The storm's passing left Aethelburg glistening and breathless. The work on Kael's gutter proceeded with a brisk efficiency that Finnian found deeply satisfying. Under his direction, the old, failed hardware was removed. Hemlock, the smith, having heard of the project, arrived with the new, heavier iron bracket, forged from scrap and still warm from the fire. It was a brutal, beautiful thing, all function and strength.
The installation was a ballet of coordinated effort. Finnian on the scaffolding, directing the placement. Roran and others below, steadying the poles and handing up tools. Kael himself passed up the new bracket, his face a mix of anxiety and hope.
