Noah
It creeps in like a thief in the night
Without a sign, without a warning
Noah caught the edge of Flora’s complaint and huffed a laugh through his nose, breath ghosting white through his beard. He straightened from the sled, resting his weight briefly on the shovel handle. His eyes flicked between them, humor settling easy in his expression. Then Deimos’ news landed.Without a sign, without a warning
For a half-second Noah simply blinked, not working to mask any of his surprise, before it broke into a broad, genuine grin that wrinkles the corners of his eyes. He stepped forward without hesitation and clapped a firm, congratulatory hand to Deimos’ shoulder. "That’s wonderful. Truly. Congratulations." Noah was so delighted for the Ignatius family to bring another member in. Kids were a blessing that Noah never could have understood before having his own, and since he did he wanted it for all of his friends. He knew how much the warden and his wife cherished Amhran and Erebos, and another child in that tight, loving circle was a light in this world.
Only after squeezing Deimos' shoulder briefly with the weight of his joy, then did he shift back into motion, turning toward the marked stretch of ground with renewed purpose. He drove the shovel down, breaking through crust and uneven ridges, boots braced wide for leverage. The impact traveled up through his arms. The work was welcome and helped him focus, and nothing could wipe the dumb happy smile he wore from Deimos' news.
They worked together well. When roots resisted, he carved around them. When snow sloughed loose, he packed it firm with the shovel’s back, so there was ease with the reach of Flora’s rake. The controlled spread of Deimos' fire brought the debris to ash. With their diligence, the first task of clearing the area was finished without blisters breaking over anyone's hands.
"Okay, next we can create the stand for the shrine. I have some concrete mix for that. Deimos, can you use your earth magic to make sure the ground is totally level. Flora, can you help me with the concrete mix?" He asked of the warden and queen, taking back Flora's rake once she finished with it.
Round 2! Deimos, assure the landing spot for the shrine is level. Flora, help Noah mix up some concrete for the base in the wheelbarrow. No post order!
But we are ready and prepared to fight
Raise up your swords, don't be afraid
Raise up your swords, don't be afraid
