Elendor
Vineyard tour
Mistress Rue Headstrong extols the winery's merits to an interested, and seemingly rich, visitor. A few hobbits reckon there's something funny about him
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Wine Festival (Newbury)
Game Date: Winterfilth (October) 20, 1445 S.R.
Description:
Wine Festival
Inside the Wine Festival, hobbits are everywhere passing from one booth to another, or from tent to tent. Several hobbits are engaged in wine tasting in one corner. Tinlo Headstrong, dressed in his best suit, is standing at a table almost invisible behind a tower of bottles of wine. Spread out on the table are many tiny sipping glasses, some full and some empty. They are in a continuous rotation of being filled, emptied, cleaned and filled again as hobbits return for refills. Other hobbits, in fine regalia, pass among the crowd, trays laden with the small glasses of wine. Hobbits snatch glasses from the trays as they pass by.
WINE TABLE - To check out the wine samples.
WINE TRAY - to snatch a glass from a passing tray.
A large tent sign is standing just inside the entrance.. It reads: During the Wine Festival, the winner of the Grape Stomping will Win 1000 coppers! So roll up your trouser cuffs or hike up your skirt, and give it your best shot!
Contents:
Rue
Wine-Unveiling-Display
Great Grape Stomp
================================= +SHIRE TIME =================================
RL (Arizona) Time is Sun Dec 28 14:45:18 2008 (+time).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IC Time is 06:15:54 on Thursday, Winterfilth (October) 20, 1445 S.R.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IC Weather Conditions:
----------------------
The sky is clear, the stars twinkling brightly. The air is warm a trace of summer lingers still this autumn. The moon is hidden below the horizon.
===============================================================================
[Rue(#30070)]
The Festival is in full swing, and busy with drinking hobbits in various stages of imbibing, from just taking the first drink to full-out intoxication, though those of the latter persuasion are being politely and carefully escorted back to their wagons or to appropriate places along the sidelines by designated members of the Headstrong family. A good time appears to be being had by all, including Rue Headstrong herself, who is presently engaged in explaining the process of icewine-making to an avidly interested group of listeners.
A new arrival enters the tent, this one a smartly-dressed hobbit in a fine - and rather new-looking - black coat, and a green velvet hat topped with a pheasant's feather. He strolls forward, and round brown eyes fall on the group clustered round Rue. Clearing his throat, he moves to join the listeners, after only a minor detour via the wine-sampling table. He carefully avoids meeting the eye of any hobbit he passes - funny, that.
[Rue(#30070)]
". . .and you pick the grapes while they're frozen," Rue is saying, "that's essential. You can't pick them and *then* try to freeze them."
[Nob(#16122)] Several hobbits nod seriously, and one goes so far as to pull out a bit of paper and make a note of this Important Fact. A few others give him sidelong glances, as if to say, 'and what's wrong with /your/ memory?'
The newcomer tilts his head as though listening, though his words are addressed not to the speaker but to thin air. "Interesting. And are there many vintners in these parts, I wonder?" The note-writer is given a look of disdain.
[Rue(#30070)]
"Some. But you won't find better wines than Headstrong Wines in the Shire or Buckland," boasts Rue proudly. "We consistently provide the best and most popular wines throughout the region."
[Nob(#16122)] There isn't much attention paid to Torebras, at least not at first but someone nudges someone else and they both look. A little while later, there is a piercing whisper, "Isn't that.." and a hissed, "Shh!"
"And a fine vintage it is, indeed!" the newcomer exclaims, raising his own small glass and beaming in Rue's direction. "Forgive the interruption. I am new to these parts, and was looking for somewhere to .. ah, invest a little money." The final words come out as barely more than a mutter as that whisper reaches his ears, and rosy cheeks become a little bit redder. Can't be the wine, he's only started imbibing.
[Rue(#30070)]
The mutter, however, reaches Rue's ears.
At once she perks right up, all aglow as she sweetly turns in the newcomer's direction.
"By all means, no need to forgive! Perhaps we should. . .talk a bit. . . ."
Turning back to the group, she gives directions.
"Now, right over there you can sample Firemark Ice, our icewine, and of course the other tables host our other vintages. If you would like a tour of the winery, just speak with my cousin Dilby. . .he's at the Firemark Ice table. . . ."
