Xanadu Weyr - Caverns
A massive cavern in its own right, this one has been skillfully adapted for human habitation. The high ceilings have been painted a light, soft ivory, as have walls hung with numerous tapestries that provide brilliant color and insulation from the stone. The floor has been left in its natural state, pale pink granite speckled through with glittering mica and dark flecks of basalt. The stone is carefully leveled but kept sufficiently rough to avoid slips.
The cavern itself is loosely divided into areas, each one set up to be suitable for some segment of the Weyr's population. The most frequently occupied area is the one near the Kitchens, where tables of varying sizes provide a place to sit down and eat or chat and a buffet of consumables is almost always kept stocked. It's plain that on most days, this area wouldn't accommodate anywhere near the full population of the Weyr, instead feeding people in shifts as they come off duty. On occasions when a formal meal is laid out, tables are borrowed from all the other areas.
There's also a big fireplace set into the western wall, several comfortable chairs nearby providing haunts for elderly residents or riders who like a good view of all that happens. Rugs cover the floor in strategic spots, all of them abstract or geometric in design and most in the softly neutral colors of undyed wool.
Exits lead off in all directions, the largest an archway to the northeast that leads outside. Near it there's an alcove with hooks for coats and shelves for muddy boots. A tunnel to the east goes to the infirmary, and a set of stairs just a little south of that lead up to the offices and administration area. To the south, a long and sloping tunnel leads down to the hot springs. The kitchen is off to the southwest, while the residents' quarters are reached by tunnels going west, deeper into the cliff.
An otherwise lazy afternoon finds Sephany in the Living Caverns, tucked into a back table that has, after more than a sevenday of consistent use, become distinctly 'her' table. Away enough to not be a hindrance to the crowd; close enough to effectively people-watch. Essentially perfect if you are a crafter, wanting to do craft-related things while enjoying the chit-chat and general hub-bub around you. Which is exactly what the young weaver is doing. Swath of fabric across her lap, fingers working diligently with needle and thread (and thimble), glancing up now and again to take in the general ambiance of a location that is still foreign and interesting. A plate of fruit on her table; a glass of water nearby, though both appear abandoned for the task at hand.
Gerazal comes in with a towel across the his shoulder and he moves over towards getting a mug of klah and some meatrolls. He spots his apprentice sitting at the table and he moves over to join her. "Good day Sephany, how goes the people watching?" He asks as he has a seat so that he's out of her line of sight.
A particularly tricky stitch has the weaver's eyes and hands occupied; and the tip of her tongue just peeking out from the corner of her mouth. But Sephany successfully navigates the challenge before Gerazal makes his appearance, drawing gaze and attention away from mending and toward the journeyman. "Hello Gerazal," because this is not a formal occasion, right? No need for titles? She assumes, at least. "Rather uneventful, to be honest. Slow afternoon. Dinner is usually more interesting," even if her gaze still flickers across the occupants of the cavern with curiosity and expectation.
Gerazal watches the stitch work now that he's closer and he nods, "I was going to have something to eat and then go relax in the hot springs until I'm all pruny. That's nice stitch work that you have there." He says as he looks over the swath of cloth in her lap. "Hopefully all I see for the rest of the afternoon is the back of a washcloth."
"Hmm, that does sound rather nice," agrees the blond, paused in her work to converse, hands moving to settle cloth and sewing implements to the table to avoid unfortunate needle-stabbing incidents. At his comment however, Sephany shifts and allows a closer inspection of her work, smile growing with the compliment even as she tries to hide it; modesty, even if poorly executed. "Thank you." And indeed, it is good work; neat and tidy, tight stitches and straight lines; the apprentice clearly attentive with her work. "Rough day?" she ventures, expression already edging towards sympathetic.
Gerazal smiles, "Well you are free to join me if you like." He leans forward to really look at it, "You are welcome. I love those tight tiny stitches." He rubs his eyes a little, "Oh just dealing with one of those clients. This is her third refit. Wasn't happy with the sleeves this time."
A tilt of her head, and it appears as though Sephany is giving serious thought to the offer. "I am almost done," noted for the work now set on the table, "but I'd like to finish it first. I find it a little challenging to get back into a rhythm if I pause to long." Sewing carefully set aside, she reaches for the abandoned glass of water, catching a sip as he explains the source of frustration. "Oh dear," and there is certainly sympathy there. "How do you… handle that?" which is a tad vague before she continues with, "I understand she is a customer but… can we draw a line somewhere?"
Gerazal nods, "Of course I understand that, wanting to finish a project." He hmms, "Well hopefully you handle it with poise and grace, that's what I try to do. Some clients need a little more extra handling then others, this one is one of them. Of course it's up to you. I can handle almost all clients, the only line I draw is abusive and violent clients, thankfully I haven't had any of them. You learn where you own line is."
Listening; the tilt or her head just so as she considers the words and wisdom offered. "Hm." Which is all Sephany can really offer, having no practical experience in such things, yet. "I suppose it would be worth the effort," she decides after a moment of thought, "to retain a repeat customer. Though I suppose I will simply cross my fingers for smooth sailing in my future," as vain a thought as that might be. And perhaps she knows it, for the twitch to the corner of her mouth and the gleam in her grey eyes. "Or at least, I will cross my toes. My fingers might be otherwise occupied."
Gerazal nods, "It is, because from her I get other clients who are much easier to deal with and spend much more marks then she does. So ultimately it's worth it." He finishes eating and sips his klah, "I hope so, but if you are really good you'll get all sorts of clients that will want your clothes. Especially with some of your designs."
A curl of pink lips over white teeth; a flash of amusement in the grey of her eyes, and Sephany decides, "You're teasing me," in a tone that denotes pleasure for the compliment even if she doesn't entirely believe it's honesty. "They are doodles; drawings and sketches from daydreams and entirely too much freetime." A sip of water, before the glass is returned to her table. "I will happily settle for competent and useful. I don't aim for fame or fortune. I just love clothes."
Gerazal shakes his head, "I'm not, how do you think my clothes started, with doodles and drawings and half-finished ideas that eventually became some of the clothes that I make today. You have real talent and it's my job to nurture it the best I can." He finishes his meal, "Oh you'll be all those. I love clothes too, that's a sign of a good weaver." He says as he stretches out.
"We shall see," murmured in a manner that suggests an unwillingness to argue with someone knotted above her; despite the flicker of indecision that passes across her face. "I have a long road ahead," she determines, reaching once more for the mending that had been briefly set aside for water-sips and brief conversations. "I ought to finish this though," in somewhat an apologetic tone, because her attention wants to turn; wants to revert back to the task she's been assigned. "I will bring the completed items by in the morning," she assures him, "mended and ready for return."
Gerazal smiles, "I'm sure that you will. I have confidence in you, although don't stay up all night doing it. See you later Sephany." He gets up to head off.