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 Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2010 4:22 pm
The morning sun was still low, casting long shadows over the tops of the mountainous pass. It was cool and misty, but the hidden warmth up above would reach the floor in due time, burning it away. Through the shadows, a medium-sized figure appeared. Lithely muscular, he moved along silently at an easy two-beat rhythm. To the casual observer, one might suspect he was in a good mood, but the tension in his face was evident upon closer inspection. The young hound had his brow knit slightly, his steely blue gaze distant. He tried to keep his mind on the present, but a nagging voice in the back of his head would not stop tempting him. He was on rather... unpleasant business today, and as he stepped out from the mountain pass, Caspia appeared on the horizon and he swallowed audibly, stopping for a moment. Gazing down at the prestigious city, he spotted a particularly large estate.
In this estate, he knew, lived two very wealthy hounds--his parents--who would not be entirely pleased to see him. He sighed softly for a moment, the sun finally reaching its warm fingers to his back, scratching at it until it warmed. It was time for him to move in now... to ask his question. Finally old enough to live on his own, and with his business beginning to blossom wonderfully, he was in need of a little help. He was wealthy enough, but he'd been working for some time now to perfect his vintages--after all, wines had to age before they could be sold. To be blunt, he needed a little loan. Just a few thousand stones would do it, just enough to help him upgrade his bistro and purchase a few more slaves. While he dreaded asking, he knew his parents would oblige. They were not cruel like he was; they valued their slaves and handled them with care. A couple this soft would not hesitate to help their eldest son in his endeavors.
Yet, he was guilty. They did so much for him as a pup, and when he left on his own they were nothing but encouraging. It pained him somehow to know he had to ask them for more help, after all they'd done. Well, he mused, at least I will be able to pay them back. Reassured, he continued down the path and into the city. Unfortunately for him, this particular part of town was where most businesses offered their wares, and as a vintner, Ari was particularly fond of wines. It wasn't long before a particular dark bottle of sweet aroma caught his eye and he was at the small stall, inspecting each individual label with great care, yet a casual interest. The shopkeep kept quiet, recognizing that steely gaze as Ari's. If he wanted something, he would tell her. He was a repeat customer. Slowly he moved down the row, head tilted to the side in silent curiosity.
Mother and father could wait a few more hours. It wasn't like they knew he was about to drop by.
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Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2010 4:36 pm
Chuma's youth had been spent in service to his country, something that he was proud of yet was also content to have done with. He was older now, old enough to have a family of his own, but he didn't. It wasn't for lack of desire, simply because the only female he had genuinely felt for had loved the army and powerful positions more then she had loved him. At the time he had felt like any other young heartbroken male and he had thrust all his disappointment, disillusion, and anger into battle. Rising through the ranks had been hard, but like all challenges he had faced he rose to meet it and dominate over it. Finally he had grasped retirement, not so much out of a desire to do so but because his age forced his paw. Even after loosing much of his sight in one eye he had wanted to continue, now he knew better.
Stepping down had been the hardest thing for him, and at first he had thought to simply lock himself in his private estate and live there. He quickly realized that would be a retreat, and Chuma'Bomani was not about to retreat from life. Everyday was a battle and he intended to face every one. Of course the battles of the wealthy retire general were actually rather pleasant now. For example he had risen, enjoyed a delightful fresh breakfast, strolled around his private grounds, and then come into the fresh air of Caspia and decided to purchase a lovely vintage wine for his dinner.
He was a master war tactician to be certain but of determining which wine was paired with which meal and what vintage was which he was clueless. He had a suspicion the hound behind the stall was simply eager to sell him the most expensive bottle and send him on his way. No doubt she was frustrated he was taking his time in choosing using a rough knowledge to guide him. He glanced over a stern looking male, well the younger male certainly seemed to know what he was looking for.
