|
Kestria's Exam[ Up
]
Harper Office (#2732) The office is
cheerful, the light reflecting off of whitewashed walls and ceiling. A pattern
mimicking musical notation in colors runs along the tops of the walls, shelf
upon shelf rising from the floor to meet it. Desks, cabinets and filing drawers
are arranged about the room, workplaces for those whose job it is to keep the
harpers and hall in order. The air is fresh, tangy with sea and hides and
well-seasoned woods. The window looks out over
Kestria walks in
from the ballroom. Caramak chuckles. "What timing,
Shinnai..." Fletcher smirks at
Jueann. "Again. Thank you," he says, and
looks up to nod to the two women entering. Shinnai smiles, entering
quietly as her robe makes a light swish across the smooth floor.
"Forgive me, it's a long walk." Shinnai takes an empty seat near Caramak, and nods to each person present. "Lord Fletcher, Jueann, Caramak," she greets, "And, of course, Kestria."
Fletcher smiles and replies warmly, "Master. Good to see you again."
Fletcher
(#5030) He
stands relatively tall, but not more than two meters even with his shoulders
thrown back and head held high. Two emerald coloured eyes contrast sharply with
his clean-cut black hair which meets in a small widow's peak above an
average-looking nose. His face is clean shaven and rather average-looking,
complemented by an average build for a young man his age.
Kestria inclines her head to each member of the
gathered group, "Lord Fletcher, Journeyman Jueann, Master Shinnai,
Master Caramak." her tone respectful yet confident. Jueann finds a
spot out of the way. Shinnai smiles in return, settling her voluminous
robes about her legs and shrugging the hood down about her
shoulders. Caramak glances around quick then smiles. "Now...I suppose we'd best get started, eh? Please, for the record, state your name, rank, place of birth, specialty, main instrument, voice level and Journeyman project..." He sighs slightly as he gets that out. That's a mouthful.
Caramak glances around the room, then, looks like he's in for
the scribing position, so he takes a piece of hide to record
responses. Kestria smiles softly, listing each answer carefully and
clearly, her now well trained voice carrying its way to each member of
the panel, "Kestria, Senior Apprentice, Southern Continent, Archives,
flute, alto, and the Ista Hold Histories." Shinnai settles in to
listen, using the older method of information retrieval - the brain.
(and, OOC, the scrollback ;)) Fletcher rests back in a comfortable sort of position, not having thr responsibility of having to record his thoughts on the exam. His arms cross comfortably, his legs doing the same, and his eyes rest softly on Kestria. Shades arches her back and stretches her claws out, yawning loudly.
Caramak writes quickly, hand moving across the hide
recording the answers. He looks up as she finishes and smiles.
"Alright, then, Kestria...Let's begin in your area of specialty
then..." A terse knocking on the door is followed immediately by the
door's light creak as it opens wide to admit the pudgy form of Jeranium, Journeyman
Extraordinaire. He clears his throat in what seems
to pass for an apology, and grunts as he surveys the room. Shinnai
smiles to Jeranium, and nods for him to take a seat. Jueann blinks and
straightens. She frowns slightly, thinking he was dead
by now Jeranium runs stubby fingers through thinning hair,
maneuvering himself into the noted chair. It protests, but does indeed
hold his not-insignificant weight. Kestria inclines her head
gracefully to the Journeyman, and offers a respectful greeting,
"Journeyman." Jeranium waves a hand in a half-dismissive gesture, and
clears his throat again. "Proceed." he grunts. Jueann nods to the
journeyman, "Greetings Jeranium Caramak glances at
Jeranium, and
stifles a small chuckle. Somehow, he always manages to make Caramak
want to laugh. He turns his eyes back to Kestria, "Now...The first part
will deal with recording and preserving Archives...So, for a start,
when you're making a Record of an event, how would you go about it? How
would you distinguish fact from fiction, decide whose point of view is
better or more valid?" Kestria clasps her hands together loosely and
focuses her attention on the Master as she frames a response. From
behind Shinnai's neck, Rhymert rustles her wings irritably, and
snakes her head around Shinnai's ear, peering out from behind a lock of
dark hair as she watches Kestria with glimmering eyes. Caramak adds,
"Feel free to use an example, if you like...Or not." He sits back and
grins. "Nice and open ended here." Kestria begins her response in the
same clear voice she's been using to this point, "In recording any
event it is important to get as many points of view as possible in
order to determine which is the most factual. Many of these points may
differ depending on the perspective of the persons involved and the
opinions they hold in regard to the event and persons involved. In
some
Shinnai reaches up to soothe her green, stroking the
firelizard gently as she listens and comprehends. Shinnai nods
thoughtfully. "And to add, if I may," she begins, looking around for
permission to take the floor," Caramak nods to Kestria's response, then
nods to Shinnai and smiles. Go 'head... You say, "At some instances,
it's helpful to take a biased account of an event. How would you use
the information gained from this hypothetical leader you
invoked?" Kestria tilts her head and ponders the additional question for a moment.
