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* Rhys ambles in from the back room, and lights a few lamps furthest from the door, where light is most needed. He unlocks the door and heads back behind the bar. The coat closet stretches, pops out of the wall, and shuffles into the alleyway. "Hall's open." * Michelle enters the Hall wearing a blue skirt and a black blouse, her loose hair trailing slightly behind her with her movements. "Good evening Rhys. How are you?" <Rhys> I'm fairing well, Michelle. How about yourself? And can I get you anything tonight? * Michelle takes a seat at the bar, "Hmm... How about some Mist. I haven't had any of that in ages." * Zoya comes in wearing a very stereotypical "mage-y" robe, complete with arcane-looking embroidery (those in the know will read the symbols as utter nonsense) and a flowing velvet cape. Her silver-white hair flows elegantly loose down her back. She carries a book - or perhaps it should be called a tome, as it is almost half as thick as her body. * Glossaria enters immersed, as usual, in a large and dusty tome. She navigates around tables without looking up, settling herself on the stool with the best reading light. She reads to the end of the column, holds her place with a finger, and looks up with a blink. "Oh. Good evening, all. Master Rhys, do you have something called..." --she glances back down at the page-- "tonic water?" <Glossaria> Mistress Zoya? ::sounding faintly surprised:: I thought you were-- well, I suppose you're not. Good evening. * Rhys smiles at Michelle. "I hope you have something you have something to occupy yourself with during the insomnia." He manages to get the taps to pour Michelle some of the bright yellowish-green drink. "Enjoy. Priestesses! How nice to see you. Yes, we have some tonic water, are you planning a trip to the tropics?" * Michelle smiles at Zoya and Glossaria, "So what's the occasion Zoya? I don't think I've ever seen you in those before. And I know I've never seen you in a cape." * Zoya puts her book on the counter with a hefty THUD, then pulls off the cape with a sign of relief. "That thing is *horribly* hot. I don't know how the others can stand it. * Michelle has some of her Mist and smiles, "Ah, this was a good choice." * Vander marches into the Hall. She is a tall, handsome woman with braided black hair and glittering black eyes. She is garbed in the attire of the Purple Dragons and her insignia mark her as a lieutenant. She moves as if she expects entire legions to get out of her way. <Glossaria> I wanted to know what it tastes like. Dr. Pharanghul's description of "nasty" is, well, imprecise. ::cocks her head as Zoya bundles up the cape, eyeing the mystic embroidery and muttering half-to-herself:: ..."Eat at Zhou's"? <Zoya> ::grins at michelle:: When I go over to the Wizard's School, I try to dress respectably. Or what *they* consider respectable. ::looks at the cape with loathing:: If this is what they wear all the time, no wonder they're so stuffy. It's how they *feel*. <Rhys> Very well, Glossaria. Would you like some gin with your tonic? ::he bows his head to the lieutenant:: Good evening, lieutenant. I am Rhys, barkeep this evening. Please let me know if I can serve you drink or food. * Michelle looks up at the strangers entrance, "Good evening... Lieutenant? Welcome to the Meade Hall." <Glossaria> If that's how it's traditionally served, Master Rhys, yes, thank you. * Vander bows sharply. "I thank you. I am here on business, so water, or tea, if you please." * Glossaria watches Vander's stiff bow and gives Zoya a worried glance. <Rhys> I have a bag of oolong here, Lieutenant, that I hope will please. And yes, Glossaria, it is sometimes taken with gin to mask the taste. I can give you both varieties, so your research will be as complete as possible. <Zoya> When you get a chance, I'd like an ale, Rhys. A very cold one, if at all possible... ::she looks over at Vander for the first time:: I wonder if you might have had the pleasure of a conversation today with Lord Malkier? <Vander> ::turns her whole body to face Zoya:: A brief one, ma'am. High Priestess Natovna, I presume? ::she glances at Zoya's robe:: You do not quite match the description. <Glossaria> Thank you, Master Rhys, that would suit me well. * Rhys pours the Lieutenant a cup of hot water, sets it on a saucer, puts the tea in to steep, and hands the cup, saucer, and teaspoon to her, pours Glossaria a tonic and gin and tonic, and then Zoya a cold