A Question, Not a Favor

Writers: Mikel, Vix
Date Posted: 20th May 2007

Characters: Hartam, Bhervehan
Description: Hartam asks Bhervehan about compensation for guest performers at The Tavern.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 3, day 16 of Turn 4

"Good afternoon, Tavern Master!" The harper grinned at Bhervehan as he entered, the door swinging shut behind him to block the too-bright sunlight of outdoors.

Looking up from already clean bartop he was wiping down, Bhervehan returned the Harper's grin. "And to you, Hartam. How are you this fine day?"

"Quite well, of course. How could I be anything but fine with this excellent establishment allowing me a stage on which to perform and putting the best food in the South on my plate?"

"You know, Hartam," Bhervehan said, "when someone starts a conversation like that, I have a sudden urge to check my purse."

"Now, Bhervehan," Hartam's voice took on a soothing tone, "you know that I'd never take advantage of your hospitality."

"Never, but tell me that you are not about to ask a favor?"

"A favor? Me? Of course not. But I do have a question for you."

The Tavern Master chuckled softly. "Of course, what can I do for you?"

"I was wondering if you want other harpers to perform here occasionally."

"Well, I certainly would not be opposed to the idea," Bhervehan said. "A little variety can be a good thing."

The harper nodded. "A few have mentioned that they would appreciate the chance at a new audience. But it would still be proper to offer some small compensation."

"Of course I'd never expect a Harper to perform without some recompense."

"Food? Drink? Lodging? When I speak to them about performing, I need to know what to offer."

"Food and drink, certainly," he replied. "As for lodging, I have a room dedicated to Harpers already."

Hartam nodded his understanding. "For most the food, drink, and chance to play for such an audience will be sufficient. I'd like to have a guest harper at least once each sevenday, and more often as others happen to be traveling through the area or to visit here. The regulars will accompany them as appropriate and they'll be asked to sit in on group sets as well."

"The only drawback is that on the nights with the largest crowd, I will have the fewest rooms free."

"I can always use my quarters at the Hall and give up my bed here for a night. It's more convenient to stay here, but the Hall isn't that far."

"I appreciate that, but you also need to remember I am charged with making a profit here."

"And I intend to help you do that by drawing in larger crowds."

The prospect of larger crowds almost drove from Bhervehan the one important rule when dealing with a Harper. Pay attention to what they do not say as much as what they do say. "Ok, let's have it, Hartam."

The journeyman shrugged. "If a harper is good, truly good, I may have to be . . . creative. Though most will jump at the chance to perform for a new audience, for others I might need to offer something - what, at this point I can't say - to entice him."

Bhervehan laughed heartily. "Very well Harper, I'll play your game. I'll house your guest."

Hartam gave his most innocent look. "Not my guest, Master Bhervehan - the Tavern's guest."

"Of course."

"Alright then." Now the harper grinned broadly. "If there's anything else I can do for you, let me know."

"I've think you've done enough for me for one day," Bhervehan said with a smile.

Last updated on the May 25th 2007

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

A Question, Not a Favor