Interesting Prospect

Writers: Paula, Tyr
Date Posted: 29th January 2015

Characters: Puwul, Symion
Description: A simple delivery leads to an opportunity.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 11, day 1 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Gautrek, Geirlene (indirectly)

Symion carefully wheeled the cart to the back door of the Tavern and
with a knock called inside. He especially liked when his chores
involved deliveries to the Tavern because he liked hearing Puwul's
tales and held a lot of respect for the shrewd Tavern Master.

Puwyl came to open the door. "Hi there, those for me?" he greeted with
a grin and kept the door open so he could get the cart in.

"Yes, sir, they are," Symion answered amicably as he wheeled the cart
in. "Where do you want them?"

"The storeroom behind the bar," Puwul replied and held the door open
for him. "Gelb, come to help!" he called for one of the brothers he
employed as a bouncers and lifters of heavy loads.

Symion was content to help unload. "Anything else I can help with?"
the young man asked, hopefully. "I won't be expected for awhile yet."

"Maybe. You can leave that for Gelb to unload. I'm paying him for it,"
Puwul replied and gestured him over to bar desk.
"Do you want a cup of klah?"

"That'd be great!" the young man agreed, moving to take a seat. "How's
business been?"

"Business is good," Puwul replied when poured them both klah to mugs.
"Sweetener, milk?"

"Milk, please. Any interesting characters in lately? Or interesting news?"

Puwul shook his head while he added the milk. "After Her ladyship was
rescued, things been kind of slow. Just the normal, every day stuff
going on. One of her ladies-in-waiting did leave the hold in a hurry,
and people keep wondering why. Anything happening in the hall I
should know of?"

"One of the apprentices was caught stealing and sent home," he
replied. "That was the biggest news we've had in months other than
the new Hallmaster of course. The head cook was out a few days
because she had another child, but I don't see that as big news as she
seems to be out every other turn or so for that. Don't know how she
keeps the kitchens running with turning out all those babies.
Journeyman Gautrek returned to the Hall bringing his pretty niece. I
suppose he's been in here."

"Aye," Puwul agreed. He watched and studied Symion thoughfully. He
could have use for someone like him but he wasn't sure if he could
trust him.

Unaware of the Tavern Master's thoughts, Symion took a sip of his klah
and continued conversationally. "I've been working my tail off trying
to get promoted to journeyman's rank. They won't let me stay here as
an apprentice forever." His brow furrowed, "I think I have some
advocates, but there are those that don't want to see it happen, too."

"Good luck with that one," Puwul said. "You seem like a smart lad,
you'll pull it off. Speaking of it, are you interested in earning few
extra marks? I might have use for someone smart who can keep his mouth
closed." He was willing to give Symion a try. Start it small stuff,
and legal (or at least mostly legal) and if he turned out to be
reliable, get him into real business. The bouncer brothers weren't
smart enough for this use and he did not want to involve his son.

"Oh, I can be very discreet," Symion responded, excitement showing in
his eyes. He knew Puwul was a shrewd businessman and would really like
the chance to learn from him. Maybe if things didn't work out at the
Hall, he could come work for Puwul full time. "And would be quite
interested in some extra marks."

"Good," Puwul grinned jovially but his eyes were hard as flit. "I'm
sure we can benefit each other. A word of caution: don't even think
about crossing or cheating on me. It would be most unfortunate, for
you."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Symion assured the man, suppressing a
shudder. He had a feeling that Puwul had once been in a very
different kind of business.

"It's a deal then," Puwul offered his hand for a shake to seal the agreement.

Last updated on the February 10th 2015

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Interesting Prospect