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* Michelle unlocks the door and announces, "Hall's Open!" * Michelle returns behind the bar. She's wearing a green overdress over a white chemise. * Orlann walks in, dressed in his civilian clothes, black leather pants and a white shirt with knee high boots. "Fair evenin' t'you, ma'am." He sits down at the bar. "Reckon I c'n get a beer?" * Michelle smiles and selects a mug, "I'll be highly disappointed if we can not." Selects a tap at random and fills the mug before setting it down in front of Orlann. <Orlann> ::nods:: M'thanks, ma'am. ::he looks around:: Fair quiet, this evening, ain't it? * Lisl strides in, leaving her bowstaff in the corner and pausing just inside the door to shuck off her muddy boots and sit them next to the door sill. "It's a bloody, sucking hell out there, no mistake. Evening, all. Mulled wine, if you please, 'Chelle?" <Michelle> ::nods:: I think most people are trying to enjoy the last of the summer weather. Either that or else I'm no longer on the Catastrophe Notification List. Which would probably be a nice change of pace. ::Michelle smiles to show she's joking.:: <Michelle> Good evening Lisl. How are you this evening? <Orlann> ::raises an eyebrow:: And where y'been t'day, Miss Lisl, t'get all so muddy? <Michelle> Sure thing Lisl. Anyone want anything else while I'm in the kitchen? <Lisl> Wet, muddy, and reeking of bog, like every thing else outside the city gates this time of year. And you? * Michelle disappears into the kitchen. <Orlann> ::snorts and takes a swig of beer:: They make *sidewalks* jus' for that very reason, Miss Lisl. <Lisl> ::to Orlann:: I thought to get a bit of hunting in today, as the weather's held clear for a few days in a row, now. Didn't count on Marsember's swamps. Worse than it's been for... ::considers:: well, I was gone for awhile. Last ten years, at least. <Lisl> ::grins:: Well then, be so good as to tell the town council that they need to build a few sidewalks out in the woods, why don't you? * Michelle returns from the kitchen with a steaming cup. "Don't be ridiculous Lisl, they're not called sidewalks, they're called scenic walkways. And they won't be built because they'd require the city council to pay people to keep the view properly manicured." * Michelle sets the cup down in front of Lisl, "There you go." <Lisl> ::snorts:: Whatever they're called, they'd likely be damned hard to hunt from, anyway. "Manicured" sounds awfully to me like "no scrub." Not very good for game. * Michelle smiles, a sarcastic tone to her voice, "They're not for hunting Lisl. They for looking at nature in all it's pristine, cultivated beauty." * Tarri enters, wearing her working-clothes, which are rumpled and stained. "Hello, every-" She interrupts herself to yawn. "Excuse me... Hello, everyone." <Orlann> ::grins:: Evenin', darling. <Michelle> Long day Tarri? Can I get you anything? Food, or maybe tea? * Lisl snorts loudly at Michelle and accepts her cup with thanks. "Evening, Tarri." * Jaret enters, a sour expression on his face, and mud scrapings on his fine leather boots. "Good evening, everyone. Hopefully everyone's having a pleasant night, the omnipresent muck notwithstanding, of course." <Lisl> Evening, Jaret. ::grins a little at his boots:: <Michelle> Good evening Jaret. Your usual? <Jaret> Please, Michelle. <Tarri> ::blinks at Orlann in surprise, having not even noticed him, then greets him with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.:: The kind of long day that starts the night before, yes... Tea would be welcome, Michelle. Hot and very sweet. <Michelle> ::Through long practice Michelle uncorks a bottle of wine and deftly pours a glass for Jaret, leaving both on the bar for him. "There you go." <Orlann> ::hugs her back:: I ain't lecturin' now, but *some* sleep is sort o' required f'r your own health... * Michelle pulls a cup and saucer from beneath the bar, filling the cup with hot water from one of the taps. She then fills a tea ball and leaves it to steep while she disappears into the kitchen. * Lisl takes a sip of her steaming cup with a sigh, and turns to Tarri. "What's keeping you so busy, these days? People getting the chest flux, from so much wet?" * Michelle returns from the kitchen with the honeycrock, a sliced lemon, and a plate of cookies. <Tarri> ::smiles up at Orlann as she nestles under his arm:: I intend to sleep tonight, love. But some things have to be tended to right away. <Orlann> ::under his breath:: They don't always *have* t'be tended to by *you*. * Lisl glances at Orlann with a wry smile. <Tarri> ::turns to Lisl and starts ticking things off on her fingers:: A friend of Master Bran's - a midwife - is training me in deliveries - that's what had me up last night. And then there was a little boy who'd cut his face on the cobbles. And I'm *just* about ready to close the deal on my clinic's location, and shopping for suppliers... ::she smiles wryly and shrugs:: There's lots to be done. <Lisl> ::grins:: Orlann's right. Pace