Carpentry and competition, iu: corri/svaatsi; open

trying to find the in-betweens
fall back in love eventually

The stars, sun, and moon all lined up with Mercury today, which obviously had popped out of retrograde for this most miraculous of days. It was barely sun-up when Corriander crawled out of bed, and Svaatsi soon followed her. Her green eyes met him across the mattress -- what was this? He was waking up early? Absolutely unheard of! Usually she was off the boat and in town by the time he even moved a muscle, let alone woke up. The pair stared at eachother curiously, trying to decide what they'd do today. Would they head to the beach? Gather supplies? Lay around and throw potato chips into eachother's mouths?

A flash of sunlight that peeked unwelcomed through their quarter's door answered the question for them. Svaatsi's eyes narrowed with determination on his partner, and she nodded her bedhead in response. Yes, today was finally the day. Today, they would do great things. Stupendous things, things worthy of the great airship they had so sadly ruined. The two dressed quickly, brushing past each other's half-clothed body, tossing shirts and shorts and pants at one another. Leggings, boots, pants, shirts, jackets, everything was zipped and buttoned with a militant pride that said We are the crew of the Tesseract, and this is our ship.

Corriander slapped together sandwiches and snacks while Svaatsi overcooked breakfast. They ate across from each other, eyes locked in challenge. Determination.

"Are you ready?" She asked him, a slight grin on her face.
"You're gonna get creamed, sweetie." He retorted, his grin bigger, as a taunt. They finished up their bland meal, tossed the dishes into the sink, and climbed to the deck, then off the side. Beside their creaky, sad ship stood two palettes, tarped over -- lumber. Cut and ready to go, the two would finally be constructing the braces to steady the ship upright, something they had lazied planned for seasons now.

"The rules are," Corriander began, but Svaatsi stopped her,
"The rules are, whoever has the most braces finished by lunch wins. Lunch is..." he floundered a moment, trying to pick a good stopping point for the two. The man shrugged a bit, ran a hand through his hair, "Lunch is when I decide."
"Well wait a second--"
"Nope, when I decide," he cut her off, with a playful grin and a wink. Corriander's hands relaxed off her hips, he was only being silly. "And anyone and anything that makes it's way into the area is fair game to be used, abused, and forced into labor, humans and animals included. Deal?"
Corri's eyes narrowed, his did as well. She reached her hand out, he took it, shook, then pulled her in for a quick kiss.
Game on, she thought, wiping her mouth, before turning.
"Ready.... BEGIN."

count up all your mistakes, a pair of forgivers
corriander & svaatsi

Malloren hadn't thought to hard about the favor Miss Cavanaugh had promised her, but she was bored since she didn't know to many people on the island she decided to pay a little visit. All she seemed to do lately was read and dance and has much as she loved those things, the girl needed a break. So she decided to go look for this boat. Malloren skipped through the woods wondering how a big the boat could be if someone lived in it and it was in the woods. Shouldn't a boat be near or on the water? How did it get in the woods? Malloren confused herself quite a bit thinking about it.

Malloren couldn't help but whistle when she found the boat. Even broken down, it was very impressive. Malloren doesn't know to much about boats, but it seemed different from other boats she had seen. Parts of it seemed boat like, but it was defiantly different. "....Helloooooo," Malloren called out. She wasn't sure if there was some where she was post to knock or how she was post to get on. Could she walk through the giant hole? Or would that be trespassing?

trying to find the in-betweens
fall back in love eventually

"Ready... BEGIN!" Corriander squealed out, and the two turned their backs on eachother, taking to their palettes with vigor. Corriander was prepared for today; she was a carpenter, after all. Selecting the right size lumber, she rushed back onto the boat quickly to find her tool kit. Svaatsi was right on her heels though; even though he wasn't necessarily handy, he knew his stuff when it came to the Tesseract. Well, that, and he was keeping an eagle eye on Corriander. The two pushed each other while they approached the rope ladder.
"Me first," Corriander said, huffing and puffing, "the rule is ladies first."
"Fine fine, but y'better hurry yerself up there!" Svaatsi retorted, putting his hands on her bottom and shoving her up as she climbed. Corriander grumbled, looking behind her. "You better watch it," he only laughed, and she did too. Back inside the ship, the two found their toolboxes and carried them back out.
Assembly was easy enough: clamp, screw, nail, glue, whatever worked as long as they were strong enough to hold the ship. The base of the braces were shaped in an L with a criss-crossed network that formed a gentle bend, one that would fit the hull of the ship easily. Corri had already clamped her first one together and was beginning to screw it together -- Svaatsi was just beginning to clamp his. The work would be quick tomorrow -- and tomorrow Corri would go back and check their integrity. As long as they were kind of put together, they'd be getting somewhere.

"How y'doing over there, sweetie?" Corri sneered with a bit of a giggle. Svaatsi peeked at her from behind a tall piece of lumber, sneering back "shut your trap, Blondie. Ain't nothin' even started ye--"
"....Helloooooo," the competitor's eyes met over the sound. They sometimes had visitors, people curious as to why there was a ship in the middle of the forest, to which they normally just chased them off... but today was different. A visitor today wasn't just a nuisance, no, they were valuable assets on the road to victory.
"D--"
"DIBS!" Svaatsi said, dropping his work to rush around the boat. Corriander just rolled her eyes -- the time it took to con the person into working for them would be valuable time lost... well, unless you were Svaatsi.

