An Unpleasant Commission

Writers: Francesca, Vix
Date Posted: 15th March 2008

Characters: Benaran, Jadorin
Description: Benaran demands that Jadorin come measure him and his children for clothes.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 8, day 12 of Turn 4

Benaran sniffed and frowned at the scents that assaulted him as he entered the main workroom of the Hold's weavers. He instantly regretted this impulse of stopping by to arrange a fitting rather than simply sending for someone, but he was here and would see this through. He pointed to a man passing by, carrying a bolt of fabric. "You - come here."

Several biting remarks came to Jadorin's mind at the man's complete lack of courtesy. He was a Journeyman, not a common drudge, and anyone deserved to be spoken to with respect. However, he immediately recognized Benaran, other weavers having pointed him out to him, and it would not do to get into an confrontation with this man.

Instead of scowling or talking back to the man, the weaver smiled and placed the fabric on a nearby table. "Hello, sir. I am Senior Journeyman Jadorin," he said, stressing his rank a bit. "What can I do for you?' "New gather clothing," was the holder's reply. He did not bother to meet the other man's eye, still glancing around instead.

Jadorin wished another one of the Journeymen had gotten the attention of the Lord Holder's son, but none of them were in the room. Maybe they had seen him coming and escaped to their offices. He needed to start paying more attention to the path that led to their workshop from the main buildings of the Hold.

Forcing himself to sound civil, the Journeyman said, "If you want to come to my office, we can discuss the type of outfit you want and get your measurements."

Now Benaran turned to the weaver, but his look was one of disdain.
"Here? Take measurements here? Certainly not."

Part of the weaver wished he had said something different, but the rest of him did not care much that he had insulted the man. Reminding himself that he was talking to the potential future Lord Holder, he forced himself to relax. "Would you like to plan a time when it would be convenient for me to come by your office so we can speak in a more appropriate setting?"

The holder pointed to the weaver. "You will come to my quarters and take the measurements. I will need new clothing for myself and for my children."

Jadorin held back a sigh. He did not have enough verbal skills to stand up to Benaran without disastrous consequences. Therefore, he would just try to get through this as quickly and, hopefully, painlessly as possible. "How many children do you have? And, when would you all be free?"

"Five - three sons and two daughters. I'll be available tomorrow morning. You can make the arrangements for my older sons personally and with the nursemaid for the three younger ones."

The weaver nodded. "I will see you tomorrow then."

"Tomorrow," Benaran nodded. "And I'll expect you to give these garments top priority."

"Just below that given to the commission for your father," Jadorin couldn't help but say. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to that."

That took away some of the holder's bluster. "Yes, of course. But you need to measure as soon as possible."

"I assure you, I will."

"Well, then," Benaran waved his hand dismissively, "that will be all."
He strode to the doorway and was gone.

Jadorin watched the man leave and couldn't help but grimace. He hoped Benaran's children took more after their grandfather than their father. Taking a deep breath, he picked up the bolt of fabric and got back to work.

Last updated on the March 19th 2008

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An Unpleasant Commission