After a moment, Kestria begins again, "A biased view
would provide insight into that person's character. It would allow
future readers of the event to gain knowledge of the leader's opinions
and views on the matter of the event recorded. Such information could
provide clues into how to approach and deal with said
leader." Shinnai smiles, and nods. "Thank you." She looks again to Caramak.
Journeyman Jeranium shifts in his chair, causing it to creak
ominously. He looks rather sour. Caramak nods and turns his eyes
again to Kestria. "So...Moving on. History; and entertainment. Both,
prime parts of a Harper's trade. But they don't seem to often mix. When
should they mix? And why? Or should they not at all?" Kestria smiles
softly and nods to 'Mak with her eyes twinkling merrily, "Indeed,
Master, they can and do mix well together. The easiest form of teaching
is by music. Our teaching ballads illustrate this aspect /very/ well.
Much of our history, indeed some that has been lost in the form
of Records actually still remains in the ballads. By entertaining
through these songs, we at the same teach our history to both the young
and old of Pern. Even when they merely think they are being
entertained, they are learning of Pern's history." Jeranium
harrumphs, and interjects with a thick, gravelly voice. "Well tell us,
then, Apprentice," he lightly stresses the title, "What makes a
good teaching Ballad?" Caramak glances over at Jeranium and feels an
urge to chuckle again, which he very thoroughly squelches. Kestria
turns her gaze and smile on the harrumphing Journeyman and
quickly replies, "It depends on for whom the ballad is written,
Journeyman." she emphasizes his title, "For a group of children, one
would want a simple lesson with a simple melody and the main idea
repeated in the chorus. For a group of adults at a Gather or Hatching
one could be a little more complex Jeranium simply scowls, and folds his arms across his
chest. Jueann nods but says nothing, she glances at
Jeranium, hiding a
smile Caramak shakes his head at the old Journeyman, a small smile
still twitching his lips. "Moving on then..." He glances about, to make
sure no one has an interjection, then plows on, "What exactly is a
Journeyman supposed to /do/, anyway? What is a a Journeyman's Duty?"
Something in his tone makes the words sound capitalized. Kestria
lifts her chin and her brow creases slightly as she takes a moment
to compose her answer. Shinnai frowns slightly as the small green
firelizard on her shoulder grows restless again, and murmurs something
soft to her as she waits for Kestria's answer. With a clear focus of
her thought, Kestria replies, "A Journeyman may hold a number of
positions. In some cases it falls to the Journeyman to teach
the Apprentices, or the children of Hold and Weyr," she offers a smile
to Jueann, "In other cases a Journeyman acts as an assistant to a
leader, either in the position of Scribe, archivist or legal counsel.
It is also possible that a Journeyman will remain at the Hall in order
to assist in the teaching of new Apprentices." Shinnai nods, then
adds, again, "And, if a Harper is called to advise a leader, what
position should she take?" Jueann nods back to Kestria Kestria
smiles and nods to Shinnai, "That of advisor only, remaining impartial
and objective, taking no sides, but listening to all sides equally in
an unbiased manner. Final authority and decision rests with the
leader." Caramak nods and glances around the room. No more discussion
on that forth-coming, he moves on. "Alright...Let's move onto
performance; but before we hear you. What are some of the differences
between playing in a group and playing individually? What are some of
the advantages and disadvantages, and what are some of the
responsibilities and freedoms?" Kestria takes a deep breath and responds
clearly and concisely, "In perfoming in a group, one must be aware of
the parts of the other performers. It is necessary to focus on the
rhythm, the theme, the melody, the key changes and progressions of the
work. In pre-composed pieces, there is a set series of notes to be
played from which there should be little or no departure, unless it is
agreed beforehand that there will be improvisation allowed, or a
solo for the instrument. Playing with a group is a little more rigid
and there is less freedom even in an impromptu performance where all
performers improvise since it is the responsibility of each performer
to maintain the theme of the song, building and expanding on it, but
keeping to the general theme. In a solo performance there are no such
strictures, but far more responsibility in that it is the single
person's goal to convey the theme of the song and keep the listeners
entertained. More variation of melody is required, more complex
sequences of notes in order to make up for the lack of accompaniement.
