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* Michelle unlocks the door and announces, "Hall's Open!" * Michelle returns behind the bar. Her long hair is braided and covered by a kerchief. She's dressed in rather plain clothing which appears smudged with soot. However the soot got on her clothes Michelle also seems to have gotten some on her face. * Goody Bea shuffles in and looks around with bright interest. "Early, am I? Good evening to you, barkeep. Might I have a mug of meade?" * Michelle smiles, "Certainly Goody. How have you been?" * Michelle grabs a mug and fills it from a random tap before setting it on the bar for the Goody. <Goody Bea> Keeping busy, keeping busy. ::hefts herself up onto a stool:: Had a nice visit with my daughter up near Arabel, but I'm back now, and glad of it. <Michelle> So how is your daughter doing? <Goody Bea> She's well, her husband and children are well. ::humphs a little:: Disgustingly healthy, we all are, gives a grandma little enough to fuss over, I tell you! * Michelle giggles, "I don't think I've ever heard that complaint before." * Diya walks in, slightly downcast, his hand on Kevil's elbow, steadying him. "Diya promises. Heartwing will have some wine and he will feel better." <Kevil> ::undertone:: I really do not think being sociable will- ::breaks off and almost automatically pauses as he crosses the threshold to bow to Michelle and Goody Bea:: Ladies, a fair evening to you both. ::he allows Diya to guide him to a stool, where he slumps tiredly:: <Goody Bea> Yes, well, us old folks like to feel needed. Glad I am, though, that *this* place is back to normal. Well... normal as does, at least. Thought I'd stop in for a pint and a gossip. ::winks, and turns to smile at the newcomers as she hears voices:: * Michelle quirks an eyebrow at Kevil and Diya's entrance. "Good evening you two. Loria kick you both out at once?" <Diya> ::shrugs his shoulders:: Perhaps not, but Diya thinks heartwing had better stop hovering, or Oriole's mother is going to beat heartwing to death with a broom. <Kevil> Diya dragged- ::looks at Diya:: I was *not* hov- ::even he can't quite carry off this lie, and he sighs, rubbing his hand over his eyes:: Must I pretend all is well, n'shava? <Diya> No, Diya doesn't think so. These are Oriole's friends as well, and they should know. ::he turns to Michelle:: May Diya and heartwing each have a glass of araji, please? <Goody Bea> Ah, Master Talarin, and Master Na... Master Al'Ati! Oh, I *did* pick a good night to visit! * Michelle smiles and fills two glasses for Diya and Kevil, "Here you go. Can I get anyone anything else?" <Goody Bea> ::cocking her head:: Is there summat wrong with Mistress Loria, or the children? <Diya> ::takes a sip of the thick, sweet liquor and shudders as if it were poison:: Oriole... is having a difficult time. She is... abed. <Goody Bea> ::frowning slightly in concern:: She's ill? Has she seen a cleric? Oh, dear me... she *is* a cleric, isn't she. Does that make matters difficult? <Diya> ::takes another sip of araji, still treating it as medicinal instead of entertainment:: Oriole's mother has come. * Kevil closes his eyes and takes a rather larger drink of his araji than Diya. "And I must, somehow, contrive a way to remain close enough to call without *hovering*." He sighs and takes another largish sip. <Diya> ::pats Kevil on the shoulder:: Diya does not *necessarily* agree with Oriole's mother. But Diya *does* think that watching Oriole's mother and heartwing argue is not doing Oriole any good. Oriole is unhappy when heartwing is unhappy. <Goody Bea> Ah, that's well then. ::leans over, rather daringly, to pat Kevil's hand:: It will come right, young man. Your young lady is strong, she's a fighter; I remember how she was during the invasion. <Kevil> ::smiles faintly at Diya, then gives the Goody a solemn look:: Loria's midwife believes it may have been her illness during the invasion which caused her... difficulty. ::he draws a slow breath:: I wish to believe all will be well, with Loria and with the child. But there are months yet until her term is ended, and she must remain abed... <Goody Bea> ::blinks:: Oh! She's with child again? Oh, dear, that does complicate matters, doesn't it? <Diya> ::nods:: Oriole is expecting to have another baby... mid winter? ::he looks at Kevil for confirmation:: Diya cannot ever remember these things. <Kevil> ::nods:: Near midwinter, yes. ::gives the Goody a quick, wry grin:: As nearly as these things *can* be judged. <Goody Bea> ::smiles:: I believe I know a bit about that, yes. She has a local midwife? Who? <Diya> ::mutters:: Sister Pushy was planning on it. * Michelle quirks an eyebrow at Diya but decides it's none of her business. <Goody Bea> Ah. Well, I understand Loria comes from a... large family, aye? ::smiles a little at her own understatement:: <Kevil> ::nearly laughs:: Winnie is not so terrible, sunshine... ::to