Curtain Tapestry of M'kla with Torinth
Date:February 17, 1994
Crafter's rank: Apprentice
Basic Description
Muted shades of green and brown threads form the background landscape of
this tapestry, hanging in front of the entrance to M'kla's sleeping
quarters - the beautiful shores of the Ruatha River. Similarly shaded
blues create the clear sky above. The background is not overly detailed,
however, in order that the viewer's attention will be drawn to the focus
of the piece - M'kla and green Torinth, with the rider's firelizard fair
flitting randomly about the work. Rider and dragon are evidently
relaxing. M'kla's riding jacket is open casually as she sits back,
leaning her frame against Torinth's side. Strands of golden-yellow ripple
across the tapestry to create her short curly hair, and the threads
forming her eyes never seem to be the same colour when looked at from
different angles. Torinth's hide almost shimmers with deep emerald
colours, darkening slightly across her back and wings. She lies basking
on the shore, eyelids closed in somnolence. A few Threadscars are visible
on her otherwise flawless hide, mute evidence of the battles she and her
rider have fought against Pern's ancient enemy. A lavender and white
label in one corner shows that this is the work of Opa, Apprentice Weaver.
Detail: Backing
A lightweight cloth of brilliant sea green has been sewn to the underside
of the tapestry. Stitches of black thread not visible from the front have
been carefully sewn in patterns of gradually enlarging squares. This
creates an almost quilted effect, making the back a work in itself.
Detail: Firelizard Fair
M'kla's astoundingly large fair of nine firelizards are dotted randomly
about the work. Some are perched upon Torinth, and others hover in the
air, framing the dragon and rider in a whirlwind of colour.
Detail: Green Firelizards
There are two green firelizards in the tapestry, both hovering in the air
above the shore. One of them, just above Torinth's wedge-shaped head, is
a shocking seaweed green colour, which demands the viewer's attention.
The second has been woven from threads of rich emerald, and is flying,
wings outstretched, in the top left half of the piece.
Detail: Blue Firelizards
The tiniest of the three blues is perched on one of Torinth's forelegs,
his midnight blue hide with purple tinges on the underside of his wings
contrasting well with that of the dragon. The largest is diving down from
the air, seemingly towards the dragon's neck ridges. The third is off to
the side, perched on the shore, his hide formed by smudged indigo threads.
Detail: Brown Firelizards
Arching upwards over the middle of Torinth's back is a brown firelizard
woven in a woody brown thread, darker brown stripes on the edges of his
wings. Perched on the dragon directly below him is another brown, his
hide slightly duller, like an autumn leaf fallen long ago.
Detail: Metallic Firelizards
Curled up beside M'kla on the sand is a sharply outlined bronze. The
threads forming his hide attract the light of the room, creating a
metallic-like sheen. He appears to be fast asleep. Perched triumphantly
in her elite position atop M'kla's right shoulder is a gold firelizard of
pure amber threads. Her tail can be seen peeking out the left side of the
rider's neck.
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