In reply to Ailith (msg # 182):

Helza snorts.  "Of course I picked it up!  I had to redo your work after all!  No wonder you don't have a master.  Your incompetence is astounding!"

So much for her letting it go.

"I had to waste my afternoon fixing your mistake.  You should at least sweep up Master Nazin's shop to make up for it."

Alright, it had been too much to ask for, and Ailith had pretty much expected as much. Still... Did Helza need to be that insufferable about it? Squinting, the young apprentice looked angrily at the older one. She considered saying a lot of different things, most of them not particularly pleasant, and almost decided not to. In the end though, she was unable to let it go just like that. “An entire afternoon just for that?” She snorted disdainfully.

“I've already thanked you. I might take care of sweeping your Master's shop tomorrow for it, and if I do, it'll be more than enough to repay you. Now if there's nothing else, I have things to do.” Not waiting for an answer, Ailith turned away, obviously intent on going back to her room.

In reply to Ailith (msg # 184):

"Filth..."

Helza mutters that under her breath.  She probably mutters some other things too.  But that's the one you catch.

Still marching off?

Ailith froze and looked over her shoulder at Helza, obviously a bit shocked by what she just heard. After a few seconds, she turned around, “Seriously?” She balled her fists and walked to Helza, apparently not much caring that the other apprentice had a few years on her. “You caught on a mistake and you feel like a thank you is not enough?”

“So first, you can swipe your master's shop yourself, I'm not going to do it for you. I'd hope it'd teach you some humility, but I'm not sure anything could do that. Second, you have a problem with me? What is it? I don't remember a single case where said anything even remotely insulting to you, much less tried to mess you. So is it that I don't strike your ego as much as you feel that I - or anyone for that matter - should? Come on tell me, I'm right there. It'd do you good to not talk in someone's back for once.” Which she couldn't be sure Helza was actually doing that, but... It didn't seem too much of a stretch.

“Or is it that because I never confronted you, you think you can walk all over me, do anything and I'll just take it? Is that it? Do you think you can bully me however you please? Well try me, and we'll see.” She growled, obviously quite pissed. “You're an arrogant bitch who doesn't have half, no a quarter of, the talent she'd need to be this much of an ass.”
This message was last edited by the player at 14:02, Sun 14 Feb 2021.

In reply to Ailith (msg # 186):

She looks amused at first.  But her eyes narrow when you mention 'talking behind someone's back'.

"Like you're one to talk about something like that!  And talk to me about no talent when AND ONLY WHEN your sorry ass actually gets a master.  You know. When someone who has talent actually agrees that you have talent too!"

And with that, she turns on her heel and storms off.

Ailith snorted disdainfully, not bothered at all by Helza's insinuations: after all, how long had she been here? Plus, she was pretty sure that her still not having a master was not a question of talent, but of having a lot to learn...and something that would likely change in the short term anyway.

More importantly, if an apprentice were gifted in one specific domain, it was much easier to match him or her to one master, so if nothing else, it might not be a lack of talent at all... Though of course it wasn't just a question of talent: Helza had probably wanted to be recognised as soon as possible, and Iriz to attach herself to her master for...well, she had her own reasons.

Not that Helza's opinion about her talent mattered all that much. Or at all for that matter. Ailith was relatively certain Master Matah believed she had talent, so Helza's opinion - or taunts - didn't affect her at all. No, what she found interesting was Helza's reaction to when she had mentioned talking behind people's back. It had been a bit of a guess, but given the other apprentice's attitude...

There wasn't all that much she could do about it - and she didn't particularly care - but instead of walking to her own room, Ailith changed directions and went to find Zez: she was ready to bet that Helza was going to try to make a mountain of the isin masks mistake, and it could be hilarious...but only if Zez knew what was going to happen: it had been his mistake after all, and who knew what kind of story Helza was going to tell everyone...

In reply to Ailith (msg # 188):

You find Zez outside the west storeroom, studying a parts log.  He looks up as you approach, a frown on his face.  He blinks at you as if he wasn't sure who you were and then smiles.

"Good evening. How you doing today?"

Evening already? Ailith woke up, talked to Ildera then went back to her room but was intercepted by Helza. Did it take that long to find Zez?
If she could find him reasonably quickly it's fine, we can say that Ailith worked on her own project and waited for the evening when she was reasonably sure she could find him, it's no big deal, I just want to make sure :)

“'Evening. It was fine, except for Helza.” She grumbled under her breath. “Apparently she checked the box of isin masks for some reason,” which might have been a good one of course, but... She had to wonder... Had the masks been missing before or after Helza checked? “and noticed that twenty of them were missing. She was...” She snorted disdainfully, “Well, she was Helza-like. She thought I was the one who packed that shipment and decided it gave her the right to insult me,” from her tone, it seemed Ailith was still angry about it, “and to force me to do some of her chores for her.”