mug of ale. <Rhys> ::a loud cymbal crash combined with the noise of a large box of glass bottles being dropped resonates through the whole Hall, and strange lavender and mint splotches crawl over the walls for a heartbeat before fading out along with the echoes of the cacophony.:: * Rhys looks around. "Interesting. That answers whether those wards still work. Was anyone expecting a teleporting guest tonight? I think they're in a heap outside the doorway." <Zoya> ::bows, a faint smile touching her lips:: Forgive the rather ridiculous getup, Lieutenant. Sometimes it is necessary to- ;;breaks off with a nearly audible wince as the wards vibrate:: Ah... do excuse me for a moment, Lieutenant... ::goes to peer outside:: * Glossaria starts from her stool, nearly spilling half her glass of tonic over her hand. "Erdian's--" She claps her free hand over her mouth to stifle whatever she'd been about to say, giving Zoya an abashed look. * Penyl is a short, fluffy sort of woman with frizzy brown hair that sticks up in every direction. At the moment, she's laying in a heap just outside the door with small zots of pinkish lightning crawling over her. * Michelle shifts to look out the door, "Glad I resisted the urge to test them." * Vander raises one eyebrow slightly. "Colorful." * Zoya helps Penyl stand and brushes her off. "Are you all right?" * Glossaria takes a cautious sip of straight tonic, swigs it around in her mouth a moment, and then swallows it with a truly hideous "gak"-face. "GAH. It *is* nasty." * Penyl straightens a thick pair of spectacles on her nose and peers myopically up at Zoya. "You're not one of my students. Are you?" She takes the glasses off and polishes them. * Rhys pours the fluffy woman a mug of Mist of the Peaks, and sets a rice candy next to the mug. "Here. Have these. It helps some." <Zoya> Wizardess Penyl, i presume? No, but I have in my care one of your assistants. He told me how to contact you. * Michelle quirks an eyebrow at Rhys, but has some more of her own Mist. * Glossaria swallows again, convulsively. "The sulphurous aftertaste, however, is not entirely unpleasant." <Penyl> ::without her glasses, Penyl's eyes are huge and brilliant green. She appears all but lost in her voluminous robes:: Where are we? Who are you? Did you read my book? <Zoya> My name is Zoya Natovna. We're at the Meade Hall, actually - please don't do any magic at all. I read the notes you left for us. And some of this other... ::gestures at the enormous tome on the counter:: * Michelle smiles, "Glossaria, sounds like you'd get along famously with our guest." * Glossaria looks from the book to the fluffy mage, her eyebrows hiking a bit with interest. * Vander huffs and comments under her breath. <Penyl> Oh? ::she looks puzzled:: Oh! Yes, the wild magic zone. That's where we are? Really? I never did get the chance to test my... No magic at all, you say? Well... Perhaps just a small sample? ::she pulls out a small jar and specimen tongs:: <Zoya> Please, no, Wizardess. There's a proportional effect, you see, with- Well, we wouldn't want to risk any lives. Perhaps later, when the others have left? * Glossaria looks faintly disappointed. <Penyl> Ah. All right. ::she sits gingerly down on a stool:: So. ::her eyes narrow behind the huge lenses:: What did you want with me? <Zoya> ::glances over to Vander:: My apologies, Lieutenant. As I was saying, I don't *usually* dress quite so outlandishly. I appreciate you coming. Did Jaret make himself clear? * Rhys moves the mug and candy closer to Penyl. <Zoya> ::smiles at Penyl:: To serve as an objective witness, if you can. As an aid to your assistant, the Wizard Niralan. <Vander> ::takes a sip of her tea and looks as if she can't decide who is the bigger lunatic, Zoya or Penyl:: Master Malkier made it clear that you had information for me about criminal activity within the War Wizards. * Glossaria changes her glass for the gin-and-tonic glass and sips, braced to make another nasty-ick face and raising her eyebrows a little as the tonic slides right down on the gin. <Zoya> I do, Lieutenant... There is a young man at my residence who has been subjected to a rather alarming collection of spells by another War Wizard. I would very much appreciate it if you and Wizardess Penyl would accompany me. The Wizardess can verify the spells on my guest for you as an objective witness - she probably also can identify the signature on the spells. * Vander looks slightly interested. * Penyl looks rather