A Fun Challenge

Writers: Francesca, Jane
Date Posted: 2nd November 2008

Characters: Zandreu, G'len
Description: G'len and Zandreu chat about the Turns End celebration at the Tavern.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 12, day 13 of Turn 4

Tobereth came out of /between/ above the Tavern and G'len squinted at
the bright sunlight. The skies were darkening over Dolphin Cove Weyr,
where he had been moments ago. However it was barely past the noon
meal at the Tavern, and he didn't expect there to be many people
there. Then again, there was only one man he needed to speak to, and
he was almost always there. The greenrider strode through the doors,
eyes quickly adjusting to the dim interior, scanning the room. Several
regulars sat at the bar but no one else was present.

He sat down and ordered a meal and a cider from one of the
serving girls, then soon after was greeted with the sight of the
Tavern Master. "Ah! Just who I was looking for," he said, loudly
enough to get Zandreu's attention.

"Me, G'len?" Zandreu said, heading over toward the greenrider. "How
are you - and Tobereth?"

"Fine, fine. We're all getting used to the new Weyrleader. I trust
everything is going well here?"

"Not too badly. Busy, though, getting ready for the Hall's Turns End
celebration." Zandreu looked around the great room and envisioned it
on the evening of the Ball. "We're planning a big event."

"That's precisely what I wanted to discuss with you today," G'len
exclaimed. "Well, that and the wonderful beer." He threw an arm
around Zandreu's shoulder and leaned in conspiratorially. "What kind
of big event are you planning? A costume party perhaps? Because I
have a collection of masks that I wouldn't mind lending out to
responsible people..."

"A Vintner's Ball. But unless you were a vintner before you
Impressed, G'len, I'm afraid you won't be able to come." Zandreu was
apologetic for he liked the greenrider from half a continent away.

G'len staggered back, hands on his chest as if he had been stabbed in
the heart. Although his reaction was exaggerated, he was still
disappointed that he wouldn't be able to celebrate Turns End there.

"Can't come?" He was already trying to figure out if it would be
possible to sneak in, but most of the workers knew him and, more
importantly, knew he was not a vintner.

"Well ..." Zandreu drew the word out as he considered the situation.
"You could always come as the partner of a vintner. That's what the
invitations will be for - a vintner and partner." Most people would
bring their wives, he had assumed, but now he realised that
dragonriders might bring weyrmates and male greenriders - Well,
indeed. He smiled, thinking there would probably be some creative
partnering even among the Hall folk, since there would no doubt be
many people at the Hold who would want to celebrate the end of the
Turn at the Tavern.

"I don't supposed you need a partner?" G'len quipped, although he knew
that wasn't an option. "Or perhaps you know someone who wouldn't mind
the company of a dashing man for the evening? Hmm.... there must be
some dragonriders who are vintners as well." His first step would be
to discuss this with Barthella. And then, if necessary, he would
speak to everyone at the Tavern, the Vintner Hall, and the Weyr.
Somehow, he would find a way to be a part of the celebration.

"I - er - I already had somebody in mind," the Tavern Master said, not
entirely truthfully. "But I except, for instance, that there are
vintners on the other side of the Continent who might like to
celebrate with us but have no means of transport. Perhaps you could
come to some arrangement with one of those?"

G'len nodded excitedly. "I'm sure I can." He clapped Zandreu on the
shoulder. "At least I have plenty of time to figure this out. Don't
you worry. Somehow, and with someone, I'll be here for Turns End."
This would be a fun challenge; a game.

"Just over a month," Zandreu said, with the responsibility of
organising the Ball he regard Turns End as closer than the greenrider
did.

"Yes, exactly." G'len grinned. "Well, I don't want to keep you any
longer. I'm sure you're very busy, and not just with planning."

"Always busy," the Tavern Master agreed with a nod. "Let me know how
you get on finding a vintner to bring you to the Ball."

"I'm sure I'll find someone." He wasn't sure quite how yet, but that
would be part of the fun.

Last updated on the November 14th 2008

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A Fun Challenge