Unintended

35

It was hard going, working so solidly without much time for breaks; Alva did come and go, and sometimes she did return with Zo, bringing snacks and refreshments at times too. At these times, usually, Zo and Alva would interact a little with the working pair, other times they'd have conversations with Gaia. These conversations usually revolved around the oncoming Cauldron, Gemini was a like an omen looming; no one really knew what to expect, and it wasn't like much information was truly known about the Cauldron, other than its rather derelict state thanks to where it was situated within the land.

The concept of 'low expectations' was thrown out, most likely an offhanded comment by Nureka as she wiped her hand across her forehead to push hair as quickly out of her face as possible. The statement had got odd looks sent her way, and by Beta a look of almost abject horror. Nureka had to explain that having low expectations meant that if the plan they had actually went well, without a hitch, then they couldn't ask for anything more; expect the worst-case scenario and take it as it comes if things were successful.

Time was a hard concept when shut about in Gaia's room, at times she did have to tell the pair what time it was, and that though there was a need for completion, that they shouldn't wear themselves out too much. Exhaustion and them being exhausted wasn't going to be of any help to anyone, let alone themselves. As true as this may be, a shared look between Beta and Nureka as they were practically hunched over the rather huge rig for Gaia, clearly showed they took on board what the AI had said but were opting not to take it literally on board; so, they continued working, much to the golden robed AI's discouragement.

Beta had quietly commented that she often struggled to settle and sleep anyway, which had Nureka leaning on top of the rig with a puzzled look. "Zo, amongst her many talents, makes a really lovely tea. You should see if she can make you some, sometime. I am not saying it's a wonder cure to help you sleep, but it might help." Nureka mused while scratching her cheek in thought, she looked a bit confused when Beta popped up on the other side and pointed at her own cheek.

"You have smudged grease there." Beta just ended up rather simply stating when all she was still receiving was confused glances.

"Oh!" Nureka hurriedly wiped away the muck with a sheepish laugh.

"I might though," Beta said quietly with a nod, as she glanced around the room.

To Nureka it was like she was trying to imprint it to memory, just in case. She could see why the redhead would struggle to sleep, she did admittedly feel guilty for her much earlier assumptions of Beta, she wasn't a bad person, no one can choose how they are bought into the life, and it is often hard to sway how people act. But going through to Gemini, possibly facing those that quite frankly evidently abused their positions, Nureka prayed never physically, but mentally and emotionally yes...to face those again, even if at a glance, no one deserved that, and it took strength to do that. But the lingering what-if situations, and seeing all those that wronged her again, why, Nureka would have difficulty sleeping if she were in Beta's position.

"She'd like that, I think." Nureka said just as quietly as she leaned her chin against her palm, not before checking for any residual grime. "I'm not quite sure how Zo slipped into the role of making sure we were all looking after ourselves, but...it happened." Evidently, she was just the nurturing type, Nureka decided that a while ago.

"On the topic of that, perhaps we should listen to Gaia and get some rest." Beta did hesitantly look over, for the most part Gaia had been quiet, she spoke now and again if included in a conversation, or if she was asked something; she had been a silent observer, watching the two work away contently, and seemingly knowing what to do without actually sharing many words.

"I would not like to state the time, but it is late. You two have been working hard for most, if not all of the day. A well-earned rest is just what you both need." Gaia said while gently gesturing a hand towards the door.