Worth Thinking About

Writers: Estelle, Francesca
Date Posted: 1st August 2019

Characters: Arrilon, Jayala
Description: Arrilon and Jayala discuss his future plans.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 11, day 20 of Turn 9
Notes: Mentioned: Chalzie

Jayala

The Hatching Feast was in full swing, the dance floor full of couples
dancing and laughing. A seemingly unending supply of food continued to
arrive from the kitchens and alcohol flowed freely. A Hatching was
always a time of celebration, even when it served as a reminder to him
that he would never Impress a dragon. This time, though, feeling Joy's
excitement had helped temper his negative emotions. It had been the
green firelizard's first Hatching, and she had been overjoyed the entire
time.

Arrilon had just finished playing several songs with other harpers and
was now looking forward to some food and drink. He scanned the room,
looking for Chalzie, but didn't see her. Instead of going in search for
her, since she was probably with friends, he decided to head to the food.

He went straight to the tables with savory foods and began piling his
plate with mini tarts, pastries, and grilled vegetables. He was so
focused on the food, it took him a few moments to realize he knew the
woman to his left, whose plate was significantly emptier than his. Their
paths hadn't crossed much when the Harper Hall had been at the Weyr, but
he had always found Master Jayala to be friendly and encouraging.

When their eyes met, he gave a small smile. "Master Jayala, I don't know
if you remember me. I'm Arrilon."

"Yes, of course." Jayala had a good memory for faces - a useful skill in
a master harper - and an even better one for musicians. She recalled the
young man from her time at the Weyr. He'd been a Candidate then, but
since his name was unchanged and he still wore harper knots, she
realised he must not have Impressed. "I heard you playing just now; a
very accomplished performance. Your technique has come on a great deal
since I heard you last."

His smile grew wider at the praise. She hadn't heard him play in Turns,
but it was still reaffirming to have a Master notice the improvement.
"I've been able to dedicate myself fully to my studies these past few
Turns," he explained. "When I was a Candidate, there were always chores
and other tasks to do." It was a nice change to speak with someone who
was likely glad, or at least not disappointed, that he had never
Impressed. When speaking with dragonriders, even ones who were also
harpers, he often felt the need to justify the time spent on his craft.
With Master Jayala, instead, he wanted to demonstrate that he belonged
in the craft. It was a strange feeling.

"You must be getting close to journeyman rank now," Jayala said. She
tried to speak neutrally, since she knew many young people preferred the
life at the Weyr, but she couldn't help wondering what his plans were.
Often, it happened that the Searchriders would choose apprentices and
young journeymen from the Harper Hall, and though she knew it was an
honour, she couldn't help regretting the loss to her craft. It would be
deeply satisfying to bring one or two back. "Have you decided which area
you're going to specialise in?"

"Very close," he affirmed. "Within the next few months, I hope. And, I'm
interested in teaching and the archives, although if I had to choose
between them, I think I'd choose teaching." He took a quick look to make
sure none of the Weyr harpers were nearby, then added, "I like the idea
of getting away from the Weyr at some point."

"Well, we have very good archives at the Harper Hall." Jayala kept her
tone neutral, but pleasure sparkled in her eyes. "And an excellent set
of instructors in all the aspects of our Craft. It is different, though,
if you're used to the Weyr. May I ask if you grew up here? Or were you
Searched?"

"I'm from just outside of Amber Hills Hold. I was Searched and spent
some time at Dragonsfall Weyr before coming here over 4 Turns ago," he
explained. "I don't think I've ever fully adapted to weyrlife." He felt
hope blossoming at the Master's words, but hardly dared to imagine that
this could be an initial step towards his dream of transferring to the
Hall. "I've been wondering about the possibility of continuing my
studies at the Hall, but was planning to wait until walking the tables
before looking into it." He spoke more directly than he would have
liked. However, he wasn't sure when he would have another chance to talk
to a Master at the Hall; especially one as friendly as Jayala.

"It's worth thinking about." Jayala was unable to quite hide a
triumphant smile. "If you're from a Hold originally, you shouldn't find
the way of life such a shock, and the Harper Hall isn't quite so
conservative as some. Many of us have lived at the Weyr, after the fire
which destroyed the old Hall." She considered what would be needed. "If
you want to transfer, you'll have to provide a reference from the
Weyrharper, and one or two others. Perhaps the Headwoman, if you were a
Candidate. And there may be some testing to make sure you meet the
requirements for journeyman rank at the Hall."

Arrilon returned the smile, committing what she said to memory. He had
assumed the process would involve some testing, so he wasn't
surprised. And he already knew who he could request references from.
"I'll make sure to begin preparing everything," he said solemnly. He
knew she had plenty of other, more important, people to talk to but
couldn't help but ask, "Do you have any advice for how to prepare if I
am tested? Anything in particular I should focus on?"

She considered the question. "First, remind yourself of the basics that
you learned as an apprentice. Practice your scales and your
sight-reading and make sure you can recite your Teaching Ballads. It may
seem simple, but you don't want to be tripped up by an easy question
when the time comes. That's particularly true if you're interested in
teaching. Which brings me on to my second point - focus on the areas you
want to specialise in. You'll be wanting to impress those Masters and
convince them that they want to work with you. Talk to the journeymen
here at the Weyr, maybe find a project you can work on, so you'll have
something to tell them about." She gave him a reassuring smile. "And
don't be too concerned. The standard of teaching here at the Weyr is
high. If the Weyrharper thinks you worthy of journeyman rank, you
shouldn't have too much trouble at the Hall."

Arrilon's confidence rose as the Master talked. He knew it wouldn't be
easy, but it sounded like he had a good chance of being accepted at
the Hall. He had to resist the urge to immediately find the Weyrharper
and discuss his plans. "Thank you Master Jayala," he said, earnestly.
"Enjoy the rest of the Hatching Feast. And I hope to see you at the
Hall within a Turn." He couldn't wait to tell Chalzie.

Last updated on the August 19th 2019

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Worth Thinking About