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certain angles of light - Deimos - 04-12-2025
With the decision made on a new location for the springs, the Warden made plans to persist in the coming morning. Space amidst the Palace’s encompassing wake, and by the infirmary, wasn’t difficult to come by; but the act of digging was going to be – given their environment.
But Deimos didn’t arrive without a multitude of tools and workers at his disposal. Hoping the lure of freshly baked breakfast items might gather a few others nearby, he left tea, coffee, and a wide range of croissants and buns warm on a table, before surveying the area. There were no intentions of making extra work – so first steps would be crucial.
Once everyone had gathered, the Sword finished off his own portions of warm tea, and began to unfurl instructions. [say]“Thank you for coming to help. First thing we need to do is map off the area we want to utilize.”[/say] And opting to decide how massive an undertaking they’d be doing over the next few ventures. Snagging at some string, and yardsticks to plunge into the snow, they’d be able to measure and portion out the length and width of the future thresholds.
--
[say]Round One
This is an RQ PQ to dig a new location for the hot springs. Feel free to grab some breakfast items, then help measure out the area. You may use any of the workers nearby to assist.
1. Deimos
2. Iskra
3. Elizabeth
[/say]
RE: certain angles of light - Elizabeth - 04-12-2025
Maybe when she mentioned being willing to help Deimos, she should have added the obvious caveat of 'unless it involves manual labor.' The last few community service tasks she'd been involved in had left her exhausted, physically and magically. So exhausted that she'd barely been able to lift her cup of tea as she defrosted in the heat of her fireplace. Now, as she looked over the frozen ground, she got the feeling that today would end no different.
Deciding that was a problem for future Elizabeth, she gave the men a warm smile as she cradled a mug of steaming tea in her gloved hands. [say]"Well then, let's get measuring."[/say] She immediately enlisted the assistance of a few nearby volunteers, pulling her notebook from her bag as they read off measurements between placed stakes and strings. On occasion, Elizabeth used her telekinesis to hold something in place or retrieve another piece of equipment. Throughout it all, she offered encouraging smiles and soft words of praise, appreciative of the help.
Elizabeth arrives to help!
RE: certain angles of light - Iskra - 04-13-2025
As promised to Deimos, Iskra was happy to lend a hand in whatever way he could to help Halo and the rebuilding of the springs. It was no surprise to the woodcutter that he was enlisted for some of the more physically demanding aspects, as his physical strength was probably one of the few skills he could provide. What was surprising was seeing Elizabeth gathered beside the tea. Iskra and Goose moved next to her, the latter bumping her hand with a wet nose in memory of what great scratches those fingers provided. [say]"You never seem to stop surprising,"[/say] Iskra said by way of greeting, smiling at her with a surprised lift to his 'brows as he reached for a pastry. He tore off bits and offered them to the hound as he ate, grateful for the warm, sugary treat since he'd had to skip breakfast to make it here on time.
As Deimos gathered them, Iskra turned around, nodding towards the Warden in greeting and later in understanding of the plan. [say]"I'm putting you to work today boy,"[/say] Iskra said pointedly to Goose as the two walked towards the pile of tools. Iskra had his axe on his belt, as always, but he also gathered some stakes, string, a shovel, and a pickaxe. Finding his own portion of the ground to work on, Iskra began directing a few workers. One of those workers included Goose, who faithfully held one end of a string while Iskra pulled the other end taut, allowing it to be accurately measured by another man. Patiently they waited while their string was then staked down after the measurement was recorded.
Iskra starts to measure
RE: certain angles of light - Deimos - 04-13-2025
They all set out with measuring credentials; staking off portions, amidst dogs, lumberjacks, therapists, Wardens, and the like – until they have a sufficiently mapped out area of where the springs would go. Stepping back after running his own string in proportions, Deimos surveyed repeatedly, and when everything seemed sufficient, nodded, capable of proceeding into their next tasks.
Which, of course, given the nature of where they lived, would be snow removal. [say]“We need to get rid of all of this first,”[/say] he added, jutting his jawline towards the mass of snow within the penned-off area. Contemplating schematics and workers, he unfurled a long breath and rolled his shoulders. There were a ready amount of shovels available, and they could start piles that others could get rid of while they worked and labored. [say]“If we put it aside, some of us can remove it.”[/say] To more future assemblages of powder – but they could always find a use for it.
