Tongues Will Be Wagging

Writers: Eimi, Kaysea
Date Posted: 9th October 2007

Characters: Causton, Daigoro
Description: The new Hallmaster introduces himself to his Hallsecond
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 6, day 2 of Turn 4

Being in unfamiliar surroundings had its disadvantages, especially when you needed to be 'feet on the ground and take off running', as he did this morning. Before venturing down to the dining hall and running the gamut of curious eyes, he needed to make his presence known and introduce himself to the 'Second and Headwoman, if they were around yet.

Affixing the Hallmaster knots, of his new position, on his shoulder took his attention for a few moments. They looked strange, unfamiliar, so that his shoulder didn't look like _his_ reflection in the mirror.

~*~

The administration area seemed to be alive already this morning, which was a good thing; he made his way back to the hallway where his new office was and searched for the 'Seconds room.

Brushing a hand through his hair he stood outside the office door. He was feeling a little like a new apprentice - stupid when you considered his age and position, but for a second there, it was a somewhat familiar feeling.

He rapped lightly on the door, wondering if Fielton had been to see his 'Second before he left the Hall the night before - from what he understood the two men were close, so the chances were they had spoken about his sudden departure.

"Come in," Daigoro called, somewhat out of sorts. He had not slept well the night before, and interruptions were certainly not what he needed right now.

Causton turned the handle and opened the door to find a rather strained looking Hallsecond before him. "Master Daigoro?" he asked, blue eyes meeting brown across the room. The Hallsecond wasn't quite what he imagined, but then again, he wasn't sure what he expected to see when they met. "I'm Causton - did Fielton come to see you last night?"

The Hallsecond looked up at the stranger in shocked confusion. Why did this man know Fielton would come to him? Was he to testify after all?
Had something gone wrong with Fielton's plan? "I... Forgive me, who are you again?"

"Causton - the new - Hallmaster." the colour appeared to have drained from the 'Second's already drawn face. "I'm assuming he came to see you before he left?" Causton asked, moving further into the room, and closing the door behind him. "I just wanted to look in and introduce myself, there's time enough later to go over familiarisation." he offered.

"Forgive me, sir. Fielton did come to see me last night," Daigoro confirmed. "However he did not mention that you were expected so soon!
If I had known I would have prepared a proper welcome for you..." As it was everything was happening so fast it was making Daigoro's head spin.

"I thought he may have been to see you. I er, I arrived last night, but he had more on his mind than my arrival." he tried to be reassuring to the other man, "A proper welcome can come later, right now just a mug of klah and something to eat would go down well - for both of us, I think?" he asked, standing behind the chair opposite the Hallsecond's desk.

"Yes, sir, I will see to that right away. Please, sit." Shards, Daigoro had wished he had been given at least a _little_ warning that the turnover would be so swift! The Hallsecond hurried into the Hall to grab the first apprentice, journeyman or master to pass by and relayed his message. **Better tell Cinale to make it fresh klah...**

Causton watched as the harried 'Second searched the hallway for someone to direct. "Daigoro - come back in here." he said mildly, "There's no rush, what I actually had in mind was that we would go to the dining hall, together." He didn't add that the 'Second looked as though he needed a calming draft of the fortified wine the Hall had been known for for Turns.

"Sir, there has been no official announcement made. No one knows who you are or why you are here. Are you sure you want to be seen in the dinning hall with those knots on your shoulder? Tongues would be wagging for sure."

"Tongues will be wagging regardless, Daigoro. It's not everyday that a Hallmaster disappears overnight. Am I to hide in the visitors rooms until you have had a chance to notify the hall of the changes?" he asked, a touch of humour in his voice.

"No, of course not," Daigoro ammended. "But when do you intend to make an official announcement of the transfer of power, sir?"

"Most will be gathered in the main Hall shortly to break their fast?"
Causton asked, wondering if they shouldn't send a message to the Masters first? "What do you think? Break it to them en masse? Or take the Masters aside after the meal?"

"I would inform the Masters first. They certainly will be asked a lot of questions by their subordinates, and have as many questions themselves. This was... very unexpected." To say the least.

"Then we should send word to them to attend - is there a room we could meet with them?" he asked, at a loss not knowing his way around the Hall.

"We can use the formal dining hall. The apprentices are not allowed there but for special occasions. If you like I can arrange for the Masters to meet there and we can all have breakfast together." He was sure Cinale could make adjustments considering the circumstances.

"I think that sounds a fine idea." Causton nodded in agreement. "At the noon meal we can announce to the whole Hall, give the Masters time to adjust and prepare for the multitude of questions they will no doubt, be inundated with."

"One question for you though, Daigoro," Causton spoke slowly, his eyes watchful, "how much do _you_ wish to divulge of Fielton's recall? Do you only wish to announce that Fielton has been recalled to the Southern CraftHall, and that I have been appointed the new Hallmaster in his stead, or do you wish to reveal more?" He had been informed of the basic reason for the previous Hallmasters recall, but wondered just how much more both Fielton and Daigoro knew of the reasons behind it.

"Well, sir, that is your call, but I can say that this Hall has been through some terrible times this last Turn, and we are just starting to settle in here and move on with our lives. Stirring up bad memories...
Sir, I just honestly don't know how much more these lads can take."

"That's fine with me, so he's just been moved on then?" Causton replied, not wishing to cause more controversy than his arrival already would.

"Perhaps we should just say that there was a private matter Fielton needed to attend to which would interfere with his duties as a Hallmaster?" Daigoro suggested. Most people would assume it was something involving one of his daughters or his former wife that way.
Surely none of them to even come close to guessing the truth...

"Whatever you think best - you know the Hall better than I - but I hope to remedy my ignorance before too long." he smiled encouragingly.
"Well, if you would like to go and alert the Masters to the impromptu meeting - I'll just wait in the dining room?"

"Yes sir, right away," his Second nodded and sprang into action, only to pause momentarily in the door. "Um... Sir, do you know where the dining room is?"

"Actually - no." Causton grinned a little sheepishly, "But I'm sure if you point me in the right direction I'll find it."

"Ah, yes, of course. Follow me."

Last updated on the October 9th 2007

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Tongues Will Be Wagging