Aug 09 03:55:07 109 PA - Pavel Runs Fizzlesnoot Ragged
From Chronicles
Aug 09 03:55:07 109 PA.
MERCHANT'S PLAZA
Four in the morning, and people are up. Particularly people who do a lot of laboring during the day, or trying to make the hard-sell early before other merchants can make it in from the outlying towns, or deeper in the city. The Merchant's Plaza is always a crazy place, but this setup hour often beats the rest. Pavel is off on the west side, dressed for work, but not yet the forge. His enormous Friesian mare, Zoyenka, is hovering behind him, large saddlebags just waiting to be filled, and with a decent-sized metal cart trailing behind her through some unique tack probably made by Pavel himself. It's in this portion of the city that most of the purchase and selling of metals happens. Not the scrap kind, but the low- to decent-quality materials. One might say, 'At least it's not raining,' but that would be a lie. It's coming down in buckets, as the phrase goes.
Fizzlesnoot heads on down to the marketplace to meet his friend, though unsure why they are meeting in the market and not at the forge. Not that it matters to him, it a shorter walk for from the club. Dressed in a pair of denim overalls, a clear plastic bag over top as a makeshift raincoat that really hasn't done much to keep him dry, the sheer volumes of liquid falling would soak a stone to its core. "Allo Pavel," he greets with a smile.
<< Fizzlesnoot! >> Pavel greets with a smile. The rain doesn't seem to be bothering him, despite the way that it's dripping madly off of his shoulder-length hair and soaking his clothing. << I need someone to help me out again with some heavy work, and you were my first thought, my friend. I'm picking up a new shipment of metal - I could make it from scrap, but that's not very efficient. All ready to go? Muscles flexed and healthy again? >> He happily uses his own native tongue rather than trying to communicate in American.
Fizzlesnoot nods with an eager grin and flex of his muscles, "Sure thing, ready to go, and hopefully the lighting keeps away today." Giving a chuckle while tossing his carpetbag up and out of the way on the cart, "So where to? Lead the way."
Pavel waves to one of the merchants. << Right there. Six-hundred pounds of material to load on the cart. Your bag might need to be relocated, >> he says with a wave to the currently almost-empty cart. << So while I see about negotiating for some more precious metals, just load everything on board. Make sure that it's stacked neatly, okay? Don't just throw it on. >> The wagon's bed is a good four feet off the ground, something that would easily fit Pavel and Zoyenka moving around, with good metal lattice-like walls extending beyond that. By the indicated merchant are stacks of square-shaped metal blocks.
Fizzlesnoot takes a look at the merchandise and the cart, "I'll move it as I need to. I'm gonna have to climb up there to stack it all in neatly anyway. Alrighty then, I'll get it done. See ya in a bit." Then moves over and starts lifting the metal blocks one at a time to be carried over to the cart, up over his head onto the back of the cart. He stacks a few this way before climbing himself up and moving them forward neatly into a stack.
The smith takes a while to make sure that Fizzlesnoot isn't going to directly hurt himself, and watches with amusement as the little D-Bee has to climb the distance. However, Pavel doesn't have much more to say on the matter beyond, << Keep your back straight! If you don't, you won't be able to stand up straight for a week. When you need to lift, start to push with the legs, don't move your arms. As soon as your legs can't press any higher, then you move the arm. Make it a continuous motion. It'll help these heavy repetitive tasks. Like lifting barrels of wine. >> Then a grin, << Or making love to a hefty woman! >>
Fizzlesnoot gives a sharp nod to the tips given by the big smith, ending with a big grin. Steadily he continues on, one at a time, making a conscious note to lift properly as instructed. Up and down the side of the cart, making neat little stacks in the forward to counterbalance so he can stack more on the end so less up and down as he goes. That’s the part that is going to kill him today, the climbing. But a least the rain keeps things cool.
