[PQ+] Death valley high

Hotaru

It helps that the workers who come to her call are locals who know her as well as she knows them (if they've earned it), so she rewards and encourages them throughout as she flits through, touching elbows and bestowing radiant smiles alongside gratitude and compliments tailored with their names and other such familiarity. A subtle sort of social engineering, but it gets the job done impressively quickly and with quality results - and gets Sunjata back at her side.

The shadow of his wings is a haven she lingers in between rounds of carrying buckets though she has less need for it - though her heart is hoarfrost, she's a creature of sunlight at the end of the day.

Food is a siren song greater than any magic in her veins, especially for laborers, and Hotaru readily cracks the concrete flecks off her scaled arms and washes up to indulge in it herself. Meeting Sunjata's kiss with a smile, Hotaru flicks her eyes to the ongoing efforts and chortles at the entangled references in his question. Between building their own home and the sandcastles on the riverbank, it seems this will be her third time charm. "Sand and clay are much cleaner to work with, so it hasn't impressed me." Reaching to take a plate that's offered to her she eats leisurely while leaning against the Flood, sharing shadows and blotting out the rest of the world. "Every new project makes clear that interior design is superior. This one will barely even have any," she despairs, like the entire installation is somehow a loss based on that one criteria. (For someone as fickle as the Valkyrie, it just might be.)

- - -

Ru finishes out directing/encouraging and then takes lunch with Sunny!

She doesn't care about your words
or how you'll try and save her

His face did not show it, but there was relief across Hadama's section of the concrete crews when the fires finally steadied and their concrete finally started to properly thicken. As the draconic Flood finished his portion of the work the Tidebreaker moved into position, hefting the heavy containers down into the deep well of the foundation so they could begin to pour it.

They were the last ones to complete the foundation work, but at least they didn't suffer any further setbacks. By the time Talyson called a halt to the work Hadama and his crew were ready and willing to turn their attention to lunch. He nodded his thanks to the Archon for providing a place to wash up, making use of it himself to scrub the dust and grime of their morning's work from his gold-scarred skin.

"Your town is beautiful," he murmured to Sunjata and Hotaru as he joined them at the food vendors. Keen emerald eyes perused the options before he chose one that provided fish - but breaded, deep fried, and served between two slices of bread. "Have you chosen a favorite restaurant yet?"

---

Hadama uses Sunjata's washing station and joins his fellow demigods at the lunch tents for a fried catfish sandwich.

He returned his Archon's grin, bumping against his shoulder as the winged Flood headed past him to start the cleanup brigade. Tal made use of it, too, and soon enough they were able to enjoy a tasty lunch. As the happy couple snuggled together beneath Jata's wings, the courier tried to scowl at their canoodling on principle but it was hard to be properly offended when Ru looked so happy. He had to settle for sticking his tongue out at them when he thought they weren't looking before focusing on his own plate.

Hadama's question drew his interest, however, and he looked from the Tidebreaker to the other demigods in open curiosity, waiting for their answer(s).

When he heard Hotaru's quip about 'interior design' his brow wrinkled thoughtfully. He shoved a forkful of food into his mouth and then rose to collect the blueprints, shuffling them until he found the ones for the interior of the tower - mainly, a couple of offices at the top for a Dockmaster and post employees, a broad spiraling staircase, and a large lift in the center that could be used to raise and lower oversized loads from the skyships. "So why don't y'come up with some ways to spruce up th'inside?" he teased, offering his best friend the plans and some pencils. "You an' Sunjata. It'll be th'first thing a lot o' people comin' t'New Haven'll see, right? So we should make it look good."

After a moment's thought he took a sheet of plans of the outside of the skyport tower and handed it to Hadama. "An' maybe see if there's a way t'make it easier for Mer t'get trade stuff to an' from it?" he asked. "We've got a couple hours t'kill before we start workin' again so... yeah. Anythin' y'can think of t'add would be great." Some of the workers were already taking a siesta and snoozing away, but others had come over to peruse the blueprints more closely, taking a look at what Tal had planned for the late afternoon tasks.

