Making Acquaintances (Part II)

Writers: Ainsley, AL, Jane
Date Posted: 14th March 2009

Characters: Zathris, Zandreu, Nimroy
Description: Zathris takes Nimroy to the tavern to have lunch and meet Zandreu.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 1, day 23 of Turn 5
Notes: Mentioned: Barthella

Zathris

"Well mine was enlivened by an apprentice who knocked a bung out of a
nearly full keg of ale. The ensuing scramble to fix the problem
involved nearly the entire staff and most of us ending up on our
backsides in the growing lake." He leaned forward and confided in the
other two: "We're all in disgrace with the cook, though I have the
feeling she banned us from the kitchens so she could have a good laugh
at our antics."

Nimroy laughed hardily. "I think I might need to consider work in a
tavern. Far more entertaining than my current position."

"Well, seldom a dull moment, I must say. Especially since we took on
the apprentices in here. What sort of work do you do, Nimroy?"

"Though I tend to do a variety of jobs," he had almost said, 'that my
father assigns', but stopped himself, "That are assigned, my largest
focus is on trade and trade agreements for Amber Hills. Before my son
was born I traveled a great deal while working to secure various contracts."

"And now you're a father? Has that changed things?" It certainly
hadn't made the slightest difference to Zandreu's life but, then, his
life had already been heading for disaster when his first child had been
born.

"My wife died shortly after my son was born," Nimroy answered with a
nod, "So I have curtailed my traveling, but my sister Benani and Zathris
here have offered to care for Ailnim when I cannot. This puts my mind
at ease, so I might start with some short trade excursions again.
Though his nurse is excellent I prefer to know that a family member is
in charge of his care."

"Your concern is a credit to you," the Tavern Master said and then
looked up at the approach of one of the table staff approached with
their meals. "Now you'll have a chance to see if my recommendations are
a credit to me," he said in a lighter tone.

"I'm sure they will be." Zathris chuckled as his gaze went to the girl
carrying the food. "You've never let me down yet, Zandreu."

"It's hard to go wrong with fish, as far as I'm concerned," Nimroy
stated. "You still have Barthella in the kitchen don't you?" He was
thinking about Zandreu's earlier story and wondering if the talented
cook was the one who had banished them all.

"Yes," Zandreu said with a nod. "And we wouldn't be half the Tavern we
are without her."

"She's been concocting some rather interesting dishes as of late."
Zathris commented with amusement. "Quite good, too - at least, the ones
I've tried."

Nimroy started in on his food with appreciation. Barthella lived up to
her reputation as usual. He followed it with sip of the first ale. "My
compliments to both you and to the cook," he said to Zandreu. Savoring
the flavor as he took another sip of his ale, he queried the Tavern
Master. "Where were you before you came to the tavern?"

"At another tavern, in another Hold; and the same before that. I'm
usually a temporary solution for a staff crisis."

"Flame the thread and then move on to the next Fall, eh? I think I
would have enjoyed that type of work tremendously a few turns ago. So
what's the most interesting place either of you have visited or worked?"
Nimroy asked including his brother-in-law in the question before he took
another bite of the fish followed by a sip of the second sample of ale.

"I would have to say Garnet Valley." Zathris answered in between bites.
"Though Jade harbour was interesting, it was quite a bit different
from Garnet Valley."

"The port at the end of the Nettleweed River," Zandreu said, naming it.
"Spectacular harbour, river and sea traffic, and taverns of all kinds.
There was always something going on; day and night. Didn't matter when
one shut up and went home there was always something to stop and watch.
I don't know how they're faring now Thread's here," he added with a
shrug. "That's the only down-side of moving on so often. I don't think
I've ever been back to a place, yet."

"Really? That's amazing! Very much the kind of life I wished to have
when I was a lad," Nimroy observed, thinking how he had longed to travel
about and learn all there was about Pern without the ties and
responsibilities to bring him back to Amber Hills. Still, in his
maturity he could see the down side to that. Making friends, yet never
knowing how they fared. And what of family? The man had not mentioned
any, but Nimroy knew he would miss his family if had he not seen them
for turns.

"I didn't choose it; isn't that always the way?" the Tavern Master said
with a fleeting smile.

"That seems to be the case more often than not," Nimroy agreed. After
taking a bite of his roll, he lifted the final sampler, containing the
dark beer. "They are all good, but I would say that the second ale was
my favorite. Nicely balanced."

"I think I'm going to have to agree with that assessment." Zathris
chimed in, leaning back in his chair. "I always eat too much here. I'm
going to double in size if I'm not careful. You're right, it wasn't as
light a meal as it sounded, Zandreu."

"I suspect Barthella doesn't like people to go away hungry when they've
eaten a meal here," the older man commented. "Which is fine with me."

Last updated on the March 21st 2009

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Making Acquaintances (Part II)