--
[say]Round 2
With the area mapped out, the characters should start removing snow from the area. Your character can choose to help pile the snow out, or help cart it off to another pile somewhere else. You may use tools, magic, etc. No post order![/say]
RE: certain angles of light - Elizabeth - 04-13-2025
As she gathered her hot tea in her hand, she felt the wet press of a nose just as a familiar voice reached her. Smiling, Elizabeth was more than happy to oblige Goose with more scratches as she looked to Iskra with a warm laugh. [say]"By helping the community? I'd hope that would be the least surprising thing."[/say] Even if it did involve her dislike of manual labor - although perhaps 'dislike' was the wrong word, 'ineptitude'?
Whatever the case, she was more than happy to complete the task in the company of the woodcutter, and she nodded politely as she moved to work, her voice gentle and kind. [say]"But it's nice to see you both again."[/say] She flashed him another smile before getting lost in the throng of people, focusing on measuring and placement before Deimos directed them to their next objective.
Elizabeth looked at the covering of snow, trying not to groan at the effort it was going to take to clear it all. Instead, she stowed away her notebook to free a hand, lifting it as she called forth her magic. [say]"I'll see what I can do about clearing some of this."[/say] She'd tried it once before and failed terribly. She hoped this time might be different, aware that it would be very embarrassing if she failed a second time.
Elizabeth uses her telekinesis to try clearing some of the snow!
RE: certain angles of light - Iskra - 04-13-2025
His response died on his lips before he could mutter it to Elizabeth at the pastry table. He wasn't certain at first if he'd stumbled his words badly around her again and she actually thought that he thought she wouldn't help their city, or if she was teasing him. The uncertainty plagued him a bit as he worked, but was soon lost to the whisper of his thoughts as he focused on the tasks. It was why he liked working so hard every day; it quieted the mind, for better or worse.
As they finished, Iskra dusted off his pants and returned the remaining string and sticks he had on hand. He held up a hand to his forehead, blocking off the morning sun that was cutting through so he could better see Deimos as he directed them to the next phase. Glancing at Elizabeth as she concentrated her efforts into her magic, Iskra decided now was not the time to correct his statement, lest he cause a blunder. Yet, he was painfully aware, the more he waited, the more awkward it would become later. He wondered dimly when he'd pass the point of no return, but again let the worry subside into the effort of his hands as he shoveled snow into a cart. When it neared full, he nodded to the other workers and heaved against it, needing that first budge of movement to get it rolling to the dump site. Goose, unhelpfully, barked at the wheels while Iskra grunted, one foot sliding slightly. He found the traction though, and managed to get it going as sweat beaded his brow.
Iska does some shoveling but is mostly hauling it in carts
RE: certain angles of light - Deimos - 04-13-2025
Ignoring whatever he heard of the conversation, given that it had nothing to do with him, he did arch a brow at Elizabeth’s retort, and then gazed back at Iskra with a slight shrug. Having stepped into that blunder himself recently, the only advice he’d be able to give was his habitual, concise portion on the subject. And then he tossed the dog a treat from his pocket, and off they went into the next section.
Combined efforts between himself and Elizabeth fared decently – her telekinesis bound over the top portions and laden multitudes off to the side to be eventually carted off. The Sword’s platitudes amidst Air and Earth made quick work of their area, and more than once he neatly laid parts of it into ready wagons and sleds.
Before long the others had done their parts as well – and eventually they had a well-oiled machine of snow disappearing from the partitioned portions, and being wielded off elsewhere. Iskra too fared well, though more than once he’d ended up tipping his cart off on ice, however, he was quick to right it before he lost too much in the wake (likely no one would notice in all the constant state of winter anyway).
