From alt.pub.dragons-inn Wed Feb 23 10:26:14 1994 Xref: netcom.com alt.pub.dragons-inn:7053 Path: netcom.com!csus.edu!wupost!howland.reston.ans.net!usenet.ins.cwru.edu!news.ysu.edu!psuvm!asg102 Organization: Penn State University Date: Mon, 21 Feb 1994 20:57:08 EST From: The Dreamer Message-ID: <94052.205708ASG102@psuvm.psu.edu> Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn Subject: [Kidnap] An Honest Mistake Lines: 91 [ADMIN: Actually, this has little to do with the Kidnap thread, except for Brent's presence in the post. Anyway, thanks to Clay Colwell for the use of Vondi and for his input.] The next morning after my meeting with the "beggar" from the guild, I headed straight for the Dragon's Inn, for something to eat. I received the usual looks from other patrons as I entered, but I paid them no attention, only heading for the bar. Littlefair looked up at my approach. "Oh, hi, Brent. We'll get your usual breakfast right away. Go ahead and have a seat." Rowan poured a cup of hot tea, and passed it my way. "Thanks." I said, grabbing the handle. A small grin crossed my face at the level of familiarity I had here. Of course, even though the service here was the best I'd ever seen, not even they could guess what I'd be up to tonight. Then again, I didn't exactly know either, and wouldn't until the meeting at the Spitting Cobra. But I put that out of my mind -- I'd done enough thinking about that last night. Instead, after sitting down I turned my attention to what was happening around the inn. I noticed that business was starting to pick up, as others came in for their own meals. There was also a large number of new guests at the inn; I might have normally introduced myself to some of them, but today I didn't have any real time to talk, because of work. Soon, the entire staff had gone into action. Including Vondi, whose progress I was heavily interested in. First, Vondi was mainly taking dirty dishes into the kitchen, where one could be sure the Dragon's Inn staff would rub them spotless. But by the time my meal had arrived, he was also beginning to take food and drink to the customers. I ate in silence, keeping a subtle glance at him. Rowan also occasionally looked Vondi's way, eyeing him like a hawk. If I knew Littlefair though, he inwardly trusted Vondi, but would except -- eventually, if not immediately -- the same abilities that he did for any of his staff. Vondi carefully weaved his way between tables and around people, no doubt using skills he'd picked up by simply surviving the streets of Low City. He seemed to learn his way around every corner, which was no easy task in the Dragon's Inn. And when he wasn't handling customers, he was in the kitchen, or assisting Mopper Marux. Thus, as I finished my meal, more than my stomach was satisfied. It felt rather good to see someone get away from the streets which had harmed so many -- myself included, really. I ordered an ale for after the meal; one for the proverbial road. The waitress took the order, but she was called on another duty, and Vondi was chosen to take over her duty. I smiled -- now I'd _really_ get to see him in action. I noticed that Vondi seemed to grow nervous as he approached me. Probably because of my Town Guard uniform, I reasoned. He was trying to keep his composure, but I saw a bit of sweat form on his face. Still, neither of us expected what would happen next. Vondi had almost placed the mug atop the table, when his grip suddenly slipped. All either of us could do was watch as the mug dropped -- seemingly in slow motion -- and turned, landing upside-down in the middle of my lap. By instinct I rose, putting the glass aside and trying to wipe some of the liquid off. Again, I noticed lots of eyes on me. Vondi had a look of shock, or almost terror. Littlefair was staring at me with bated breath. The Rabble, always liking to be a part of things, waited to see my reaction. Even Listener seemed to think something was unusual, judging by the more powerful beat he began to play. But I had already made up my mind about what to do. "Sorry about that, Rowan." I looked at the bartender, raising my voice so it could carry to whoever wished to hear it. "I was rising to leave, and accidently bumped into your young helper here. I must have caught him by surprise. That's the only way _I_ can imagine a drink being spilled in the Dragon's Inn." [ADMIN: And in case Brent's words don't make it clear, I'll note that this sort of thing is _very_ rare in the Dragon's Inn, which is known for its top-notch, friendly service. Call it one of life's little quirks of fate :)!] Rowan nodded. Others might have taken the motion as an acceptance of my apoloty, but I knew it to be a silent thanks. Meanwhile, Vondi kept his shocked look, though by now I guessed it was surprise that I had helped him out so, for reasons he couldn't know. I flashed him a friendly smile, before putting on a more embarrassed look, and heading out of the inn. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mike Sander 344lwkc@cmuvm.csv.cmich.edu