Honor

Writers: Eimi, Shelly
Date Posted: 22nd April 2006

Characters: Almonteo, Tarney
Description: Almonteo has a few assignments for Tarney.
Location: Harper Hall
Date: month 11, day 11 of Turn 3

Almonteo

"Ah Journeyman Tarney! Thank you for coming so promptly," Almonteo smiled as he offered the young man a seat. "There are a couple things I would like to discuss with you, if you have the time."

Tarney took the chair he was offered. "Of course, Hallmaster. What would you like to discuss?" Tarney wasa bit in the dark as to what Almonteo would need to talk to him about and, frankly, he was a bit nervous about it.

"Two things, actually. First of all, the easy stuff. You know Turn Over is coming in a couple months. Its never too early to start planning." The Hallmaster leaned forward a bit. "Your piece you wrote for the Welcome Party was a great success. I would love it if you could write a little something for Turn Over as well."

Tarney grinned like a child with his first mark. "Really? I'd love to!" He tried not to let his excitement get the better of him, but failed.

"I'm glad to hear it," Almonteo smiled. "I was thinking perhaps something a bit bigger than last time. Your last piece was a small ensamble. I was thinking perhaps something a bit... grander, as the occassion calls for."

"What exactly did you have in mind?" Tarney was starting to get a bit nervous, too, just for good measure.

"I'm thinking the whole ensemble. Do you think you could handle that?"

The journeyman blinked a few times. "Yes?"

The Hallmaster couldn't help his chuckle. "Well, I would wonder if you weren't at least a _little_ apprehensive, Tarney. But I have every confidence in your abilities. I know this will be a stretch for you, but you know I and the other Masters are here to help you. And you do not have to feel as if the entire success of the concert is resting on your shoulders. We are playing all new compositions, each written by a different composer. Yours will be one of many this time."

That was some relief. "Well, if my Hallmaster has such confidence in me, I'm sure my skill is equal to the task."

"Well, I am confident in you, Journeyman. Mark my words, you could be a young Master if you put your mind to it. I truly think so. Now," the Hallmaster said as he shifted topics, "on two topic number two. Have you had any teaching experience yet, Tarney?"

And just like that he went from a child with a mark to an apprentice called upon to recite his knowledge of a ballad he'd failed to study. "No..."

The Hallmaster nodded. He had thought as much. "Well, I would like for you to help teach one of the new classes we are going to be offering Weyrfolk who are working on their knots."

"What would the topic be?" Once again, he was going to have to put his faith in the Hallmaster's wisdom.

"Basic music theory," the Hallmaster said with a wave. It was dry and boring, but essential knowledge for any harper to have. "Apprentice level."

Surely Almonteo knew that was one of Tarney's worst subjects as an apprentice. Tarney like to think that it was more his teacher he disliked than the class, but that was no matter. "Will anyone be teaching the class with me?"

"No, it should be easy enough for you," the Hallmaster said flipping though the papers on his desk. "After all, you use basic music theory everyday."

"There is a rather distinct difference between using it and teaching it." He didn't mean to answer back, but he couldn't help himself.

"Well, its a distinction you'll get used to, journeyman," Almonteo said unphased and pulling out the sheet with the list of topics that were to be covered. "You have to start teaching _sometime_ Tarney. You are a _journeyman_."

"I know, sir." Tarney nodded. "I look forward to the challenge."

"Good. Besides, if we don't teach people how to read music, how are they ever going to be able to play what you write," the Hallmaster asked with a grin. "You'll be working with people who are used to discipline and structure, so you shouldn't have quite the challenge it would be if it were a group of fresh-faced apprentices just out of Harper classes. Take comfort in that thought."

"I do, indeed." Although the prospect of spending many a sunny afternoon teaching didn't seem particularly pleasing, he was reassured by Almonteo's words. "When do I start?"

"Not until next month, so you have plenty of time to prepare."

**One more month of freedom...** "Good. I think I'll need every moment. Especially if I'm composing a piece for Turn Over."

"Well, I was sure to give you plenty of warning," the Hallmaster nodded. "I'm looking forward to hearing what you will come up with for us."

** That makes two of us!** "I'll do my best to honor the Hall. Thank you, Hallmaster."

Last updated on the April 26th 2006

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Honor