A Prelude to Walking

Writers: Chelle, Jane
Date Posted: 30th March 2015

Characters: Asley, Azyn
Description: Azyn gives her some much wanted news
Location: Harper Hall
Date: month 11, day 13 of Turn 7

"Asley. Come in," the master printer got to his feet as he caught sight of
the
senior apprentice in the open doorway of his office. "Have a seat." He
walked
around the room to shut the door behind the young woman.

She came in and heard the soft noise of the door shut and wondered at it.
She
sat quietly, though, ready to hear what this was about. As usual, all she
had
done was work and work and still no recognition-leading her to believe that
her
faith in this man was misguided as it had been with all the men before him.

"I'd rather this didn't go any further than you and I at the moment, Asley,"
Azyn said, seating himself behind his desk again, "but your promotion is
being
processed and you'll be walking tables sometime in the next sevenday."

She said nothing-just looked at him. He had shocked her and effectively
silenced
any other thoughts she might have had. Still, it had not happened yet. It
wasn't
something she would depend on until it happened. Something could still
thwart
her, couldn't it? All of her hard work... "Ttt...hank you Master." **Don't
cry.
Don't be a fool.**

"Will you do your best to look surprised when the journeymen come to escort
you
to their table?" he asked, keeping his tone light since she looked shocked
at
his statement. "I thought, since you've waited so long -" and so needlessly
because nobody could or would show him a single reason she hadn't been
promoted
long before, "- that I should let you know immediately the decision was
made."

"Oh yes sir. I appreciate that." Swallowing was hard just then but she
managed
it. Finally, she would be given her due. All those turns wouldn't be a
waste.
And maybe she could go back-to the Weyr-where someone would love her. Tired
of
being shut up in the Hall and having to watch where she went, Asley was
ready
for freedom.

"Are you going to want to come onto the teaching staff here when you've got
those knots?"

That gave her pause. "Honestly, Master, I think we have enough folk here
already. I'd rather ride circuit as a journeyman first. I know, as a
female,
there are only certain places I can go but I believe there is more I need to
learn about practicing my craft outside of the Hall." That sounded
appropriate.

Azyn smiled. "Very prettily put. I take it you mean you can't wait to
escape
the Hall?" He didn't wait for her to answer so that she wouldn't feel
obliged
to muster any insincerities. "There aren't a huge number of places that run
printeries that you can journey to, Most smaller Holds do without or send
things they want printed to major Holds, or here to the Hall."

"Which major Holds, Master?" She knew most holders didn't accept female
crafters
but maybe if it meant having a well trained printer when there weren't many
left, they would put up with it. Or maybe....she still held out hope for the
Weyr.

"Amber Hills is one - one that would be more accepting of a journeywoman."
He
mentally discarded another couple, thinking the attitudes of the holders or
even
the current printer staff making for a less than ideal environment for a
young
journeywoman on her first posting. "You've mentioned the Weyrs before, as
an
option. Or you could try a spell in the North."

"I'm from the north. I didn't have any plans for going back really. Also not
sure I could justify the cost of a Crossing or the time involved. I'd like
the
Weyr personally, if it could be managed." Indeed, her reasons were the same
as
before.

"Back to Dolphin Cove?" he suggested. "I think you said you were there when
the
Harper Hall was there."

"I was. And yes, I know people there still but I will go wherever I am
sent."
She tried to sound humble and grateful.

"Not all journeymen are at the beck and call of the Hall," he reminded her.
"You can make your own contracts - your own arrangements. But there's some
protection in being posted into a position by the Hall and I'd probably
recommend that for a journeyman or woman's first position. If you're
willing to
do that I'll get in touch with a few of the Weyrs and see whether there's a
space for a journeywoman of your talents in their printery."

"I would be very grateful, sir." She felt her spirits lighten and despite
her
best intentions, she was feeling a bit hopeful again. Asley wondered how
long
before she could leave.

Azyn got to his feet and held out his hand. "Congratulations, Asley. It's
a
promotion well earned." And well overdue, he thought to himself. He was
going
to need to keep an eye on things in the printercraft side of the Harper
Hall, no
matter how busy the Hallsecond's work kept him.

She shook it and wished she had friends to celebrate with. She missed
everyone.
Still, she had finally gotten over one of the major hurdles to continuing
her
career. Now for the next one.

Last updated on the May 9th 2015

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A Prelude to Walking