The Apprentice [Na'Leigh]

[Halcyon]

Timestamp: 56th Day of Winter, 511 AV, Morning. Purpose: Apprenticeship. The morning was crisp with the chilly mountain air. Snow lit the ground, reflecting all the light of Syna’s rays and casting a pristine glow about. The shop was dark and musty smelling from being closed overnight, but a fire in the hearth would bring some life into the glassblower’s place. A young man set a wooden box on a table. The clinking that issued from its mouth revealed that there was glass materials inside. Fingers ran through a head of dark auburn hair and rubbed sleep from the corners of golden eyes. Corvin took two logs from the stack by the door and tossed them into the hearth before striking a match to light it. The man moved around the room with drive and purpose. His apprentice would be in today, and he had a job for her to complete. The Inartan woman Na’Leigh had shown promise in her abilities. She was ambitious and driven, but lacked the passion that he had hoped to instill in her. What was it that the woman had hoped to gain in the apprenticeship, if not skill and passion? What, if not to learn? He should pose this question to her today, when she would arrive. Light shone in through the windows and a glow emanated from the hearth. Rubbing his hands together for warmth, he moved across the room, inspecting the shop. Everything seemed just where he had left it the day before. Na’Leigh had cleaned the tools and put everything back in its proper place. The avora nodded, pleased. At least she always completed her tasks in a timely and efficient manner. He stuffed his hands down into his pockets and pulled a stool over to the fire so that he may warm up while waiting for his apprentice.

[Na'Leigh]

Having slept in Na'Leigh stumbled through the streets yanking on pieces of clothing as she went. Though typically fastidious about time management she had spent her day off climbing and was duly exhausted. Stopping at the shop door she fumbled with her shoe laces, hurry making her clumsy. Just as particular as she Na'Leigh knew her mentor wouldn't appreciate her slight tardiness. Slipping into the shop the apprentice wasn't surprised to find the shop already warmed by the glowing flames of the mornings fire. Slouched on a stool before the fire awaited her mentor. Taking a moment to watch him she was struck by how odd it was to see him so still, usually brisk and purposeful the man she knew rarely stopped moving. Face relaxed he looked younger than his wise demeanor alluded to. "Corvin?" She questioned, drawing the mans attention away from his thoughts. "Sorry I'm late." She added hastily, slipping into the room and shutting the door to the cold outdoors. Not bothering to waste his time with excuses she immediately went to work, cleaning away the dust that accumulated every night. Turning her wind burnt face to meet his gaze, "No matter how early I wake up, you always seem to be ready and waiting," grinning, she added playfully, "Don't you ever sleep?" Turning her attention back to the equipment to check for any dust missed she watch him from the corner of her eye. Though she had been his apprentice for some time now she remained cautious of speaking too informally to him, believing firmly in the respect one should show to their superiors. Despite being late and a little ruffled Na'Leighs classical red hair was bundled tidily into a braid. Finishing the mornings necessary dusting she reached up to roll it into a bun as she turned to face Corvin. Early in their apprenticeship she had left it in it's typical braid but when it had accidentally fallen into the fire and singed filling the room with an unpleasant aroma she had begun tying it back. "What are we doing today?" Na'leigh enquired moving to stand next to her mentor. Even those she saw regularly for hunting excursions and at the monthly markets hesitated each time, eyes lingering on her scarred face. Never startling at her appearance, she appreciated Corvin's gaze, direct and intense he gazed at her in the same way she thought of herself, unmarred. Na'Leigh's habit of staring less noticeable when matched by his own intense gaze.

[Halcyon]

