Darion’s was on the border of what was called the upper and middle districts. There were four in total: the upper, where the wealthy lived, the middle-east and the Middle-west, where most of the tradesmen lived and worked, and finally the lower, where the poor lived. There was no physical barrier between the four districts. The building was a bright sky blue with clear glass windows and a large double-door entrance. Two smartly dressed men would open the doors for potential customers. Fortunately, it was early in the day, and there weren't many people entering. According to Hendrick, around midday, getting a table was impossible.
Looking down at my clothes, I frowned. Even after washing, they still looked poor and worn.
I found it unlikely that such a high-class eatery would bother hiring someone like me, but I had to try.
Getting work there was my priority, and my pride would have to be left by the wayside. Begging and pleading weren't out of the cards.
I stepped forward, heading to the doors. I found that when you boldly step into a place as if you belonged there, people would most often hesitate to stop you. So when I walked the few steps to the door and nodded to the two men, they opened and let me pass without question.
The inside was beautiful. The large dining room was decorated with paintings on the wall. Each table was set with four seats, all of fine upholstered mahogany. In the center of the dozens of tables was a lit candle in an ornate holder.
There were few customers, though all were dressed well. A few women, whom I assumed to be the maid-staff, were dressed in matching grey chemises, low-cut to show a small amount of cleavage. Above the chamise was a green bodice with yellow lace, cinched tight at the waist, further bringing emphasis to the chest. The final piece was a dark red dress, brown boots, and linen stockings. Some carried dishes to the tables while others cleaned.
They looked rather lovely. One noticed and walked over to me. Her beautiful smile stopped my heart for a moment. She was as lovely as Aalis, with dark red hair and bright green eyes. Tall even for a woman; Probably as tall as most men.
“Hello, my dear, what can I do for you?” She said,
“Uhhh, I'm here for a meeting with Darion about a job,” I said, assuming that Darion was the owner. I cursed myself for not making sure. Darion could be anyone.
Her smile never wavered, “Ah, well, I see. My dear, would you like to sit at the bar? Darion and his wife are out at the moment. They should be here in a few minutes. Follow me.”
‘I can't believe that worked.’
I followed her to the currently empty bar where a smartly dressed man in an ink-black overcoat and white shirt was polishing bottles. He gave a questioning glance to the maid, who just shrugged, “Has a meeting with Darion, he says. Wouldn't want to interfere with his business, aye, Hewit.”
‘She definitely knows I'm lying.’
Hewit shrugged, “Well, sit down, son, what will you be havin’ in the meantime?”
“Ahh, I’m a bit strapped for coin at the moment,”
He smiled, “Well, tis a good thing all new customers get the first glass on the house.”
Well, considering I'll probably never get another chance to taste good wine, I scanned the shelf for the fanciest-looking bottle, “Arbor West?” I said after a minute.
“Ahh, he can read, well, that's a good first step. Arbor West it is, and may I say excellent choice.”
From underneath the bar, he brought out a clear crystal glass. The first I had ever seen. I stared at it, completely amazed by the delicate design.
He reached for the bottles, opened the stopper, and poured the blood-red wine.
“Take a small sip first; savor the flavor.”
I did as instructed. It was bitter and sweet, slightly woody and fruity at the same time. After a few more sips, I found that I liked it.
“Nice and smooth, no, it's a popular vintage, relatively cheap, but not even the mod seasoned tongue can deny the taste.”
My sips turned to big gulps, and before I could thoroughly enjoy it, the glass was empty. A warm feeling washed over me. I immediately wanted another glass.
“So, I hear we have a meeting?” A voice from behind me asked.
I turned around to see that the maid was gone and instead stood a well-dressed couple. The woman wore a dress similar to the maid-staff. However, hers was made of a shiny cloth I had never seen before. Her bodice had silver buttons, and around her hand was a gold bridal band. Some part of my mind noted it was the first piece of gold I had ever seen.
The man was dressed in a similar suit to the barman, but like his wife, he wore that same shiny material. His fingers were adorned with several rings, all gold.
“A well, you see,” I said, floundering. I rehearsed this in my mind, but now with a bit of alcohol in my stomach, I found myself slightly tongue-tied.
“Come now, husband, we take interviews in the back office; no need to make the boy twist in the wind.” The woman said.
“Very well, what's your name, boy?” The man asked.
“Emyr,”
“Good, come with me, Emyr.”
~
I sat in a chair while Darion and his wife stared me down from behind a large desk. Darion was sitting while his wife stood by his side. Though she didn't seem like the meek and submissive wife some men desired.
“So, what are we to discuss in our supposed meeting?” Darion asked.
“First, let me apologize for the deception. I didn't think I would even be let through the door otherwise,”
“Forgiven,” Darion said and gestured for me to continue.
“I need work, Ser Darion. I’m not picky. I’ll do anythin’ I can read, write, and do maths. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division.”
The woman, who was named Beth, spoke, “Where are you from?”
“I’m not really from anywhere, my pa was a tinker, also named Emyr. We traveled a lot, but I was born in Farway, if that's what you're askin'.”
I found it was easier to remember lies if the truth was mixed in.
“Why do you want to work here and not anywhere else? If you're willing to do anything,” Darion asked.
