Take a Look, It's in a Book
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Devin, Sia
Date Posted: 31st May 2024
Characters: Aleriand, N'vanik
Description: N'vanik does some Turn's End Shopping at the Printer Hall
Location: Harper Hall
Date: month 11, day 12 of Turn 11
Turn's End was coming up and N'vanik decided that no matter what else was going on (barring another murder) he was taking a trip to the Harper Hall's bookstore. The unexpected appearance of the Weyrleader's bronze drew a lot of attention, of course, and N'vanik could feel the eyes on him as he slid from Loseth's neck.
He was determined not to let it bother him, and he headed straight for the store.
New inventory meant that Aleriand was hovering, and the mix of Harper and Printer Journeymen were getting close to their wits end. Aleriand appeared with the new books like a ghost, and not much could be done except stay out of his way and hope nothing was out of place.
Aleriand caught the subtle tell that there was a dragon outside by the gawking out the window, followed by a quick step back and refocus on the nearest task that didn't need to be done (dusting). It happened occasionally, and he expected it was because it wasn't just him that half-expected Iyoth to be the bronze landing in the courtyard.
"Weyrleader." Aleriand said in greeting when the door finally chimed. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"
"Master Aleriand." N'vanik inclined his head. "I'm here to do my Turnover shopping, because if I don't do it now . . ." He shrugged.
"Never gets done. Don't I know it." Aleriand agreed. "Well, let myself or one of the Journeymen know if you need any help. We tend to read the books once they've come off the printer, you know."
"Anything on liquor distilling? New flavors or techniques, that kind of thing?"
"We keep a couple copies for any interested parties, though most are by commission by the Vintner Hall and shipped off to Amber Hills." Aleriand ducked behind the counter and pulled out a newish looking volume. "I can't tell you much else about it, alas, except that the Vintners are quite keen on whatever they're writing about."
"Perfect." N'vanik tucked the book under his arm. "My Weyrwoman had some unofficial vintner training and I wanted to get her something Craft related. I knew your Hall would come through. Now for a completely different track, how about something for little kids? My daughter's about four and a half."
He vaguely knew that about Cyradis already (that she liked wine) but it was fascinating to know the why of it. "Hm. I am...not good with the children. Part of being a bachelor. Is she reading on her own, or with help?"
"Her fostermother says she's picking up a bit." N'vanik smiled with pride. "Maybe something that helps teach letters, and then something fun I can read to her."
"That's nice." Aleriand said with the same amount of interest as someone who did not understand nor particularly want to understand children. He did have to drag in an unlucky Journeyman who did have his own kids to suggest a levelled reader than the Harpers usually brought with them on journey, along with a thin book about a young boy who goes on imaginary adventures into the woods with his bronze dragon stuffy. "This one has pictures on each page, too." He added.
N'vanik was amused by the Master's indifference and added the Journeyman's suggestions to the other book, making a little stack under his arm. "Now for some grown-up adventures. Got any new pirate stories?" the Weyrleader asked with a little gleam in his eyes.
"Wouldn't you be sick of that, living so close to the ocean as you do?" Aleriand joked. "Of course I have pirate stories. Are you more into seafaring combat or romantic rapscallions?"
"Both." N'vanik smiled. "But if I have to tip the scales one way...romantic. I love a rogue with a heroic streak."
Aleriand filed that away with only a slightly raised eyebrow. He wasn't surprised, with what he'd heard about the Weyrleader. And with what he'd read in a currently unpublished manuscript sent from the Weyr...
"In Deeper Waters is good." He casually recommended instead. "About a Lord Holder kidnapped by a rogueish pirate who's hiding her identity from her crew."
"Ooh, a woman pirate? Sounds interesting." Nothing wrong with getting a present for himself, too. "I'm gonna look through the Weyr Romance." He gestured with his thumb toward the area where it was somewhat hidden. "But do you have any particular recommendations?" When N'vanik first read one of Talryne's romances it had been a source of embarrassment for both of them, but now they sometimes fought over who got to read one first.
Aleriand's face remained composed. "'Deserving Loyalty' is the one that comes most recommended by the apprentices." He said. "But it's all good. Feel free to browse, and let me know if you have any more questions."
"Thank you, Master. You've been a great help." This trip to the bookstore had been a nice break, and now he had presents for some of the most important people in his life. N'vanik headed toward the Weyr Romance section, planning to spend a good half-candlemark browsing.
Last updated on the June 1st 2024