Corvin stood and moved the stool back to its usual place, next to the table cluttered with scraps and slivers of used and broken glass. The light caught pieces in the angle perfect enough to cast a mosaic of color onto the far wall. He took a look around to inspect her dusting work, and nodded. He walked across the shop for something she may have missed, but the young woman was thorough as always. He let her stew over her own question for a chime before turning back to her. Leaning on the worktable, he asked, ”There is a lot planned for the day, Na’Leigh.” He let the statement roil in her head with the knowledge that she had been late. After a brief pause, he continued, ”I have something to ask you, so answer honestly. You’ve been my apprentice for a while now. You always do as I ask you, and you complete your tasks promptly. You take constructive criticism quite well. There’s no doubt in my mind you have certain potential, but there’s something you lack. I want to ask you, why are you here? You’ve told me in the past that you’d like to make a difference in Wind Reach, for our people. What is that, exactly? What is it you want to do, and why?” Corvin moved away from the woman to stand in front of the crackling fire again. The warmth seeped through his clothes, in between every thread, to cling to his chilled body. As he let Na’Leigh think about what he was asking her, he said into the flames, ”You lack passion, Na’Leigh. Passion is what drives us to our limits when it comes to doing the things we enjoy doing. Without passion, you have yet to unlock your true capabilities, your true, raw, skill. If you’re doing things you don’t enjoy, you’re naturally not going to put as much of an effort into it, and that concerns me.” He made his way back to the box he had placed on the table. Peering down inside, he carefully looked through the contents, clinks and tinks filling the silence. The man paused to scratch his chin before withdrawing an eagle figurine. It was blown in brilliant oranges, golds, and reds. As he raised it to his eye, it caught the light and cast a fiery glow onto the floor. ”I’m passionate about glassblowing, Na’Leigh. I put my everything into it, because I know customers should expect nothing less than my very best work. What are you passionate about?”

[Na'Leigh]

Turning her back to the fire to watch him scan her work she felt the usual tickle of glee in her finger tips at every nod of acknowledgment. The fire making her bare midriff overheat she moved away from the fire, taking a seat on a different stool as he leaned on a table to face her. "There is a lot planned for the day, Na'Leigh." He spoke blatantly regarding her lateness. Glancing away guiltily she watched the colours roll over the wall, dancing against the dark wall. Reminding her of the hues that danced across the cliffs and mountains, visitors thought their land was beautiful in it's white shroud but they could never comprehend the magnificence, for they could never see the colour that surrounded the Inarta. This was one of the reasons their glassblowing was so beloved, it brought what only the Inarta saw in their mountains and mounts to the wayward traveler. Though not meeting his gaze as he questioned her she immediately knew the answer. It was something she pondered readily throughout the day, passion clawed at her stomache and though she threw it into climbing, even it only focused the passion to an extent. Na'Leigh had always dreamed of changing the world, stopping the killing of criminals and murderers. However, she refused to tell her mentor her naive dream. It had nothing to do with glassblowing, and THAT'S what he was here to teach her. What she did outside the shop had nothing to do with him. Drawn by his movement she slid out of her thoughts watching his silhouette cast by the fire. An easily angered individual, Na'Leigh, for professionalism's sake, refused to allow that temper anywhere near the shop. In that moment however she could feel frustration rioting through her veins. Standing indignantly she stormed toward him. He was a wonderful glassblower and she strived to be worthy of his time and attention, but he had no right to question her motives. Beautifully crafted, the eagle had presence, filling the room with a regal godly energy the red glow framed her face as she drew nearer. She didn't need to be passionate about glassblowing to create works of art like the eagle he had crafted, she only needed to be passionate about the outside world. Na'Leigh lived for the two days off she got each week. Climbing and hunting, a struggle between her and a more powerful towering foe, it inspired her, making her body flush with excitement as the days drew nearer. He was right, she wasn't passionate about glassblowing, it was her rock of sanity beneath the torrent of passion that threatened to tear her from the world. A focus for her passion, it gave her means to communicate what she felt and saw in the world. Everything she did was a battle, except glassblowing. It was a challenge to be sure, but the fragile liquid wouldn't bend under her fierce passion, rather, it listened best when she could draw a calm about her. Being passionate about everything was exhausting, glassblowing revitalized her keeping her sane. Very carefully taking the eagle from his grasp Na'Leigh placed it in the box, wanting him to focus his complete attention on her next words, she met his eyes angrily. "When have I EVER done less than my best?" She murmured, "You are my mentor and thus I respect and do as you say, but unless you can prove that I have not striven to do my job perfectly you have no right to question my motives," Voice terse with her attempted self control, she strode away from him, returning to her stool she added, "You have never given me any indication that I have disappointed you, if you are disappointed with my work I will do anything you wish to correct that, but what I'm passionate about and what I do in the days you give me off is none of your business."