Pavel continues to keep an eye out, but most of his focus is on negotiating for some gold and copper. Still, he seems in no rush to get things done. Just keep the metal coming. In fact, he suggests that. << You can do it one block at a time, Fizzlesnoot, if that's easier for you. More climbing, but less weight. It's up to you as to how you feel best. >> He waves toward Zoyenka and says some words that don't sound akin to Russian, though clearly Russian at the same time. << Just stack, Fizzlesnoot. I know that this cart is my strong metal, but keep in mind that other carts might just be wood - it would require a soft touch on top of everything else. Try practicing that. >>
Fizzlesnoot keeps at the steady pace with the one at a time, stacking along the end of the cart, then moving them forward. He's gentle about it, he's not just throwing it up there, he's a merchant himself after all, he has a respect for man's product. "More weight is fine, less up and down for my short little legs." Moving his carpetbag as needed, it eventually ends up rest atop a finished stack for the remainder of the loading.
Pavel nods approvingly. << Looking good. Two more trips like that and we should be ready to go. This was a small load after all. >> He smiles at Fizzlesnoot, waves toward the remaining ingots of steel and starts to finish up his business with the gold merchants. << Maybe I'll make you a nice necklace to wear around your neck if you end the day alive! >> It's a fun joke. Maybe.
Fizzlesnoot finishes loading up what is there, all metal blocks stacked neatly together. "Well, so far so good. I can do a bit more of this I think," a chuckle as he lifts his face to the sky to moisten his tongue with the rain as it falls. "So what's next on the honey do list for today?"
<< You can do more? Great! >> Pavel exclaims happily. He points off to one of the other merchants. << Another load, different seller. The wagon will take the weight, go ahead and load it on up for me. I guess I have more time to grab some copper and silver before we leave. >> Zoyenka gives a clop-clop at that moment, just a little horsey gesture. The smith nods along once more. << Just a bit more, please, Fizzlesnoot, >> he says to quote the other man's words.
Fizzlesnoot hops on down from the cart to go grab the newest pile of merchandise for Pavel, "Sure thing. Ya got me all day." As he waddles on over to heft the material from the ground, over to the cart, and as before, to get lined up on the back of the cart before climbing up to neatly arrange it in the back. Making sure to leave room in case more is added to the list after this load is collected.
Without bothering to look back, Pavel continues to conduct his business. Perhaps a trained smith can hear the sounds of hard work being done. << Have you been thinking of a good song like I suggested, Fizzlesnoot? Music makes everything easier. Some people have different songs for different things, maybe you need a loading song. >> Now he turns to look, asking, << Anything? Keep the steps of your motion even, or you'll tire and trip. >>
Fizzlesnoot doesn't stop working to answer, but does give a shake of his head to the question, "No, no song. I don't know any, never really been into music. Games and merchandise have been my life, mostly tailoring merchandise, but its all the same when it comes to basics. I'm just keeping a running tab on what I think the value of this haul is. When I'm all done, I'll let ya know what I come up with. Unless you'd rather not know," giving a grin as he climbs up to move another bit from the end.
As the second loading starts to come to an end, Pavel finishes up his business, walking off with a bucket of copper scrap that will eventually become something more interesting. He walks over and hooks the bucket over Zoyenka's saddle, leaning against his equine friend. He gives her flanks a pat. << Almost ready to go to the forge, my somewhat ugly friend? >> Chuckle, chuckle.
Putting the last metal block in place, "To the forge!" Fizz calls out atop the cart, finger pointing forward on an outstretched arm and a chuckle of his own. "Guess I'll be unloading it there eh?"
<< Yes, yes you will, >> Pavel nods, then waves Fizzlesnoot off the cart. He reaches over and completely detaches it from the rained-upon draught horse. << You also get to pull it. She's already been working hard. >> He offers a grin, then moves to assist hooking the D-Bee up to the cart as a bipedal tractor.
Fizzlesnoot gets a puzzled look when told he will be pulling, not what he was expecting at all. "Um, are you sure? That just sounds weird." But he does hop down and take up the place of the horse with only a shrug, though still finding it odd as he eyes the process of hooking him up.
Pavel looks a little confused at Fizzlesnoot's own confusion, giving a questioning shrug. << Well, sure. I mean, you don't think that I've had Zoyenka all my life, do you? No, until a few months ago, I've been pulling around everything - *EVERYTHING* that goes into a forge - by myself. You need to be self-sufficient, don't you? Right now, >> he pats his friend on the shoulder a few times, << You get to see what it's like when you need to live a life like this, with no one else to depend on but yourself. Besides, it's only a.. maybe five or six miles? Longer? >> He shakes his head. << Honestly, I guess I've never bothered to measure it. >>
Fizzlesnoot doesn't protest, just finds it odd, never experiencing this much self-reliance before. Accepting of his task, he begins to slowly move the cart once he's all hooked up. It's a struggle to get going at first, but once rolling, it becomes much easier to keep rolling. So far so good, so far no hills. Still have yet to leave the market however, and if he didn't get looks before, he surely gets them now. It's not every day you see a four foot tall no-shell turtle-looking bug man pulling a cart that obviously was not designed for a being of his stature.