However, both are enjoyable in their different aspects." Jeranium makes
a kind of rumbling noise in his throat, gaze fixated on Kestria as she
answers. Shinnai glances over at Jeranium briefly, then smiles at
Kestria. "You did bring your preferred instrument?" she inquires of the
victim... uh, apprentice. :) Caramak nods slowly as she speaks, then
glances from Jeranium, to Shinnai, back to Kestria... Kestria smiles
and nods to Shinnai, "I rarely leave my room without it, Master. One
never knows when one may be called to perform." she reaches for her
flute which sits in its case at her feet. Shinnai smiles, arching an
eyebrow. "Good. Then you'll be so kind as to play for us an Istan folk
song called, most familiarly, 'Waves Ashore.'" Kestria smiles and
begins to put her instrument together with a nod to Shinnai. She checks
its tune briefly, moistening her lips as she raises it to them. She
takes a moment to capture the theme and key in her mind before the
first notes swirl into the room with confidence. A spritely tune
speaks of the sea, lower register notes moving into the higher ones in
a crescendo, Shinnai smiles to the
familiar tune, and even Jeranium doesn't look _quite_ as sour as he did
a moment ago. Jueann nods as she listens.
Caramak folds his hands quietly and sits
back to listen and enjoy in silence. From behind Shinnai's neck,
Rhymert flips her wings and interjects a soft trill before her perch
reaches up to quiet her. Not now. Kestria lowers her flute, but doesn't
quite prepare to take it apart, "If I may? I have a piece I'd like to
share. I prepared it for this event when it came time." Shinnai
glances around to the others. "Oh? Well, I don't see why not." Kestria raises a questioning look to the others.
Kestria smiles and nods and closes her eyes for a moment,
lost in remembrance as her emotions come to the fore. Kestria draws
herself up straight and brings her flute to her lips. She takes a
moment to compose herself, wetting her lips briefly before closing
her eyes and beginning to play. Soft tentative notes emerge from the
flute, soft and airy in their gentle tones. Little questioning trills
make their way into the major melody which barely begins to take shape.
The tune is deliberately unsure and a very near, but not quite
discordant note or two are heard amongst the trills and hesitating flow
of music. The first stanza ends and the second one begins with a little
more certainty. A simple exercise is played; a scale in C major, up and
down just one octave, then two, then three. The key changes to G major
and the exercise becomes more complex, a series of arpeggios followed
by glissandos and rapid The next movement takes the melody into a peaceful, happy tune,
yet it speaks of routine in its repeated sequence, starting on the
tonic and rising in thirds to the dominant, then returning once more to
the tonic. After a moment the song moves into a struggling tone, the
notes quick and sharp and impatient in their expression. This small
refrain builds and becomes
The song returns at last to a variation on the first theme of tentativeness, but this time there is an undercurrent of security, knowledge and perhaps a bit of wisdom as you sense a new beginning unfolding. A repetition of the simple exercises appears briefly before moving into a short, happy tune filled with wonder and excitement and just a hint of nervousness before ending on a joyous sequence of notes played in cascading triplets and trills. Opening her eyes slowly, as the final note trails off into silence, Kestria takes the flute away from her mouth.
Kestria sighs softly even as she smiles
and lowers her flute to hold it at her waist, her eyes shimmering
suspiciously in the light. Jueann leans back, closing her eyes.
Kestria lifts her eyes and nods with a smile to Shinnai, not
trusting her voice at the moment as she swallows. Caramak flicks his
wrist, and an OOC light appears in his hand, which he sets on the
floor. OOC: Caramak grins. "Ok. Next section is newbie orientation.
Because newbies tend to page people who have titles 'n
stuff..." Kestria points to the OOC light, "O.K... but you don't need to use OOC..." ;)
Kestria smiles, "O.K... step 1... make sure they got a desc and a gender first... 2.. explain the rules of this MOO to them... 3... maybe help them develop a character a bit, asking them if they've read the books or are familiar with Pern at all... 4... explain IC and OOC... nothing worse than someone who doesn't know the difference... and if I could back up... /first/ explain the commands for communication, the say or " command and the emote command... aheh.. yeah, that would be first...
