17 – Tesh / Garin – Class at the Chapel
Ember-Spark is becoming
the same thing. Thinly sliced mushroom bread, a drop of sweet moss jelly,
salted fish, dried fruit, and the ever-present watery root-tea. Tesh is at the
table early, setting plates out for his friends. He also sets out plates for the
smith students, because both of his masters continually remind him that
“different fibers blend to make the whole stronger”. He doesn’t have to like
Britta and her friends, but it is better to include them than exclude them.
"Bezhigo-Wagon, Bezhigo-Mikan". Tesh chuckles to himself as
he says it. As a Bimkor market runner, they used to say it all the time. “I
wish they had grown up in the Market too,” He says softly about the Smithing
students.
“But then they wouldn’t
have such a different perspective from you.” Master Varu says as he sets down
his ceramic mug.
“Of course, Master.” Tesh
responds. “I just wish they were a bit more open at times.”
The old dwarf nods as he
fills his cup.
“Oh, good, you are both
here,” Garin says as he enters the dining hall. “I’m accepting Britta’s
invitation to have Ember-spark at the chapel and listen to Elder Thuldren
Stone-Voice’s Purity lessons.”
A mixture of students and
masters enter the dining hall, as Master Varu scowls at the mention of the
Priest’s name. “Apprentice Garin Flint-Eye, you may attend Ember-spark there,
but do not be late. You have work you already started.”
Garin nods to his master,
“Of course, Master.” He then looks to Tesh. “See you in the workroom.” As he
leaves, the other students notice him join Britta, who waits for him at the
doorway.
As everyone sits down,
Tesh notices that Ashkwi‑Tin and Durnik are sitting by themselves. Tesh taps
the spot where Garin usually sits. “Why don’t you both sit closer?”
He holds up the platter
of mushroom bread and smiles, “It’s easier to pass the plates.”
They both move closer and
smile. Tesh says, “We are all carts on the same path.”
Garin follows Britta and
the other dwarf students going to the chapel. At the door to the school, the
dark-robed assistant to the Priest waits patiently.
“Why’s he here?” Garin
asks.
He looks to Britta, “Who
is this, Britta, a new friend to share Ember-spark?” He extends his hand, “I’m
Brannik Soft-Measure, and you are?”
Garin cautiously takes
his hand. “I’m Garin”
“You’ve got a strong
grip, are you sure you aren’t a smith instead of a weaver? As for why I’m here,
I make sure that everyone makes it safely to the Chapel.”
Garin shrugs. It makes
sense. They are on lockdown, and they can’t just walk freely.
Brannik then looks to
Thorek and asks, “Do we have everyone?”
Thorek looks around and
quickly counts all five. “We are ready.”
Entering the Chapel from
the ‘Fellowship Hall’ doors, Garin immediately smells fried eggs and smoked
meat. The table in the Fellowship Hall is smaller than the school Dining Hall
table, but it could easily fit a dozen or more people. The table is already set
with plates and mugs. Garin sees a pitcher of Apple cider. The table is set
more like what his family in the Hills sets up for Dogun-Bite, instead of what
he’s had at the school’s Ember-spark.
Elder Thuldren holds a skillet as he makes a batch of scrambled eggs. “Sit down, everyone. I’m almost done cooking.”
Gavin’s stomach growls.
He looks at Britta, “Is this why you’ve been coming to Purity Classes?”
She smiles sweetly, “Of
course. Why else would I really be here?”
Thuldren dumps the eggs
into a ceramic bowl and places the pan on the iron stove. Removing his apron,
he sits down and says, “Let us all bow our heads and pray.”
Garin hurries into the
workroom. Both Master Shii and Master Varu watch him.
“I’m glad you made it on
time.” Master Varu says in clear Durask.
“Thank you for giving me
time, Master Varu, and you too, Master Shii.” Before walking to his rope
braids, he goes to Tesh and Nibin, handing them small cloth-wrapped bundles.
“They had extra at Ember-spark, so brought you both some sliced meat.”
Tesh opens his and sees
the small slices of salted ham. “Are you sure?”
“They have so much food
there. I’ll share it with you every day.” Garin says happily.
Nibin cautiously sniffs
it.
Master Varu taps a carved
fid against a weaving frame. “No food in the workroom.”
Tesh and Nibin quickly
rewrap the meat. “I’m sorry Master,” they both say, and Garin echoes them. They
set their bundles on a shelf.
“You can bring them to
the Dining Hall at Forge-Breath. Garin, if you plan on doing this every day,
please set the food on the back shelf. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Master Varu.”
“Back to work, all of
you.” He says as he slowly walks around the room.
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