Devestation (2): Helpless

Writers: Bree, Eimi
Date Posted: 3rd March 2006

Characters: Fielton, Daigoro
Description: Fielton and Daigoro's meeting is interrupted by the earthquake.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 11, day 2 of Turn 3

Fielton

"I think it would please Master Namabir if the brewers stand was a bit more prominently displayed this turn," the Hallsecond commented as he absently stroked is fingers along the smooth wooden arm of his chair. "I know the ales are not as impressive to some as the wines, but to tell the truth, our Hall makes some of the premiere brews on the continent. It's about time we promote that fact, sir."

Fielton nodded, scratching a note onto the corner of a hide that was already filled with plans for their next large gathering at the Hall. "We did have some interest last time in the possibility of some large orders for the Weyr. Perhaps we can tempt a few more people this time around."

Daigoro nodded. "I still like the idea of offering tours of the facilities.
Knowing more about the processes involved sparks people's interests in the different flavors we can produce."

"Hmmmm..." Fielton ran his fingers down the list in front of him, finding an illegible scrawl. "I think I wrote that down... at least, I think that's what I _tried_ to write down. Is your handwriting any clearer than mine is?"

"I can write clearly when I write slowly," the Hallsecond shrugged.

Fielton smiled and pushed the notes across the table. "Excellent. You get to be in charge of this from now on. Make sure you write down your ideas about the tours... we'll have to find enough people who are good at talking to crowds."

Daigoro stifled a sigh as he pulled the parchment closer. "There was more thing. Master Efernal asked me if..." Daigoro's sentence died away as he felt an odd sensation that caught his attention. It felt like he was moving
- more like rolling on small waves. The swells grew quickly and by the time his mind could grasp a logical reason for the feeling, a rumble began that surrounded them, growing louder by the moment. **Earthquake...** "Fielton, earthquake!" His words were swallowed by the sound.

Shattering drowned out his voice as Fielton's prized windows burst, the sound of glass tinkling to the floor overcome by the rattle as furniture shook and shelves emptied their contents onto the floor. Even that sound was nothing compared to the groan as the building itself protested, crashing coming from somewhere within the Hall.

Silence fell slowly, as overturned furniture stopped rattling and the building stopped creaking. Glass continued to fall from the window, now seeming unnaturally loud in the silence of Fielton's office.

Fielton's chair was empty, and a low groan came from the floor next to it.
"Daigoro?"

"Yes," the Hallsecond said, lifting his head from the ground and looking around at the mess of an office that looked completely different from what it had been just minutes before. "Fielton? Are you all right?"

"I'm not sure..." "Stay where you are." Daigoro got to his feel unsteadily, his equilibrium still fighting to regain balance, and walked carefully around the desk.
"Shards man, you're bleeding!" The brewer pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and crouched down next to the Hallmaster, gently holding the cloth against the gash on his head.

Fielton pushed at Daigoro, struggling to sit up. "It doesn't hurt... we don't have time for this. The Hall--"

Daigoro shook his head. "You're head it bleeding terribly. You need a healer."

"Shards, man, there isn't _time_..." He got himself onto his knees and lifted his head, only to see the ruins of his expensive window. The sight outside the window was even more terrifying... buildings collapsed, cots tilting at odd angles... and smoke? "Daigoro, something's _burning_!"

"Shards, the kitchens!" Daigoro's first thought was for Cinale. The fires would be burning this time of day. "Wait here. I'll find out what's burning and assess the damage. And I'll find you a healer for your head.
Just keep that cloth on it!"

Dizziness swept over him when he tried to stand, so Fielton was left sitting in the ruins of his office, helpless to do anything but wait for Daigoro to return and tell him just how much of his world had been destroyed.

Last updated on the March 3rd 2006

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Devestation (2): Helpless