Post by Erica on Jan 25, 2009 6:44:56 GMT -5
Fort Drums #19
Echoes of a Faded Tune
E.A. Weippert
23.10.22
Fort Weyr
Lower caverns
early evening
"Cal I wish I could tell you something more." Harper Keffa paused and saw the dismay clear on her friend's face. "But I don't recognize the mark or the handwriting." She shrugged and nodded at the harp where it sat on a low table.
"But--"
"It's really a very fine piece of work...I'm sure that at a gather or for sale to an individual it would fetch a very very high price--"
"Keffa, isn't there anyway to tell? Would anyone else know? It's been driving me crazy to have the key to who my father was and be unable to decipher it!"
"Hmm.." The harper bit her lip and shifted her weight on the bed. She was miffed by the fact that she hadn't been able to help her friend. She racked her memory and came up with an idea. "Cal--there's one last thing I can think of!" She paused and shook her head. "I know you don't want anymore people involved in this but I think that I know the one who can help you."
"Who? I suppose that one more person aware of my bastardy couldn't really hurt...Who is it?"
"Master Krichen. He was a Master instrument maker but he stepped down due to his age and his hands being arthritic... A shame really." Keffa pushed a stray curl out of her eyes. "When he stepped down the Masterharper created an office for him-- he is the keeper of the marks." Seeing the blank look on Calthea's face the harper explained. "The office means that Master Krichen keeps logs and records of each harpers personal mark-those that are used by a harper on instruments, musical scores...He ought to have your father's mark on file somewhere!"
Filled with renewed hope Calthea hugged her friend and smiled. "Then I'll head off there tomorrow after 'fall. Thanks Keffa!" She stood and gave the harper a playful tug. "C'mon, let's go get something to eat--I'm hungry enough to eat a wherry!"
+++++++++
23.10.22
Dining Caverns
early evening
Pleased to see her friend’s renewed spirit Keffa found a table while Cal gathered up a platter of fresh meat and a bowl of vegetables and cheese. It was nice to see that there was still some hope in the dragonrider. Lately Keffa had become increasingly worried over her friend's withdrawal from weyrlife and what she saw as a deepening depression.
"Hey There--didn't you want some?" Cal was leaning across the table and pointing to the tray of food.
"Oh sure. I was just thinking was all." Keffa gave her a smile and picked up a roll from the tray. As she took a bite of it she noticed a strange look cross Calthea's face "What's wrong?"
"Ah--nothing..." Following her gaze Keffa saw J'lan seated at a table across the caverns and sighed. Cal would be smarter to leave that numbglow alone! She'd been mooning about him for the last month and no matter what suggestions she made Cal seemed locked into a course of worship from afar.
"Him again? I thought you were going to give up hope on that smith-brained brownrider?" Cal blushed and began to play with her food.
"I can't give up something I don't have, can I Keffa?" She paused and took a bite of spiced wherry. "Besides, I think he's sexy...and very easy on the eyes."
"Sexy? Him? I've never seen anyone look less!" Keffa studied the J'lan for a moment and shook her head. "You can do so much better than that, Cal! Look at him--he's mostly gone grey, has a big nose and his hair is receeding--"
"You and I just have different ideas of what's attractive Keffa. I mean I never would have thought T'lanir was good looking!" Cal quirked an eyebrow at her friend. Keffa rolled her eyes and let out a low chuckle.
"Fine! But this endless longing isn't going to go anywhere unless you step up and do something about it!" She saw a flicker of doubt shadow Calthea's face. "If you won't listen to me listen to Tia! She's been telling you the same thing."
"Well I'll just have to see. Maybe I will say something to him--after I practice a bit first." With that final statement Cal set in on her dinner and Keffa joined her in enjoying the spiced meat and vegetables.
+++++++
23.10.23
Harper Hall
Late Afternoon
Calthea stared at Master Krichen as he examined the harp on the workbench. His hands caressed the polished wood with a care akin to reverence.
"Do you know who the maker of it is?"
"Indeed, I do. It has been many turns since I heard this harp played...the tunes have all faded since then." He shook his head as if to clear away memories.
"Harper Kimo was one of the more gifted when it came to making and playing instruments." He gestured at a row of guitars that hung on the wall. "A few of those are of his making..." He shook his head slowly and sighed. "It was a great loss to us when we heard he had died." The old man gave the harp a gentle pat and turned to face Calthea. "Now, Dragonrider, why is it you ask after him? Mere curiousity? Or?" His bright eyes studied her intently.
