I Don't Belong Here

Writers: AL, Jane
Date Posted: 5th May 2009

Characters: Zathris, Rikka
Description: Zathris catches sight of Rikka and mistakes her for Isily
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 2, day 19 of Turn 5
Notes: Mentioned: Isily

Zathris

Rikka wasn't exactly sneaking around, because the technicians at the
Hold and those at the Hall cooperated ... in theory. It just didn't
seem tactful to be caught borrowing tools from the Hold's technicians so
soon after her move to the Vintner Hall.

"Isily?" The flash of a leg and the tease of a skirt around the corner
in the technicians corridor didn't look as if they belonged to someone
of the stronger sex. Zathris picked up his pace and paused outside of
the room where he had seen the tell tale sighs of a female disappear.
"Oh!" He grinned as whom he expected to see was not there. "Rikka!
Sorry, I thought you were someone else."

"Isily, obviously. I don't know where she is," the young journeywoman
said, stopping to speak to the assistant steward. "I don't _actually_
belong here any more," she admitted in a lower tone.

"You don't?" Zathris glanced around but no one was about. Rikka's tone
suggested that something might be wrong. "Did something happen?"

"Oh, no! But there as a vacancy for a journey-ranked technician at the
Vintner Hall and I managed to get it." She smiled widely. "And yet
here I am, back here to borrow things. I don't think they'll mind ..."
Her words trailed off but her expression was amused.

"Ah, well, I would think Crafters within the same Craft would be rather
lenient and forgiving and willing to share." After all, Crafters should
work together, not be at odds. "Do you need any help carrying items over?"

"Oh, no. It's just a crimping tool and a few things. I'm sure the
Vintner Hall _has_ one but nobody can tell me where it is so this seemed
easier."

"How odd that no one at the Hall knows where their tools are." Zathris
hoped it wasn't a case of discrimination due to her gender. The
Technician's Hall was better than other Crafts, but he wouldn't be
surprised if there were a few Southerners who crafted and resented the
female presence - and, of course, she was at the Vintner Hall which
meant there was room for even more discrimination. "So how are you
finding the adjustment?"

"Hmm. It's like going to any new place," Rikka admitted. "Interesting
but a bit of a battle to get _competent_ on everything. You know?"

"Having to learn your way around?" Zathris was glad he didn't have to
worry about dealing with electricity, but he did have to admit, it was
rather fascinating, though he was rather ignorant on the subject. "Is
the layout of the circuitry and how it works different there?"

"Oh, no, that sort of thing is very standard, but electricity's not what
most of the work is about there. There are a lot of pumps and heating
and ventilating. I do sort of like that stuff, so that's interesting."

"I had no idea." It sounded complicated and, yes, interesting too,
Zathris agreed on that. Maybe he should learn more about it - but not
to the point where it would interfere with his duties. "So what do you
need? I can help you find it if you like."

"Oh, I know where it is. I was probably the last person to put it
away," she said with a pang of nostalgia for her old workplace despite
being happy with the move to the Hall. "Shall I tell Isily you were
looking for her, if I see her?"

"I wasn't really looking for her, just thought it was her when I saw you
rush in here." Zathris glanced over Rikka. Strange considering how
different from one another the two women were. "I just thought I'd say
hello, that's all."

"Oh, all right. I'll just grab my stuff and go. Have a good day, sir."

"You as well, Rikka." Zathris nodded politely, then made his way out
the door - it was time to get back to work.

Last updated on the May 24th 2009

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I Don't Belong Here