Goody Bea:: We had been planning on returning to my home soon, to use the midwife who delivered our eldest two. But when Loria... ::he shivers, then carefully controls himself:: Her sister has much experience. <Kevil> ::wryly:: I do not remember the name of the goodwife who came to examine Loria when she collapsed, I fear. I was... distracted. <Goody Bea> ::nods:: All to the good. If you've any wish for further aid, or if your sister-in-law is in need of any goods or advice, you know where to reach me. <Kevil> ::nods:: I will tell her you said so, Lady. <Goody Bea> ::smiles and pats his hand again:: Now, drink your medicine. That's obviously what you lads came for. ::winks:: * Michelle giggles. * Diya grimaces and swallows the rest of his araji, then coughs several times. <Goody Bea> Good lad! ::pats him on the back:: * Kevil laughs outright, if only briefly. "*Diya* is here for medicine- Well, Diya is here to make *me* be here. But I rather *like* araji." He picks up his glass and finishes it. "I would like another, please, Lady Michelle..." He gives Diya a warm smile. "I expect Diya is ready to switch to juice." <Diya> ::looks vaguely shame-faced:: Diya *would* actually like some juice. * Michelle giggles and refills Kevil's glass, "There you go Kevil." Gets a fresh glass and selects another random tap, looking curiously at the juice inside. "I'm not sure what this is Diya, but if you don't like it I'll get you a different flavor." <Diya> ::tastes:: Diya thinks this will be just fine... ::he takes another few swallows:: <Kevil> ::puts an arm around Diya's shoulders:: Next time we are in Alanis, I will buy a few bottles of that Mazhalani wine we had at the wedding for you to drink when you feel the need of something... Not so strong as araji, d'va? ::he gives Diya a faint, sly smile:: And I seem to remember you enjoyed it. <Diya> ::smiles:: Diya enjoyed the *day*... <Goody Bea> ::curiously, glancing at Diya's empty glass:: What is that... araji? What is it made from? * Kevil takes his refreshed glass with a nod of thanks and sips. "Yes, n'shava, you did..." To the Goody. "A desert fruit... dates. Are you familiar with them? Very sweet." <Goody Bea> I've no children that've adventured in the desert... yet, at least. ::A little wistfully:: Barkeep? Some surprising things've come from that kitchen... have you any dates? * Michelle grins, "Let me go and see. Would anyone else like anything from the kitchen while I'm there?" <Kevil> ::starts to shake his head, then looks at Diya:: When did you last eat, sunshine? <Diya> Maharajah and Diya went hunting this morning. Heartwing was asleep so Diya was quiet. <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow at his husband, then looks at Michelle:: Some fruit and cheese would be welcome, Lady. * Goody Bea sips her meade as she waits. * Michelle disappears into the kitchen. <Goody Bea> Maharajah? You've added more to your household, or is that a hunting animal, Master Al-Ati? <Diya> ::snickers:: Maharajah is Diya's falcon. * Michelle returns from the kitchen carrying a tray with an assortment of fruits including a bowl of dates. In addition there is a block of cheese and some plates and knives. "There you go." <Kevil> My thanks, Lady Michelle. ::Kevil cuts a thick slice of cheese and tops it with a small pile of fruit, then puts the plate in front of Diya before turning back to fix himself a slightly less-heaped plate.:: <Goody Bea> Ah! You hunt with a bird? That must be a glory to watch... ah! Thank you, mistress. ::peers into the bowl with interest:: They're awfully dark... is one supposed to peel them, or...? ::she pats herself a moment, withdrawing a dainty but sharp-looking pearl-handled knife from somewhere:: * Diya raises an eyebrow. "Diya is grateful." <Kevil> No, Lady. One eats them whole. ::he picks up a date and bites it in half, demonstrating:: Though of course, if you are cooking with them, there are a number of ways to cut them. <Diya> Heartwing's mother makes wonderful cookies with dates... <Kevil> ::to Diya:: One meal - especially hunting - is not sufficient, n'shava. Loria will be vexed with me, indeed, if I allow you to neglect yourself. ::a ghost of a smile crosses his face:: She staves of her own worries about the child and herself by focusing on us, d'va? <Goody Bea> Ah, I see. And a long pit in the middle... like a Sembian prune, then. ::picks one up and bites into it carefully, chewing, her eyes thoughtfully on the ceiling:: * Diya has some cheese and dates and crosses his eyes at Kevil. "Diya did not always live with his circle. Or his mother. And Diya has *yet* to starve to death." <Goody Bea> ::smiling a bit:: Sounds as though you lads should start neglecting yourselves most horribly, then, so she can take you in hand, eh? <Kevil> Ah, but then she might insist on getting up out of bed, which I am assured she must not do. Best to only neglect ourselves enough