The smith stays on the ground, walking beside his friend, with Zoyenka's reins draped loosely over his shoulder. She's a good horse. << That's good. Keep rolling, but try not to pull. I know, it sounds like an opposite. There's a spot that's your best speed, and that's what you should do. Well, unless you're trying to outrun danger or something. >> Indeed, they are getting odd looks. A giant man, giant horse with a D-Bee slave pulling a metal wagon full of even more metal? Yeah, that's strange. << Keep going, if you get tired, just tell me and we can rest. >> He continues on, north toward the city gates.
CITY GATES
Fizzlesnoot has no time to concern himself with looks, usually he returns them with a friendly tip of his hat, but today his nose is forward as his little legs struggle to keep the heavy cart moving in a straight line. He is capable of moving the cart, whether he can get it to the speed Pavel is talking about is another story altogether, his legs have a very short stride in comparison to the other two cart-pulling candidates. The paved road helps quite a bit, his clawed feet able to keep traction even on a drenched roadway and things keep rolling along all the way to the gates of the city. Here's where things may get interesting.
It's here, after a few long blocks of paved road that Pavel pulls off to the side, directing Fizzlesnoot and his cart as well. The rain continues to pound, and many of the merchants that might populate this place right inside the city gates have fled, or simply not shown up. << Do you need to rest? In fact, just rest. When we start again, it will be harder on the highway, then much harder on the muddy road to my meadow. When we start again, keep your back straight. I can't explain the angle, you'll just have to find it. If it were a perfect world, the angle that your harness is making with the wagon would be completely flat. But, with little legs, you can't do that. Don't lean over too much, or stand straight too much. >> He stops, and gives Zoyenka's flanks another pat. << Take a breath, and let me know when you're ready to go again. >> The darkness is... darker here, out of the lights where the Plaza busies itself with business. Mostly only lights from vehicles and the guardhouses flash here and there in a somewhat disorienting manner.
Fizzlesnoot takes the time to rest up, even he knows it is only going to get harder, again, letting the cool rain moisten his tongue. "That is rough work right there, I can see why you got yourself a good horse to help out. Mind grabbing my bag from up there? I got a canteen of water inside, could use a drink. Then I'll be ready for the next leg."
Pavel grabs the carpetbag and lowers it down to Fizzlesnoot's level. << Have some water, yes. Something to have, if you don't have it. >> He waits for his friend to refresh himself.
OLD HIGHWAY AND EASTERN ROAD
Fizzlesnoot grabs himself a good drink of water, letting Pavel put the bag back up top, keeping the canteen with him draped over his shoulder. "Alright, let's see if we can get this thing rolling again," moving back into place to start moving the cart once again. The getting moving part is not so bad, still having some short bit of paved road left. It's the part where he loses road that the cart slows. The immediate part, hard packed enough to not be too muddy to where you just sink in, but it makes the going a tad rougher and less smooth. The short guy's feet lose some of their traction here and there, it's the saving grace of the rockiness of the ground that makes it so he can continue rolling on without stopping suddenly from a slip.
<< Okay, >> Pavel says gently as they get moving again to soon exit the gates. The carpetbag is taken down from where it had been hanging off of Zoyenka, and draped over the D-Bee's shoulders. << Here, carry that, too. She's enjoying the rest that she doesn't often get on these trips. Do what you can to keep moving forward at a steady pace, because if you get stuck, it's much harder to get moving. And this is still a good road, >> he suggests.
Fizzlesnoot trudges onward, not wanting to stop either. The smith gets a look when the bag is added to his personal load, "Really? You are trying to kill me today, aren't ya? Here's where the truth comes out, tenderize the little morsel before mincing me up into a pie or something. Is that it? That’s it exactly. I'll show you, this is only toughening me up, making me more grisly. Tough and chewy. Not very good at all. Trust me, no tender juicy bites here." Not really complaining or anything, perhaps sarcastic protest. Still the cart rolls on, a steady pace being gained that seems to be the little guy's rhythm.