---

Tal invites Hotaru and Sunjata to make interior design plans, and asks Hadama for recommendations on making the skyport more Mer-friendly - for trading goods, even if they can't use the skyships themselves.

// welcome to paradise //

“Yeah?” Sunjata hums, hiding his laugh through the smile that lingers on his face. Having thought little about any kind of interior a Skyport might have, he doesn’t dwell on it. Sure that they would find out. He snags his own plate as they find a place to settle, wings still offering shade for the two of them as well as anyone else who may wish for it when he looks over to Hadama with that same crooked and content smile at the work being done so far.

“Thanks, Hadama.” It was a work in progress, but it was getting there. And he’d be lying if he wasn’t proud of how far King’s End had come in such a relatively short span of time. “My personal favorite is this one, actually.” He gestures to his plate, stacked with lamb and a starchy potato base with gravy. Something about it felt homey and comfortable, and it reminded him of what he might have had in the Korofi. But he draws silent so Ru can offer her two cents, wondering if she’ll mention that place in the boondocks that harbors her favorite dessert.

Blinking up in a small amount of surprise at Tal’s offer, the Flood settles easily once he’s finished his plate to take the blueprints when offered. “Ooh, I’m sure we can manage that.” Already a mischievous look is granted toward Hotaru as he starts to make a list of what were requirements for the interior that she would want to see and how they might go about it.

---

Sunjata gets started on the interior blueprint additions/designs!

the flood

// where me and you can always hide //

Hotaru

Although Hotaru would have been quite happy to spend the rest period alone with Sunjata, she - or perhaps they - are lucky to be close friends, so neither Hadama nor Talyson are chased away in a manner befitting a hissing goose. Not that she’s ever done that before…

Sunjata is unsurprisingly accurate in his assumptions, the Valkyrie lighting up just moments before her eyes slit coyly toward the Tidebreaker. “I have, but it’s not a secret I’ll divulge lightly - or to people who don’t appreciate sweeter fare,” she cautions, heterochromatic eyes shining in Sunjata’s shadow with catlike mischief. Perhaps Hadama will be inclined to barter for the information. 

Talyson, meanwhile, barters his way straight to success without even realizing. Gasping with delight, Hotaru presses into Sunjata’s side to get a hand on one edge of the melting to share it between them, eyes hungry as they rove over the current plans. “Yes,” she gushes in a sibilant hiss of satisfaction. It takes agonizing time to finish her food, but the moment her plate is clear Hotaru takes up a pen and begins working on the opposite side of the page as Sunjata to sketch layout changes and list ranked desires. 

- - -

Ru helps with the interior design adaptations!

She doesn't care about your words
or how you'll try and save her

Sunjata's dish was studied from a polite distance but with intent eyes as Hadama took note of what ingredients he could see, and what scents he could discern. He turned his gaze back towards the vendors, seeking out the one that had been indicated and making a mental note to investigate them more closely later. "I am looking for new recipes," he confided in the Archon. "Thank you."

And then his attention was drawn to Hotaru, her feline grin bringing a gleam of appreciation to the Tidebreaker's eyes as he saw the challenge and inclined his head in respect for it. "A bargain, then," he rumbled - Torcher to the core. "I have tried every dessert in Torchline." Most with Melita, in previous years, though their demigodly duties rarely brought them in contact anymore. "If I make you something you have not tried before, will you share your secret?" And though his face remained serene there was bright mischief in his eyes.

As they finished their meals he found papers and pencils pushed into his hands and he considered the blueprints thoughtfully. "Better to have done this before you poured the foundations. But if we drive a canal and make a small, protected dock outside the tower... extend the walls outside to here, and cover it..." His sketches were rougher, more vague outlines than specifics, but another New Havener ambled over and nodded understanding, helping to flesh out the rough designs into something they could use for the building.

