She's a Beaut!

It would be the next day before Sellen wandered the streets in search of a shipwright. Asking around had little resistance as each individual pointed him toward one spot. A spot near the pier where a shack squatted above the waters. The kanti would tentatively wander over to the door, rapping gently then standing back to wait for an answer. He heard a bit of shuffling inside, a grunt, and then footfalls drawing toward the door. A gruffy old mantibab pulled open the door, scowling and squinting against the sun as if they had just awoken from slumber.

"What do y'want?" they inquired, glaring.

Sellen was a bit taken aback but cleared his throat. "I'm here to ask for help with building a small vessel, I have all the supplies."

"Get yer supplies and we'll git t'work," the older mantibab huffed, before heading back inside. Sellen nodded firmly before running off to go find his stash pile of wood, fibre, and nails. While the shipwright was grumpy, the kanti had such a good feeling about this! He was excited as he galloped down the beach. Everything was finally going to come together!

Only... how was he gonna drag all of that stuff back? He supposed he had to do multiple trips, there was no way he could do it all in one go! So, that's what he did. He hoisted up the largest of the driftwood and dragged it back to the old hut. The old mantibab huffed but didn't say a word as Sellen ran off again.

By the time everything was hauled back to the shack, Sellen could hardly feel his legs. He hadn't run like that since he was a koal. At least it was great exercise. The shipwright on the other hand was already set to work, sawing down the wood into sectioned pieces of the vessel. The craftsmanship mesmerized the kanti, watching and waiting for instructions. None came, though. The mantibab seemed content in their work, Sellen dared not disturb that.

Once all of the pieces were laid out and coated with sealant, the mantibab called Sellen over. He obliged, entering the workspace to see what was needed.

"I'll show yah how to work a rope, it's better wit' two people doin' it." Sellen nodded and listened intently as instructions were given. It wasn't too difficult, the both of them working together synchronically. A bit of banter between them kept them in a light mood.

"Come back tomorrow and she'll be waitin' for yah," they said, shoving the rope into a corner with the nails. "You can pay me then."

"Alright, thank you!" Sellen bowed before going back home. He could hardly wait until the next day. Every hour felt agonizing, but the moment the sun peaked over the horizon, Sellen was out the door to meet up with the shipwright. The shack was empty when he got there, the drying boards no longer sprawled across the workshop. The rope and nails were also gone. The kanti was a bit confused but turned to see the gruff mantibab approaching.

They discussed payment, and Sellen gave a huge tip as a thank you. He would then see it; a small vessel bobbing by the docks. A teal sail hung from it. He was stunned at the beauty of it all, but could hardly contain his excitement as he realized this little boat was all his! This was his very own vessel! Sellen pranced around in a small circle, only the realize he needed his flag! He shot off toward his home, giving a hurried 'sorry!' to everyone he accidentally bumped into.

The flag was the final piece, and once Sellen stuck it on top of the mast, the vessel was complete! He jumped into it, ready to set sail!