a silent film he'd watched a thousand times before
Everyone seemed to be ready to work, and so Marcus stuffed down the anticipation to catch Deimos up with his latest news for later. He had always liked the warden, especially after the man took the time to indulge his curiosity and educate him--and test what he already knew--that night, years ago now, in the guild hall. He was sure he would get the opportunity later. Taking the time to listen to introductions, and shake hands politely with Damien, the foreman, and the others gathered, Theea and Hawthorn, Marcus set his mind to the tasks ahead.
Assigned to the manual labor portion of the job, Marcus strethced his arms above his head and twisted slightly. Marcus understood and accepted that his magic wasn’t built for tearing down the forest the way Deimos’ was. The warden could snap trees with a thought, the air shuddering with the force of it. Marcus, though—his gift carried a subtler weight. So his hands, and what strength he could lend them, were turned to the ground itself. He stooped and worked where the earth was tangled, prying stones loose, dragging away brush, clearing what would hold the platform. Each rock shifted aside, each stubborn root tugged free.
Marcus couldn't help but notice how diligently Theea worked. She flitted around the site with determination, as if she had assisted at a thousand jobs before. She carried no heaviness in her hands, yet everywhere she went the burden lessened.
Marcus puts his all into the manual labor!
Assigned to the manual labor portion of the job, Marcus strethced his arms above his head and twisted slightly. Marcus understood and accepted that his magic wasn’t built for tearing down the forest the way Deimos’ was. The warden could snap trees with a thought, the air shuddering with the force of it. Marcus, though—his gift carried a subtler weight. So his hands, and what strength he could lend them, were turned to the ground itself. He stooped and worked where the earth was tangled, prying stones loose, dragging away brush, clearing what would hold the platform. Each rock shifted aside, each stubborn root tugged free.
Marcus couldn't help but notice how diligently Theea worked. She flitted around the site with determination, as if she had assisted at a thousand jobs before. She carried no heaviness in her hands, yet everywhere she went the burden lessened.
Marcus puts his all into the manual labor!
marcus olson
