A Guest Performer

Writers: Devin, Vix
Date Posted: 28th April 2007

Characters: R'masu, Hartam
Description: R'masu arranges with Hartam to sing at The Tavern.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 3, day 9 of Turn 4

"Harper Hartam?" The brownrider asked as he approached.

The Tavern Harper glanced up, blinking his eyes as he cleared his mind of the notes he had been setting onto paper. "Yes?"

"My name is R'masu, rider of brown Kannoth. I'm interested in performing here." There weren't enough performance opportunities at the Weyr, and the Tavern might just be the outlet he needed.

Hartam nodded slightly. A brownrider to perform. . . "Had you anything particular in mind?"

"A few happy tunes, and a few of my own. I made journeyman before the Pass," he said.

"We need both during the performances," agreed the older man. "The Tavern should be a place where patrons can hear the upbeat and the familiar and relax in that, but also innovative and fresh. While I have a few songs I've written and some in the works, I certainly can't introduce new material on any regular basis on my own."

R'masu smiled. "I'm more than happy to help you out with that."

"I know that you dragonriders are extremely busy. When are you available to play?"

"I should be able to perform once a month. I could start next sevenday, if that isn't too short a notice," the brownrider said.

"Tomorrow wouldn't be too short a notice," laughed Hartam. "Accommodations can always be made for guest performers. Will you want to sing alone or would you allow us to accompany you?"

"Some of the songs will sound better with additional vocals, and most of them will sound better with additional instruments." The brownrider smiled. "But I'll want to sing a few on my own."

The older harper nodded. "If you supply at least one copy of the music, I'll have my apprentices make their own copies. We would also be very pleased to have you join us in a set or two of patron favorites - if you would not mind doing so?"

"Oh, of course not!"

"Good! Most of our sets include songs that you undoubtedly learned as an apprentice and will offer little challenge. However, I can give you scores of a few local tunes that have become staples here."

"I would appreciate that," R'masu said. "I always like to please the crowd with their favorites."

"Done!" Hartam grinned, but then became serious. "What can we expect of you - the instruments you can play?"

"I prefer the gitar, but I have some experience with flute, drums, and harp."

"We always have several of each of those available, though you'd probably rather bring your own gitar and flute. Some of the common songs we can alternate leading verses, and perhaps give my apprentices a chance at them."

The brownrider nodded. "That sounds good."

"Then I think that we have a deal." Hartam held up a finger. "Except for payment, of course. I'm afraid that all I can offer is to speak to the Tavern Master and arrange for a free meal and drinks on the nights you perform."

"That will be more than enough. The satisfaction of performing is payment enough, although that doesn't mean I'll turn down free food and drink." R'masu winked.

"I'd advise you to accept them - the fare served at the Tavern is excellent."

"I look forward to trying it out for myself. And I look forward to performing in this fine establishment."

This brought a nod from the Tavern Harper. "This truly is an unusual environment in which to perform. It has the feel of a typical day at home, the place one goes on an average night. Yet the clientele is more diverse, more like one would find at a Gather. There is still quite a bit of mistrust for those who are different, but the location acts as an equalizer."

The dragonrider nodded thoughtfully. "It should be an interesting experience."

"It will be - and every time will be different."

Last updated on the April 30th 2007

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A Guest Performer