[Halcyon]

The fiery woman’s temper did not strike Corvin in the way it would have most men. Instead he chewed halfheartedly on the inside of his cheek. Her drive was something to be admired, but she concentrated it in all the wrong places, in his opinion. She could do so much with her drive. The woman shook with irritation as he stood and listened, his face void of any expression that may give away his motives or thoughts. He shook his head after giving her enough time to contemplate what she had said. ”Direct your anger elsewhere, woman. Listen instead to what I’m asking.” He made his way across the room to a mantle along the far wall and took from it a glass ball blown in blues and greens and violets. The ornament had been one of Na’Leigh’s first projects. ”I hadn’t expected you to be able to complete half the tasks I’d given you when you first arrived at my shop’s doorstep. True, you have never done less than your very best. That in itself is something to be admired. In essence, I never accused you of doing less than your best and hardest work. I’m proud of you, Na’Leigh. I was simply asking you a question that has little to nothing to do with your work here with me. What are you passionate about, because I can tell you it isn’t glassblowing. That’s not a bad thing, but it could be a waste of my time if you’re not. You have a unique eye for creativity when it comes to the glass. Why don’t you use it more?” He paused, and held a single index finger up to hold off anything she may have left to say. ”Hold that thought, madam.” He crossed the room and brought back a piece of parchment. Scrawled in rough lines and arcs was the simple sketch of a glass elephant blown in pale, silvery grey hue. He handed it to Na’Leigh and put his hands on his hips. ”I have something I want to show you, regarding this conversation. But first, you have to make this. I was going to do it, but I thought it would be a nice project for you to relax with.” He crossed the room again to a coat rack, where he switched his coat for a heavier, much warmer one. ”I’m going to the kitchens for my breakfast and to deliver an order to the Inclement Weather. When I return, I expect the elephant to be done and cooling.” He moved to the door with a small parcel in his hand. On his way by, he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. ”You’re a gifted woman, Na’Leigh, and I hadn’t meant to question your motives in an offensive manner. It was mere curiosity. You will understand within the day.” Corvin opened the door, letting in a gust of bone chilling, snow flurry laden wind. ”Do you ever wonder why I never give you a project and say, try your best?” He glanced back in at the Inartan woman. ”Because I know I don’t have to.” He winked, and pulled the door shut behind him.

[Na'Leigh]

His inexpressive reaction made her distinctly uncomfortable, unable to hold her feelings back there weren't many who knew within a glance what she was thinking, but Corvin's emotional control left her feeling like she was missing half the conversation. Though she believed firmly in what she had said she regretted the anger with which it was said. Biting her lip anxiously she watched him waiting tense for a reaction, hoping her anger hadn't cost her her apprenticeship. Though his next works aggravated her pride they were a relief. Watching him gaze at one of her first creations she was distinctly aware of its imperfections, and her own. Fingers delved into the small dents and cracks that marred the surface of the ball with the same focused intention his questions had sought out in herself. "I hadn’t expected you to be able to complete half the tasks I’d given you when you first arrived at my shop’s doorstep. True, you have never done less than your very best. That in itself is something to be admired. In essence, I never accused you of doing less than your best and hardest work. I’m proud of you, Na’Leigh. I was simply asking you a question that has little to nothing to do with your work here with me..." His words of praise soothed her anger and anxiety, tingles of happiness filling her fingertips again. Though the happiness she felt when he complimented her work was a shadow of the happiness that pulsed like torrential rain within her when she reached the top of a mountain she appreciated the kind words. However, she wasn't so appreciative of the rest of his speech. "What are you passionate about, because I can tell you it isn’t glassblowing. That’s not a bad thing, but it could be a waste of my time if you’re not. You have a unique eye for creativity when it comes to the glass. Why don’t you use it more?” Though a rhetorical question she felt the urge to answer, but was shushed, "Hold that thought, madam." He added as he whisked off to the end of the room. It hurt to think that he could think of her as a waste. She had wanted to be his apprentice so badly she had tripped his other apprentice, destroying a week or more's worth of glass, money, and another Inarta's future. She had done so because she had believed he was a waste of Corvin's time and she would not be. If she ended up a waste, she had destroyed all that for her own ends rather than what was right. Hardly noticing he had begun talk again she glanced up at him when he handed her the parchment. Immediately focusing on the drawing she ran through the skills he had taught her planning how she would make the creature. Drawn out of her focused planning by the shuffling of coats, she turned her head. Relax with? Did he think badly of her lack of self control? Their conversations had always remained entirely focused on glassblowing and work, today's conversation was leaving her rattled and uncertain. Nodding when he stated his expectations she turned back to the parchment, scanning the details carefully. Immediately engrossed in the image she didn't expect the touch and jumped when it was delivered. Calm down, she admonished herself, his disguised apology doing the job for her. When he opened the door Na'Leigh shrank away from the cold instinctively. Left smiling she watched the door a moment longer. He obviously wasn't upset with her, she reasoned, feeling better for it and finally turned her attention now undivided on the elephant. Gathering together some blue and grey glass she put them in the furnace to melt while she thought about the logistics of the figurine. Heated at a steady 1315 degrees Celsius the glass quickly melted. Pulling it out of the first chamber Na'Leigh let it sit to fine out. She'd make the figurine out of blue glass she decided and layer up with the grey class, hoping it would give the elephant a phantom like appearance. White hot at the moment, she placed the tray of glass into the second chamber, the glory hole, letting the glass slowly cool to a workable temperature. If it cooled to quickly it could shatter, not only wasting materials but time until Corvin came back. Running through the steps Na'Leigh focused carefully on the Phantom Elephant, her breath growing steady, her mind calm she gently removed the glass from the second chamber and moved it to the marble slab where all the glassblowing was done. Slowly blowing it into shape she started with the trunk and head and worked down, placing it back in the glory hole when its orange glow got too faint. Having done the first layer she added the blue letting it gather around the rod. Usually Corvin created texture using canes or murrine, not having taught such advanced techniques to Na'Leigh she resorted to the use of a mold. Pressing the mold against the Elephant she left small wrinkles, the metal mold pulling away the blue glass leaving the wrinkles a faint grey colour when it was done. As it was she wasn't sure how it would work until it cooled. A couple hours had passed already so she placed the elephant carefully in the third chamber to anneal while she cleaned up the mess she had made.