Rolling down the highway is pleasant enough, with Pavel accepting Fizzlesnoot's not-quite complaints in good humor. << I told you, this is what it's like to be necessarily self-sufficient in the wilderness as I have to do. No cushy clubs for me. No dancing girls with bouncing tits or bare asses to slap. Nope, until two months ago, it was me, a wagon and and determined strength to get where I was going. >> He glances down. << Don't use your calves, use your upper leg. They're stronger, and will take you farther with less effort. Keep going, we're almost to the turn off. >>
Fizzlesnoot works at using the technique advised, though it's something he must concentrate at for awhile to do properly. It's different that what he is used to and it slows him down some, but eventually he gets back into the rhythm of his march. It quiets him up again and he trudges on, up to the turnoff that heads out to the forge. Not stopping, "We resting or keep moving?"
<< Keep on going, >> Pavel says with a smile. Now with the sun starting to rise, it's barely able to detect because of the low, thick clouds and the random flashes of lightning that have now picked up. << I hope lightning doesn't hurt too much, my things can be somewhat of a magnet sometimes, >> the smith adds, seeming perhaps as if electricity would be less of a bother. << How're you feeling? Just keep it steady, don't trudge. Trudging will destroy your ability to keep going. >>
Fizzlesnoot keeps going, agreeing that stopping would not be a good idea. The cart is rolling and it's easier to keep it rolling than getting to start rolling again, Especially with the mud getting progressively worse the further down the farm road they travel. It's hard not to trudge, the mud causing his feet to lose traction here and there, just not enough to fall flat on his face yet. "I'm alright, as long as I keep my feet moving forward that is."
<< Good, good. Maybe I'll hop into the back and ride there rest of the way. >> Pavel lets that hang just enough to possibly suggest that he's being serious, but eventually adds a brief, << Just kidding. Keep up the pulling. Look around the road, there are some drier spots. Just because you're working hard doesn't mean you can't try to make it easier on yourself. Keep the eyes up, and the spirits high. >> He waves a finger to the side of the road. << Drier there, if you're willing to take the chance of crossing the worse part to get there. >>
Fizzlesnoot gives that brief look of panic. As if the cart isn't weighed down enough already, he's gotta be another ton to add to the load. With Pavel's tip, he takes the advice and shifts where on the path the cart is pulled, almost slipping totally in a thick patch of mud in the process as he struggles to get the cart through the same. He keeps himself upright luckily enough, not that any more mud on him would make much of a difference. The cart riding on more solid ground now, he pushes to get his momentum back that was lost in the lane shift.
Pavel trods alongside, watching his student, if simply being put to heavy labor could be called a student. << Another half-mile or so, and we'll be there, Fizzlesnoot, >> he says encouragingly. << So, you keep working with the upper legs, straight back, eyes up and searching for things to make hard work easier. You think of anything else that might be useful? Maybe if I *had* jumped in back? >>
Fizzlesnoot appears to be using the correct movement, though his head still tends to drift back down to the ground as he marches on to finish off the last half mile to the destination, each reminder gets his head back up to look forward again. "I been thinkin, thinkin of getting me a little cart to go shopping with. It'll be a hell of a lot easier to carry home the groceries each day. Not that this is easy by any means. It's the hardest thing I've ever done labor-wise."
Pavel chuckles and gives Fizzlesnoot's shoulder a slap. << Hard work? Nah, this is just daily necessity. But a cart, yes. Very good, if you don't have the old van. Or you could pay some hot woman to come and pick it up, maybe you'd get a discount? >> He laughs at that, and eventually points to where the trees break slightly to allow things like carts and small hover vehicles to pass into his meadow. There's a rather significant berm off the road, three feet high perhaps that must be defeated. Good way to keep out simply inquisitive people. << Up and over, Fizzlesnoot. >> The smith plants his feet and watches to see what the D-Bee tries to do. Rain continues to come down hard, with winds blowing, though the lightning seems to have stopped for now.