She hesitated for a moment, wondering if she should tell him of her situation or not. "You are correct sir, it is more..."
"What a harper hears is for harper's ears, lady. I will not tell your secret if you want it kept that way." His face was kind with understanding. Cal gave him a tentative smile.
"I--well," She began to blush and she looked away. "My mother told me that my father was the maker of this harp. I had hoped..." Her voice trailed off as her eyes began to tear. The master reached out and patted her shoulder comfortingly.
"Why don't we have a cup of mint tea and talk a bit?" He led her over to an alcove with a pair of chairs and a table. As she was settling in he pulled a cord and a few seconds later a young boy appeared in the doorway.
"Yes, sir?"
"Velan, please fetch a pot of tea for us, with some honey on the side." The apprentice left and Master Krichen turned his attention back to Calthea. "Now my dear, why don't you tell me what the trouble is...We'll have some tea and maybe I can still be of some assistance to you." He gave her a friendly smile and in a few moments he was serving her a cup of hot tea.
Realizing that there would be no better opportunity, Cal began to explain.
"My mother kept my father's identity a secret from me all of my life. I--well, she's very ill now and she decided that she would give me what few of his belongings she still had." Cal paused and took a sip of her tea, uneasy in bearing her past.
"When I opened the chest it contained the harp, a few sheets of music and that was all... I asked one of the weyr’s harpers if she recognized the markings and she suggested that I come here to the Crafthall."
"That was wise of her. For every harper we keep a record of their personal mark in the archives so that if questions arise in the future we can clarify matters." He sipped his tea and gestured at the instuments that filled the room.
"You were saying that you know nothing else of your father. I assume then you are unaware if you have relatives through his side?" Master Krichen watched the emotions flit across the dragonriders face. Studying her features he could see a strong similarity to Kimo. Yes, the woman was definitely a relation.
"I never even thought of that!" A wave of hope washed over Calthea. Was it possible that she had other relatives? Cousins? Uncles? Aunties?
"Then in that case I can help you. I believe I have a log that states which Hold harper Kimo came from... And if he had any siblings." The smile on the young woman's face was infectious and he grinned back. “If you wait here a few moments I'll pull the log and see what there is to see." Cal nodded and took another sip of her tea as the master went to search through the hall's records.
++++++++
23.10.26
Hold
Early afternoon
Clouds hung low over the valley and Calthea tried to shake off the chill that clung to her. As Querreth banked for a landing on the fire heigts she wondered what kind of reception awaited her.
I wonder if they will accept me? Will they be able to-or willing to tell me anything about my father? Master Krichen said that my father had two brothers--one of who settled here. Crafter Eloran...I hope he's still here...
As she made her way down the path from the fire heights Calthea was aware that her heart was beating wildly and her hands had begun to twist each other with anxiety.
I will be with you Calthea. Do not be afraid! Querreth's words were like a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Thank you sweetheart... I'll be all right... Calthea stood in the courtyard and through the foggy mist she saw movement.
"Can I help you?" She found herself face to face with a tall, statuesque woman with kindly green eyes. Dressed in the garb of a harper, she had a look that made Cal feel immediately at ease.
"I hope so. I'm trying to locate Crafter Eloran...I was told that he could be found here?" Cal looked at her hopefully and was not prepared for the large smile that spilt the woman's face.
"By all means! I'll take you to his workshop--I'm Harper Melarae," She paused for a moment and held out her hand in greeting.
"I'm Calthea, rider of blue Querreth. I'm pleased to meet you." The harper smiled at her and nodded toward the leftside of the courtyard.
"Eloran's probably in his workshop right now." As they began walking, Harper Melarae continued. "So what are you here to see him about? I don't recall him saying anything about company?"
"Oh, he isn't expecting me--" Cal felt the beginnings of a blush on her face and hoped that the harper wouldn't pry any further. "I needed his a--advice on something."
"Well, here we are." She knocked one on the metal door. "You can go on in--he'll probably be glad for the interruption. His eyes aren't what they used to be and he won't allow himself a rest." The harper shrugged. "Still I guess that's what I'm for--" She cast Calthea one last curious look and turned back to her own destination in the hold.
Gathering her courage Calthea pulled open the heavy door and stepped into the craft studio.
"Yes?" A deep voice addressed her from across the room and Cal found herself trying to locate the source in a room otherwise filled to the brim with hides, parchments and canvases.
