Side Adventure Dab Paws, Daft Tasks

"I may know a lot, but no beast knows all." Kaii responded with a shake of his head and the meagre smile creeping onto his muzzle. "But that is why we have friends, together we are closer to having it all." He chuckled before Swift gave the orders while laying the cloth.

While exhausted, Kaii worked now a bit more eagerly, if slower. He heaved himself to get the tar closer. Taking the rope end he earlier grabbed and putting it into the pitch. As soon as Swift was done, Kaii started slowly but surely painting the tar onto the patch. He managed to spread it evenly with a help of the wooden straightedge from his bag of tools.

After working in silence for a good moment, The two foxes we done with preparing the patch. Now came the time to flip it and then sew it. The marble todd again helped himself and his platinum-furred friend to stand up.

Taking a moment to prepare themselves, Kaii considered asking one thing that nagged him somewhat. "Swift, If I may ask, you said you were a blacksmith, why the bow then? Not to tarnish such noble weapon, but coming from a family that had a lot of traditions related to metalworking, making armour and weapons, I find it peculiar simply."

The curiosity in his voice was rather apparent. After all, he was a beast raised with a lot of unique traditions, even if he didn't got to experience most of the first paw, he was rather bent on maintaining them.

He waited for the answer while taking the patch they've prepared, flipping it together with Swift and then patting it down to ensure no air pockets would weaken it.
 
Swifttail chuckled. "Aye mate. We're smarter together."

He braced one paw on the sail as Kaii spread the tar, his eyes following the strokes of the makeshift brush until the cloth glistened evenly. Together they lifted and flipped it, pressing down in unison. The resin squeezed up through the weave, tacky and solid, promising a bond strong enough to hold.

As they smoothed the patch flat, Swifttail mulled over Kaii’s question. His ears tilted back, and for a long moment he said nothing.

“Well… believe it or not, I’d only known peace up till Iskatyut fell…” His voice softened, shaded by memory. There was sadness there, but tempered, like a scar long healed. “We didn’t use weapons much. All the ships that visited were peaceful, wantin’ trade, not war.”

He gave the canvas an extra pat, then glanced at Kaii with a faint, crooked smile. “But we did have huntin’ parties for birds ’n’ fish. S’far more useful t’ have a bow than a sword fer that.”

Without lingering, he reached for the next strip of cloth, laying it across the second trio of tears and measuring it with quick, efficient movements.

“C’mon mate. Let that one firm a bit before we stitch it, and we’ll get this one caught up.”
 
Listening to what Swifttail said made a lot of sense to Kaii. And combined with what he did already know about the platinum fox, made him saddened for his friend and his experiences. "War too broke my life, even if my family was living from it and were rather accustomed to it. Thank you for honest answer and apologies for bringing this up. I did not want to sour your mood."

Moving again to apply more tar, Kaii needed not to be told twice to start working. He was even slower than before, for without his emotionless state his pain and tiredness were crushing him. Yet he did got it to the end, making sure none of his work was shoddy.

As they were now preparing to flip the other patch too, Kaii decided to talk about something else that hopefully would not raise any negative emotions.
"I really hope that the pay for this expedition will at least let me establish a small workshop... What do you plan for the future? Knowing from myself, I assume you also just see being in the Navy as means more than an end goal."

He did sound tired, but his curiousity was insatiable. Not just for scientific matters or world's mysteries anymore. Beasts too were interesting as he was learning now thanks to his friends. Worth knowing more than just superficially.

They did have to heave the patch again and pat it before Swifttail could answer. And moving to do so made Kaii not want to stand up anymore today, still one last task was left.

The dreaded sewing. At least the patches were glued now, and the sew Kaii chose and shown earlier was basically a truss. In his mind, it was the last barrier before he could rest and consider his duty completed.
 
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Swifttail’s ears dipped as Kaii spoke. He pressed the edge of the patch flat, resin tacky under his paw, and shook his head softly.

