Gathering plans
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Eimi, Paula
Date Posted: 19th July 2017
Characters: Keayd, Capwick
Description: Keayd gets his assignment from the Hallsecond.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 13, day 5 of Turn 8
"Oh good, Key, come in," the Hallsecond said with a beckoning wave. He pointed to the chair across from him with the tip of his pen. "Have a seat. I just have to sign one more of these stupid hides."
"Good afternoon, master Capwick. And I just brought you more," Keayd tended to be formal even with the people he had know for sometime. He took the seat and put on the table the pile of hides he had with him, his reviews of the apprentices he had been teaching.
"Ah, how kind." It was obvious Cap was not sincere in the praise, but his look was mildly amused. He had accepted the job because it was a new challenge. That is certainly was proving to be - to his patience! "I wanted to talk to you about the Gather next month."
"Yes? What about it?" Key asked. He was rather excited about it although he didn't show it. It sounded like those tastings they arranged now and then but in grander scale.
"I would like you to make for your fruit brandy. I'll assign some apprentices to help you put together some displays explaining what you are doing. Would you be willing to do that?" The Hallsecond was trying to showcase not only the best the Hall had to offer, but where the Hall hoped to go in the future.
"Yes, I would be more than willing," Key replied with now obvious euthiasm. "I have new variety coming up, should be ready for tasting by that time. If not, then there's those I've made earlier, they've been put aside to see how aging affects their flavours."
Cap was happy to hear the excitement in his voice, since strictly speaking, it was not a request. It sounded like the journeyman would put his whole heart into it, which pleased him very much. "And how much might you have ready to sell?"
"Umh, that might be harder to tell precicely. I have several batches in various stages, some may be ready in time. There's also the lot I delivered for Puwul to sell in Tavern and I just got order from Baker's Hall. Apparently they are using my brandies in their creations," Key listed out. "I need to check my stock." At this rate, he was going to need help with production.
"Would it be possible for people to pre-order a bottle or two for when they _are_ ready?" It benefited the Hall far more if their potential customers could taste their offerings and buy it then and there while it was still fresh on their tongues. They were liable to forget otherwise.
"Yes, it would be possible," Key replied. "Of course, if the demands goes up, I need to increase the production, which would mean better equipment, larger space and perhaps some staff," he continued. Not that he would mind. It would mean investment from the Hall, which hopefully would lead to increase in income.
"Then you better put on a good show, Journeyman." Cap knew Keayd was hoping to get his senior journeyman knots. There was no guarantee, though, if he was given them that he would remain at the Hall. He could be sent anywhere.
"Of course, Hallsecond. Do I ever put out anything substandard?" that question was pretty much rhetoric. Some of his experiments had been less than successful, but hey, that's why they were _experiments_. Even if the flavour-combination turned out to be bad, at least the brandy itself was made with care and devotion.
"Key, you didn't do anything substandard even as an apprentice." And Cap should know. He had been one of the young man's teachers, after all. "But it's not enough just making a superior product. You now have to _sell_ it. It's a whole other side of the mark."
"Yes, I know. I'm still learning that part," Key replied.
"I know. That's why I want you to remember to ask if you need any help. We all want to see your tent be a success. It would be good for the Hall, and for your future in it."
Key nodded. "Sounds like I'm going to be busy the next sevendays."
"Just tell me what you need. And just to let you know, I will be looking over your shoulder from time to time and kicking you in the hindquarters when I think necessary. It's nothing personal. It's my job now." Even though he had high confidence in the man, Cap would not let Key fail in any way. It would reflect badly on him, too.
"You'll know what I need soon enough," Keayd promised with a small smile.
Last updated on the July 21st 2017