The young apprentice shook her head, “Let's say it didn't go well. I'm sure there'll be a fascinating story about me circulating in the whole village soon enough - or another one I suspect - but she might try to go farther and make a stink about that shipment and how I forgot twenty masks.” She paused to let Zez digest all of that, then concluded, “I thought it wouldn't hurt if you knew.”

In reply to Ailith (msg # 190):

Nah, that was me rushing to catch up and forgetting where I was.  Let's just assume they said afternoon.  Sorry about that.

Zez has a blank look on his face for a moment and then busts out laughing.

He takes a moment to settle down.  "Sorry...uh...sorry...Wow.  That's funny."

He shakes his head and grins.  "Sorry.  I already talked to Masters D'Osk and Nazin about the shipment.  Master D'Osk put down the wrong number in the order and I failed to catch the mistake when I wrote up the log.  So it was both our faults.  Not yours.  The Masters know.  I will speak to Helza."

His smile flattens.  "I would not worry about tales being spread.  Helza is...well.  Helza.  But she does not say anything about someone behind their back she does not say to their face.  That is one of her two good features.  You always know where you stand with her.  But...speaking of tales being told..."

He seems to think a moment and then shrugs.  "Did you happen to mention to anyone that I had a date at the festival?  No?  Okay.  Just asking. Someone spreading a rumor that I am betrothed.  And it...it could make some things awkward for me. If anyone should ask you, please tell them that no.  We are just courting at the moment.  No betrothal.  I would not normally ask but...you would be doing me a favor."

No problem :)

Ailtih crossed her arms on her chest, almost impatiently tapping the ground with her foot while Zez laughed: she was obviously failing to find where all of that was funny. So when Zez said so, she grunted. Though at least she did understand once he had explained. “Well, I'm feeling mighty relieved to know that all she'll say is that I'm filth and have no talent.” She answered tartly. “Though now I really hope she tries something...”

“And no,” Ailith shook her head, “I didn't say anything about your date.” She didn't quite sound offended, but was clearly surprised Zez asked her that question. After all, not only she didn't particularly care...but to whom would she talk to about that if she wanted to? “I'll relay your message,” It wasn't like it would cause her any problem to do so after all, “but... I doubt anyone will ask me about it...” Since outside of the Hiyal "circle", she knew a grand total of two other villagers... Though granted, one of those two could be quite talkative.

In reply to Ailith (msg # 192):

Zez smiles at you.  "The first two seasons are always tough.  But don't worry.  You have talent.  A master will chose you."  His smile becomes a little mischievous.  "Not that there already hasn't been some talk."

He doesn't elaborate.

"At any rate, don't mind Helza.  She doesn't handle frustration well.  And likes to take it out on everyone around her.

"As for friends, I didn't have any the first year either.  But you'll see.  Once you start getting more free time, things will slide into place.

"Now.  Go work on your piece for Master Matah.  I'll handle restocking the clay urns.  Just inspect the free shops a couple of hours before dinner.  See if anything needs sweeping."

He pats you on the shoulder and heads off to whatever he was doing before hand.

Where do you want to go now?  Seems you have a few hours off.

“Who said I was worried?” Ailith looked at Zez with a sardonic expression: she wasn't worried. Much. “Though I wouldn't mind if someone else came to take the dubious honour of being the newest apprentice...” She shrugged.

For a moment, she considered asking what Helza was feeling frustrated for, but she decided she didn't particularly care: no matter what happened in the future or what friends she was going to make, she was pretty sure Helza wouldn't be one. Nor Iriz for that matter, even if it was for an entirely different reason.

She slightly grimaced when told that even on a day off she might have to sweep the shops - wondering, not for the first time, why masters weren't able to keep their shops clean themselves - but nodded. “I will, thanks. And don't worry, I'll tell anyone who asks that there's no engagement of any sort. In fact, I'll say that you're practically forced to see her and hate her guts!” She grinned mischievously, then after a small wave turned away to head to her own room: she had work to do.

Back in her room, Ailith considered the Kwadik spines for a moment, the went to work. Not directly on them of course - she was far from ready for that - instead she started to draw a sketch of what she wanted to inscribe on the future knives. She didn't yet know what would be the final shape of the knives so it made things a bit more complicated, but by making sure that the edges of her drawing could be adjusted she hoped to take care of that. And at any rate, the drawing would probably have to be modified for when she finally went around to actually make the knives out of the spikes. Or after she showed them to Master Olk and he pointed all the flaws...