The airship captain came around the bend to find something a little less favorable, but it was still useful -- a young girl, she was probably a few years younger that Corri (and several to himself). Her hair was a brilliant red shade, and she looked thin, limber, somewhat strong... just short, very short. Something about the girl rang familiar to him, although he was sure he didn't know her -- it was no matter.
"Aye, y'hear for the job, lass?" he said quickly, a big grin. "Well good shot then, yer a bit short... no matter! Les'go!" He said, taking the girl by the wrist, he dragged her around to the work area, and whipped her around gently to his work area. "Alright lass, y'hold up that side and I'll clamp it, y'got--"
"Wait a minute!" Corri said, hands on her hips. This girl was more than familiar to her, she was her little 'pickpocket', the poor girl that Corri had assaulted a few weeks back.
"No way, Corriander. I called dibs, you don't get this one!" Svaatsi said. He took Malloren's hands, placing them on the lumber he needed her to steady. "C'mon girl, hold it still."
"Dibs or not, I know this girl is here for me, so let her go. We'll call a time-out?" She offered, and Svaatsi sighed, releasing the red-heads wrists. "Fine then, Corri... but you get a minute deduction for this hold up."
The two reconciled, and Corri dropped her tools -- they could've been seen as weapons to the girl, who she figured would be rightfully skiddish.
"Took you a while, y'know? Malloren, right --y'here for your promise?" Svaatsi coughed behind her, and she smirked. "Oh, yeah... that brute, that's Svaatsi," she grinned and winked at her, "The one from the photo. What can I do ya for?"

count up all your mistakes, a pair of forgivers
corriander & svaatsi

Things were slow this morning. The rivers were practically empty of fish, an almost nonexistent breeze lazily blew through her hair. Basically, Sora was bored. Most of the town was still waking up, so there would be nothing to do there for at least another hour or so. So the next best thing was to visit her friendly neighborhood forest-crashers.

Sora hadn't really seen the two since... they crashed? Well, that was the last time she had seen them together. Svaatsi had shown up at the flower festival some time ago. Good dancer despite being... Svaatsi.

Anyway, that was Sora's primary reasoning for stumbling her way through the woods. Surely they would provide some sort of entertainment. Or at least provide her with something to do. She was up for anything.

"Hello Giant Ship!" She called as she entered the clearing that the same ship had created. It had a name, she remembered that much, but never anything else. Terrance? Maybe? Whatever, maybe Corri would remind her.

Surprisingly enough, they were awake! And outside! This was turning out fantastically! Quickening her pace, Sora basically pranced closer to the duo. Only, they weren't alone. Some red-headed girl was being manhandled by Svaatsi. Figures, Svaatsi would wake up early to get his hands on someone.

Sora didn't really think that. She liked Svaatsi, even though she knew him very little. More then Corriander at least. As soon as Sora was close enough to speak to them without outright yelling, Svaatsi and Corriander switched spots. Corriander to the rescue!

"Hello Svaatsi and Corriander and Lady!" She called out cheerfully, mood already brightening by the sight of people. Though it didn't stop her from asking the hard hitting important questions. "Why are you guys even awake?"

Malloren looked around confused wondering if anyone was even home when the guy from Miss Cavanaugh's picture ran around the corner saying something about a job, "Huh? Job Wha-" Before Malloren could say anything else, the guy had his hands around her wrist and dragged her up to deck. He set her in front of some tools and wood while she looked around panic to see Miss Cavanaugh. "Miss Cavanaugh?" Malloren squeaked confused and questioning. The people that lived on this boat were very pushy.

Miss Cavanaugh and the guy debated some kinda conditions while Malloren fidgeted. It probably wasn't to late to run away. Miss Cavanaugh seemed to be speaking for her favor, but she wasn't sure what was going on. Miss Cavanaugh seemed to have won and walked over to greet Malloren. "Took you a while, y'know? Malloren, right --y'here for your promise?" Miss Cavanaugh asked her.

"Umm yes that's my name Miss Cavanaugh. Um well I kinda..." Malloren swallowed and coughed not sure what to say. She came to hang? A promise was more reasonable but what did she want? She just got her monthly allowance so she wasn't in need of food or rent anymore...

Malloren looked behind Miss Cavanaugh when she heard the guy cough behind her. The guy seemed more calm now. What exactly did they pause? Miss smirked seeming to catch what Malloren assumed to be their secret couple code. Like where couples finished sentences or could get the jest of things from just staring at each other. Couples had to of plan that! "Oh, yeah... that brute, that's Svaatsi," Miss Cavaugh introduced him has she grinned and winked at her, "The one from the photo. What can I do ya for?"

"Um yeah, your boyfriend?" Well they were kissing. That made them a couple right? Malloren looked away wondering if this is where she had to ask for something now. She didn't want to waste a favor... but what did she want? ummmm... mmmm... "OH I WANT A PEGICORN!" ... maybe that was to much but Malloren spoke the first thing she wanted with sparkly eyes. She regretted it after she said it though. Well they are hard to find. Some doubt they exist any more. Pfft- the fools. But still, it might be to much of a favor being difficult to find and all.

