Interview With a Master

Writers: Vix, Francesca
Date Posted: 31st August 2007

Characters: Mahantan, Chalzie
Description: Chalzie meets with the Master of Apprentices for the first time.
Location: Dolphin Hall
Date: month 5, day 8 of Turn 4

Mahantan looked over the hidework that had been placed upon his desk, a simple sheet describing his newest apprentice. "Interesting," he murmured as he read the girl's history. Hearing a sound at the open door, he looked up and beckoned. "Come on in." He pointed to a chair in front of the desk. "Sit while I finish reading."

Chalzie silently made her way to the seat and sat down, a little nervous. She didn't know yet what to expect from this meeting, or of the Master of Apprentices.

Finally, he set aside the file and looked toward her once more. His words to her were blunt. "Suppose you tell me exactly why you want to be a dolphineer."

Chalzie had been expecting the question, but still found it a bit difficult to answer, especially while feeling intimidated by the man sitting across the desk from her. She swallowed, and began, "Well, I've always liked swimming, and would love to be able to work with dolphins." She paused for a second to gather her thoughts. What else was there to say? "I Stood at a couple of hatchings, and I don't think I want to be a dragonrider." At least not now. "And I think I'll like spending time outside, in the water. Right now, I just really want to learn more about dolphins, and meet them." Well, that wasn't an inspired speech, but Chalzie hoped it would suffice. "I don't really _know_ much about the craft though," she admitted, worried he would begin quizzing her on specifics.

He nodded as she spoke, but still did not smile. "And the next time there are eggs on the Sands? Will you be going back to Stand?"

Was he always this grumpy? Maybe there was something about becoming a Master that made you not want to be nice to apprentices. "No, at least not for awhile," Chalzie responded carefully. "For now, I want to be here so I can learn and see what it's like being a dolphineer."

The Master sighed at that response. "Chalzie, I feel that I should warn you that this might not be the craft for you. Many crafts are conducive to Impression of a dragon and can be practiced after weyrlinghood. Dolphineering is _not_ one of those crafts. While dragons and dolphins amuse each other and enjoy each other's company, a person cannot be both dolphineer and dragonrider."

"I know." Chalzie hoped her growing frustration wasn't showing. She wasn't dense, shard it. "If I decide I want to practice this craft, I won't Stand. Right now, I just don't know."

"There's nothing wrong with exploring," he conceded with a sigh. "But you'd be amazed how many young people come here thinking that they can do both, that they can have a dragon and a dolphin, as if those two types of creatures were mere pets. It's my task to dissolve that dream before we invest too much time in the person's training."

"Ok. That makes sense." She relaxed a bit. He was being reasonable. "I grew up surrounded by dragons, so I fully understand how important they are; and dolphins, I don't know much about them yet, but I can imagine that working with them would require a full commitment." He had definitely made his point.

The Master of Apprentices now smiled. "I won't deny anyone an opportunity to become familiar with dolphins. They're fascinating creatures and deserve our respect. While I don't begrudge anyone examining whether this craft is the right one for him or her, I cannot allow anyone to cast aside dolphins if something 'better' comes along. However, if you're the type who enjoys swimming and being outdoors, chances are that you'll enjoy most of the work associated with dolphincraft."

Chalzie nodded in agreement. "I can't wait to start."

"Then we'll get you into classes right away." He took a sheet of paper from a stack in front of him and pushed it across the desk to her. "This will be your schedule of classes to start. Of course, we'll also need to test your swimming abilities before we send you into the water. And you've had a recent examination by the healers?"

Her excitement at seeing her schedule made her almost miss the Master's question. "Yes sir," she responded, still looking at the paper. After another second, she remembered. "Oh!" Fishing through her bag she pulled out a paper the journeyman healer had given, attesting that she had no physical problems. She placed it on the desk for Mahantan to look over.

He took the page and glanced at it, nodding his acceptance of the evaluation, before placing the paper into the file that he had started for the girl.

"And, ummm... a swimming test?" She hadn't known she would be tested so soon, although it did make sense.

"Of course," he stated. "Dolphineers must be able to swim on their own for quite some length and to greater depths than most people. However, the test is not to disqualify anyone from apprenticing but to plan for how much practice is needed to master basic skills."

"Right. And, when will that be?"

"Tomorrow will be hectic because of Threadfall. I can meet you for a swim either late this afternoon or morning day after tomorrow."

**Might as well get this over with.** "Today would be fine," she replied, a little cautiously.

He nodded and made another notation on his paper. "In that case, meet me at the main dock at one candlemark before suppertime."

"Ok. Is there anything else we need to talk about now?"

His eyebrow raised at her impatience, but he shook his head. "Just report for the swimming evaluation and start attending classes. The journeymen will explain to you about duty rosters and daily schedules. Two or three sevendays from now we'll meet and see how you're progressing and how you feel about your classes so far."

Chalzie nodded. "Good" She remained seated, unsure if she could leave yet. However, she was a bit anxious to go, so she placed her bag on her shoulder, and took the schedule of classes in her left hand. She wondered if she would have enough time to swim a bit before the test, and perhaps ask some people what exactly would be tested. "Thank you, sir. I'll see you in a couple of candlemarks." She refrained from fidgeting as she waited to be dismissed.

Mahantan noted to himself that the girl was polite enough to await further directions from him and gave a sharp nod. "Until then. You may go." He returned his attention to the files upon his desk.

Last updated on the December 3rd 2008

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

Interview With a Master