more concerned. "Who's been enspelled? Niralan? Why? By who? What's wrong with him? You said you were caring for him." <Zoya> ::carefully:: I have reason to believe that the Wizard responsible for the damage to Wizard Niralan has also released a spell into the city itself, which runs rampant, like a disease, through the general populace. <Glossaria> ::in an undertone to Rhys:: Master Rhys? Might I ask you a question of... hm. I suppose it's... ethics? <Zoya> ::to Penyl:: Alas, Wizardess, he was much damaged when he came into my care. I have been doing my best, but the spells binding him have been on him for more than half a year. <Rhys> Of course you may, Glossaria, as long as you realize that my ethics work best for myself, and my answer may not be what aligns best with your ethics. <Vander> ::her eyebrow goes up slightly:: City-wide spells? You have evidence of that? <Glossaria> ::keeping her voice low so as not to disturb Zoya's conference:: Well... I suppose it could be a question of law. Anyway... as regards what Mistress Zoya just said... how is it that any party could be considered objective in this matter? <Zoya> I believe I do, yes. Certainly, the effects are simple enough to demonstrate. If you will accept the Wizardess' word, I believe she will be able to confirm it. <Rhys> Ah, you are concerned that a possibly neutral arbitrator might be influenced by the spell? Or something else? <Glossaria> Because... ::taking a breath:: If they've been subjected to the influence of the spell, then they're biased against us, unless we've done a favor for them, in which case, they would no longer be biased, but could they truly not be? Biased, that is? After all, then they'd be biased in our favor, and that's not objective either. ::nods agreement with Rhys's summation:: * Penyl looks at Zoya over the edge of her glasses. <Zoya> If you will agree to help us, that is, Wizardess. <Rhys> I suppose there are multiple possible answers to the question. As with many things, generalizations will only get us so far, it's the specifics of the situation that will matter. Perhaps they have not been exposed to the spell? Perhaps they were exposed to it and have resisted it? I don't know what precautions the judiciary might take against being magically influenced, but it seems reasonable to believe there might be some. <Penyl> ::blinks a few times:: I do not have any objections to helping you, of course not, no... I'd be honored to help, if I can. Certainly Niralan's health is the primary concern right this moment. <Zoya> ::nods:: Time is of the essence. The spell causes a certain amount of mental degeneration - Niralan's sight has already been affected - and the tonic which was given to him to slow the degeneration also allows the spell to sink deeper into him. A vicious cycle, the sooner broken, the better. <Glossaria> Hm. ::takes another sip of gin and tonic, her shoulders slumping a bit:: It always comes down to the unpredictable personal variable, doesn't it? <Rhys> And that unpredictability is what makes life worth living. If we always knew what would happen, it would lose its charm. Unless you were at the racetrack, of course. * Michelle giggles. * Vander eyes Glossaria for a long moment. "A wise consideration. I agree to this observation, High Priestess, on one condition." <Zoya> Yes, Lieutenant? <Glossaria> ::sighs and tugs a lock of green hair over her eye, examining it, unaware of Vander's eyes:: I can't say that I've found the current circumstances particularly charming. And Val... well. ::shakes her head sadly:: <Vander> Based on the nature of your suspicions, I would like to bring in an outside observer. A... ::for just an instant, she looks flustered:: An old friend of mine is numbered among the magi in the city of Suzail. I should like his opinion, as well. It is only a matter of a day or so, to contact him and for him to arrive. <Zoya> ::considers Vander seriously for a moment, then turns to Mistress Penyl:: Have you any objections, Wizardess? <Penyl> If... if Niralan's health is not in serious danger. I object to endangering anyone for the sake of evidence. ::she takes a sip of the Mist of the Peaks, then blinks several times:: What in the world? ::she coughs:: <Glossaria> ::blinks and turns around to glance at Vander for a moment before turning back to Rhys, cheeks flaming.:: * Rhys pats Glossaria's hand reassuringly. <Rhys> How is your husband? I haven't seen him lately. * Michelle smiles, "Mist of the Peaks