All in all, it had taken time, amidst all the efforts and labor (hours, in fact) so once they were done with those segments and components, he rolled his shoulders, narrowing his eyes at the work that remained. [say]“Go ahead and take a break,”[/say] there’d still be some laden things about, but water was foremost on his mind. [say]“Then I think we will have to tackle the digging. I can loosen up the ground with my magic, and hopefully that will make it more bearable.”[/say]
--
[say]Round 3
The snow has been removed, but has taken several hours. Go ahead and have your character take a break, then pick out a section to start digging. Deimos will make this easier for everyone. XD No post order.[/say]
RE: certain angles of light - Elizabeth - 04-13-2025
Totally oblivious that her words hadn't been taken as the joke they were meant to be, Elizabeth proudly moved the snow with her magic. It went much better than last time, and she did her best to push it into manageable piles for those transporting it all. Having finished her tea a while ago, she was similarly parched, grateful to hear the call for a break.
She found the picked-over table of food, snagging a piece of croissant to refuel the energy she'd lost in her magic usage before securing a large glass of water. Spotting Iskra and Deimos nearby, she secured them each a glass as well. Her smile was already tired but warm with encouragement as she approached Deimos first, offering the refreshments. [say]"This is going really well. You're doing a great job."[/say] He didn't need her approval, but she gave it freely, seeing how the others followed his directions diligently, how they respected his leadership. It was admirable, and she hoped he knew how much everyone respected him.
Once he'd taken the drink, she gave a nod of her head and moved to Iskra. Elizabeth brightened a little as she offered the water. [say]"How are things going?"[/say] Not that she expected him to be struggling with the manual labor, but she was curious of their progress, nonetheless. Grinning, she leaned down to pet Goose, scratching behind his ears as she did so. [say]"Has Goose been putting in all the work?"[/say] It was half for the dog and half teasing at Iskra.
It wasn't until she'd checked on the others that Elizabeth got to work. Her magic wouldn't do much good against the earth, so she grabbed a shovel, pulling her hair back into a short ponytail before doing her best to dig into the ground. It took most of her weight to get the shovel down, then to leverage it and lift the dirt, but she did her best, making slow progress through the section.
Elizabeth helps dig!
RE: certain angles of light - Iskra - 04-13-2025
The day wore on with an almost unnoticed passage of time as they each bowed their heads to the work. Goose had long since given up on his antics and dozed in a ball in a patch of sun, after checking every so often on Deimos to see if he or Elizabeth had any more snacks or scratches to offer. Only when fatigue began to set in and the cart toppled a time or two (which was more exhausting to deal with), did Iskra pause to look around and realize where the sun was. That, and just how much damn snow they had moved. It was always a wonder how the light and fluffy blanket of white could be so troublesome, but maybe that was just his Torchline heritage coming through.
Thankfully, he began to tire when the rest of the men and he had finished carting away the last of what Deimos, Elizabeth, and the others had cleared. Deimos called for a break and Iskra was glad for the respite. He settled for a seat in the shade near everyone else after grabbing a piece of fruit from the table. He bit into the juicy skin as Elizabeth drew near, water in hand. He graciously accepted, dipping his head to her as he reached for it. [say]"Thanks! Oh, you know, always think I'm strong and then I work different muscles that tree chopping doesn't use and I'm reminded that strength is relative."[/say] He chuckled as he sipped at the water. Between the shade, food and drink, and light talk, he was already feeling the pep return. [say]"Your magic seems to have been a good idea, that's not one I've learned yet"[/say] he said easily, looking for a compliment to pay her to ease up his jumbled words from earlier, at which point he had decided was far too long ago to bother bringing up again. Better she think him a touch rude than also insane; still oblivious to their crossed wires. [say]"Oh, yeah, can'tr you tell?"[/say] Iskra gestured humorously to the napping dog. [say]"Supervising is hard work, I hear."[/say]
As the rest concluded—a tricky balance of long enough to recover and short enough not to lose steam—Iskra got back to his feet and traded his glass for the shovel he'd grabbed earlier, the pickaxe still close by if needed. Deimos was practically an ox in the field, and Iskra had to admire the man's strength and mana both as he manipulated the ground with apparent ease. The academy is always open. Iskra recalled his words from days passed, and considered them more acutely this time.
Grunting, Iskra leaned into the soil with his shovel, over and over.