In reply to Ailith (msg # 194):

When you go to sweep up the studios, you find Master Olik alone in his shop.  Iriz seems to be off on an errand into town.

Despite not seeing Iriz, Ailith checked for a moment, just to make sure: at some point she'd have to plunge in and confront the other apprentice, but no matter when it happened it would still be too soon. Once pretty sure that Iriz was otherwise occupied, Ailith went to grab her sketches as well as the spines she wanted to work on since assessing one without the other would be pointless.

“Master Olk?” she called, “I've a rough sketch of what I'm planning, and since you offered,” she seemed a bit unsure, “Would it be convenient for you to have a look?”

In reply to Ailith (msg # 196):

Master Olk looks up and gives you a smile.  "Hello.  Sure.  I have some time."

He looks over the bones you chose and points out some areas that will probably be problematic.  That does have an impact on your design, but talking it out with him helps you get some ideas on how to resolve them.  He also talks to you about your concept, questioning your overall design.  He seems to be doing it in a constructive way though; he is trying to help you focus your concept down without telling you how he would do it.  It's actually a very helpful conversation.

As you leave his shop, you see Master Matah and Zez near the compound's entrance, talking about something.

"Ailith!"

The voice behind you surprises you.  Master Yovo has come up behind you...the woman is as quiet as a breeze...and called out to you.  She glances at the scrimshaw work in your hands.

"What's this?  Are you working on something for Master Olk?"

Ailith thanked Master Olk profusely, even though she hadn't agreed with everything he had suggested. Never on the more technical aspects of her designs - there she could only agree after all - but on small details that seemed important for what she was aiming for. Oh, she supposed Master Olk was right there too, but she wanted to try it out.

She was in fact thinking about one of those details - maybe she could keep the spirit of it, but inch toward what Master Olk had suggested? - when she was surprised to hear her name called from behind, and pretty much jumped out of her skin. She turned with big eyes, “Master Yovo!?” She blinked a couple of times, one hand over her heart, before she could think about the question she had been asked.

“Oh, yes.” The young apprentice nodded. “Master Matah 'suggested'” she air-quoted the word “that I try to work on some scrimshaw, so...” She grimaced slightly, “I haven't had the time to do much about it yet though. But it's coming along.” In a mumble she added _{“I hope...”}

In reply to Ailith (msg # 198):

Yovo frowns as if in thought as she looks at the scrimshaw.  She then shakes her head.

"Well.  Never mind.  I finally finished my design for those reeds.  Come to my shop tomorrow.  I will need help cutting them."

She gives your scrimshaw one last glance and then turns and scurries off.

Anything else you want to do this afternoon?  If not, I will move us along.  Thanks

At first a bit confused by Yovo's attitude - didn't she like scrimshaw or had she noticed something wrong with her design? - Ailith quickly focused on what she had just been told. “Oh, great!” She smiled happily, obviously eager, and not just because at least she probably wouldn't do some of the stuff she really wasn't fond of. Like sanding for example.

Not that it wasn't important, she was perfectly willing to admit that a good sanding was important. But it wasn't interesting. To her anyway. Granted, what Yovo would ask of her might not be much better, but she was really curious to see what the eccentric master had come up with and that made all the difference. Plus, it might give her ideas for her own work!

With some pep in her steps, the young apprentice went back to her room to take advantage of the last few hours of the day to modify her designs to take into account Olk's advices.

We can move along :)

In reply to Ailith (msg # 200):

Yovo's design for the reeds is a table and two chairs.  She seems to be intending to weave them together into the forms.  You have heard of such furniture before.  Light and strong, it's valued for it's ease of transport.  But it is incredibly difficult to make.

"We need to cut the stalks into strips, like this..."  She uses a hand knife to slice the stalk lenghtwise, slitting it into two than four thin strips.  "Once that is all done, we need to soak the stalks, and then we can start weaving them.  I'm going to make the frames from some lyquis root.  You slit the stalks while I do that."

She hands you the knife.  "Your knife work must be better.  What with all the scrimshaw work you're doing."

For a moment after Yovo had explained her project, Ailith seemed a bit...doubtful. Not that it wasn't interesting, not at all: it was just completely different from anything she could have been expecting. Pretty quickly though, she looked eager to get on with it, if a bit apprehensive: it was so different from anything she had done either by herself or ever since she had arrived that she wasn't sure she'd be all that helpful.

On the other hand...she'd certainly learn a great deal and it was, in fine what mattered the most to her. So attentively she both listened to the master's instructions and watch the demonstration, nodding at the end, “Alright.” Taking the knife though, she grimaced a bit, “Well... Right now all I've done is planning what the scrimshaw is going to be about, I haven't even started yet, so...” she shook her head, “My knife work is not any better than it was when I arrived...” Which wasn't to say it was bad - the piece she had sent had been a sculpture after all! - but still...

