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Writers: AL, Anika
Date Posted: 1st March 2015

Characters: Zathris, Gautrek
Description: Gautrek conducts a private wine-tasting for Zathris and the two become acquainted.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 11, day 18 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Rethisa, Benani

Zathris

Gautrek

"Lord Zathris, Journeyman Gautrek, at your service," the vintner said
with a bow. He had been afforded the use of one of the setting rooms
for his presentation and had taken pains to make sure everything was
just right. A small table was set with just two place settings and
another off to the side was covered with a sheer cloth. "It is an
honor for me to present you with some the new releases from the Hall."

"I always did enjoy this part of being so close to the Hall." Zathris
grinned broadly as he sat, then leaned back in the chair that had been
offered to him. "I'm sure those at the Tavern will attest to how much
I enjoy your offerings." Although his presence hadn't been as
frequent since Benani's kidnapping.

"I am very glad to hear that," Gautrek chuckled. "Now, wine is of
course_always_ good, but I've found that when it's paired with the
right foods, it can become truly exceptional." The vintner removed the
cloth from second table. He poured a half glass of a white wine into
both glasses and offered one to the Lord Holder. He then placed a
small plate with a piece of fish topped with an herbed white sauce
before the man. It was not a full portion, more of an aperitif, but
Gautrek knew the combination to be a good one. "One of our newest
whites, something never offered by the Hall before."

"Of course." Zathris agreed. Ale was much the same way, but Zathris
enjoyed brews of all sorts - wine and otherwise. He accepted the
class and let it pass beneath his nose, inhaling the aroma before
studying the tantalizing tidbit placed before him. "Interesting. Tell
me about this vintage." He allowed himself to enjoy its fragrance a
moment more before he cut the sample of fish in half.

"This is was grown locally and harvested just two turns ago. That
summer produced some very nice grapes, sweet and succulent. As you
sample the aroma you might catch the scent of red fruit as well as
some of the more tropical fruit varieties laced with delicate floral
notes. This isn't a sweet wine, however, though I think you will
notice some immediate fruit forward taste. What is unique about this
wine is the rich creaminess that follows the stone fruit flavors, with
just a hint of toasted nut on the finish."

"And this is why I will never be able to consider becoming Vintner."
Zathris chuckled softly as he finished the piece of fish and sipped at
the wine. It was a great pairing indeed. "I could ever articulate a
wine in such a poetic manner as that."

Gautrek laughed heartily. "Well, it's often times made fun because
really it all comes down to whether you like it or you don't. The
nuances, well, they can certainly be fun, especially for those in the
craft, but ultimately the question is, 'Is this a wine you would buy.'
Not every wine is for every person. Part of my role is to help
figure out the wine best suited to you and yours."

"Well this one is certainly palatable." As if to support his opinion,
Zathris took another sip. "Did you work on this wine yourself?"

"Not precisely. I helped to develop the process that makes it unique
and consulted with those at the Hall who were working with this
particular vintage, but I was not at the Hall when this was made. I
just recently returned to the Hall, you see." Gautek picked up the
glass he'd poured for himself and brought it to his lips, savoring the
flavor. "I actually tend to prefer reds, but I as a vintner, I of
course appreciate a wide variety of wines."

"I think you and I have similar tastes, and a similar ability to
appreciate." Zathris grinned and set down his cup. "Do you have any
other suggestions for wine?"

With a chuckle, Gautrek replied with a nod, "Of course, and I've
brought just a couple more with me. At the wine tasting that Lady
Rethisa is helping me to arrange, there will be more and I will be
sure and let you know exactly which ones you might like the best.
This is just a sneak preview, if you will. My favorite is this red,"
The vintner's voice echoed with the obvious passion and joy that he
held for his craft as he picked up the next bottle and poured the wine
into a new glass. He also put a small plate with a bit of pastry
covered bovine tenderloin in front of the Lord Holder. "This has been
aging since the first turn the Hall moved here to Amber Hills and
although it could certainly use some more time aging I think it's
excellent even as is. It has a lovely supple and elegant flavor with
ripe berry and a nuance of dark klah balanced with a toasty oak. One
of our most exciting vintages in turns I think."

"Very nice." Zathris enjoyed ale a great deal as well as wine - which
gave him an idea. "Perhaps we should have an 'ale tasting' at some
point as well." He grinned. "What do you think of that?"

"That is an excellent idea! Perhaps mid to late summer. An ale can
taste quite good on a hot summer day."

"That indeed. Thank you for doing this, Gautrek. Perhaps we can
coordinate with the Hall to do something more widespread for the
Hold?" Although the Hall was very close to the Hold, that didn't mean
that residents knew about all that it offered.

"A very good idea," Gautrek's voice rippled with enthusiasm. "Of
course many clear summer days are reason to raise the gather flag, but
beyond that, something a bit more along the lines of a festival where
the Hall can highlight what we have to offer. Would be good for
commerce as well as Hold/Hall relations." Gautrek laughed and took a
sip of the wine he'd poured for himself. "As well as some fun or
everyone. Particularly during a Pass, I think it's important to
remember that we toil so that we might enjoy a better life."

Zathris' turned the glass upon its stem between his forefinger and
thumb. "We haven't done a Gather, but with everything going on with
Benani, it wasn't something on anyone's mind, really. However, there's
no reason we could do something smaller, maybe invite the Weyr
leadership."

"True enough. Your sister is handling the guest list for the
wine-tasting for next month. I don't know if she had planned on
inviting the Weyrleadership for that or not, but she seems to have a
skill for such event planning. I'm certain she could help us put
together just the right thing for a similar event, more widespread for
the Hold but also, not so large as to become daunting. Of course I do
need to speak with the Hallmaster, but I am certain that the Hall will
be pleased to put together a fine sampling of our brews. If I'm not
being too forward, how is Lady Benani?"

"She does indeed. I'll mention something to her." Zathris finished
off the wine, then set the empty glass aside. "She is doing better.
Her road to recovery will be long and difficult, but she is
persevering." If only he could make things easier for her.

"That is good to hear. I am sure it will take time but I am confidant
she will prove to have the same indomitable spirit as her father,
especially where she has you to help her through." He lifted his
glass. "To your lady's health."

That was a toast Zathris could heartily participate in. "To Benani."

Last updated on the March 16th 2015

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