The thunderous crashing of hammer to stone rings through the small port of Haifa. The Merrie Inn is roaring to life in just a few short days thanks go the Builder's tireless efforts. Work gangs of free men lounge about as the vivacious Lady Merriel bustles about choosing tiles, fabrics, and instructing the cooks.
I stopped in just to see how the Lady Merriel was throwing things together and ended up walking away with this juicy bit for my records.
Curious, I ventured to see how exactly this woman would be running an inn, afterall, she looks so young in the eyes.
"I obviously come from parents of the merchant caste on the Isle of Thera. I have grown up watching and helping my father barter, sell land, slaves and produce, so I am not new to the business of merchants. I have been traveling with Khon of Haifa, as we made our way to the Port city of Haifa. We stayed in many Inn's along the way. When I arrived here and noted that this former tavern is in the perfect location for one, I started dreaming about owning it and converting it into a grand Inn for this city. It is my good fortune that Aiden the former owner was willing to sell her to me. So although I have not yet run an Inn, I am excited and ready for the challenge it presents."
Interesting, she's never run an inn before! This will surely be amusing to see. When asked about her vision for Merrie Inn, she had this to say....
"Port Haifa prides itself on welcoming those who are seeking Gorean knowledge. It is my hope that the Inn will be a place where that can start. Here there will be three rooms to begin with, where travelers may put down their knapsacks, be given a good meal, perhaps a good tour by our very pleasing slaves and be made to feel welcome. This building will also be a wonderful place for events, it can either be used for our usual Friday night gatherings or as a place to fetch food and drink for those who would prefer the warmth of House of Khon slaves nearer to the campfire. There is also the possibility of banquets, either for companionships or Port Haifa Graduations. There are really so many options opening up with the addition of this Inn."
The House of Khon, oh yes, that reminds me! She arrived with Khon at the Council meeting. Knowing Khon, she must be an extremely interesting woman to not yet be in collar. I've seen the looks cast between them. Perhaps it's a business venture, let's find out if she plans on working with the House of Khon.
"I have given that much thought. As a new resident of the city, I would like to see it prosper as much as I would enjoy putting silver into my own till, therefore I am going to give renting slaves from the kennels a try. There are several benefits to doing this. First, I may get a good sized discount if part of the bargain is that I will train the rented slaves while they are here. Second, I can see how pleasing these slaves are and perhaps in the future purchase them from the kennels. And third, let's face it even fully trained slaves can get bored after all of their kennel chores are done and they are also welcome to come help train the newer kajirae as long as they are back to the kennel before the slavers send out the sleen!"
So she does plan on working with the House of Khon but what about private slaves? I wonder if she'll strike a deal where I can put my own slave to work in her establishment. I'd never turn down the extra coin.
"certainly! It is not only the House of Khon, that I wish to see prosper. I would be happy to strike bargains with the owners of well trained kajirae. There is so much to be done here and though I do not mind getting my hands dirty, I cannot do it alone."
Seems a rather solid goal for someone whom hasn't done this before. Perhaps there is hope for good food yet. Her sweet demeanor will hopefully transition into her meals. Though the inn is open now, I had to know what exactly was her best dish.
"I am rather biased, but I think my ram-berry tarts are to die for! The baking here is beyond great, it may even out do the baker at the market. He doesn't read, does he?" she asks looking over her shoulder as if Pat the baker might be lurking in the shadows.
I won't lie, I was hoping she'd say something of more Thassa acquired foods but I won't turn down a sweet! I'll make note here that I do intend to return soon for this ram-berry tart and will give further findings as it's 'to die for' quality.
Now that I have her a little more relaxed now though, let's get into the gossip. The grumblings of the men of the port had reached my ears with the news that the paga tavern was being torn down and relocated nearly a pasang away from their current favored location. Many are eying the woman with distrust and even repressed anger. I wonder how she plans to keep these men coming to her inn and appeased....
"This establishment is open to everyone, but it is a very public place. Just as you would not have dancing in the library, you would not have it here as it is not the proper place for that type of social entertainment. For the time being, the men are welcome to have the slaves perform for them on the stumps near the campfire and also have paga there. There is also the option of the Paga tavern on the wall, "The Stiff Kurt." she says a bit distastefully. "I am certain that the owner of said establishment will be pleased with this free advertisement. There are also talks about a ground level establishment being built, though I do not know the details about that yet. When I do get that bit of gossip, I'd be happy to pass the information along to you."
Thus far I'm pleased to report that all seems solidly at work within the Merrie's Inn. I'll continue to keep a watch on its growth and especially her food. Hopefully next time you're in that section of the city you'll stop in and see what the Lady has cooking in her pot, one never knows.
Signing off for now,
Lady Vika Turmis
