Afternoon Snack

Writers: Francesca, Sia
Date Posted: 2nd December 2024

Characters: Aleriand, Lindora
Description: Lindora brings some treats to Aleriand.
Location: Printer Hall
Date: month 2, day 11 of Turn 12
Notes: Mentioned: Aikley

Aleriand

With the rumors going around about the Hallmaster’s bad mood, Lindora
finally managed to convince the head cook that making some special
treats was in the best interest of the Hall. So, instead of helping
prep for the evening meal, she was putting the finishing touches on a
selection of small tarts: one featuring local grapes, another using
citron from the Sunstone Seahold territory and pastry cream, and a
final one with banana topped with a klah syrup. Placing two of each
type on a plate and filling a pitcher with freshly made klah, she made
her way to the Hallmaster’s office.

When she arrived there, the door was closed and she heard voices. That
gave her time to put down the items for a moment and check her hair
and clothes to make sure she was presentable.

As she was deciding whether to wait or try to return later, the door
opened and a Journeyman left, giving her a nod as she passed. He was
recently married, so Lindora did not pay much attention to him,
instead going to the doorway.

“Hallmaster?” she called out. “I have an afternoon snack, and hot klah.”

Aleriand looked up from the print contract he was reviewing, confused.
He'd been expecting Aikley after the last meeting, if only to remind
him of another item on their agenda. This kid was unfamiliar, but the
smell of klah had him waving her in. "Oh, yes, come in." He said as he
took off his reading glasses and set the contract aside momentarily.
"Are you new to the Printer Hall kitchens or filling in today? You
look familiar but I don't think we've been introduced."

Lindora’s smile fell slightly when he did not immediately know who he
was, but at least he recognized her. She carefully put the pitcher and
tray on his desk and gave a small curtsy. “I’m Lindora, and I
transferred here from the Harper Hall a few sevendays ago. I worked in
the kitchens there too, so you may have seen me.”

"Well, welcome. Faranth knows we could use the extra hands." He
frowned a moment, trying to count the turns to match whatever age he
assumed she was. "Do you have a minute for a break? This much klah by
myself and I'll be jittery all day."

“Of course, sir.” She was thrilled. Taking a break with the Hallmaster
was more than she could have dreamed for their first official meeting.
Lindora poured two mugs of klah and took a seat. “You must be so busy
with everything you need to do running the Hall.”

"There's always something to do." Aleriand agreed as he took the mug
of klah. "All those turns as an apprentice couldn't have prepared me
for all this. Of course, back then we weren't thinking that the Hall
would need to be rebuilt. Do you enjoy working in the Lower Caverns?
We could always use another hand in the printing house."

“Oh, I don’t think I could be of any help there,” Lindora replied
modestly, mug of klah held in her lap. In truth, she had no interest
in the printing presses. She saw how dirty the printers could get when
they needed to work on them. “I like baking; supporting the Hall
through keeping everyone fed.”

She paused, then decided she might not have another opportunity like
this for a while. “If you think it could help, maybe you could have a
personal food assistant making sure you eat when you need to, and that
important meetings have snacks and drinks available.” There was
already coordination with the kitchens but, as far as she could tell,
it was a makeshift system. Left unspoken was her thought that she
should fill this role.

Aleriand shook his head, though considered it. "It would be helpful
for any in person contact negotiations." He agreed slowly. He quickly
scrawled a note to ask Aikley to check. Whether or not he would be
able to read that note was another matter. "The Harpers must have a
system set up. Thank you for the suggestion. We don't have enough
staff here for a personalized service, but the Headwoman would
appreciate _some_ notice."

Lindora nodded. She could not realistically have asked for more than
that. Not wanting there to be an awkward silence, she gestured to the
tarts. “The banana with klah syrup one is my favorite,” she shared.

"Anything with klah syrup is good." Aleriand agreed emphatically. He
looked again at the plate of treats. "Take a few before you go. I
can't possibly eat all these. You're working harder than I am."

Lindora chose a citron pastry and took a delicate bite. “I’ll make
sure the kitchens know,” she lied. She would make sure to find
opportunities to make klah-flavored treats.

Last updated on the December 4th 2024

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Afternoon Snack