A Welcome Addition

Writers: Eimi, Rochelle
Date Posted: 15th October 2007

Characters: Almonteo, Shaelis
Description: Almonteo greets a new Master to his Hall.
Location: Harper Hall
Date: month 5, day 26 of Turn 4

Almonteo

Shaelis knocked sharply on the door to the Hallmaster's office, humming absently to herself. Ever since she'd arrived in the lively weyr, there had been a tune struggling to get out of head, but it wasn't quite right yet...

The Hallmaster had been expecting her and had been just waiting to open the door. "Master Shaelis. Welcome."

"Hallmaster Almonteo." She replied with a gracious nod at odds with the smile quirking across her face. "My thanks for allowing me to transfer."

"My pleasure!" The Hallmaster smiled, extending his hand. "I looked at the compositions you sent with your application. Very impressive, Master Shaelis. Very good indeed."

Shaelis smiled broadly, preening inwardly a little at the praise. She was proud of those compositions, and it was always nice to hear others agreed with her. "Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed them." She replied warmly, accepting his hand with a firm shake that she had found as useful with Hallmasters and Weyrleaders as with holders and fishermen.

"So tell me, what kind of compositions do you specialize in?" Almonteo was always happy to talk about composing with a fellow scribbler. He constantly had tunes running through his head, part of the reason why he tended to hum even when he hadn't noticed.

She laughed. "Whatever I feel like writing, I suppose." She looked down at him, amused. "But some of the most popular ones have mostly been gather tunes and simpler ballads, for one or two singers. Of course, the last few turns I've made extremely good marks with larger productions, so I'll let you decide."

"That's quite a range! Please, have a seat," he said, gesturing to a chair. "You know, I compose mostly dance music myself."

"Dance music? That's always enjoyable to write." She agreed, falling into the chair. She twitched her fingers, tapping randomly on her thigh at the reminder of the tune that was trying to write itself. "What do you prefer? Gather dances? Or more formal dances? I've tried to keep a myself fairly competent in all areas of the craft -and anything else that I find useful." She chuckled. "It saves time when you're traveling and have no one to rely on but yourself."

"I've written several well known formal dances, though I'm partial to Gather Dances myself. My wife and I love a good turn on the floor," he said with a soft smile as he thought of his Carmora.

"Ah." She said wisely, a smile broadening her face. "Aothart and I have have never really been dancers, but we do occasionally take a spin together. It's always nice to hear someone playing something you've written isn't it?"

"Yes, but I miss playing it myself. I rarely have the chance anymore. Too much planning and politics to attend to. Which instruments do you specialize in again?" he asked curiously as he poured them both a cup of klah.

"Specialize?" She repeated, accepting the klah with a nod. "In the last twenty turns or so, if I could hang it off a saddle I specialized in it.
Mostly guitar, pipes, a miniature lap harp I made, or a hand drum.
Things easy to tote and play on a whim around a campfire." She took a sip, idly remarking "Before I started traveling though, it was anything that had strings. Still do all right with them, but I don't think I could claim specialization any more." She admitted.

"Well, perhaps now that you're going to be a bit more sedentary you can take up playing in an ensemble again," Almonteo suggested. "I would be happy to find one for you."

"I hadn't considered that." Shaelis admitted. "I'll have to consider it once I've had a chance to get settled in, I think." She fingered the pattern on the side of the cup, her fingers still unconsciously tapping out a beat. "It could be nice to try playing in one rather than directing one for a change."

"Well, you're in the Hall now," the Hallmaster smiled, noting the way her fingers were keeping the rhythm. "You'll have time for all sorts of things - composing, playing, even perfecting a new instrument. May I ask, are you composing anything at the moment?"

She chuckled. "Not composing exactly. Not yet. But I do have an idea for a tune that I've been working on since I arrived. It may go somewhere, or it may not."

"I just noticed the tapping," Almonteo said with a nod towards her hand.
"I may be a bit out of practice, but I can spot a rhythm."

"I'm told it's a frequent occurrence with me, I'm afraid." She smiled.
"I always have something I'm playing with, but I don't let it interfere with what I'm doing. You get very good at writing in your head while traveling. But it's not unusual for me to be tapping or humming and not be aware of it. Fortunately, most people expect a little eccentricity out of a Master Composer, so I can get away with it."

"Especially one of your talent," the Hallmaster nodded. "I think you will be a most welcome addition to our Hall."

Shaelis inclined her head graciously, but allowed herself to grin.
"Thank you, Hallmaster. I am looking forward to my time here as well.
Hopefully I'll be able to set at least a few apprentices on their ears."

Last updated on the October 21st 2007

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

A Welcome Addition