Woman's Work?

Writers: Kaysea, Vix
Date Posted: 21st September 2007

Characters: Kartax, Vaheri
Description: The old man takes another trip to see his daughter, but is there an ulterior motive?
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 6, day 13 of Turn 4

"Well Headwoman, we meet again." Kartax smiled widely as he entered the dining room of the Sungazer and met Vaheri's eyes. "Bet you didn't expect to see me again, so soon, did you?" he asked, pulling out a chair and sitting down.

"It is less time between trips," she admitted. "Is there a problem with your daughter's family?"

"No, I just got a little lonely." he replied, watching her closely. "And, I wanted to offer my condolences, I heard that Jesten had passed on." He leaned back in the chair, "Made me think of my own mortality, and my need of human companionship."

Wiping her hands on her apron, she sank down in the chair across from him. "I can understand that. When I was younger, death seemed so far off, though occasionally a young person did meet an accident or illness. However, now every death underscores how close mine has come."

He dropped his gaze, not willing yet, to witness the sadness in her eyes, "I feel the same way. Bad enough when all your friends are dying off, but when its family - loved ones, it brings it all so much closer to your own demise." He looked up again, his eyes searching her face now, "How are _you_ Vaheri?"

She smiled at him, her expression confident. "I'm fine, Kartax. Life has changed in many ways, but it also goes on. Jesten prepared for this day and routines continue as they should. I'm able to continue with my work and to settle into normalcy."

"Good to hear. Good, good." he nodded, "as it should be." he smiled softly at her across the table. "And you're well, too, I hope?" he glanced down at his hands again, feeling like a teenager again. It had been a long time since he had found a woman of like age he liked enough to consider a companion, let alone one he found somewhat attractive, and he found himself bubbling inside, his stomach in knots.

Vaheri laughed at this. "I've known few days of illness in my life and I don't intend to start now."

"Good, good to hear." he said again. "Er, I'll be with you all for the next few days." he said, as if she wouldn't realise how long his trip would take. "Trying not to get in anyone's way. But - " he hesitated, he really was rambling and it justr wasn't in his nature to be like that, "
- if I can help out in anyway? I feel bad sitting around doing nothing when you all work so hard." he gave a lopsided smile, as he met her eyes again.

The headwoman paused as she thought over his words. She doubted that she'd enjoy a voyage where she was completely idle and could see the man's dilemma. Of course, the boat usually ran smoothly, with each crewmember having his or her own tasks. Still. . .

"I don't know whether you'd be offended to do this, since many consider it to be 'women's work' but there is one chore in which I'm falling behind: my quilting. I have several commissions to make but haven't had time to complete them with the extra care needed for Jesten. I can complete the sewing and enjoy doing that after my other duties are done, but I need fabric cut into squares for one of the quilts I'm making and haven't had the time to do it."

"I've offered to help." he smiled widely, "I'm not above women's work; these days I do it frequently - now that I'm alone." He glanced around, "Will it be alright to work here, or do you have another room to work in?"

"Most times I sit on deck and sew until the item is too large and unwieldy to hold in my lap," she replied. "But with the tables here, it would probably be easier to lay out the material and mark it for cutting."

"As I thought. I used to watch Hariana making quilts when we were first married, for the children." he nodded, his eyes clouding and distant as his memory drifted back, "and then later, for the grandchildren." He shook himself a little, "That was many turns ago, but I think I remember what to do, cutting out the squares, I remember her doing that. At night, after supper." he nodded, still partly lost in his reverie.

Vaheri nodded, though she wondered if perhaps her suggestion had been the wrong one. "If you wish to help, I can bring some of the material here after supper tonight and let you know how I need it to be cut."

"I'd like that." he nodded, "and let's see whose eyebrows lift when they see me doing 'women's work'." he smiled mischievously.

She sniffed derisively. "If any comment on it, let me know. I'm sure that I can come up with some tasks that will put them in their places."

Kartax laughed, "It's not as if I'd be offended, but thanks for offering to defend my manhood." His eyes twinkled in amusement, as he winked at Vaheri.

The woman could not help but laugh in return, though it caused her to wonder when last she had done so. "You may not need my defense, but I no one should be ridiculed for doing honest work of any kind."

"A few good natured jibes never hurt me, Vaheri." he chuckled, "just makes me feel like one of the family, anyway." he gave a small shrug.

In that comment she read his loneliness, something that she had known often, even with her daughter and her family-by-marriage on the boat with her. "Yes, it does help that, doesn't it?"

"So, you get on, and I'll be waiting, when you're ready to put out the fabrics." he nodded, "If you need any other help, women's work or not, just let me know."

"I'll do that," she said, rising from her seat. "Until then." She bustled off, her mind already on the tasks she had before her.

Last updated on the September 23rd 2007

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Woman's Work?