11th of Winter, 513 AV A grin materialized across Venser's features as he entered the Emporium. The place was his akin to his second home, a massive reliquary of the works of a man who had been, even in the short time he had known the woodcarver, like a father to Venser. The rare swell of affection swelled in the young man's heart as he climbed the staircase leading into Mikayas' workplace. The downstairs section was left unattended, seeing as it was Venser's workplace. His own personal engraver's kit was left as the help desk, where Venser was to also answer the questions and concerns of those that entered the shop. "Master? I am here. Is there anything in particular that you require of me?" The young carver watched as his superior turned his head, his hands, which had been occupied with carving lines within what appeared to be a person, had ceased movement. Though it was still very early in the carving process, Venser had learned to tell that it was humanoid in shape. Thinner, so it was possibly a woman, as well. It was often that Mikayas was commissioned to do statues of a lover, though he had taken to notifying Venser of when he was, so that he was not disturbed. Mikayas held a gouger in his right hand, the other pressed against the wooden surface of the sculpture, as if the practiced hands were able to discern places where the wood was flawed. Knowing Mikayas, he probably could... It's unbelievable how long he's been here for. I'll ask him about it later. Venser entwined his fingers, tilting his head just slightly, filled with curiousity as he attempted to interpret his mentor's process. "Yes, boy. I would very much like it you will engrave a piece for a client. It is an older work. You will recognize it." A sly grin materialized upon the old man's features as he considered his words carefully. Venser's own lips mirrored the elderly male's, knowing what was to come.A riddle. Mikayas enjoys his games. As did Venser. The intellectual stimulation that this employer offered him was part of the reason he had chosen to work for him in the first place. The other half was that the craft was incredibly useful.For my craft, to carve is infinitely more useful than to paint. Change is nothing without impact. A permanent, lasting reminder of what has transpired. Venser loosed the thoughts from his mind, allowing his full attention to absorb the riddle into his mind as Mikayas opened his mouth to speak, "In the shrine's temple, the lotus blossom will rest. Streaming tresses that spill to frame a family's crest. Tragedy strikes a lovely face, though slender limbs bear this pain with grace." The carver winked at his charge before gesturing for him to leave and begin his task. "Now go, Venser. Words will find themselves for those who seek. Under your tools, just take a peek." Both men chuckled at the elderly man's words before Venser inclined just slightly for a bow, eager to begin his task. |