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* Adam unlocks the door and announces, "Hall's Open!" * Adam returns behind the bar and fills a mug for himself. * Lisl wanders in. "Oh, hello, Adam. You've not seen Mother of late, have you?" * Missa pushes through the door and looks around quickly, as if uncertain she's come to the right place. She is a plain woman in her 30s with dark skin, a long braid of black hair, and eyes the color of coffee beans. * Adam takes a drink, "Lady Aldis, not a hair. Can I get you anything?" * Adam turns to the stranger, "Welcome to the Meade Hall. My name's Adam and I'm the barkeep this evening. Can I get you anything miss?" <Missa> ::Her eyes lighten with a smile as she spots Lisl, and she comes further into the room to offer a bow and greet her in liquid Alani.:: Huntress! Kevil said you might be here! <Lisl> Sure. It's been too long since my last mug of 'ki-- ::turns to look at the newcomer and blinks:: --on second thought, Adam, best make that a Sembian brandy. * Adam looks to see Lisl's reaction. * Jaret strolls in from the street (alley) bedecked in summer finery -- a cream jacket with green in the slashes of the sleeves, dark breeches, and high boots. He takes off his hat as he enters, and rests it on a peg on the wall. "Good evening, everyone. I hope you're all well." He concludes with a grin and a bow before advancing on the bar. * Adam pulls a snifter from underneath the bar, "Can I get anything for your friend?" * Candra walks in, three very tiny pseudodragons clinging to her cloak and squabbling amongst themselves for the choicest perches. "Oh. Drat. I was hoping Master Rhys was in. Ah well, I shall just have to entertain myself, I suppose." <Lisl> ::switching to her own rather bad Alani, returning the bow with an elvish one:: Missa? What are you doing here? * Adam fills the snifter and sets in on the bar, "There you go Lisl." Turning to Jaret and Candra. "Good evening to the two of you. The usual Jaret? I'm afraid I don't know your name or what you drink miss, but I'll be happy to get it for you. My name's Adam." * Missa gives Adam a shallow bow, and touches a small charm at her throat. She speaks quiet Alani, but the translation issues from the charm only a beat later. "Good evening, sir. I would like some wine, plea-" She breaks off to stare at Candra's pseudodragons. <Jaret> Candra! So delightful to see you. Looking for entertainment with Master Altain? An unusual choice. I've always found him to be somewhat... stiff. <Jaret> Yes, Adam, please, some Arabellan Red. <Candra> ::looks over at Jaret with a not-entirely-not-pleased smile:: Ah. Malkier. You're alive. Pardon me while I decide whether to be disappointed or ecstatic. I was thinking it would the ultimate irony if you'd managed to get yourself killed before I gave you my news. * Adam gets out two glasses and uncorks one of the dustier bottles of Jaret's favorite. * Adam pours the two glasses then moves them within easy reach of Jaret and Missa. <Lisl> Er. ::Looking from Missa to Candra's dragons and back, and moving hesitantly back to Common:: Does that charm... work both ways? <Jaret> I suppose you're capable of taking as much time as you wish. Although if it's allowed, you can count me in as a vote for ecstatic. <Missa> ::smiles widely at Lisl, still using her charm to translate:: Are you terribly dismayed to see me? Kevil and Loria and Diya invited me to come and visit, and I couldn't say no! ::she nods quickly:: This device allows me to understand others, though I have to activate it to have my own words translated. <Candra> ::gives Jaret a rather sweet smile:: Well, I suppose I can manage something along the lines of 'it's good to see you, because you're going to make me very, very wealthy.' You are, aren't you? <Lisl> I-- er, no, of course not. Is-- ::glances at the door:: are they with you, then? <Missa> ::shakes her head:: Not tonight. I only just arrived a few days ago. <Jaret> All depends on how many 'verys' there are, and what allotment is assigned to each one. I am but a swordsman at large, a gentleman in a foreign country. ::a corner of his mouth twitches slightly <Lisl> Oh. ::a little faintly:: Well enough. ::reaches for her brandy and, unthinkingly, knocks it back in a long swallow:: * Missa laughs and picks up her wine. She sips, and looks around the room (and its occupants) appraisingly. * Candra puts her hands together and dances around in a little circle, sending the dragonettes to complaining loudly. "I fixed it. I did! Perfectly fixed... absolutely, exactly what you wanted." <Missa> ::grins at Candra's impromptu dance, though she still seems a bit wary of the miniature dragons:: Who's that? <Jaret> You fixed... it? The heart and the temperature and the sleeping? * Adam begins polishing a mug as he studies Lisl and Missa so as not to study Jaret and Candra. <Lisl> That's Candra. She's a mage. Last I saw her, she had *a* pseudodragon for a pet. I'd guess that either it mated, or she pulled a Zoya. <Candra> Indeed... there's only one small drawback, but I think... well, all things considered... ::frowns:: It wears off. