A Daunting Task

Writers: AL, Jane
Date Posted: 23rd November 2008

Characters: Zathris, Zandreu
Description: Zathris catches up with Zandreu while the other man is working on the Vintner Ball menu.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 13, day 5 of Turn 4

Zathris

The Tavern Master was holed up in one of the booths, surrounded by bits
of paper, glowbaskets (of all things), bottles of wine and ale, and
plates and plates of small items of food. His head was down, as he read
the paper in front of him and absently reached for another item off the
nearest plate.

"Ah, Zandreu." Zathris came to a stop at the side of the both, hands
clasped behind him. "Enjoying a bit of the local vintage I see."

"No me, but help yourself. I'm working on the Ball preparations.
Supposed to be tasting everything and checking things ..." He looked
properly up from the papers and set them aside. "How are you, Zathris?
Have a seat."

"I'm doing well, thank you." The young man slid into the booth opposite
of the Tavern Master and took up a bottle. "And I'm going to take you
up on your offer. How goes the preparations?"

"I think they're going well, overall, but every day brings something
that presents itself like a crisis, and yet isn't." The Tavern Master
pushed a plate of nibbles across to the Lord Holder's son-by-marriage.
"We're tasting the snack food tonight. Try it, say if there's anything
you don't like."

"It looks good, except for this one." Zathris motioned to a cracker
that had some grey stuff atop it, whipped in a pleasing shape but the
colour left much to be desired. Instead, he picked up something that
looked like it had fish with some sort of sauce and tried it. "This
isn't bad."

"I liked that one too," Zandreu admitted. "Is there anything big
planned at the Hold? I assume you'll be expected to attend there?"

"We've got some things planned. Various events that people will
probably enjoy. I'm trying to see if we can have a wrestling match."
Zathris picked up one topped with some white fluff of some sort then
grimaced. "Don't choose this."

"It looks a bit odd, doesn't it? Like mould growing on it. Perhaps not
the best. Wrestling? Who would wrestle?" Zandreu asked, wondering if
that was something they could try at the Tavern sometime .... Perhaps
not. On some evenings there was all too much wrestling - as people had
to be escorted from the building when they wouldn't leave when asked.

"Actually, this one looks worse." Zathris motioned to the one with the
grey stuff and then, after steeling himself, took a bit of it. His
express dropped into one of surprise. "Wow...that one is really good!"

"But if people don't like the look of it, how many are going to even try
it?" Zandreu sighed. "I don't know why they ask my opinion, anyway.
The cooks at the Hall - and here - are much better than average ... They
have to be with all the demands on them to make meals that showcase
wines and ciders and ales. Every specialisation wants a meal that will
complement their product."

"Get it anyway." Zathris stated after a moment, "I mean, it may look
odd, but it tastes great. Some people will try it at least and when
others find out how good it tastes, they'll follow suit."

"You think so? All right. I'll tick that one." The Tavern Master
rifled through the papers until he found the right one and did exactly
what he had said. "There. Who buys wine from the Hall for your
celebration, Zathris? Is that the sort of thing you do?"

"Well, generally that's decided by the Head Steward," Zathris gave
Zandreu a lopsided grin. "I generally just fill out the paperwork." He
think picked up something that was mostly pink with hints of yellow. He
eyed it for a moment, then popped it into his mouth. "That's not bad."

"You don't think it's a bit peppery?"

"I like pepper." Zathris took another bite of the appetizer under
discussion. "Not as good as the grey stuff, but still good." Then he
picked up another grey one.

"You really like those, don't you? Try some of the wines and ales, too,
if you will. I don't know why they give them to me. I never drink them."

"I think I might have to take what's left of these." Zathris stated
just before popping the tidbit into his mouth. He then looked to the
bottles and took one up, motioning to the one cup that was upon the
table. "Mind if I use yours?"

"It's only had water in it so it should be all right."

Zathris took up the cup, then one bottle of wine and poured himself a
bit. He sipped it and tilted his head. "Not bad. Not sure I like the
aftertaste though."

"Oh? I'll get one of the others to check it." Without meaning to
Zandreu was making a distinction between the palate of a vintner and a
non-crafter. Zathris' comments were valuable but he didn't have the
vocabulary to describe the problem in terms that would be meaningful to
other vintners.

Zathris set aside that bottle and took up another one, pouring out just
enough wine to get a taste. "So do you think you'll be ready in time
for the celebrations?"

"Have to be," Zandreu said shortly, "Since the celebrations will be
going on whether we're ready or not." He sighed, leaning back in his
chair and trying to relax. "Most days I think we'll be fine. Some days
I think it's going to be a disaster." He distrusted those days; he knew
how dangerous they were for him.

"Why do you say it's going to be a disaster?" Zathris' brow creased as
he shook his head and made a cutting gesture across his neck in regards
to the wine. Then he wiped out the glass and poured a bit of another.

"All the things that can go wrong - food, wine, people, guests. The
reputation of the Hall and the Tavern are vulnerable if _anything_ goes
wrong."

"I'm sure it will all be fine and you'll find that you've given yourself
a headache all for naught." Zathris took a sip of the wine and his eyes
brightened. "This one. Definitely this one."

The Tavern Master picked up the bottle that the other man had poured his
drink from and inspected the label. "Ahh, yes. That would be a good
choice for any palate."

"Certainly for mine." Zathris chuckled as he poured a bit more and
drank that before standing. "And here is where I must leave you. Alas,
I would prefer your company to work, but..well, the work must be done."

"Come back any time," Zandreu said. "You've been a great help even if I
wasn't the most scintillating of hosts."

"I suppose I can forgive you for that since you are tackling a rather
daunting task." Zathris tapped the table then bowed slightly in a
friendly sort of manner. "Until we met again, Tavern Master!" Then,
with a two fingered salute, Zathris turned and made his way out of the
Tavern. He would have liked to stay longer indeed, but there was far
too much work to do.

Last updated on the December 1st 2008

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A Daunting Task