---

Hadama suggests ways to make the skyport Mer-accessible!

Hotaru pounced on the plans and Tal blinked, a little taken aback at her enthusiasm. Then he grinned as the realization of what he'd accidentally done set in, and gave Sunjata a wink, trying to look as if he'd totally planned it that way all along. At that point adding Hadama to the blueprint session was mostly just to keep the Tidebreaker from feeling left out, but when Hadama took the plans and made his corrections and additions the Messenger ended up grimacing and ducking his head, feeling a bit ashamed of making the Merfolk just an afterthought.

Interiors and exteriors were adjusted, lists were made, and blueprints were redrawn several times as ideas came together and shifted between compromises on style or function, but by the time the worst of the afternoon heat was past they had an entirely new interior and a Mer-friendly addition to the skyport edited in.

"Right, let's start workin' on th'framin'," Tal called out to those who had returned, woken up, or been helping the demigods all along. "I figured we could start buildin' it in pieces while th'foundations set. I need a crew t'start buildin' sections o' the spiral stairs, an' another t'start movin' th'big base stones into position." The latter would take either brute strength or clever engineering to place the largest of the stones that would support the tower's weight above the sturdy foundations they had poured. Most of the stones' weight would be supported by the earth outside of the foundations, with only a few feet of them overhanging the curing concrete walls still in their plywood cladding to help them keep their shape. Meanwhile the former would take more in the way of skill and careful measurements. "An' a third t'start diggin' a canal from th'river," he added a little sheepishly, with a bob of his head towards Hadama.

---

Breaktime is over and there's still plenty of light left in the long Longheat day!

There's no limit to who can join which crew since there are plenty of NPCs to take up what's left, or help out where needed.

1. Work on building sections of stairs that can be fitted together later
2. Move the first, largest, and most important tier of stones into position at the tower's base
3. Start digging the canal to connect the river to the skyport

The Mer were often an afterthought outside of Torchline, and Hadama did not take outward offense. Not when they were being included now, better late than never, and he was able to offer assistance in ensuring that their ability to access the skyport for deliveries of goods would be comfortable and convenient for the water-dwelling folk.

It was likely no surprise that when the time for siesta had passed, he indicated a willingness to work on the canal. "I will dig," he stated simply, inclining his head to his fellow demigods before moving to claim a shovel and gather some of the townsfolk to help. They staked out the shortest route from the nearest bend of the big river that wound its way through King's End to the Refuge and set to work, shoveling from the base of the tower towards the river so that the work could stay dry until they were ready to let the water spill in.

---

Hadama takes a crew and starts digging the canal!

// welcome to paradise //

Meeting Hotaru’s gaze, the Flood can’t help the accented rumble of a laugh that leaves him in response — conceding to her entirely. After all, he’s been there to see how she gets even over the leftovers of such sweet treats. And with it, an easy and amused smile is offered toward Hadama as he nods his head to the mention of new recipes and bargains, catching Talyson’s wink as he finishes his plate and gets to working on the blueprints.

As per usual, they make a great team. And Sunjata couldn’t be more pleased with the adjustments and seeing the Valkyrie thrive in creating and adjusting them. But lunch is over and he stands and stretches out, wings still on display to offer shade where he could as the next task is given.

Recalling Hotaru’s lucky ventures with crafting stairs, and knowing that he was the strongest here, Sunjata immediately settles on moving the stones. “I’ll move the stones.” He announces, turning to Hotaru to steal a tender parting kiss before flashing a grin at her and moving back toward the foundations to get his hands dirty again.

He’s glad he stretched before continuing, as he works with the group that’s helping him to grab the large stones and slot them into place, using the helpers as guides so he can do most of the heavy lifting.