to allow her to scold us for it, and then contritely obey her commands. <Kevil> ::to Diya:: Far be it from me that I might dictate survival skills to a Master Ranger. ::He rounds his eyes at Diya, which looks quite ridiculous:: It is not *your* health I protect here, but my own. Do you think *Loria* would pause to consider such niceties if she thought you had gone hungry, and I done naught to prevent it? <Goody Bea> ::a small smile as she looks back and forth between the two men, enjoying her little bowl of dates:: Somehow I've some difficulty picturing *either* of you two boys as contrite. <Diya> ::throws up his hands:: Diya gives up! Both Diya's spouses are conspiring to make Diya *fat*! ::he does, however, continue to eat dates and cheese between exclamations:: * Goody Bea looks from Diya's admirable, toned physique to her own dumpy little body, covers her mouth with her hand, and giggles. <Kevil> ::snorts and eats another date, himself:: Your life is full of hardship, n'shava. I will compose for you a lament this very night. <Diya> ::sourly:: Diya does not doubt it... ::he maintains the face for a while before laughing aloud:: * Michelle giggles, "Oh, you'll have to perform it publicly some time." <Kevil> ::smiles at Diya's mirth, then finishes his drink:: I may be forced to concede to you on this other matter, however... I do feel somewhat better. <Diya> Diya was hoping heartwing would... Diya does not have so many good ideas, though. Diya hopes heartwing will not count on them. <Goody Bea> ::finishing her bowl of dates, having a few more sips of meade, and burping:: Oh! Excuse me. These *are* quite good. A recipe for cookies, you said? I'd be much obliged if you could ask her for it... hm. I shall have to find a source. ::winks:: <Kevil> ::nods:: I will be certain to ask, when next we visit. <Kevil> ::looks back at Diya:: I fear I have every intention of counting upon you in the coming months and years, n'shava. Such are the trials of marriage, d'va? ::he touches Diya's face briefly, his heart in his eyes:: * Goody Bea watches with interest, taking another sip of meade. * Diya smiles at his husband. "Diya knows. Diya is just not so clever as heartwing and Oriole." <Kevil> ::laughs:: Clever enough, sunshine. Clever enough... * Michelle grins, "You caught both of them after all." <Goody Bea> ::murmurs into her mug:: They were running? <Diya> ::snickers:: Heartwing, perhaps not. Oriole, on the other hand... <Kevil> ::grins:: No, I was merely blind and deaf. And Loria was not precisely running from *you*... <Goody Bea> ::fond smile as she sips her meade, head going back and forth between them as if she were watching a tennis match:: Ah... to be young and in love... <Kevil> ::smiles slyly at the Goody:: I have it on excellent authority, Lady, that there is a good deal of satisfaction to be had in being elderly and in love. <Diya> ::finishes off his juice:: Speaking, however, of love, Diya thinks Oriole's mother will have probably put the broom down by now. <Goody Bea> Pish-tosh! ::smiling:: And whose authority would you be going on, then? <Kevil> My mothers', good lady. ::he stands and bows to her, then nods to Diya:: Yes, if only because Aylin will have appeared to demand a glass of water by now. <Diya> ::pulls out a few silver coins from his pocket:: Diya's thanks. ::he bows to michelle:: * Michelle grins, "Ah, so you've got the little ones running interference for you." * Michelle smiles and curtsies to Diya, "Goodnight Diya." <Goody Bea> Whsht! Put those back, young man. If there's medicine to be dispensing, I'll be paying for it. <Goody Bea> ::fishing coins out of her own purse and waving Diya's coins back at him:: <Diya> ::bows very low to Goody Bea:: Diya is all gratitude. * Kevil places two gold coins on the counter. "For the fruit and cheese, if not the... medicine." He winks at Goody Bea. "Thank you, Lady Michelle, for your hospitality. It was, as always, fresh air and sweet rain. Shall we, n'shava?" <Goody Bea> ::blushing faintly at his courtesy:: Aye, well... just go home and take good care of that wife and husband of yours, and that will be thanks enough. ::smiles:: Though I wouldn't mind a bow or two like that, on occasion. <Diya> ::takes Kevil's arm in his and leaves the hall:: * Michelle smiles and sweeps the coins into the lock box, "I like Diya. It's hard to be upset around him." <Goody Bea> Ahhh, now there goes a pair... ::finishes her mug of meade:: I'd best be toddling along as well, dearie. I thank you. *And* for the dates. ::winks, flipping another gold coin toward's the open box:: * Michelle grins and begins shooing the dishes into the kitchen while loading her tray back up. * Goody Bea wraps her shawl a little more closely around her and shuffles back out, humming a nursery song under her breath. * Michelle dims the lamps and locks the door behind her. |
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