Plain and Simple

Writers: Kaysea, Mikel
Date Posted: 27th April 2007

Characters: Tayette, Bhervehan
Description: Tayette shows up at the Tavern looking for Hartam and introduces herself to Bhervehan
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 3, day 28 of Turn 4

She was nervous, this time it was her seeking out Hartam and the flutterbies in her stomach were doing somersaults. He had made her feel comfortable enough with him, that she now considered him a friend, just like the ones in the kitchens, but there was something about him that was special. She just didn't quite know what it was.

She walked into the dimly lit Tavern and waited a minute for her eyes to adjust to the difference in light. She could see a man standing at the bar, but she didn't think it was Hartam. When her eyes had finally adjusted to the light inside, she realised it wasn't. But maybe he would know where the Harper was.

"Excuse me?" She walked, tentatively, further inside.

Bhervehan looked at the young lady, "yes?"

"I was wondering..." she glanced around the Tavern, at the few people sitting in darkened corners, he definitely wasn't here, "..could you tell me, erm, do you know where the Harper is?" She was beginning to feel uncomfortable, as she always did when in unfamiliar surroundings - as if Karvea would suddenly appear to confront her.

"At this time of day he should be in his room," Bhervehan said.
"would you like some thing to eat while waiting?"

"I..er..no, thank you." she looked around again a little lost for what to do, since Hartam wasn't around. "Do you mind if I just wait, over there?"
she asked, pointing towards an alcove which faced the room but which was shadowed for privacy.

"If you'd like," he said. "Are you sure you would not prefer to just sit out here? Maybe chat with some of the other guest?

"Oh!" his words, though meant kindly, did nothing to allay her nerves.
Being the subject of gossip for so many turns meant she no longer felt comfortable in the presence of strangers. "No...no thank you. I..you don't mind if I wait here for him?" her hand twisted in front of her, she wasn't comfortable these days unless occupied, and standing here without even her tray for stability was even more nerve inducing.

Seeing her hands desperate for something to occupy them, Bhervehan slid a bar towel near her, doing his best not to make it obvious. If he said anything about it, he was sure it would crack what small facade of comfort the woman was trying to project.

"Be my guest," he smiled at her. "You could keep an old man company while we wait for him."

"I could help you, around here.." she took the bar towel and began wiping down the bar, grateful for something, anything to allay her nerves until Hartam arrived. "What -" her voice cracked, "-what time does he normally appear?"

She wondered if once again the Harper was busy composing a new song? She still hadn't been able to listen to the last one without her eyes burning with unshed tears, the whole tone of the song affecting her deeply. SHe glanced across at the Tavern-master, "Oh!" a sudden thought occured to her, "I am sorry, I should have introduced myself, I'm - Tayette."

Extending his hand, he replied "Bhervehan, at your service. Hartam usually makes his way down here sometime between the 10th and 11th candlemark."

"Oh.." she was a little taken aback. "May be I should go then - I don't want to be a bother..." She glanced around, looking for a time iece. "I'm not even sure of what time it is.." she admitted.

"It's almost 10, and you are not a bother," he answered. "A tavern is meant to have people in it."

"If you're sure." she smiled, dropping her gaze again, "If there's something you'd like me to do?" she asked, the bar towel still in her hand as she glanced around the room.

Bhervehan chuckled. "I am never opposed to free help. If you want to clean the bar, I can find other things back here that need doing."

"I can do that." she smiled, and actually met Bhervehan's eyes with her own. "You must be busy, and I feel at a loss without one of these," she indicated the cloth, "in my hands."

"Oh?" he replied, hoping to draw her out some.

"I work in the Hall kitchens. This is my work - all the time." she smiled again a brief, but genuine smile that even travelled to her eyes. He hadn't recognised her, and that was a good thing, it meant she was right, people never noticed a drudge.

"As a cook? Assistant?"

"No," she shook her head, "nothing so grand. I'm a drudge. Plain and simple."

"I've come to learn that people who say that they are plain and simple rarely are."

She dropped her gaze, not willing to show how his words had affected her. She could feel a hot flush creeping up her chest and into her face, "N...not with me, I'm afraid. Plain and simple.." she turned and began wiping down the table nearest her.

Before Bhervehan could reply, he spotted a familiar set of boots decending the stairs.

Last updated on the April 30th 2007

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Plain and Simple