Taste Tests

Writers: Devin, Vix
Date Posted: 3rd March 2008

Characters: R'masu, Hartam
Description: R'masu and Hartam discuss the advantages of visiting the Tavern as well as the changes in Hartam's life
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 8, day 19 of Turn 4

"Every time I come here I find something else I like," R'masu said as he set his mug down.

"Really?" was Hartam's response. "And what is your discovery for this visit?"

"It's called winter spice." The brownrider took a sip. "It's got a bit more flavor to it."

"It's not a bad brew," the other harper agreed. "Though I do my best to have only a little of one type of drink or another each night. I really don't like to overdo it."

"Oh, no. I don't like to over indulge either," R'masu agreed. For a time he'd tried to drink his pain away after Saray's death, and it had done no good. "But a mug or two after a performance is nice. Especially when there are so many interesting varieties to sample here."

"That there are," Hartam conceded, "which gives me even more reason to school myself to moderation. Each night I can have something different, or so it seems." He chuckled as he added, "And with so many vintners about, there are constant requests to sample their experimental brews -
some of which require much tact in appraising."

"Ah, so they turn you into the taste tester." R'masu smiled.

"They try," was the other's reply. "But I try to avoid those taste tests. One was so sour that I had trouble singing the next set."

The brownrider chuckled. "I'm glad I have the luxury of choice." He took another sip.

The Tavern Harper smiled mischievously. "I could always suggest that you'd be a good candidate for their experiments."

"No thank you." R'masu laughed and shook his head. "I have enough people at home asking me about their music. Trust me, it can be as sour as any brew."

"I have that as well," Hartam told him. "And imagine when a vintner brings me a new brew _and_ a horrendous poem that he feels should be the next favorite gather ballad."

R'masu made a face. "You must have a lot of practice with diplomacy."

"And practice in noting the signs and finding an excuse to leave the room."

"All important things for a harper." R'masu laughed. "I've found that having a dragon provides fantastic excuses for leaving a room."

"That would work in most cases," agreed Hartam, "though lately I've been using my pregnant wife as an excuse."

"I didn't know you were married."

"I wasn't when I came to this place. I met a woman here, we married, and now we're expecting."

The brownrider's eyebrow rose. "Well, that was fast!" All that within a few months?

"Faster than you think - Tayette is expecting twins."

"Twins! Now I don't know whether to congratulate you or give you my condolences." R'masu winked.

Hartam smiled, though there was a touch of worry to it. "When I figure it out for myself, I'll let you know."

"I'm sure you'll be a fine father. Your children certainly won't lack for lullabies."

"Oh, that part I'll get right. It's all of the other aspects of fatherhood that have me worried."

R'masu took a sip of his tasty selection for the night. "I wish I could offer advice, but I have no experience in that area." Sometimes he wished he and Saray had children. Having a part of her live on in a son or daughter might have made the loss easier to bear. But it also would have been a painful reminder of his loss, and he didn't think he would have been able to be a good father to a child in the months after Saray's death. He had been too consumed with grief.

}:You have me. I'll always be here,:{ Kannoth said, sending love across their bond.

"It's alright. From what I've heard, each pregnancy and each child is different, so I'll have to take it all as it comes anyhow." Hartam sighed deeply. "I only hope that I'm not too old to keep up with these children."

R'masu waved a hand. "You have plenty of good turns left in you."

"Yes, but there will be two of them."

"That is true," R'masu couldn't help a chuckle. "Do you have anyone that could help out? Family?"

"Tayette, of course." Hartam shrugged. "My family lives at River Bluff Weyr and Tayette is estranged from her. However, I'm sure that there are plenty of workers at the Hold that are willing to help her."

"You'll do fine," the brownrider said. "And I'll offer myself as a willing ear if you ever need it."

"I may take you up on that - though I don't know how well you'll like hearing about nappies and nights full of crying."

"If it bores me, I can still agree and nod in all right places." R'masu winked.

Hartam laughed at that suggestion. "And if I need a sympathetic ear badly enough, I'll probably pretend that I don't know those craft tricks."

Last updated on the March 3rd 2008

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

Taste Tests