And raw strength and endurance serve them well; less resilient citizens quickly realize that even with the conversation Rutile and Devin are outpacing them all. Many of them slink away, whether to assist more needy areas or simply to take a break.

Rutile smiles politely at Devin's reference to the high ground, and as they unload more sandbags from a wheelbarrow, they add, "Rigorous, meaningful work is the best medicine against questioning one's place in the world. I have missed it, though I was always more fond of the indoors."

"But I am curious. Indulge me: where does a librarian learn to build foundations?"