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, because you can just go ahead and die, when you're ready, but it does mean that I have to make a sort of... booster potion. <Missa> ::blinks at Lisl:: Pulled a... Zoya? As in, Chained Mage Notovna? Does she often summon miniature dragons? <Jaret> Wears off? Over how long, do you think? Adam, please, some wine for the lady. * Adam pours another glass of Arabellan and sets it down for Candra. <Candra> Well, I don't know for certain. I haven't had adequate time for testing, obviously, but my initial results indicate that you'd need a booster once... perhaps every ten years. But it won't be as hard to make as the initial inoculation. <Lisl> Er... yes. Chained Mage Natovna. ::mentally cudgels herself:: And no, not that I know of, although there were those chickens, once... I meant, Z- er, the Chained Mage often has... odd side effects to her spells. <Lisl> Adam, I think I'll have that 'kick after all. <Missa> Oh. Yes. ::nods in understanding:: That's why they have to *be* Chained, after all. Kevil said it was different here, but... ::she eyes the miniature dragons:: Do *all* mages have this problem, here? Or is she... Unchained? <Jaret> Every ten years. Well. I had best lay in a stock, or find some way to make sure I don't lose track of you. ::he grins:: You've researched and developed a way to be kept on a retainer, it seems. <Lisl> Um, actually... magic's a little different, here. Most mages *aren't* chained. I was mostly joking about their being a side-effect. <Missa> The Chained are very rare, at home, too. I- ::she laughs and shakes her head:: Never mind. Who's that she's talking to? * Adam carefully fills a stone mug with Lisl's oily favorite and gently sets it on the bar, "There you go Lisl." <Candra> ::sticks her tongue out at him:: Well, it wasn't deliberate. And I'll keep working on it. But... it works. And thanks to you, I've fixed my own problem. Which makes me quite happy. So... and you'll probably never hear this again, so pay attention: Thanks. <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: No, I was joking. I'm pretty sure Candra's not a wild mage. Magic in general's pretty common here, and I'm not sure it's the same as it is back home by you. ::nods to Jaret:: The gentleman she's talking to is Master Jaret Malkier, swordsman extraordinaire. I'll introduce you when they're done with their business. He's a good friend. You'll probably get along famously. * Jaret bows to Candra. "You're welcome, and deserve the lion's share of the credit, and all that comes to you, as you worked out the 'problem'." <Missa> A swordsman? ::her eyes twinkle:: Good with a weapon, is he? * Candra picks up her glass of wine and takes a drink. "I put a bit of a dent in your stock while you were gone... Master Rhys was very happy to oblige me." <Lisl> Aye. ::dryly:: And he can fight well, too. ::picks up her mug with a nod of thanks to Adam and sips it:: <Missa> ::laughs:: How delightful. <Jaret> When the stock runs low, it's an excuse to travel to Arabel, visit the vineyards, and possibly have some fun on the way. Drink all you like. <Lisl> ::mutters to herself:: He's going to thank me, or he's going to kill me. ::takes another swallow of 'kick:: <Candra> ::takes another sip:: Thank you, I will. ::gestures to Lisl and Missa:: But I think you have some others interested in your undivided and gloriously mannerly attention. * Missa notices Candra's gesture, and eyes her again, bowing as their eyes meet briefly. * Lisl closes her eyes for a moment, and has another swallow of 'kick. <Jaret> Should you decide that you wish more of my company, dearest Candra, you will of course know where to find me. ::he bows, kisses her hand, and strolls toward Lisl and Missa, wine goblet in hand:: Good evening, Lisl. Did I hear my name mentioned earlier, by any chance? <Lisl> ::grins:: Your ears may be smaller than last week, but they remain keen. Allow me to introduce you to Herdmaster