EVENT: Members of the Stedding gather together to have a bit of supper. Iaon arrives within the Stedding.
DATE: November 12, 1998
LOGGER: Marith

Common Room: Guest House, Stedding Maotai

The first thing noticed about this room is its enormous size. It looks as if several families could live in this one space. The sides are held up by white, stone walls, supported by rough wooden beams overhead. The room is decorated tastefully, trying to cater to the comforts of humans, however the chairs, tables and other various pieces of furniture still seem overly large. A large fireplace rests against the south wall, used to provide warmth when it is cold.

As the day turns into evening, lanterns are lit about the room, shedding some light to see by. Ogier and their guests sit comfortably in several of the chairs, enjoying a relaxed evening conversation. A pile of wood seems to be kept near the fire at all times, to help ward against the cold winter that lies ahead. The build up of the snow outside can be seen through the window. A large, oak door leads to the small copse outside, while a hallway appears to go further into the house, where the private rooms of the guests are held.

<There are places and +views here.>

Contents:

Iaon

The Eldest appears to be deeply engrossed with a conversation by the fire, with one of the more human guests within the building. Every now and aagain she nods her head, furrows her brows and twitches her ears, looking as if she were paying attention avidly.

Iaon eyes fall on Marith and bows slightly as he says in a calm manner, "Greetings m'Lady. Can you tell me where I would find the Eldest?"

"As I was saying...." The female human next to Marith speaks, then lowers her voice. The Eldest does do her best not to look entirely lost in the conversation, humans and their hasty manners. Again, she starts in on another series of head bobs and nods, speaking an occassional word or two before cut off by another statement. She looks up briefly, looking around the room, then pauses, attention diverted to the newcomer. Her tufted ears twitch, and recognistion does not touch her eyes. "Pardon me..." She murmurs to the young woman, rising before she can object. She moves to Iaon, regarding him carefully, before speaking, "Be welcome to Stedding Maotai. I am Marith, daughter of Paloa daughter of Altar, Eldest of the Stedding." A brief pause, "Be welcome."

Iaon bows and says, "Light illumane you Eldest Marith. I am Ioan, Son of Morikl Son of Boril. Stonemason from Stedding Tremelle."

"Your name sings in my ears, son of Morikl son of Boril." Marith answers in the traditional manner, a faint smile touching her lips, "What brings you to

Stedding Maotai." Despite the true numbers each stedding have, the Eldest no doubt knows most of those living within her stedding.

Iaon bows and says, 'As does your name Eldest. I have come to your Stedding because the Elders of my Stedding spoke of your Stedding needing more Stonemasons. Something I am truely gifted in and I have come to offer my skills to you and your home."

A blink of surprise occurs. Marith wrinkles her furry brow a bit, "Oh... yes.... I remember some correspondance... though could you please... remind me what stedding you are from? We get many visitors, and sometimes my memory has a way of failing." A sadness touches her eyes, as if any memory being lost is one lost for good.

Karal walks into the common room from the hallway.

Iaon ears twicthes and says calmly after noticing your sadness says, 'I am from

Tremelle Eldest. Stedding Tremelle."

Karal comes into the Common Room, walking casually, though his ears seem positioned in a state of worry.

"Ah yes..." Marith exclaims, her voice booming about the room, despite the fact it was made to keep sounds down. A faint blush touches the Eldests cheeks, "Yes indeed..." She lowers her voice, "I remember that correspondance quite well. I am told that you are one of the more..." A brief pause, then she smiles, ".. talented masons." Whether or not she was told that exactly is unknown, but she seems happy enough to accept Iaon, "Be welcome to Stedding Maotai. You may guest here until we can have house raising for you." The Ogier way of creating a new home. (Kinda spiffy since I just thought it up. Woo-hoo, nother thing to add to my list of things to add to this list)

Iaon bows and says, 'The honor is mine Eldest. I hope to met the words put to my name."

Marith's smile widens, "I am certain you will son of Morikl son of Boril." She answers, then her eyes catches Karal entering. Her words stop and a tufted brow lifts in question.

Iaon turns as his eyes fall on Karal and bows calmly with a smile.

Karal walks over to where the Eldest stands with another Ogier, one he has not seen before. He makes his way over to the pair, and bows. "Good evening, Eldest." He looks at the other Ogier. "Greetings. I am Karal, son of Terent, son of Comin."

Iaon bows and says respectful, "Your name sings in my ears Karal, son of Terent, son of Comin. My name is Ioan Son of Morikl son of Boril."

"Your name sings in my ears Ioan, son of Morikl, son of Boril." Karal's ears slowly move back into a calm state. "Have you arrived recently in the stedding?"

Iaon nods slowly and says, "I just came here a few moments ago."

Marith nods her head slowly, in a calculated manner, "Karal is a Speaker here within the stedding." She mentions offhandedly. "If you've any requests, you can ask him to petition them within the next meeting of the Elders."

Iaon nods slowly and says, "Thank you. I will do that."

Karal nods slowly. "Yes, I would be happy to convey requests to the Elders if ever you are in need of something." He stops talkign for a few moments, considering his next words. "From where have you arrived?"

Iaon smiles and says, "Stedding Tremelle. I have come to possibly make this my home."

Karal nods approvingly and continues to smile. "Well, I welcome you to Stedding Maotai, and hope that you find this place enjoyable."

Iaon nods slowly, "It is quite beautiful."

