The Solace of Work
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Bree, Eimi
Date Posted: 12th October 2006
Characters: Daigoro, Fielton
Description: Fielton discusses the future of the Hall with his Hallsecond
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 13, day 20 of Turn 3
Fielton was still rubbing a polishing cloth absently up and down his desk when he heard Daigoro knock on his open door. Looking up, he gave his 'second a weary smile. "You look as tired as I feel."
"Well, hopefully you don't feel as tired as you look," Daigoro said as he flopped back in a chair. "Shards, what a day."
"Not too many more like this," Fielton replied, trying to sound reassuring. "I think we might be able to start out the new Turn in a rebuilt Hall."
"Wouldn't that be nice," the Hallsecond smiled. "No more sawdust in the air, no more tools to trip over..."
Fielton smiled. "No more work crew to be fed. I've tried to find as many extra women as I could to help Cinale. I know she's trying to get ready for your wedding." And someone had pointed out to Fielton that if he didn't take some of the burden off her shoulders, he was going to lose his favorite cook forever.
"Yes, she appreciates all the help. The wedding alone would be more than enough to keep her occupied but trying to set up a kitchen to feed an entire Hall in the process... There have been moments I haven actually thought of suggesting postponing the wedding to her, but I know she'd really not like that idea." And Daigoro was ready too. He didn't want to wait even longer than he felt they already had.
"It's been hard on everyone," Fielton said unnecessarily. _Everyone_
knew it had been hard. "I'm just afraid it's not going to get easy anytime soon. Until we've gotten a few harvests underway... well, I suppose we'll just do our best."
"The hops crops Amber Hills will be harvesting in the fall will help. We don't have to wait nearly as long for the brews to be ready." As long as they could get enough barrels from the decimated Woodsmith Hall in time... "I think it could be good for the industry. I'd like to encourage the Brewers to start trying new things. Maybe we can come up with some specialty brews that can help take the edge off of some of our losses."
"Depending on how much of our grape harvest can be salvaged, I may transfer the bulk of the apprentices to working on brews," Fielton said after a moment's thought. "We need to do anything we can to get on our feet again."
"You know, Sapphire Meadows has developed some very good whiskies distilled from grains. And Sky Lake has some tuber liquors they have been producing that have become rather popular. Perhaps we can encourage our distillers to work on some new liquors too." Daigoro knew Fielton was a classic wine-vintner, but perhaps it was time to reak out of the box. "I think this actually could be good for the Hall, in a way."
Fielton waved a hand. "I know you think I won't approve, Daigoro, but I can't afford to worry about that anymore. Any ideas you have to keep us afloat... well, I won't argue."
"We'll be all right, Fielton. We'll be back on our feet in no time."
"I'm glad one of us is confident." Fielton imagined it was easier to be optimistic when one was gaining a wife and a new life instead of grieving for a wife and a lost life.
Daigoro could tell his Hallmaster wasn't feeling his same enthusiasm. "We've been finding some great old recipes we all forgot about in the rubble that we can try out. It will give all our boys a bit of a fun challenge for a change."
"A fun challenge would be a nice change. Fun anything, would." Fielton rubbed at the side of his face, wondering if he could find Talrian and get something for the headache he could feel growing behind his eyes.
"I'm feeling a lot older than I was a few months ago, Daigoro."
"Was it only a few months ago? It feels like Turns." So much had happened, and yet time passed so slowly when you're stuck in /between/.
"Really? To me it's been a blur. I keep thinking I'll wake up and see--"
Fielton cleared his throat and shifted in his chair. "Well, that's neither here nor there."
Daigoro knew whose name he almost said. "Fielton, you know we've got everything pretty much under control here. Why don't you take a couple days for yourself? Maybe spend some time with your daughter."
"Turn's End will be soon enough," he replied firmly. "Once you and Cinale get back from your time off, you can take over for a little while." He wasn't quite ready to give up the solace of work yet.
"Don't think I won't hold you to that, Fielton," his Second said as he rose to his feet. "Are you taking your dinner in here? Or are you going to come down to the kitchens?" Their Dinning Hall was still under renovations, and one was as likely to be eating dust and splinters as real food Fielton waved a hand. "I'll find something later. Thank you, Daigoro."
"Cinale will probably be up with a tray for you before long," Daigoro warned as he headed for the door. He knew how much she worried about the Hallmaster. "She can't help taking care of you Fielton, its in her nature."
"Well, it's nice to know someone is," Fielton replied, picking his polish cloth back up. "Have a good evening, and let your future wife worry about you a little, too."
Last updated on the October 16th 2006