Amber Hills Vintner Hall

Writers: Bree, Eimi
Date Posted: 9th May 2006

Characters: Benaroy, Fielton
Description: Benaroy and Fielton come to some agreements about the future of the Vintner Hall at Amber Hills Hold
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 11, day 13 of Turn 3

Fielton

Lord Benaroy handed the Hallmaster a glass of wine. One of Amber Hill's own wines. "Have you had a chance yet to read over the production report our master vintner prepared for you, Master Fielton?"

"Some of it," Fielton replied, lifting the glass and swirling the liquid absently, the gesture more out of habit than any real curiosity about the wine. "I also accompanied him to look at the buildings you mentioned. I was quite impressed with the location and the space."

"I am glad to hear it," the Lord Holder smiled as he sank into the chair opposite the Hallmaster. "We can begin preparing it for your arrival then.
The technicians and staff assure me it can be ready in a couple sevedays for you."

"Then I believe we'll be taking you up on your offer to make our homes there." He set the glass down without taking a sip, meeting Lord Benaroy's eyes. "Despite what Cyrek said, the damage to the vineyards were extensive.
The vineyards you have here are not as carefully cultivated as ours, but between the vines we can salvage from the outlaying vines and the vines you have here... I believe that it won't take more than a few turns before we're able to produce wine on a large scale again."

"I understand," Benaroy nodded, his face masking over the feeling of triumph and relief he privately felt. Amber Hills would finally have their Vintner Hall... "You will probably be needing more extensive Cellar for your Hall then."

"I'll want to take another walk through the buildings with Daigoro, but I think that we could have everything we needed with a few adjustments..."
Fielton frowned slightly in thought. "If the dragonriders are willing to help us, we might even be able to salvage the press. It's large, but it's possible to move."

"The Weyr has pledged their help. I'm sure they would agree to it." And it would save a lot of time. "Your Second is currently back at the Hall coordinating the salvage efforts, if I heard correctly. We will need to arrange transportation for him to come see the buildings. When would you like to arrange it?"

"In the next few days?" Fielton asked after a moment. "The retired Hallsecond can take over dealing with the salvage efforts. The men of the Hall will listen to him." "I will send a note to the Weyr then," Benaroy nodded. "And perhaps I can send out technicians and woodsmiths to the Hall to study the mechanics of your press. Perhaps there is a way to adapt it to harness either river or electrical power."

"It's worth looking into, I suppose," Fielton replied, though his voice was far from enthused. There would be enough changes for the Hall without giving up any more traditions. "For now, I'd like to concentrate our efforts on getting everyone settled in and figuring out what can be salvaged."

"Yes, of course. What has your Hallsecond to say on that score?"

"Aside from the kitchen, most of the Hall was intact, if not particularly stable..." Fielton had listened to the groaning and creeking of the building enough to feel highly nervous about staying inside it for too long. "The problem will be seeing how much of our equipment survived intact. I think the landslide did more damage than the earthquake itself... but with some luck and some help from the Woodcraft Hall, we should be ready by the next harvest. It won't be our most profitable turn..." But no one could expect that, after starting over.

"But better turns are to come," the Lord Holder nodded, reading the Hallmaster's thoughts with satisfaction. Two Halls and a full Hold. It was more than Benaroy had dared to hope to leave for his Heir after the plague hit his Hold. And it seemed he was to leave Amber Hills with even more possibility and promise than when he himself inherited it. "Well then, Master Fielton," he said raising his glass, "to the future."

Fielton smiled, raising his glass as well. Some day soon, it could be filled with new vintages from his Hall. "Too the future," he echoed.
"And to the Amber Hills Vintner Hall."

Last updated on the May 9th 2006

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Amber Hills Vintner Hall