Iskra DIGS
RE: certain angles of light - Deimos - 04-14-2025
Deimos’ magic churned through the soil, breaking apart all the frozen, solidified portions, making it far easier to scoop and sift and pile. He didn’t expect Elizabeth’s compliment through all the haze of concentration and focus, momentarily giving a widening of his eyes in surprise, before smiling and snorting. [say]“Thank you. This all comes with the territory.”[/say] But then they were back to the job at hand, and the enchantments wove in and out of the debris.
Workers did just that – Iskra and Elizabeth included, until they were about halfway through. The multitudes of this labor, however, we very extensive, and despite the Warden’s seemingly endless fortitude and endurance, he knew not everyone had the same coping measures. As the sun began to wax and wane, he brushed the sweat beading from his brow, and called it for the day. [say]“I think we can be done here, for now.”[/say] He could hear quite a few fellow hired help give vague shouts of glee. [say]“We can tarp this off,”[/say] to protect it – he didn’t want any more snow falling in and thus making the next day’s outlook that much more difficult, then head home for the evening. [say]“Then get ourselves some rest.”[/say]
Several craftsmen produced multiple tarps from the piles of things, and they’d be able to complete their task for the present.
--
[say]Round 4
Grab a tarp and stake it down to cover up the day’s work! Then go head home for a nice rest – they’ll be back at it the next morning.[/say]
RE: certain angles of light - Elizabeth - 04-14-2025
Chuckling at Iskra's own comments of struggle, she didn't feel so bad about the ache in her muscles. [say]"You'll probably fare better than me. I don't think I'll be able to move for the next week."[/say] Exhaustion seemed to seep from her as she smiled, grateful for the break that eased the growing fatigue. Somewhat caught off guard by the compliment, Elizabeth tilted her head, a light laugh wrapping around them. [say]"Thanks! Telekinesis can be really useful, although most days I don't use it for anything more than reaching books on the top shelf."[/say] Her grin was playful, even if she meant every word. She looked at Goose before getting back to work, all fondness and humor as she let out a low hum. [say]"I think he's doing a great job."[/say]
Once the digging was done, she moved to help with the tarp, wiping a sleeve over the sweat that began to cling to her. She found herself next to Iskra, shaking her head as she saw the work Deimos had done as well as the glaring fact that he still had plenty of energy. Chuckling, she used a combination of hands and magic to secure the protective barrier as she whispered, [say]"I swear he's superhuman."[/say] It made her all the more grateful that he was their leader, capable and unwavering.
Pinning the last of the tarp, Elizabeth stood to stretch, a wide yawn breaking across her face. She craved a hot meal and a soft bed, eager to rest her tired limbs after the extensive day's work. So, when they verified that everything was in order, she didn't delay in giving the men a polite wave, a small smile on her lips. [say]"I'll see you both in the morning."[/say] And then she made her way home, forgoing the meal for a bath and the comforts of her pillow.
---
The next morning, she arrived early, assisting in setting up the table of snacks and refreshments. When she saw the others return, she gave them all a warm smile, brighter after a night of rest near a fireplace. [say]"Good morning! I hope you slept well!"[/say]
Elizabeth helps tarp off the work, heads home to rest, then returns bright and early the next day!
RE: certain angles of light - Iskra - 04-14-2025
Deimos surely was accustomed to making Evie weak int he knees, but Iskra felt the same power, of a sort, as that command to halt swept through the weary woodcutter like a baby's first breath. Relief tingled up and down his aching muscles, and Iskra paused, leaning over his shovel handle for a moment to catch his breath. He stretched and leaned down to help gather and move the tools into their storage area for the night. Dirt had smeared in various places across his face, and at some point he gave up on not feeling its grit roll between his teeth. A shower had never seemed more inviting.
Joining the crowd unfolding the tarp, Iskra smiled at Elizabeth as she ended up beside him in the shuffle of workers. Iskra helped wave and snap the tarp into an even sheet, feeling for a brief moment like they were back in kindergarten and they were going to race under a multicolored parachute at some secret command from a teacher. With the tarp smoothed and in place, Iskra helped hold it for the fasteners, squinting over the dying sun as he watched Elizabeth work and stop near him. At her comment, he brightened, eyes widening as he exhaled a laugh. [say]"I know!"[/say] he hissed conspiratorally in response. [say]"I once helped him and Hotaru with the prison. Terrifying, the both of them. I love it."[/say] Iskra was grateful in many ways for the Warden, but that did not keep him from being an imposing figure. He did not command respect, he weilded it.