"Hello Svaatsi and Corriander and Lady!" Someone called out cheerfully. Malloren turned around to see who had joined them to find a very... airy person. She guessed that was how she would described this person to someone. She seem fresh and relax maybe would be better words. "Why are you guys even awake?" The new miss continued to talk.

Malloren frantically looked around wondering if she was the Lady the new miss addressed. Did she look like a lady? Malloren looked at her baggy everyday clothes. She had been used to people calling her girl or kid. If she was the lady, was her question also addressed to her? "Um, because the sun is up?" Malloren really didn't know if that was helpful... It was the best answer she could think of.

(as a note, they aren’t on the deck… deck isn’t useable since the whole ship is tipped to its side.)

trying to find the in-betweens
fall back in love eventually

Malloren looked scared – and she had every right to be scared. It wasn’t every day that you had to deal with a pair of characters like a paranoid carpenter and her time-travelling airship captain ex-boyfriend. She fidgeted, eyes shifting while the two blondes argued their terms of resuming the fight.
“A minute? No way. Not for this.” Corriander had said, when Malloren’s eyes shifted right.
“Yeah, a minute. Y’take forever to do anything, I oughta make it two.” Svaatsi retorted, and Corriander had to concede. She did, indeed, take forever to do anything. She squinted her eyes and crinkled up her nose, before sticking her tongue out at him, which just gave Svaatsi a hearty laugh – she can be so childish.

Corri chose to address Malloren, hoping things would calm down for a bit now. “Y’here for your promise?” She asked her, her voice kind of hushed. Corriander and Svaatsi operated on separate moral codes – to her, a promise was a binding contract, and that drove him up the wall. Nothing in life said you were obligated to do anything, and he tend to skip out or change his mind when it came to guarantees. Umm, well I kinda—
“Y’kinda what, Maloe?” She asked, hands on her hips. She really didn’t have time for hangers-on today, especially since they had such a huge goal to work towards. In a week they’d be turning the ship straight, and they really needed to get these braces done.
“Ah-hem!” Svaatsi said behind her, and Corri glanced at him, a little smirk on her face. He was smiling too, but much more forced – he had definitely overheard the promise-talk. She’d have an earful later, about the joys of living free, and blah blah blah. Corriander introduced him, which prompted Malloren – she recognized him as Uhm, your boyfriend?
“No way, girl,” Svaatsi said, shaking his head. “Free, unattached and without any strings,” Svaatsi said, arms across his chest. The denial made Corriander scarlet, a mixture of fury and embarrassment. They had been doing so well, too… well, now she’d just beat the pants off him in their battle. Embarrass me, huh. She clarified – “The one from the photo,” She muttered, shaking her head. Well, at least Malloren would understand her stress from their first meeting. She was having ‘guy troubles’ – and you can’t avoid them with a guy like Svaatsi.
“Sooo… what can I do ya for?” Corriander said, sing-songy to try to mask the awkwardness. Svaatsi was glaring holes into her back, sitting down now and leaning on his palette of lumber. Just what the hell was she thinking, anyway, claiming they were dating? That was ages ago, and why did this red-headed broad even know anything about it? Corri and she didn’t even look comfortable around each other, there was no way they were friends. Svaatsi was beyond angry at her – how could she make up something like that? Now he’d just have to beat her at her own carpentry game, show her who was really captain around here…
OH! I WANT A PEGICORN! The redhead shouted, bringing Svaatsi out from his thoughts, and Corriander soon joined him with the blank, confused stare he possessed.
“A what…?” They said in unison. Corri’s eyebrow raised with disbelief… maybe Malloren just wasn’t all there. Maybe she was still experiencing issues with the blow she took. Who knew?

Hello Svaatsi and Corriander… and Lady! A new person came on scene, successfully breaking the second awkward silence within fifteen minutes. Svaatsi waved to Sora in a friendly manner, and Corri eyed him carefully – what was that about?
“`ey, Sora!” He said cheerfully. “Been a’while.”
“No kiddin,” Corriander added with a small grin. Sora was small beans, she reminded herself… no need to get angry about Svaatsi’s reaction, right?
Why are you guys even awake? Sora asked them, and before either of the crew could get a word out, Malloren beat them to the punch. Uhm, because the sun is out? Svaatsi couldn’t help but laugh a little – man, this little one was weird.
“We’re getting ready to set the ship upright,” Corriander explained to them, “Havin’ a bit of competition between us… gotta make about 20 braces to hold it up during repairs.” She smiled. “Aaaaand—“
“Y’two are now part of our crew. I pick Sora, y’can have the redhead, Corri.” Svaatsi said, hooking his arm around the short brunette’s shoulders. He had danced with her, she wasn’t too incapable, this would be a huge advantage. “Th’team with the most done a’fore noon wins. Losin’ team makes dinner for the winners. And prolly buys `em a round too, how old are you, Maloe?”
“Too young,” Corri said, eyes squinted into a glare. “But you switching partners gets rid of my minute penalty…. readysetgo!”
Both of the crew turned quickly, ready to build.
“C’mon, Sora. Y’just gotta hold this here,” Svaatsi said, grabbing her hands and placing them where she was needed.
“Malloren, I’m… well, can you drive these nails in down at that edge? As straight as possible? Please?”

count up all your mistakes, a pair of forgivers
corriander & svaatsi

Uhm, because the sun is out?

