Gifts and a Kindred Spirit (2/2)

Writers: Avery, Leigh M-F.
Date Posted: 28th May 2017

Characters: Nohria, Serra
Description: Serra runs into Nohria and they have a frank discussion of womens' rights.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 12, day 1 of Turn 8
Notes: Mentioned: Zelanka, Corran and Warden, Benani.
Part 2 of 2

The herbalist started in place. "Oh- Oh, that's right. Turnover is
coming up very soon, isn't it?" she inquired. "I should make something
for Corran- or try to, anyway." She was used to sewing up human flesh,
not fabric; her best effort on her own clothing would probably come
out faulty somehow. But she wanted to make the effort anyway. "Is
there anything he might want or need?"

Serra pondered what he could use that wouldn't be too difficult in
terms of time or energy. She had time to sew and knit all day, since
she was retired. While Nohria had actual work around the Hold.

"Have you any skill with mending or improving carrybags?" Serra asked.

"Um, some," Nohria said. "My stitches aren't very pretty, though. But
a carrybag wouldn't be so bad." Those were made by sewing together the
pieces, then flipping it inside out so the thread didn't really show.
"Maybe I could try the bag?"

"I know for a fact he's had his for over 10 Turns, so he probably
needs a new one. Whether it's for supplies, travel, or turning into a
nest for Warden."

"Ten Turns, are you kidding? All right, he's definitely getting a new
one," Nohria said decisively. "I can get some more of this leather and
go from there." She gave the older woman a kind smile. "Thank you,
Serra."

"Not a problem, Nohria," Serra replied. Then she had an idea and
reached into her bag, handing the llama-wool item over to Nohria. She
was very proud of this one - it was soft-spun, fine to the touch, easy
to stow, and warm.

"What do you think of this, by the way?"

The younger woman gave the fabric an experimental rub between her
fingers. "That's surprisingly soft for being as thick as it is," she
commented. "I imagine it would be wonderful to have around in cold
weather. It was a good choice."

"I'm going to make a few for the Hold stores. They might as well serve
people and be useful. Though I do miss selling them," she confessed.

Oh, that was right. Serra had been a crafter before the ban. "It's not
right. It was a necessary evil then, but it's not needed now. Why do
people -men and women both- cling to it?" Nohria found herself asking
before she could think about what might happen. "We deserve equal pay
and rank."

"It's foolish to continue upholding the Ban, I agree," Serra said.
"But most of the people on Pern now have grown up under it and see
this as normal. People in power now are the children of the generation
scarred by the Plagues, so they cling tightly to the new order of
things."

Nohria shook her head. "They should retire and let people who aren't
cowards take over," she said a little darkly. "Nobody should stagnate
for their fears."

"Ah, but then they'd lose their grasp on power, and _their_ power
matters more to them than their fear's effects on other people's
lives," Serra said.

"Different Lords enacted the ban in different ways. At some Holds and
Halls, even the Master women lost their knots. At others, Masters were
left alone and journeywomen could continue to practice if they got
married. And some Holds now accept women crafters from the Harpers and
Technicians. That's progress."

"Maybe, but unless our fellow female crafters are also given equal pay
and recognized rank, it's not enough. I just-" Nohria made a frustrated
gesture. "I wish there was something I could _do_." More than just
vandalism and scattered messages. Something tangible that would MAKE
those in power listen and see reason.

"I'm not sure there's anything one person can do, be it you or I," Serra
said gently. She understood Nohria's frustration, oh, she did. But she'd
lived through the bans, the hardening of men's hearts, and seen how
change rolled out. It meant she could imagine how it could roll back, too.

"I think change will come slowly, but there's hope for it to come.
People who are Searched and then come back to their home Holds when they
don't Impress, or Crafters posted to Weyrs who rotate back. They'll have
the chance to see women doing the same things as men, and when they come
back, they'll spread on that tolerance and acceptance. And there will be
smart holders who look at a woman like you and your smart mind, and
think "why can't she do what I can?", and realize that change will come."

Serra took a moment, then continued. "But I think that by the end of the
Pass, women will be accepted again. It's your generation that will
inherit the world where this happens. And through your own actions,
you'll help change the minds of the men who will work with you for reform."

Serra seemed to truly believe what she said. Nohria wished she could be
so optimistic. "I hope you're right," she said. "It just seems like such
a long, uphill skirmish."

"It will be long and not easy, but change happens," Serra promised. "I'm
sorry for rambling on like a dotty old auntie."

Nohria just squeezed her hand. "I like dotty old aunties," she said
quietly, "and knowing I'm not alone."

"If you ever want to come talk to me about this, you just drop on by our
cot," Serra told her.

"I will," the herbalist promised. "It'll be a pleasant experience."

"That I believe. Good luck with your sewing," Serra said.

Last updated on the June 1st 2017

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Gifts and a Kindred Spirit (2/2)