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* Michelle returns behind the bar. She's wearing a blue dress and her hair is down. * Zoya pauses in the alley to look in surprise at the coat closet. "What are you doing out here? Did something go wrong?" When the coat closet does not reply, Zoya enters the Hall. "Hey, 'Chelle. Is the block not working?" * Michelle blinks at Zoya for a moment before comprehension dawns, "Oh, no. As far as I know it's working fine. It's just become a habit to let the closet out." <Zoya> Oh, that's a relief. ::she grins:: That was a lot of work to have to consider doing it over again. <Michelle> ::giggles:: I don't want to know, just so long as it works. <Zoya> ::Just for her own edification, Zoya holds a finger up in the air dramatically. When nothing happens, she smiles in satisfaction and sits at the bar:: Can I have an ale, please? * Orlann walks into the Hall. He is wearing his Purple Dragon tunic with a slight embellishment - an extra stripe designating him as Jr. Lieutenant. He looks around the Hall. "Tarri's not here?" * Michelle smiles and picks up a mug, considers the taps for a moment, then selects one at random and fills the mug with ale, "There you go Zoya. And for tonight you drink free." <Michelle> Good evening Orlann. I'm afraid I haven't seen Tarri today. Can I get you anything? <Zoya> ::grins at Michelle:: If I'd known that, I would have ordered the *good* stuff. * Jaret strolls in, wearing an elegant blue and white shirt over plain black breeches. He removes his plumed hat as he enters, and places it gently on a peg. His rapier is, naturally, at his side. "Good evening, everyone. I hope all is well..." He makes his way to the bar and its collection of well-wishers. <Michelle> Good evening Jaret. I'm well enough, can I get you anything this evening? <Zoya> ::happily:: Jaret! Watch this! ::she points at the feather of Jaret's hat, and grins triumphantly as nothing at all happens:: * Orlann sits at the bar. "Iffen t'won't be too much bother, I reckon I'll take an ale." * Jaret looks from Zoya to his unmolested hat. "It's lovely, Zoya. I'll take six of them, sent to my closest friends. And a glass of Arabellan would be wonderful, Lady Phoenix." * Michelle selects another mug and fills it from a different tap before setting it down in front of Orlann, "There you are Sergeant." * Zoya laughs, then points at Jaret's hat again. She mumbles some arcane phrase - something she rarely bothers with - and the feather begins to glow a pale, unassuming lantern-yellow. * Michelle pulls a bottle from the rack, opens it, and fills a glass for Jaret, leaving bottle, cork, and glass on the bar in front of him. <Orlann> ::coughs a few times:: Thanks. * Michelle looks quizzically at Orlann, "Something wrong Orlann?" <Jaret> And now I can see wherever it is I go at night. Thank you again, Lady Magus. Your generosity of spirit is unmatched. Although, I was wondering, that's not my best hat. Perhaps such treatment should be reserved for only the finest of hats? * Lisl strides in, a notice half-crumpled in her fist. She growls softly in the back of her throat as she eyes the crumpled paper with disgust before stuffing it in her pocket. "Evening, all." <Zoya> ::grins at Jaret and takes a drink of ale:: It'll fade on its own in about an hour. <Michelle> Good evening Lisl, the usual? * Orlann stands up as Lisl walks in, then sits again, a gesture of courtesy almost surely unnoticed in Lisl's bad mood. "Good evening, Miss Lisl." * Zoya starts to perform her non-performing trick for Lisl, then notes the snarl on her face. "Oh, they'll be caught. At least the city doesn't hate us anymore." <Lisl> Brandy, if you please, 'chelle. If I have kick, I'm likely to do something rash. <Michelle> Right. ::rummages beneath the bar for a few moments, then places a snifter of brandy on the bar for Lisl.:: There you go. <Lisl> Aye, they'll be caught, *perhaps*. ::grumbles:: I've half a mind to hunt them down myself... tho' that'd like as not undo all the good deeds. <Zoya> I'd never even heard the *name* of the major, I admit. ::to Orlann:: Were you acquainted? <Lisl> ::scowls:: *I* did. The one blasted time I... ::sighs and leans back on a stool:: No mind. <Orlann> ::shrugs:: I knew *of* him. * Jaret toasts Lisl. "Pleasure to see you, Miss Ferinsdottir." <Lisl> ::nods shortly:: Evening, Jaret, good-- Jaret? How long've you been out? <Jaret> Erm... ::starts counting on fingers:: a few weeks now? I came by, but you were out. I nosed