Sora supposed that was a logical answer. Sort of. Considering she tended to rise with the sun also. Still, the questions had been meant mostly for the bickering duo. Corriander and Svaatsi quickly explained their mission, talking over each other in the process. It was a competition, apparently. Fixing the ship? Or making braces? Sora wasn't really sure, but Svaatsi quickly picked her as his partner anyway.

C’mon, Sora. Y’just gotta hold this here... Svaatsi instructed, placing her hands where they were needed. Looking over her shoulder, she could see Corriander and the red head lady (Mallow? Maloe? What kind of a name...) attempting to nail some boards together. Or something.

"Uhm. So, I don't really know what I'm supposed to be doing..." Sora told Svaatsi. That, and she wasn't a very competitive person. Svaatsi was though, Sora figured, and there was a lot riding on this mission. She would not fail! Being stuck with Svaatsi and being forced to cook might turn somewhat... deadly? "But we will win!" She cheered, thrusting a fist into the air.

"So, who's she?" Sora asked, motioning with an awkward head tilt in the redheads direction. She didn't recognize her, and Sora was pretty sure she at least recognized most of the residents. New girl? No matter, she just wanted to know who else she would be helping Svaatsi beat...

(lol sorry, blame it on Malloren doesn't know heads or tails of a ship XP)

Malloren was kinda insulted. She wasn't good enough? To be tossed aside so easily. True it seemed to be only a competition between the... so they weren't a couple, so it wasn't a lover's spat... but they kissed. Only couples do that. It was all very confusing and only made Malloren feel very stupid. And why did they seem to forget about her Pegicorn?! Malloren quietly gasped, maybe they were non believers!

Well if one thing was true, it would probably be that Miss Cavanaugh's kissy face friend was a jerk. He kisses girls he's not dating, pulls girls into labor, switches partner choices easily, and she thought she saw him laughing at her. What did she do that was funny? Malloren tried paying attention, the jerk was talking. “Th’team with the most done a’fore noon wins. Losin’ team makes dinner for the winners. And prolly buys `em a round too, how old are you, Maloe?” Sir Savaats asked. She didn't get a chance to reply. Miss Cavanaugh answered for her. “Too young,” Miss Cavanaugh said, eyes squinted into a glare.

Well... was she of drinking age? ... Well her mother said drinking was evil so it wasn't like she would be drinking anyway. Malloren nodded in agreement. It looks like she would be partaking in this competition today. That took care of her bored problem.

“Malloren, I’m… well, can you drive these nails in down at that edge? As straight as possible? Please?” Miss Cavanaugh asked her. Malloren looked at Miss Cavanaugh questionably. Did she doubt her helpfulness? What was that pause?

Malloren gave Miss Cavanaugh a big thumbs up! Mal would give her no reason to doubt her assistance! Sir Svaatsi would fear her hammer! She picked up a near by hammer and started twirling it in her hands has she thought out how far apart to space the nails. "You know, I'm surprised you guys trust each other enough to cook each others meals." Especially since this was a competition. With Miss Cavanaugh's temper and Sir Svasstsi being a big jerky jerk and all, she was surprised one of them didn't poison the other a long time ago. ...Well that was her opinion, it wasn't like she knew their history or the details or any thing. She was enough of a sore loser though to not be tempted to add something a little funny to the mix if she lost. Nothing dangerous of course! Just something that would make it so Malloren would have something to smile about at the end of the day.

Malloren wasn't a handy man or anything; for one she was a women. But her dad did teach her some tricks. They made the best bird house ever.... it was just to big for a tree... She had mixed feelings about the memory. At least the neighbor cat liked to take it's afternoon naps in it. Malloren first slowly tapped on the nail securing it in place. Then she lifted the hammer over her head and BANG! That probably gave some one a heart attack, and then she she repeated. If she spent enough time preparing before the drive, the nails didn't even have the chance to bend.

trying to find the in-betweens
fall back in love eventually

In a typical Sora fashion, she took to working with the crew of the Tesseract without any kind of protest. It made Svaatsi feel incredibly relieved – he had a good partner in Sora. Uhm… I don’t really know what I’m supposed to be doing, she informed him, and Svaatsi laughed. “Ain’t a trouble, sugar. Just hold this straight and tall, alrigh’? I’ll walk y’through the steps… t’be honest, been a really long time since I built one’a these things m’self… Corri’s better suited for it.” He glanced at his competition, who was only beaming at him for his compliment. “Don’t mean she’s got a chance though!”

Sora held tight to the tall post while Svaatsi began to clamp it to its matching bottom piece. But we’ll win! Sora echoed after him, which made him laugh a bit. That was the spirit! There was no way in hell that blonde hanger-on of his and her little redhead friend-girl were going to win this. With Sora, they’d drive them straight into the ground just like the poor Tesseract. Yeah, then he’d have to watch Corri build that stupid confidenc—Man, that’s horrible. It’s not that kinda competition Svaatsi, get ahold a’yerself. He shook his head to banish the thoughts – it was a competition, and yeah, he was a horrible cook, but hey, this was all in good fun. “That’s the spirit,” He said to Sora, screwing the clamp one last time until it was tight.

