Selling at Gathers

Writers: Emma, Noola
Date Posted: 21st February 2010

Characters: Royah, Ariavin
Description: Royah gives Ariavin a pep-talk.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 7, day 21 of Turn 5

Ariavin had a small fire going and was sitting quite close to it. Whoever
thought it was a good idea to have a Gather in the middle of winter needed a
mindhealer. He eyed his wares speculatively. He hadn't done much business,
and really hadn't thought he would. A few farmers and cotholders might
splurge on some additional storage containers, but for the most part his
designs were geared towards Vintner use and those people had already bought
what they needed from him to prepare their own wares for sale. The cooper
took a sip of hot klah and decided that if no one stopped by in the next
candlemark he would pack everything up and just enjoy the Gather.

"Journeyman," the Lord's brother-by-marriage nodded to the crafter. "How are
things going today?"

The cooper straightened up a bit and nodded a greeting, "Well enough, sir.
It's a fine Gather." He didn't bother complaining about the cold, of course.
"Looking forward to enjoying more of it a little later." He added with a
small grin.

"I'm sure you and your family will no doubt get a chance to spend time among
the rest of the stalls. If you have little ones, there is an excellent toy
maker here."

"I have two," Ariavin replied with a fond grin. "Hopefully my wife is
wearing them out even as we speak, and not the other way around."

"I suspect my wife will come hunting for some marks sooner rather than
later," Royah returned the grin. "But perhaps after you have sold one or two
of those barrels of yours. The hallmaster might prefer it that way."

"I sold a few smaller things earlier, but business has been a bit
slow. More exciting things to look at in a Gather than buckets,
barrels and kegs."

"But sometimes it is what goes in the keg that makes it all the more
interesting."

Ariavin laughed appreciatively, "Why do you suppose I work at the Vintner
Hall?"

"Exactly. You need to appreciate your own wares to be able to sell the
properly."

Ariavin appreciated his work well enough, but he got the point the
other man was making. Perhaps he wasn't doing much business because he
didn't expect to. Of course, he'd already done the bulk of this
business leading up to the Gather itself, so it wasn't a hardship if
he didn't sell a lot during it. But it would be a boon if he did. A
bit more effort might not go to waste. "You do have a point."

"My father would no doubt have said something similar," Royah thought for a
moment of his father, and of his successor. A prosperous hall would advance
his hold and it's standing.

The cooper nodded again, "I imagine he would, yes."

"Then perhaps I should bid you a good day for now," said Royah. "Perhaps I
may see you later, I'd appreciate a bit of friendly advice about your
hall's wares."

"Of course, sir. I'm happy to give any advice I'm able." Ariavin
wondered what sort of advice the man might need and if he'd meant the
Woodcraft Hall or the Vintner Hall when he'd said it.

"Until later then," Royah turned to take his leave.

Ariavin nodded and watched the other man depart. He glanced at the
position of the sun and decided that he could hold out another few
candlemarks. Then, one of the junior coopers could replace him here so
he could enjoy the Gather. In the meantime, he'd put a bit more effort
in. After all, he'd managed to sell a lot of excess stock at Gathers
in the past. No reason he couldn't this time as well.

Last updated on the February 28th 2010

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Selling at Gathers