Grunting as he rose, Iskra patted his leg, Goose bounding over from some rock he'd been sniffing. [say]"Night!"[/say] he waved at them both as he and his dog headed back home, tired, but content.
- - - -
As morning greeted him the next day, Iskra laid sprawled in bed for a while, too sore to bounce up. This was not an uncommon occurrence, and eventually the woodcutter rolled his way to the floor and worked through sets of exercises and lumbering motions. Afgter a few pops and some perfect groans, he dressed and headed back out, his fuzzy shadow weaving on his heels. They made their way to the pastry table again, but Goose was impatient today and didn't wait for Iskra's torn bits, choosing to swipe his own whole one. [say]"GOOSE!"[/say] Iskra reprimanded, giving chase for several strides as the dog bounced away, retalitory barks, muffled with bread, answering back.
Iskra helps straighten and hold the tarp for fastening. He and Goose return and Goose steals a pastry :(
RE: certain angles of light - Deimos - 04-15-2025
Unaware of any derision or compliments he’d cultivated, the Sword had ensured everything was stable and secure, then bid them good evenings as well, just as eager to go home and settle with his family. And sleep.
--
The next dawn he strolled in with a different array of breakfast, but the same intentions. Grumbling workers altered into eager smiles the moment the aroma of the croissants, coffee, and tea was laden through, and while everyone snagged at snacks, he went to check on the outcome of the evening’s snowfall and the tarp situation. While pastries were stolen by dogs, to which Deimos arched his brow but gave no comment (his own peryton was a hazardous nuisance on the best days – he couldn’t much judge), he inspected, sifting through the amount of snow and snorting. Some days one wouldn’t be able to tell – given how much of it remained in Halo on any given moment – but they’d acquired nearly an additional foot.
Which made him much more content with the covering situation.
As other citizens removed it, carefully, Deimos settled back and grabbed a ham and cheese portion, glancing at his counterparts. [say]“Morning.”[/say] Letting them eat in peace and solidarity, he watched the tarp get pulled over and away, some dumping the snow out again in other piles and hemming and hawing to themselves. [say]“My plans are to resume digging, and then I thought of making a more permanent cover around it.”[/say] He could imagine situations where multiple blizzards would come in throughout seasons, especially Deepfrost, and unless Safrin enchanted it so be austere and free of the stuff, there’d be no way to avoid the storms. [say]“Maybe something similar to the greenhouse?”[/say] But he’d listen to their opinions too – and then they could start the inevitable once more.
--
[say]Round 5
Discuss plans and then start digging again! ;_;[/say]
RE: certain angles of light - Elizabeth - 04-15-2025
Elizabeth heard the shout just in time to see Goose take off with a pastry, smiling to herself at the antics. She took one for herself as she gathered around Iskra and Deimos, cradling her characteristic hot tea as she listened to the instructions. A soft blow into the steam preceded her words, curiosity piquing her tone. [say]"Like a glass dome? That might be nice. Although something built of brick or stone - like something over a bathhouse - might allow for more privacy."[/say] Especially if they planned to allow people to soak and heal near the infirmary, she wasn't sure they wanted outsiders to be able to peek inside. Regardless, she nodded her head. [say]"Either way, I think a cover is a fantastic idea."[/say] It would protect the pools from the elements and make it more defensible if the need ever came.
As decisions were being made, Elizabeth reclaimed her shovel, setting aside her tea as she brushed the snow from the handle. She then looked to the untouched portions of dirt, suppressing a groan at the ache she could already feel resurfacing. Perhaps a massage would be in order later, a little bit of self-care for all the manual labor she'd subjected herself to.
Taking a deep breath, she decided that delay would only prolong the suffering. Instead, she pushed the spade into the earth, resuming the familiar process of digging.
Elizabeth suggests a thicker covering and resumes digging!