Doctor Who Drabble: The Candle-Maker

[bk_forever]

Title: The Candle-Maker

Author: badly_knitted

Characters: Rose Tyler

Rating: G

Written For: Challenge 058: chandler / castellan at dw100

Spoilers: Nada.

Summary: Somewhere in earth’s past, Rose watches a craftswoman at work.

Disclaimer: I don’t own Doctor Who, or the characters.

The Chandler is a wizened old woman, and Rose watches in fascination as she dips the wicks into the bubbling vat of tallow, each time adding another layer that must be allowed to set before the candle to be is dipped again, growing a little more each time.

These aren’t the fancy scented candles she’s used to back home, the ones designed to add fragrance and atmosphere to a room. They’re purely practical, for lighting the homes of those who can’t afford oil lamps, and they smell awful.

Once again, Rose is grateful she comes from a place with electricity.

The End

Comments

[but_can_i_be_trusted]

I remember seeing a segment on possibly 'Sesame Street' when I was little that showed how candles were made, and then on the Science Channel a few years ago, 'How It's Made' showed how they make ornate, multicolor carved candles. Both processes were absolutely fascinating. :) I'd completely forgotten until I read this.

Good point about the smell; tallow would probably smell terrible, compared to beeswax, or to the scented ones that are all over the place these days. I never thought about that.

[bk_forever]

In the past, it would be animal fat and stuff, so naturally it would stink to our delicate senses, lol!

I think I saw candlemaking on TV at some point, but I can't remember where. You have a much better memory than me o_O

[owensheart.livejournal.com]

I think we are all thankful for electricity lol

Great drabble.

[bk_forever]

I know I am - my computer runs on it!

Thank you!