Cedwyn smiled at Bil as she approached him.
"Morning Bil, everything fine with the delivery?"
Bil looked up from inspecting half-a-dozen newly delivered barrels that were situated on the grass, just outside the entrance to The Thirsty Boar tavern, in Hamglen.
"Aye, Miss Cedwyn," The barkeeper replied as he brushed some of his long black hair to one side. "It's the strong ale that was ordered. We also have another three crates of wine too."
A couple of delivery boys from the brewery were placing wooden planks on the steps of the tavern, so that the barrels could be rolled up into the building. One of them gave Cedwyn a grin and a nod.
"Mornin' Miss."
Cedwyn gave the boys a gentle bow of her head as she walked up the steps beside them, towards the door to the tavern.
"Very good, Gentlemen. Bil will show you where to place the barrels once inside."
Entering the Boar, Cedwyn looked around the walls at the various Yule time decorations that had been hung to celebrate the festivities.
The small decorated pine trees in the main hall still seemed fresh and were holding their needles, even though they had been brought indoors a couple of weeks ago.
Cedwyn's teenage baking and cooking apprentice, Catherynne, was standing by one of the trees, replacing some candles in the holders fastened to the branches.
"Hello, Ceddy!"
"Morning Cat, how are you?" Cedwyn replied, giving her apprentice a warm smile. "I see you are freshening up the decorations."
"All good, just changing some of the melted candles and a few of the branches in the wreaths on the walls," answered Catherynne.
"Excellent! We want the presentation to be good for the party night," replied Cedwyn as she began to look at the various tables in the room, then pointed at one.
"Mmm, I am going to move that table on the higher floor area. That will open up
the space to allow for people to play any instruments and for others to dance."
Just as Cedwyn finished her sentence, Riston, the Black Steel's errand boy entered the main hall from the tavern's kitchen area. The young man looked at Cedwyn.
"I thought I heard your voice, Miss Ced. Is everything fine?"
Cedwyn nodded. "Hello, Riston. All is good and your timing is perfect!"
Riston chuckled and grinned. "I sense you might need my help."
"Indeed, will you assist me in moving a few tables about, please?" asked Ced.
The muscular young man flexed and nodded heading over to Cedwyn as she gestured to a table and placed her hands on its edge for lifting.
As Riston and Cedwyn repositioned a table, Catherynne called over to them.
"Mister Coridac said that farmer you spoke to dropped the boar off this morning, along with some chickens."
"Good, I can start prepping the sauces and glazes. We will roast the boar on the day, a long slow cook," replied Cedwyn as she caught her breath after setting the table down in a new position.
"We will have it as a centre piece on a table of food. You should start making some of the biscuits and pie cases today, Cat."
"Yes, Miss Ceddy," the girl smiled and nodded.
Cedwyn looked over at Catherynne with admiration. Her apprentice had developed in leaps and bounds, learning so much and proving her talent. Gone was the scruffy, dirty girl from the Bree streets, scavenging and begging.
Now she was a young lady, skilled and determined and Cedwyn thought of her more like an adopted daughter, with a warm place within her heart for her.
"I'll sort out some preparation works in the kitchen with Coriadac today, then tomorrow we make the cakes and treats at the bakery, Cat."
Catherynne waved to Cedwyn and Riston as she headed for the tavern entrance. "Fine, I'll see you later!"
Ced watched Cat begin to leave and then turned, noticing Riston was staring at the departing girl.
"Riston! Eyes on the tables, please. We will move that one over there and could you shift those chairs too?"
As Riston carried out the request. Cedwyn took a moment to perform a mental checklist on everything being prepared and the timings. There were still quite a few things to sort out, but with the help of the Boar staff Bil, Mandy and Coridac, along with Riston and Catherynne, the Yule party looked like it would come to fruition and be enjoyed by those attending.
"Thinkin' about something, Miss Ced?" said Riston, interrupting Cedwyn's thoughts.
"Yes, has Mister Boljo Blaggfoot called in yet, to drop off some fireworks?"