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Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2010 5:14 pm
As he moved along, his eyes ticked from bottle to bottle, an ever so slight smile passing his lips briefly as he recognized the more savory labels. He paused in front of a particular bottle. His eyes scanned the label, reading each number of the vintage slowly as if it were a novel. A lovely vinyard not far from here had exquisite wines. His eyes caressed the stamp of that particular vinyard slowly, admiring the simplicity of the label. Were he not in a particular financial situation, he would buy this bottle. He glanced to the shopkeep and she looked up, noting which bottle he was eyeing, then looked back to her petty tasks. They both knew he wouldn't purchase today. It was a shame, too. This particular wine was fit for a king.
Finally his eyes broke their unfaltering stare to tick over to a particular individual. The only soul staring the wares down besides himself and the shopkeeper (to protect from theft, he figured) seemed less well-versed in the world of grapes. Since the other was so preoccupied, Ari took ample time to look him over. He was noticeably older than Ari, and bore the scars of untold wars. He appeared big and fierce, but not necessarily fiercer than other hounds he'd encountered in the past. Looks could be deceiving, however. He was certain there were more than a few stories behind that grizzled muzzle. He idly mused about the older hounds life for a few moments before noticing how he roughly approached each bottle. He noted that he also only appeared to have one good eye. Perhaps he was having trouble reading them? Ari doubted it. He looked at them with an unseasoned eye.
He didn't know his wines. A sly smirk slipped over his lips once more at the realization. Ari wasn't particularly cocky, but he wasn't particularly kind either. He would definitely take the opportunity to help this older hound out, but he wouldn't necessarily admit that he wouldn't inwardly enjoy it greatly. Moving over with a smooth, unblemished sort of rhythm, face as still and expressionless as stone again, he approached the other with a quiet confidence. "Excuse me," he started, his warm baritone sliding out over his tongue delicately, "if I may, would you like some help?" He'd gladly explain himself if the other so desired, as it wasn't exactly customary for a young hound to approach an older hound with such confidence. Somehow, he knew that he wouldn't mind.
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Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2010 5:32 pm
Chuma could tell the moment the younger hound found a suitable bottle and despite the admiration for the wine in his sight he also saw that the young male wouldn't be making the purchase. It seemed that despite his knowledge for the wine his pockets weren't deep enough to support his passion, a pity. Chuma had never been in a poor financial state, but during his time in the military he had cut himself off of luxuries and learned to live as many of his soldiers had. Life out in the desert was harsh and lacking the fineries and pleasures the cities offered. Win certainly would never have been consumed on the battle field, it would dull the senses, dehydrate in the heat, and be far too hard to come by. They were lucky with water and bread and the dried meat rations sent out to them.
Now that he was retired however Chuma intended to treat himself to all the fineries he had sacrificed. Hot baths and a glorious dining hall were only a small slice of his grand estate. A wine cellar on the property was not yet stocked but he would see that rectified. Still his pride and joy were the grounds themselves, a private hunting paradise kept stocked and ready. He wouldn't let it be soiled by random hounds coming and poaching, no his gates would be shut to all but those lucky enough to garner an invitation.
He was mildly surprised as the younger male approached and slowly grinned. Was his lack of knowledge so obvious then? Well he wasn't above asking to be taught, after all everyone learned from someone, or through painful trial and error. He blinked and even his milky eye focused better on the young male. "By the gods...Ari?" He chuckled "You were just a pup last I saw you..." He was startled to see the son of his old friends full grown and it was a pricking reminder of his own age.
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Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2010 5:54 pm
Ah, yes. The knowing smile even before the words left his lips. They both knew he was confused. That was alright, Ari supposed. It wasn't like every hound knew wines. Even the higher classes were stumped every so often. It took a real passion to know the business like Ari did, and he was proud of that fact. He'd worked hard all through his young life to learn enough to finally have his own ambitions come to pass. Briefly he thought back to the bistro. Yes, it was currently very small, but soon it would be large and prosperous. He had visions of many slaves with quaint little bow ties serving the wealthy his finest wines. The grapes were nearly ripe this season, and he nearly licked his lips at the thought of having a slave crush the sweet juices from them for a brand new vintage.