[Halcyon]

The breakfast was meager in portion. Wind Reach’s hunters had been somewhat unsuccessful in the bringing of bounty back to the city due to the harsh winter. Portions were minimized to ensure that there was enough for everyone to eat. Regardless, Corvin grabbed a roll and an apple on his way out, and delivered the goods to Inclement Weather. Taking his time, and pausing for bits of conversation along the streets, he made his way back to the glassblowing shop. The closer he got, however, the more driven and purposeful his steps became. He was eager to get back to the shop and see what of Na’Leigh’s work awaited him. The creak of the wooden door echoed through the shop, and again came the flurries on the wind. He groaned as he forced the door shut and went to stand by the fire in the hearth. The silence brought him comfort and he let it remain so as he warmed up. At last he turned and set the apple and roll on the little desk in the corner. ”These are for you, should your appetite grow.” He clapped his hands together and continued, ”Show me what you’ve made.” He crossed the room to Na’Leigh’s position. The shop was without the clutter that usually resulted from a project. She had thoroughly tidied up her workspace and put all the tools back in their proper places. With a smile, he would inspect the product. ”This is very nice, Na’Leigh. Very nice. The animal has depth. It has feeling. It’s poised naturally and the glass is without cracks, smudges, or dents. The colors… Blue and grey. I like it a lot.” He turned to the woman apprentice. ”But do you like it?” Regardless of her answer, he would nod approvingly. ”Do you know how important this figurine will be today, Na’Leigh? What do you think of your project?”

[Na'Leigh]

Just drawing the figurine out of the chamber when Corvin entered Na'Leigh turned to him thrilled. The piece was ghostly, indenting the eyes further than typical had paid off, creating dark shadows as the elephants gaze. Following Corvin's past she waited silently, he would ask to see her work soon enough. Hardly able to stand the silence a moment longer, she was about to speak up when he turned and put her breakfast on the desk. Handing him the elephant as she passed towards the food, she gulped it down quickly. Not having had a chance to eat that morning she was starving. Beaming, she let her mentors compliments preen her confidence. "I love it," She purred, realizing exactly how thrilled she was with her creation. "Important?" Her heart raced at the word.

