Greeting their Guests

Writers: Eimi, Emma
Date Posted: 22nd February 2009

Characters: Thanja, Almonteo
Description: The Hallmaster and his Second greet their guests.
Location: Harper Hall
Date: month 13, day 30 of Turn 4

Almonteo

"The programmes do look okay, don't they?" Thanja cast a critical eye over them as they lay by the side of the auditorium for people to pick up as they came in.

"Yes, you can be proud," the Hallmaster said softly as he turned his plastered smile and nodded to another guest as they acknowledged him and his Hallsecond. "I can't wait for this concert to start so I relax my face muscles."

"Soon it will be. I think Master Eilomar has been ready for the past two sevendays."

"Master Eilomar? He was ready turns ago. But his apprentices, in his own opinion, are another matter." Though Almonteo had every confidence in his pupils to do the Hall proud. The Master tended to err on the side of pessimism.

"Well with luck he won't scare any of them into screaming fits before they go out there." The choral performance was only one element of the concert though. There was to be music and recitations too, with illustrations that Thanja had supervised.

"Or any of the stage crew," the Hallmaster added with a snort before turning a smile on another pair of guests. "Good evening."

Thanja smiled and also greeted the guests. "Some of my printers volunteered for that, if I hear he's bullied any of them..."

The Hallmaster's smile was a bit more genuine as he nodded at another couple, imagining his Hallsecond facing off with the rotund chorus master. She could take him, he thought. "Woe to Master Eilomar."

"Not that any Master here would do such a thing, of course." Thanja said after greeting another couple.

"Certainly not. A Printer is almost as dangerous as a Harper when it comes revenging themselves when slighted. A Harper might be able to compose a rude song, but a Printer can put it into print forever. Ah dear, Comned has come." His smile grew wider and more forced as an eager little man ran up to shake his hand.

"Master Almonteo, it is a pleasure to see you again. I was so happy to have been invited! I have so much I would like to speak with you about," he grinned up at the Hallmaster as he cradled his hands in both of his. "I have some ideas for new stories that I would love to run by you and get your opinion on if you have a moment..."

Almonteo turned his eyes towards his Hallsecond pleadingly.

"Perhaps after the show you can make an appointment," suggested Thanja smoothly. "Today is a holiday after all and we should enjoy it."

"Better yet, why don't you write them all down and that way I can peruse them at leisure and give you my notes." Almonteo would rather not meet with the aspiring writer, for all that he was a Lord Holder's eldest son and likely heir. "We wouldn't want to inconvenience you by asking you to come all the way back to the Weyr..."

"It's no inconvenience," Comned quickly assured him. "I can call a dragon any time I need to."

"How lucky." Almonteo turned to his Hallsecond. "Do I hear the musicians warming up?"

"I believe they are. Can I have an apprentice show you to your seat? You'd not want to miss the start of the show." Thanja gestured to a nearby apprentice, the youngster trotting over quickly. "Kelday, can you please show this gentleman in?"

"Yes ma'am," came the reply.

"Good work, Master Thanja," the Hallmaster said with a grateful bow as the gentleman was quickly ushered away. "And now, perhaps you would allow me to show you to your seat?"

"With pleasure, I've been looking forward to this."

"It's certainly much more enjoyable than planning the sharding thing." He offered her his arm. "Shall we?"

She took it. "Lead the way Hallmaster."

Last updated on the February 22nd 2009

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Greeting their Guests