Light Duty

Writers: AL, Chelle
Date Posted: 23rd January 2014

Characters: Chupsin, Sofeya
Description: Chupsin makes the drudge an offer.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 5, day 12 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Zelanka, Sinla, Chaysea, Alivya

Sofeya couldn't hold back the groan as she fairly slumped into her
chair. That sharding Assistant Headwoman had been after her all day,
working her to the bone. Her back ached, her feet ached and she was as
tired as a gold dragon who'd just laid a clutch of a hundred eggs.
Muttered syllables of unrest bubbled unintelligibly from her lips as she
reached around to let her fingers work at the tightness on one side of
her back.

"You look like you need rest," came an idle comment from an area to
the right of her. Chupsin was having a bit of porridge and Tourniquet
was settled on his knee.

Sofeya twirled upon her chair to face the healer and she managed a taut
smile. "Healer's orders?" she queried and then shrugged. "Long day,
few breaks. I'm sure it will be the same tomorrow. I should be used to
it by now."

"Not quite an order-yet. But if it keeps up then maybe. No sense in killing
yourself. Or maybe you just need to work smarter instead of harder." Chupsin
smiled at himself before bringing another mouthful past his lips. "Are
you done? You look like you could also use a hot meal."

"I've not even started." Sofeya narrowed her gaze at the man. "And how
would you suggest I work _smarter_ at scrubbing floors?"

"Perhaps sweep first with a large broom so it only takes two passes. Then scrub
with a good wide mop. The more area you scrub at once, the less time it
will take." Of course Chupsin always had his apprentices mop up the blood, vomit, or
whatever else in the infirmary so he didn't do much of that anymore. There was a
drudge to do it in his quarters every so often now that his wife was gone.

"I'd say you're a genius, but I'm afraid I've already beaten you to the
punch. I already do that." Sofeya rest her arm upon the back of her
chair then propped her chin upon her hand. "Any other ideas?"

"Find someone else to do it and you perform other duties?" Of course he
would never encourage shirking-Zelanka would have his head. Trading was
fine though as long as folks were agreeable.

"I'm sure my superiors would _love_ that." A mischievous grin spread
over Sofeya's lips. "Maybe you could do it for me?"

"Senior journeymen healers don't do drudge work. Sorry. Besides, I'm
sure you'd never trade with me since most days I'm up to my ears in blood and
guts." He was almost sure of it.

"Ugh. No. Sorry, I'll keep my job." Sofeya's nose wrinkled and lines
crossed upon her brow. "I have to admit, I don't envy you. How do you
deal with it?"

"You just keep doing it. And every once in awhile you get to help someone.
Nothing like knowing you saved them from dying." There was a bit of Chupsin's
snobbery in the tone-he knew he was better than this drudge, destined
for great things. She knew it too, though.

"Aren't you the lucky one? I guess we all can't have such positions."
She knew it and it irked her. Sofeya sniffed and shrugged. "I guess
I'm just destined to scrub the floors beneath your feet." She rose and
turned as if to leave.

"Hmm..do you clean well then?" His tone was slightly interested but it was
clear that since Alivya had gone that Chupsin needed some domestic help.

Sofeya's eyes narrowed. The man was really full of himself, wasn't he?
"Oh I know how to clean _very_ well."

"Hmm well then, I'll tell the Headwoman. The duty might be a bit light
compared to what you do now." So he was helping her and helping himself in the
process. "If she's agreeable, you may report tomorrow."

Light in comparison? That did catch her attention and Sofeya relaxed
visibly. "I see. Well, I'll be sure to check tonight - and perhaps
I'll see you in the morning."

"That would please me." He got up and left the empty porridge bowl on
the table. "Good day Sofeya." Of course he knew who she was. Maybe not
much else, but Chupsin was Hold blood. He had grown up here and he had
sisters.

Last updated on the February 1st 2014

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Light Duty