'd have to fence it before they handed you their ill-gotten gains. ::grins a little:: * Temire grins, "And you wouldn't want to be responsible for putting poor, hard working fences out of business." * Lisl snorts again and drinks her 'kick. <Tarri> I like my way, better. This way, the person who lost their necklace will get it back, and someone who needed healing got it, and it only costs about a ten-minute lecture from 'Lann about the dangers of dealing with criminals. ::grins:: <Tarri> ::frowns at Temire:: Just because I think thieves and criminals deserve as much healing as anyone else doesn't mean I *approve*. <Lisl> ::returns her grin with a scowl:: And you wind up working for free. * Temire shakes her head, "I was joking Tarri." <Tarri> ::shakes her head to Lisl:: Not entirely free, Lisl. I'm earning their trust. Not just the criminals', either. There are lots of good people down there, too. I mean... ::she scoops up the necklace and puts it away:: This *might* really have belonged to the fellow's grandmother. * Lisl looks skeptical. "Well, I'm hardly one to speak against drumming up a bit of good will, especially now, but... hmph. Maybe I should start sending wounded poachers your way, so at least you could profit from their spoils." <Tarri> ::grins impishly:: Better to send them to Master Bran. I stay inside the city, most days, lately. <Rhys> It's heartening to see trust and faith in people expressed so plainly, Miss Mandeil. Your parents would be proud. <Tarri> ::flushes:: I like to think they would, Master Altain. * Lisl has another swig of 'kick. "Aye, just..." She sighs. "I know you're careful. Just... humor me and tell me so, would you?" She mutters into her mug, "...should get 'er a bodyguard..." <Rhys> ::idly:: So... out of curiosity... what is Lord Malkier up to this time? * Temire perks up at Rhys's question. <Tarri> ::mock-glares at Lisl:: Don't even think about it. I swear, you and Orlann should- No, you shouldn't. Never mind. I'm careful. Really, I am. <Lisl> ::makes a face:: He's... ::glances up suspiciously:: Rhys, were the wards on this place ever fixed properly after everything went blooey? <Rhys> It's hard to tell, Lisl, because of the stricture against spellcasting on the premises. It's possible they're still there, just... different. <Lisl> ::narrows her eyes a little:: So, if, say, the War Wizards wanted to magically eavesdrop on this place, they just... could? <Rhys> Possibly. It's also possible the spell would surge and reflect on them, and their eyes would turn to stones. Researching the Hall magically at the moment is one of the more difficult tasks I could imagine. <Temire> I think I like that idea. Spying wizards having their eyes turn to stone that is. <Tarri> Unless they're on our side, of course? <Lisl> Aye, well... my mother's eyes are fine as they are, thanks. ::clears her throat:: * Temire thinks for a moment, "You're right, that would count as spying. Sorry." <Lisl> ::grins a little:: She prefers the term "scrying." But aye. <Rhys> I'll take that to mean that he's up to no good, then, and you'd rather not talk about it. <Lisl> ::uneasily:: ...aye. At least, not where I could be overheard. He'll likely be sticking his head in a noose far enough with this. <Tarri> Isn't that the sort of thing that Lord Malkier does best? <Lisl> Well... let's hope so. * Temire sips her wine, "I know I don't have to say this but... If it turns out there's anything I can do to help, let me know won't you Lisl." <Lisl> ::grins:: How are you at doing good deeds, Mira? <Temire> Good deeds? <Lisl> Aye. The sort of thing that leaves the people you've helped with that warm, fuzzy feeling. ::Lisl would sound like an inspirational speaker with this if the tone she used weren't so flat and dry:: <Temire> Umm... I don't know. I don't think anyone's ever said that I left them with that impression. I seem to have too many pointy bits. * Lisl laughs. "'Pointy bits'?" * Temire shrugs, "It sounded better than madwoman." <Lisl> Hm. Perhaps not, then. Not that this is my best skill, exactly, either.... * Temire thinks, "I just don't know what I could do that wouldn't get me in trouble with the Dragons. About the only thing I'm any good at is busting skulls. And of course, you and Jaret are years better at that than I am." <Lisl> ::coughs into her fist:: Years more practice, girl. <Lisl> ::considers:: Don't know that I've ever seen the Marsember Dragons do it, but time was in smaller towns, the Dragons would post bounties on criminals and some of the more bothersome critters they didn't have the time and manpower to go after... ::Frowns:: do they