This done, she turns back to the newcomer.
"Now. . .you were saying?"
The newcomer is still looking flustered. "I .. ah, was saying I am new to these parts, Mistress ..." he hesitates, and then makes a guess, based on the name of the winery, "Headstrong, I presume?" Ignoring the whisperers, he holds his head loftily high.
[Rue(#30070)]
"Headstrong, yes, absolutely."
Looking fit to preen on the spot, Rue nods delightedly.
"I would be honoured to offer you a tour of the winery, or the vineyard, and of course there are our samples. . .whatever suits your fancy, that's what this festival is all about. We're getting quite close to time for our icewine harvest, so normally I don't give tours of the vineyard at this time of year, but for a *special* guest from out of the area. . . ."
She flashes a brilliant smile.
[Nob(#16122)] Several other hobbits turn to look as well, but don't say anything - at least not above a whisper!
The smile - and, no doubt, the flattering speech - does its work, for the newcomer relaxes a little. "Why, that would be very kind! I would certainly be most interested to see the vineyard, though it would never do to miss out on the samples." His brown eyes twinkle. "We don't grow icewine in Br- ahem," he hesitates, then continues - where else would he come from after all? - "in Bree. I'm hoping to settle in the Shire, a kind of semi-retiral you know." He seems oblivious to the fact that he has not yet introduced himself.
[Rue(#30070)]
"How pleasant a notion! There are some lovely places up here in Buckland, though of course the Shire proper has plenty to choose from. . . ."
Rue leads the way toward the vineyard, strolling at a comfortable pace.
"Oh, we won't miss out on any samples, I assure you. The boys have plenty of casks to break open yet. And the icewine is a Headstrong specialty - we're the only place here that produces it. Only place with the know-how *and* the stubbornness," she laughs merrily.
[Nob(#16122)] After Torebras has left, in Rue's company and safely out of earshot, a furious argument breaks out.
"Is not!"
"Was too!"
"I /saw/ him!"
"You never."
The stranger-hobbit ambles along beside Rue, oblivious to the argument he has started. "Tell me, is this icewine popular? How do sales compare with production?" He peers sidelong at her.
[Rue(#30070)]
Rue remains equally oblivious to the argument, or so it would seem, though one might notice a slight hint of suspicion in her eyes as she responds, though her tone remains warm as ever.
"Oh, very. Production and sales just about nigh keep up with each other, but it's close. I nearly kill myself working it every year, but it's worth it."
The newcomer smiles thinly at that. "Then I applaud your industriousness, Mistress Headstrong. An investor would get good returns on his .. ah, assistance, then?" While he keeps up the questioning, bright brown eyes peer this way and that, taking in the surroundings.
[Nob(#16122)] "Did too."
"Bet it wasn't up close." A sheepish look and silence falls. Then a voice breaks the quiet. "Well, and so what if it was? Probably those Big Folks making Stuff up."
Silence again a humming unconvinced sort of sound. "Maybe," says someone else. "But anyways, there's wine to be drunk!"
[Rue(#30070)]
"Oh, yes," purrs Rue confidently. "We always are careful with our investors' funds, putting them only into our *well-established stock, and testing our new products with a small market before releasing them to a larger audience, never putting funds except our family's own into them until we have a demonstrated record of solid success that anyone could follow with the utmost confidence. No investor has yet to lose a penny of his investments with us. . .and all have gained, most *quite* substantially, I might add."
She smiles prettily.
"Of course, we have. . .perks. . .for our investors as well. Gifts, access to our test marketing for products like Firemark Ice and our popular cinnamon wine, that sort of thing."
"That all sounds very tempting," the newcomer remarks, matching Rue's smile with one of his own that is, alas, not so pretty. "And I do believe I might know of some market opportunities back in Bree, I had- ahem, have," he amends, "one or two contacts there, you know." He walks on in silence for a moment. "Of course, a stranger to a town must always excercise prudence with his funds. Perhaps I could speak with one or two of your current investors?"
[Rue(#30070)]
"By all means. I would expect no less," reassures Rue. "I could put you in touch with Rosamunda Bolger and Frodo Baggins, if you like? They would no doubt be happy to speak with you - I know that Mrs. Bolger considers our wines quite healthful, and is a great purchaser as well as investor, and Master Baggins is a second-generation investor in our winery."
