The Perfect Place

Writers: Mikel, Vix
Date Posted: 25th March 2007

Characters: Bhervehan, Hartam
Description: Bhervehan and Hartam discuss the previous evening's Opening Night at the Tavern
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 2, day 22 of Turn 4

Bhervehan was finishing up his second mug of klah when he heard someone coming down the stairs. Turning, he saw the harper slowly navigating the steps.

The weather was warm enough, so Hartam could only assume that it was the late nights and the rigor of his performance that was affecting him. He eased down the final step, wincing at the cramping of his hip. Taking a deep breath, he forced a smile and strode as evenly as he could toward the Tavern Master. "Good morning, my friend!"

Grabbing a second mug, Bhervehan filled it and handed it to Hartam. "How are you this morn?"

The harper took a small sip of the hot liquid, then a longer one, before replying. "I'm savoring the memories of last night. I think that most of it went well - don't you?"

Bhervehan sighed. "I think I need to place the tables differently. I can put a skittles table near the front door, don'cha think?"

His companion studied the dark liquid in his cup as he thought on the question. "Those who were gambling nearest the stage received several dirty looks from others who were listening to music. Perhaps if you designate a place for games and betting that problem would be alleviated."

The tavern master took a sip of his klah before speaking. "Really? I did not notice that. Well, that settles it. Gaming at the front of the room. Also, I will move the smaller tables that way. Gamblers prefer them to the larger tables."

"Not all of the small tables," protested the harper. "Couples often prefer a small private table where they can enjoy the music together."

"mmmm, maybe some smaller tables, _just_ for couples?"

"That would work out. You want this to be a place to meet up in large groups and small ones. Even those meeting to do business sometimes prefer to loosen up over drinks and music."

"And that is what the private rooms are for," he said, pointing to the four walled off areas at the back of the Tavern."

"Indeed," agreed Hartam, "but aren't those more for closing the deal? While trying to establish rapport, a little island in the middle of the activity might be more in order."

"Those are for privacy, of any sort. I'll not ask what for unless I suspect it is something that may affect me Tavern."

"It's sometimes best not to ask," the harper nodded. But for whatever reason, some smaller tables might be enticing."

"I will only allow certain people to service those rooms. Clever, observant enough to discern anything that may be happening in those rooms while not appearing to."

"It sounds as if you have cultivated employees who carry harper-like discretion."

"Not yet at this location," Bhervehan answered. "As I am sure you'll agree such skills are not common and not easily taught."

"They definitely require a certain disposition, as well as training in what is and is not appropriate," conceded Hartam. "I had not thought them to be in such great demand in your profession."

"More than beer flows from my kegs, Hartam." Nibbling a pastry and washing it down with some klah before continuing, "You'll be amazed at the information that passes through here, the deals that are made."

"Then it's the perfect place for a harper to be assigned, isn't it?"

"For the right harper," Bhervehan said. "Your Master must think highly of you."

"Perhaps. Though I think it more likely that I just happened to request a transfer at the right time and it worked out that I received a good assignment."

Last updated on the March 28th 2007

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The Perfect Place