Shinnai
grins. "Backing up is allowed. :)" Caramak says, "Ok, skipping merrily
ahead; organizing events on-MOO. What are some of the things to keep in
mind, as far as things like scheduling go? And, just to cover ground a
little faster since it's late, we'll throw in: What are some of the
differences in interaction between MOO and RL?" Jueann sighs. "I need
to head out. Thanks for letting me sit in Caramak nods...."See ya,
Jueann!" :) Jueann bows to all Shinnai smiles. "Bye, Jueann, thanks
for coming!" :) Jueann walks out into the ballroom. Dyan walks out
into the ballroom. Dyan follows Jueann obediently. (Jeranium
harrumphs.) Kestria groans softly, "O.K... organizing events.. you have
to take into consideration that people are in different time zones and
have RL responsibilities, and may not be able to make it even if they
promise they will, witness the dreaded connection and lag beast, so you
have to prepare for someone not being there as well as trying to find a
time which is convenient for the most people. When dealing with the MOO
and RL you have to consider that there are /real/ people at the end of
those characters you're playing with... they have real lives to deal
with and have real feelings that can be hurt by your actions. This is
getting into that whole IC/OOC/VR/RL thing and MOO dynamics. Kestria
smiles, "Shall I continue along that vein or is that enough?" Shinnai nods. "Which you did mention in explaining OOC/IC to newbies. Well, I assume you could probably go on for about ten more hours on that line..." ;)
Fletcher says, "Morespam!" Shades licks one paw and
rubs her ear with it a few times. Kestria blinks at Fletcher, "He
speaks!" ;) Fletcher says, "Only to spam. :) Sorry. :)" Caramak
flicks the OOC light back out of existance. ;) Kestria quickly puts her
flute back into its case, placing it back onto thefloor by her feet as
she turns her eyes back to the panel. Shinnai settles again in her seat, smiling pointedly at Jeranium for a moment.
Jeranium harrumphs, peering from beneath dark brows at Kestria.
Caramak nods at the signals, then smiles broadly, and pulls open the drawer, diving his hand into it. He comes up with a moderately elaborate knot. Shinnai doesn't keep back her smile any longer, rising to stand
behind Caramak. "An excellent exam," she compliments. Fletcher moves
lightly to his feet, his hands silently clapping together as he glides
to flank Caramak opposite Shinnai. Kestria blinks her eyes rapidly a
few times as she inclines her head to 'Mak, "Thank you Master!" she
says in her clear voice, which trembles just a little as she takes the
proffered knot. Her gaze moves to the others as she begins to grin,
"Thank you, Master Shinnai." finally overcome, a few happy tears begin
to trail down her cheeks. Shinnai's smile turns into a grin. Always
nice to see a properly grateful Journeyman. ;) "Hey, no time to start
weeping, we've got to squeeze in some celebration before you begin your
_real_ work." Caramak turns his head to grin at Shinnai. "Shhh! Don't
tell her before she puts that knot on!" Broad wink to
Kestria. Fletcher chuckles softly to the two Harpers and says softly to
Kestria, "Congratulations. It's been long in the coming, but you
definitely deserve it." Kestria laughs and wipes the tears from her
cheeks as she moves to put her knot on, "That would be wonderful!" her
gaze travels to Fletcher as she smiles warmly, "Thank you, Fletcher."
she replies softly, dispensing with the titles at last. From behind
Shinnai's neck, Rhymert pokes her little green head out beside the left
ear, and chirps once, blinks, and then shuffles her wings to tangle her
perch's hair. Caramak glances around at the others..."Flying Mug?
Cloudscrapper? Anywhere else? Go home and get some sleep? What's your
mood?" Sayanna walks in from the ballroom. OOC: Kestria chuckles at the spelling of the Lounge... 'Scrapper? Well... guess it /has/ been on ocassion...
You say, "First things first, Master Caramak. Shall we
first record Journeyman Kestria's achievment in the
scrolls?"
Sayanna steps in and stops, wondering why all these folk are so solemn.
Shinnai quirks an eyebrow at
Caramak and seems amused. "Aye, after you're in your cups and can't
spell worth a used glow?" Kestria grins widely at Sayanna and laughs
lightly, "I don't care where we go as long as it has Benden
Red!" Caramak winks at Shinnai. "Tomorrow's soon enough, ain't
it...?" Kestria stops laughing, but still chuckles softly as she asks
of 'Mak, "What? Afraid of a little hide work are you?" Shinnai
chuckles. "Oh, I suppose. Cloudscraper? I don't know that the Mug
has such delicacies as Benden Red," she points out. "Besides, I haven't
been there in far too long." Caramak grins at Kestria. "Not afraid.
Terrified. Let's got get somethin' ta drink." Kestria turns her twinkling gaze to Shinnai with a nod, "Sure! It's close to my room... easier to stagger home from there." she winks at the Master.