around your house a little. Did you know your rubbish bins are liberally coated with a rather exotic perfume? <Lisl> ::snorts:: Aye, who d'you think put it there? * Orlann sips his ale and looks around. <Jaret> Well, I wasn't sure. It might have been... perhaps your... all right, I can't think who else it might have been, but it seemed peculiar. <Lisl> I was... ::shifts a little uncomfortably on her stool and has a sip of brandy:: Well, alright, I was up to something. And I didn't feel it'd be right to get the Sergeant any more involved that he was. ::nods towards Orlann, and then takes a second look at him:: <Zoya> ::laughs, then turns to Jaret:: What are you doing, sniffing around Lisl's rubbish, anyhow? <Lisl> ::distracted, raises an eyebrow at Jaret:: Aye, what *were* you doing, sniffing around my rubbish bins? ::mutters:: I thought that was my job.... <Jaret> I was looking for Lisl. Or, at least, clues for where she might have been. I got out of the Pen... I got back, and she was gone. * Zoya gestures dramatically again, chortles as nothing happens, and downs the rest of her ale. "Another, 'Chelle?" <Lisl> ::raising the other eyebrow and taking another sip of brandy:: You think you're the only one entitled to a bit of vacation every so often? ::hides a grin:: * Jaret grins. "How can you take a vacation? I thought you were retired?" <Michelle> The same Zoya? <Zoya> ::grins somewhat maniacally at Michelle:: Surprise me. <Lisl> Semi-retired. Zoya, what *are* you doing? <Zoya> ::to Lisl:: I am *failing* to cast spells. <Lisl> And that's... good? <Zoya> It is when they're wild magic spells. ::gestures at Jaret's still gently-glowing hat:: The boring stuff still works. * Jaret sidles up to Orlann. "Am I mistaken, or are you slightly more brocaded than the last time we met?" * Michelle quirks an eyebrow at Zoya, but get Zoya a new mug and selects a random tap, filling the mug with a red semi-frozen substance. Michelle gives the contents of the mug a quizzical look before offering it to Zoya, "Let me know if you want soemthing else." <Lisl> ::frowns:: So... you can't do your own magic anymore? * Orlann finishes off his ale and sets it down on the bar. <Zoya> Just in here, Lisl. I didn't encircle the whole *city*. <Lisl> Ah! So that... whatever-you-call-it... the metal bands, they worked? <Orlann> ::a slow smile spreads over his face:: Well, I reckon I am, Master Jaret. * Zoya sips gingerly at the mug, then grins at Michelle. "This will be just fine, thanks." * Jaret flexes his knees, bows deeply, and leaps to the top of one of the barstools. "Attention, everyone! We have lost a sergeant, and gained a...," Jaret looks at the new decoration, "Junior Lieutenant! A toast to Lieutenant Orlann!" <Zoya> ::to Lisl:: At least, they're working so far. Penyl and I figure the Hall will have re-established its flux equilibrium in about three months. Give or take a week, depending on- ::looks around at Jaret's announcement:: Oh! Congratulations, Ser-, er, Liuetenant! * Michelle blushes, "Congratulations Lieutenant Orlann. I'd say this calls for a round for everyone on the house." <Lisl> Ha! So *that's* what was different! ::grins and raises her glass:: Here's to our new Lieutenant! * Michelle fills herself a snifter of brandy and toasts Orlann. * Orlann stands up (the more observant will note that this puts him nearly at eyelevel with Jaret) and flushes darkly, grinning. "M'thanks." * Jaret gets off the stool. "Lieutenant, when you're lord of the city in six months, will you remember your friends here at the Meade Hall?" * Michelle giggles. * Tarri comes in just as the toasts are finishing. There are dark circles under her eyes, and she looks quite weary, but she pauses to look around in confusion as Jaret clambers down off his stool. "What on earth-?" * Lisl grins at Tarri. "Come get a round on the house, Tarri. You've something to celebrate." <Tarri> Have I? ::approaches slowly:: * Jaret bows to Tarri. "Miss Mandeil! Your beau has news for you." * Lisl drains her snifter in a few long swallows that'd probably make Jaret wince, and puts the empty glass on the bar. "Now I'll have a mug of 'kick, 'Chelle. This is worth getting a little drunk for." * Orlann is still blushing. "Darlin'! I'm right pleased t'see you. Where've you been at?" * Tarri smiles at Orlann's greeting, cocking her head quizzically. "My appointment with the herbalist ran a bit longer than I expected, and then the Goody wanted to chat for a while... You look like you're in a good mood. ::her