Stumbling Into the Right Person

Writers: Ainsley, Chelle
Date Posted: 22nd March 2009

Characters: Sarban, Barli
Description: Sarban meets Barli and chats with her about riverboating and gifts.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 1, day 21 of Turn 5

Sarban walked across the Hold's courtyard, on his way to discuss something with Vanea. He was taking his time though, in no hurry to arrive. Under one arm were a few hides in a leather folder. The other arm was free and he stopped to chat with some of the Hold residents as they went about their daily activities.

Barli's hands were quite full as she crossed the courtyard carrying two large completed quilts. She was to meet the crafter's wife who had commissioned a quilt for her daughter's wedding here, but was very early. Craning her head in search of a place to sit and wait, she stumbled and quite nearly fell into a man with sandy blond hair.

Sarban caught her and himself before he went down. Turns of being on a moving boat gave the man a certain sense of balance and support. "There dear lady..are you all right?" He looked at her, a bit concerned. He had managed to keep hold of his folder with his other arm, which was a good thing.

Righting herself and, clutching the quilts tightly so that they did not go tumbling into the dirt, wouldn't _that_ make a lovely presentation for the customer. Barli answered with an appreciative smile, "Yes, thanks to you I am. I guess I don't quite have my land legs yet." Though she knew that in truth her own carelessness was to blame. Her cheeks pinked just slightly when her gaze moved from the friendly hazel eyes to the knots on the man's shoulder. "But you must admit I have good taste to stumble and fall quite nearly into the lap of the Hold's Steward," she chuckled to hide the touch of embarrassment that she felt. "My apologies."

It wasn't often that Sarban saw that side of females and he was a bit at a loss as to what to do. He laughed with her, but then took a moment to recover and speak. "Don't worry about it. Where were you going? Maybe I can help you with those.." He put his arms out in a gesture to lighten her load.

"I'm actually meeting a customer," she stated without relinquishing the quilts. "I was just looking for a place to sit and wait since I'm rather early. If there is such a place nearby then I'll take you up on your kind offer, otherwise I had best just stand off to the side so I don't run someone else down."

"Aye we have benches just inside the entry there." He pointed, helpfully. He found it hard to believe she made a habit of running into people. It had to be the cumbersome quilts-she couldn't see over them certainly.

Barli offered the steward a brilliant smile. "Then if you wouldn't mind terribly, perhaps I could use a hand." Though she felt a little awkward allowing the Steward to help her tote her wares, he _had_ offered, and having grown up on the riverboat left Barli somewhat less in awe of those in authority. She'd think nothing of asking the _captain_ of the boat to give her a hand. Of course he was her brother, but no one else aboard would either. People were people after all.

Sarban took some of the load off her, then lead her inside to the benches. He set the quilts down on an empty space before making sure she found a spot. "So, you're obviously not from here."

"No, I hail from the riverboat Sungazer," she answered, with a hint of pride in her voice. "One of these quilts was commissioned by a crafter's wife here in the Hold, but I brought the second just to see if she favored it," Barli explained.

"Ah..and how long will you all be in port here?" Sarban asked, curious. He'd heard alot about the riverboat, but had never really spoken to one of its inhabitants. To him, it seemed like an interesting way to live.

"We'll depart downstream in two days time, then be back again roughly the same time next month," she answered. "If you've never run the river, you should give it a try. There is nothing quite like it, though I suppose it would be hard to spare the time given your position."

"I've never been on the river no, but I have been on the sea." Sarban grinned softly, nostalgia covering his features for a few moments before he returned to himself. "Perhaps..you have heard that the Lord Holder is getting wed aye? I have need to present the couple with a wedding gift. You being a woman, what would you suggest?" And, Sarban thought, perhaps she could pick something up for me from another Hold or Hall.

"Well, one of these quilts is to be a wedding gift," Barli stated patting the brightly colored bed coverings. "The riverboats are known for them, but that's not so much for a single man to give." She had assumed he was single, as he had asked her about a gift, where his wife would have taken care of such a matter if he were married. "Now they've some beautiful gifts at the port at the end of the river. One shop has both stone and wood carvings, really beautiful. Range from the span of my hand to half as tall as I am and creatures from all of Pern. Oh, and another craftsman makes the most beautiful boxes, inlaid with stone or gems. Large enough to put linens, or household items in but pretty enough to have anywhere. I think that would make a very nice wedding gift." Her face was thoughtful as she thought of other items that she had seen that would make suitable gifts. The Lord and Lady Holder would not have the same need for fancy serving bowls or the
like. "It depends on their interests really."

Sarban didn't like the idea of figures. He was a practical man and would rather give something useful. She'd given him something to ponder, though. After some thinking, he'd likely go and check out some of the merchants and make a decision. "Well lady, I better get going. I believe I was on my way to check in with the Hold harper. Have a good day and if I don't manage to see you before you leave port, smooth sailing..er..boating?" He gave a lopsided grin before making sure her quilts were settled. Walking away from the bench, he thought of her for a time as he made his way through the halls.

Last updated on the March 25th 2009

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Stumbling Into the Right Person