Commissioning a Tapestry

Writers: Francesca, Kaysea
Date Posted: 17th March 2008

Characters: Causton, Jadorin
Description: Causton discusses commissioning a tapestry for the Vintner Hall with Jadorin.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 8, day 19 of Turn 4

"Excuse me," Causton stood in the open doorway and knocked lightly at the door frame, whilst looking around the room. There appeared to be only one person inside, so he had obviously found his prey. "Journeyman Jadorin?" he asked.

"Yes?" Jadorin replied, turning to greet the man and, being surprised to find the Hallmaster. he belatedly added, "Sir?"

"Causton." he corrected the journeyman. "I was told you may be able to help me?" He walked further into the room and leaned against what appeared to be a cutting table.

**Told by whom?** was the first of many questions that came to mind.
However, keeping his face neutral, he replied, "I hope I can. What do you need?"

"I'd like to commission a tapestry." Causton replied, still not altogether sure he had the right person. "The Vintner Hall, as you would be aware, has had to be removed from Amethyst Cliff after the earthquake. After many months of work we are finally at the stage where we can begin to look to a new future, and as part of that we need to remember the past and where we have come from."

At the mention of a tapestry, Jadorin's face lit up. He only half listened to the rest of what the Hallmaster had to say, as his mind was already planning how to rearrange the rest of his projects so he would be able to concentrate on this. Perhaps some of the other Journeymen could take over at least parts of other commissions, or he could trust an apprentice or two with some of the easier aspects of making clothes.

The Journeyman realized the Hallmaster had stopped talking and hoped he hadn't been standing there grinning like a half-wit. "You've come to the right man, Hallma- Causton. I haven't been commissioned to do a tapestry since arriving here and it's my true passion." Grabbing the nearest stylus and parchment, he asked, "Now, what specifically were you thinking? And, how large would it be?"

"I will need you to travel, by escort, to the old Vintner Hall to view the damage suffered; then return to us at the new location and take some sketches of the various areas of the new Hall." He stopped to judge the weaver's reaction, " I expect this tapestry to take you at least a turn to complete, as it will be on display in the main entry hall of the main building." He paused for a moment, then considered the expense of what he had already proposed, but by the end of the turn, there should be enough in the coffers to finish the payment to the weaver prior to his starting further work.

"We have tapestries already that were salvaged from the old Hall, which at some later date I would like you to look to repairing for us. If this seems like too much for you to handle, consider making a recommendation for help, and we will see what we can come up with in the way of board and lodgings for your assistant."

"Oh! The size should be at least twenty hands by twenty hands. I have a sketch here of the layout I'd like to show, if you're willing." he rifled through the carrisac he had been holding and drew out a hide he had sketched on.

It was all Jadorin could do to keep his jaw from dropping to the floor at the enormity of the task. He had never been entrusted with a commission this important and knew he would not be able to do it alone. However, no matter who helped him, this would be _his_
tapestry. He might even be able to gain his Mastery with this project.
His fingers were already itching to begin the work.

"I will meet with Master Mornac tomorrow morning to discuss this and we can decide on an assistant. Now, let's see what you have..." he said, trying to focus on the task at hand and not get too ahead of himself.

~*~

"So, do you think it's a possibility?" Causton asked, his brows furrowing in consternation, "I'm concerned I have dropped too much on your plate,"
he said slowly. "The measurements may be a bit bigger than I anticipated, when I think on them. We could manage with twelve by twelve, the other measurements were garnered from the wall itself." he explained.

"After I do some preliminary work, we can meet and I'll tell you what I think would work best for the size. And, yes, this will be an enormous undertaking," Jadorin admitted. After looking at the sketch, he was beginning to realize that he wasn't quite qualified for the job. This was something that a Master should be in charge of, but Master Mornac did not specialize in tapestries, leaving Jadorin the most experienced weaver at the Hold for this commission.

"This is not something I would trust myself to do alone," he said, wanting to be completely honest with the Hallmaster. "Perhaps I could take a trip to the Weaver Hall and meet with some of the Masters there to get advice."

"I'd be willing to account for your travel expenses, since it's on my account, or rather, the hall's account if you will be forced to make the journey." Causton nodded, "Let me know when and I'll see to the rest."

"Wonderful," Jadorin replied as he continued studying the sketch. "I have a lot to think about, Causton," he said with a grin. "Why don't I send some letters to the Weaver Hall and meet with the Master and Journeymen here over the next few days. Then, I'll come over to the Vintner Hall and we can discuss everything. How does that sound?"

"Perfect." Causton nodded, "I'll leave it all in your capable hands."

Last updated on the March 19th 2008

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Commissioning a Tapestry