tone implies that such moods have been a bit scarce lately:: * Michelle rummages under the bar for a minute or so before emerging with a stone mug which she sets in front of Lisl, "There you are Lisl." * Orlann reaches out and takes her hand, then touches it to the row of braids on his tunic. "Things ain't so very bad as they have been, I reckon." * Zoya murmurs into her cupped hands for a moment, then releases a flight of pastel butterflies into the air. Each flutters once around the room and then pops like a soap bubble. Zoya grins and has some more of her peculiar drink. <Tarri> ::eyes widening:: Oh, darling! That's wonderful! ::in flagrant disregard for Orlann's usual preferences regarding public displays, she throws her arms around his neck to hug him soundly:: * Orlann blushes a bit harder, but does not distangle himself from Tarri's embrace. "I reckon thing'll get a bit better, from here on." * Lisl smiles and lifts her mug to the two of them before taking a decent-sized swallow. "Whew... now that's the stuff." She closes her eyes briefly as they turn yellow. * Michelle sips her brandy, "So much for my being able to impress everyone by saying I drank the same thing you did Lisl." Michelle's tone is teasing. * Jaret grins and has some more Arabellan. "Things are working out." <Tarri> ::snuggling firmly under Orlann's arm:: "I knew they would promote you soon. You've worked too hard for them to just ignore you." <Lisl> ::opens her eyes and wipes the corner of one:: Well... you're drinking the same thing I *did*. I won't tell if you don't. ::grins:: * Michelle giggles and toasts Lisl. * Lisl avoids clinking glasses on the grounds that she's drinking an explosive substance. <Zoya> ::chuckles at Michelle and takes another slurp of her slurpy drink, then considers it seriously:: I wonder if this is alcoholic? * Jaret touches glasses with Michelle. <Lisl> I suppose we'll find out in about an hour, Zoya, when I carry you home, or don't. <Orlann> ::nods:: I reckon with, well... with everythin' that it just got pushed off for a while. * Michelle studies the drink, "I think Lisl's probably right on that one." <Zoya> ::snorts at Lisl and defiantly takes another slurp:: <Lisl> ::putting her chin on her fist:: Just to satisfy my morbid curiosity, Lt. Orlann... ::she grins a little as she uses the title:: ... do you happen to know what became of Lt. Adiethian? <Orlann> ::raises one eyebrow:: I heard he was... reassigned and should be returnin' back to Marsember before the week's out. Or thereabouts, ma'am. <Tarri> ::bounces a little at Lisl's use of Orlann's new title;; <Lisl> ::raising both eyebrows:: He's coming *back*? ::collapses back on her stool:: After all that... ::snorts and shakes her head:: <Tarri> After all what, Lisl? <Lisl> Oh... well... ::shrugs:: I'm just not the sort cut out for intriguing, is all. * Lisl looks faintly embarrassed, and takes another (smaller) swallow of 'kick. <Tarri> ::looks amused at the idea of Lisl participating in any kind of intrigue:: * Jaret finishes his glass. "More wine, Michelle, please! I have a taste for it tonight!" <Lisl> ::wrinkles her nose at Tarri:: It's not *that* funny. * Michelle giggles, and refills Jaret's glass before sipping some more of her brandy, "Is Lisl going to have to carry us all home, or should we just crash here for the night?" <Tarri> ::giggles:: No, I'll make sure 'Lann gets home all right. <Jaret> I always make it home. Sometimes it's not until the next morning's light, but I always arrive. And sometimes I make the most interesting friends along the way... * Michelle giggles and toasts Jaret, "I've never been lost. I've been confused for two or three days, but I've never been lost." <Jaret> Excellent. Nothing to be worried about here. <Lisl> ::snorts:: So I'm to be the designated porter, then? ::grins:: Best stop at one, in that case. * Orlann looks at everyone sidelong for a moment, to see if anyone's paying attention, then squeezes Tarri's hand. "I reckon things'll be right easier with the extra pay, darlin'. No need for y'to work s'hard now." <Zoya> Nonsense, Lisl. Jaret and Michelle will be fine. The only one you'll have to haul home is me. <Tarri> ::smiles almost shyly up at Orlann:: We'll see. I've almost got everything arranged, now. <Lisl> Ha. Feeling it already? <Zoya> ::smiles mysteriously:: I haven't tried to stand up, yet. But I haven't been drinking much, lately, so I wouldn't be surprised if my tolerance was a little depressed. <Lisl> ::chuckles:: You let me know