Story Serenade

Writers: Leigh M-F., Paula
Date Posted: 9th September 2016

Characters: Eilomar, Eionen
Description: An unlikely chat over wine.
Location: Harper Hall
Date: month 7, day 23 of Turn 8

Eionen was feeling light-headed, and it wasn't just because he had consumed three servings of wine so far. He had gotten a haircut. After having waist-length hair for so long, receiving such a drastic trim was very different and made him off balance. Not to mention he hadn't thought about how it would reinforce his resemblance to his son, so that, combined with the fact he found only about six people from his younger days were left at the Hall, made him feel melancholy as well. For these reasons, Eionen poured himself another helping and lingered over his dessert, trying to make himself dizzy enough that he would pass out as soon as he went to bed and forget about everything for a little while.

Merlish had gone to visit her relatives, leaving Eilomar in strange situation: he had gotten used to their quiet, peaceful home-evenings and didn't know what to do now. Not to mention the cot felt so empty and lonely without her. After he had actually made his all hide work to up to date (a rare occurance), he decided to head for dining cavern. Bit of a eat before bed time. Not to mention there was always people there. He filled a plate with food, took a glass of wine and start looking for a free seat. He found one next to Eionen. "Evening," he grunted, just to mind his manners.

"Good evening," Eionen said, also to be polite. "I'm Journeyman Eionen, recently back from long travels. Might I make your acquaintence?"

"I'm master Eilomar, teacher of Vocals and choir-master," Eilomar introduced himself to his usual pompous style.

The redhead straightened up. "Truly?" he said with real interest. "Then perhaps I will be working under your direction at some point."

"Do you sing?" Eilomar asked. He was instantly more bening towards a fellow singer. "I used to do my share of travelling on my younger days."

"I sing, dance, act, and educate," Eionen explained. "What sort of travels did you undertake? Educational or entertainment?"

"Entertaiment," Eilomar replied. "I used to be sought-after performer for Gathers and other feasts," Eilomar was bragging a bit.

Eionen looked at him with open admiration. That had never happened to him; he had been invited to perform once he had proven he could, but actively sought out? "I'm impressed. It must have been quite the experience."

"It was," Eilomar replied smugly.

"Might you have some stories of your favorite performances?" the tall redhead inquired, pushing his carafe of wine a little closer invitingly.

"Oh, there's so many of them," Eilomar sighed, secredly pleased by the flattery. He poured himself a glass. "What would you like to hear? Perhaps when I was performing for a Lord Holder's wedding? A lovely occasion and the bride was very beautiful and young."

"That would be very nice," Eionen answered. He had sung at weddings before too, but never a major Lord, just minor sorts. He was wondering how the experiences compared.

Eilomar recounted him a story from his younger days, when he had more hair and less fat.

The younger harper was a highly attentive audience, asking all the right questions and listening with enjoyment. Not only had his worries disappeared for a little while, Eilomar was surprisingly engaging. That opinion was, perhaps, the wine talking, as Eionen hadn't stopped drinking just yet, but for the moment it stood.

Eilomar found out he enjoyed it. Not many people asked him about the old times. He naturally had to moisten his throat with wine while talking.

By the time the dining hall had stopped serving anything and the drudges were preparing to clean up, Eionen was quite drunk, but also quite happy with how the evening had turned out. It was, of course, too soon to call Eilomar a friend, but he was hoping he now had a colleague he could turn to if needed. "So late already," he mused on seeing the drudges come in. "S'pose it's time to go."

"Is it that late already?" Eilomar was surprised. He was bit drunk too, but not nearly as much as the younger harper. He had a lot more mass to absorb the alcohol after all.

"Looks like." Eionen levered himself off the bench. "I thank you for your kindness in indulging me with your stories, Master. They were utterly fas'natin'." He hiccuped and tried to bow, only to wobble dangerously and catch himself with a hand on the table. A moment later, when he felt steadier, he lifted his hand and adjusted his stance. Okay, maybe now he could walk without falling over.

"You're welcome. You turned this evening to a pleasant one," Eilomar replied jovially. Getting up he bumped the table with enough force to make the dishes rattle.

Eionen winced. That looked like it hurt. What was the most courteous thing to do in a situation like this: Ignore the incident, or suggest they lean on each other to make it out of the dining hall safely? Considering this was a Master, perhaps Eilomar's dignity should be looked after. So he ignored it. It was the best his pickled brain could come up with. "Thank you, Master. Until next time, then," he said, and started wobbling for the exit. Ancients, this hangover was probably going to be one to remember.

"Until next time," Eilomar replied and headed towards his home.

Last updated on the December 17th 2016

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Story Serenade