A Change Of Scenery

Writers: AL, Cali, Jane
Date Posted: 15th May 2008

Characters: Zathris, Zandreu, Barthella, Benani
Description: Zathris take Benani down to the Tavern for a meal.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 9, day 25 of Turn 4

Zathris

Benani

"I shouldn't have let you talk me into this." Benani's voice held more humour than annoyance as she trudged through the snow. It wasn't really that thick, though a new layer was being formed by the light dusting that was coming from the sky. The air was very cold and she had bundled herself up in several layers to fight it off. "I'm going to freeze out here. My father won't be very pleased."

"My dear, if you freeze, then I will freeze with you, have no fear.
You'll have your revenge, then." Zathris released the hand he had held and put his arm around her, drawing her close and walking carefully.
"Besides, you needed to get out. I don't think you've left the indoors for over a month."

"That is an exaggeration, Zathris, and you know it." Benani poked her husband in the ribs with her elbow, though she couldn't hide the smile that lit her face. "The food had better be worth it. I find it rather silly to be trudging through the snow when there's perfectly good food to be had at the hall."

"Oh I know that, but it's more of a need for a change of scenery."
So much had been happening, so much stress. Even though Benani wasn't necessarily dealing with it directly, she felt it through him. He had been rather stressed himself, though surely not as much as Lord Benaroy or Cyrek. He needed to encourage both of them to relax. However, he wanted to spend some time with his wife first. "Look, we're almost there. I'm sure there will be a nice warm fire."

"Good, because I think my toes are turning blue."

***

"Here you go, a nice table by the hearth." Barthella said with a gesture as she led them in. She didn't usually like running the front, but with two of her serving girls sick tonight, she was keeping an eye on both front and kitchen.

"Thank you." Zathris moved around and pulled out a chair for his wife.
When she sat down, he then took his own chair. "We'd like a bottle of red please."

The Head Cook nodded and asked, "Tonight's special or a particular type?"

"Is the special all right with you?" Zathris turned his attention to his wife who was busy taking off her many layers now that she was inside and by a warm fire.

"That's fine with me." Benani offered Barthella a smile as she finally settled down.

"Hello Zathris," Zandreu said, pausing beside the table when he recognised the assistant steward. "You did decide to come back."

"Well met again, Zandreu." Zathris flashed a grin at the Tavern Master.
"I did indeed. I had to practically drag her by the hair, but this is my wife, Benani. Benani, meet Zandreu, the Master of the Tavern."

Benani shook her head. "He's exaggerating of course. It's a pleasure to meet you, Master of the Tavern."

"And you, Lady Benani. Could I take some of those coats and hang them up in the airing room? I don't think you'll get cold in here."

"That would be wonderful, thank you." Benani shifted as the coats were taken and then leaned back in the chair, a little more comfortable with less bulk. "Do you have any recommendations for dinner?"

"I've enjoyed everything on offer," the Tavern Master said and he nodded at Barthella. "This is our head cook and if anybody's preference should count, it would be hers."

Barthella had gone and come back in their brief exchange and set the wine down on the table. "I've had herdbeast roasting on the fire all day, but if you prefer something lighter, I'd also recommend the savory wherry stew."

"Herdbeast sounds good to me!" Zathris leaned back, rubbing his belly.
"I'm pretty hungry."

"I'll take the wherry stew, please." Benani said, offering another smile to the cook. "It sounds delicious. Honey, you're going to fall if you lean back in your chair any farther."

"Worry wort." Zathris' term was said with endearment and he leaned forward again, all the legs of the chair once more on the floor.
"Though, it's probably a good thing. I guess I don't worry about myself enough."

Barthella smiled at the two, storing away the order in her mind, excused herself from the group, "Good choices, I'll just be a minute.

"It's nice to have somebody _to_ worry about you," the Tavern Master assured the other man. "Now I'll leave you to your meal but do let me know if there's anything else I can do for you this evening."

"Thank you Zandreu." Zathris nodded, offering a smile to him. "I appreciate your hospitality."

Benani's smile echoed Zathris' sentiments as she picked up her glass of wine and sipped delicately at it. "I think this weather has piqued my appetite. I feel like I haven't eaten all day."

"Cold weather seems to have that affect." Zathris agreed. He picked up a fork and twirled it in his hand. "I'm sure it won't be long. There doesn't seem to be many people here this evening."

"I wonder why." Benani said dryly, though her eyes twinkled in amusement. "Probably because of said chill in the air and the snow upon the ground. I still can't believe I let you talk me into this."

"You just can't resist my charm, darling."

"That or I was feeling a bit claustrophobic." Benani admitted between sips of her wine. "I suppose it was good to get out, even if I did have to trek through the snow to get here. I think I need new boots.
Mine didn't feel like they were warding off the cold very well."

Zathris set down his fork and crossed his arms on the table. "Maybe the food will help you stay warmer for the walk back."

Benani groaned over-dramatically at the notion. "I'll freeze."

"Don't worry." Zathris said softly with a mischievous smile. "I'll be sure to warm you up thoroughly when we get back."

Benani couldn't help but laugh. "I'm sure you will!"

Last updated on the May 18th 2008

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A Change Of Scenery