Fizzlesnoot moves into the incline at an angle, not trying to fight it head on, gradually making it over the lip of the road. The very top giving him the most trouble, he almost come to a complete halt, but the little guy finds the strength to push it over the top one wheel at a time. The angle of the cart's tilt is precariously at that point of looking like it may tip sideways, but once the first wheel goes over, it is much easier to get the second over with a turning of the cart as he straightens up to bring it into the meadow. "So where do you want it?" he spits out through the heavy breathing left over from the struggle.
PAVEL'S MEADOW AND FORGE
Pavel chuckles and lightly applauds. << Bravo! Just take it on up to the forge. >> Zoyenka trots over, helping out Fizzlesnoot by getting in his face and sniffing. << Careful, the meadow isn't razed flat. Bumps and such in there. Just put it on the north side. >>
Fizzlesnoot seems to find all the hidden bumps and dips of course, making his last few feet more of a struggle than the long trip from the market. At one point it looks as if he may be stuck, the wheels caught in a rut. Fighting through it, he finally makes it though, covered from the knees down with mud and soaked to the bone.
The smith smiles, and at the end helps to unlimber the cart and bonus carpetbag weight from his friend and temporary student. << Excellent, Fizzlesnoot. Take five minutes for yourself, then unload the cart for me. I'm going to start setting up the forge. >>
Fizzlesnoot nods taking some time to enjoy a good drink of water and a stretch of his sore muscles before climbing up onto the cart to begin unloading, "So where are you wanting the piles of metal?" Asking as he begins moving the load to where he can easily bring it down from the back of the cart.
Pavel points right where the wagon is. << Right there. Just stack it for me, neat piles please. >> The weather starts to break, but only a little. Inside the forge, the smith starts to sing a little labor song, something to help ease the process and make sure that he doesn't forget anything. Music helps.
Fizzlesnoot gets to work on the piles of assorted metals, keeping each to its own kind. The music does help the flow, the little guy eventually catching on to the tune and humming along with it as he works. The climbing up and down is the only thing breaking his rhythm at this point, those short little legs just aren't climbing legs.
Pavel waits long enough to not bother Fizzlesnoot, but does keep up the tune, as it seems to have some effect. << My friend, thank you. Have some water, sit and rest. Five minutes, then we return to work again. Massage your legs or they will cramp since you're not used to this. >> He goes around to inspect the wagon and piles. << Nicely stacked, >> he says happily. << Oh, and by the way, you said you were computing, not singing. How much was the haul worth? >>
Fizzlesnoot comes on over for water and a rest, taking the advice of massaging his legs as he does a couple last calculations in his head before giving his figure, "Am I close?" he asks sounding confident. "This is going to be much better when I get back to the club. I know just the girl, great fingers and hands, all four of them."
<< Not bad. Metal is a little low right now, which is why it's a good time to purchase, >> Pavel explains as the bellows start to pump. << Okay, still plenty of day left and lots of things to do. Hitch up the wagon again for me, and turn around. >> He points back to the city. << I have a five-hundred pound load of new coals just waiting to be picked up. A man named Simon is holding them for me. Go get the load, load it yourself, and bring it back. Then we can start on some real work. >>
Fizzlesnoot nods with a smile that he gets it close, "Eh, it's been awhile pricing commodities other than cloth. You got a good deal." One last drink of water has him getting the cart ready to head back into town for the other load, "Sounds good, be back in two shakes." Hooking himself back up and heading back into town to find Simon which should be easy enough. The trip into town being a much easier than either return trip.
The fire is low when Fizzlesnoot returns, and Pavel waves him over. << Drop the cart here, >> he directs. << I'll load up the coals later. While you were gone, I took a look at the rocks I told you to break. Nice work, they're very uniform. Bet your arms were sore for a while! No time to waste though, catch! >> A shovel is tossed in the D-Bee's direction. << We need a trench. >>
Fizzlesnoot catches the shovel tossed at him after his return, "Point me in the direction and I'll get to it. Shouldn't we be doing this after the rain stops though? Mud is not great for digging in."
<< No, it'll be a good foundation. Stones stick in the mud when it hardens. >> Pavel grabs his own shovel - a much bigger and stronger version - and walks over toward his friend. He points north. << See that tree with the real thick trunk and giant knot? Start digging there along the tree line. I'll start down here and work toward you. Work as much as you can, because this really is ideal for setting the base stones. >> That said, he hurries off to his designated starting location.