"Iaon was just telling me that he will be working here as a stonemason, and help repair other buildings to bring income to Maotai." Marith murmurs, for that is how the Ogier get the money to support the stedding's outside needs. She glances between the two of those present.

Several young Ogier women come bustling from the kitchens of the house, bearing trays of food; meats, cheeses and salads of all kinds are presented and placed upon the table. Drinks are also laid out on other tables, wines, juices, teas and ales to suit human needs.

Karal smiels. "Yes, it has been a good home to me these past couple of centuries. It has been a good home to many Ogier."

"A stonemason. Good, we are in need of a good stonemason." He thinks for a moment, and watches as the food arrives. "The Elders should be happy to know we have a new stonemason among us."

Iaon nods slowly, "Tell me, who did the work on this house. It is quite good."

"Davin son of Tilnos son of Pevirn helped with the work. He laid down the basic design. He is still young yet, but a promising mason" Marith answers promptly, a bit of pride on her features for the young Ogier man she mentions. Of course, from the looks of her she seems to take pride in all within her stedding.

Iaon nods slowly and says, 'I am still quite young myself Eldest. I am only 201

years old."

Iaon looks around and says, "I like his trim work however. It is quite elegant."

Iaon eyes Avendesora leaf charm and smiles softly as his ears twitch.

Karal nods. "Yes, young Davin has considerable talent in design, from what I have seen of his work."

Marith turns her attention to those entering the room, placing the food on the table. Decadent smells waft about the room from the various entrees served, "Well, unless my eyes are deceiving me it is time to eat." Marith announces, then makes her way to take a seat. She turns her attention to Iaon as she does so, a tufted brow lifting delicately, "Ah... he is a hundred and eighty summers old." The Eldest speaks, "Still quite young himself."

Iaon looks around unsure of what to do since he just arrived and not sure if there is a place for hims moves to the side and stands quitely.

"Peace, come eat, enjoy tonights dinner, it is open to all in the stedding." Marith murmurs as she spies Iaon moving off to the side. She smoothes over her skirts and carefully sits in a chair, taking deliberate actions; slow and careful.

Iaon smiles and nods happily and sees an empty chair and sits down placing his large backpack against one of the walls says kindly to the youngling who brings his food, "Thank you young one." He smiles and folds his hands in font of him to await Marith to start eating.

Karal follows the Eldest to the table and takes a seat at the long table.

You sit at the Long table.

"If the weather breaks, and all goes well, your home will be ready within two weeks." Marith murmurs, making small talk as she starts to take up a plate and put bits and pieces of various foods onto it. A faint frown touches her features, "It would take less time if the snows had not come yet."

Iaon smiles and says, "I have been traveling for while Eldest. I should do fine

in the Guest House. Please it is no rush."

Karal nods solemnly at the mention of the early winter, and begins to put all kinds of different foods on a plate.

Iaon seems to be interested in the building's struture then food at the moment as he slowly puts food on his plate looking around.

"So, have you had much experience with masonry in the past, Iaon?" Karal asks, making conversation, as he finishes loading up his plate.

"You know very well if we do not rush, you'll be here for the entire winter..." Marith grins jovially, "Though to be honest, once in awhile it befits us to do -something- in haste at least once in our lives. Besides, I'm certain Davin would lvoe the chance to speak with another of his profession."

Iaon says as he takes a bite of bread, "I have been traveling with Father since I was 90. He started me in the trade when I was 95. I have been doing it ever since. The people of my Stedding said I have a gift for stone. If I could sing it to shape they have been close to thinking I have Elder Zorkia has said to me many a times."

A faint chuckle rumbles from the back of Marith's throat, "There are repairs to be done here and there from tiem to time, as well as new homes for newly wed couples and newcomers. I'd be interested in seeing your work when you are not away." THe Eldest murmurs softly.

Karal raises an eyebrow a bit. "Well, I am honored to have such a talented stonemason in my midst." He smiles, and takes a bite of a piece of fruit.

Iaon smiles and says, "It would honor me greatly Eldest to do any work you need done." He takes a sip of his water and another bite of bread.

Iaon nods in respect to the Speak and says, "Anything you may need Speaker just ask of me and I will do my best to do it."

A thought appears to pass over Marith's eyes. For a brief moment she remains quiet, simply watching. She reaches out a hand to her drink and takes a sip, the liquid pouring down her throat easily. She then returns the cup to the table, tilting her head to the side, "Would you be... interested in apprenticing some of the younger Ogier? Davin is talented and knows it, but that is a failing of his as well.... he believes he is above that sort of work."

Karal nods slowly and takes a bite of bread. He chews thoughtfully.

Iaon smiles and says, "Everyone should always be opening to learning Eldest. I still to this day am always learning. A wise man once said..."Even the Greatest Artisit was once a beginner."" He takes a bit of apple and nods and says, "I would love to teach if you need me too. I find it helps me learn as well. It is quite the experience to teach and learn at the same time."

Iaon yawns and says, "I am rather tired and would like to get some sleep."

Marith inclines her head, "Sometimes it is best starting young..." The Eldest murmurs, "Teaching that is..." She adds. "I gives you both time to grow." A pause then she nods, "Indeed, it is getting late."

Iaon stands and grabs his backpack with his large arms and pushes his chair in slowly and bows and says, 'The light illumane you both as I look forward to see you again soon."

Karal nods slowly. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Iaon. The Light go with you."