Things Are Well In Hand

Writers: Eimi, Jane
Date Posted: 8th May 2008

Characters: Daigoro, Zandreu
Description: Daigoro and Zandreu finally sit down and have a chat
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 9, day 23 of Turn 4

"Hallsecond?" Zandreu said in greeting as he peered around the open door of the other man's office and caught sight of the grey-haired man.

Daigoro looked up from his apprentice reports, thankful for any interruption at this point. "Yes? Ah, Zandreu. Come on in," he said with a wave.

"Is this a convenient time? I can come back if it's not," the new Tavern Master offered. There was more than enough to do back at his new domain.

"Oh, no, your timing is perfect!" After all, there was only so many student reports he could read before they all started to run together.
He already couldn't remember the names of apprentices the journeymen had recommended to hold back from walking the tables.

"Well, I can't argue with perfect timing," the older man said entering the office and settling in a seat. "As I've come to know more of the -
short - history of the Tavern I've realised you were likely more involved with setting it up than the Hallmaster was. The current Hallmaster. And for that reason."

"Certainly more than the current Hallmaster, though Master Fielton was the true force behind its creation," Daigoro admitted truthfully.
"Although, the Amber Hills Brew recipe was my own contribution," he added humbly.

"It seems popular, though I haven't sampled it myself." Zandreu looked at the paperwork on the other man's desk. "I hope not too much of that has come from my direction. It had been piling up at the Tavern in Bhervehan's absence and I've been trying to clear it quickly."

"Oh, this?" Daigoro asked with a wave at the forbidding stacks waiting for him. "No. Unfortunately this is all of the Hall's making. You might be buried in there somewhere, though. Who knows. It just keeps growing and growing. I swear hidework leaves little seeds that spout more overnight."

"Maybe that's what's happened at the Tavern."

"I certainly wouldn't be surprised," the Hallsecond chuckled, leaning back in his chair and gripping the arms in his big paw-like hands. "So how are you settling in? Are you in need of anything?"

"Settling in well, and just working through all the contacts and contracts that Bhervehan knew off the top of his head. Luckily he - or his daughter, I believe - wrote most things down so it's just a matter of chasing up the few things that have faltered in their absence.
Brandy ... But I'm working on rectifying that."

That brought one of his men to mind. "Perhaps you should talk to Journeyman Keayd. He has been doing some interesting experiments with brandy."

"Yes, he was the one I was finally sent to see," the Tavern Master agreed. "And he seems to have things well in hand."

"Good, good. And hopefully soon we'll have some new wines for you to showcase in the tavern. Although, I have to admit, I'm partial to beer."

"Are you?" Zandreu chuckled. "What about cider?"

"Eh, it's all right. But I'd rather a nice mug of stout." It was more manly, the brewer thought. "Though I'm sure I'd make an exception for one of yours," he quickly amended, forgetting for a moment that had been the Tavern Masters specialty.

"I don't get that involved, these days," Zandreu said with a grin, "But there's no shame in liking beers and ales. Cider's a man's drink, after all, and some people never develop the taste."

Well, it seemed the brewer and the cider maker did not quite agree on that score. But no matter. It was a debate that went round and round in a Vintner Hall, and usually happily joined by the vintners and the distillers as well! "Well, as long as it keeps the patrons coming in, you can serve anything you can get your hands on."

"I intend to. There's one other thing - apprentices. Could I have some on short rotations so that they can see that side of the work? Perhaps juniors to have a little practice at table and drink service, and seniors to learn a little of the management?"

"Hmmmm," Daigoro hummed thoughtfully. It was an intriguing proposition.
His apprentices could certainly use the life experience. "I shall bring it up to the Hallmaster, though I'm sure he'll be all for that idea. That's an excellent suggestion."

Zandreu nodded. "Let me know what he says. Now, there's one other thing. Bhervehan's private brewery. It's been let lie since he left and I'll admit I don't have a knack for beers and ales. I need a senior journeyman in there, I think. Somebody who wants the chance to see their own ideas put into practice."

"I can recommend a few." They would be missed in the Halls brewery, but he could understand the opportunity that was being presented them. It was, afterall, how he earned his Master knots and ended up where he was today. "And I can personally work with him for a time and help him should he need it."

"That would be appreciated. I'm capable of _making_ beer, just not necessarily _good_ beer, and so I don't suppose I'd be any better giving advice to somebody doing it than I would be doing it myself."

"Well, you're in luck, because I happen to make _very_ good beer. Or, I used to," Daigoro amended with a sigh. He missed it. He truly missed it.

"Why don't _you_ take over the Tavern brewery, then?"

"It's tempting. Very tempting," Daigoro admitted, but he waved at the stacks covering his desk. "But I'm a Hallsecond now, with a beautiful wife who loves to have me home in the evenings. No time to take on a brewery full time."

"Oh well. Send somebody over and we'll get the room back in use. It's been wasted sitting idle. Is there anything else you think we need to discuss? There's nothing else on my part."

"Only lunch. I think my Cinale is making her famous casserole today."
And Daigoro certainly didn't want to go back to work just yet.

"She's the cook, here, isn't she? Better than Barthella?" he asked with a glance over his shoulder in the unlikely worry that the outspoken Tavern cook could overhear him.

"She's my wife," Daigoro laughed. "I have to say she cooks better than any woman on Pern. But, her cooking had rated highly with out last Hallmaster, and that man was rather hard to please. So why don't you come down and decide for yourself?"

"Er - all right. But let's not mention that I ate away from the Tavern around Barthella. Wouldn't want to hurt her feelings."

Last updated on the May 18th 2008

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Things Are Well In Hand