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Cat's In the Cradle


Date:  November 10, 2002
Place:  Telgar Weyr Workroom
Game:  PernMUSH
Copyright Info:  The World of Pern is copyright(c) to Anne McCaffrey 
l967. The Dragonriders of Pern(r) is a registered copyright.

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Kassi's Note:  A bit of commission RP, this.  Kassi's been looking for
one of the local Woodcrafters, and fortuitously runs into Jeroch, the
premier Woodcrafter of Telgar and the weyrmate of her Wingsecond, 
Leya.  The greenrider ends up taking shameless advantage of his kind
generosity to her.  Hey, don't look at me like that!  It's all for her
daughter's sake, after all!

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The Log:

Jeroch comes into the workroom from the bowl.

Kassima has tucked herself away in her favorite place--which is to say, one
of the seats nearest to the hearthfire, and she's cleaned away the debris
of uneaten and half-eaten meals to make room for the set of straps she's
working on. A fresh length of gut-thread dangles from between her teeth as
she uses her knife to cut the needle free of a finished knot. What with
having to thread the needle anew after that, perhaps it's not surprising
that she doesn't immediately notice that someone else has come into the
room. Particularly since she's muttering low epithets at thread, needle,
and half-attached D-ring alike.

Jeroch squints as the glowlighting hits his eyes, though relaxes as his
eyes adjust fairly quickly. A quick glance about the room reveals the
greenrider busy at work with her lifemate's straps, and he strides towards
her. His hands are full, one with a mug of the cider, the other with a
small block of wood and graphite stick. A rolled up hide also peeks from
his apron pockets. "Ah, Kassima, there. You look perilously lovely when you
do that," he says with a lopsdied grin. Of course he refers to the gut
dangling from her teeth.

That certainly gets Kassi's attention, and she looks up and over from her
work to make a face at him. It's an amused face, which is just as well,
since still having the thread in her teeth doesn't do much to make it more
picturesque. "I'd buy perilously *something*," she quips when she's removed
it, "but I don't think lovely's quite the right thing. Which makes it just
as well that you're here! Since now 'twill have a distraction from the
straps, at least if'n you've time and inclination t'discuss a commission?
Or did you come in t'do work? 'Twould nay want t'be disrupting that, lest
Leya have m'hide for it."

Kassima sweeps some of her strapmaking implements over to the other side to
make more room, including both needle and thread. "I have been," she
confirms. "There's an item... well, that's the usual reason people seek out
Crafters, isn't it; there'd have t'be an item. And, i'truth, 'twas hoping
for one of the locals since I trust your discretion more than a stranger's.
You're certain about the other work? I'm keen enough about getting the
matter settled, but i'truth there are still a few months a'fore I need
t'have it."

"No, no. It's no trouble. I wouldn't have it if anyone else was doing your
woodwork, Kassi," Jeroch insists. He watches as the implements are shoved
aside. "Besides, this other work is just general goods to keep our gather
tents stocked. Part of our duties to the Hall and all."

Kassima crooks half a grin. "Which makes sense enough t'me, since Faranth
forfend a Gather tent should ever be lacking. Used t'be m'favorite places
for shopping, Gathers, but there aren't always enough of 'em t'be getting
everything you need. This mayhaps being an example of that--save that I'd
nay be buying a generic one anyway; I'm looking for something a bit more
special." Well, that was clear as mud. Fortunately she gets down to brass
tacks after lacing her fingers together on the tabletop: "What I'm wanting
is a cradle for a bairn. Of particular quality, large enough nay t'be
outgrown a'fore the child would need a crib anyway, and preferrably one
that can be rocked."

"Ah, well, let me see here," Jeroch begins and snatches one of his hides
from his apron pouch. It's already got a few notes jotted on one side, so
he turns it over, beginning anew with his graphite stick. "This sounds like
it'll be a nice project to work on. Not that it makes much a difference to
me, but still, it's always good when you enjoy your work." He jots down
very clearly, Cradle. Customer: Kassima. "Ok, is there a particular wood
you fancy? Say oak for example? And color. Color is of course my specialty.
I can make you a stain or paint to suit whatever you fancy, match any other
wood or decor." The latter is said with a touch of pride.

