Measurements

Writers: Eimi, Francesca
Date Posted: 19th January 2008

Characters: Jadorin, Benaroy
Description: Jadorin takes Lord Benaroy's measurements for new Gather clothes.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 8, day 3 of Turn 4

The Lord Holder looked up from his tally sheet, surprised out of his concentration by the knock on his door. It was a little early for his morning tea. Hopefully it wasn't another petitioner. "Yes?"

Jadorin cleared his throat quietly, made sure his clothing was adjusted, then entered the office. He was dressed in one of his finer outfits, for the first time in sevendays, and had even looked into a mirror to adjust his hair before taking the short walk from his workshop to the main area of the Hold. In his right hand was a small bag containing measuring tapes as well as samples of cloths and colors and a parchment for him to take notes on.

"Good morning Lord Benaroy." The man had obviously not been expecting him, which was not surprising considering how busy he must be. "I'm here to take your measurements for some Gather clothes," he gently reminded the Lord.

"Ah, yes, of course," the Lord Holder nodded as he set his abacus aside.
When did he make that appointment? He truly needed to remember to write these things down. Or perhaps find an assistant to keep track of these things and remind him when his memory failed, something which was happening a lot more often as of late. He could not let his holders see him struggle. They needed confidence in him or he could not effectively lead. "For some reason I thought it was tomorrow," he said to cover his temporary confusion.

"I could return tomorrow, if that would be more convenient," the Journeyman said smoothly, hoping the Lord would not take him up on his offer. Two consecutive days of dressing nicely was not to his liking, and neither was the thought of another day for anxiety to build over meeting with the Lord Holder. "However, this will not take long," he added, meeting the other man's eyes and smiling with what he hoped was an air of confidence.

"Now's fine. Now, refresh my memory, what exactly are we measuring for?" the Lord Holder asked as he rose to his feet.

"You said you needed some Gather clothes made," Jadorin repeated, keeping concern for the Lord's health from coloring his tone. He put his bag down on the nearby chair and rifled through it, taking out the measuring tape, parchment, and stylus, as well as several pieces of dyed cloth.

"Now, if you could just stand straight, I'll start by measuring your legs and move up from there. I assume you want the clothing to feature the Hold's colors?" he asked, beginning to take down measurements.

For the life of him Benaroy could not remember asking for new Gather clothes to be made. But perhaps one of his daughters took the initiative and didn't tell him. It was the sort of thing Royani would have done. She had always taken care of him. What part of his Hold would he not give to have her back by his side... He pushed those thoughts away as he lifted his arms so the Weaver could measure his waist. "I think a jacket in blue with amber piping and the pants in amber with the blue along the seams. Would that be possible?"

"It will be a striking outfit. I promise you that." Jadorin quickly noted what the Lord Holder had said, then measured his arms to get the length of the sleeves. "And, if you could bend your arm for a moment … and now relax. The numbers I'm taking down now are just approximate. As soon as the material has been cut and sewn we can make another appointment to do a very precise fitting."

Jadorin picked up the dyed samples he had brought, done by one of the Journeymen whose specialization was in dyes. There were several squares of slightly different shades of amber, and several blues. "While I take the last measurements could you look over these samples and tell me which shades you prefer? Journeyman Anric can also make the colors slightly lighter or deeper if none of these are quite right."

Benaroy was never one to take too much time on such trivial matters. He had seen enough shades of blue and amber over the turns to know what to look for. "These two," he said absently as he handed them back to the journeyman. "This is my first fitting with you, isn't it." It was a statement rather than a question. The man was explaining too much for this to be their second or third meeting.

"Yes, it is." Jadorin felt his face get hot and hoped he was not blushing.
"I just arrived a few months ago."

Only a few months ago? "You are not a refugee?"

"No, Lord. I was sent as a replacement for Journeyman Nerajic who went to the Hall to teach." Jadorin finished his measurements and placed everything neatly back into his bag, performing a quick mental check to assure himself that he had recorded all the information he needed.

"I see." The Lord Holder did remember they had mentioned Nerajic would be recalled, but his mind had been occupied with more important matters since then. "And did you bring your family with you?"

"Most of my family lives near Garnet Valley Hold," Jadorin responded, but he knew that the Lord Holder had not been asking about his parents and siblings. "I, unfortunately, have never been married. I should spend less time in the workshop, I suppose," he said with a smile. Hopefully the Lord's reaction to this statement would not be as harsh as some.

"Ah, well, rest assured we have many a young lady who would consider a journeyman a fine catch." Benaroy was already thinking about a few single holders and refugees that might suit the man. After all, if he put down roots, he was less likely to leave their valley. The more souls the better.

If Jadorin had not been blushing before, he was now. It was one thing to have his mother and siblings trying to find him a wife, but quite another for the Lord Holder to discuss it. Although, it was true that there were a number of suitable women at the Hold. If only he were interested in a wife for more than just to please his family and be able to have children.

"Yes, there are," was all he could manage as a response.

"Yes, well, are we finished here?" The Lord Holder had not exactly been planning a fitting into his schedule that day.

Jadorin suppressed a sigh of relief. "Yes we are. I will contact you as soon as the clothes are ready."

"All right," the Lord Holder nodded, dropping his arms and turning to walk back around the desk. "And why don't you bring them yourself, Jadorin. I would like a chance to speak with you more, if it's not inconvenient."

"Of course, Lord," Jadorin replied with a small bow. He felt honored that the man was personally requesting him. "And please let us know if the weavers can provide any other services to you or your Hold."

Benaroy peeked at the journeyman over the hide he had just picked up from his desk, only his eyes betraying his amusement at that grandiose statement. "I think I will leave 'my Hold' to inform you of services needed individually, if that's all right."

"Yes, Lord." Jadorin wondered if a Harper could teach him how to act in formal situations. He fervently hoped he would learn some day. With another small bow, although he did not think the Lord Holder was looking at him, he exited, closing the door behind him. Heaving a sigh of relief, the Journeyman headed towards his room, glad to be able to change into more comfortable clothes.

Last updated on the January 20th 2008

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Measurements