Tal was more than happy to scamper up the newly-stepped mast and lean out onto the yard arms to help both Zavien and Isar. Down on the deck below, Zavien was being taught several knots by the old sailor who had showed up to help. With one working high and one working low, the ropes were quickly strung and secured. It was easy to see how complicated the rigging could get on a larger ship, but luckily the Peregrine was small enough that there were relatively few ropes to deal with - but they were all vitally important.
Once the initial standing rigging was in place, Isar could begin hauling up the canvas with the help of the rest of the Torchers. "Well, I'd say you're a natural," Tal grinned down at the dourly serious old man. "If y'ever want a recommendation t'join a ship, I'll put in a good word for ya." A couple of the other helpers chimed in with similar good-natured offers as they pulled on the ropes attached to the sails. Slowly but surely they rose into position and Tal pointed out how the Peregrine's sheets attached to the mast and yardarms as Zavien helped them get the running rigging tied off.
By the time they finished the Peregrine was straining at her anchor. Tal furled the sails and held his breath as he let the anchor rope play out. The little boat rose smoothly into the air until she was at the end of her tether and bobbing to be released. The courier let out a whoop of victory and then dropped the rope ladder, half-scampering and half-sliding down it to rejoin his impromptu crew with a broad grin. "We did it! Thank you, all o' you! Dinner an' drinks are on me t'night, an' there'll be a bonus for gettin' it all done in one day, too," he promised happily.
The Peregrine was up and flying again and tonight they'd celebrate it!
Tomorrow? Tomorrow it was back to work for the busy courier. There were packages to deliver, after all, and his reputation on the line!
Thank you guys so, so much for helping move this along so quick! you really are the best! :D
~Fin~
Once the initial standing rigging was in place, Isar could begin hauling up the canvas with the help of the rest of the Torchers. "Well, I'd say you're a natural," Tal grinned down at the dourly serious old man. "If y'ever want a recommendation t'join a ship, I'll put in a good word for ya." A couple of the other helpers chimed in with similar good-natured offers as they pulled on the ropes attached to the sails. Slowly but surely they rose into position and Tal pointed out how the Peregrine's sheets attached to the mast and yardarms as Zavien helped them get the running rigging tied off.
By the time they finished the Peregrine was straining at her anchor. Tal furled the sails and held his breath as he let the anchor rope play out. The little boat rose smoothly into the air until she was at the end of her tether and bobbing to be released. The courier let out a whoop of victory and then dropped the rope ladder, half-scampering and half-sliding down it to rejoin his impromptu crew with a broad grin. "We did it! Thank you, all o' you! Dinner an' drinks are on me t'night, an' there'll be a bonus for gettin' it all done in one day, too," he promised happily.
The Peregrine was up and flying again and tonight they'd celebrate it!
Tomorrow? Tomorrow it was back to work for the busy courier. There were packages to deliver, after all, and his reputation on the line!
Thank you guys so, so much for helping move this along so quick! you really are the best! :D
~Fin~
