A Bit Too Easy of a Fix

Writers: Ainsley, Jane
Date Posted: 6th February 2009

Characters: Rikka, Nimroy
Description: Nimroy finds that he rather enjoys a bit of light conversation when Rikka comes to fix the lights in his quarters
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 1, day 13 of Turn 5
Notes: Mentor Approved

Nimroy's arms were full as he approached his quarters. Having said
goodnight to his son, he had decided to take several trade reports along
with a good red wine back to his apartments. Careful not to drop
anything, he entered and hit the light switch with his elbow. Nothing
happened. Nimroy dropped his head back with a heavy sigh. He thought
they would have sent someone to fix this by now. As he was trying to
decide whether to head back down to his office or go to one of the
common rooms, he heard footfalls. Turning back to the hallway he noted
with some relief that the approaching figure was a technician. Ah, it
was the female crafter, he had never met her himself, though he knew of her.

"I hope this is where you are heading," he offered with a grin.

"Yes," the young woman admitted tiredly. "I'm on my way home but this
sounded like an easy fix. I'm Journeywoman Technician Rikka."

"Nimroy," he stated with a nod. "And given the circumstances, I can
honestly say it is very much a pleasure to meet you. What is an easy
fix for you has been quite the annoyance for me."

"Yes, well, I'm sorry we couldn't get to it sooner. We're a few
technicians short-handed and we're all busier than we should be. It's
that time of the Turn, too, when we undertake some of the big
maintenance projects." She had put her toolbag on the floor while she
spoke and pulled out small torch which she tucked under her arm,
directing its light onto the switch by the door.

"It is a hectic time for all," Nimroy, nodded his agreement, trying not
to dwell on thoughts associated with his father's death. "Actually,
I've not been to my quarters all day, so I guess your timing is just
right." Realizing that his arms were still full he carefully moved to
put the items down, his eyes having adjusted to the dark. He rummaged a
bit for a glass, nearly sending two others crashing, and poured himself
some wine before turning to watch the technician. Her movements were
deft and efficient, showing none of the fatigue that he had detected in
her tone. Interesting how craftsmen always seemed to exhibit a certain
grace in performing a craft associated task.

"Well, for us its mid-summer and early winter." Rikka trimmed and
refitted the connecting wires that had come loose. "Early winter when
the demand for electricity and heat starts to rise, and mid-summer when
it's at its lowest and we have time to get on with the big jobs." She
lifted the cover plate back into position and flicked the switch. No
point in fastening it back into place if it hadn't worked.

But it had. The room's lights came on and Rikka smiled, pausing to turn
off her torch before finishing the job.

"That truly was an easy fix for you. How long has it been since you
walked the tables? Is Amber Hills your first placement?" Nimroy
queried. He found he was always interested in people, particularly
unique individuals and a female crafter working in the Hold definitely
fit that definition.

"It is, but I'm hoping to get a move soon. I've been a journeywoman for
two Turns now."

Taking a sip of his wine, Nimroy nodded. "This must have been a
challenging placement." He could hardly fault the woman for wanting a
change of venue as she must have experienced a great deal of prejudice.
Still, there are many places where a female crafter would not be
accepted at all. "Do you have hopes of going anywhere in particular?"

"I hope to get into the Vintner Hall," she admitted with a smile. "It's
not much of a move, I'll admit, but I do like this area." She nodded,
mostly to herself. "I've never been in a climate that has such distinct
seasons and I've enjoyed that."

"I suppose there is some appeal in our change of seasons, but during the
winter, I find myself fondly remembering the coast. I do miss the sea
air," he answered, as pleasant memories of Jade Harbor came to mind.

"You're a long way from the sea here. Where did you live on the coast?"

"I fostered at Jade Harbor for two turns, and I have returned to visit
as I have been able," he answered swirling the wine in his glass and
taking another sip.

"That's where I'm from too," Rikka said, pleased to discover somebody
who knew her home. "Not the Hold itself but the Hall there."

"So you grew up there?" Nimroy had visited the Technician's Hall on one
or two occasions.

"Yes. May parents were both - _are_ both - teaching at the Hall." It
made her a little homesick to think of their lives going on as they had
always done in her home.

"I would imagine you miss them quite a bit and the Hall as well - Amber
Hills is quite different from where you grew up." Considering the
prejudice against female crafters, Nimroy could not help but think of
Rikka as rather courageous. "Were they pleased that you followed in
their footsteps, taking up the craft?"

"I don't think they even thought that I might do something different,"
Rikka said with a smile. "I don't think they would have minded - it
just never occurred to them."

Nimroy had many times wished his father had shared such an attitude, but
that was water under the bridge. "And did it occur to you? Did you
ever consider something else?"

"Not really. Don't most children just think they'll grow up to live the
same lives as their parents?"

As he stared at the red wine that streaked down the side of the glass,
Nimroy's lips twitched with humor, "Well, I suppose _most_ do. As for
myself, I had hoped for a very different life when I was a boy."

"I suppose when you've got a lot of siblings and only one can be the
Lord Holder it must be ... odd. My brothers and I could all be
technicians, after all."

"Father trained us to accept any number of responsibilities around the
Hold while trying to assure that each of us would be ready to assume
responsibility of Lord Holder. We were groomed for Hold management of
one kind or another, so it is not as awkward as it might seem. Well,
for some of us it is not," he smiled and took another sip of wine.
Nimroy suspected at least a couple of his brothers would find it
uncomfortable to work in the Hold once a successor was chosen. "As for
me, I enjoy my travel outside of the Hold, so I will have no difficulty
with the new leadership."

"You've probably got the best of all worlds, then." Rikka had finished
with the switch and packed her tools back in her bag. This was her last
job for the evening and done on her way to her room. "Unless you
inherit." It was no secret that there was no heir but it certainly
seems odd to her; what sort of Lord Holder didn't make sure everybody
knew who would inherit after his death? Especially when the man was as
old as Lord Benaroy had been?

"I do not have to worry about that," Nimroy said with a smile as he took
a sip of his wine and watched the technician pack her things. He was
almost regretting that the job had been so easy as he had enjoyed their
light conversation. "My father and I, though we cared for one another,
did not get along well or agree on much."

"But it's not your father who makes the decision, now, is it? It's the
Conclave of Lord Holders. Who knows who they'll choose?"

"Let's just say there are better candidates," he answered.

"If you say so," she said, agreeing with him.. The only other of the
Lord Holder's sons she had anything to do with was Benaran and she would
be well pleased if he missed out. "Well, I'll report this job completed
in the morning and do let us know if you have more trouble with it."

"Thank you journeywoman," he stated with a nod as he considered offering
her a glass of wine. Had she been a man, he would have as he was just
interested in a bit of intelligent conversation. Who was prejudice now?
No that wasn't the same. Given the behavior of certain of his family
members she would quite likely think him a lech should he ask her to sit
and have wine with him in his quarters at this time of the evening.

"You're welcome, sir," Rikka said with a tired smile as she left him to
his (now) well-lit room.

Last updated on the February 10th 2009

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A Bit Too Easy of a Fix