when you plan to do some standing up, then. ::takes another swallow of 'kick:: * Michelle sips her brandy, "Well this evening is certainly turning out to be a pleasant change from the past month or two." * Jaret tastes some more of his wine and grins broadly. "Isn't it, though?" * Orlann eyes Zoya for a moment. "As slight as y'are, ma'am, pardon me for sayin', but I reckon it'll go right to your head." <Lisl> Aye. ::scowls at the door:: I keep expecting Barise or Sheshillian to try blowing the door in. ::scratches her jaw:: They might come in through the kitchen, but we'd expect them to be sneaky, so they'd most likely come in through the front... <Zoya> ::winks at Orlann over her mug:: You could be right, Lieutenant. <Zoya> ::laughs at Lisl:: You really aren't happy unless you're worrying, are you? They won't come looking for revenge for at least a few weeks. It'll take them that long to get organized again. <Michelle> And besides, why attack us here, when they can hunt us down individually at our residences? ::winks at Lisl:: <Lisl> Ha. What's that they say, "It's not paranoia if they really are out to get you"? I've had reason enough... and the best time for them to strike would be when we think we've won out. <Orlann> ::scratches his chin:: I don't reckon they'll be real swift t'come back, anyhow. The Lord's put a right proper price on their heads. <Lisl> ::looking at Michelle seriously:: Because here, they'd have the best chance of getting us all and destroying the Hall in the process. <Jaret> Numbers would be against them, though. <Lisl> ::shrugs a shoulder:: 500 for information... I'd be happier if he placed a real bounty on them. ::mutters:: Then I'd feel better going after them myself. <Tarri> ::shivers at the talk and leans against Orlann:: What happened to the celebration? * Michelle puts a hand to her mouth, "Oh dear. Umm... Has anyone seen Temire since the wanted posters went up?" * Lisl looks shamefaced and bows her head. "I *am* sorry, Tarri. You're right, Zoya's right. I'm probably just doomsaying." She twists a grin. "As usual." <Orlann> ::in a stage-whisper:: She's been savin' it all up for an 'I told y'so.' <Zoya> ::points dramatically at Lisl, her stormcloud eyes wide:: DOOOOOOOOOM! ::she looks very imposing and forbidding, right up until she sticks out a tongue dyed bright red from her drink, and breaks into giggles:: <Tarri> ::snickers at Orlann's comment, then grins at Zoya:: It looks like you were right about *her* drink, anyway, love. * Michelle giggles at Zoya's performance. * Lisl raises an eyebrow. "Right. That's one, then." <Lisl> ::waves a hand:: It's an information-bounty, not a head-bounty, Michelle. I wouldn't worry about it. <Tarri> ::smiles at Michelle:: I saw her this afternoon, but I didn't have time to stop and chat with her. She was down by the wharves, practicing her skulking. <Orlann> ::raises an eyebrow:: What on earth *for*? <Tarri> How should I know? We really just said hi, and went on. I was late for an appointment already. * Michelle sighs, "Clearly she needs more practice if you saw her. And it's possible that rather than practicing she was trying to collect a bounty. That's what she's been up to since we discovered that good deeds counter act that spell." <Lisl> ::sitting up a bit:: She's been trying to collect bounties down on the *wharves*? If-- ::sighs and glances at Orlann:: nay, nevermind. * Orlann puts on his best "I'm off duty" face and holds out his mug to Michelle. "Reckon I could get a second, ma'am?" * Michelle smiles at Orlann, "You can get a third if you want Lieutenant." Refills Orlann's mug and returns it to him. <Lisl> ::snorts:: I'm not up to anything underhanded, Lieutenant, no worries there. Just trying to avoid more doomsaying. ::grins:: I admit, evidence to the contrary, that wolf attack down on the wharf still has me antsy about what's going on down there. <Zoya> Aw, but doomsaying is so much *fun*! ::more seriously:: I haven't heard of anything espeically untoward happening down at the docks lately... Well, no more than normal, anyhow. <Lisl> ::takes another swallow of 'kick:: I've just had more than enough else to keep my attention... and I've been trying to steer clear, myself, just in case. * Orlann turns to Tarri, a puzzled expression on his face. "What were y'doin down thataway, anyways?" <Tarri> I... needed to see someone down there. ::she looks for her mug, then realizes she doesn't have a drink:: A patient. <Michelle> CAn I get you somethign Tarri? <Tarri> No, thanks, Michelle. I'm