Wizardess. A rather refreshing drink. To my knowledge it's found only here." <Zoya> ::nods:: I think that he will not deteriorate *seriously* over the next day or so. Still... ::to Vander:: Please stress to your friend that it is important that we act with haste, if we are to have any hope of restoring his vision. <Rhys> ::to Penyl:: It's a foreign beverage. It has rejuvenative properties. I thought it might help after your encounter with the Hall's wards. <Vander> ::nods:: I will do so. ::she stands and puts a single silver coin on the bar:: With that aim, I should compose my letter immediately. ::she bows crisply:: I thank you for bringing this to my attention. I shall notify you the instant my cou.. my friend arrives. * Rhys takes the coin. "Thank you, Lieutenant. Pleasant evening to you." <Zoya> ::nods:: Thank you for coming by, Lieutenant. * Vander bows again. "And to you as well, sir." She strides from the Hall with the same enormous nothing-better-get-in-my-way strides. <Glossaria> ::quietly:: I didn't mean to... well, that is, I suppose I did, in a way, but... oh, dear. ::takes another hefty shot of gin and tonic and a few deep breaths:: Val is... coping. He did finally get his shop fixed, but... well, this hasn't been easy on either of us. ::paints characters in ancient high elvish in the moisture on the bar:: I think I'm more used to... ignoring it than he is. <Glossaria> ::biting her lip and half-turning:: I do apologize, Mistress Zoya. I had intended my question as a largely theoretical one, which is why I asked Master Rhys quietly. I didn't mean to, um, cast doubt upon the veracity of local authority. <Zoya> It's all right, Glossaria. I'd rather that whoever does the examining be entirely above reproach, so that the magistrates have no reason to suspect we have tampered with their observations. <Glossaria> ::ducks her head somewhat shyly to Penyl:: A pleasure to meet you, Mage Penyl. I'm Glossaria, Mistress Zoya's apprentice. * Penyl takes another sip of Mist. "Interesting. How do you get the... oh, never mind, it's suspended in the sugar solution... amazing." * Michelle finishes her Mist, "Got anything to eat Rhys?" <Rhys> My yeast has passed its best of times, unfortunately, so my bread didn't rise, but I still have some side items I can add to one of the game beasts in our larder. Is anyone else hungry? <Penyl> ::considers her drink:: Food? Food is always good after massive magical output, such as teleportation over great distances. ::she sounds as if she's quoting something.:: <Michelle> I don't need a meal so much as something to snack on. Any pickles left? <Zoya> ::shakes her head idly and opens the enormous tome to a random page. She sips her ale and starts reading somewhere in th middle of the page:: <Rhys> I'll make extra. It always gets eaten. ::he heads back into the kitchen, taking Vander's cup and saucer with him:: <Glossaria> ::smiles at Penyl:: "Drawmij's Musings." <Penyl> ::nods:: Chapter Six: Caring for Your Health, Physical and Magical <Zoya> ::mumbles something vaguely derogatory about Drawmij under her breath as she turns the pages of Penyl's book:: <Glossaria> Although he is often quoted out of context. ::smiles a little as she recalls the rest of the quote:: "Always be sure to have an appropriate food source on hand, lest the being you summon decide to dine upon *you.*" <Rhys> ::there is clanging and banging and a quiet *fwoomp* from the kitchen, and after a while, Rhys emerges with a large platter with roast rabbit, surrounded by all manner of roasted, steamed, and raw vegetables. "All the gardens are ripening. I hope no one minds." * Penyl leans over and selects a few slices of colored bell-peppers. "Oh, thank you. I.. " She looks over at Zoya. "Why are you reading that thing? I wrote it years ago, it should be extensively edited." <Michelle> ::giggles:: That you prepared us a feast, not at all Rhys. <Zoya> I won't disagree with you, but I'm quite enjoying this particular train of thought. It crosses several of my own avenues of research in several places. <Glossaria> ::hiccups suddenly, and puts a hand over her mouth:: Oh, dear. Yes, food would be wise at this juncture. ::takes a plate and fills it with a bit of rabbit and a lot of leafy vegetables:: <Rhys> ::there are four roasted rabbits on the platter:: * Michelle takes a plate and loads it up with vegetables. <Penyl> ::shakes her head:: No field experience, at the time. * Michelle munches on some carrot sticks. <Zoya> ::grins:: i