"Yes," Avery nodded repeatedly, "Of course, we wouldn't expect Lord Thornspike to exert himself for nothing; we are willing to compensate with our catch or other work."
"Rather than hiring Lord Thornspike, I have a better method of cooperation in mind," Gaven interjected, seizing the moment the topic was brought up. "Before that, may I ask where your houseboats come from? Did you build them yourselves? Or did you purchase them from other valley shipyards?"
"The simple wooden boats and kayaks were made by ourselves, but the houseboats were ordered from a decently sized shipyard by Lake Seber in Mist Valley, which specializes in the production of various riverboats," Avery replied. "Lake Seber is a perfect place for us to take shelter from the winter cold."
"I was hoping that you could help me acquire severely damaged or abandoned boats, and as compensation, I would repair the damages to your boats for free," Gaven calculated shrewdly.
