Legends of Mirandis Academy

Chapter 11: Workshop

Kelam Quincy did not get nervous, hardly ever. He did his best to show the confidence necessary for all his responsibilities: senior student council president, probable valedictorian, varsity archer and captain of the team, etc. He did not get worked up over social interactions.

So why was he so nervous to go see Iridia?

Everything he'd seen from her exuded boldness: the spontaneously built bomb for the bee incident, the crafting of a homemade bandsaw and no fear when it combusted, coming up to him to demanding a legal solution to Brielle's issue that he foolishly hadn't even thought of, then promptly standing up to Samson Clef without the slightest waver in her voice. She was a genius, no doubt, and possibly she was also the bravest person he knew. And here he was offering help in a domain where she certainly needed none. He just wanted to understand her—who wouldn't be eager to understand such a being of mystery and marvel?—so he wiped his hands on his trousers, brushed back stray hairs, and walked into the theatre.

"Hello?" He projected his voice, letting it echo through the cavernous hall. Iridia was seated onstage. She tilted her head up towards him, acknowledging his entrance.

"Hi, Kelam." She turned back down to drilling two beams together via a triangle support on the inside corner. She had finished by the time he made it up, the whirring of the drill slowing to a halt. Her lap was covered in sawdust. Briefly looking her over, he couldn't help but notice the change in her clothing: her tie was gone, along with her vest as a whole, and her sleeves were rolled up just above the elbow, revealing toned forearms. Thick gloves covered her hands. "I wasn't sure if you were coming, but I brought out some gloves and a sander if you want to start with that." She peeked up at him through her safety glasses. "Do you know how to use a sander?"

He eyed the equipment. The answer was a simple no, but he needed confidence. He needed to show her that his help was worthwhile, and that he was making the effort to show his appreciation. "Not exactly, but it seems simple enough. I'm sure I can grasp the concept quickly."

She blinked. He couldn't be sure if she was actually looking him in the eyes, but she turned back to the equipment pile, raised her brows and stood up. Sawdust began to fall from her thighs, and she wiped the remainder into a small cloud, letting it sink to the floor. "I forgot to get you safety glasses. I'll be right back." She began walking past him, but took a brief pause. "Put the gloves on. Don't... touch any tools until I'm back. Any."

Just like that, he was alone in the massive room. He slid the thick, slightly uncomfortable gloves on. All the house lights were up, but he imagined the excitement an actor would feel with the stage lights bright on their face, living a prewritten life in an intricate set: everything in that world had a plan, a plan that was known by everyone and was guaranteed to stay true without fail. What a wonderful world that would be, he thought, where nothing went wrong, where everything was set to what it would be and what it would stay as planned long ago. What he would give to have every aspect of the past behind him and future in front of him part of a script. He didn't get to fantasize much longer, though, as the clomping of work boots echoed from behind him.

"Here." He turned back and took the glasses, gingerly sliding them on.

"Thank you. So." He cleared his throat. "How do we begin?"

"Well—" she scooped the sander up and kneeled back down in front of her newly attached beams, "I'll show you."

He pulled his blazer off and placed it at the edge of the stage then sat beside her, careful to copy her exact sitting position—which was not exactly the most comfortable.

"So pressing this turns it on." She spoke rather quietly, which wasn't an issue considering their proximity—he didn't notice at first that he'd sat down rather close, but she didn't pull back. She pointed to a small switch, but didn't press it so she could keep explaining, "And you hold the sandpaper flat on the surface. Keep weight on it, but don't shove it down, and make sure to stay moving. Circles are best, but back and forth is good to start."