Nothing at the Moment

Writers: Jane, Kaysea
Date Posted: 29th May 2008

Characters: Causton, Zandreu
Description: Causton checks up on the new Tavern Master.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 9, day 24 of Turn 4

There was an office for the Tavern Master; conveniently placed on the main floor. While Zandreu liked that (and assumed it was the result of having Bhervehan as the original Tavern Master) it still wasn't a very useful place. Too much out of the way of things, especially in the mornings when the Tavern was starting to wake up and people were coming and going.

Zandreu had instead appropriated one of the tables between the bar and the harper's platform. It gave him a good view of almost all of the great room and yet kept him out of everybody's way while he did his hidework for the morning. It also meant that he was able to see who came and went through the half of the double main doors that was unlocked to let the staff in and out.

In this case, the person entering the Tavern had every right to be there, and Zandreu got to his feet to greet the other man.

Causton peered into the early morning dimness of the bar-room, the brightness outside contrasted with the shadows inside the Tavern so it took a moment or two for his eyes to adjust; when they did he was surprised to see the temporary Tavern Master was in situ. "Zandreu?" he asked taking a step forward.

"Indeed. Good morning, Hallmaster. Can I order something for you from the kitchens?" It wasn't a meal service time but Zandreu had made it clear that everybody who worked at the Tavern was to be fed from the Tavern's kitchens - and served by the staff.

"No, no." Causton shook his head, "I'm fine, don't worry about me. Sit down," he waved the Tavern Master back into his seat. "I just came to see how you're settling in."

"Ahh, fairly well. I've been liaising with the Hallsecond for general things. Did you want me to report to you, as well?"

"No, I'll pop in occasionally and just have a word with you, no reason for you to double up on _official_ reports." he said, taking a seat opposite the new Tavern Master. "So you're becoming familiar with the staff, and the way things run here?" He glanced aroudn the room, half expecting to see Misara around, but she wasn't anywhere to be seen today. He wondered just how many of the staff here either knew or suspected the relationship between Misara and himself; they had tried to be circumspect, but who knew?

"I've met them all," Zandreu said cautiously. It would take a while to get familiar with their quirks and behaviours. "And things have been running remarkably smoothly." He leaned forward and whispered:
"Barthella could run this place single-handed, you know." His expression was solemn, but his eyes betrayed his amusement at the near-truth in his teasing.

"Yes, I have had my own thoughts on that score. I would say it's partly due to her that things have still been running at all around here."
Causton nodded, then glance up to see Misara appearing through the doorway to the kitchens, a fully loaded tray in her hands. "The custom doesn't seem to have dropped off at all - the food is too good to pass up." he smiled, his eyes watching as the customers and Misara bantered while she served them.

"Exactly what I thought when I tried it earlier in the sevenday."
Zandreu nodded. "There are no real problems here. Paper and hidework that's backed up but I'm getting through that."

"Bhervehan was usually very up to date, but I guess with the extended absence things were bound to build up. Everything has balanced out though, hasn't it?"

"Except where my addition and subtraction has interfered," Zandreu admitted. "It's working out better now."

"And the staff - have you any problems with them?" Causton asked, glancing back over his shoulder at Misara as she worked her way around the occupied tables clearing and taking orders.

"No. Not really. They're pretty loyal to Bhervehan, but since I'm a temporary replacement - for the moment - they don't seem to mind."

"Well that's good to hear. They're a pretty good bunch here, I never heard Bhervehan have a bad word for any of them." Causton nodded.

"Then I wouldn't expect trouble. He's too good a Tavern Master to make mistakes in his choice of staff." Zandreu smiled. "So, it's been a trouble-free transition. Or mostly so. Nothing worth reporting to the Hallmaster, which is why I haven't been over to visit you."

"So, not everyone was so accepting?" Causton asked.

"Not the people. Some of the supply arrangements from the Hall had been forgotten. I've 'reminded' those who need to be reminded."

"Oh - I see. I should have thought of that. So there were no problems with your authority on that score?" He hadn't heard any ruction from the Hall end. Though everyone was aware of Bhervehan's absence and had been dealing directly with the tavern staff for the previous month, so an authority figure probably wouldn't have been unexpected.

"No, no problems. Perhaps master's knots still count for something, despite what my apprentice master's complained."

"Well, it looks as though you've settled in here." Causton nodded in approval. "There's nothing you need from me then?"

"Nothing at the moment," Zandreu said cautiously. "But I'll let you know if that changes."

Last updated on the June 1st 2008

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Nothing at the Moment