With a slight shrug, she studied the stalk for a bit, then placed the tip of the knife on it, “So... Like that, right?” She was perfectly aware she'd probably massacre the first stalk, and she hoped Yovo was sort of expecting it...but she really didn't want to get it right by the second one to not butcher two of them...

In reply to Ailith (msg # 202):

Yovo inspects the cut. "Not bad.  But look for the seam on the stalk. See?  This here.  Cut along that as much as you can.  It will make the first separation cleaner.  We can have some rough edges.  But the more we have, the less smooth the seats on the chairs or uneven the surface of the table will be.  Working with reeds is like weaving, but unlike weaving, you have to consider texture of the finished product as well.

"You do know Master Olk already has an apprentice, right?"

Ailith nodded, absorbing Yovo's guidance, then endeavored to do the best she could. Which might be why she didn't answer straight away to the question the master had asked. When she did, it was with another nod, “Of course, and she really wouldn't like it if she thought I wanted to replace her or something like that.” She grimaced, then shook her head. “Besides, I'm not interested.”

She tilted her head to the side, while she considered a stalk that was less straight that the others and started to work on it carefully. “I mean, Master Olk is very nice, and it's interesting to learn scrimshaw, but not enough that I'd want to do it and nothing else...” Though there were worse things to do she supposed. “For now, I just want to learn as many things as possible, and I haven't tried scrimshaw yet so...” Not that she had had much of a choice when Master Matah had given his instructions anyway... “After that, well...” She shrugged, “We'll see.”

In reply to Ailith (msg # 204):

Yovo gives you a measured look and then turns back to the large tub she's set up at one end of the room.

"Once all the stalks are cut, soak them here.  Make a solution of salt, 1 part salt to 10 parts water.  The salt bath will help dry out the reeds once we hang them up."

---

The work is repetitive but its different than anything you've done thus far.  So it at least has some novelty.

Master Yovo answers any questions you have, but she has some other projects going on outside of the workshop.  So you spend part of the afternoon working unsupervised.  Zez drops by with some fresh bread for you.  He looks over Yovo's design and nods.  Then he goes back to his own tasks.

You finish up and sweep out the shop.  Zez has handled the other shops today, so you are able to head back to your room after a nice dinner.

As soon as you see the door to your room, you know something is off.  The door is standing wide open.

Your room has been torn up.  Your cot has been upended.  The design pages for the scrimshaw are torn up.  And your bone pieces smashed.

Your personal effects are scattered around the room otherwise.  Nothing has been torn up.  Other than the scrimshaw.

I knew it was bound to happen… Why did I have to decide that Ailith didn't have a reason to suspect it was coming…

For a while, Ailith stood on the doorstep, looking at the mess that now was her room. When her eyes fell on her scrimshaw designs, she cringed. Thankfully they were just that - designs - and she had them well in mind. For the most part, they had just been a way for her to share her ideas with Master Olk. The smashed bones made her quite a bit angry though: while she could replace them, it wouldn't be without questions.

What worried her the most, and that she checked first, were the clothes and the towel she had found in the-place-under-the-water. The consequences for the mess here would be…well, she had no idea, but if those two things were to surface, it might be really bad…

Thankfully, whoever had done this - and at that thought, Ailith snorted: the targeted destruction pretty yelled the name of the culprit - hadn't known or cared about it and had failed to notice anything strange about them. Which made sense she supposed, as without trying them out they didn't look all that odd.

She placed both in a small bag which she took with her then went to find Zez without touching anything other than closing the door. When she found the head apprentice, she inspired deeply and said, “Thanks for today. There's something I'm going to need your help with though. If you could come with me for a moment?” Refusing to say anything else but obviously quite emotional, she led him to her room and once there, opened the door and invited him to enter.

In reply to Ailith (msg # 206):

Whoever it was did toss around the towel, but didn't seem to think anything of them.  Your secret is safe for the moment.

Zez cocks an eyebrow but he seems to read your mood easily enough.  He stops at the doorway of your room and looks around.

"Shit."

He rubs his eyes and then looks at you.

"Anything missing?  What was damaged?"

He listens and steps into your room, studying the damage.

"Alright.  This is going to be a big deal.  No one, and I mean no one will get away with something like this.  Master Matah will be livid.  And we'll look into getting a lock for your door.  And for what it's worth, sorry this happened.

"But let's get facts down first.  When could this have happened?  I mean when weren't you here?  I ask because Iriz hasn't been in the compound since this morning.  She's been running errands with Master Olk most of the day.  And she..."  He glances at the broken scrimshaw.  "You know what I mean.

"How much work did you lose?"