Making Acquaintances (Part I)

Writers: Ainsley, AL, Jane
Date Posted: 14th March 2009

Characters: Zathris, Zandreu, Nimroy
Description: Zathris takes Nimroy to the tavern to have lunch and meet Zandreu.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 1, day 23 of Turn 5
Notes: Mentioned: Barthella

Zathris

"You'll like Zandreu." Zathris commented as he held the door open for
his brother in law to allow access into the tavern. There were a few
patrons there, the lunch crowd trickling in. They were early enough
that they hadn't hit the peak as of yet, something for which Zathris was
aiming. "He's a decent sort. Really, you should have eaten here long
before now."

"I have been in, just not since Ailnim was born, so I haven't had the
chance to meet Zandreu," Nimroy replied. "Where did he come in from?"

"Actually, I'm not really certain. I know he's been in the craft for
some time." Zathris really ought to ask the man more questions that
would allow him to get to know Zandreu better. He realised he didn't
really know that much about the Tavern Master. The young assistant
steward motioned to a table fairly close to the bar. "How does that look?"

"It's good for me," Nimroy said with a nod. "So you do you come in
very often?"

"At least once a sevenday." Zathris admitted as he led his companion
over to the table, then slid into a chair. "It's a nice change of pace."

"Welcome to the Tavern," the man they had been speaking of said as he
approached them. "Hello Zathris. How are things at the Hold?"

"Ah, Zandreau!" Zathris grinned to the Tavern Master and reached out to
shake his hand warmly.. "We're doing well. This is Nimroy, my brother
of whom I spoke to you the other day."

"Zathris speaks highly of you," Nimroy stated as he offered the Tavern
Master his hand as well.

The Tavern Master found himself shaking the hand of a blue-eyed man
bearing little resemblance to the old Lord Holder, even with the
differences age might make. "He's being kind, then. My sympathy for
the loss of your father," he added, supposing that the other man was
probably still hearing that daily.

"Thank you," Nimroy stated simply for there was really little else to
say. His father's death and the ensuing political drama at the Hold was
ever present in Nimroy's thoughts, but he had found that he could only
address the concerns of each day individually as they arose.

"Care to join us?" Zathris asked, trying to steer the subject away from
Benaroy's death... Both he and Nimroy were having to deal with the
resulting chaos and, frankly, Zathris wanted to get away from it for a
while.

"If neither of you mind?"

"Please do," Nimroy offered with a smile. "How long have you been here
now Zandreu?"

"I arrived here in month nine, so that's nearly five months now,"
Zandreu said, taking a seat at the table with the other two men.

"I've only been coming here a few months myself." Zathris stated
sheepishly. "All those months wasted - I'd no idea what I was missing
out on."

"Well, not too many months," Zandreu said consolingly. "Since the
Tavern was only opened about this time last Turn.."

"Still, wasted time. I'm trying to make up for it.." Zathris' lips
spreading into a wide grin. "Speaking of which, got any particular ale
you care to suggest for tonight?"

"There are a couple, actually. Shall I just ask somebody to bring all
the new ones in turn? There are two ales and a dark beer, if you care
for that."

"The dark beer sounds appealing." Zathris had been having a lot of the
lighter ales of late, might as well try something new. He motioned
toward Nimroy. "What about you?"

"I wouldn't mind having a taste of all that's new in turn, though not a
full pour," Nimroy decided.

"Also, whatever you recommend for the meal." Zathris cocked an eyebrow
at Nimroy, silently asking if that was all right.

"Perfect," Nimroy agreed.

"We have a fish with fresh rolls - which is what I was going to have -
if that would suit you both? It's not as light a meal as it sounds."

"That sounds fine with me." Would a lighter ale be better than the
darker with the meal? Well, Zathris would stick to his first choice -
it would certainly be interesting if nothing else.

Zandreu waved over one of the table staff and gave the man their order
then turned back to the two Hold men. "How are things at the Hold
today? No crises, I hope?"

"None that I have been informed of at least," Nimroy quipped. "Which is
not saying much as I have had my nose buried in trade reports all
morning. Zathris?"

"Let's not go into details regarding _my_ day." Zathris stated with a
short laugh. "Trust me, I don't think either of you _really_ want to know."

Last updated on the March 21st 2009

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

Making Acquaintances (Part I)