“Some places in the city aren't safe, and I'm not from here. Your eatery, though, has a good reputation.”
“Any other skills?” Beth asked.
“Ummm, I can cook, but not good enough for here. I can wash clothes really well, and like I said, I'm pretty good with numbers.”
Darion sighed, “I’m sorry, my boy, but I got nothing for you.”
I grit my teeth, “Nothing? I'll do anything; clean the privy. I don't matter to me.” My voice cracked a bit as I desperately tried to find something I could use for leverage.
“Your hair, I haven't seen that coloring in years. You’re a northman?” Beth asked.
“I don't know what that is. I never met my mum. And my pa had blonde hair before he died.”
Sympathy shadowed both their faces.
‘Is that my in?’
“You're an orphan?” Darion asked.
“I guess. Got no family. I only have things to remember them by. I don't want to sell ‘em, but if it comes down to it,” I said.
I tried to add grief to my voice.
The man hummed, clearly moved to some degree. The wife, however, looked suspicious.
‘Damn, did I lay it on too thick?’
“I’m sorry for your loss, my boy, but we don't have work for you, but I know a few people. Could put in a good word.” I tried to hide my disappointment.
“Hold off on that, dear,” Beth said.
“You know we don't have a position for him, my love.”
Beth chuckled, “No, we don't, but Emyr here is a liar.”
‘What? Dammit, where did I mess up?
Recalled the conversation in my head, trying to find any contradiction.
“Really?” Darion said, his voice losing all pretense of sympathy.
“Yes, we don't have work for a boy like him. But we do need another maidservant,”
“What?” Both Darion and I said in surprise.
“I almost didn't see it. Look closely, husband, the cheeks, nose, pay attention to the neck and hands, the small shoulders.”
‘Shit, now I get it.’
Darion's head tilted, truly examining me, then his eyes widened, “By Aneir, how did I not see it?”
“It's the hair, and she hasn't lost the fat in her cheeks yet. Makes her face a bit round and boyish.”
Darion nodded as his wife spoke.
‘Beth said she needs another maid. Think fast, don't let this chance slip.’
“I had to travel from Lothrin to here; it's not safe for me on the open road. At a certain point, the act becomes second nature. Until I'm reminded every month,” I said, trying to sound remorseful.
Beth nodded, understanding my words. Darion looked slightly confused. After a whisper from his wife, his eyes widened, and then he nodded.
‘Men. Just because they never have to deal with it, they forget that we bleed every month.’
“That's why you want to work here, isn't it?” Darion said.
‘No, I want to try to worm my way into the keep. But sure, assume whatever you want.’
I nodded, keeping my eyes to the floor as if in shame.
“She doesn't fit the usual looks for a maid,” he said, trying to be gentle about it.
“She needs some time to lose the baby fat. In a few years, she will be a handsome woman. But your thinking is superficial. What other restaurant has a northern lass as a maid?”
‘I need to look into where Northpeople come from.’
“Imagine her in a black bodice and black dress. With a pale white shift, matching her skin. And once she fills in….” Beth stopped talking, letting her husband's mind fill in the information.
‘I just need to add something to guarantee Darion agrees. Something that shows my commitment. Then it hit me.’
“I don't mind wearing anything. I can even pay myself if need be.”
They were a well-off couple, so it wouldn't hurt to show them my commitment.
I pulled out both the silver bridal band and quill. They didn't so much as spare the bridal band a second glance, but once I pulled out the quill, their eyes widened with surprise.
“Quite the piece,” Darion said.
“Belonged to your father,” Beth asked.
I nodded.
“Aye, and that’s my mothers,” I said, nodding to the bridal band.
“May I?” Darion asked.
I handed him the quill, and he reached into a drawer on his desk, pulling out a similar quill. However, his had gold inlay and the white feather was twice as large.
“A fine piece, Emyr. A design decades old, but tried and true. Could fetch a good amount of coin. However, I will not part you from the last memory of your father.”
Beth smiled slightly, “What if she took orders with the quill? Black hair, black eyes, black dress, black quill. What other restaurant could boast such a unique maiden?”
“Alright, alright, my dear.” He took her hand and kissed her knuckles.
“By the By, what is your real name, girl?”
I shrugged, “Myr, my father wasn't the creative sort.”
Darion chuckled, “How about this, Myr? Next Eight-day, you come by and start training. After you have the basics, you'll shadow one of our senior maid staff. Say 15 bits every eight days. Where do you live?”
Sixty bits a month, 660 a year. Five silver eagles and sixty bits a year. Not bad at all.
“Ahh, nowhere. I have a room at an inn for the next few days. I'll try to find somewhere more permanent soon.”
“We have a room, though it's a little more than a closet, a small bed, a chair, a desk, and a small window. ” Beth said.
‘It seems Lady Luck has finally smiled upon me.’
“I could sleep by the hearth if need be. How much to rent?” I asked.
“Say, 10 a month. That room's been gathering dust for some time,” Darion said with a hint of sadness before it disappeared.
I stood and, with as much solemnity as I could muster, I bowed low enough that my head touched the desk.
“Words can't describe my gratitude. But thank you for the opportunity,” I said.
With a pitying smile, Beth said, “We’re glad to have you, Myr.”
Step three is complete. Let's settle in for a few weeks or months, learn the ropes, and gather information.