"War’s like an unwakin’ nightmare," he murmured. "We should be workin’ toward peace, helpin’ each other… not makin’ the problem worse by hammerin’ out more weapons."

He gave the patch one last pat before leaning back on his heels, listening as Kaii laid out his hopes. The thought drew the faintest smile to Swifttail’s tired face.

"Aye mate, this life ain’t for me either," he admitted. "I want t’ find a smith in town, train under ’em, save up fer me own shop, same as you." His tail flicked once as he added with a weary sigh, "I’d been eyein’ a post at the Ministry of Innovation… but after what I’ve seen they’re meddlin’ with? I dunno anymore."

He looked down at their work, frustration clouding his expression. The sewing loomed like another storm on the horizon. With a slow exhale, he fished in his satchel and pulled free two curved needles, glinting faintly in the fog-dim light.

"Well, mate," he said, holding one out to Kaii, "turns out I actually made two of these. Show me how, an’ I’ll take one and you take the other."
 
Kaii flashed a quick smile to his fiend, glad he took initiative to make more than one needle. He took one eagerly and stopped for a moment. Swift expected to be shown what to do and he had only the faintest idea. Still, what he had in plan was hopefully doable. Taking the thread and threading the needle took a moment. When it was done, Kaii run his paw pads across the sail, feeling the direction of the strings that made the cloth. In doing so, he had a moment to respond.

"The plan is simple and since we have to patches, we can do them at the same time. We need to pierce the patch and sail under it at the side, pushing at the angle that would allow for it to peek out to the side, through the sail itself. That is when we can grasp and pull the sharp side, leaving solid, perpendicular connection. Moving the needle lower, we create a diagonal, thus making a zigzag. It should be enough with the adhesive tar and for sure it will keep it in place."

Knowing the explanation was lengthy, Kaii decided to just show what he intended to do as he spoke. Indeed, for someone with no skill in sewing, it took him a few attempts to get the angle right, but once he did, it was really a matter of just having a good grip on the needle.

While continuing to sew further, he didn't doubt Swifttail would follow without much issue. Thus to not let them work in grim silence Kaii continued the previous topic.


"I myself believe Ministry of Innovation deals with far more. There was no way I would know for sure, but the unknown is part of the appeal to me." The marble fox explained softly. "I think you would do great working in engineering still. If things like the idol make you unease and feel evil... which I can assure you, while I know your opinion of it, is not. It is actually possibly a key to the future. Well not the idol itself, the metal it is made of rather." He continued while noticing that with each seam he was getting better, if slower as his paws were reluctant to continue pushing the needle.

"Tangent aside, my point is, you would do great working on improving or innovating. And Innovation is in the name unlike discoveries. They must have a place for you." Kaii finished his rationalisations, realising the problem. He was encouraging his friend to work in a place they were apprehensive towards... but why? He stopped talking for a moment as his expression became fully stoic again, he had to consider his own mind again and it was never too pleasant of an experience.
 
Swifttail watched Kaii’s paws for only a few moments before settling into his own rhythm, angled thrust, tug through, then the diagonal. It was clumsy at first, but soon enough the motion found a steady pace. Working side by side, the two foxes slowly brought order back to the torn canvas.

"Back in Iskatyut…" he began quietly, eyes fixed on the sail beneath his paws. "Even somethin’ as small as a traction engine, like the one runnin’ this ship, would’ve changed everythin’. No more haulin’ sleds through snow till yer paws bled. No more breakin’ backs just to drag timbers down from the ridge. A machine like that… would’ve been a miracle."

He tugged the thread taut, resin tacky on his pawpads, and glanced at Kaii.

"If’n that idol could be used fer beasts like that to build, to help... aye, it’d be incredible t’ be among the ones makin’ it happen." He hesitated, muzzle tightening. "But think about it… the Imperium’s built on warfare, mate. That’s not what they’ll use it for."

His stitches rounded the final edge of the patch, sealing the last seam with a firm pull. He let out a long breath, ears drooping.

