Damien and Kaisel set to it together, their efforts falling into an easy rhythm. Where one steadied, the other followed through; where one paused, the other filled the space with purposeful movement. The work, which might have dragged with only a single, lonely set of hands working, moved smoothly instead between the two of them.
Stone by stone, seam by seam, the hearth regained its shape. The gaps closed, the foundation grew firm again, and it began to resemble something trustworthy as when it was first built. When the task was finished, Noah stepped forward. He crouched at the hearth, stacking kindling with practiced ease before striking flint to steel. Flame bloomed quickly, dancing along the dry wood, its warmth spreading into the cabin. The repaired fireplace breathed new life, glowing with firelight.
“Good work,” Noah said, watching the flames climb. “Drinks on me at the Kraai.”
GOOD WORK!
fin