still do that? That'd be a way of busting heads in the cause of good, or something like. <Rhys> I suppose they might. If they did, a bill should be posted at their headquarters, or some other likely site. * Temire grins, "Lisl, Rhys, you two aren't supposed to be helping me get in trouble. Particularly with ideas I've already talked myself out of." <Lisl> ::nods:: Orlann might know, come to that. Long as it's good and public when you bring 'em in, that should do some good.... <Lisl> ::grins:: Trouble? How is this trouble? Didn't I just say you'd be busting heads in the cause of good? <Temire> ::grin:: Yeah, but most people consider busting heads and skulking around building in order to bust heads as getting into trouble. <Lisl> Besides, it's a long and honorable tradition. Tons of would-be adventurers started out getting themselves killed that way. * Temire stretches a big grin on her face, "I may finally stop being bored for a while." <Tarri> What a wonderful recommendation, Lisl. <Lisl> ::shrugs:: Wouldn't have to skulk too much. Most of the assignments I used to get were out of the city, where the law's supposed to reach, but the Dragons don't have the men to patrol. <Lisl> ::grins at Tarri:: Can't fault me for being honest, can you? <Tarri> ::sighs and shakes her head, though she is smiling:: <Temire> Hmm... Outside the city. Wish I'd spent more time practicing with the bow. I'll just have to keep my ranged spells memorized. <Lisl> ::grins wider:: Besides... it might even drum up some *honest* business for you. * Temire grins, "Discounts for old friends Tarri?" <Tarri> ::grins back:: Set one bone, get the second splinted for half-off? <Lisl> As long as you don't *take* half of it off. * Lisl takes another swallow of 'kick. * Temire does some calculations on her fingers, "Deal!" <Tarri> ::laughs:: <Rhys> And you know she has a generous payment plan. <Lisl> ::scowls at Rhys:: You're going to tempt me into making the obvious joke, aren't you? <Rhys> Oh, no, of course not. Last call, ladies. <Temire> True. And she's a lot more appreciative of being tossed about for her own safety than other people I've done business with. <Temire> ::shakes her head:: I'm fine Rhys. <Tarri> ::finishes her wine:: That's all for me. <Lisl> I'm fine with this, thanks. ::makes a childish face at Rhys before turning to Temire:: It's a steal. <Tarri> ::eyes Temire suspiciously:: I didn't say anything about coming along! <Temire> ::grin:: I know. But the talk about you being in danger and needing a bodyguard brought up memories. I may not be as suffocating as Orlann, but I don't want to see you in danger either Tarri. <Tarri> ::glares ferociously at Temire:: Not you, too! * Temire puts up her hands defensively, "Hey, you just said you didn't want to come along." <Lisl> ::speculatively:: I wonder how Orlann feels about dogs... <Tarri> I have. A *cat*. <Lisl> ::scowls:: I know. <Lisl> ::swirling the last of her 'kick around in her mug and staring at it:: Of course, I might not worry so much if I knew you were keeping up on your self-defense training... <Tarri> You think 'Lann would let me *stop*? <Lisl> ::smiles winningly:: Well, I couldn't know for sure unless you were training with *me*... <Lisl> ::waves a hand:: Ah, well... I shouldn't press, 'specially with you so busy lately. <Tarri> I wasn't busy enough already? ::sighs:: All right. I'm at Master Bran's on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I'm sure he'll spare me for an hour so you can see how cowed all his squirrels are, lately. * Temire finishes her wine, "I should be heading home if I'm going to be going to the Dragons' in the morning." <Tarri> And now I should head home, or Orlann will worry even more. Good night, everyone! Thank you, Master Rhys! <Temire> Good night Tarri. <Rhys> You're very welcome, Miss Mandeil. Good night. Safe journey home. * Tarri waves and heads out the door, tucking her necklace back into her pocket as she goes. <Lisl> ::grins:: I'd be happy with one a week. Thanks, Tarri. Good night! * Temire fishes out a silver and drops it on the bar, "Thanks for the wine Rhys." * Lisl finishes the last of her 'kick and leaves a silver on the bar. "Time for me to be getting home, too. Night, Rhys, sleep sweet." * Rhys takes Temire's and Tarri's silvers off the bar. "You're quite welcome, Miss Temire. It was good to see you, and hear that you're well." * Temire heads out the door. * Lisl slips off her stool and waves from the door as she heads out. <Rhys> Good night, Miss Ferinsdottir. Say hello to your mother for me when you see her next. |
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