An Offer of Help

Writers: AL, Jane
Date Posted: 26th September 2008

Characters: Zandreu, Geni
Description: Geni visits Zandreu at the Tavern with an offer of help.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 12, day 5 of Turn 4

Geni slipped through the tavern down and knocked her boots upon the mat
placed just inside. She glanced about, eyes searching for a particular
person. She had of course, visited the Tavern before, but she didn't
make a habit of it. When her gaze rested upon the object of her visit,
she turned upon the balls of her feet and made her way over to the
Tavern Master. "Ah, Zandreu - a word with you please?"

"Of course." Zandreu indicated a table not far from the bar. "Would you
like to sit down? Or perhaps my office?" A seldom-used office because
he preferred to do his hidework in the great room of the Tavern, where
he could keep an eye on things. But the office was available - and tidy
now. Presentable enough for the Hallmaster's wife.

"The office is fine." Geni nodded. She didn't see any need for true
secrecy, but she did like to have a conversation without distractions
and his office would provide that.

"Along here," he led the way to his office and flicked the switch for
the electric light when they entered. "Shut the door if you like.
Have a seat."

Geni did shut the door after her, then moved over to a chair. She eased
herself into it and leaned back, lacing her hands together.
"Well, you know that Causton is sick, correct?"

"I saw him the other day," Zandreu admitted cautiously.

"Ah yes, that's right." In her distraction, Geni had forgotten that
Causton had spoken to the Tavern Master. She had been too preoccupied
with her husband. "Well, I just wanted to let you know that I'm more
than happy to take Causton's place and help you with the preparations."

"Oh? Any help will be welcomed, of course, but are you sure you're not
..." He cleared his throat. "You're not contagious, or anything, are you?"

"Zandreu, if I were contagious, it wouldn't matter." Geni crossed her
arms over her chest and regarded the Tavern Master. "You were already
exposed to Causton. Besides, most illnesses have an incubation period
of a sevenday or less. I've been exposed and still haven't fallen ill."

Zandreu could tell he was being told off like a foolish child but he
would always rather be cautious than be sick. "We stayed on the other
side of the room when we visited," he protested. There wasn't much
energy in the statement, though. "I'd be glad of your help, Geni."

"Well then, you just tell me what you want me to do." Geni warmed her
expression with a smile. "Have you given the matter any thought yet?"

"I thought a formal party. A Ball." He smiled. "A Ball to keep it from
being a brawl. Everybody in their Gather best. Vintners from all over
the Southern Continent, if they care to come. Celebrate the Hall and
the Tavern."

Geni's eyes lit up at the idea. "Oh, I like that! I like that a lot!
It certainly sounds elegant. Have you given any thought to anything else?"

"Not really. Some lighting things. Food probably from the main hall,
just served out of our kitchen. Why, did you have something in mind?"

"No." Geni shook her head, "I just thought you might need some help, so
I thought I would offer myself since Causton won't be able to."

"Good. Would you be able to help me with the wording of the
announcement and invitation? That's the first thing I need to do," and
one of the ones that he was the most worried about. The wording had to
be just right, to make sure people knew it was open to vintners (and
their partners), but vintners only. And Hall residents. And their
partners.

Every time he tried to get the wording right it just sounded clumsy and
not as clear as he wanted.

"Certainly, that won't be a problem." Geni inclined her head in
affirmation, echoing her words. "Is there anything else you need help
with?"

"I'm sure there _will_ be, but that's the main thing right now."

"How about I write up a couple of ways to word the invitation and then
submit them to you so that you can look them over?" Geni suggested,
eyebrows raising. "Perhaps then you'll have a better idea of what you
need."

"That would be great," the Tavern Master said, much relieved at the offer.

"I'll get right to work." Geni smiled and then pushed herself to a
standing position. "I'll come back in a couple of days and show you
what I have."

Zandreu got to his feet as she did as a matter of courtesy. "I'll look
forward to it."

Last updated on the September 28th 2008

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An Offer of Help