[Halcyon]

The woman beamed at her prize, her product, her bounty. Her excitement over the little glass elephant made him regret for a moment his plan behind the whole project. In the end though, he hoped that she would be pleased with the motive behind this expedition. He shrugged out of his coat and put the lighter weighted one back on. Stepping fluidly to Na’Leigh, he wrapped it around her shoulders. ”Bring the ornament with you, and wrap that coat around you tightly. I can’t have you getting sick.” He crossed the room to the door and swung it open, ushering her out. As the two ventured out into the snowy mountain city, he shoved his hands back down into his pockets as he so often did, and chewed absentmindedly on the inside of his cheek. The young woman walking beside him was turning frosted pink around her cheeks and nose. Her red hair collected the snowflakes falling from the heavens, making it moist. They would have to make this trip as quick as time would allow. Wet head out in the cold was begging for illness. The silence droned on long enough. ”Everyone wants to make some kind of difference, Na’Leigh. You said you like to rock climb a while back. I enjoy things outside of work as well, but glassblowing… I put my heart and soul into it. I get exhilaration out of creating things and seeing the smiles they put on peoples’ faces. To know I created something with my own two hands, these,” He held them out for her to see. ”I did this, and this person loves it. Because I love glassblowing so, and because I have honed my skill enough to be renown for it, people seek me out for my work. Because of me, places like Inclement Weather have décor for their establishments. Because of me, visitors will walk in and feel a certain way because of my designs. They like what I have to offer, and they show it off to others. Then others come. Imagine walking into an empty room. How does it make you feel? Supposing you walk out, and back in, and suddenly it’s filled with beautiful glass ornaments in all the colors of the rainbow? Now how does it make you feel? Different, in some manner or other. It’s fascinating, and it’s more than satisfying.” Along the wall of the street, a child sat. His face was dirty, his clothes plain and well-worn. Corvin turned to face Na’Leigh. ”That little boy down the street. His name is Reir. He has nothing. His clothes are in terrible shape, and he is quiet and timid. None of the other Yasi play with him. I want you to take the figurine that you worked so hard on, and give it to him. Sit and talk with him. When you’re finished, come back and tell me how you feel.” Corvin stood with his arms crossed as the woman walked away. As she approached, the boy did not turn to look up at her. He was far used to passersby, and knew his place as a Yasi. He would not make eye contact with her, and should she speak to him, he would stutter, but reply with the utmost respect. When she presented him with the glass elephant, his face would light up, and he would look at her for the first time. At first, he would refuse the gift, but after insistence, he would hold the delicate figure in his dirtied hands, marveling at its beauty. ”B-But are you sure?” asked he. ”It’s so beautiful… Thank you! D-Did you buy this from the glassblower d-down the street? H-He makes some of the prettiest glass I-I’ve ever s-s-seen.”

[Na'Leigh]