The newcomer's ears pick up. "A second-generation investor? That does sound reassuring, Mistress Headstrong." He beams back at his companion. "The vineyard was this way, you said?"
[Rue(#30070)]
"Indeed."
Smiling warmly, Rue leads the way between rows of plump, flawless grapes and tall, healthy vines flourishing in the sun.
"Master Baggins had *rather* a wealthy cousin who adopted him after his parents - drowned. At any rate, he was one of our customers and investors, and so I suspect young Master Baggins was raised with something of a taste for our wines. When he came into his majority and his inheritance, he came to us with an interest in investing."
The newcomer listens politely, gazing at the vines first with interest and then, as time goes on, with a slightly glazed expression. "Indeed," he murmurs, a slight frown creasing his brow. Baggins? Now, where has he heard that name before?
After a while he coughs and says, "A most excellent and tnorough tour, Mistress Headstrong. Perhaps it is time we returned to sample .. ah, the fruits of your family's labour, as it were?"
[Rue(#30070)]
"Thank you! By all means."
Turning, Rue heads them back toward the main festival, still strolling at a comfortable walking-pace.
"What flavours tend to strike your fancy, sir? Perhaps we may have them in wine form. . . ."
The other hobbit starts off at a trot, belatedly slowing his pace to match Rue's until they reach the pavilion again. "I .. hmm." He looks perplexed for a moment, but covers it quickly. "I do prefer fruity rather than floral notes - and oak of course adds a touch of sophistication."
[Rue(#30070)]
"You will be pleased to note that we use oak barrels for all our wines, adding a certain. . .flavour. . .to our vintages."
Rue preens as she leads the way to one of the tables. "We have several fruit wines which you might prefer over the florals - I recommend Newbury Blue, Firemark Raspberry, Blackberry Winter, Newbury Cider Wine, Newbury Harvest - that one tastes a bit like pumpkin pie, Country Applespice, CranNewbury, or Blackcurrant Blend. Any or all of the aforementioned. Tilby here will line them up for you if you like."
[Nob(#16122)] There is a rolling wave of silence that follows Torebras around people hushing as he comes near, to peer at him consideringly and then turn back to their neighbors to either nod or shake their heads firmly. As he passes, they begin to talk again.
"Ah, excellent, excellent." The newcomer follows Rue obediently. "Thank you kindly for your time, Mistress Headstrong - I do so hope to talk with you again soon." He is not entirely oblivious to the hushed voices and turned heads, for he colours up a little and pulls his feathered hat a little lower down on his head, perhaps hoping to shade his features. He is, alas, quite oblivious to the fact that he hasn't yet given Rue his name.
[Rue(#30070)]
Rue, however, is not.
"Might I catch your name, sir?" she chirps cheerily as she joins him at the table, her voice pitched low.
The newcomer, who has been watching hopefully as a glass of the Newbury blue is poured, turns and manages to look both startled and apologetic. "Why, how remiss of me! My name is Mister Bywater - it's a good long-standing Bree name, you know," he adds hastily just in case clarification is required.
[Rue(#30070)]
A nod - if there is skepticism in Rue's eyes, there is none in her nod or her voice as she replies.
"Of course, I'm sure. Do enjoy - I'll check back with you shortly. I'd best see to some things before the tent falls in!"
And with that, she hurries to where a young Headstrong is motioning her over, away, but not without a glance back.
[Nob(#16122)] "See? I /told/ you it wasn't!" The voice is high and clear in a pause in the general hubbub, and equally clear is the following, "Hst! He'll hear you!"
'Mister Bywater' watches Rue move off, but the hiss from somewhere in the crowd his pulls his attention away. He frowns disapprovingly in the whisperer's direction - but his cheeks are now as red as a cherry.
[Nob(#16122)] Some one of the hobbits, one who is wearing a white apron, takes pity on Mr. Bywater and comes up to him with a tray of drinks. "Care to try one?" he asks cheerily. And lowering his voice, he says, "You just don't worry none about them, they don't know nothing anyhows!"
"I .. ah, that is ..." By now Tilby has lined up a neat row of glasses for the newcomer to try, but he is flustered enough that he lifts one from the apron-wearer's tray. "Why, thank you" He attempts a smile, but unfortunately it comes out looking rather condescending.
