"A New Plan"

Writers: Anika, Heather
Date Posted: 12th December 2014

Characters: Barenziah, Pachem
Description: Barenziah asks Pachem for permission to join the Healercraft at DCW
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 10, day 2 of Turn 7
Notes: Mentioned: Benani and Zathris not by name.

Barenziah

It had taken Barenziah a long while to decide what she should do with
herself now that she was permanently at the Weyr. Having grown up with
dreams of marriage and children, it had taken Barenziah a while to try
to reroute her brain into a different way of thinking. Chaysea had
broached to her the opportunity to craft and at first that had seemed
nearly preposterous, but the more Barenziah thought about it, the more
she liked the idea of having rank knots on her shoulder to signify
that she _was_ someone of worth.

Then there had been the decision of which craft to join: healer,
harper, baker, and on and on the list went. Barenziah had finally
decided on the healercraft. She did enjoy caring for others and the
idea of being able to help Pern's dragonriders was especially
appealing. It was this then that brought her to Pacham's office door
where she knocked and patiently waited to enter.

"Come in," Pacham called out brightly, only too happy for an excuse to
put aside the hides he'd been reviewing. Stretching his arms above
his head, he realized he had been sitting still for too long.

Barenziah stepped into the office with a smile, "Master Pacham? I was
wondering if I could have a moment to talk with you?"

"Most certainly, please come in and have a seat," he said, motioning
the red-haired woman in as his kind grey eyes assessed her for any
apparent ailment. "How may I be of service?"

The woman took a seat in front of the older man and folded her hands
demurely in her lap, "I was hoping that you would approve to take me
on as an apprentice to the healercraft." Barenziah launched forward
before Pacham could have a chance to speak, "I know I am older than
the usual apprentices but I have just recently come to the Weyr....
Before I did not have opportunity to craft."

Pacham's wild, grey eyebrows had lifted some in surprise initially but
fell back into place as he considered this woman's request,
thoughtfully tilting his head. Certainly she was past the usual age
for apprenticeship, but then sometimes older apprentices were far more
diligent and serious about their studies. "Tell me two things.
First, whom do I have the pleasure of considering for apprenticeship?"
he offered a broad smile causing his bushy mustache to twitch
amusingly. "And second, why do you wish to pursue an apprenticeship
in healing?"

Barenziah had expected this question, and had prepared accordingly for
how she should answer. She obviously could not explain the full
details of why she had come to the Weyr or why she was now looking
into crafting. "When I lived at the Hold I cared for the Lady Holder
as one of her ladies-in-waiting. She had gone through quite an ordeal,
and needed physical and emotional care. During that time I realized
how much I enjoyed taking care of and helping others. Of course,
growing up at the Hold, dreams of being a crafter were unecessary,
because they were impossible.... But now... This is my chance to do
something other than be a pretty face."

Having listened earnestly, not only to the words but how they were
presented, Pacham nodded. "I am aware of the case of which you speak.
Such experience is valuable. The drive to ease another's suffering is
certainly an important aspect of healing. Empathy and establishing a
positive rapport can tip the scales in many cases. Have you had any
other experience with minor healing? Possibly midwifery, tending minor
injuries or ailments, or possibly some exposure to home herbal
remedies?"

"I have some general herbal knowledge for fevers, headaches, and
poultices for cuts." It was pretty common knowledge for a hold woman
to know such things for she would need them when she reared children.

He nodded, having expected as much. This still quite likely put her
knowledge level above that of most younger apprentices entering the
craft. "It is not uncommon for kindhearted individuals to want to
help people, but have you considered that while dealing with patients
you will quite likely encounter blood, vomit, sputum, excrement and
all matter of unpleasantries? This is not a craft for those with a weak
stomach," he stated watching her reaction to his words. A number of
apprentices had walked away from his tutelage after realizing they
couldn't handle certain repugnant aspects of the work. "Many of the
injuries we see here in the Weyr can be quite gruesome. Have you seen
Threadscore before?"

A small smirk twisted Barenziah's lips, "I am no flower, Master
Pachem, I can assure you." She'd grown up a tomboy along side her
brother, matching him stride for stride, and then even sparring with
the Lord Holder of Amber Hills. Delicate or weak, she was not. "I have
not seen Threadscore, but blood, vomit and the rest are all things
that I have seen before."

Seeing the truth in her response and an underlying mettle that he
admired, Pacham's lips curled upward in a small smile as he ran a his
fingers absently over his mustache. He liked what he saw. "Having
assisted the Lady Holder, I am sure that your reading and writing
skills are more than adequate. Such a position will also have
prepared you, I am sure, for the need of discretion in dealing with
patients. Yes, I believe you might do quite well as an apprentice.
There is one more very important detail I should like to know before
officially accepting you as an apprentice," he stated gravely his bushy
eyebrows coming together in a most serious expression.

Barenziah was fairly on the edge of her seat, wondering what else the
man could want to know about her.

"What is your name, my dear?" his grey eyes sparkled with humor as he
offered her a very broad smile this time.

A flush crept up Barenziah's neck as she realized she still had yet to
give her name. She had been so busy "selling" herself as a possible
healer that the detail of her name had seemed minuscule. "I am
Barenziah."

"Welcome, Barenziah, to the Healercraft."

Last updated on the January 4th 2015

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

"A New Plan"