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+---- Thread: [PQ] certain angles of light (/showthread.php?tid=11111)
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RE: certain angles of light - Iskra - 04-15-2025
Iskra quickly gave up on the 'game' Goose was trying to entice him into, especially as each passing moment meant more of the bread slid down the dog's gullet. Swearing under his breath, Iskra stalked back to the breakfast table, carefully pushing some of the plates back from the edges. Grabbing back his own food, and a cup of cocoa, Iskra joined Deimos and Elizabeth. He munched as he listened to their ideas, nodding along with the thoughts as he strove to clear his throat, some of the bread gumming up in his cheeks. [say]"We could dig further down and make the springs underground."[/say] He grimaced a bit as he said it, because it meant that much more digging. [say]"It would help retain the heat more and make it less noticeable for future... targeting."[/say] He didn't have a strong opinion on it though and shrugged. He mostly worked above ground, so he could be completely wrong.
Having finished his cocoa, he set the mug down, picking up the familiar shovel instead. His fingers complained as they wrapped around the handle. He'd wrapped his hands today, an extra layer to fight off blisters, but his muscles would just have to make due and hold out for another warm soak in the bath later tonight. [say]"Let's do it,"[/say] he murmured to himself, and set back to the section he'd left yesterday, whistling to maintain a steady pace.
Iskra suggests digging MORE and putting it underground, and then he begins digging.
RE: certain angles of light - Deimos - 04-16-2025
Nodding at the thoughts about the protective dome, he pondered over the potentials and choices. The Fangs had been a natural barrier – until it wasn’t – and so this required a bit more finesse and calculations. Glass might’ve been appealing for the greenhouse, due to the necessity of its affects, but not as sturdy or robust as brick or stone. If they extended it outwards, it would need a lot more work, but they had quite a few people…
Anything underground lately didn’t hold as much appeal as it might’ve done months before, but he didn’t wrinkle his nose at the comment. [say]“For now, the only thing we need to guard it against is the snow.”[/say] He couldn’t imagine the Family coming in to target heated water – but then again, could always be wrong. He’d eat his words if it came down to that. [say]“I wonder if we might have to add a magical barrier on it when the time comes.”[/say] But snagging at Family blood again wasn’t going to happen anytime soon, and he wouldn’t leave himself a piece for Dahlia to infect.
Mulling it over while they dug, his enchantments soaked into the earth once more, allowing for a more pliable digging. They maneuvered with the usual labor and care, hoisting out more loam off to the side for others to take away – perhaps for future gardening expertise in the greenhouse, or to be in Amhran’s pockets.
After another hour though, his restless mind persisted. [say]“We can take a break,”[/say] he insisted again, at least for water. Wheelbarrows were dropped while he mulled over, going to the table and creating a piece of parchment across the surface. [say]“Thought we could plan a little. If anyone wants to stay here with me, instead of digging, so we can come up with a dome that might work and could be built soon, you may.”[/say] And of course, if they wanted to keep maneuvering through the dirt, that was fine as well.
--
[say]Round 6
The digging is about ¾ of the way through! Take a break! You may choose to keep digging afterwards, or help Deimos draw up ideas for the dome.[/say]
RE: certain angles of light - Iskra - 04-16-2025
The digging was hard, and dull, but... no actually there wasn't anything positive about it. He did not complain though, aside from a few involuntary groans and grunts from time to time as his shovel caught in unexpected ways or he leaned his weight against an uncooperative wheelbarrow. Gods why did it seem like barely filling them made them so damned heavy? His arms were lead, the muscles weary from the day prior and tiring faster, but pushing through the aches helped break it up and loosen the otherwise cramping portions. It felt ok now, but it might feel like the logging mule cart ran him over when he woke up tomorrow. That was tomorrow's problem though.
As Deimos called for a break, likely feeling his own compounding weariness—Iskra hoped at least, or perhaps the Resurrected Sword was just merciful—Iskra happily dropped his shovel against the nearest wheelbarrow. Smearing sweat and dust from his cheeks against the inside of his sleeves, Iskra did his best to freshen up a bit before reaching for the water at the table. He sipped deeply, his earlier choice of cocoa a stupid mistake with all this manual labor, maybe it was why he felt like sludge. He splashed some of the water on his face, rubbing is against his beard as he felt a rising itch.
