Leavings (an introduction)

Writers: Mikel
Date Posted: 31st December 2006

Characters: Bhervehan, Winda, Cicum, Tzil
Description: Leavings
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 12, day 1 of Turn 3
Notes: Backdated and so does not count for reqs, due to m12 being closed

Bhervehan propped his hip on one of the new stools set before the bar.
In another few sevendays the tavern will be ready to reopen.
However, he will not be here to see that happen. Taking the piece of hide from his vest, her read again the request from Fielton that he come and open the tavern at Vintnerhall.

Such a request from the Hallmaster is not to be taken lightly, especially when the requestor is also a good and long time friend.
His first inclination was to refuse the invitation and remain at Topaz Sea Hold. Here he'd be able to help the Sea Hold continue to move on after the devastating hurricane. It was his daughter, Winda, who convinced him to make the move to Vintnerhall. To stay here would just continue to remind him of the death of his beloved Junia, lost when their home collapsed under the winds and rain of the storm.

A voice from behind him brought him out of his revery, "I thought I'd find you here, father."

Turning on the stool, Bhervehan looked to his daughter. "Where else would I be? I assume it is time to go?"

"Yes, da," she said. "All our cases are on the ship already. The first mate says that we need to be on board, they are casting off in half a candlemark."

"Well, I guess we'd best be on our way," he answered, reaching for his walking stick. "I must say that I am looking forward to this trip. As much as I wanted to reopen this tavern, you are right.
There are just too many memories here. Junia and I had some very good times at the hall. It will be good there."

Taking his free arm in her's, Winda led her father to the door, out in the warm summer's air. It was just a short walk from the tavern to the pier where the ship was tied. When they boarded the ship they were shown to the first mate's cabin where they met the man packing some cloting into a carisack.

"Master Bhervehan," the man said. "My apologies, I had meant to be out of here before you boarded, but you know how things go. However, your stuff is already here and I will be out of your way soon enough."

Bhervehan took a seat at the small desk built into the wall of the cabin. "I do not understand, we are taking your cabin?"

"Think nothing of it, Master Bhervehan. We are expecting rough seas along the way. Captain Tzil and I though, in light of your sore knee, that it would be safer if you did not have to climb the ladders a few times a day."

""Sir Cicum, I can not just kick you out of your cabin," Bhervehan objected.

"Not to worry, Master Bhervehan, your daughter has made sure I am more than adequately compensated."

The brewer lifted an eyebrow, "Oh?"

"FATHER!" Winda said sharply. "Stop it! First Mate Cicum has been a perfect gentleman. Just for that, I should give him a second keg."

Falling back on his conversational skills based on his vast experience chatting with tavern patrons, Bhervehan looked at his daughter and said "Oh?"

"I offered Cicum a keg of your small lot brew for his cabin."

"I've samplped your brew before, sir," the First Mate offered. "I am sure that if she had offered to the Captain, you'd be in his cabin now."

From the open door came an amused voice, "For a keg of Master Bhervehan small lot, I'd give him your sorry hide, Cicum." Stepping into the already crowded cabin, Captain Tzil extended his hand in greeting. "Welcome aboard my ship, Master Bhervehan. We have to begin to get underway, but I'd like to invite you and your daughter to join me in my cabin for dinner this evening."

"We'd be delighted, Captain."

"Now, Cicum, please see to it that we do indeed leave on time."

"Aye, sir. Until later, Master Bhervehan, Winda."

"I also have duties," the captain said. With a quick bow, both men left the cabin.

After the men left, Winda busied herself putting the cabin to order, until they heard commands being shouted on deck. "Come, Winda. Let's watch as we leave Topaz Sea Hold."

For more than a candlemark, Bhervehan stood at the stern watching the sea hold disappear in the distance. As the last bit slipped from sight, he whispered "good bye, Junia."

Then he turned and faced his new life and headed to the captain's cabin for dinner.

Last updated on the January 2nd 2007

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Leavings (an introduction)