Fizzlesnoot gives that nod of enlightenment as Pavel explains the concept, "I never thought of that. I've never been much of a builder. I've fixed many built things, just not built from the ground up." Moving off to get started, he begins the work of making the trench that will become the wall around the property. Mud is much heavier than dry dirt, making his job that much harder.
Pavel sings as he goes, occasionally calling out a, << One, two, HEAVE! >> when something particularly heavy gets in the way. << Bite in with the front of the shovel, pull down, push, lift with your lever arm and toss it to the side. Just keep going, rhythmic. I guarantee, even without a song, a rhythm helps. >>
Fizzlesnoot does his best to get into a rhythm, humming to himself some of the tunes he's heard Pavel singing. The words are still unfamiliar to him, but a tune is easy to pick up. It does seem to help the little guy. Steadily he moves along, the fresh wet earth exposed in a long line that keeps getting longer as time rolls on.
As time goes on, and the yards come closer, the clouds start to break and the sun begins to shine. Pavel yells an encouraging, << Pick up the pace, Fizzlesnoot! >> Zoyenka is making her rounds of snuffling at people's heads, particularly the ugly little D-Bee. At least she knows where not to put her hooves. << Remember, it doesn't have to be deep, just even. Don't lift with your back, use your legs. But more than anything? Just *keep going.* >> Yes, he might sound like a broken record, but it's good advice.
Fizzlesnoot keeps going, it won't get done otherwise, though the snuffling of the horse is a refreshing break to take a quick drink and to give Zoyenka a nose rub. "It'll be done before dark," he reassures as he continues to move the top layer of earth to the side.
<< Yeah, it will. >> Pavel continues toward Fizzlesnoot, their shovels eventually meeting up two hours later - Pavel held back, clearly, to let his student get the feeling of that kind of work. The clouds have blown off now, and the sun is starting to set as he stands, himself entirely rested. << You want to sleep here tonight? Or go home and come back? Or we can just work through the night. That would be appropriate, >> he suggests.
Fizzlesnoot considers the options while leaning on his shovel inspecting the work completed so far. "I'm good with working on through the night. The club is taken care of for today, and I'm getting more used to staying up all night anyway. Up to you though, either way, crashing out here would be much appreciated. It's a long walk back to the Dregs after two loaded carts and a trench."
<< Okay, let's get going. Maybe we'll have it up before the runs rises, >> Pavel smiles, hefting the shovel over his shoulder and pointing to the piles of broken rock. << Let's get to work. >> He starts to march over, doing some explaining on how it will work.
Fizzlesnoot listens to the instructions given, following the big man's lead, he starts on setting the base stones to build upon. "So there's no mortar in this, its just going to be a pile of rocks basically?"
<< Correct. You have to feel how the different faces of the rock fit together, and it's almost better than using mortar. Plenty good for a wall on this side of the meadow, >> Pavel says, hefting up a large bundle of rocks. << Just lay the foundation stones first, and make sure that you really press them and squeeze them into the soil. You don't want those ones going anywhere after the dirt dries. >>
Fizzlesnoot nods and gets to it. Carefully and steadily he finds good base rock to set and press into the wet soil, making sure they are set and fairly level. Without an actual level it's up to his big round eyes and feel to get it right, fortunately, he has a good eye and an artist's hands that help get the job done.
Working after the sun goes down does present its own problems, but the skies have cleared, with a bright Moon and twinkling stars. Pavel sings along as he goes, though this is not a very rhythmic one. Perhaps simply something to keep his mind open and not bored - that's good advice that he's trying to impart without saying it out loud. The two workers make decent progress on the foundation level.
Fizzlesnoot doesn't seem to have any issue with working in the dark of night, he does have unusually big eyes though, maybe they see what others may miss. This helps him keep his pace, along with the humming of the tunes he has been learning from his friend during these weeks of hard work. "This place is going to look like a real home for ya, not just a work place, when this is all done. I can't wait to see it all finished in the daylight."
<< Oh, it'll be nice. I really only want to hold this one side, the rest has good natural boundaries, >> Pavel says. They eventually meet, and he motions Fizzlesnoot to gather more rock, starting on the second tier, but moving outward this time. << Lock the rocks ninety-degrees, >> he says, << even if they might seem to fit better another way. >> Hundreds of rocks are going to start getting heavy, if you're not used to it.