---

Sunjata moves the stones!

the flood

// where me and you can always hide //

Hotaru

Perhaps Hadama senses her vigor and dedication to secrecy, or perhaps Mer tastebuds are not as attuned to sweetness, but as Hotaru and Sunjata lock eyes the Valkyrie's smile is a Cheshire curl of satisfaction. Wagers are exactly her speed, and still keeps the word of mouth from traveling too fast. Much as she'd love to see a talented businessman flourish she'd rather not let word travel over far lest she be forced to wait in a line or some such nonsense. “Consider yourself challenged then, and I await your best submission.” Her hand comes between them for a firm shake to seal the deal. With that, lunch is seemingly over. 

"Hardly a long enough break," she bemoans in the half breath she has before Sunjata kisses her, belligerent and illogical given she sees him every moment of every day. Swatting him lightly on the ass the moment he turns away to leave, Hotaru flounces toward her own task - stairs.

Nothing so grand as a spiral staircase, but needs must. "I need extra hands over here," she calls aimlessly, eyeing the longer milled sections that will need to form the skeletal sides and middle running support before any of the notches and steps are laid. It takes triple-measuring and careful alignment, but with luck they'll proceed smoothly with the project.

- - -

Hotaru tackles stairs!

She doesn't care about your words
or how you'll try and save her

Tal wrinkled his nose at the blatant PDA but managed to hold in his heavy sigh. He was just as bad when Alys was around so... he really couldn't complain. Not out loud at least. As they broke after lunch he fell in beside Hotaru with a companionable bump of their shoulders, joining her amble towards the lumber pile. "I've got some spare hands," he teased, wiggling his fingers at her with a grin. "If you'll do the measurin', I'll do th'sawin'!" It would have been a monumental task for just the two of them, but luckily they had plenty of helpers who were willing to take direction from the Valkyrie and the Messenger as they marked out the sections and led by example. The stairs began to take shape in sections that were roughly ten feet long, though their curvature made the measurements a little tricky. Luckily Ru's sharp eye for details and Tal's familiarity with woodworking made for a formidable team that kept their assistants on track.

The rest of the afternoon was taken up with the tasks they had chosen, though in the height of Longheat there was quite a bit of daylight left. Still, it allowed Hadama and his crew to create a canal with the help of the demigod's strength and an NPC Abandoned's earth magic. Only the last few feet remained by the end of the day, and a receiving pool had been widened at the foot of the incipient skyport. After a brief consultation they had agreed to wait until the walls and roof over the pool had been built up in preparation before finishing the last section.

Sunjata's strength would always be a significant help in any construction project, and the Flood showed off his brawn by taking lead on the heaviest and most physically difficult task. It was a good thing that he did, or else the laying of the tower's base would have taken significantly longer. As it was, his ability to shoulder most of the weight meant less time fussing with carts and pulleys and more stones able to be placed. The plans called for three doors at the base of the tower: one for pedestrian traffic, one to the Mer pool, and a wider opening for carts. By the time the sunlight was fading Sunjata had led his team to placing the lintels over the doors of the first floor.

"Good job today, everyone," Tal called as he straightened and winced, rubbing at a cramp in his shoulder. "We'll pick up again tomorrow mornin'. Th'foundations should be set by then so we can focus on buildin' th' walls up." He stayed to putter around, putting tools away and pulling tarps over their materials and waiting stair sections until everyone else had left.

---

Morning came soon enough (or too soon, depending on your preference), and a couple of tables had been set out with coffee, tea, fruit, and small pastries from a local bakery. Tal held a large mug of coffee in one hand as he double checked the blueprints, and several early-rising assistants had the mortar pots heating up over nearby fires. Another crew was assembling scaffolding in preparation for the tasks ahead. "Team one'll start assemblin' th' stairs an' framin' inside." He pointed to the sections that had been pre-built the day before, ready to be anchored to the growing walls and each other. A yawn slipped out before he could stop it and he rubbed the back of his neck self-consciously. "An' team two'll keep layin' th' stone for th' walls. It should go easier today," he reassured that group. "Th' biggest stones went on th'bottom, so they'll be gettin' smaller an' easier t'handle as we get higher up."

---

Day 1 was a success!

