"It's so not fair! We're both descended from the previous wielder so why does only she get to use the staff-hey, are you listening!?
I was narrating my woes to the only person who'd actually listen. Our village eccentri-ahem-blacksmith. Our society is one in which people would chose magic over robots any day so for the most part people like this guy who are really interested in technology, are rare. The villagers interact with him if they have to or they need something fixed but for the most part they leave him alone.
Except me of course. Since almost no one comes down here plus he's anti social anyways I don't have to worry about anything I'm saying being leaked. Boy, if my parents knew what I was saying they'd give me an earful. Actually they already did for leaving the ceremony early. Ugh. Who cares? I wasn't even the center of attention.
I look back at the old man who's mumbling to himself and fiddling around. "Heeeeeey, LISTEN!"
He looks back at me with a really exhausted expression. He's already tried various ways to get me to leave.
He said to me a few days back "you're like a slug, you know that? Always clinging on."
I proceeded to ignore him, I'd much rather be a pony.
Back to the present, he looks at me and says "why don't you build your own?"
I stare at him blankly. "What?"
"Your sister has the staff right? You could always build your own and make it how you like it."
I sit there, stunned, as the words ring in my head.
My own.
Build my own.
My own staff.
However I like it.
My own.
My own.
My-"I'll do it!"
I look up at the old man with a glimmer in my eye. When can we start?
He looks at me like I'm crazy. "I'm not building it for you. Find someone else."
"But-but you're the only one..."
"I don't care, find someone else."
I look at his back as he lugs his materials away and my eyes flash. Hump, you're not winning this one old man.
That very same day I inform my parents of my desire to be the old man's apprentice. They are very supportive since this is the first time I've expressed interest in anything other than the staff. They go to have a talk with the old guy and the very next day I'm off to report to my apprenticeship, I wonder what they told him?
I still continue my early morning staff practices with Kasia though. I of course need to keep my skills in shape for my new staff. But I tell my parents it's for self defense. Since I have an apprenticeship anyway, they let me off.
And so my leisurely days are at an end with an apprenticeship and continued staff practice.