Jewel moves over to confront Tarjun. "Come on Tarjun. They knew we could do magic. We've never hidden that. But you had to put two of the guys to sleep when we were just playing! I think they deserve an apology, not harassment. If they decide to pound you I won't heal the bruises!"
"What? Pound him? He could turn us into toads for all we know!" John objects.
Clark is unsure what to make of the situation "How old are you?" he inquires.
"You're fifteen and still have no proper job? I'm sixteen and working my ass off here." Clark frowns. "But if you're only ten, then no kissing practice for you."
"Hey! I'm already eleven!"
"You're pondering a career as a street musician. I don't see where that qualifies you as a judge here." Clark hollers back while putting his hand over Clara's face. Pushing her slowly away he sits up and then stands up ready for the diss battle.
Jewel grins at the discourse until she sees Clark pushing Clara away by covering her face with his hand. "Hey. She may only be eleven, but you shouldn't be insulting her like that. You'll find that a girl's scorn can be as dangerous as that of a grown woman. Especially that girl!"
She wonders about Clark. Sixteen? She had thought he was older. Were they all just a few years older.... ??
"Well, how old did you think we are. I'm 17 and Tony is 19 John answers. It's good money for hard work, but no one wants to cut trees til old age. You've seen what becomes of people who don't get off in time - like Jack."
"I'm not that petty, am I?"
Jewel is surprised at the answer. "So really you're just a few years older than us. I'm sorry. I thought you were older, like 25."
"So you're just doing this work for the money, and later, then what? You guys did good work making that dock and stuff at the pond. Maybe you might do carpentry or construction?"
"But that's kind of hard work too. Some of the wood pieces were pretty heavy, at least they seemed like it to me. And don't say that I'm just a weak little girl. I am still little, but not weak."
"Eventually taking over the family business. Selling lumber instead of making it." John tells. "Carpentry might be a way to go if I find someone to train me. It will be something with wood, but also something with a roof over my head while working."
Jewel nods. "Unlike lazybones there I intend to continue our family business as well. Farming and leading the community with the worship of Erastil.... Well, it's more of a calling than a career. But I'll have to find land for my own home and farm buildings. I don't mind working in the fields, and with Erastil's blessing I'm sure I'll do well."
"That's part of why I work with the trees. I'm also thinking that we could do some fruit trees. Some of the land that has been clear cut could be planted with saplings of our choosing for that. A decent size grove would supply a lot more than what we need here. The excess could be taken to the city and sold."
"That's not what I meant. My pops is a trader for building material. And once I've proven that I can handle such a business and pops no longer feels like working all day long on all days but Starday, I'll take over that business. Not building a new one." John clarifies.
"After this here I probably need to become a trainee with an accountant too. Then I should know everything I need to run that business."
"Wow. Maybe I should talk to mum and dad when they're going to retire."
"Anyway, we're talking about work again. That is no fun! And I'm still unkissed!"
Jewel grins with Clara's outburst. "Probably because you're trying too hard. Find somebody that likes you first...."
"But you are right. All this talk about working, while interesting to some of us, isn't fun. Musicians play! And some dancing music please! Maybe the men can lead the young ladies in a dance?" She holds a hand out to John with a friendly smile.