Just Another Day

"Well, what did you think?" Nari asked as her mate and daughter came home.

"That was fun!" Shanku chirped. "Do you think there's a place for a travelling soldier? I want to go out and learn from other cultures and bring things back for us."

"That's certainly a unique position," Zanzen remarked. "After today, I'd say Captain Falak would even be on board."

"Perhaps you've found a place then," Nari offered.

"Perhaps, but I don't want to rush anything just yet," Shanku replied. "There's a lot of thought to put into intentional roaming like that. It was a fight and a half reaching the beginning of trade agreements between an Arnthian port and a Bhadarukian one, could you imagine how much work it would be to convince another society to give up their martial secrets?"

"Sounds like something you're cut out for," Zanzen said. "You do have a knack for it."

"And imagine the leg up you're going to have on the competition if you decide to be a warrior after sparring with me so much, Muso!" Shanku said and clapped her little brother on the shoulder.

"Either that, or they send me away too," Muso sighed. "I don't want to travel, I want to stay home!"

"Your mother does not disapprove of that," Nari said quickly. "Anything else on your occupational checklist, Shanku?"

"I could accompany Hilael for a day and see if I'm any good at gathering and medicine," Shanku suggested, and Hilael's ears drooped in annoyance. "Or see if Ina wants me to help her out with some of the more refined trades," Shanku added slyly when she noticed her brother's reluctance.

"It's not easy to get into that line of work. That is more strictly passed down among family than our jobs," Zanzen warned.

"Aw, drat," Shanku pouted. "Well, spring is around the corner, and I'm sure the farmers and shepherds could use a hand."

"You'd have to go to one of the outlying villages to pursue a career in farming or shepherding," Nari said. "There aren't any good places here for fields for vegetables or sheep."

"When do I have to make a decision, anyway? I keep bumping into other cubs who say they've already got apprenticeships lined up when they come back from a journey," Shanku asked.

"Pretty much before you leave on your coming-of-age journey," Nari replied. "I figure you only have another year or two before it's time for yours."

"Sounds fun. I'll worry about it when it gets here," Shanku remarked. "Until then, I'm going to keep bouncing around."

To Hilael's relief, Shanku went to spend the following day with Misen instead of him.

"What can your gran help you with?" Misen asked cheerily when Shanku dropped by.

"Trying to find a job," Shanku replied. "I've got to find my place, and I'm at a loss of what to do."

"What have you tried so far?" Misen asked. Shanku recounted her experiences over the past several weeks lending a hand with multiple trades. "It would seem you've tried plenty."

"And I would like to know if I'm any good at herbs and being a healer," Shanku added. "Hilael has been learning from you and he's pretty good at it, and as private as he is I know I'd just get on his nerves if I followed him around for a day, or several days."

"There's an awful lot to herbs," Misen warned. "It will take years of memorizing the different plants, how to use them, when not to use them, and how to gather them. And, technically, Hilael and I are apothecaries, not healers."

"Oh, well. Hrm... I've memorized lots of strange things, and, besides, if Captain Falak is serious about sending me off to learn new martial styles, then maybe I can find new plants to bring home too!" Shanku said happily.

"It'd be difficult managing two jobs," Misen warned.

"True, so I was leaning toward at least knowing enough I could look after myself," Shanku replied sheepishly. "Nearly met my end after I left the ships, and probably would have if Sigrid hadn't dragged me to that crazy old guy and he about slathered me to death in a foul-smelling thing that made my lungs stop burning. Then there was that time with the yamaer that Hilael fixed up."

"If you're going to go wandering about on your own, you may want to visit a real healer and learn how to go about setting bones," Misen advised.

"Then I suppose I'll do that next," Shanku agreed. Misen brought out her scrolls and began teaching her about treating issues with plants. She served a light lunch of some preserved squash and cheese before continuing her lessons.

"You'll need to see me several times a week if you're serious about this," Misen said when it was time for Shanku to leave.

"Aye, I will, and probably alternate with Hilael so I don't slow him down," Shanku nodded. "See you again later, Granny Misen!"