[PQ] with our backs against the wall

Remi was, undoubtedly, the most efficient digger of the lot. His magic scooped out the earth neatly, leaving little debris and dirt to clear up, and there was no ragged breathing, no sweating skin and bulging muscle—no promise of sore arms and shoulders and backs tomorrow. Rory remained out in the basement, preparing the support beams, which were being brought in at a rapid pace once they were in the phase to set them up.

Once he figured they had enough beams pre-cut he helped with carrying them in, saving Deimos the trip to fetch them and letting him, Jigano and Remi merely work on putting them in place. Once all beams were in the tunnel he returned to the basement, bustling around between it and the bakery above. He was setting out a small break meal for them, with pitchers of cold, clear water, some apple cider, pumpkin scones and a loaf of yesterday's (still very fine) bread. He had tried wheedling some cheese and preserves from Amalia, and it didn't seem unlikely he'd been successful.

Once one of the tables in the basement had been cleared and plates and mugs set out he popped into the tunnel to check on their progress. "I got us some refreshments," he told the others, then retreated back into the basement to wait from them, sipping on some water and letting his sore shoulders and arms relax.