Keep Singing

Writers: Paula, Vix
Date Posted: 29th August 2008

Characters: Hartam, Venciel
Description: Hartam notices Venciel singing along with his playing.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 11, day 21 of Turn 4

Venny had snuck to listen the harper's singing during her break. She wasn't
allowed to work with the patron's yet, which annoyed her. She found herself
humming with the music.

The song came to an end and Hartam strummed a few notes, moderating the key
for a cheerful song, one popular throughout the area. ""My mouth is getting
dry," he told his audience, "so I'll expect you all to join in to keep up
the volume." His voice did not suggest any lack as he bellowed out the first
lines of the song.

Venny joined the song, tapping her feet with the rhythm. She never thought
if she had good voice or not.

There were definitely a few in the audience who were cooperating this
evening. The harper sought them out with his eyes, smiling toward the more
boisterous singers.

Venny blushed when she realized she had been noticed.

Hartam winked and nodded at the woman before turning his gaze to someone
else. It always amazed him when those listening were self-conscious over
their singing, something that came as naturally to him as talking.

Venny grinned at his wink and returned to her work. She was soon called to
clean up someone's spilled drink.

The harper finished his song and set aside his gitar, nodding to the two
apprentices on the stage. The younger harpers continued to play as Hartam
left the stage to wander through the crowd.

She wiped the floor and table dry and wrung the rag over a bail. She took a
step backwards and realised she had bumped to someone. "So sorry," she said
and turned to look over her shoulder.

Hartam bowed to the serving woman. "Not a problem, m'lady. You enjoyed the
music?"

"Yes, I did. It was great," Venny said.

His smile was gentle. "And you enjoy singing?"

"Yes, I do," the young woman replied.

"Good!" He grinned broadly. "I like having enthusiastic participants in the
audience. You give me the energy I need to keep playing."

"I'm pleased to be help," Venny replied cheerfully.

"Do you sing as you work?" he asked her. "Or only on your breaks?"

"I may be caught singing or humming when I'm doing something really boring,"
Venny replied with a little shrug.

"I don't know how the Tavern Master would feel about that," Hartam told her,
"but I approve whole-heartedly. Keep singing!"

"Thank you, journeyman Hartam," Venny said.

"You're quite welcome, young lady." He bowed slightly to her. "Let me know
if I can ever play anything special for you."

Venny nodded and blushed. She wasn't used to be treated like this.

"And now," he turned toward the bar, waving to someone in that direction
before flashing another smile for her. "And now I must move on. Again, thank
you." He moved away before waiting for a reply.

Last updated on the August 30th 2008

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