Wine Festival
Inside the Wine Festival, hobbits are everywhere passing from one booth to another, or from tent to tent. Several hobbits are engaged in wine tasting in one corner. Tinlo Headstrong, dressed in his best suit, is standing at a table almost invisible behind a tower of bottles of wine. Spread out on the table are many tiny sipping glasses, some full and some empty. They are in a continuous rotation of being filled, emptied, cleaned and filled again as hobbits return for refills. Other hobbits, in fine regalia, pass among the crowd, trays laden with the small glasses of wine. Hobbits snatch glasses from the trays as they pass by.
WINE TABLE - To check out the wine samples.
WINE TRAY - to snatch a glass from a passing tray.
A large tent sign is standing just inside the entrance.. It reads: During the Wine Festival, the winner of the Grape Stomping will Win 1000 coppers! So roll up your trouser cuffs or hike up your skirt, and give it your best shot!
Contents:
Rue
Wine-Unveiling-Display
Great Grape Stomp
================================= +SHIRE TIME =================================
RL (Arizona) Time is Sun Dec 28 14:45:18 2008 (+time).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IC Time is 06:15:54 on Thursday, Winterfilth (October) 20, 1445 S.R.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IC Weather Conditions:
----------------------
The sky is clear, the stars twinkling brightly. The air is warm a trace of summer lingers still this autumn. The moon is hidden below the horizon.
===============================================================================
[Rue(#30070)]
The Festival is in full swing, and busy with drinking hobbits in various stages of imbibing, from just taking the first drink to full-out intoxication, though those of the latter persuasion are being politely and carefully escorted back to their wagons or to appropriate places along the sidelines by designated members of the Headstrong family. A good time appears to be being had by all, including Rue Headstrong herself, who is presently engaged in explaining the process of icewine-making to an avidly interested group of listeners.
A new arrival enters the tent, this one a smartly-dressed hobbit in a fine - and rather new-looking - black coat, and a green velvet hat topped with a pheasant's feather. He strolls forward, and round brown eyes fall on the group clustered round Rue. Clearing his throat, he moves to join the listeners, after only a minor detour via the wine-sampling table. He carefully avoids meeting the eye of any hobbit he passes - funny, that.
[Rue(#30070)]
". . .and you pick the grapes while they're frozen," Rue is saying, "that's essential. You can't pick them and *then* try to freeze them."
[Nob(#16122)] Several hobbits nod seriously, and one goes so far as to pull out a bit of paper and make a note of this Important Fact. A few others give him sidelong glances, as if to say, 'and what's wrong with /your/ memory?'
The newcomer tilts his head as though listening, though his words are addressed not to the speaker but to thin air. "Interesting. And are there many vintners in these parts, I wonder?" The note-writer is given a look of disdain.
[Rue(#30070)]
"Some. But you won't find better wines than Headstrong Wines in the Shire or Buckland," boasts Rue proudly. "We consistently provide the best and most popular wines throughout the region."
[Nob(#16122)] There isn't much attention paid to Torebras, at least not at first but someone nudges someone else and they both look. A little while later, there is a piercing whisper, "Isn't that.." and a hissed, "Shh!"
"And a fine vintage it is, indeed!" the newcomer exclaims, raising his own small glass and beaming in Rue's direction. "Forgive the interruption. I am new to these parts, and was looking for somewhere to .. ah, invest a little money." The final words come out as barely more than a mutter as that whisper reaches his ears, and rosy cheeks become a little bit redder. Can't be the wine, he's only started imbibing.
[Rue(#30070)]
The mutter, however, reaches Rue's ears.
At once she perks right up, all aglow as she sweetly turns in the newcomer's direction.
"By all means, no need to forgive! Perhaps we should. . .talk a bit. . . ."
Turning back to the group, she gives directions.
"Now, right over there you can sample Firemark Ice, our icewine, and of course the other tables host our other vintages. If you would like a tour of the winery, just speak with my cousin Dilby. . .he's at the Firemark Ice table. . . ."
This done, she turns back to the newcomer.
"Now. . .you were saying?"
