Slow Hands

As much as I can, I hate myself right now. Now, coming into making a new piece, that I had never tried making before, I knew that there was going to be a learning curve to making the tea pot. Yet, I still assumed that with a little difficulty, I would be able produce at least one piece that I liked, at least from the first batch of fired pots.

The problem with testing out pottery designs, and then firing them, is that you have to wait for the piece to dry enough, so that it will not crack while firing it. While I can use my powers to at least accelerate the process, it still takes a few days to get to the point from where I am comfortable about finally baking it. And when you are trying to get to a point where you are unsure if something will work, time flies past way too quickly.

With about five days of time taken per batch of test tea pots, fifteen days elapsed until I found a design that worked, and that I was content with. Fifteen days of testing, and waiting. And that is why I hate myself.

Now that I have one that I can consider a finished piece, though I still need to glaze it, I can start making one for the sale to the owner of the inn. I want to keep the first piece for myself. Partially as a remembrance for my own hubris, but also so I can have a reference for my design.

Once I start making the tea pot on a regular basis, I hopefully will not need to reference the pot. But at this point in time, I need it. I do not have the confidence of replicating my work from sheer memory.

As for how I am going to glaze the teapot, I would have liked to make them white. Unfortunately, I do not know how to make a white glaze, at least as of yet. I could just make the glaze out of the glaze with the clay I use, and nothing else, but I feel like your sustenance should not be presented on a tan colored item. It does not seem appealing to me.

I think that the best glaze that I have made, is the wood ash one. The silver color that comes forth from using it, is relatively attractive. It at least has an aura of cleanliness, unlike all the other glazes that I have used.

I do, however, wish to add a little bit more color to my work. A piece that is stark colored, is boring, at least to me. A strip of color along the edge of a piece is a good idea.

There has been a black stone that I have found, near my house, that I have been able to grind up and add to my mixes. From what I have seen, though faded, it has a black color to it. At last, I have found a color that is more vibrant than the dull ones that I have discovered.

After baking them, and glazing the pieces with the wood ash glaze, I let them dry for a few minutes before I started to decorate my pieces of work. So, setting the pieces on my wheel, I took a brush and applied that black glaze to the edge of the pieces. I still need to work on steadying my hand when brushing in the glaze, but I am pleased with my work.

As for the tea pot, I applied the black glaze to the lid of the pot, and the base of the pot itself. Hopefully, the two colors will contrast enough. And, finally, on the bottom of each piece, I marked each with what I believe is called a maker's mark. I am not fully sure if I am correct over that terminology, but I think it is at least close enough for all that I care.

* * *

Girts has pleased with how the pieces came out. While unlike the first time, I did not receive a tip for my labor. It is purely up to him, but I was silently considering what I would spend the extra income on.

I am not even considering that the cost of thirty bronze coins is expensive. On an everyday basis, thirty coins is not cheap. And as his tip is voluntary, it is of his own discretion on if he should give one or not.

When it was time to go to the inn, I was not sure what to expect. I thought the work was at least respectable, but I am unsure how the owner will feel about them. This is my first real transaction, and I need it to go well.

"Here is what you ordered." (Rehor)

"They appear to be what I asked for. You said the cost was going to be three bronze and eight iron?" (Yarona)

"That is the quote that I said, but I'm going to only make it an even three bronze." (Rehor)

"While I am welcome for any discount, that is not going to make me be influenced for any possible future order." (Yarona)

"I understand, ma'am. That was not my intention." (Rehor)

"As long as you understand." (Yarona)

"Thank you for at least be willing to make a sample order." (Rehor)

"Give me a few weeks. If I find this set to be satisfactory, I might have a future order for you. And the emphasis is on the might." (Yarona)

"I understand. Thank you for your business, and have a good day." (Rehor)

"You too. Be well." (Yarona)

"Thank you, ma'am." (Rehor)

With that, the transaction was completed. While I was not reassured with future business, I was also not flat out rejected. There was some possibility, at least, that I might be able to have some future work requested of me.

Finally, I have money in my purse. And now, to spend go spend it. I would have liked to keep a hold of this money, at least for a time, but I do need to buy what I need. I can not keep on relying on my parents' generosity. I am my own person now, and should only rely on myself.