“Alright then,” he said with a big grin, “Nice work. Next off we’re gonna be drivin’ these nails through t’make a good start for screws.” He handed the short girl a hammer and a set of heavy nails – big, they were meant to start a hole so a screw could grind in easily. “Just line `em up on those little x’s down there,” he pointed, “and put `em in as straight as possible.” The two began to work, Svaatsi pretty quickly.

So… whos’ she? Sora asked, a little head-jerk in the direction of Corriander’s visitor. Svaatsi studied her for a second before explaining, “I don’t know `er.” But god… she seemed very familiar. Corriander had told him a story about her, somethin’ about… work… and… wall… “Ohhhh!” He exclaimed, before laughter peeled out of him like a waterfall, heavy and spirited. “Oh man! Sora, Sora, Sora… wait `til y’hear this. That little bug right there,” He pointed to Malloren with a hammer, “Corriander beat her up.”

Corriander rolled her eyes at Svaatsi as he shoved the poor red head towards her – she caught her shoulders to steady the girl. He could really lack tact sometimes – just swapping out Malloren without even a warning, how insulting was that! Of course, he knew Sora… Corriander probably would’ve teamed up with her too, given the chance. But that didn’t mean she was a bad partner! Everyone just wanted to work with who they knew best.

“..readysetgo!” Corriander declared before taking Malloren (much more gentle than her ex-boyfriend), and leading her to their respective work site. Corriander was already ahead of Svaatsi, the advantage of being a professional carpenter. Her brace was already clamped in, and some of the screws were already in place – she was beginning to screw together the bottom; but she needed Malloren to begin the holes for the top of it. “Malloren,” She requested, getting down on her knees, to finish screwing in the bit she had been working on. “I’m…well…” Damn, this was awkward. How do you request someone to work for you, when they showed up for you to do work for them? It was no matter now, she guessed – Svaatsi was going to catch up to her fast, especially at this rate, and with someone as easygoing as Sora working with him… ugh.! “Well, can you drive these nails in down at that edge? As straight as possible? Please?” She requested gently, as to not upset Malloren. She felt like she was walking on eggshells – and she kind of was. Malloren probably still harbored distaste for her, and Corriander couldn’t shake that horrible feeling from her chest, anyway. Malloren only stared at her blankly too, to exacerbate her fears… she’d probably just walk away and Corri would be fighting a 2-against-1 fight…
But no! Malloren flashed a thumb up and a grin, before picking up the extra hammer and getting straight to… well, I guess what could be called work. Corriander was actually impressed with her while she carefully placed the nail. You know… I’m surprised you guys trust each other enough to cook each other’s meals, Malloren said as she drove the nail in with a light tap to mark it – wow, maybe this girl knew something about carpentry! Corri could only giggle at her comment – yeah, she was kinda right. Svaatsi was really rough on her, especially in front of other people. It was a huge flaw of his, he always wanted to make a scene, be the center of attention, even if that meant pushing Corriander under the bus to do so… but man, when it was just them.
“Yeah, I know,” She said, a small smile on her face. Her eyes were kind of distant as she finished her carpentry work – she was clearly thinking of other things. “He’s just a little… call it tough love.” She said with a shrug. “It’s complicated, you know?” Corriander chose this time to take her eyes off her work and watch Malloren. She cringed as the girl swung the hammer over her head – a beginner’s move, she was going to drive that nail in swift and hard, but could splinter the wood. She did this twice, each time causing the blonde to shrink in absolute horror. Whatever, whatever it took to win. “eesh… well… when you’re done, take them back out, then use the screwdriver and screws… and some elbow grease and drive `em in flush.” She said then, taking her eyes away. She couldn’t watch this novice work.

—Corriander beat her up! Svaatsi’s voice rang out like a bell, his laughter following in heavy bellows. Corriander just couldn’t win today. “I didn’t beat her up,” she said dejectedly. “We had a misunderstanding . I think.”

count up all your mistakes, a pair of forgivers
corriander & svaatsi

As much as Sora liked to describe herself as someone who had done everything or experienced more than that, she had to admit that she hadn't really ever built something before. Let alone fix it.

Thankfully, Svaatsi was a pretty good teacher. Instructor? Whatever he was, he was relatively good at it. In Sora's opinion, at least. Despite it being a competition that had pretty much everything at stake, including what was probably Svaatsi's dignity, he was calm while he gave Sora directions. Handing her the proper tools before setting off to work himself.

Sora crouched down, peering closely at the dozens of tiny x's marked on the piece of wood. Carefully, she placed one nail onto the center of an x, awkwardly maneuvering her hands around to slowly tap the nail into place. One down, more to go! She sat back on her heels, watching Svaatsi work at twice the speed she was going. She was really going to need to speed it up.

Corriander beat her up! Svaatsi laughed out the answer to her question. Sora stopped mid-hammer swing, turning to look at the rival duo. The red head was viciously beating a nail into some wood, Corriander was just glaring at them,. Or more specifically-- Svaatsi.

