Finally, a task was completed without difficulty. Deimos and Loren 's ogre positioned the sleds and the men were able to secure the crossbeam snugly into place, the leather ties strong and supple thanks to Rory's skills and the extra rope providing just that little extra bit of stability - and long enough to help them raise the structure. Jigano had not forgotten how the ropes last year had ended up being their salvation, allowing them to right the fractured T-post that had been built by the barrierfolk and then broken by the monsters. They were constructing what he hoped would be a sturdier structure this year, but still the ropes remained - just in case someone had to come outside again to lift the crossbeam back into place. The gear would here and waiting if it was needed, at least.
Hotaru and Jigano were able to keep the post holes clear. The work was at least not as taxing on their strength as chopping the tree down and hauling it back had been, but it was never-ending - at least for the moment. They were successful in their endeavors, however, no stubborn memory snow making it into the pits Deimos had dug to anchor their perch in. Blight-struck and subdued, even with the surly temper tantrum of the morning gone, Jigano was far less than his usual loquacious self, something Hotaru might discover when next they met. For today, however, he was largely quiet and saved his breath for the work at hand, appreciating more and more the blond woman's steady competence and efficiency with each task they completed together.
As soon as the crossbeam was secure, Jigano hurried to wave his companions into position. "Two on each side," he called. "Loren , can your ogre lift the crossbeam gently? Tip it up while we control the slide of the posts into the holes." He joined Hotaru with a ghost of a smile for the lovely valkyrie as they all grabbed and pulled, shifting the heavy, sturdy structure forward and tipping it into the prepared pits, racing the memory snow to get it positioned. It was a near thing, but the perch slotted into place with a creak and thud, shuddering as it settled and stood firm.
Jigano looked around at those who had helped, pride and gratitude flickering through the blight-darkness in his eyes, and gave them all a small bow. "Thank you," he said quietly. "I couldn't have done this without you. All that's left is to fill in around the edges of the posts and tie up the ropes so the monsters can't use them to try and pull it over, and we'll be done."
This is it! The end of the PQ! We made it! :D
Feel free to post a final time packing dirt in firmly around the post holes, tidying up the ropes, or whatever else you can think of that needs doing! And then you'll be freeeee!
No posting order!
Hotaru and Jigano were able to keep the post holes clear. The work was at least not as taxing on their strength as chopping the tree down and hauling it back had been, but it was never-ending - at least for the moment. They were successful in their endeavors, however, no stubborn memory snow making it into the pits Deimos had dug to anchor their perch in. Blight-struck and subdued, even with the surly temper tantrum of the morning gone, Jigano was far less than his usual loquacious self, something Hotaru might discover when next they met. For today, however, he was largely quiet and saved his breath for the work at hand, appreciating more and more the blond woman's steady competence and efficiency with each task they completed together.
As soon as the crossbeam was secure, Jigano hurried to wave his companions into position. "Two on each side," he called. "
Jigano looked around at those who had helped, pride and gratitude flickering through the blight-darkness in his eyes, and gave them all a small bow. "Thank you," he said quietly. "I couldn't have done this without you. All that's left is to fill in around the edges of the posts and tie up the ropes so the monsters can't use them to try and pull it over, and we'll be done."
This is it! The end of the PQ! We made it! :D
Feel free to post a final time packing dirt in firmly around the post holes, tidying up the ropes, or whatever else you can think of that needs doing! And then you'll be freeeee!