Rows of glass jars filled the shelves that lined the room. Large bowls and mortars lay placed at intervals along wide workbenches and Calthea wondered in the midst of all of it where the crafter was...
"Crafter Eloran?" It was harder than Calthea had expected, facing a piece of her family, and wondering what his reception of her would be.
"Hmmummm." There was a sound as he pushed back his chair and stood. "You've found me. So who are you?" As if noting for the first time her attire as a dragonrider he smiled. "Ah, is it something for the Weyr?" As he came closer she saw her own features mirrored in his face, an image of herself had she been male. Right down to the cleft chin and rounded nose...
There was silence as the older man turned his complete attention on Calthea, his spectacles catching and reflecting the glowlight.
"By the egg--" The crafter's face turned pale and Cal felt her heart skip a beat. Silence strained the room and Calthea cleared her throat.
"Actually Ser-I was hoping to find out more about my f-family..." She trailed off and was instantly relieved to feel Querreth's comforting presence in the back of her mind.
"W-ell. I--I suppose you've found what's left of it. Dragonrider...?" It was obvious to Cal that the older man was caught off balance and was as unsure as she herself was. Trying to be brave she stepped forward and held out her hand in greeting.
"Calthea, rider of blue Querreth and, I have been told, daughter of Harper Kimo. I came here because the Crafthall told me this was where I could find his remaining brother." She tried to smile. "I am supposing by your reaction that you weren't expecting--"
"Quite an understatement to say the least! Still," he reached forward and took her hand in his own. "It's a pleasant surprise. You are certainly part of the family though. Kimo's and my features are stamped clear as day on your own." He led her to a small table and sat down. His eyes were teary like her own.
Calthea, he accepts you. Querreth's mental touch was like silk and Calthea sighed.
I--think so...Querreth, dare I hope so?
The blue was right. It was suddenly as if a piece had clicked into place, that all of the years of guessing and wondering about her father... It was almost unbelievable. She studied the older man and smiled.
"So, Uncle would you like to tell me about my family?" Eloran wiped at his eyes with a callused hand and nodded.
"Oh indeed, niece!" He make a slight choking noise and he patted her hand. "There's quite a few stories to tell..."
The End
Echoes of a Faded Tune
E.A. Weippert
23.10.22
Fort Weyr
Lower caverns
early evening
"Cal I wish I could tell you something more." Harper Keffa paused and saw the dismay clear on her friend's face. "But I don't recognize the mark or the handwriting." She shrugged and nodded at the harp where it sat on a low table.
"But--"
"It's really a very fine piece of work...I'm sure that at a gather or for sale to an individual it would fetch a very very high price--"
"Keffa, isn't there anyway to tell? Would anyone else know? It's been driving me crazy to have the key to who my father was and be unable to decipher it!"
"Hmm.." The harper bit her lip and shifted her weight on the bed. She was miffed by the fact that she hadn't been able to help her friend. She racked her memory and came up with an idea. "Cal--there's one last thing I can think of!" She paused and shook her head. "I know you don't want anymore people involved in this but I think that I know the one who can help you."
"Who? I suppose that one more person aware of my bastardy couldn't really hurt...Who is it?"
"Master Krichen. He was a Master instrument maker but he stepped down due to his age and his hands being arthritic... A shame really." Keffa pushed a stray curl out of her eyes. "When he stepped down the Masterharper created an office for him-- he is the keeper of the marks." Seeing the blank look on Calthea's face the harper explained. "The office means that Master Krichen keeps logs and records of each harpers personal mark-those that are used by a harper on instruments, musical scores...He ought to have your father's mark on file somewhere!"
Filled with renewed hope Calthea hugged her friend and smiled. "Then I'll head off there tomorrow after 'fall. Thanks Keffa!" She stood and gave the harper a playful tug. "C'mon, let's go get something to eat--I'm hungry enough to eat a wherry!"
+++++++++
23.10.22
Dining Caverns
early evening
Pleased to see her friend’s renewed spirit Keffa found a table while Cal gathered up a platter of fresh meat and a bowl of vegetables and cheese. It was nice to see that there was still some hope in the dragonrider. Lately Keffa had become increasingly worried over her friend's withdrawal from weyrlife and what she saw as a deepening depression.
"Hey There--didn't you want some?" Cal was leaning across the table and pointing to the tray of food.