Kassima's smile is genuine, if fleeting; she unlaces her index fingers to
tap their tips against each other. "I'd certes rather it be enjoyable work
than a travail m'self, for what 'tis worth. If'n 'twere for me I'd prefer a
dark or russet stain--probably russet for a cradle, since dark would
probably be a bit stark for a baby... but 'tis a gift, so the question's
more what the mother would fancy. I can't say I know her favorite wood, but
I can take a guess on color--is there one that might provide a deep, mellow
brown, but with hints of gold? Or yellow; 'tisn't the metallic shade I
mean, more sunlight-gold. T'be matching the color of her dragon. And certes
I'd prefer a wood that wouldn't be apt t'splinter, but that likely goes
without saying."

Jeroch taps his lips lightly before responding. "I think I've already
formulated a stain that would be very similar to what you describe. I can
show you a sample next time we see each other. We probably wouldn't have to
rush on that since the staining is a long way off. And the wood, yes, a
sturdy, non-splintering wood. Gouge resistant. I'd choose white oak. It'd
go well with the stain." He jots down a few more notes. "So, then, do I
know the mother? It's always helpful if I can get some of their input. So
long as it wasn't meant as a suprise."

An apprehensive expression crosses Kassi's face. At the last addendum,
though, it dissipates. "A surprise 'tis, aye, so I'd rather she weren't
questioned directly if'n 'tis nay a problem. I honestly couldn't say
whether you know her or nay. 'Tis possible, but if'n you do, then I don't
know it." Which seems all she has to say on the subject, at least for now;
returning to the wood, "Sounds good t'me. I haven't all that much
experience with wood, but I know oak's said t'be strong--I've a crib made
from it still m'self. Though... you say 'tis gouge resistant; would it be
hard t'carve or decorate, then? 'Twas hoping for a bit of ornamentation.
Nay *too* much, but something t'give it character."

"A suprise is fine. I have no problems working with that," Jeroch replies,
though there's an expression upon his face the reveals his cluelessness
about the recipient. The writing stick has gone inactive for the moment
though as he makes eye contact to reassure the greenrider. "Oak is gouge
resisitant, when prooperly stained and finished. It's a tough wood, but not
too tough for my tools. It is indeed a bit harder to work, but not too
difficult for a journeyman to make beuatiful. How ornate were you thinking?
Any patterns come to mind in particular?"

Kassima does seem to relax a trifle with the eye contact, a slight measure
of tension leaving her shoulders. "In that case methinks we could go with
the oak, if'n you're willing t'put forth the effort." And amazingly, she
doesn't add 'and it won't cost me much extra'--what's the world coming to
when Kassi's not watching out for every mark? "I'd prefer something with
dragons, I'm thinking; exactly what I'm nay sure of. Dragons chasing each
other around the rim, or a dragon and his wings as one of those half-shell
things--" She gestures with her hands to try and clarify. "That go over
where the babe's head would be, y'know. Mayhaps dragons on the rocking
runners instead, though I think I'd prefer 'em around the rim to that."
There's a silent pause, and she flicks her eyes to her hands as though to
study their fidgeting. "Mayhaps a bit of bronze inlayed somewhere," she
suggests after a moment, "if'n you don't think 'twould be too masculine.
I'd prefer a design that suits either gender."

Jeroch nods along as Kassima begins to speak, his hand beginning to draw in
a rouch sketch of the patterns she describes. It's nothing orante and
highly detailed, but a rough framework for him to go by. He pipes up after
a length of silence. "I can do both, a dragon chase motif trim and the bit
on the headboard. As for the inlay, I wouldn't think it's too masculine.
But I will have to get a Smith in on that. Unless you'd be willing to go
for a metallic paint instead?"

Kassima brings up a hand to rub at her chin, watching the drawing with a
quiet interest. "That sounds fine, so long as the result isn't too
ostentatious; I trust you, though. A metallic paint might be fine...." She
tips her head to one side, considering. "I'truth, it might be better. I
don't want *much* metal there, just a hint, something subtle. T'be honoring
the father's dragon too, y'know. But it certes shouldn't overpower the
brown, and if'n while you're working on it you come t'think 'twould look
better left off, I'll be all right with that."

"Alrighty, paints are also my specialty, so you's save a few marks to go
with the paint," Jeroch begins, leaning back now in his chair. "Which leads
me to a few last questions here before I'll be needing to hit the sack. How
much would you like to spend on the work? That's actually make it easier to
guide the carving and such. Of course, I'd definitely give you some bonus
on the detialing, no matter what you'd end up spending. But most of all is
recovering the price of the materials."

