Benton was up before dawn preparing for another day. The first rays of daylight had just peaked through the window of his room at The Rusty Anchor, and he smiled as the sounds of the waking city reached his ears. He reflected upon the past few days and his smile broadened. Much had been accomplished since his arrival, and he was happy with the progress made thus far. Much had indeed been accomplished, he thought, yet there still was much to do. With luck this day also would be a prosperous one.
He made his way down the stairs and across the still quiet main room of the Inn to the front door, and stepped out into the brisk morning. Benton nodded a "hello" at a passing Mage as he turned the corner and walked the short distance to the Guildhall. As he neared, the sight of unpacked crates reminded him of the work still to be done. Entering the building, Benton decided his first course of action this morning would be to heat some cider... "to take the morning chill away," he convinced himself.
Benton worked through the morning unpacking crates, stopping only long enough to receive another delivery of Yellowtail Barracuda. He beamed as he looked over these latest specimens, sure they would soon be of great use. His excitement grew as he recorded, one by one, the weights and measurements of the box. His fellow researchers would be very pleased indeed! Benton was convinced now more than ever that the decision to come to Trinsic had been a wise one.
As mid-day approached Benton paused in his work to take a quick meal. He had just laid out a simple lunch and sat down to eat when a courier came through the doors.
"I have a message for Benton Roxlaw," said the messenger.
Benton stood. "I am Benton Roxlaw," he said. The messenger handed Benton a sealed parchment, and Benton signed his name in the runners register confirming he had received it.
The young messenger stood for a moment, and Roxlaw saw him glancing at the meat and cheese laid upon the table. "Please friend, join me for a meal." He motioned to an empty chair. "It is not much, but will help replenish your strength!"
As they sat, Benton broke the seal on the note and read:
"To Benton Roxlaw, Origin School of Ichthyology, Trinsic
Confirming our ship is on schedule and due to arrive three days hence. Please proceed as planned.
Signed Prof. Bunson"
Benton folded the parchment, his face beaming. He grabbed a nearby quill and began to pen a message of his own. "'Tis a good thing you are eating now friend," he said to the messenger. "When you have finished I have another delivery for you to make!" Benton wrote:
To All Anglers
A reminder that the deadline for turning in your biggest catch for this week is fast approaching! Many fine specimens have been received thus far, and my thanks to all who have contributed!
This coming Saturday, November 20th I will be at the Origin School of Ichthyology between the hours of 8:00am and 10:00am EST (5:00am - 7:00am PST) and again between 5:00pm and 7:00pm EST (2:00pm - 4:00pm PST) to accept any of this weeks specimens not yet turned in.
~Benton Roxlaw, Origin School of Ichthyology
Finishing the note, he waved it in the air briefly to dry the ink, then folded and sealed the parchment. Handing it to the courier, Benton gave final instructions for delivery. Thanking Benton for his hospitality, the courier promised a swift delivery and was on his way.
"Back to work now," Benton said to himself, "for there is a schedule to keep!"
He made his way down the stairs and across the still quiet main room of the Inn to the front door, and stepped out into the brisk morning. Benton nodded a "hello" at a passing Mage as he turned the corner and walked the short distance to the Guildhall. As he neared, the sight of unpacked crates reminded him of the work still to be done. Entering the building, Benton decided his first course of action this morning would be to heat some cider... "to take the morning chill away," he convinced himself.
Benton worked through the morning unpacking crates, stopping only long enough to receive another delivery of Yellowtail Barracuda. He beamed as he looked over these latest specimens, sure they would soon be of great use. His excitement grew as he recorded, one by one, the weights and measurements of the box. His fellow researchers would be very pleased indeed! Benton was convinced now more than ever that the decision to come to Trinsic had been a wise one.
As mid-day approached Benton paused in his work to take a quick meal. He had just laid out a simple lunch and sat down to eat when a courier came through the doors.
"I have a message for Benton Roxlaw," said the messenger.
Benton stood. "I am Benton Roxlaw," he said. The messenger handed Benton a sealed parchment, and Benton signed his name in the runners register confirming he had received it.
The young messenger stood for a moment, and Roxlaw saw him glancing at the meat and cheese laid upon the table. "Please friend, join me for a meal." He motioned to an empty chair. "It is not much, but will help replenish your strength!"
As they sat, Benton broke the seal on the note and read:
"To Benton Roxlaw, Origin School of Ichthyology, Trinsic
Confirming our ship is on schedule and due to arrive three days hence. Please proceed as planned.
Signed Prof. Bunson"
Benton folded the parchment, his face beaming. He grabbed a nearby quill and began to pen a message of his own. "'Tis a good thing you are eating now friend," he said to the messenger. "When you have finished I have another delivery for you to make!" Benton wrote:
To All Anglers
A reminder that the deadline for turning in your biggest catch for this week is fast approaching! Many fine specimens have been received thus far, and my thanks to all who have contributed!
This coming Saturday, November 20th I will be at the Origin School of Ichthyology between the hours of 8:00am and 10:00am EST (5:00am - 7:00am PST) and again between 5:00pm and 7:00pm EST (2:00pm - 4:00pm PST) to accept any of this weeks specimens not yet turned in.
~Benton Roxlaw, Origin School of Ichthyology
Finishing the note, he waved it in the air briefly to dry the ink, then folded and sealed the parchment. Handing it to the courier, Benton gave final instructions for delivery. Thanking Benton for his hospitality, the courier promised a swift delivery and was on his way.
"Back to work now," Benton said to himself, "for there is a schedule to keep!"