"I don’t want t’ be a part of that, mate. I truly don’t."
 
Moving slower than Swifttail, Kaii still needed a moment to finish while his companion was now finally done. His words ringed true deep within him. In a way his whole legacy was part of the problem, but he was told many things and then read even more. He had his own idea to see this whole debacle.

"I understand that. But no tool has only good uses. It all boils down to intent. This needle I hold now, I can use it to fix the sail. I can also use it to stab someone. The engine we have runs the warship, while it could run a trading vessel. Same goes for weapons. You yourself have a bow, using it for noble purposes like providing food and protecting your kin. Weapons itself are not bad if they are in responsible paws. The issue is, one I cannot deny, there is not a lot of the latter."

He finished the same way the other fox did.

"Any advancement will be used for violence, as long the ones who are violent exist. And since we cannot cull the population, the best way is to deter them, regulate the violence. But can we trust those in charge with keeping it in check?" The marble fox coughed again, leaving a few droplets of blood on the patch, marking it for the time to come. In a way, it was a perfect addition. One showing what it took just to complete this task. It also made Kaii realise he was rambling again.

"Apologies. I don't think you are in the mood to talk political theory now... I respect your ideals, for I share the foundations they are built upon."

Kaii crawled out of the sail and gave it a good look, seeing as the patches were settling nicely. He was about to declare their task was done before it hit him. They had to put the sail back on still. He dreaded it not, but he knew he would most likely pass out from exhaustion and pain should he climb the rigging again.

"Swift... can we agree it needs time for adhesive to work and take a moment of respite?" Kaii asked with a plea in his voice that was barely holding the flat tone of his. His face was also pained now.
 
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Swifttail let himself collapse backward onto the deck, legs folding under him until he sat with a graceless thump. He blew out a breath, tail limp.

“Aye mate, say no more.”

His chest still heaved from the effort, but his mind kept circling back to Kaii’s words. He didn’t think the marble fox had been rambling. Far from it, actually. Every word had weight and it made him think deeply upon them. Swift rubbed at the side of his muzzle, ears canted low.

“I am still interested, maybe… in the Ministry, I mean. If the benefits outweigh the suff—”

He didn’t finish.

"Oi! You two still onnit?"

Both foxes turned at the sound. Klitch and Thura had reappeared from the direction of the infirmary, bandaged but upright. The ferret leaned heavily on his peg leg, eyes still sunken.

"Gates, ’dis one looks dreadful sommat awful, mate."

Swifttail’s hackles bristled, anger rising, but before he could spit it out, Thura lifted her paws.

"Relax, mates. Klitch an’ I was thinkin’ ’bout what ye said earlier… an’—"

"Aye,"
Klitch cut in, nodding stiffly. "We’re sorry. Jes’ tryin’ to keep our own morale up is all, but it came at yer personal expense…"

The two stood there quietly, bandaged and humbled. Thura glanced between them before speaking again.

"So we was thinkin’ that we oughta ’elp ye. T’is the least we kin do. What ya say?"

Swifttail blinked, his mouth half open, then closed again. He looked over at Kaii, waiting to see how his friend would answer.
 
Kaii moved and sat down supported by a mast to stay upright, glad that Swifttail was understanding. Albeit both were exhausted, so that may have added to his decision too. After a moment of silence they both needed to rest, just looking around or at one another, when the platinum fox stated the first words that he still wishes to work in the ministry, Kaii finally realised why he was trying to rationalise it so hard to his friend. Some part of him now wanted to avoid being forced into being a loner again. And while he was never apprehensive about talking to new beasts, the ones he found here were closer already than any beast he wasn't growing up with.

It felt a bit embarrassing how clingy his act was. But the sudden appearance of the two seabeasts that previously pestered them made Kaii react appropriately by turning off the friendly face, putting on his cold visage, for he expected more jabs to come.

