Too quiet in here

Writers: Emma, Vix
Date Posted: 15th February 2008

Characters: Royah, Benaran
Description: Royah and Benaran visit the Tavern
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 8, day 15 of Turn 4

"It looks as if we won't need to fight for a table," Benaran remarked sourly as he surveyed the scattered groups of customers for the Hold's tavern.

"It is rather quiet in here tonight," observed Royah as he followed his brother's gaze around the Tavern.

The older brother made his way to a seat near the bar but close enough to a wall that he could see the other tables easily, motioning to the barkeep on his way. "I'd wager that the other place has a large enough crowd."

"Perhaps we should talk to the Tavern Master about his intentions for this place, he must have some plans for the future," mused Royah as he sat down.

"Do you think he cares?" Benaran drummed his fingers impatiently, waiting for his customary brew to be delivered to the table. "After all, if this place fails, it only serves his Hall's establishment. Who would he rather please: us or his Hallmaster?"

"Who knows, but if we ask him, it might set him thinking about things," pointed out Royah.

This brought a grunt from the other man. "I've already told him that I expect this place to do better."

"What else can we do to 'encourage' him?" thought Royah aloud. "There must be something that would get people in and spending their marks."

"But what?" Benaran gestured around him. "Those who come here, the regulars, seem to like it just the way it is. Others who want an evening out head to the Hall's tavern."

"Do the prices compare? If one is cheaper, people will go there."

"Those at the other tavern might be a bit less, but they probably see as much profit per mug as we do, if not more."

"What about suggesting a special or two here to the Tavernmaster? Special ales, or liqueurs to bring people in."

Benaran sighed. "I suppose we could suggest it, but I still question whether the barkeep will put the interests of this tavern first."

"Each to their own I suppose, but as we're here now, the least we can do is have a drink ourselves." Royah waved to one of the waiting staff, beckoning them over.

"I certainly don't plan to leave without one," was his brother's reply. He looked up to place his order. "Bring me a mug of whatever is the most popular drink tonight."

"I'll have the same," said Royah, watching as the drinks seemed to mysteriously appear within moments. "The service is quick at least."

"It is," conceded Benaran before pursing his lips and taking a sip of the dark ale. "It's really not bad, though quite ordinary."

"Maybe they do need to spice things up a little here, something to get the people in, alongside the brews they are accustomed to?" Royal took a drink from his mug, and he would have to agree with Ben on the ordinariness of the ale.

His brother nodded. "If this is the best-selling drink, then it's probably what would be considered the best-tasting for marks paid. And it's not anything to bring customers here night after night." He glanced around. "And I don't see anything else on the tables."

"No, me neither." Royah waived member of the ever-obliging waiting staff over. "Please bring us some of the other drinks you have available here."

Benaran watched as the server sauntered away. "At least there appear to be other choices available. Of course, I wonder how palatable they are if no one is drinking them."

"Only one way to find out," Royah said. "We'll wait till they bring us some, then sample them."

"We'd better order some food as well then," the other brother replied. "I've a feeling we'll need to clear our mouths of the taste." He frowned as he looked around. "Either they taste terrible or those who frequent this place have very boring needs."

"With luck the food will be better than the drink."

Another glance around by the elder brother. "It appears to be as boring as the drink. Hopefully taste will recommend it more than appearance."

"I hope so too."

Their drinks were brought to the table, bringing a dubious look from Benaran, as well as a request. "Bring us some. . . something to eat. Bring us whatever you consider the house specialty."

"It had better be good," said Royah as the staff once more scurried away to do their bidding. "These drinks though, they do look a little better than the ale."

"A little." Benaran picked up a cup, sniffed at it, and then sipped tentatively. "Not bad at all." He took a bigger mouthful and swallowed slowly. "I wonder that more don't order this instead of that." He pointed disdainfully at the ale glass.

"Perhaps they don't tell people about it?"

"Or they can't afford it?" suggested the other brother.

"That could be more likely," agreed Royah. "A point to mention to the Tavernmaster?"

"Of course. We should probably also mention that we expect this tavern to do better than it appears to be right now."

"And we'll just have to see what he does then."

Last updated on the February 21st 2008

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Too quiet in here