yourself. Can't run your clinic if you're falling down sick yourself. <Lisl> ::rubs her chin:: D'you need any help? Anything you can delegate? With the woods so swampy, I'm at loose ends anyway for at least a week or two. <Tarri> I'll be fine... Eventually... ::she checks her tea, removes the ball, and adds a very generous dollop of honey:: Erm... I don't think- Well, maybe after I close the deal, you can help me get stuff moved into the clinic? I know 'Lann'll be happy for a little help. ::she grins at him fondly:: And relieved to get all my junk out from underfoot, too. * Orlann snorts. <Lisl> ::grins:: Happy to, Tarri. * Tarri sips her tea with a sigh, and leans against Orlann's side. "And how was your day, dear?" <Orlann> ::gives her a wry smile:: It was right lovely, darling. * Jaret belatedly accepts the wine from Michelle with a smile. "Thank you. What with all the rain, I'm tempted to follow your lead, Michelle, and have a keel laid down for a boat." <Lisl> ::sipping her mulled wine:: Not a bad idea, Jaret. If naught else, you'd have a lovely summer retreat. Until the next squall, of course. ::grinning faintly:: <Tarri> ::smiles at Orlann:: I'm glad to hear it. Were all the criminals taking a day off? <Orlann> ::takes a swig of his beer:: I don't reckon so, darling, but *I* had the day off... <Tarri> ...Oh. That's right. I'm sorry I missed it. <Orlann> ::grins at her:: S'all right, darling... I had some ... things t'attend to. <Tarri> ::mournfully:: I still wish I hadn't missed it... <Lisl> ::grins:: He does get more than one a year, aye? <Orlann> ::taps her on the nose with his finger:: Don't ya worry yer head over it... there'll be other days off. <Tarri> ::smiles:: I should hope so! ::to Lisl:: Oh, yes, but it seems to be only about once a year that we both have the *same* day off... <Lisl> ::grins:: Well, soon enough you'll be self-employed, and it'll be your own fault if you're working on his rest-day, aye? ::winks:: <Tarri> ::laughs a little:: Yes, I suppose so... "So sorry, Mrs. Delboa, I can't come set Timofei's leg this afternoon, it's my day off. I'll come 'round first thing in the morning, though..." <Lisl> ::shaking her head and mimicking Tarri's tone:: "So sorry, Mrs. Delboa, I can't come set Timofei's leg this afternoon, I've developed the croup from overwork. I'll come 'round first thing in a few weeks, though, soon as I'm well." <Orlann> ::finishes off his beer:: M' old captain once tole me that a medic was a soldier's best friend... an' worst mate. <Tarri> ::sticks her tongue out at Lisl:: <Lisl> ::grins and makes snipping motions with her fingers:: <Tarri> ::glances up at Orlann, looking a little guilty:: Do you think he was right? <Orlann> ::grins:: I reckon I'll be lookin' into th' matter for quite some time... I'll give y'a full report when I complete m'experiment... <Lisl> ::takes a sip of her wine and mutters into her glass:: Can't believe *I'm* the one saying this... ::a bit louder:: You can't save everyone all the time, Tarri. Sometimes, you have to leave it to others. ::faint smile:: I hear there's an old man out in the woods somewhere who's accounted pretty capable. Perhaps you could look him up, ask if he could look to your cases when you take a day off. * Jaret looks askance at Lisl. "If someone were to cry out, "Physician, heal thyself," I wonder who would take it most personally right now. <Lisl> ::grins:: Have a care, Jaret. I've a good clot of mud built up on those boots over there, and I'm sure flinging some at you wouldn't bend your bones any. <Jaret> Well, that's one ballot cast. <Tarri> ::gives Orlann a faintly blushing smile, then giggles at Lisl:: *I* can't believe you're saying it, either... I do *intend* to trade off with some other healers for days off and that sort of thing. It's one more thing on my list of things-to-do. ::she grins at Orlann:: I'm going to take a vacation before I open the clinic. A good, long one. Sleep in past dawn, and lounge about idle and that sort of thing. <Lisl> Sure you still know how to do that? I think you're woefully out of practice. ::grins and takes another sip:: * Orlann glances sidelong at Tarri and grins. <Tarri> ::grins:: I'm sure 'Lann will help me remember. * Lisl snorts. "Not sure *he* gets enough practice, either." <Orlann> ::pushes his empty mug across the bar:: C'n I get a refill on that, ma'am? ::to Lisl:: I know rightly how t'enjoy m'time off, thanks awfully... <Lisl> ::tips her mug back, emptying it:: Just making sure. A guardsman and a healer... Aerdrie, it's a wonder you two get *any* sleep. <Tarri> ::opens her mouth, glances at Orlann, and decides to have a sip of tea instead, her eyes sparkling wickedly:: * Michelle quickly refills Orlann's mug and returns it to him. "There you are." <Orlann> M'thanks... ::takes a swig:: * Lisl pushes her mug across the counter, oblivious of any double-entendres. "'Chelle? If m'lord Jaret will consent, a bit of that Arabellan, if you please? * Michelle picks up Jaret's bottle and looks questioningly at Jaret. <Jaret> Oh, of