I didn’t beat her up, We had a misunderstanding. I think. Corriander defended. Sora looked from one competitor to the other, before settling her gaze on Corri. "I don't think Corriander would actually beat someone up." Sora said, slowly. True, she may not know Corriander very well, but the girl didn't look like the go-around-beating-people-up type, either. Then again, she did live with Svaatsi.

“It’s complicated, you know?” Miss Cavanaugh confided in Malloren. Actually, she didn't know. Partly why she assumed the poisoning of the meals. But she hope Sir Svaatsi wasn't jerky all the time, for her sake.

Malloren had just finished driving in one nail when Miss Cavanaugh interrupted her work. “eesh… well… when you’re done, take them back out, then use the screwdriver and screws… and some elbow grease and drive `em in flush.” Miss Cavanaugh told her then, taking her eyes away.

Malloren stared at her work dumb-afied. She had really drove those nails in. It would be hard to get them out... and what was flush? She knew she heard her dad use that term before... but she just couldn't remember what it meant. It drove her mad! She felt like hammering her own head! Malloren circled around her work looking for any part she could get the back of her hammer into. Finally getting her hammer around the nail, she pulled. "Hey what's flushing again?" Malloren asked while grunting. Her nail just wouldn't move! Malloren stood over her nail pulling her hammer with all her strength! Plus side, she did a good job hammering it in! Down side, with the noises she was making, they probably thought she was possessed.

"—Corriander beat her up!" Svaatsi’s voice rang out like a bell, his laughter following in heavy bellows. Miss Cavanaugh corrected him, “I didn’t beat her up,” she said dejectedly. “We had a misunderstanding . I think.” They were loud enough for Malloren to overhear.

Finally, something let go. The nail came flying out causing Malloren's hammer to fly back and out of her hands! Malloren rolled onto her back has she watched her hammer zoom by Sir Svaatsi's face. Good thing it didn't hit him. "Mmm, well to be fair, I gave her a nasty scratch." Malloren stated still on her back. She sprang up and went to go look for her hammer.

trying to find the in-betweens
fall back in love eventually

Svaatsi looked up at the other team – Corri’s raised, fearful shoulders, the way she held herself like she was about to dry heave… Malloren’s complete disregard for proper ‘hammer form’, and her violent assault on their lumber, oh man, this was too perfect. He and Sora had this in the bag. The guilt he felt for stealing the available girl and switching partners was miniscule in comparison to the immense ‘in-your-face’ pride that was swelling up. A dinner fit for a king, yeah, he thought he’d ask for steak – or rather, whatever Sora wanted. She was really the clincher in this. For a girl who seemed pretty uncertain at first, she was working rather diligently. She took direction well and had pretty good sense about the proper way to use a hammer and nails.

I don’t think Corriander would… actually beat someone up. Sora defended, as did Corri with a bit more whiny voice – it was a misunderstanding. Yes, that’s what she had said when she poured herself a pint the night it happened, but where was the fun in that. Granted, both of them didn’t actually mean what had happened, but in the long run, Corri had basically assaulted a child for no reason and that was funny enough for him. It was kind of sweet in a weird Corriander kind of way; just getting wrapped away in the moment and acting on impulse. She did that a lot, no matter the situation. It was a trait he liked.

“LOOK OUT!” Corri’s voice was shrill; Svaatsi had stopped working and was just staring at the blonde for a bit before snapping back into reality – by a hammer that went whizzing past his head, nearly clocking him right square in the face.
“Whoa there Little Red, take it out on yer partner, I didn’t punch ya for no reason!” He said, with a bit of a nervous chuckle. All jokes aside, that could’ve really messed him up.
Mmm, well, to be fair— Malloren spoke as if nothing happened. I gave her a nasty scratch. Svaatsi grinned at her as she walked behind him, off to find her hammer.
“Yeah yeah, right after she accused ya of stealin’ from her, and ya didn’t.” He was grinning, back to normal now; crisis averted. “Sora, point is, don’t let her pretty little face deceive ya. Behind that smile lies a lioness ready to attack.” He looked at her sternly. “And she ain’t the kind to let her prey get away.” Svaatsi leaned close to his partner and whispered to her, “Really – been travellin’ with her for two years now. I’m trapped!”

Leaning back, he returned to his work, pulling out some nails before driving screws through. “Aye, Sora! When yer done with that, pull `em back out! Then yer gonna screw these screws into the holes. It’ll be a bit tough, but y’gotta get it done.” Smiling at her, he decided to turn the topic to her – “Been a while since y’been here, what brought ya `round?”

Corriander could only sigh at Svaatsi’s antics – this was so typical of him, make a big show, put her down, ugh. And now his sights were on Sora, she wouldn’t be shocked if he started flirting right there on the battlefield. She knew he was doing this to rattle her, and frankly, it was working. She hated this side of him, his public side; which was, ironically, the side that attracted her in the first place. It worked for him though, she couldn’t deny that. Everyone seemed to enjoy, or at least put up with the loveable jerk appeal. Her dejected feelings were getting the best of her as she started nearly violently driving her screws into place, putting far more effort into it than necessary. She would get this done and then beat him over the head with the brace until he apologized, or something.

