Not The Same

Writers: AL, Paula
Date Posted: 19th September 2010

Characters: Zathris, Puwul
Description: Zathris makes his first visit to the Tavern after Zandreu leaves.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 10, day 4 of Turn 5

Zathris

Zathris' friend wasn't there. And to be honest, the Lord Holder hadn't been
going to the Tavern since the man left, uncertain. It just wasn't the same.
And yet...and yet, Zathris couldn't deny that he was curious. And he did
like the food and the spirits that were offered. And it could be
interesting, observing people observing him, watching their faces as a man
like him entered the place. No, it wouldn't be the same. Ah, but
curiousity has stamina and it tickles and nags until finally one wearies and
gives in. So Zathris gave him and made his way to the Tavern, slipping
inside and letting his gaze wander about, taking note of those who were
there - and those who were not.

Puwul stood behind the bar. The Tavern looked like it always had. This time
of the day it was only half full. The staff was mostly same, although there
were was few new faces.

Puwul's snow white hair was tied to neat tail to his neck. His weather
tanned face was lined and gold rings glittered in his ears. He spotted the
new comer and grinned. He had been expecting it since he had heard that he
was regular patron. He moved to peek into the kitchen where his wife now
ruled supreme. "Sweetpie, put out your best, we have very important guest!"

After surveying the domain and taking note of what had changed and what had
stayed the same, Zathris crossed over the room to take up a table he was
well familiar with. He pulled out the chair and settled down into it with a
satisfying creak and leaned back, waiting.

Puwul didn't take time. "Welcome, Lord Zathris. What can I get for you, my
lord?" his smile was friendly and welcoming.

"Thank you." Zathris inclined his head, eyes taking in the new
Tavernmaster. "Puwul, correct? Got any suggestions on what's good today?"
The Lord holder reached for a napkin and began to idly play with it.

"My wife is making tenderloin that will melt in your tongue and the drinks
are guarateed, good Hall quality," Puwul replied.

"Well then, I'll take the tenderloin with some fried tubers and skillet
fingerroots." Zathris exclaims as he takes a napkin and spreads it out on
his lap. "As to the drinks, pick whatever you have that's most unsual."

"There's red wine that goes well with meat. If you want appertive, I can
recommend new kind of fruit brandy," Puwul was all professional.

"Either will be fine." Zathris inclined his head and motioned toward the
kitchen. "I shall put my faith in whatever you deem would be the best fit.
I'm pretty eclectic in my tastes."

"All right," Puwul replied and with respectful nod, went to back the bar.
He yelled the order to the kitchen and poured glass of brandy to a glass. He
brought it to the table. "Here you are, My lord. I shall bring the wine with
the food."

"Thank you." Zathris took the glass and lifted it in a salute to the
Tavernmaster. "I look forward to the meal." The Lord holder crossed the
glass beneath his nose to inhale the scent of the brandy before asking, "So
have you any children?"

"Aye, some and also few step-children," Puwul replied.

"Ah, a widow." Zathris turns the glass in his hand then takes a slow sip.
Not bad. Not bad at all.

"We both were," Puwul nodded and went to open the bottle of red wine, so it
would be aired before the food was ready. He also brought the tableware and
crystal glass for the wine.

"I'm sorry to hear that." Zathris inclined his head in thanks to the
tavernmaster as he adjusted his seat. Talking with Puwul wasn't the same as
with Zandreu. Not the same at all. It was rather difficult, really, as if
the man couldn't get past his own rank in order to make polite conversation.
So Zathris didn't try any further, simply sipped at his brandy til his food
came, then ate, drank his wine and, after leaving money for the meal, said a
polite thank you before turning to go.

"I hope you enjoyed your meal, my Lord," Puwul said.

"I did, Tavernmaster." Zathris smiled to the man and inclined his head.
"Thank you for your hospitality." Zathris crossed the room to the door and
opened it, though he paused long enough to gaze back at the room. In truth,
very little had changed...except the most important part of all. It just wasn't the same, the entire feel was significantly different. And there was nothing to be done about it. With a frown, the Lord Holder turned to
make his way back to the hold, wishing some things just didn't have to change.

Last updated on the September 25th 2010

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Not The Same