[OOMM: Abhorsen AU] Meeting in history class

[tavar_of_alera]

"...as you will study next term, the theories that the records are implying non-furycrafting methods of engineering are blatantly ridiculous..." The instructor paused as a small and completely un-tentative hand went into the air. "...Ah. Tavi Patronus Gaius. You had a question

Comments

[makesthings]

Sam had listened and wanted to say something in Tavi's defense but Tavi could argue the theories better. So after class, he looked for Tavi and winced when he saw him,

"Is it really there in Gallic Wars?"

[tavar_of_alera]

Tavi looks up, and instantly there's a slightly distantly friendly smile on his face.

You'd never guess he was wary and half expecting to get ridiculed again inside. "It's never stated outright, but then, if they didn't know about crafting, why should they? And they talk about engines and such to do the work instead of crafting techniques."

[makesthings]

Honestly Sam wouldn't consider himself anyone to be frightened of, he knows he's useless at all the things he's meant to be best at,

"Metal can do a lot on its own if you put it in the right form. I mean it might for them."

[tavar_of_alera]

"I know," Tavi agrees. "My friend Fade's a metalcrafter."

Beat.

"But even then... they'd think the metal stuff was done with metalcrafting. Which is sort of entirely against the point. I'm sure it can be done without."

[makesthings]

"Of course it can, it just takes longer. Have you ever tried it?"

Sam misses the crafting that he could do at home, here the focus is so much on swordfighting and he misses just making things.

[tavar_of_alera]

Tavi shakes his head. "Aunt Isana never liked me getting too near the forge. She was afraid I'd get hurt."

Tavi will totally help him find a forge and Fade--after all, not being a Cursor or a page to the First Lord, he'll have free time Tavi can't afford.

[makesthings]

"Oh, I just got in trouble if I spent too much time there."

After all its not right and proper for a Lord's son to want to learn such simple crafting though the soldiers were always glad to see him even if they didn't know what to do with him.

[tavar_of_alera]

Tavi just blinks.

"Why the crows would you get in trouble?"

[makesthings]

Standing just makes him feel awkward so Sam sits down looks at the stone of the courtyard,

"I didn't want to learn how to make swords, I wanted to know how to make ploughs and pulleys."

[tavar_of_alera]

Tavi's eyes brighten a little bit.

"I grew up on a farm," he tells Sameth. "But why would that be a problem? Sure, swords are always in demand in the Legions, but the Realm needs the other things too. Plenty."

[makesthings]

"My father's a High Lord on the Shieldwall, my crafting is needed for more important things."

He doesn't even hear the bitterness in his voice since its been there so long and after all Amelie is better at what matters.

[tavar_of_alera]

Tavi blinks. Sam looks nothing like Max, after all. "...Oh. You're Phrygius Samarus." He gives Sam an uncertain look.

[makesthings]

"Yes, Sam's easier though."

That way he doesn't feel as if his name is weighing him down.

[tavar_of_alera]

After a moment Tavi offers a tentative hand.

"Tavi of Bernardholt."

[makesthings]

Sam takes his and gives it a shake and a cautious smile,

"I know."

[tavar_of_alera]

He flushes a little, almost ashamed. "Oh. Yes. I guess that's Tavi Patronus Gaius, now," he says almost apologetically.

"Look at it this way," he continues. "So long as you help with the duties of your family, you can really do what you like in your spare time. And if it's helping the holders and freemen, the rest of your Citizens can just... accept that you're actually being useful." He may have Opinions.