The newcomer is still looking flustered. "I .. ah, was saying I am new to these parts, Mistress ..." he hesitates, and then makes a guess, based on the name of the winery, "Headstrong, I presume?" Ignoring the whisperers, he holds his head loftily high.
[Rue(#30070)]
"Headstrong, yes, absolutely."
Looking fit to preen on the spot, Rue nods delightedly.
"I would be honoured to offer you a tour of the winery, or the vineyard, and of course there are our samples. . .whatever suits your fancy, that's what this festival is all about. We're getting quite close to time for our icewine harvest, so normally I don't give tours of the vineyard at this time of year, but for a *special* guest from out of the area. . . ."
She flashes a brilliant smile.
[Nob(#16122)] Several other hobbits turn to look as well, but don't say anything - at least not above a whisper!
The smile - and, no doubt, the flattering speech - does its work, for the newcomer relaxes a little. "Why, that would be very kind! I would certainly be most interested to see the vineyard, though it would never do to miss out on the samples." His brown eyes twinkle. "We don't grow icewine in Br- ahem," he hesitates, then continues - where else would he come from after all? - "in Bree. I'm hoping to settle in the Shire, a kind of semi-retiral you know." He seems oblivious to the fact that he has not yet introduced himself.
[Rue(#30070)]
"How pleasant a notion! There are some lovely places up here in Buckland, though of course the Shire proper has plenty to choose from. . . ."
Rue leads the way toward the vineyard, strolling at a comfortable pace.
"Oh, we won't miss out on any samples, I assure you. The boys have plenty of casks to break open yet. And the icewine is a Headstrong specialty - we're the only place here that produces it. Only place with the know-how *and* the stubbornness," she laughs merrily.
[Nob(#16122)] After Torebras has left, in Rue's company and safely out of earshot, a furious argument breaks out.
"Is not!"
"Was too!"
"I /saw/ him!"
"You never."
The stranger-hobbit ambles along beside Rue, oblivious to the argument he has started. "Tell me, is this icewine popular? How do sales compare with production?" He peers sidelong at her.
[Rue(#30070)]
Rue remains equally oblivious to the argument, or so it would seem, though one might notice a slight hint of suspicion in her eyes as she responds, though her tone remains warm as ever.
"Oh, very. Production and sales just about nigh keep up with each other, but it's close. I nearly kill myself working it every year, but it's worth it."
The newcomer smiles thinly at that. "Then I applaud your industriousness, Mistress Headstrong. An investor would get good returns on his .. ah, assistance, then?" While he keeps up the questioning, bright brown eyes peer this way and that, taking in the surroundings.
[Nob(#16122)] "Did too."
"Bet it wasn't up close." A sheepish look and silence falls. Then a voice breaks the quiet. "Well, and so what if it was? Probably those Big Folks making Stuff up."
Silence again a humming unconvinced sort of sound. "Maybe," says someone else. "But anyways, there's wine to be drunk!"
[Rue(#30070)]
"Oh, yes," purrs Rue confidently. "We always are careful with our investors' funds, putting them only into our *well-established stock, and testing our new products with a small market before releasing them to a larger audience, never putting funds except our family's own into them until we have a demonstrated record of solid success that anyone could follow with the utmost confidence. No investor has yet to lose a penny of his investments with us. . .and all have gained, most *quite* substantially, I might add."
She smiles prettily.
"Of course, we have. . .perks. . .for our investors as well. Gifts, access to our test marketing for products like Firemark Ice and our popular cinnamon wine, that sort of thing."
"That all sounds very tempting," the newcomer remarks, matching Rue's smile with one of his own that is, alas, not so pretty. "And I do believe I might know of some market opportunities back in Bree, I had- ahem, have," he amends, "one or two contacts there, you know." He walks on in silence for a moment. "Of course, a stranger to a town must always excercise prudence with his funds. Perhaps I could speak with one or two of your current investors?"
[Rue(#30070)]
"By all means. I would expect no less," reassures Rue. "I could put you in touch with Rosamunda Bolger and Frodo Baggins, if you like? They would no doubt be happy to speak with you - I know that Mrs. Bolger considers our wines quite healthful, and is a great purchaser as well as investor, and Master Baggins is a second-generation investor in our winery."