"Oh sure. I was just thinking was all." Keffa gave her a smile and picked up a roll from the tray. As she took a bite of it she noticed a strange look cross Calthea's face "What's wrong?"
"Ah--nothing..." Following her gaze Keffa saw J'lan seated at a table across the caverns and sighed. Cal would be smarter to leave that numbglow alone! She'd been mooning about him for the last month and no matter what suggestions she made Cal seemed locked into a course of worship from afar.
"Him again? I thought you were going to give up hope on that smith-brained brownrider?" Cal blushed and began to play with her food.
"I can't give up something I don't have, can I Keffa?" She paused and took a bite of spiced wherry. "Besides, I think he's sexy...and very easy on the eyes."
"Sexy? Him? I've never seen anyone look less!" Keffa studied the J'lan for a moment and shook her head. "You can do so much better than that, Cal! Look at him--he's mostly gone grey, has a big nose and his hair is receeding--"
"You and I just have different ideas of what's attractive Keffa. I mean I never would have thought T'lanir was good looking!" Cal quirked an eyebrow at her friend. Keffa rolled her eyes and let out a low chuckle.
"Fine! But this endless longing isn't going to go anywhere unless you step up and do something about it!" She saw a flicker of doubt shadow Calthea's face. "If you won't listen to me listen to Tia! She's been telling you the same thing."
"Well I'll just have to see. Maybe I will say something to him--after I practice a bit first." With that final statement Cal set in on her dinner and Keffa joined her in enjoying the spiced meat and vegetables.
+++++++
23.10.23
Harper Hall
Late Afternoon
Calthea stared at Master Krichen as he examined the harp on the workbench. His hands caressed the polished wood with a care akin to reverence.
"Do you know who the maker of it is?"
"Indeed, I do. It has been many turns since I heard this harp played...the tunes have all faded since then." He shook his head as if to clear away memories.
"Harper Kimo was one of the more gifted when it came to making and playing instruments." He gestured at a row of guitars that hung on the wall. "A few of those are of his making..." He shook his head slowly and sighed. "It was a great loss to us when we heard he had died." The old man gave the harp a gentle pat and turned to face Calthea. "Now, Dragonrider, why is it you ask after him? Mere curiousity? Or?" His bright eyes studied her intently.
She hesitated for a moment, wondering if she should tell him of her situation or not. "You are correct sir, it is more..."
"What a harper hears is for harper's ears, lady. I will not tell your secret if you want it kept that way." His face was kind with understanding. Cal gave him a tentative smile.
"I--well," She began to blush and she looked away. "My mother told me that my father was the maker of this harp. I had hoped..." Her voice trailed off as her eyes began to tear. The master reached out and patted her shoulder comfortingly.
"Why don't we have a cup of mint tea and talk a bit?" He led her over to an alcove with a pair of chairs and a table. As she was settling in he pulled a cord and a few seconds later a young boy appeared in the doorway.
"Yes, sir?"
"Velan, please fetch a pot of tea for us, with some honey on the side." The apprentice left and Master Krichen turned his attention back to Calthea. "Now my dear, why don't you tell me what the trouble is...We'll have some tea and maybe I can still be of some assistance to you." He gave her a friendly smile and in a few moments he was serving her a cup of hot tea.
Realizing that there would be no better opportunity, Cal began to explain.
"My mother kept my father's identity a secret from me all of my life. I--well, she's very ill now and she decided that she would give me what few of his belongings she still had." Cal paused and took a sip of her tea, uneasy in bearing her past.
"When I opened the chest it contained the harp, a few sheets of music and that was all... I asked one of the weyr’s harpers if she recognized the markings and she suggested that I come here to the Crafthall."
"That was wise of her. For every harper we keep a record of their personal mark in the archives so that if questions arise in the future we can clarify matters." He sipped his tea and gestured at the instuments that filled the room.
"You were saying that you know nothing else of your father. I assume then you are unaware if you have relatives through his side?" Master Krichen watched the emotions flit across the dragonriders face. Studying her features he could see a strong similarity to Kimo. Yes, the woman was definitely a relation.
"I never even thought of that!" A wave of hope washed over Calthea. Was it possible that she had other relatives? Cousins? Uncles? Aunties?
"Then in that case I can help you. I believe I have a log that states which Hold harper Kimo came from... And if he had any siblings." The smile on the young woman's face was infectious and he grinned back. “If you wait here a few moments I'll pull the log and see what there is to see." Cal nodded and took another sip of her tea as the master went to search through the hall's records.
