A New Beginning

Writers: Kaysea
Date Posted: 1st September 2007

Characters: Causton
Description: Causton arrives late at night at the Vintner Hall and awaits the morning with curiosity
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 6, day 1 of Turn 4

Rifling through his carrisac, Causton found what he was looking for wrapped carefully in his robe near the bottom. A bottle of the last brewing of redfruit brandy he had done at the Crafthall. The liquor was dark amber and clear, almost to look like a dye instead of the potent drop he was famous for across the continent. He unwrapped the bottle carefully, then turned and surveyed the room that was his new office.

There was no obvious sign of drinking vessels in the open, he hoped there were some here somewhere. He began to open and close cupboard doors around the room, inspecting and filing away for future reference what he had found behind certain doors. Finally, in the bottom drawer of the desk, he found two cups and an almost empty bottle of spirit - best leave that to be packed away.

Retrieving a cup, he poured himself a generous measure of the brandy, appreciating the fumes that escaped from the bottle the moment he opened it. He took a generous sip of the liquor and appreciated the bite to the back of his throat.

One large measure was all he would allow himself for now, he wanted a clear head and his wits about him for what the morning would bring. Fielton had been allowed no more than a candlemark to prepare for his departure, and Causton was aware he had barely had time to apprise his Hallsecond of his departure before he had mounted the brown that had brought Causton to the Hall.

He wondered how far the news would have spread concerning his arrival, and whether many would be aware of the change of command before breakfast in the morning.

Fielton hadn't been pleased by the summary way he had been informed of his replacement, evidence of his reaction could still be seen sitting in the waste bin beside the table - the parchment screwed up and tossed with much feeling, before Fielton had stormed from the room.

A barely civil farewell had been issued, the man mainly concerned for the welfare of his Hall and his 'second and Masters. Causton could well understand Fielton's reaction, though he had only himself to blame, from all accounts. It was as well to be stubborn with equals and underlings, but not where your superiors were concerned - as Fielton was about to learn.

Downing the last of his drink, Causton collected his carrisac and made his way to the visitors accommodation - grateful that Fielton had at least apprised him of the direction before he left. Time enough in the morning to arrange sleeping quarters for himself and his family. It was no use waking the staff for something he could organise for himself.

The Hall was quiet now, the only sound his own footfalls as they echoed around the empty hallway. He took note of the cleanliness and order that prevailed over this section of the Hall. The administration building gave a good impression to visitors, he must remember to commend the Headwoman and the Hallsecond on the appearance.

Thinking of the administrators brought to mind the meetings he must hold the following morning. Introducing himself to the Hallsecond, the Headwoman and the Masters first, followed by the apprentices and general staff at the noon meal.

It had been left to himself to decide exactly how much would be revealed to the administration of the Hall about Fielton's recall to the Crafthall; though no doubt Fielton would have given his 'Second some idea as to what had been revealed in the letter he had received. The chances of Fielton returning to the Hall were good, not as Hallmaster, it was true, still - better to keep the nature of the demotion to himself, Causton considered.

Opening the first of the doorways in the visitors accommodation, Causton was relieved to see there was no one else sharing the room for the night. He threw his carrisac onto the second of the beds, and sat heavily on the one closest to the door. Bending slowly to unfasten his boots, he kicked them off one by one before,shedding his overcoat and laying back on the bed. He cupped the back of his head with his hands, and look up into the darkness above him.

For the first time tonight he allowed his mind to wander further afield than the Vintner Hall and its new command.

His wife, Geni, and their children would now be aboard the riverboat and making their way from their last posting in the Eastern Barrier Range. He had been told it would take them at least six sevendays to travel the distance he had travelled in those few brief moments /between/. He wished he had been given the opportunity to travel with them, especially as Geni neared the end of her pregnancy, but the need for him to be here as soon as possible had negated his chances.

He hoped the children would behave, but was grateful that Geni had managed to convince the young girl who had been acting as fostermother to the two youngest, to accompany her. If there were any problems, he felt sure she would send Russett with a message.

He would be eternally grateful to Geni's parents for presenting her with that flit egg so many turns ago. Russett, the little bronze, had been such a boon to their relationship - no more so than now, when they would be separated for such a long time and he their only form of immediate communication.

His thoughts became more vague as sleep finally overtook him.

Last updated on the September 2nd 2007

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A New Beginning