A Different Direction
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: AL, Clancey
Date Posted: 13th December 2009
Characters: Briata, Oglien
Description: Briata finally goes to a Master weaver to ask about apprenticing.
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 6, day 10 of Turn 5
Briata stepped inside the office as soon as she was bidden. She was taking a big step. To be honest, the girl had been considering this move for quite some time, but only recently had she decided to act upon it. Inside, the place was decorated in dark wood with a few small tapestries upon the wall and a couple of blankets and quilts draped decoratively over the backs of the chairs. Hand made cushions sat upon the chairs as well, an effort to make them more comfortable as well as prettier. Briata offered a small smile to the Master Weaver and inclined her head respectfully before she spoke. "Pardon me, I hope that I may speak with you a moment?"
Oglien was sitting in a large, comfortable chair, leaning against a beautiful blanket. The older man had dark hair, but it was nearly half greyed with age. His eyes were twinkly brown, but squinted from turns of looking at thread and looms. He had a book of patterns in his lap and was thumbing through it almost absently.
At the respectful nod and speech, Oglien looked up to the young woman. "Ahh, yes. I was just looking through a pattern book for my next project. Sit, please, and tell me what I may do for you?" His voice was gentle, and the corners of his mouth twitched as if he was always fighting a smile.
Briata took the proffered seat and settled her skirts about her. She glanced at the book and wondered at how thick it was. She'd had some patterns from her mother, but there weren't nearly as many as what the Master had. It left Briata speechless for a moment and she realised that he was expecting her to speak. "Oh, sorry." She shifted in her seat and her hands played at her skirt. "I have been thinking, Master, and I have come to the decision that I would like to apprentice. So I have come here to ask you how I may go about that."
Oglien's eyebrows shot up into his forehead. "You would like to apprentice... ? At your age?" He blinked at her for a moment, cocking his head. "How did you arrive at this decision, and this Craft in particular, young lady?" Now some of his Master-ness came out as he spoke to her just as he would a new apprentice.
Briata's back stiffened, though she knew he meant nothing unkind by his questions. "My life has taken a turn in a direction I never thought it ever would. I've decided that, perhaps, it's time to do something with myself. I enjoy sewing and embroidery, so Weaving seemed the natural choice. I've some experience in dyes as well. I've dyed and sewn my own fabric. I've also made my own designs."
Nodding, pleased with her answer, Oglien smiled briefly. "That sounds quite good, young lady. I am Master Oglien. What is your name, then? And I should like to see some of your designs." It was clear the Master Weaver paid little attention to the goings on in the Weyr. Crafting was his main - and only - focus. He had long since raised children, and his wife had been dead several turns.
"My name is Briata." The girl stood and stepped back so that the Master could get a better view of the skirt she wore. The colour was a brilliant blue, deeper than even the sky on a cloudless day. Over it wound white vines with pink flowers and buds popping out here and there. If one looked closely, the stitches were tiny and meticulous. Briata's mother had been that way; if it wasn't perfect, it was ripped out. "It's one of my simpler ones," She explains as she motions to the skirt. "But I've a few more in my quarters along with my sketchbook." She hadn't thought to bring them, though perhaps she should have known, but she would take them to the Master later if he so desired.
The older Master looked very closely indeed at her skirt. He stood to his feet and examined the designs carefully, and the stitches as well.
"Ahh, very nice. You'll do, I think." He peered at her again, and finally smiled. "Very well, you are welcome to the Weaver craft as an apprentice. I'll speak to the Headwoman about quarters, and put together a schedule for you. We have a couple of other apprentices, both younger boys, but I'm sure you'll get along fine. " He paused, then added, "And I'd like to see that sketchbook of yours."
"I can bring it by tomorrow if you like." Briata didn't think her schedule would change that quickly. "Either during lunch hour or after my duties are done for the day."
"Any time would be fine, young woman. Thank you for your interest in the Weavercraft, and I will be looking forward to teaching you." He said with a smile, and in dismissal.
Briata bobbed in a short, polite curtsy before she swept out of the office. Well, she had just taken the first step on a new journey - now she would simply have to travel the road and see where it went.
Last updated on the December 20th 2009