Logs:Two Healers
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| RL Date: 6 September, 2013 |
| Who: Madilla, Oliwer |
| Involves: High Reaches Weyr |
| Type: Log |
| What: Newly posted Oliwer talks with Madilla; they get to know each other a little better. |
| Where: Craft Complex, High Reaches Weyr |
| When: Day 22, Month 9, Turn 32 (Interval 10) |
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| Craft Complex, High Reaches Weyr
The door leading to the east opens into an expansive room that seems to provide both general working space - with long, bare benches and chairs - and a cozy lounge complete with over-stuffed sofas and a few fuzzy armchairs. Three tall windows are carved into the stone, and offer air and light when the heavy wooden shutters are left open, though the lounge area has to make do mostly with glows. A hearth at the back of the room provides both heat and basic cooking facilities. The white-washed walls are bedecked with decoration - from quilts, to tapestries, to wooden carvings and metal sculptures. The western door leads into another passage, off of which the main workrooms have been built. The loading dock is at the northern end, leading back out into the bowl, with the rest of the rooms leading deeper and deeper into the wall.
Introductions between Madilla and her newest staff member were made earlier, albeit in that relatively impersonal kind of way that comes almost automatically when there's a busy infirmary and other things to worry about. Now, with her children safely in bed, the Weyrhealer makes her way into the lounge - she's no longer wearing the big apron she had on earlier, and her hair is loosely braided instead of pinned up. Though she's likely seen Oliwer already, she heads for the pot of water on the hearth in order to make tea in lieu of greeting him again immediately. His people watching makes it easy enough to pick out one of the few faces he actively recognizes and Oliwer smiles a silent greeting. It's a bit awkward, though, fading as she moves on toward the hearth. But he watches. In part because the firelizard is where she's headed. It doesn't do anything but tilt its head at her and chirp once before inching even closer to the fire and leaning up like it's trying to find something. "Don't mind him," Oli speaks up after a moment just in case she might. "Tossed a bit of paper in that he was apparently attached to." She doesn't seem to, but still, Oliwer's words make her turn her head and smile at the other healer - a genuine, warm one. "Oh, he's fine. Does he... he likes paper. Well, I suppose it takes all sorts. Mine's never paid much attention to anything but meat... actually, that's a lie. She quite likes quilt patches as well. She chases them around the room a lot." The water has been poured into a mug, along with tea in a strainer - and now she wanders back towards him. "He's always had a bit of a thing for it. I started trying to train him to deliver messages too young, maybe." Oliwer shakes his head slowly despite a small smile that suggests a certain affection for the creature. "You quilt?" he prompts conversationally as she wanders back his way. "That must be-- I tried to learn to knit once, but I found I couldn't read and knit at the same time so I gave it up." Madilla takes a seat in another of the chairs, curling up her legs beneath her skirt. She rests her mug carefully upon the arm of her chair, laughing. "Does that make him less useful at actually delivering them?" she wonders, turning her attention more squarely to the new healer. "I quilt, yes. It's been my hobby since I was an apprentice. Though - yes, it's not quite as helpful for reading. Too distracting. Still, I like being able to keep my hands busy." "He has his moments, I admit. But he's gotten to the point where he's what I'd call safely reliable. There's more in it for him if he follows through than if he doesn't, after all. They seem to respond well to positive reinforcement," Oliwer muses before he refocuses on her quilting. "I'd love to see your work sometime. I've probably been making people wonder after me as much as I've looked at the tapestries in here," is said with a vague gesture toward the nearest. "They probably thought I'd never seen one before," he adds with a pleasant, if slightly self-deprecating, grin. Quick, and as an obvious quip, Madilla says, "Well, we all know that Holds are barbaric places with no tapestries or quilts of any note." She's smiling; she seems pleased. "I'd be more than happy to show you. It's nice to see people interested in my work; I find most people simply nod and smile. You have an interest in soft crafts, then, from the sounds of it?" It takes him a moment but then Oliwer smiles at that. "I expect it's pretty obvious to them," 'them' being weyrfolk, presumably, "that I haven't spent much time around a place like this. It doesn't help when I gawk at works I've never seen before." He's quite aware that he looks like a tourist but it doesn't seem to bother him. "Quite. I'm better at... viewing them than creating them, sadly. But I'm very good at the viewing thing." There. He can joke, too, see? "I'm very delighted to hear that you've cultivated such a talent," says Madilla, teasing and approving all a the same time. "The Weyr is quite of a change, I can imagine. It certainly was for me, when I first arrived