course, Michelle. It's not mine, and is best shared. <Lisl> ::smiles:: Yours by custom, at least, Jaret. * Michelle fills Lisl's mug and sets the bottle back down. <Michelle> True Jaret, but you are the one who has procured our last several shipments. <Lisl> Thanks, 'Chelle. ::toasting Jaret with her cup:: Your health, sir. ::grins and lifts her glass to Tarri and Orlann, as well:: And yours, the pair of you. * Jaret tries not to wince at the mug of wine that used to hold... whatever Lisl was drinking. "And to you and yours, Lisl." * Tarri grins and raises her tea back to Lisl. "And yours." <Orlann> ::smiles:: Thanks, ma'am... <Lisl> ::grins at Jaret's almost-wince:: It was mulled wine before, Jaret. And I can't be corrupting my palate any worse than I have. <Orlann> I don't reckon he was quite s'worried about *your* palate, ma'am... <Jaret> It's the principle of the matter. If you have ever been unable to keep a serene expression when faced with a charred fillet, then you understand my thoughts. <Lisl> ::makes a face:: How other people choose to burn their meat is their business, long as I don't have to smell it. But you've a point. <Lisl> ::sniffs her mug:: Smells all right, though. * Lisl takes a sip. "Tastes fine, too." She shrugs. "Ah, well, I'm a barbarian, I can get away with it." <Jaret> Well, since you're a barbarian, then. ::he still sighs quietly, and briefly, and has some more of the wine, out of his glass:: I'll do my best to remember that at our next session. <Lisl> ::eyes widening slightly:: What, maces, next? <Jaret> I'll reassess your possible tactics. And maces? Heavens no. It's a club with delusions of grandeur. * Lisl laughs. "Best not tell that to a morninglord. They tend to be fond of them." * Orlann puts a few coins on the bar. "Reckon we should go, darling?" <Jaret> Of all the vast many things in this world I have to be concerned of, whether or not a Morninglord knows I think his choice of weaponry is poor is very, very far down on my list. * Michelle looks out the window, "Last call everyone." * Tarri adds a copper to Orlann's pile for her tea. "Yes, I definitely need to get some sleep tonight." * Orlann offers Tarri his arm. "Shall we?" * Michelle smiles, "Maybe I should send Temire by your place Jaret. I still don't understand her choice of rapier and mace. But then, all I know about weapons is that the pointy end goes in the other guy." <Tarri> ::takes Orlann's arm with a smile:: Please. <Michelle> Goodnight Orlann, Tarri. Sleep well. <Lisl> Night you two. Sleep sweet! <Jaret> With a mace, or a club, or indeed a stick, the goal is to hit the other guy with the end you're not holding. And, lo, I am an educator. ::he puts a small stack of silvers on the bar:: Now I shall begin to return home, seeking out the way with the fewest mud pits. * Orlann leaves the Hall with Tarri on his arm. <Lisl> I'm good with this, 'Chelle, thanks. ::raises an eyebrow at Jaret and grins a little:: I could carry you, Jaret. <Jaret> Oh, you could, but tonight, I don't think you will. If I'd worn different boots, I'd see how far I could get by rooftop. Some other night, perhaps.Good night, ladies. <Michelle> Goodnight Jaret. <Lisl> ::chuckles:: Night, Jaret. * Jaret leaves the Hall. * Lisl sips her wine. "Aerdrie, I don't know why it's so much fun to twit that man." * Michelle giggles, "Because he's Jaret. And because his tongue is nearly as dangerous a weapon as his blades." <Lisl> ::snorts:: Oh, so it's because I like running myself headlong into danger, then? ::snorts:: Don't answer that. * Michelle grins wickedly, "All right." * Lisl takes another swallow, fishing silvers out of her pocket and setting them on the bar. * Michelle sweeps the collection of coins into the strong box, "That still feels strange. But I want the Hall to have a nice financial cushion for when the next cataclysm occurs." <Lisl> I suppose it's too much to ask you to stop grinning like that. Gods above and below, you look like Felice when you do that. <Lisl> ::snort:: Most people at least have the decency to say "if," y'know. * Michelle giggles, "Sorry. I suddenly feeling very mischievous. I promise I'll try to be good." Pulls a comically straight face. <Lisl> ::laughs:: I wouldn't want you straining something. ::glances at the door and finishes off her glass:: * Michelle calms and starts shooing the dishes into the kitchen like ducklings. "Ah, laughter. My job here is done." <Lisl> Thanks, Chelle. Now I'd best get home myself, before I'm tempted to pay off the street rats to have a mudball fight in Jaret's front yard." * Lisl pads silently across the floor to reclaim her caked boots and pull them on, gathering her bowstaff and heading out. Faint splashing can be heard from outside as she jumps in a mud puddle. * Michelle giggles, "You're lucky Felice isn't around. She'd have taken that suggestion to heart and then told Jaret where she got it from." * Michelle dims the lamps and locks the door behind her as she leaves. |
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