Busy Work

[Thomas Cosa]

4th of Winter, 512 AV
Early Morning, the 5th Bell

"Apprentice Cosa?"

Thomas grumbled, turning his body away from the opening to his sleeping quarters. No pillows, no blankets, no bed. The young pulser woke silently, staring at empty stone wall before him. He held his breath as he waited for the voice to call out again, hoping it wouldn't.

"Apprentice Cosa?' the voice called louder. Thomas sighed, pushing himself off the floor. The voice was definitly not golem on origin, but he was still suprised to see a young woman, around his age, standing outside the opening. Before Sahova, she had probably been pretty -- dark hair framed a fragile face, blue eyes stared at Thomas expectantly. "You are Apprentice Cosa, correct?" she asked, her tone impatient. Thomas nodded, rubbing his eyes, stretching his limbs. "Good," she nodded, "Please follow me to the Lab -- you are to accompany me, and then aid in a quick delivery to the port," she finished, starting towards the bottom of the cavern.

It was a short way to the boxes, the two pulsers managing limited, but polite conversation. Names were exchanges, hometowns, but nothing more. Even among pulser apprentices there was a need to keep some things quiet.

Just because she had a beating heart, didn't mean she wouldn't stab his.

[Thomas Cosa]

"Do you need rest, Thomas?"

The young pulser grunted, carefully placing the heavy box on the floor. He offered the girl a quick smile, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Thomas let out a sigh of relief as he pushed against the dark wall, relaxing.

"How long have you been in Sahova, Abigail?" Thomas asked, glancing at the young woman. Her face was tired and gaunt, ribs jutted out against her skin shirt. Malnourished. Something all the living shared on the isle. That and determination. They were all here to succeed, to push themselves as far as possible in their perspective fields. And to them, those who lived on Sahova, the rewards of their time spent here far outweighed the health risks.

"Almost three seasons now," she replied, her tone bored. "And you, Thomas?"

At least she was polite.

"One season," he answered quietly, his breathing heavy. "Although it sometimes feels like a year," he added, his voice bitter.

An awkward silence overcame the two apprentices, neither knowing exactly what to say.

It was Abigail that broke the silence.

"We should go."

[Thomas Cosa]

Thomas grunted, his arms stretched around the packaged cargo. His muscled screamed in protest, the physical exeration pailing the young mage's face.

"You need to lift with your legs," Abigail offered, setting down the box for a brief moment. "If you go on like that," she gestured toward his back, "You'll end up far worse here, especially as a pulser. There is no doctor, no healthcare here for those of us who breath. You need to learn to take care of your body, you only have one -- unless you have plans to change?" she asked, her head cocked to the side.

Thomas snorted loudly, his breathing pained and broken.

"No."

"Then watch me, and do as I do. We're almost done," She said softly, bending down to pick up the wooden box. "Always have your feet a shoulder's width apart, and remember to carry with your legs; see how mine are bent, and my back is straight?" She noted, her eyes watching Thomas, waiting for a response.

Thomas nodded, still resting besides his box.

"Good, and always keep what you're carrying close to your body -- this will keep your back straight and your legs bent," Abigail nodded, and waiting for Thomas to follow.

"Legs apart," He reminded himself, slowly adjusting his pose before bending down to pick up his burden.

"Legs bent, straight back," He breathed, putting the weight on his legs instead of his back, feeling better; not much, but still something.

Thomas smiled, cradling the box close to his chest, awkwardly walking towards the door. "And always keep it close to your chest."

[Thomas Cosa]

"Back straight, cradle close."

"Back straight, cradle close."

"Back straight, cradle close."

Thomas repeated the small verse again and again, following Abigail out of the Citadel. The sharp brightness of morning cut into his vision -- Thomas blinked, stunned, until his eyes readjusted to natural light. The warm rays of Syna's smile tickled his skin, the cool ocean breeze playfully tugged at his clothes and hair.

"Place it here," Abigail called after Thomas, showing him where to place the boxes.

Thomas nodded, catching up to the young woman. Carefully, he placed the crate where she had indicated, turning back to the ocean.

A moment of silence passed between the two, broken by the young animator.

"Do you ever think of leaving?" he asked, turning towards the Abigail.

"Yes. Do you?"

Thomas nodded, silent.

"We should head back -- the masters will be expecting my report," she said, briskly walking towards the citadel.

"Of course."

[Mirage]

Thomas Cosa

Experience

Skill	XP Earned
N/A	N/A

Lores

•	Lore Earned
•	Abigail: Another Pulser Apprentice

It's Not What You Think...

And your final grunt work thread is done! Congrats! You have full permission to begin animating! Make it a good thread with a nice story . Get that write up to me ASAP as well! Have a great day