New cup of water in hand, he joined Deimos near the spread out paper. Iskra glanced over the plans as he sipped slowly now, but he felt no fresher ideas than the ones he provided earlier. [say]"I'll stay where I'm of better use,"[/say] Iskra said easily, placing his water to the side as he reached back for his shovel and resumed the task of moving dirt from point a to take it to point b.
Iskra will keep digging!
RE: certain angles of light - Elizabeth - 04-16-2025
Elizabeth also thought over the problem as she worked. She wasn't an expert in architecture or weather, but she couldn't imagine anything other than a thick barrier being sufficient to protect the Springs from the elements. As she shoved and lifted dirt, her mind continued to spin, at least distracting her from the ache of her muscles, the fatigue a distant thought in her overactive mind.
When Deimos called for a break, she let out a loud sigh, ruffling a piece of hair that had fallen over her face from her ponytail. Swiping it back, she returned her shovel and moved to stand next to the Warden, more than happy to escape the toils of labor for a little while. Watching as he laid out a sheet of paper, her head tilted, one of her ideas coming to mind. [say]"What if we made a temporary barrier? We could make it similar to a tent, with metal or earth beams to hold tarp. As long as it's properly secure, it should last a week or so, giving us a chance to come up with a more permanent option and gather the appropriate people, supplies, and whatnot. I was thinking that metal might also be a good option in place of brick or stone, light but firm."[/say] Her eyes raised to look at the others, wondering what their thoughts might be.
Elizabeth digs then chooses to help with brainstorming!
RE: certain angles of light - Deimos - 04-17-2025
Contemplating and considering around another croissant, he hemmed and hawed over the particulars. But in the end, it likely wouldn’t do much good to rush on something just because he could - a poorly honed construction system would likely fall apart soon thereafter, and he’d have to start over anyway. [say]“We could try it. And it probably would not take long to create. By then, we may have better ideas anyway.”[/say] And individuals who weren’t tired of seeing endless snow and earth. [say]“Thank you,”[/say] and he wrinkled his nose towards Elizabeth, juvenile and in jest. [say]“Would you prefer to help oversee the construction, or head back into the dirt?”[/say] He moved over a few feet, granting room, hands already busy creating and contorting a metallic system that she could help stake and tarp down with others if she was over the moving of loam business.
As for Iskra, he persisted and continued amongst his fellow workers, and by the end of it, they had wheelbarrows full, ready to load, and whisk away. The area itself was clean and ready – and would be even more so once the remnants were unfurled elsewhere, and there was a cover in place until the next parts were completed. [say]“Looks good,”[/say] Deimos rumbled from his overseeing portions. [say]“We can get rid of these portions, clean up, and we should be done for the day.”[/say]
--
[say]Round 7
The digging is done! Elizabeth has a choice of helping construct the barrier (Deimos has created the materials) with workers or help unload the wheelbarrows. The rest will go dump the dirt! [/say]
RE: certain angles of light - Elizabeth - 04-17-2025
Elizabeth was surprised to hear her idea so readily accepted, eyebrows raising in a mixture of shock and delight. She nodded her head along with his words, trying not to be too excited about it all when he gave her the options. Laughing lightly, she gave him a playful smile. [say]"I get the feeling you already know the answer, but I'm flattered by the offer."[/say] Maybe she could turn her brown coat a dirtier shade of the color.
With Deimos's supplying the necessary components, Elizabeth slipped into a more directive role. She rolled up her sleeves and assigned groups of people to the different aspects of the tent-like structure: poles, tarp, and securement. Flitting between the different groups herself, she used a combination of magic, hands, and mediation skills to configure and form the dome, a soft yet determined expression on her face all the while.
Elizabeth helps/oversees the building of the temporary dome!
RE: certain angles of light - Iskra - 04-17-2025
It was done. The dirt had been pulled back like the peel of an orange, the ripe spot for the hot springs ready underneath the tedious shifting and grading of the soil. At Deimos' rumble of approval, Iskra lifted a hand in recognition, too weary to manage anything else. He stood, beaded in sweat and crusted with a shell of dust over every inch of exposed skin, catching his breath for a moment. He moved back to the water table once more, guzzling eagerly along with many of the other workers, each exchanging some tired pats on the back. This labor was for each of them, all of them benefiting from this reclaimed jewel of Halo.