Missa Misalin, late of Alanis, Kevil's home. She's visiting with the Talarins for-- ::glances at Missa:: --awhile? <Missa> ::bows to Jaret:: An indefinite stay. A few months, at least, perhaps more if I enjoy it here... ::she smiles at Jaret:: I certainly approve of the scenery. * Candra snorts, then looks over at Adam. "Pardon me? I don't believe I caught your name? Could I get some... buttered toast? Or oatmeal or something? For the babies?" She pulls one hatchling off her cloak and deposits it on the bar. <Jaret> Social necessity has forced me to be ever vigilant for the occurrence of my name in nearby conversation, and whenever it's not too impolite, I do so enjoy becoming personally involved in the conversation once I've been brought up. Herdmaster Misalin, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, and welcome to Marsember. <Lisl> There you are, then. Missa, Lord Malkier. ::she takes another swallow of 'kick and takes a half-step back, cruelly abandoning Jaret to his fate as she turns to Candra:: Hatchlings? Then you didn't have a minor lab accident? <Jaret> ::he lifts and kisses Missa's hand:: There are many delights in Marsember, only some of which are immediately evident on arrival to the city. Have you been here long? <Candra> ::frowns:: Well, unless you consider the fact that I still haven't figured out *where* the reproductive organs are on a set of adult pseudodragons so I can remove them 'an accident,' then no. <Missa> ::with a wider smile:: The pleasure is mine, Mas- ::she glances at Lisl and corrects herself quickly:: Lord Malkier. I've only been here a few days, I fear, but I hope to see all of Marsember's best sights during my visit. <Lisl> So you're stuck with the hatchlings. Well, I understand they're popular with mages, at least. <Jaret> Should you wish for an escort, or a guide, I would be happy to help, should the Master Bard and his household be too busy caring for their bounty of children to show you around. <Candra> ::offers Lisl a handful of scales and wings and tongue:: Want one? <Lisl> ::regards the handful a bit dubiously, and holds out her hand:: Why not? I owe Mother a Naming Day gift soon enough, anyway. ::grins a little:: * Adam disappears into the kitchen for a moment and returns with some warm toast and a crock of butter. * Candra deposits the scaly thing into Lisl's hand. "Thanks. They don't eat much at this stage, just bready stuff. Toast, porridge... buns. It'll let you know when it's ready to move onto meat. Like, when it starts snitching off your plate. I think that one's a girl." <Missa> I may accept your offer in any case, my lord. After all, I am sure there are sights you can show me that my hosts cannot. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: How can you tell, if you don't know where their reproductive organs are? Adam, it looks like I'll be needing a plate of that myself, if you could? <Adam> Not at all Lisl. ::disappears into the kitchen once more:: <Candra> See this knobby bit, behind the ears, here? ::she indicates a spot on one of the other dragons:: No knob, no horns. No horns, no... ahem. Male genitalia. * Adam returns with a loaf of lightly toasted bread and a stack of plates. "Everyone help yourselves." <Candra> ::the hatchlings are not hesitant about putting themselves forward and Candra snatches up some bread to put aside for other human types before surrendering the main platter to three ravenous hatchlings:: <Lisl> No knob, so no knob. Got it. ::moves her arm to study the back of the little pseudodragon's head, and winces as the claws dig in so the little one can dive off her perch for the food:: Ow. Female. Right. * Lisl rubs her arm and rolls her sleeve down over the scratches as she takes another swallow of 'kick. * Candra laughs. "Crude, but aptly put." <Lisl> ::grins:: What good is it being an unmannerly berzerker if you don't get the chance to be crude every so often? <Candra> ::slyly:: I thought the idea was to be not-crude every so often? <Lisl> ::snorts:: Have you been talking to my mother? <Candra> I don't think so... but I've had the... colorful experience of adventuring with berzerkers from time to time. <Adam> ::chuckle:: Perhaps Candra simply knows that your mother rewards all those who help her conspire to make a proper lady out of you. <Lisl> ::snorts:: It's only colorful when you get splattered. I'm not *generally* quite that bad. <Jaret> I am a longer resident of the city, and I may indeed know about places and activities that they might not. How have you been spending your