CH999

Standing in one of the newly made rooms, Ben was busy examining the overall structure while a family of jötunn watched with Thera and the guild master as he ran around, ensuring there were no hidden defects with the enchantments or building despite the confidence he had in the design before he finally stopped, nodding happily with the results.

“Done. As far as I can see, this should be perfect for everyone to move into without causing issues with the rest of the town.”

“Feel like that was obvious from the start,” the guild master noted, with one of the first things Ben did being to get the family to take off their braces precisely so he could run those tests while the guild master and Thera stood with them, barely able to feel the chill they gave off, their magics successfully suppressed.

“Maybe it was, but it’s still better to verify when a bunch of people are about to be living in our work,” Ben shrugged. “With that done though, is it safe to say we’re finished up here?”

“Of course, I’d never expected you’d finish the same day you arrived, but I’ve got no complaints about the results. I’ll send word back to head office, but for now, thank you both for your work.”

With that completed, the two were able to leave, Ben stretching his arms and looking around as they walked through the more active streets now that hours had passed since their first arrival, grabbing Thera’s arm to lead her away from the gate.

“Um, Ben?” she asked, not sure where they could be going while he just grinned.

“I noticed someone thinking about something that I’d bet you’ve never had the chance to do before. With how fast we’re going through all of this, it wouldn’t hurt to take an hour, right?”

“For all I know, it might. What are you about to have me do?”

“Ha, a little winter activity is all, and it looks like we can do it just over here.”

“… In yet another pile of snow?” Thera asked when they seemingly arrived, finding it to look like the area was usually some sort of public park when it wasn’t so completely covered before Ben got to work plowing it away.

“Specifically, what’s under the pile of snow. We’re going skating.”

With a well-frozen pond just beneath that fluffy layer, Ben began pushing it all away to give them access to what sat beneath, making sure to flatten the ice for what would be Thera’s first time enjoying the activity before making the required skates and helping her put them on and wearing his own pair, all while she struggled to get to her feet.

“Sorry, is this supposed to be fun?” she asked as he helped her up before nearly falling again as her skates slipped on the ice, only saved by Ben holding onto her and laughing all the while.

“It just takes some practice, come on. Once you get your balance, it’ll be fine.”

“Not sure if I’m going to get that in an hour,” she said as she gripped his arms, trying not to fall again as she struggled to keep on her feet. “And honestly, I don’t think my pride can handle you being more graceful than me at this point.”

“Ha, I just have some practice skating. It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten to use it, though. I’ve seen how you are on your feet; you’ll get it in no time.”

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“You’ve seen me in areas with friction; this doesn’t apply. Is this another weird human thing?”

“I mean, I saw that some of the city’s residents were thinking about it too, so not exclusively human.”