The newcomer's ears pick up. "A second-generation investor? That does sound reassuring, Mistress Headstrong." He beams back at his companion. "The vineyard was this way, you said?"
[Rue(#30070)]
"Indeed."
Smiling warmly, Rue leads the way between rows of plump, flawless grapes and tall, healthy vines flourishing in the sun.
"Master Baggins had *rather* a wealthy cousin who adopted him after his parents - drowned. At any rate, he was one of our customers and investors, and so I suspect young Master Baggins was raised with something of a taste for our wines. When he came into his majority and his inheritance, he came to us with an interest in investing."
The newcomer listens politely, gazing at the vines first with interest and then, as time goes on, with a slightly glazed expression. "Indeed," he murmurs, a slight frown creasing his brow. Baggins? Now, where has he heard that name before?
After a while he coughs and says, "A most excellent and tnorough tour, Mistress Headstrong. Perhaps it is time we returned to sample .. ah, the fruits of your family's labour, as it were?"
[Rue(#30070)]
"Thank you! By all means."
Turning, Rue heads them back toward the main festival, still strolling at a comfortable walking-pace.
"What flavours tend to strike your fancy, sir? Perhaps we may have them in wine form. . . ."
The other hobbit starts off at a trot, belatedly slowing his pace to match Rue's until they reach the pavilion again. "I .. hmm." He looks perplexed for a moment, but covers it quickly. "I do prefer fruity rather than floral notes - and oak of course adds a touch of sophistication."
[Rue(#30070)]
"You will be pleased to note that we use oak barrels for all our wines, adding a certain. . .flavour. . .to our vintages."
Rue preens as she leads the way to one of the tables. "We have several fruit wines which you might prefer over the florals - I recommend Newbury Blue, Firemark Raspberry, Blackberry Winter, Newbury Cider Wine, Newbury Harvest - that one tastes a bit like pumpkin pie, Country Applespice, CranNewbury, or Blackcurrant Blend. Any or all of the aforementioned. Tilby here will line them up for you if you like."
[Nob(#16122)] There is a rolling wave of silence that follows Torebras around people hushing as he comes near, to peer at him consideringly and then turn back to their neighbors to either nod or shake their heads firmly. As he passes, they begin to talk again.
"Ah, excellent, excellent." The newcomer follows Rue obediently. "Thank you kindly for your time, Mistress Headstrong - I do so hope to talk with you again soon." He is not entirely oblivious to the hushed voices and turned heads, for he colours up a little and pulls his feathered hat a little lower down on his head, perhaps hoping to shade his features. He is, alas, quite oblivious to the fact that he hasn't yet given Rue his name.
[Rue(#30070)]
Rue, however, is not.
"Might I catch your name, sir?" she chirps cheerily as she joins him at the table, her voice pitched low.
The newcomer, who has been watching hopefully as a glass of the Newbury blue is poured, turns and manages to look both startled and apologetic. "Why, how remiss of me! My name is Mister Bywater - it's a good long-standing Bree name, you know," he adds hastily just in case clarification is required.
[Rue(#30070)]
A nod - if there is skepticism in Rue's eyes, there is none in her nod or her voice as she replies.
"Of course, I'm sure. Do enjoy - I'll check back with you shortly. I'd best see to some things before the tent falls in!"
And with that, she hurries to where a young Headstrong is motioning her over, away, but not without a glance back.
[Nob(#16122)] "See? I /told/ you it wasn't!" The voice is high and clear in a pause in the general hubbub, and equally clear is the following, "Hst! He'll hear you!"
'Mister Bywater' watches Rue move off, but the hiss from somewhere in the crowd his pulls his attention away. He frowns disapprovingly in the whisperer's direction - but his cheeks are now as red as a cherry.
[Nob(#16122)] Some one of the hobbits, one who is wearing a white apron, takes pity on Mr. Bywater and comes up to him with a tray of drinks. "Care to try one?" he asks cheerily. And lowering his voice, he says, "You just don't worry none about them, they don't know nothing anyhows!"
"I .. ah, that is ..." By now Tilby has lined up a neat row of glasses for the newcomer to try, but he is flustered enough that he lifts one from the apron-wearer's tray. "Why, thank you" He attempts a smile, but unfortunately it comes out looking rather condescending.
Players: Rue, Frodo, Torebras, Nob