On to day 2: pick a group and let's goooo

Team one: time to start putting those stairs and framing from yesterday into their forever home!
Team two: build the walls higher!

// welcome to paradise //

There’s nothing more amusing than the brief moments of pda fully on display as they set to work. And what work it is — the Flood utilizing strength and shifts wherever needed to lay the large stones, guided by his helpers to ensure it gets placed exactly where it needs to be. And by the end of it? He’s pretty sore but content with what they’d managed to do.

“Sounds good, Tal.” Sunjata hums as he returns back to the Valkyrie’s side, nodding a goodnight to Hadama and Talyson in the process. And when he has a chance to whisk Hotaru away, he wastes no time.

When morning comes, Sunjata looks refreshed despite a line of tension in his shoulders from still being sore. And he parts from Ru to peruse the morning coffee and breakfast options, snagging a couple for himself and the Valkyrie as they get their instructions.

“I’ll keep working with the stones.” He announces, because if it had gone so well beforehand maybe the Flood would stand a chance at repeating his success. And with that in mind and the coffee drained, Sunjata gets to work placing stones again.

---

Sunjata picks team two!

the flood

// where me and you can always hide //

"When the work here is done," he promised Hotaru, a bright gleam of challenge in his emerald eyes, recipes already being considered and discarded in the back of his thoughts. But then there was work to be done, the Valkyrie and Flood setting off on their separate tasks and Hadama bending his broad back to excavating, as Sunjata had done that morning. He lacked the large, useful shift to hasten the task along, but he worked with muscles and a steady pace, quietly encouraging his helpers until the pool for the Mer and their canal was nearly finished.

"Sleep well," he wished Sunjata, Hotaru, and Tal. Once the sun had fully set he teleported his way across the region, making the shorter hops his power was limited to until he was able to sleep in his own bed chamber for the night. He was up before dawn to repeat the journey in reverse, arriving a few minutes before sunrise and moving directly to the tea station to fill a mug of his own before sampling the breakfast options in thoughtful silence.

"I will assist Sunjata," he decided, giving Hotaru an apologetic dip of his head. The moving of heavy objects was within his abilities, but he had little experience with construction using wood, or how the framing of a landwalker dwelling needed to be assembled.

Since the Flood had been in charge of the previous day's wall-building efforts and had done good work on them, Hadama was content to work under the younger demigod's direction, serving as a strong back and placing stones with careful precision as they climbed the scaffolding to reach even greater heights.

---

Hadama joins Sunjata on team two!

Hotaru

Talyson is a familiar companion in work efforts such as this, and Hotaru grins as he comes to her aid, the rhythm they strike a natural and time-tested one. Though she is far from lacking in brawn, it's nice to utilize less of it as she instead cracks down on the specificity of measurements while the sun arcs slow and hot overhead. By the time they've used up the available daylight, even Hotaru feels a little drained - and a lot grateful for the speed with which Sunjata whisks them back home. 

When they arrive the next day Hotaru's pleasant expression is half-strength, already growing petulant over the project encroaching on her time with her beloved (and the sad news that she is yet again out of her favorite pastries). Hadama taking the spot on Sunjata's team only spoils the apples in the barrel faster, and her pout is a little too sharp to be good-natured when he bows his head apologetically toward her. "Spoilsport," she huffs quietly, though it's in a lighthearted enough tone that she doesn't try to conceal it. Though she still reels Sunjata back by the hem of his shirt to kiss him slow to build up the necessary tolerance it will take to get through another day of labor. 

Pulling away, she flags down Talyson as she walks back to their last work site. "Looks like it's you and me again goggles - oh hey, care to share?" She eyes his coffee as if she hadn't treated herself to a lovely espresso in her own home, content to be a pest whether he concedes or not. Retrieving the necessary tools, she sets about marking where the stair framing will connect, and starts hammering them to hold their new vertical shape. 

- - -

Ru joins team one!

She doesn't care about your words
or how you'll try and save her