The dreamy vision abruptly vanished as he heard his name. His expression went blank for a moment, the shock of hearing those syllables setting in. He searched his memory banks, staring blankly at the elder before it finally hit him. It had been such a long time, he didn't blame himself for forgetting! "Chuma!" he exclaimed at last. Why hadn't he expected to run into somebody he knew? He grew up here... and the high class generally knew everybody. His tail gave a healthy wag as he smiled brightly, probably a glimpse of his puppy-self appearing. After a moment, he squelched his obvious excitement, realizing he didn't exactly want to make a scene.
"Where are my manners? How have you been?" A million childhood memories began to rush back, most notably his first hunting trip. How could he have forgotten that face? Did Chuma really look that much older these days? He stifled his excitement once again, waiting for the reply that would dictate his next move. How silly of him to nearly go to pieces at seeing an old friend! He'd been so uptight and sharp since moving out on his own... it felt almost out of character.
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Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2010 6:02 pm
Chuma smiled at the way Ari's years seemed to melt away revealing for a moment the pup he had been. Quickly enough he saw the young male compose himself and tipped his head. "It's been ages it seems, I'm surprised to see you here I thought you had moved from Caspia? I've only recently retired and set up an estate, I'm here trying to find some quality wines to add to my collection but I admit I'm sadly out of my element in trying to make such a choice." He chuckled and glanced back over the the gleaming bottles each bearing the label of their particular vineyard. He certainly knew some were better credited and famed for their wines then others but beyond that...
"Are you here visiting your parents?" He asked curiously wondering what would draw the young male back to his old home. He knew Ari was ambitious and the gleam in his eyes spoke of the powerful hound he had grown to be. The younger male had his whole life ahead to fulfill his dreams and again Chuma was reminded that his own time seemed all too brief. If only things had been different he might even now had a son or daughter only a little younger then Ari. Of course if things had gone very differently he might even now be dead in some glorious battle, so it wasn't all bad.
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Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2010 6:25 pm
He nodded along politely as Chuma spoke, beginning to fall back into the all-too-familiar formalities of the daily communications. It had been a while since he'd had the time to talk to another hound, being so focussed on accomplishing the groundwork for his new business. It was nice, to say the least, to finally talk of all his work. "Actually, I have moved." He fumbled for a moment, formulating his thoughts more clearly, "I've set up a small place in Prussia. I've been working on it for some time now... It's actually just opening now." He paused, calculating exactly how to word his thought when it came to his parents. "Well... I am visiting my parents, yes." Chuma didn't need to know why.
As for the wine comment, he chuckled quietly. Yes, it was pretty clear that the older male was uncomfortable with his own lack of knowledge. "An estate? That sounds lovely!" he chimed brightly, attempting to bolster his self esteem, at least a bit, "I, myself, am in the wine business, so you are in good hands!" Again, he chuckled warmly. His eyes ticked again to the bottle he had chosen out himself. "In fact, step this way." He slid himself back over to the item in question, pausing again to admire it. "This is a lovely wine, divine in the summertime with a fruity undertone. It pairs well with dark meats, and for an excellent price." he glanced to the shopkeep, a quick smile flashed at her. He appreciated shops that didn't grossly overprice their wines. This was definitely one of those shops.
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Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2010 6:35 pm
"Prussia well that is nice, a place of your own too, I'll have to stop by once your better settled. It's good of you to visit your parents though I'm sure they miss having you around." His own parents had passed away but at least he still had his beloved baby sister. Unhappily for him his sister was mated and had her own home in Caspia, he still didn't think Anpu a worthy match but he was forced to tolerate the male. "What type of establishment have you decided to open?" He was actually a bit surprised and rather glad that Ari wanted to make it on his own instead of riding on his parents coat-tails. So many wealthy pups simply inherited and didn't bother to learn how to earn stones of their own or become productive members of society.
