Taken To Task

Writers: Heather, Tyr
Date Posted: 20th December 2014

Characters: Symion, Montrio
Description: Symion's father comes for a less than pleasant visit.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 10, day 22 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Clovente

Symion made his way to the main Hall without his usual cocky swagger.
He'd been informed that his father was here to see him and after the
rather scathing letter he had received, the senior apprentice did not
think this was a friendly visit. He had started making some changes
that he hoped would bring about a positive change in his standing, but
he had yet to see concrete results. One of the drudges directed Symion
to the room his father had been offered as a guest of the Hall, so
standing up straight and squaring his shoulders he knocked on the
door.

"Come in." The tone was brusque and clipped as the man on the other
side of the door was busy perusing the paper that gave a full
reporting of his sons progress since joining the Vintner Hall.
Unimpressed could sum up the entirety of Montrio's feelings as he
considered how long he had allowed Symion to be at the Hall with no
real results.

The apprentice entered slowly, trying to gauge his father's mood and
determine how best to proceed. Squaring his shoulders he reminded
himself that he was no longer a boy, but a man. "Father, what a
surprise to see you," he said blithely.

Montrio cocked an eyebrow at Symion's tone, "Sit, Symion." It was a
command that he knew would be followed and his eyes turned briefly
back down to the piece of parchment before glancing back up at his
son. "Explain." He crossed his arms over his chest as he casually
leaned his hip against the desk in the room. "I have seen poor
farmers' children progress faster than you. I thought sending you here
was suppose to be a chance for you to excel but instead you have done
nothing so far but embarrass your family."

Symion's jaw tightened at his father's harsh words. "I was late
starting in my apprenticeship," he replied, "But I did well enough to
progress to Senior Apprentice and I'm working hard so that I can walk
the tables. I do okay on the class assignments and projects, but the
tests come hard to me." The tests came hard because they involved
studying, which historically had been a bit more work than Symion
cared to put in. His many friends in the barracks made sliding
through on homework a much easier task. Of course there had been
changes recently, since his talk with Master Clovente. "I've taken on
some special assignments, more targeted toward winemaking, to help my
standing."

The Holder narrowed his eyes at his son, "I'm sure the tests come hard
to you because of your lack of effort. I sent you here expecting to
see some real results. This isn't a vacation."

"Yes, sir," Symion replied as contritely as he was able. Inside he
seethed. He was twenty-three turns and far too old for such a
dressing down from his father. What did this man know of the Vintner
Craft? Still, his mother routinely sent packages with little extras
and a few marks and he knew antagonizing his father would put an
abrupt halt to such niceties. "I understand your frustration. I just
recently went to speak to one of the masters, Master Clovente, he
helped a lot. He sent me to the Master of Apprentices and I've taken
on some special projects. I've decided to specialize in winemaking
once I'm a journeyman. I truly believe I'll be walking the tables next
time promotions are announced."

Montrio stilled looked dubious, but he did love his son, in fact, it
was his love that was the problem. For all of Symion's life he had
been spoiled by his father and mother. "I will be checking in routinely,"
he warned, although there was less venom in his voice.

"You will hear good reports, sir. I'm determined to make journeyman
this time." Symion's statement rang with truth, though he did not
share the motivation for his desire. He had no wish to return to his
home Hold and he very much wished to experience the independence that
journeyman rank would provide. No longer would he fall under his
father's dominion.

The holder exhaled a little sigh, his shoulders relaxing more, "Your
mother wanted me to bring this to you. She worries about you being too
cold here." The winters in Amber Hills were often cold and snowy.
Montrio held out a beautifully made scarf in the crimson and black
colors of their Hold.

Offering a smile, Symion accepted the gift. This was the man he was
used to and the one he found easiest to manipulate. "Give her my
thanks and my love. You're staying the night aren't you? I can
arrange for a small wine tasting I'm sure."

A wine tasting? That sparked Montrio's interest immediately, which had
probably been Symion's intention. "Well, I had thought to return home
but it was a long ride, and a wine tasting sounds nice." And the
thought of the long, cold journey home was less entertaining now that
he was less angry.

"Certainly. Allows me to practice sharing my knowledge. They just
released a nice ice wine from the cellar that Mother would favor.
It's refreshingly sweet but balanced with high acidity. She
celebrates her birthing day next month," Symion reminded the man who
was apt to forget such things. "And there's a full bodied red that
I'm sure you would enjoy. "I'll go speak with the journeyman on duty
in the tasting room and be back in less than a quarter candlemark."

A gift for his wife! The thought struck Montrio like a bolt of
lightning. Perhaps this trip was turning out better than he had
previously anticipated. And as long as his son got back to the
straight and narrow and finished his school work- that was all that
really mattered to Montrio. They wanted a Master crafter in the
family, and who better than _his_ son to accomplish such a task?

Last updated on the December 23rd 2014

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Taken To Task