Wonderful News

Writers: Anika
Date Posted: 3rd January 2015

Characters: Gautrek, Geirlene
Description: Gautrek shares some good news with his niece.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 10, day 19 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Rayan (not by name)

Gautrek

Gautrek entered the cozy cot, surprised to see the lamp burning in the
sitting area.

"How did it go?" Geirlene asked expectantly, setting aside her embroidery.

"Oh, my dear, you needn't have waited up for me," the vintner replied,
taking off his coat and hanging it up.

"Of course I did," the girl answered. "I know how important this was to you."

A boyish grin appeared on his face and he picked up his niece and
twirled her around, his blue eyes filled with glee. "It went very
well indeed! Even the most conservative and traditional skeptics were
won over."

Geirlene giggled, "Oh that's wonderful, Uncle!"

"The masters voted to start using the process of malolactic
fermentation for certain white varietals and the wine will carry its
own label and title to distinguish it from the rest. Of course many
will still prefer the more traditional crisp, tart white, as they
should. Nothing better for a hot summer's day, but you mark my words,
Geirlene, this is going to become a favorite with those who prefer a
dry white, but want more depth of flavor."

"I'm sure it will! I'm so proud. Maybe they'll name the wine for
you," she said excitedly as she reclaimed her seat.

Gautrek laughed heartily sitting down as well, and realizing how
physically tired he was as he did so. "I seriously doubt that and
don't know if I'd really favor the idea, but I am certainly pleased.
This should lend very good credibility to my bid for enhancing the
masceration process in reds. Of course the Hallmaster already gave me
the go ahead on that project after the next harvest."

"I think this return to the Hall has been very good for you," she said
to her uncle with a knowing smile.

"I just hope it won't prove detrimental to you children," he replied
thinking of Geiran.

"Nonsense! I have quite enjoyed the adventure and Geirolf has made
several friends already. Geiran would have struggled regardless of
our location, I think. He's done much better since your talk with him
and has not even balked at the extra chores."

"I hope you're right." Gautek was still worried. He knew so little
about parenting, though he did know that his nephew was most likely
acting out because of the loss of his parents. Had Gautrek's father
received such a report when he was a child, Gautrek would have
undoubtedly found sitting unpleasant come mealtime, but the vintner
didn't have the heart to discipline the boy in such a manner when he
knew Geiran was probably hurting tremendously inside. Fretting was
not likely going to help the matter, however, so it was best to focus
on more positive things.

"Now, for a most important question. What do you wish to do for your
sixteenth birthingday?"

"You wouldn't let us do anything for your birthingday this month,"
Geirlene huffed still just a little annoyed.

"How can you say that? You cooked me that lovely dinner and I've
honestly never tasted such a delectable cake."

With a roll of her eyes the teenager let it go, knowing her uncle
wouldn't see it her way. "I honestly don't know what to tell you, so
I suppose you will have to surprise me."

"Hmmm...you are going to make it hard on me, are you?"

The girl's only response was to smile, her green eyes full of mirth.

"You are every bit the rascal your brothers are, you just hide it better."

"Speaking of my brothers, they'll be up early wanting breakfast," she
said with a yawn. "I need to go to bed."

"Sleep well, my dear," he replied as he watched her collect her
sewing. She was such a help with everything and as sweet a charge as
anyone could hope for. He was really going to have to give careful
thought to her birthingday.

Last updated on the January 7th 2015

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