Timestamp: 3rd of Summer, 513AV Kirsi left Godiva's Refuge, map, sketchwork and employment slip in hand, and headed for The Terra Cottage. The Akalak at Labor & Housing had mentioned it was a pottery shop. Kirsi had little to no experience with pottery, other than to say she couldn't recall ever having broken any - which probably wasn't the best selling point. Still, it was the only job she was offered and it would allow her to put her creativity to use. Sooner than she was comfortable with, she arrived at the alleyway where the shop was located. Peering down the narrow space, she saw shelves and stacks of pottery lining the outside. Most were the typical red-brown color, but a few were glazed in bright and colorful shades. And you're stalling, she thought, just go in and meet the man. He's not going to come out and offer you a job and a place to live. Taking a deep breath, she pulled herself up to her rather (un)impressive 4'10" and walked into the shop. "Hello! What can I help you with today? Jewelry, perhaps?" The friendly voice greeted her as soon as she entered the shop. Kirsi's eyes took a moment to adjust to the more dimly lit interior, but she turned her head in the direction of the greeting and gave the man a brilliant smile. "Hello," she began and paused, noticing the man's multiple arms in surprise. Was this Garob? Kirsi had never met anyone like him before, and though she had heard mention of a race of people with multiple arms, she hadn't fully believed the tales. Certainly none had visited her Hold in Avanthal. She gave herself a mental shake and attempted to refocus on the task at hand. "Hello! Actually, I'm hoping that you can help me. I was sent over from Labor Aide on the hope that you might be able to use me here in the shop. My name is Kirsi Winterflame," she introduced herself. "I'm Garob. You say Malix sent you? I do need someone to help out around here. How long have you been working with clay?" Though still friendly, once he realized she wasn't here to purchase anything, Garob's manner became decidedly more matter-of-fact. Which was a relief to Kirsi; she preferred to get right to the heart of the matter. Pulling out her sketchbook, she opened it to the middle, taking care to bypass all of her grandfather's work. "Well, actually - I'm a wood carver, myself. With some small drawing and organizational skills. I'll tell you truthfully, I've never worked with clay in my life. But I'm a quick learner, I'm good with people, and I'd love a chance to work for you." Garob took the book, looking through a few pages and handing it back to her before speaking. "No experience, then? Hrm. And yet Malix sent you," Garob scratched his chin with one of his hands, placed another hand on his hip and extended a third to Kirsi. "He's generally got a good sense for putting the right person in the right job. Well give it a try. Mind you, I'm not going to throw you into pottery making. You'll handle the front for me, and do some of the carving, if you're any kind of good at it. Pay's 5 gold mizas a day, and if you break anything I'll take it out of your earnings. Where are you staying?" Not quite believing that he was offering her the job after so little convincing on her part, she quickly stuck her hand out and shook his. While he talked about work conditions and pay and - wait, if she broke anything? Maybe she should have mentioned that fact at the start, she thought bemusedly. Kirsi nodded her head, agreeing with the specifics. He seemed reasonable, and she got the feeling that he was a friendly enough sort. Realizing he had asked her a question, she pulled herself back to the conversation and replied, "Um. I'm staying at Godiva's Refuge, for the moment. I only just arrived in Riverfall yesterday," she explained. "Actually..." here she trailed off a bit, not sure if she should ask about the apartment, or wait to see if he offered it. As it turned out, she didn't need to worry about either, for Garob had started speaking almost before she stopped. Shaking his head, he said, "No, no. That won't do. The refuge is fine," he waved his hand dismissively, "but we can do better. I have a small apartment above the shop here. Its empty. Entirely empty, you'd need your own furniture, but you can stay here. Its 200 gold mizas a month, and that's a steal I'll tell you. You'll have to keep an eye on the shop afterhours, though. In case any troublemakers come around, thinking they can make a nuisance because we're closed. You don't look that intimidating, but if it comes to that, I suppose you could yell loud enough to draw some attention?" Garob chuckled. "I'll take it," Kirsi grinned. Not that she hadn't enjoyed the one night she'd spent at the Refuge, but it wasn't a permanent home. And, if she was providing a little extra security at night, it might offset the fact that she had next to no experience with clay. Though she did feel the need to point out that she was passingly familiar with a quarterstaff, should the need arise. Then, looking around the close confines of the shop, she thought better of it - why make the man nervous that she might wreck his wares while trying to protect the building that housed them? At that moment, the door reopened and several women walked in, drawing Garob's attention. Clearly the man was business oriented. "You can start tomorrow - be here early, and you can move in tomorrow night. It was nice meeting you, hopefully this will be a good idea for both of us," he held out a hand to Kirsi, used another to pick up a large bowl, and waved a greeting to his customers as he walked toward them. "Ladies, hello!" Feeling summarily dismissed, Kirsi shook the man's hand and thanked him for the opportunity. She stood there a moment more before realizing that the meeting truly was over and Garob had said all he intended to say about things. Shrugging, she left the man to his customers, noticing how energetically he was showing off his wares, and how interested they all seemed to be. Garob must be an in-demand potter, she thought. I hope I don't break his stuff. ![]() |