"Ahh yes I saw you eyeing the bottle...I hope you wouldn't begrudge me the purchase? Of course if your in the business you no doubt have a fine cellar of your own. I'll have to pay you another visit in the future to learn better what to include in mine. I'd like for the lodge to offer the very best to it's guests." The fact that the bottle was sealed he knew could have driven up the price, but thankfully the shop was indeed fair. With Ari's suggestion Chuma knew he would be making a sound investment. For a hound his age the money meant little, better to enjoy the pleasures it could buy him before he passed.
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Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 7:07 am
Well, this was becoming a most convenient and enjoyable distraction. Though the mention of his parents would not allow Ari to forget the real reason for his visit, he pushed it into the back of his mind. He seemed to be gaining the elders interest, especially in his business plans. This, no doubt, would be a profitable happenstance encounter! The business portion of his mind was off and running with pondering new prices and new layouts for the bistro once the housing inspector could come out and allow for the upgrade. The rest of his mind was grounded in the present, but his tongue conveniently was allowed to roam over business matters as well. "My budding business is actually... well, a little bit unique, I think." He thought again, choosing exactly how to describe it in his head. He wasn't a terribly charismatic hound to spite his young enthusiasm and his knowledge of fine wines, but he was definitely working on it. "Once it's ready, it's going to be a bistro, actually. I've started gathering the livestock and growing the crops I'll need to fill a menu out..." He paused for a moment, then sprung back to life in sudden recollection. "Oh! And I've been working on my own line of wines. The first vintage should be ready for market soon."
He grinned broadly, loving to talk of his plans. He watched Chuma's expression, trying to gauge his possible success in the restaurant business. "I want to provide the freshest meals in all of Syria... for the right price, you can even pick the individual animal you'd like for your steak." He chuckled at the thought of that; it must sound absurd. Nobody, to his knowledge, had ever tried such a thing. And yet there he was, attempting what he thought would be nearly impossible. It didn't bother him to think that he might fail--he was confident that with time and hard work the place would flourish. But enough about himself! He had to make sure the old friend got his special bottle of wine.
His eye ticked back to the bottle with a silent hunger for it that he knew wouldn't be satiated. "Oh, by all means please add it to your collection! I am not in the position to buy." He smiled up at Chuma yet again. "I am in the midst of working on a new cellar, yes, but I am more focussed on my own production at the moment." He glanced to the shopkeeper, somewhere inside wishing she would hear of his plans. He was going to need customers if he was going to make it in this business. At the mention of a visit, he brightened again. "It would be my pleasure to show you around the place, Chuma. To be honest, I would like some critique on the menu, as well as the wine." He chuckled to himself quietly. This meeting had been a lot more productive than he had originally anticipated--a fact he was coming to enjoy.
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Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2010 2:29 pm
"A bistro? Well that is a unique endeavor, still if anyone can manage it I'm sure you can. It sounds like you've put a great deal of thought into the matter. Your own wine line as well? Quite ambitious indeed, I'll have to stop by Prussia at some point and pick up a bottle." Chuma was indeed impressed, the young hound had potential, and quite a bit of it. He would be certain to spread news of the up and coming bistro via word of mouth to any hounds he invited to the lodge. Chuma knew how important a good reference could be to a budding business, and the elite hounds were all about being seen here or there and knowing who went where and when. It was all rather silly but Chuma knew that under all the foolish fluffing a careful political game was often played.
"Picking your own meat for your meal, that is a one of a kind experience. You must have some excellent land to be able to manage your winery and raising exotic produce." At least Ari had a good head on his shoulders, and a plan, he'd manage.
He turned to the bottle again and nodded deciding he wouldn't pass up the chance to add it to his budding collection. "I think I will..." He motioned with a soft tip of his head for the shopkeeper and then glanced back at Ari. "It would be my honor to come down and have a look at the menu and naturally a taste of your first wine."
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