Shinnai grins. "And, if necessary, for me to
stagger to appear at my parents' doorstep for the night," she agrees.
"Sayanna, did you have some purpose besides congratulating Kestria, or
will you join us too?" Kestria reaches down to pick up her flute case,
cradling it in her arms as she looks expectantly to the others, "Shall
we?" Sayanna blinks. "Oh, well I mostly came to watch Kestria, but I
could try to have a drink or two,... Sayanna smiles. Try, indeed.
She'd better try not to have as many as last night. Caramak makes a
beckoning gesture. "Let's go, folks...The night grows old, and I
already am!" Shinnai nods decisively, shrugging her robe into place on
her shoulders and nearly dislodging Rhymert in the process, who chirps
indignantly. "Then, we shall." And strides toward the door. Sayanna
walks out into the ballroom. Kestria walks out into the
ballroom. Journeyman Jeranium simply harrumphs, creakily rising from
his chair and retiring to a desk at the back of the office. Cloudscraper Lounge (#3988) Deep
blue carpets the floor, its thick pile cushioning tired soles and muffling
footfalls. Several tables, dark brown and polished to a high gloss, are
scattered across the room, each surrounded by an escort of comfortable looking
leather-covered chairs. The walls are paneled in the same dark wood,
occasionally sporting a jewel-toned tapestry or painting. A long counter
stretches along one wall of the room, its wooden sides and brass accents
gleaming from the bartender's careful polishing. A rack of glassware hangs
overhead within easy reach, and one filled with bottles stands against the wall
behind. A set of glass-paned double doors in the middle of the far wall lets the
sun in to light the room and reflect off the gleaming wood and brass of the
furniture before being broken up into thousands of tiny fragments by the
glasses. Beyond the doors, a small segment of balcony can be seen overlooking
the
Shinnai smiles, walking softly across the
carpet with the other harpers. "Such a nice job with this place," she
comments. "It was never this nice when I was growing up." Caramak
beckons over a drudge, waving his arm quickly to get him to come
over quickly. "Benden red, and lots of it, man..." He glances around.
"Anyone want anything different? Speak up quick, if so..." Sayanna
says, "WHite" Shinnai smiles. "Some of that sparkling white would do
nicely for a celebration, don't you agree?" she tells the
drudge. Sayanna gets up and offers to pour for everyone, as she is
the apprentice still. Kestria beams as she gazes round the Lounge, not caring at this point /what/ she's drinking, as she finally responds to Shinnai's comment, "It /is/ nice here isn't it? I like to come here and we've had some very pleasant get togethers here." she smiles at 'Mak in remembrance.
Shinnai smiles cheerfully to the drudge. "Thank you, Horis," as
she takes her glass and nods to Sayanna, inhaling the heady fragrance
of the wine. "Excellent." Caramak returns Kestria's smile with a
nod. "Yeah...So we have..." He takes his glass with a smile of thanks
to Sayanna, and ponders a toast... Kestria takes her glass from Sayanna
with a smile of thanks as she looks at 'Mak expectantly. Shinnai
holds up her glass, and waits for the toast. Caramak sighs. Trapped into thinking again...He raises his glass in Kestria's general direction. "A toast...To a woman just today rewarded for work above and beyond the call of duty. To a woman whose exemplary performance should be inspiration to others. To a woman whose talents in her chosen field are many, varied and abundant in greatest measure. To our newest Journeyman...Kestria."
Caramak
raises his glass to his lips and sips deeply. Shinnai grins. "And now one that poor Kestria can drink to. A toast to Journeyman Jeranium, since he's not here and can't complain."
Sayanna smiles over the edge of her glass. "Does
that mean I have to listen to you in clss now, Journeyman
Kestria?" Kestria grins to Sayanna, and chuckles, "I don't even want to
/think/ about teaching yet... at least not tonight." she winks, "But be
prepared for when I do!" Kestria catches Shinnai's comment and
laughs, "Indeed!" as she takes another sip of her wine. Sayanna can't imagine some folks being able to shift gears (do we have gears here) fast enough to do well in her classes. "You'll have to beat some of us into submission, i think."
Logfile from Shinnai |
See a problem? Have a question or comment? Email us or visit us on the Moo. © Design Copyright S. Minkus & L. Ledger, 2003 © Content Copyright the Members of the Harper's Tale Harpercraft, 1999-present © Pern and the concept of the Harpercraft is the property of Ms. Anne McCaffrey, who kindly allows us to play in her world. Thank you!
|