Instead they simply were conciliatory, bringing an olive branch in form of declaring willingness to help. Swift was taken aback by this. Kaii in way was too surprised that they have changed their mind. He couldn't find rational reason why would being a pain in the undertail lift up morale. Then again, he saw no point in hazing he and the others protected Darragh from.

After considering that for a moment, making the already heavy from the mist atmosphere seem even denser, he spoke in a low tone. "We accept. I hold no grudges and we need help with that sail. It needs still a moment for the adhesive to gel." He paused for a moment to quell a cough, gazing at the sail in the meanwhile. "And if you understand your words were harmful, I just hope you will tone down those or save them for a better moment. Such humour is only good when all sides laugh at it."

Glancing between the two, Kaii was looking like a beast about to die yet too stubborn to actually do so. He didn't try to be intimidating nor authoritative, his manner of bluntly stating dry facts was enough to make the other two slightly quiver despite his grotesque appearance.

"We will help you to get the sail up to the position. I am sure you can tether the sail to the yard without a problem yourselves. Neither of us possibly can climb now so we will leave it to you. Is that acceptable allotment of tasks?" He asked, knowing that a rope will come in pawdy again.
 
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"Roight, mate… I’d sooner die up in de riggin’ than wot Barrett be threatenin’ us wiv."

"Aye, we kin do ’et all, no problemo!"


Thura and Klitch exchanged quick glances, both looking as though they’d been freshly skinned. Whatever happened in the infirmary, Barrett’s sharp tongue had likely carved them deeper than the fall had. They nodded furiously, no hint of resistance, and hurried off toward the rigging. Within moments they were scrambling upward, like two whipped curs desperate to earn back a scrap of favor.

Swifttail watched them go, his ears twitching, then turned back to Kaii with a weary but genuine smile.

"Well, mate. Looks like the tide’s beginnin’ to turn for us."

He sat back against the bundled sail, quiet for a moment as the mist curled around them. His eyes softened, catching Kaii’s in the haze.

"Say Kaii... if’n you really want me ta’ join ye at the Ministry, how could I possibly leave me matey to go it alone?" He gave a tired but resolute nod, tail tapping lightly against the deck. "Let’s strive to make it together, for the purpose of peace and plenty."

With that, he extended his good paw across the canvas between them, claws slightly curled, offering a clasp to seal the promise. His tail gave the faintest flick of pride behind him as he waited for Kaii’s grip.
 
Kaii observed as the two troublemakers (as if he wasn't one) went up sacredly. They did mention Barrett, which told Kaii everything he had to know about what possibly could've happened. Most beasts did not have his iron-will to withstand the doctor's fury, no matter if justified or not. Thus he decided to not bother them with whatever they were up to and instead focus on the idea he had. Give them rope, use the same mast for support they did before and the tie the sail to it. Kaii and Swift could lift it up while sitting, letting the other two to tether it while not bothering with holding it up.

Before however he could voice any of that thought, Swift spoke and gave him a warm smile. One that made Kaii's muzzle relax and brought back the meagre emotions onto it, which was plenty for the marble fox still.

But it was next sentence that stunned Kaii for a moment. He was visibly surprised for a second, trying to process what was said. Swift wanted to come along to ministry because he asked. That was both something Kaii was super happy with and afraid of. He wished not to shape Swifttail's future with his own wishes after all.

But looking at the offered paw, awaiting to seal the deal, Kaii gave to Swift the biggest smile he did ever since he was but a happy kit. He reached to grasp Swift's paw, their claws clashing together as they clasped. Rejuvenated by the prospect of the future, his grasp was actually quite firm.

"As long as that is what you want, I will be honoured." He said simply, sounding most grateful he possibly could be.

And then Kaii, thanks to the rest they had, managed to pull Swifttail into his embrace. He was not one who hugged often, even if, as a fox, he was just as cuddly as the rest, but his hugs were meaningful, most honest baring of his soul he could offer without words.

And Swifttail deserved it. Kaii was long not having someone he would trust enough to give them a hug. Not ever since his sister had died.
 
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