can tell. This bit here, with the lightning rod? Brilliant, but entirely useless outside a lab. But this part about the use of blue dragon's scales was quite clever. <Glossaria> ::eats a forkful of rabbit and washes it down with a much smaller swallow of gin and tonic:: Field experience... ::said a bit wistfully, and very, very quietly:: <Zoya> ::gives Glossaria a Look:: Soon enough. <Penyl> Unfortunately, blue dragons are extremely reluctant to part with their scales, even for experimental purposes. And hiring adventurers to slay them is costly. And not a hundred percent effective, in any case. <Glossaria> ::scrunches her head down and applies herself to her meal without further comment:: <Glossaria> ::well, maybe just one...:: <Zoya> True. But when you *do* encounter them, they're very easy to store, and they last for ages. <Michelle> You don't say. ::turns to Rhys:: Could I have another Mist please? * Rhys pours Michelle a second mug of Mist of the Peaks. <Glossaria> ::cocking her head:: To your knowledge, Mistress Penyl, has anyone ever attempted to *buy* a dragon scale from said dragon? It would seem the logical step, given their love of material goods. <Zoya> ::to Gloss, with a faint smile:: If you're good, I'll let you watch when the Wizardess examines Niralan. <Glossaria> ::perks:: Could I? That is... if it doesn't disturb Wizard Niralan? He seemed rather... uncomfortable in my proximity. <Penyl> ::shakes her head:: They're unreliable. They're just as likely to eat your payor as to part with the scales. <Glossaria> Hm. That would be a difficulty. <Zoya> He's been isolated from that spell. Better to ask if Wizardess Penyl doesn't mind. <Penyl> Observation can be quite beneficial. If nothing else, she might prove another witness, should events prove confusing. <Glossaria> ::clasping her hands:: Then you have no objection to my observing your examination? Oh, thank you! ::looking as though she would like to hug Penyl, but restraining herself:: <Zoya> Assuming you keep your chores done, between now and then. <Glossaria> Yes, Mistress Zoya, I will, I promise. ::eyes shining:: And that translation you wanted is nearly done, I'll finish it by tomorrow afternoon for you. * Rhys starts putting uneaten roasted rabbit into small waxed paper cartons, with some vegetables in each carton. <Michelle> ::smile:: Take home boxes Rhys? <Rhys> Very well done, Michelle. Have one. ::he smiles and puts a box in front of Michelle:: <Zoya> Ah, well, I should head home... * Rhys puts a box in front of Zoya. "For your houseguest. No slight meant against your in-house chefs." * Michelle bows from her position on the stool, "Thank you Rhys." * Zoya smiles as she picks up the box. "I'm sure he'll appreciate it, Rhys. Even if the Kitchen won't." She closes the huge book and hefts it. * Glossaria finishes her dinner and wipes her fingers carefully before turning back to her own massive tome and closing it. The cover reads, "Dr. Pharanghul's Compleat Manual of Rare and Magickal Diseases." <Glossaria> May I carry your cloak for you, Mistress Zoya? <Penyl> ::raises an eyebrow:: Interesting title, young lady. Are you finding it enlightening? * Glossaria fumbles through a few pockets before finding three silvers and placing them on the bar. <Zoya> ::sneers at the cloak:: If you like, Glossaria... ::puts two gold pieces on the counter, and heads out into the night:: <Rhys> Thank you, priestesses. ::he scoops the coins off the bar and into the strongbox:: * Penyl takes out a handful of stuff from her pockets and sorts through it - was that a mouse? - until she finds a few coins. * Michelle fishes out a silver and drops it on the bar before picking up her own take home box, "Good night Rhys." <Glossaria> ::smiling a little:: Aside from the niggling conviction that I suffer from at least twenty-three of the maladies listed (so far), it's been quite enlightening. ::bundles up the cloak on top of her book:: Although I was hoping for more breadth of detail than Dr. Pharanghul offers, alas. * Rhys hopes that wasn't a red and blue mouse. "Thank you, Magus Penyl. Thank you, Michelle. Pleasant evening, both of you." * Michelle leaves. * Penyl follows Glossaria out of the Hall, commenting extensively on Dr. Pharanghul's work. * Glossaria trots out at Penyl's side, listening and chatting animatedly. * Rhys locks the door behind the ladies, and returns to the bar for a meal of roast rabbit. |
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