Hey, what’s flushing again? Malloren asked, and Corriander’s green eyes shot up and locked with her. Really? She didn’t know what flush meant? Well, she couldn’t be that shocked… she did brandish that hammer like it was the hammer of Thor. “Flush,” Corri explained, taking Malloren by the shoulder. She lead her over to the screws she was working on, where they were all tightly in place, and the edge of the screws lined up perfectly with the edge of the hole in the wood.

“Just so the edges line up… Screws don’t stick out at all. It’s easy but it takes a lot of time, so be careful, alright? I’m gonna work on the cross bar.” She said, going back over to the palette. She got a smaller piece of lumber out and lined it up across the two pieces that Malloren was working on, clamping it in place easily. They were maintaining their lead pretty well, despite her personal hang ups and – as a hammer went flying by, Malloren’s as well. When Malloren came back, Corriander decided to distract herself from the whole Svaatsi thing.
“So, Malloren, what is this… peggy-corn thing or whatever?”

count up all your mistakes, a pair of forgivers
corriander & svaatsi

As if it were a sign that it was best not to defend ones competitor, as soon as Sora had finished speaking a rebel hammer flew through the air. Straight for Svaatsi. A strange mixture of amazed and confused (where had that hammer even come from?), Sora made only a tiny motion toward Svaatsi. Nothing more to help save him, luckily Corriander was mostly unfazed. She bellowed a warning, and Svaatsi was saved! Crisis averted, indeed.

Sora, point is, don’t let her pretty little face deceive ya. Behind that smile lies a lioness ready to attack. And she ain’t the kind to let her prey get away. Really – been travellin’ with her for two years now. I’m trapped!

She listened patiently as he went on about Corriander. While it was true that she hardly knew Corriander at all, she couldn't help but well... not believe Svaatsi. To Sora, she didn't look dangerous at all. Just annoyed, which was understandable. She saw no reason not to believe both Corriander and her partner, a simple misunderstanding. Nothing more, nothing less.

"You're trapped?" Sora asked with a hint of sarcasm. "Are you sure you didn't steal that line from Corriander?" She giggled to herself, pleased with her attempted joking. If anything, she thought they were only pretending to be trapped. So many chances to leave each other, yet here they were. It was sort of sweet.

Frowning down at her row of carefully hammered nails, Sora sadly chose a place to begin the next part of her job. Sticking the weird forked part of the hammer under the head of the nail, she pulled. Hard. All that work to hammer the things in, and now she had to pull them all out. That didn't seem very smart. The nails seemed to agree, they were practically fighting with Sora to stay buried in the wood.

"Boredom, mostly." Sora answered without really thinking. Success! One nail down, dozens to go. "Things were sort of... stagnant. The air, the river. Everything. The last time I had been that bored was the day you guys crashed here. So, it seemed like some sort of sign that I should pay you guys a visit. I'm glad I did!"

Malloren found her hammer on the ground and went back over to Miss Cavanaugh's side of the battle field. She caught a glance at the enemies' camp on her way. She wasn't completely sure, but she thought they might be ahead of her and Miss Cavanaugh. Or at least that one girl on Sir Svaatsi side was ahead of her. She had more nails pulled out already and she didn't lose her hammer. “Yeah yeah, right after she accused ya of stealin’ from her, and ya didn’t.” Sir Svaatsi kept going. Malloren shrugged. It just didn't really seem important now that Miss Cavanaugh let it go. If one side dies the other side just feels wasted if it keeps on boiling. Sir Svaatsi retelling the story just seemed to make Malloren feel awkward. Was it post to be funny? Sir Svaatsi was grinning like it should be.

When Malloren looked back up over at her side, Miss Cavanaugh had got her by the shoulder, “Flush,” Malloren could tell a lesson was coming. Miss Cavanaugh sounded just like her old English teacher when she was going to define something for her. It was more awkward now though. Malloren couldn't help stare at the hand on her. Miss Cavanaugh and Sir Svaatsi sure were touchy people. Maybe thats why they both got along... or at least stayed together. “Just so the edges line up… Screws don’t stick out at all. It’s easy but it takes a lot of time, so be careful, alright? I’m gonna work on the cross bar.” Miss Cavanaugh explained while Malloren nodded showing she got it.

Malloren went back to her nails. It still took some effort, but she tried being careful so she wouldn't kill anybody. She nervously kept on looking at the over side has the other girl got farther and farther done with her work. Malloren wanted to pick up the pace, but she didn't want to ruin the wood and making it all splintery and weird being rough pulling out the nails. She wasn't the best carpenter, but that didn't mean she didn't want what she was working on not to be pretty.

Malloren was doing okay catching up when she heard the magic word, “So, Malloren, what is this… peggy-corn thing or whatever?” Miss Cavanaugh casually asked. Mallorens eyes shoot up sparkling causing her to fling her nail at the end of her hammer somewhere, "A Pegicorn!" Malloren's voice rang with excitement, Miss Cavanaugh didn't forget! Malloren then noticed she was missing her nail and looked around. Where did it go? "Um Umm," Malloren mumbled now distracted by of talks of Pegicorn and her missing nail. A random nail lying around could be dangerous! Oh but her Pegicorn! Her never ending dream of a pretty magical pony that she just thought up maybe 30 minutes ago! "Um it's a horse with wings and horn." Malloren looked around swinging her head and gently exploring the ground looking for any thing grey, shinny, and sharp.