Fizzlesnoot shifts some of the rocks over to the work area, it taking some time to fit them together as instructed, but is slowly starts coming together as he starts to get the hang of how they fit together. The constant shifting of the heavy rocks does take its toll on the little guy, but he pushes through it to keep going. He can hurt tomorrow when it's all done.
<< Keep going, >> Pavel encourages, working his way out to his initial starting point. << When you lift the rocks, don't lift them up, then slide them over, then down. Neither do you want to lift in a big arc. Pick them up so that they rise at an angle and just end up sitting on top of the wall. >>
Fizzlesnoot works at following all the tips given by Pavel, like a simple laborer following the foreman's guidance, he moves along his end of the wall fitting stones together one by one. His humming keeps his mind off his sore muscles as he works, keeping with the first bit of advice given, though the tune seems to never really change, seeming to have found one he likes sticking to, or maybe it's just the one he knows best.
<< What's the song, Fizzlesnoot? >> Pavel asks as his own rocks get placed. Another hour passes by before it's time to swap and go toward each other again. << Turn them back the same direction as the first layer, >> he says, then starts up his own singing. Or perhaps swaps over to his friend's song, if it helps.
Fizzlesnoot gives a shrug taking just a moment for a quick drink of water before continuing, "I don't know. Heard you singing it and thought the tune was catchy. It sure helps keep a rhythm, though I haven't picked up on the words yet. Pick a song and I'll try and keep up on it, though don't expect anything beautiful sounding."
Hours pass with the two men working in tandem. << Doing good, Fizzlesnoot. >> It's fully dark now, well past midnight. << Do me a favor, get my quenching trough and empty it out over there. >> Pavel points to the eastern edge of the large clearing. << Get in there with a brush and clean everything out, polish Zoyenka's tack, and we'll see what time it is. >>
Fizzlesnoot moves on to the next project, the walk being a good stretch for his muscles after up and down crouching while stacking rocks for the wall. "Sure thing." grabbing what he needs to complete the tasks as he goes along. First the trough, which is easy enough, just heavy as all hell. Relief finally comes when it comes time for the polishing of Zoyenka's tack, probably the easiest and lightest of all the tasks given so far.
A laundry list of additional lengthy, repetitive and sometimes heavy jobs continues until the sun's disc is fully risen over the eastern trees. Pavel finally steps in to give Fizzlesnoot a good strong handshake. << Thanks for helping me out, my friend. You'll need to *KEEP UP* with this, if you really want to get the benefits of it. But this is the kind of work that I do on a day to day basis. If you don't keep up with it? Well, then this was just a bunch of wasted energy. >> He returns to one of his drawers quickly, and comes out to dump some credits in the D-Bee's hand. << Go find a pretty lady Fizzletooth and show her a good time. After you've slept. >> He grins, adding, << And bathed. >>
Fizzlesnoot laughs as the man hands him the credits and suggests what to do with it, "Thank you Pavel. But you really didn't have to," talking about the credits offered. "I appreciate all you've done in getting me off my lazy butt and into some physical action. I'm gonna buy that cart and do the whole hauling thing, that should keep me active and working on a daily basis. By the way, in a few days the club's grand opening concert will be held, I'd love for you to be there. I have Rubidia in concert, and a poker tournament, along with the other entertainment of course. At least swing in if you have time. Grand prize for the tourney is 10,000 credits. Could come in handy for another couple loads of metal at the prices your getting it at, and only a small entry fee of 500 credits. Not a bad score if your any good at cards."
Pavel laughs, << I don't know poker, so I don't think I'll go risking money on it. If I lost, Anya would never let me hear the end of it! But I'll see if we can't make it to the club, as long as I'm sure to keep my eyes on Anya and not accidentally wander to a random set of bouncing boobs. >> He asks then, << Want me to walk you back to the city just to be safe, or are you good for now? >>
Fizzlesnoot waves off the escort, "Nah, I'm good. I'm too weird-looking to be bothered by anyone. People are afraid I'll eat em." he grins with a chuckle, "If they only knew the truth, I'm a vegetarian," not being able to help the laugh at that. "Well maybe not a vegetarian. I look forward to seeing you both there."
Pavel gives a nod and a wave, then walks back to fire up the forge. Apparently he's not going to bother with sleep.