here - but I've been here since I was an Apprentice, so it's home, now. I live in fear of the Weyr deciding to replace me, and send me elsewhere. Or deciding to make me a Master; that would be even worse." She pauses, reaching for her mug. "But you didn't ask about that. I wouldn't worry too much, though: most new people are the same." "I imagine it's a bit easier to adapt when you come younger. I was always disappointed that I never managed to spend any of my apprenticeship in a Weyr." Despite her change of subject, Oliwer has a lingering smile and assures, "I can't imagine they would want to replace you. But I admit I can relate to wanting to avoid Mastering." There's a moment of thoughtful silence and then, "Of course. People come and go all the time. I'm sure I'll settle in soon enough. The infirmary, at least, is familiar enough to be comfortable." Madilla admits, wryly, that, "I met up with an old classmate, recently. He's on the path to Ma-- actually. You were at Nabol, weren't you? So you know Barran. He was on at me about how I, too, should aim for that promotion, and how life was so much easier if you could become an important person's pet Healer." She's abruptly thoughtful, as though putting pieces together: Nabol, healers, other things. "Well. At least you've made it to a Weyr, now. It must be... strange. Coming from that particular political situation." "Mm. Yes," Oliwer begins with a hint of some uncertainty. But it fades when she continues along the path that she does. "It's a shame when those of most note would prefer an easy post than one that... means something. I'm not a political man, you see, Madilla. I don't believe-- It's difficult to both play in politics and keep the best interests of your patients in mind." His smile now is somewhat weaker but he looks at her like he expects her to understand what he's trying to say. It's obvious, instantly, that Madilla does understand what he's trying to say. "Yes," she agrees. "And that's just it - as healers, it has to be about our patients, first. When we're asked to play politics ahead of thinking about our patients... that's when I have a problem. Unfortunately," she gives him a rueful smile. "Politics still impact us. The Weyr's relationship with High Reaches Hold meant my children didn't get all they should have, last winter. And that's the point at which I find it more difficult to separate myself from the politics. Well - " Abruptly, she smiles more genuinely again. "I'm glad you're here. And that you believe that. Barran's views bothered me, I admit. He used to be... he was different, when we were younger." The understanding and the words that back it up seem to set Oliwer at greater ease. "Very true. But just as unfortunately, it's not our game to play. Or it shouldn't be. I suppose my avoiding it is as implicit as not in some ways. But I find it's easier to do my work and let the political pieces fall around me as they will." He frowns as though he knows this probably isn't an idea that's well-accepted by a very large audience. But it's who he is. "I'm glad I'm here, too. Truly. I think age blinds us to why we became Healers in the first place, sometimes." "True," agrees Madilla, and if she's thoughtful, staring off into the distance, she doesn't elaborate on whatever it is she's thinking about. "It's a good attitude, and I appreciate knowing that that's how you look at things; it's a good trait in a healer." She takes a careful sip from her mug, followed by a second. "I think you're right. I suppose it's probably something that happens to many of us: we get comfortable, and start thinking about what will make us more comfortable, rather than less. But that's-- that's not something we should encourage." Maybe he's used to people being slightly less accepting of his moral standards but her acceptance seems to sit very well with him indeed. Oliwer studies her for a few thoughtful moments with a quirk of a smile. "I figure when I want to be comfortable, I'll go back to the Hall and teach properly." Though one might wonder how comfortable that would be anyway sometimes. "Some people weren't really meant to be Healers, either, I imagine." Madilla is pleased. "Good for you," she says. "I had someone close to me try to convince me to go back and teach, and... I'm not ready for that. Maybe not ever. I enjoy practicing my craft too much." Her smile is cheerful - even fond. It's obvious that she really does love what she does. "I've never regretted my craft. I'm so glad I ended up in it. And now--" She starts to rise. "I had better get back to my children before they use my absence as excuse for a pillow-fight or something. Good night, Oliwer - and welcome. I think I'll enjoy working with you." "That's very nice to hear." Oliwer's smile is genuinely happy and interested in learning this about the other healer. The Weyr looks better and better. "Of course, thank you. Good night, Madilla. I look forward to working with you." He doesn't seem to have any intention of leaving his comfortable chair just yet. Madilla is more pleased. Good. "I'm very pleased to hear it. I'll see you tomorrow, I'm sure." She carefully lifts her mug, and then makes her way towards the exit. "Sleep well. And let me know if there's anything you need?" But she won't wait for an answer - now. |
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