trying to find the in-betweens
fall back in love eventually

You’re trapped? Are you sure you didn’t steal that line from Corriander? Svaatsi glanced at Sora, an eyebrow raised. He was a little surprised. She was a silly girl, but he never really tagged her as so quick. It was kind of nice, actually, having a back-and-forth with someone who wasn’t that blonde just across from them. “Aw Sora, yer breakin’ my heart here,” he said, throwing one hand on his chest as if it were in pain. “Y’just can’t believe a word I say, huh? First with th’dancin, now this. What’s it gonna take for you t’believe me?” He was grinning though, all in good fun. Of course, he wasn’t actually trapped… maybe metaphorical. There was something strange about him and Corri. Every time they landed, every place they’ve been, they’d yelled and screamed at each other, claiming they were about to leave, and yet here they were, two years later, doing the same old song and dance. As dysfunctional as it was, it worked… sometimes. Maybe there was more to this than he generally gave credit for. It was weird, but he’d be damned if it wasn’t fun.

He gave Sora his next direction as he kept driving screws in. He forgot how time consuming brace work could be… damn, they really should’ve just kept a good set on the ship for this.Aye, they’d get destroyed in the impact. He reminded himself, shaking his head. It was a shame, how unprepared they were for this – not that you could ever be fully prepared for a disaster, but hell, a little head start would’ve been nice. They were starting at ground zero and it was definitely terrible. Tiring. Straining. Ever since this crash he and Corri had been at odds, playful or not, and it was difficult to get back. This day was like a sunshine day in the sea of clouds.

Svaatsi shook his head – that was all getting to him. He needed to switch the conversation and fast; this was kind of terrible. Turning to Sora, he figured he’d switch the conversation onto her. She was different, kind of a weird girl. Despite being relatively normal, in looks and clothing and job choices, there was something about her that inherently young, playful, fun. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but he liked Sora, and in more than an annoying guy-who-flirts way. She was interesting, a potential friend. Boredom, mostly. She explained, not taking her eyes off the work in front of her. What a weird girl, this whole situation around her, being forced labor, and she didn’t even care. She just went wherever she felt. Svaatsi listened to her explain the idea of stagnancy, and he understood all too well. Wasn’t that the real reason he went exploring at a young age… stuffed up in that house, no point… well, that was another time. I’m glad I did!

“Glad t’be here to entertain,” he said, shrugging a little. “We really needed the hands too – we owe y’one.” He grinned, “For helpin’ out with the crash, too. We prolly woulda passed out right on the spot if it wasn’t for y’being there. Something `bout keepin’ up appearances or something… I’d rather be awake when someone comes by than on the floor.” Svaatsi smiled a bit, yeah, she was a big help in the crash, though her time was short there. “Stagnant though? Y’fish, right?” He stared at her a bit. “Y’really don’t look like a fisherman. What made ya get into that?”

Corri could feel the upset feelings in her stomach bubble up. Svaatsi had at least stopped teasing about she and Malloren’s unfortunate meet-up, but now he was playing it off as if it were nothing, just chatting amiably towards Sora. Where did he come off anyway? Corri bit the inside of her cheek as she worked wildly now, clamping the sidebar up expertly, despite really needing a second hand. She was attempting to channel her rage at this point, into everything in front of her…. But the more she thought about it, the more she wondered why she should. I mean, what was the point of repairing the boat? To get it back up, in the air, so she could just spend more time with someone who didn’t… really respect her? The ideas were making her sick, she really should’ve just stopped and sat down. Told Malloren to go home, she’d help with this Pegacorn thing later, whatever. Right now she kind of felt like puking.

But she didn’t. She just kept working, like she always did. Always the fixer, Corriander just bit her tongue, wielded that hammer and changed the subject to Malloren. Better she just show Svaatsi she didn’t care than get upset. That never got her anywhere. Besides… what was this pegacorn thing she was blathering on about? It seemed something like a fairytale, just by the name. Malloren seemed too old to believe things like that, but maybe Corri was wrong.

But she wasn’t. A pegicorn! her partner exclaimed cheerfully. Corriander lifted her stormy eyes from her work – Malloren seemed entranced just by the mention of it. Oh wait, no – she was looking for something. Corriander’s eyes scanned the ground too, whatever it was, maybe she could catch it, too. Umm… it’s a horse, with wings and a horn. Corrianders’ eyebrows arched. What? Was she serious? She wanted to find something like that – which, of course, didn’t exist? She had to be kidding. But she wasn’t – she was totally serious. There was something kind of endearing about it, and though the asinine suggestion kind of burned the already crabby girl to the core, she figured she’d at least entertain the search for one. Stepping out a few paces, Corri grabbed up a nail from the grass. “Alright, we’ll find this pegicorn.” She said, holding the nail out to the girl. “I’m pretty alright at findin’ stuff, so maybe we’ll have luck.” Corriander said with a small, mock smile. It wasn’t doing a great job of masking how upset she was. “Do… you have any idea where these things… like, hide out?” Corri said, hiding back behind the work she was doing. They were still ahead of Svaatsi, but he and Sora were catching up, and fast. Corri would be damned if they would lose, though. Last thing she’d be doing was a meal for that buffoon.

count up all your mistakes, a pair of forgivers
corriander & svaatsi