[Dictated/Action]

[lightbranded]

 [After a lot of thought Will had decided that he needed a hobby. It was all very well being the Watchman, but one could not simply watch the world pass by for months on end.  Even Old Ones had other projects they worked on.  John Wayland Smith had had his smithy.  Farmer Dawson had had his farm. Even Merriman had had his life as an Oxford Professor.

And when Will had started thinking of what he could do, his thoughts had gone inevitably to his father's jewelry shop.  To the delicate wirework and engraved precious metals.  And to the few lessons in engraving his father had given him.

And Will thought this this was something he would like to continue learning.

And so he had begun by going to the library. He had selected a stack of books on beginning metalwork and curled up in a chair as he patiently read them.  Eventually the boy reaches for his journal and dictates into it.]

I don't suppose anyone here knows anything about engraving or jewelry making?

Comments

[whichwayyoulean]

Not really all that great on the jewellery front. Isn't there one in town?

A jewellers, I mean.

[lightbranded]

There is one, I think. [The boy's voice is thoughtful.] But that is a good suggestion. They might be willing to teach me some things. If it is the sort of jewelry shop that creates and alters jewelry, that is.

[whichwayyoulean]

Given where it is, it's probably likely. I mean, I aside from residents it's not like anyone would bring in anything new to trade or pawn. It's gotta be worth a shot.

[lightbranded]

There is rarely harm in asking, anyway.

[whichwayyoulean]

Sure, and you never know what you might get.

...Are you making a gift or something?

[lightbranded]

Nothing in particular. I would just like to learn. Dad is a jeweler, you see. And he taught me some things last year.

[Privately Will thought that his father was hoping for at least one of the nine Stanton children to follow in his footsteps.]

[legacydeck]

Engraving metal? Or something else?

I know a bit, though it's been a while since I've done it by hand.

Dictated

[wizard_redfive]

I've made jewelry before but no engravings.

[whichwayyoulean]

Oh, well that's pretty cool. I bet people could use a skill like that here.

[lightbranded]

Dad was teaching me to engrave gold. I rather enjoyed it.

[lightbranded]

That is something. I was learning engraving at home, but I haven't learned much of the other skills.

[lightbranded]

I don't know how useful it would be, but I think I would like to learn all the same.I don't know how useful it would be, but I think I would like to learn all the same.

[whichwayyoulean]

You never know. Come Christmas time people might want someone who can make fancy jewellery. Then there's birthdays, anniversaries. There's a niche in the market there.

[lightbranded]

I hadn't really thought of it like that. [What was wanting to make money off skills?]

[legacydeck]

I've done work with both gold and silver - gold is easier, though, I find.

[whichwayyoulean]

See? You can make money to get better things, and so sell them at a higher price. Get yourself a good name. Eventually, you'd be the person everyone would go to for that kind of thing.

[Here, Will, let me tell you all about capitalism]

[lightbranded]

[Will considers this.]

I don't really think I need a name for myself, thanks. Don't really have much need for money either.

[lightbranded]

It is a little softer, isn't it? [But he sounded unsure about it.]

[whichwayyoulean]

[But but but but]

...You'd probably be happier for it.


I guess.

[lightbranded]

Sorry? [Will didn't really understand why what he had said was upsetting, but he supposed it was polite to apologize anyway.]

I've never seen the point, really.

[whichwayyoulean]

[He will NEVER TELL]

There isn't one. Unless you count making more money, and making something of yourself. [Making your momma proud]

[lightbranded]

Mum always says being happy is better than being successful. Dad thinks about the same.

[whichwayyoulean]

[Oh, good. Happy families, this sure is the Once-ler's favourite subject ever]

Do they? Well, good for them. I bet that gives them happy lives.

[lightbranded]

It is a rather pleasant life. I like it.

Dad has a small jewelry shop over in Eton and Mum runs the farm. With so many of us, there is always more than enough help to get everything done.

[whichwayyoulean]

[He's fully aware that a touch of hateful envy probably isn't a healthy reaction to have towards someone who's only crime is being raised in a happy loving environment, but it doesn't stop it from happening. At least he manages to keep his tone at the very best disinterested]

Sounds like you had everything going for you.