Anything to Help

Writers: Avery, Vix
Date Posted: 11th October 2007

Characters: Mahantan, Kalesia
Description: Mahantan reviews Kalesia's performance as an apprentice
Location: Dolphin Hall
Date: month 5, day 4 of Turn 4

"Kalesia?" Mahantan had risen from his seat as he saw the young woman passing his office. "Can you come in here for a moment?"

Kale started as she heard the Master's voice. She didn't know him too well yet, since she'd just transferred here, but she had a respect for all Masters of the craft and he seemed a good man. "Yes, sir?" she asked, coming in and standing before him.

"I plan to meet with each of the apprentices, to become acquainted with them, and to assess their skills," he told her with a smile and pointed toward the chair in front of his desk. "Now's as good a time as any to get started - unless you have other plans?"

"No, sir, none at all." Kalesia said as she took a seat. She had a sinking sensation. How much would he criticize her? Would she be very behind compared to others here?

The Master of Apprentices pulled a stack of pages toward him and leafed through them until he found what he needed. "Alright, now, Kalesia. Let me be sure I have the correct information for you. When did you apprentice?"

"I was 16 Turns at the time. Late, but I transferred from the Seacraft." she replied. There was no point in keeping it from the Hall leadership; they would know. He probably had it on his hides anyways.

"Hmm. . ." he made a notation on paper. "I did the same. How far had you progressed as a Seacrafter?"

"Did you really?" The words escaped her mouth in an incredulous tone, and she flushed, wondering if it had been inappropriate. But she'd received so much criticism, it was amazing someone else had done it. "I was a Senior Apprentice, but only for a few months."

"Senior. . ." he noted that on his record before looking up with a smile. "Yes, I did. I didn't make it for as long as you did because I found that I suffered from seasickness. I could endure the smaller skiffs for short runs but would not be able to complete my training in other circumstances. I still wanted to be near the sea and the dolphins 'encouraged' me to join them. What were your reasons for leaving that craft?"

"I'm not seasick, at least." Kale said. But then he asked her to tell him, and it brought it all back- the crack of the lightning, the way she'd been pitched overboard, the plank hitting her, panicking underwater, trying to find her way to the surface, knowing she would drown...

Seafoam came out of *between*, landing on Kale's shoulder and chittering at her. The contact made her start and snap out of memory. She looked at Mahantan, blinking her eyes. "I'm sorry, I was remembering..." she said. Shards! Now they'd all think she was weak. She shouldn't have fallen into memory like that... "The ship went down. I went overboard. I would have died, without the dolphins." she said very quietly.

The Master nodded thoughtfully. "I was in much the same position - the ship still there but me overboard and too sick to swim. Having the dolphins there developed an instant bond of trust. I think that trust gives a definite advantage to study of this craft."

She nodded. "I'd never thought about dolphineering before, and then all of a sudden all I could think about was swimming with them. I'm still scared of swimming in choppy waters, but it's getting better."

"Choppy waters. . ." Mahantan made a notation about this, then looked up at her. "There's nothing wrong with having a fear or two, but I'll do my best to give you enough experience to try to deal with this. Are there any other areas of the craft that give you problems?"

"Only catching up on the things that are different. Shared aspects, like cartography and meteorology, those are fine. I really love cartography. But dolphin healing I'm not the best at, and rescue scares me. I'm not sure how ready I am for that."

He studied her face as he spoke. "Rescue is a very important part of our craft. Though we have those who specialize in that area, all must be prepared to join in as needed."

"I know that." Kalesia said. "I also know that...honestly, sir, I think that's going to be my weakest area. At least until I get more comfortable." Honesty could only help her.

Mahantan nodded and made further notation. "I'm glad that you're taking that approach. To help you along, I'll have you make some extra dives in adverse conditions, preferably with a journeyman assigned to help you get over that discomfort."

She smiled. Not that she was looking forward to it, but knowing that he was going to give her help made her feel much better. "Thank you, Master."

He sat back in his chair. "I think I have all the information that I need. Do you have any questions about how your apprenticeship will proceed?"

Kale shook her head. "I know it will be some time before I make journeywoman." she said. "I know I need more classes and experience. I'll be sure to come to you, though, if I need any more help."

The Master nodded. "Anything to help. Anything."

Last updated on the October 14th 2007

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

Anything to Help