Glancing sidelong at the plans in passing, he smiled at both Deimos and Elizabeth, kneeled over in ideas and soon morphing those into reality as new materials and structures began to raise around him. Still keeping it simple, Iskra went back with the other workers to their favorite dirt, the last dregs of their strength reserved for this final sweep across the area. Wheelbarrows churned under the guidance of tired hands, and mules brayed as carts swayed with the rocks and debris piled in them. Goose trotted along with Iskra, his snout brown from some digging he had done earlier (it had actually been tossing the dirt back in, content as he kept Iskra company through the final labors of hauling off the extra earth.
Iskra hauls away dirt!
RE: certain angles of light - Deimos - 04-18-2025
Deimos smirked and shrugged at Elizabeth’s remark, but otherwise trusted and left her to deal with the temporary structures. Between all the workers and her own finesse, they managed to construct something that would be able to handle some amounts of snow – for a week. It would grant the Sword enough time to figure out next steps and portions too.
Combined efforts of carting dirt and loam around, while fatiguing, earned them an area free of loose soil – that could eventually be filled with water, and provide them the necessary means to move forward with healing properties and prosperities…again.
Thereafter, after rolling his shoulders and surveying the rest of their area, all that was left to do was tidy up the surroundings. [say]“We can take care of the tools, and any debris you see around. Then we will be done.”[/say] Another satisfying end to the day.
--
[say]Round 8!
Clean up the area, help put away tools, and probably take any remaining snacks.[/say]
RE: certain angles of light - Elizabeth - 04-18-2025
The structure slowly began to take shape, poles and tarps secured into place with precision. She gave the others approving smiles and thanked them for their hard work as they completed the last section, encouraging them to take snacks as they departed. As for herself, Elizabeth took a moment to admire the plans come to life, her hands on her hips and a soft smile on her lips.
After basking in the moment, she did as Deimos instructed, turning to gather any loose tools or supplies. It was easy to snag them with magic as she passed, although the fatigue was already building in her veins, reminding her that it had been another long day that would require its own recovery of food and rest.
Walking to the array of snacks, she gathered a piece for herself before assisting in pawning them off to the other visitors. Her smile was warm, if not tinged with exhaustion, as she handed over bakery items and other assortments. Spotting Iskra and Deimos, she offered a small wave. [say]"Good work today!"[/say]
Elizabeth helps clean up!
RE: certain angles of light - Iskra - 04-18-2025
In-between the dirt hauls, Iskra would come back each time and find more of the new structure arranged and secured. He lifted a hand against the sun to glance up at it, appreciating the hard work and the design crafted by them. Given all the sweat poured into this, he couldn't wait to use the springs once they completed in full.
Dusting off his hands, Iskra grabbed another treat from the table as Deimos gave the last bout of instruction for this phase of the project. Stuffing the remaining pastry in his maw, eager to be done, Iskra set about to gathering the tools along with everyone else. He piled his in the wheelbarrow he'd been using, and any other larger rocks he didn't like in the dirt still. Beside him, Goose trotted happily with a gangly, dried root he'd found amongst the clearing. Iskra smiled, patting the top of the dog's head.
He hauled his container of tools and rocks towards where they were all being deposited, to be stored back in the tool sheds they'd come from originally. Iskra waved at some of the workers in thanks, and ducked out, finally complete. Stiff, sore, tired, he made his way back to the table for one last drink of water and a snack for the road home, to his bath. [say]"We'll have to have a spa day to recover, once it's done,"[/say] he grinned at them. [say]"Until then, I'm gonna soak myself to sleep."[/say] Elizabeth's compliment was warming, and he offered her a raised hand in thanks, [say]"you too!"[/say]
Iskra puts away tools and grabs a snack.
RE: certain angles of light - Deimos - 04-18-2025
Another diligent portion to the day complete, Deimos didn’t dare ask what a ‘spa day’ was, but his mind was already roaming around various portions he could concoct for cover plans and plots, and then soaking in idle family time.
Between the three of them, and the rest of the workers, everything was placed just so – ensuring multitudes were fed, tools put away, and any debris no longer left settling into snow. [say]“Well done,”[/say] he announced to the entire lot of them, with all the gratitude and acknowledgments he could muster and extend.
And eventually, they could all disperse, knowing their efforts had put them one step closer to recreating an essence of Halo once sanctified.
--
And the digging is complete! Thank you for all the help and swiftness!
[FIN]