time, lately? <Candra> Do you splat artistically, then? ::smiles:: It's been quite some time since I had a tolerable adventuring partner. Although I suppose I'll have to accompany Malkier on some of these little hunting expeditions. Which just goes to prove my point. <Lisl> I do my best not to splatter too much at all, these days. I'm mostly retired, after all. What hunting expeditions? You mean the albino dragon skull, and the like? <Candra> ::nods:: That's... going to be the hard bit to find. The rest of it is... well, not mundane, admittedly, but at least I can point to a map and say "go fetch". <Missa> Well, Loria took me to a concert last night. And Kevil took me to a play. We've walked all over the city - I've seen the river, and the fort, and the palace... Diya's promised to take me hunting, but he didn't say when... Do you care for riding, my lord? * Lisl twitches, and takes another swallow of 'kick. <Lisl> Where'd you find yours? <Candra> ::finishes off her wine:: With a flight of white dragons, very far north. I knew it was faking it when it breathed lightning all over everything. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: Faking it? ::frowns in thought:: Lightning... a blue, then? <Candra> ::nods:: I discovered later that it also had the characteristic red-pink eyes, but honestly, how often do you really want to get that close to a live dragon? <Jaret> I am a passable horseman. My father was in the cavalry, and trained me in it, but most often when I find myself on horseback, it's not for leisure purposes, but speedy travel. And you, lady? * Lisl mutters something under her breath. <Missa> ::laughs:: I'm a Herdmaster. I practically live on horseback - or do, when I'm home, anyhow. <Candra> ::peers into the empty bottom of her glass:: Oh... dear me. I seem to have broken this cup of wine. ::tips it up:: Look. No more wine comes out. ::hands the glass to Adam:: Could you fix it, please? * Lisl quirks a grin and shakes her head. * Adam smiles and refills Candra's glass. "I think that should solve it, but let me know if it springs another leak." <Lisl> Careful, you'll give the mugs a complex. ::eyes her own mug:: No getting ideas, you. <Jaret> Ah, herds of horses! I'm afraid that Marsember not renowned for the local equine stock; it's more of a sailing city at heart. Still, if you'd like, we could go out riding, and you could get an idea of the city's surroundings. <Candra> ::eyes Lisl:: Retired? Really? You look right about perfect. Ah well. Guess Malkier will just have to find someone else. But I had gotten the impression you were a good friend. <Missa> ::smiling wide:: That would be wonderful! Should I acquire a horse, then? <Lisl> ::raises her eyebrows:: Perfect for what? <Candra> For assisting, of course... dragon-hunting, troll stalking, rare gem stealing. You know... fun stuff. <Lisl> Ah. Well, he'll probably manage to talk me into it. ::glances over her shoulder:: Or I'll talk him into it. I'm only *mostly* retired, after all. ::mutters:: And it gives me an excuse to go after dragons that even Zoya can't kick at.... * Adam smiles and shakes his head, "Just don't let Temire get wind of what you're up to or else you won't be able to keep her from following you." * Lisl eyes Adam. "I don't know about that. I'm a pretty good hand with knots, and I'm fairly sure I could track down Michelle or Yohko in the time it took her to untie them." <Candra> ::raises an eyebrow:: What's a Temire? <Jaret> We could begin the day by visiting a local hostler, and seeing what we could get for a day's ride. There's not much call to have a horse at hand all the time, in the city. Although if you want one locally, I suppose you could use the opportunity to put the animal through its paces. <Lisl> Who. Temire's an adventurer with far too little experience to be taking on the sorts of shopping trips you're probably planning for Jaret. <Missa> That's a splendid idea, my lord. I take it you're acquainted with Kevil and the rest of them? <Jaret> You are correct, my lady. Although I haven't been by in a while. <Candra> ::shrugs one shoulder:: There's no better way to learn... besides, I like having lots of spare people around, when things get dicey. <Lisl> ::snorts:: Michelle would kill me if I allowed someone to feed her ward to a dragon. <Candra> ::faintly hurt:: Dragons need to eat, too. * Adam chuckles, "Too little experience, and too much recklessness. Jaret and Lisl were something of role models for her, despite not having the skill to back up the kind of stunts they