Beware Vintner's Bearing Gifts

Writers: Anika, Paula
Date Posted: 2nd March 2015

Characters: Zelanka, Gautrek
Description: Gautrek seeks out Zelanka to ask about the wine tasting.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 11, day 16 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Rethisa, Zathris

Gautrek

With a crisp knock on the office door, Gautrek hoped he would find the
Headwoman in, as he knew how busy she was. He ran his right hand
through his wet hair while his left held tightly to a wine bottle.
The morning had started with a a cool rain, and he wished he'd taken
time for a second cup of klah, but he'd wanted to arrive at the Hold
early.

"Please, do come in," Zelanka replied. Whoever it was, had lucked out.
She had been just about to leave her office to circulate the hold.

Gautrek entered with a broad smile for the rather graceful and winsome
middle-aged woman. "Good day, ma'am. I'm Journeyman Gautrek and I
was hoping to discuss a wine-tasting event here at the Hold."

"Pleased to meet you, Gautrek. I'm Zelanka. What can I do for you?"
Zelanka's blue eyes twinkled with curiosity. It was very rare from
someone from the Hall to seek her out.

"First of all I've brought you a gift from the Hall," he offered up
the wine. "If it's not something you would enjoy yourself, I'm sure
you will be able to find someone who will. Secondly, beware a vintner
bearing gifts, he always has ulterior motives. Lady Rethisa and I have
been talking about the potential of a spring wine-tasting in one of
the gardens here at Amber Hills Hold. She spoke to Lord Zathris and he
thought the idea held merit. Logistically, we wanted to talk to you
before we went any further. We were thinking of a smaller gathering
for some of the Lords, Ladies, and crafters to highlight the new
releases from the Hall prior to turnover."

"Thank you, gifts are always appreciated," Zelanka accepted the bottle
gracefully.

"That sounds something like this hold would need. Something to cheer
us after the winter and all the...difficulties. Something to take our
minds off from everyday toiling," she smiled to show dimples, making
it apparent why the late Lord Holder had fallen for her.

"I'm very glad that you think so. Lady Rethisa is putting together a
guest list and the Hall will of course be providing the wine as well
as some nice cheeses. I wanted to talk with you about furniture as
well as additional refreshment."

"I'm happy to help anyway I can," Zelanka said. She took out a clean
hide and pen for notes. "So, what exactly are you needed?" She was all
business now.

"This is to be a garden event, so tables and chairs that will fair
well outside. Since Lady Rethisa is handling the guest list, we can
speak to her about number of people expected. We'll need a main table
for the wines and then others for people's comfort. We are not
planning on a full meal but thought to offer cheeses, breads, and
possibly some others small tidbits," his brow furrowed in thought
trying to decide what would be best.

"Fruits? Small pastries? Selection of cookies?" Zelanka suggested
while making notes. "Will there be other drinks beside wines?"

"Oh, yes, splendid ideas. We will certainly need water both to
cleanse the pallet and for those than benefit from a bit of water
in-between tastings to keep their wits about them. Juice might be
nice as well, there may be some that don't care for more than the
barest of tastes." He was thinking of the Lady Holder in particular,
though he had no idea whether or not Benani would be up to such an
event by next month. "We were thinking the last sevenday in month
twelve, possibly day 23."

"All right. Will there be children present or adults only? Children
usually require bit different selection on a menu," Zelanka asked.

"No, this will be an adult event, I think. Little ones would probably
just get bored. I can't begin to imagine my youngest at such a
function." Gautrek shuddered at the thought of Geiran somehow managing
to tip over a table of wine, then had to smile as he realized he'd
referred to his nephew as _his youngest_.

"Yes, that makes sense," Zelanka said. "Anything else?"

"Not that I can think of at this moment. I plan on speaking with
Tevarn as I think it would nice to have a Harper play. I'm not sure
if he'll care to but he might know of someone if not."

"I can ask around too. Besides the harpers, we also have hold folk who
can sing and play," Zelanka said. "They may not be as good as Hall
trained harpers but their love for music compensates for their lack
skills."

"Excellent! I thank you for your help, Zelanka." Please let me know
if you need anything from the Hall and I'll be in touch."

"You're very welcome. This should get me started," Zelanka replied and
glanced her list. She already had a good picture of what would be
needed.

Last updated on the March 16th 2015

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Beware Vintner's Bearing Gifts