Spinner Bite

Writers: Jelena, Tyr
Date Posted: 24th November 2014

Characters: Rayan, Symion
Description: Rayan catches Symion showing a bit of laziness.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 10, day 6 of Turn 7

Rayan had been taking a stroll around the Hall, checking up on various
projects and classes that were taking place, when he walked past the
apprentice barracks. His attention was drawn by a dark-haired young
man sprawled across a bench. Weren't they all supposed to be at their
chores? As he peeked inside, he recognized the boy from a recent
discussion with one of the Masters. "Hello there," he alerted Symion
to his presence.

Symion jumped up in surprise. "Hello, sir," he said recovering
quickly and offering a charming smile for the Hallmaster. He
immediately started thinking about possible excuses to explain why he
was not at his chores.

"Are you alright, apprentice..." he trailed off questioningly, not
quite sure he remembered the boy's name correctly.

"Symion, sir," the young man provided. "And I'm okay, just a touch
light headed. Might be this spinner bite," he held up his arm, which
had a good sized raised welt. "A woman from the kitchen said they
sometimes make a body sickly, even bring on fever." The same woman
had kindly offered the handsome young man several pastries, which
Symion had used to pay off some younger apprentices to do his chores.

"In young children they do, or those poor of health," Rayan replied
with slightly raised eyebrows. "I'm sure you have nothing to worry
about, Symion. Is that why you're not at your chores?"

"Yeah, I was just taking a break, 'cause I felt light headed and all.
Ulim is helping me out some since I helped him when he wanted extra
study time yesterday." There was some truth to that at least. He had
helped Ulim yesterday, though the help came in the form of convincing
some others to work on the other apprentice's chores. Symion was very
good at talking people into things.

"I see," Rayan said, scrutinizing the boy with his eyes. "You look
fine now though. The rest must have done you good. Why don't you go on
out and help out Ulim and the others?"

"Yes, sir, I'll do that. Um, sir, may I ask you something?"

"Good," Rayan nodded. "And sure, Symion, what is it?"

"Lots of boys apprentice at twelve, but I was a fair bit older when I
came here," he started but chose his words carefully. "I do well
enough on class work and projects, but I do seem to struggle when it
comes to tests. One of the Journeman said something to me recently
that, well, I guess it got me to thinking is all. Apprentices who get
a late start in the craft, it isn't like we missed the boat is it?
You've seen older apprentices succeed haven't you?"

"Oh Symion," Rayan smiled, compassionately now. "Don't ever think
that. I've seen so many late apprentices doing wonderfully well. Some
of those even became masters. Don't let a late start hold you back,
ever."

"Thank you, sir," Symion said with a smile and a nod. "I should see
to those chores now."

"That's the spirit," Rayan smiled. "A good day to you, Symion."

Last updated on the November 28th 2014

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

Spinner Bite