pull." <Missa> Well, then, why don't you pick me up there and- ::she glances quickly over her shoulder at Candra, blinks, and looks back at Jaret:: Did she just suggest feeding someone to a dragon? Or did my charm mis-translate? <Lisl> Hey, she did *not* learn feeding herself to a dragon from-- ::pauses and takes another swallow of 'kick:: ...well, it's a bad idea, anyway. * Adam gives a booming laugh, "Why do you think we teleported out to the dragon? Though I'm just as glad I didn't have to face it... What, three times?" <Lisl> Zoya said the first one wasn't actually a dragon. Just a really damn good illusion. <Jaret> ::leaning to look at Lisl:: Hmm? Oh, no. Certainly not. I think they're talking about a friend of ours with a propensity for... action out of bounds with ability. Not deliberately, of course. <Candra> ::claps her hands together:: Oh, experienced dragon-hunters? Even better. This might be downright easy. Relatively speaking, of course. <Lisl> Well... ::sourly:: Experienced at being bloody stupid, anyway. <Missa> Oh. ::she smiles faintly and touches the charm:: It seems to have some trouble with a few phrases. Local sayings, I think mostly. I was hoping that was another. <Lisl> ::takes another swallow of 'kick:: Tho' I *still* say that attempting to disbelieve a dragon would have been foolish even for me. * Adam waves a hand, "I wouldn't call myself an experienced dragon hunter. All I do is stand there and get hit a lot. Lisl or Jaret would be much better choices." <Candra> ::notes that the hatchlings are all sleeping around the bread crumbs:: Well, I've got some fruit cake, so we'll just throw that at the dragon. If the dragon's unwounded, it's a fake. <Lisl> ::snorts:: Is it Blessed Fruitcake? * Jaret finishes off his wine. "Well, with time, you'll become familiar enough with the language you won't need it, perhaps. Kevil is a native speaker, mostly, except for a few remaining affectations. I shall come by for you tomorrow, mid-morning, then?" <Missa> ::laughs:: Oh, don't compare me to *Kevil*, my lord. I've never met anyone who learns a language faster! ::she smiles:: Mid-morning would be perfect. Perhaps I'll raid the kitchen and bring along a lunch for us? <Candra> As old as it is? Perhaps... ::finishes off the second glass of wine:: But I should get these egglings back home. Here's yours. Hopefully I can find homes for them before they get attached. Or I get attached. Or something. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: They get attached? How fast? <Jaret> Lunch would be lovely. * Adam begins shooing dishes towards the kitchen, "Can I get anyone anything for the road?" <Candra> About a week. Or so. They hatched day before yesterday, so if she's a gift, you have a few more days. <Missa> Perfect. I'll look forward to seeing you tomorrow morning, then, Lord Malkier! ::she finishes her wine, and bows to Lisl:: Huntress, I hope to see you again soon. Shall I give you greetings to the others? <Lisl> ::nods:: Well, hopefully Mother hasn't packed herself off quite yet, or I'm in for a bit of a jog. My thanks, Candra. ::downs the last of her 'kick, and picks up the hatchling to place it carefully on her shoulder:: * Candra puts the other two hatchlings into the hood of her cloak. "Thank you for the toast. And the wine. It's on Malkier's tab." <Lisl> ::bows in return to Missa:: Please do. And tell Master Diya that I still owe him a hunting trip. <Missa> I will. ::she smiles and waves to Candra and Adam, then bounces out:: <Jaret> As the lady says, naturally... ::he fishes in his belt pouch and leaves a pile of silver pieces on the bar:: Best wishes for the evening for you, Adam. <Adam> And to you Jaret. * Candra smiles. "This... is going to be just lovely. Goodnight, Lisl. Goodnight, Malkier. I think I'll go find another bar for a good gloat or two." <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: Maybe I should ask for a flask of the 'kick... no, I'll be fine. ::drops a silver on the bar:: Time to go find Mother. ::watches Candra leave:: I can't decide if that bodes good or ill. <Jaret> I'd ask her if she wanted company, but I think I know the answer... good night, everyone. Pleasant journeys. * Adam watches Candra leave curiously. "Don't look at me." <Lisl> Goodnight, Jaret. Evening, Adam. ::puts a hand up to balance the little pseudodragon, and follows Jaret out:: * Jaret bows, picks his hat up off the peg, and dons it as he departs. * Adam finishes cleaning up and locks the door behind him as he leaves. |
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