Following Corvic, Na'Leigh shot him a confused glance. The only time she saw him was in the shop, it seemed strange to go outside with him. Even on market days when her apprenticeship had first started and he hadn't brought her with him she would avoid his stand. Hesitating, she was about to refuse the coat but he had already wrapped it around her shoulders. As far as she knew she was far more used to the cold than he, thus he should wear the heavy coat. "...I can't have you getting sick." He added as she slipped the ornament into the deep pocket. "But you could..." She replied, cut off by his hand ushering her out the door. The hair was bitter and humid, biting her lip she appreciatively wrapped the coat tighter around her. Glancing at the man that strode beside her she followed silently, it was hard to think of him as her mentor in the vast white landscape. His deep auburn hair was growing moist under the flurries, his cheek and nose red, striding through the snow she could see thoughts flickering behind his eyes. ”Everyone wants to make some kind of difference, Na’Leigh. You said you like to rock climb a while back." "Love..."she corrected instantly. "I enjoy things outside of work as well," The sentence was strange to her, scanning her memories she wondered if she'd ever seen him doing something beyond glassblowing. "but glassblowing… I put my heart and soul into it. I get exhilaration out of creating things and seeing the smiles they put on peoples’ faces. To know I created something with my own two hands, these,” He held them out for her to see. She gazed down at his hands noting the rough nimble fingers that wove incredible designs, glancing down at her own hands she couldn't help but compare. Smaller, and much rougher than his, her palms were typically indented where in her anger her nails had dug into them. Chuckling to herself she thought her hands must look much manlier than her own muscular ones constantly exposed to the mountain side. ”I did this, and this person loves it. Because I love glassblowing so, and because I have honed my skill enough to be renown for it, people seek me out for my work. Because of me, places like Inclement Weather have décor for their establishments. Because of me, visitors will walk in and feel a certain way because of my designs. They like what I have to offer, and they show it off to others. Then others come." He continued. Gazing at his expression she could see the love for his trade that had driven him. He was young, she realized surprised, and had made others happy through his trade. He was young and yet so fulfilled. Conscious that their age difference was so minimal, she was aware of how far she still had to go before she could be considered great like him. Yet his reasoning though it rang true for him, seemed shallow to her. She wasn't interested in making pretty decorations, making others happy, or making things people with money liked. She created because it was meditative, because without it she knew the beast of passion within her would eat away at her life. Was that selfish she wondered, was it a waste of his time if she only wanted the skill to keep hold of her self control. Maybe there was something else she could do with the skill, she wanted to force the people of Wind Reach to question their moral upbringing, to question what was right and wrong. Could she do that with glassblowing? Stopping on the street Na'Leigh looked around curiously. Why bring her here, she wondered. ”That little boy down the street. His name is Reir. He has nothing. His clothes are in terrible shape, and he is quiet and timid. None of the other Yasi play with him." Following his gaze she watched the boy. Hair almost as deep as Corvin's, the boy was a fragile reflection of her mentor. Though she had compassion for the boy Wind Reach was set up to give anyone who tried a chance to make something of themselves, this boy had obviously not tried hard enough. "I want you to take the figurine that you worked so hard on, and give it to him. Sit and talk with him. When you’re finished, come back and tell me how you feel.” Anger flickered in the pit of her stomache. THIS was what was so important, she was going to give all her hard work away to a boy who didn't even have the drive to make something of himself. Turning to refuse, she met his eyes and immediately turned to walk toward the boy. This was not a suggestion, it was a demand. "Hi..." She murmured softly to the boy. Reminding her of the skittish deer in the forest she spoke softly scared of frightening him away. Settling down next to him in the snow, she winced at the wet cold. Silently, she reached into her pocket and handed him the figurine. He gazed at her respectfully nodding his head but didn't reach out. "Please take it," Na'Leigh added pressing the figurine into his hand. Despite the dirt that marred his face she could see a brightness shine through and smiled despite herself. Despite her reasoning she couldn't help but feel a flicker of joy at the boys response. ”B-But are you sure?” asked he. ”It’s so beautiful… Thank you! D-Did you buy this from the glassblower d-down the street? H-He makes some of the prettiest glass I-I’ve ever s-s-seen.” She shook her head in response and turned her head to glance at the glassblower. "Yes...yes he does," She agreed, "He's also one of the most talented teachers in Wind Reach. I'm his apprentice, he's teaching me to blow glass, and I made this one for you." Smiling at the boy he met her eyes for the first time. She was keenly aware that though the figurine was pretty it was hardly the bright and colourful bird she would have carved should she have known who was receiving it. It was haunting with it's deep black eyes and phantom like presence, much like the boy that sat beside her. "How come you aren't in school?" She asked curiously. The boy instantly drew away from her running his dirty fingers over the grey glass. "I'm dumb..." He replied. Heart breaking at his response she didn't soothe him, some people were simply not smart enough to be contributing members to Wind Reach, eventually he would become a Dek and be fed for doing what he was capable of. There was nothing that could stop that cycle on Wind Reach, it was the way it was. Standing, she removed her heavy coat and wrapped it around the child. Though the glass would make him happy he needed the coat far more. Not waiting for his response she trudged back through the snow to Corvin, arms crossed against the cold. "I'll pay you back for the coat..." She murmured not halting on her way towards the warm shop. Without the coat her bryda and vinati were soon soaked from the snow and she began to regret her choice in white. The boy, was still on her mind as she trudged back, Though she was friendly with some of the Dek's she knew that most of them were Dek's because they had no potential to be anything else. They had gone through school and shown no aptitude for anything useful to the city. Though she had felt joy in giving the boy the coat and figurine it seemed a pointless exercise and she hoped Corvin would explain his reasoning once they returned to a place warm enough to stop chattering.