VANNI:
… Yes Mez, I understand your concerns. 

MEZ:
It’s not like I want to complain, but - Karanthir, 

I mean - really? You now how he is …

SYRRAH:

Greetings. Am I interrupting?

VANNI: 

Not at all wife, actually this concerns you.

SYRRAH: 

Explain.

VANNI: 

It was your idea to make Karanthir manager at my sister’s shop.
Mez has been working there from the very beginning.

SYRRAH: 

Is that so? 

SYRRAH:
…Thank you Mez for you continued loyalty.

MEZ:
Yeah … sure.

VANNI: 

Syrrah, you’ve just made Karanthir his boss.

SYRRAH: 

Oh I see. Do you think Mez, with his experience,
would be better suited for the position?

MEZ:
What? No, I don’t want to be in charge. 

SYRRAH:
Then, why are we having this conversation?

MEZ:.

Because -  it’s Karanthir …

VANNI:
I think what Mez is trying to say is that the two of them have a history …

SYRRAH:
Oh? Has Karanthir wronged you in some way?

MEZ:
Uh, no - but he … uh … Well, you know how he is …

SYRRAH:
Apparently I do not.

VANNI: 

Wife, Karanthir has a way of making some people feel … uncomfortable. 

MEZ:
Yeah - that’s it. What he said.

VANNI: 

And now you’re putting him in a position of… authority.

SYRRAH:
Do you think there is a chance he will abuse his position?

SYRRAH:
I see … Husband, do you not agree that Karanthir is quite  
capable for this position?

VANNI: 

I believe he is, if he sets his mind to it.

SYRRAH:
And you, personally, will thoroughly train him to act as you would
- when he is there on his own?

VANNI: 

Of course.

SYRRAH:
Well, there you have it.

SYRRAH:
…Mez.

MEZ:
Yeah?

SYRRAH:
I give you my word that Karanthir will treat you with the
utmost respect.  Now if you will excuse me.

SYRRAH:
.. There is something I must do.

Syrrah leaves.

VANNI:
Feel better?

MEZ:
I guess. Where do you think she’s goin’?

VANNI:
She’s off to see Karanthir to make sure he keeps her word. 

Then, in the dining room ….

ZYFAN:
… That was delicious.  I think every time I have pizza,
I enjoy it more than I did before. 

ZYFAN:
… Syrrah. Greetings. Would you like a slice of pizza? It is still wam. 

SYRRAH:
No, thank you. I am here to see Karanthir.

KARANTHIR:
Again?

ZYFAN:
I think I am feeling neglected. You never seem to need me anymore.

KARANTHIR:

under his breath
Count your blessings. 

SYRRAH:
That is not true Zyfan. I will always need you. At this time,
however, I need a word with Karanthir.

KARANTHIR:
Another one? The last word we had put me to work in the
family business.  So, forgive me if I’m somewhat
cautious about giving you another.

SYRRAH:
You are very entertaining, Karanthir. Did you now that?
Now, Vanni tells me you will begin training with him this week?

KARANTHIR:
That’s what I’ve been told.

SYRRAH:
Very good. I want you to know how much I appreciate your accepting this position. I know you will exceed at representing me, and the entire royal
family, in every aspect of this endeavor. So I thank you, again.

KARANTHIR:
Honestly Syrrah, I’ve already accepted the position, there’s no need
to butter me up, unless there’s something more you want of me …?

SYRRAH:
No, that is all. Good night.

Syrrah leaves.

KARANTHIR:
Good night? Did I miss something my prince? 

Seriously, what was that about?

ZYFAN:
I have no idea, but I can tell you this, she never thanked me for
… well, anything, ever. I would take it as a compliment.

KARANTHIR:
Then I will. After all, as a representative of her and the entire
royal family it seems the right thing to do. 

KARANTHIR:
…The entire royal family! Really my prince, there must be something to that.

ZYFAN:
Perhaps, but I do not know what. If it reveals
itself to you, be certain let me know. 

KARANTHIR:
Of course.