Kassima grins--she can't help it--at the magic phrases 'save a few marks'
and 'give you some bonus'; nevertheless, she suggests, "Tell me how much
you're thinking t'charge, and I'll tell you whether I'm willing t'pay? As
far as guiding the carving, ideally I'd like this t'be an heirloom-quality
piece. So go ahead and quote me your price for such a work so I can get my
spasmodic twitching and howls of agony over with." The grin turns
mischievous for the last, so she's probably teasing. Probably.

Jeroch chuckles at the greenrider. "Ok, well, I'd say 10 marks would get
something of that quality out of me. The cradle would have to use up a good
amount of wood. Mind you, it'd be at least 12 marks if you took your work
to another journeyman who didn't know you." He looks towards her, grinning
as if preparing for said howls of agony.

Kassima obliges as best she can, even trying to manage a gnashing of teeth.
It doesn't work too well. So she abandons that for a few melodramatic
whimpers. "Why nay ask for m'firstborn child while you're at it?" she asks
at her most plaintive, widening her eyes and trying to look hurt and
forlorn. "Or for a quart of life's blood, or for one of Lysseth's teeth?
You're out t'see me broke, aren't you? Seven marks would be closer, and
even that would be a terrible, terrible gouging!"

"Don't think Lysseth would offer up any of her teeth so easily," Jeroch
replies with a snort of laughter for Kassima. He's evidentally used to
this. "Maybe once the interval comes, wood will get less expensive. But as
it stands, I need to pay the crafthall. But you'd be getting a -huge-
bargain at 7 and three-quarters."

"She'd probably give me a love-scratch or two if'n I dared get too close
t'her with that thought in m'mind," Kassima admits readily enough. "Seven
and three-quarters? Seven and three-quarters... well, I *suppose* I *might*
still be able t'feed m'poor wee children for a sevenday or two on what
funds I'd have left after paying that. But I don't suppose you might accept
seven and a half? For little Kisai's sake?"

Jeroch the ever-sucker, sighs softly, his face brightening into an amused
smile. "Bah, don't put it to me that way. You'll snap my heartstrings." He
pauses to gather a breath before continuing. "Alright. I can do seven and a
half. Just so as not to starve the little ones. And that's my special
bargain made you and -only- you," he says, finishing off with a lopsided grin.

Kassima lets her sniffling go on for just a moment more before she lets
delight break over her expression. "Oh, bless you, bless you, kind
Woodcrafter sir! I'll never, ever forget it!" And a little more seriously
if without losing the wide smile, "I'truth, that's a lovely rate and I
imagine the littlings will be glad t'hear they won't starve. You really are
quite kind." Her voice takes on a more teasing note: "Shall I keep that
price secret, then, so you don't get other riders with small children
seeking amazing deals?"

Jeroch gushes into a blushing laugh at Kassima's reponse. "It's quite
alright. A good deal it is, and I would appreciate the discretion, if it's
not too much to ask."

"'Tisn't too much, particularly if'n you'll match me discretion for
discretion. I'd rather the Weyr in general didn't know I've commissioned a
cradle." Kassi's face pulls into a wry but good-natured grimace. "Faranth
only knows what the Weyr gossips would make of it. Shall we call it a deal,
then?"

"Deal," Jeroch says, cheerful to be in business with the greenrider. "Of
course, Leya may see the work as well. It's hard for me to lie to her if
she asks. Of course, I needn't say anything until she asks. But, well, you
know she'd keep it a secret too, right?" He's gone into babbling mode, as
is often the case when he talks about Leya. "But anyway, I could bring you
some sketches in about a sevenday or so if you're interested. And that
stain sample as well."

The babbling gets another grin from Kassima. "Just remind Leya t'be
discrete and mayhaps stress that 'tisn't something I'm buying for m'self,
and I'll nay have a quibble with that," she promises. "Certes I'd like to
see the sketches. D'you think the finished product can be ready within four
months?"

"Ok, that'll work. And four months shouldn't be a trouble," Jeroch replies
and stands to hold out his hand in an amiable gesture to seal up their
deal. "My apologies, but I should be getting back up to the weyr now. It's
a pleasure to do business with you."

Kassima rises from her chair to clasp his hand, her grip firm without being
painful. "Quite likewise, I can assure. I'll look forward t'seeing those
sketches when they're ready, and the finished product in due course--give
m'regards t'Leya, hey? And remind her that she's leading drills day after
tomorrow? Nay that I really think she'll forget."

"Ok course. I'll be sure to let her know." That said and the handshake done
to seal the bargain, Jeroch smiles warmly. The woodsmith gathers the things
he wandered in with. "Have a good evening," he says before making towards
the Bowl.

Jeroch leaves the workroom and heads out into the bowl.