fine. * Orlann takes a deep breath, then expells it without saying anything. <Tarri> ::glances up at Orlann:: I had an escort. <Orlann> I didn't say nothin'. ::sighs:: T'ain't worth arguin' it with y'no more anyhow. <Lisl> Who'd you go with, Tarri? ::grins:: Not Mira, if she was skulking. <Tarri> Yes, you said nothing very clearly. I *promise* I was careful. <Tarri> ::to Lisl:: Corporal Vanden. I happened into him at the apothecary's, and he offered to see me on my way. <Lisl> There you go. ::grins:: Your men are looking out for you already, Lieutenant. ::picks up her mug and moves over to a seat beside Jaret:: <Lisl> Soooo, m'lord Malkier, I'm curious... just for my own future knowledge, what *did* you learn from sniffing my trash? * Orlann shakes his head and shrugs, then looks down at Tarri. "S'long as you were careful, I don't reckon I'm gonna get better'n that." He smiles at her. <Jaret> You have exotic perfume somewhere in your house, and your own cache of Sembian brandy. And you sweep rarely. <Lisl> ::looking faintly disappointed:: That's it? ::raises an eyebrow, with a small smile:: You didn't recognize the perfume? <Tarri> ::hugs Orlann tightly:: Not without locking me up, you're not, and I have no intention of being locked up. ::she winks at him:: Once I get my own shop set up, you can worry less. My patients will mostly come to me, instead. <Zoya> I confess, Lisl - I'm surprised you have perfume of *any* sort in your house. Or your trash. * Jaret grins. "Sometimes, a gentleman enjoys a surprise. Of course, given a well-stocked aromist, I could find a complementary fragrance with a little effort." * Jaret finishes off his wine. "And that, as they say, is that." <Lisl> ::winks:: Ahhh, but you forget, it's not entirely *my* house. And some of its more occasional tenants do enjoy the occasional... ::makes a face:: dousing. * Orlann reaches into his pocket and removes a few silver coins. "I reckon this ought t'cover us for tonight." Offers his arm to Tarri. "I reckon it's time t'get us home." <Lisl> ::nods to Orlann:: Put those away, Lieutenant. You're not paying for anything tonight. <Michelle> Goodnight Orlann, Tarri. <Michelle> ::looks out the window:: Last call everyone. * Jaret puts a stack of silver coins on the bar. "For the wine, of course. Pleasant evening, Michelle. Say hello to Temire for me when you see her next, please." * Orlann eyes Lisl for a moment, gauging whether it's worth the argument, and apparently decides to conceed to all things female today. Smart man. <Tarri> ::tucks her arm snugly through Orlann's:: Yes, let's go home. Good night, everyone! ::she waves and leans into Orlann's side as they leave:: <Michelle> Thanks Lisl, that saved me the trouble of having to figure out Rhys's trick. * Lisl finishes the contents of her mug and digs a couple of gold out of her purse, putting them on the counter. "G'night Lieutenant, Tarri. For your indulgence, 'Chelle." <Zoya> Well, let's see if I can stand up, shall we? ::she finishes off her slurpie and sets the mug carefully away from her before rising from her stool:: <Lisl> ::grins:: You need to study up on tax law, I think. So, Zoya, am I carrying you, or are you walking? * Orlann escorts Tarri from the Hall. * Michelle drains her snifter and sends it along with the rest of the dishes to the kitchen. * Jaret leaves, taking his hat off its peg as he passes it, noting with quiet pleasure that it has stopped glowing. * Zoya pauses for a moment, waiting to see if the room will spin. "I think I'm walking. Make a note, Michelle. Whatever that was, it wasn't alcoholic." * Michelle mimes writing a note, "Absolutely Zoya." <Lisl> G'night, Jaret, sleep sweet! Fair enough, Zoya. Escort, just in case, or will you be alright? <Zoya> Oh, I'll be fine, Lisl. But thanks. Good night! ::waves, and heads out into the night, humming (terribly out of tune) under her breath.:: * Lisl watches after the mage, shaking her head. "Well... I *hope* she's not drunk, at any rate, for all she's acting it." * Michelle dims the lamps around the Hall, "I trust Zoya to know whether or not she's drunk. If that drink was strong enough to wipe her out without her knowing you at least would have smelled it." <Lisl> ::shrugs:: Point. Tho' with that latest batch of Xarroch's... ah, well. 'Night, Michelle. * Lisl strolls out into the evening. <Michelle> Night Lisl. ::Waits for Lisl to exit, then locks the door behind them and heads home. |
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