++++++++
23.10.26
Hold
Early afternoon
Clouds hung low over the valley and Calthea tried to shake off the chill that clung to her. As Querreth banked for a landing on the fire heigts she wondered what kind of reception awaited her.
I wonder if they will accept me? Will they be able to-or willing to tell me anything about my father? Master Krichen said that my father had two brothers--one of who settled here. Crafter Eloran...I hope he's still here...
As she made her way down the path from the fire heights Calthea was aware that her heart was beating wildly and her hands had begun to twist each other with anxiety.
I will be with you Calthea. Do not be afraid! Querreth's words were like a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Thank you sweetheart... I'll be all right... Calthea stood in the courtyard and through the foggy mist she saw movement.
"Can I help you?" She found herself face to face with a tall, statuesque woman with kindly green eyes. Dressed in the garb of a harper, she had a look that made Cal feel immediately at ease.
"I hope so. I'm trying to locate Crafter Eloran...I was told that he could be found here?" Cal looked at her hopefully and was not prepared for the large smile that spilt the woman's face.
"By all means! I'll take you to his workshop--I'm Harper Melarae," She paused for a moment and held out her hand in greeting.
"I'm Calthea, rider of blue Querreth. I'm pleased to meet you." The harper smiled at her and nodded toward the leftside of the courtyard.
"Eloran's probably in his workshop right now." As they began walking, Harper Melarae continued. "So what are you here to see him about? I don't recall him saying anything about company?"
"Oh, he isn't expecting me--" Cal felt the beginnings of a blush on her face and hoped that the harper wouldn't pry any further. "I needed his a--advice on something."
"Well, here we are." She knocked one on the metal door. "You can go on in--he'll probably be glad for the interruption. His eyes aren't what they used to be and he won't allow himself a rest." The harper shrugged. "Still I guess that's what I'm for--" She cast Calthea one last curious look and turned back to her own destination in the hold.
Gathering her courage Calthea pulled open the heavy door and stepped into the craft studio.
"Yes?" A deep voice addressed her from across the room and Cal found herself trying to locate the source in a room otherwise filled to the brim with hides, parchments and canvases.
Rows of glass jars filled the shelves that lined the room. Large bowls and mortars lay placed at intervals along wide workbenches and Calthea wondered in the midst of all of it where the crafter was...
"Crafter Eloran?" It was harder than Calthea had expected, facing a piece of her family, and wondering what his reception of her would be.
"Hmmummm." There was a sound as he pushed back his chair and stood. "You've found me. So who are you?" As if noting for the first time her attire as a dragonrider he smiled. "Ah, is it something for the Weyr?" As he came closer she saw her own features mirrored in his face, an image of herself had she been male. Right down to the cleft chin and rounded nose...
There was silence as the older man turned his complete attention on Calthea, his spectacles catching and reflecting the glowlight.
"By the egg--" The crafter's face turned pale and Cal felt her heart skip a beat. Silence strained the room and Calthea cleared her throat.
"Actually Ser-I was hoping to find out more about my f-family..." She trailed off and was instantly relieved to feel Querreth's comforting presence in the back of her mind.
"W-ell. I--I suppose you've found what's left of it. Dragonrider...?" It was obvious to Cal that the older man was caught off balance and was as unsure as she herself was. Trying to be brave she stepped forward and held out her hand in greeting.
"Calthea, rider of blue Querreth and, I have been told, daughter of Harper Kimo. I came here because the Crafthall told me this was where I could find his remaining brother." She tried to smile. "I am supposing by your reaction that you weren't expecting--"
"Quite an understatement to say the least! Still," he reached forward and took her hand in his own. "It's a pleasant surprise. You are certainly part of the family though. Kimo's and my features are stamped clear as day on your own." He led her to a small table and sat down. His eyes were teary like her own.
Calthea, he accepts you. Querreth's mental touch was like silk and Calthea sighed.
I--think so...Querreth, dare I hope so?
The blue was right. It was suddenly as if a piece had clicked into place, that all of the years of guessing and wondering about her father... It was almost unbelievable. She studied the older man and smiled.
"So, Uncle would you like to tell me about my family?" Eloran wiped at his eyes with a callused hand and nodded.
"Oh indeed, niece!" He make a slight choking noise and he patted her hand. "There's quite a few stories to tell..."
The End
