Completed [Rearing Stallion] Like a Fish to Water {Ethan}

[Hadyn Skellig]

The woman's expression sobered as Ethan spoke, her gaze respectfully lingering on his face despite the itch to look elsewhere. It nearly broke her heart all over again to witness the obvious effect Liam's death had had on the man. When he spoke of her brother's memory Hadyn came to understand just how much Ethan appreciated the eldest Skellig's influence. As a child she had no idea what the boys talked about much less how Ethan felt about her brothers. Ioan was rarely around, preferring to keep to his own gaggle of friends. It was Brody and the ever patient and parental Liam with whom Ethan spent his time. Smiling, she too praised her mug in remembrance, the thudding clink of their toast finished off with a long drink.

"Kind words for Liam. He'd be proud of t'man you turned out t'be, no doubt," she stated as she set the mug down, the back of the other hand quick to remove any excess beer from her lips. "Didn't mean t'bring up sore memories. Just... wanted to 'void any questions that'd lead to a heavy blow. I'd hate t'have to tell you," she paused a moment before quietly adding: "He's sure missed."

She didn't know if Ethan knew the particulars of Liam's death - murder, really. The way he was left for the crows, blood pooled beneath his body, skin blue from the cold. A muscle in her jaw clenched at the thought, instinctually dropping her eyes to the her lap until she could take a quiet breath.

Pull yourself together, Haddie. A silent reproach allowed the brunette to compose herself before raising her eyes to meet his once more, a sad smile on her lips. She strongly disliked being vulnerable before anyone, let alone a man she hadn't seen in years. Pulling the mug in for another swallow Hadyn cocked her head gently before speaking.

"Forgive me. Didn't mean to sour the mood none. Y'done y'self well 'n this life, Ethan."

[Ethan Ironhorse]

As Ethan felt the clink of mugs, he pulled a long draft from the ale. The taste of the dark bitters helped him think that it mirrored his mood exactly. Though he had to laugh Liam had cursed Brody and Ethan over drinking so often that he had given it up for a while after Liam died. It was funny that the lessons that Liam had taught Brody and Ethan, had promptly been ignored when the two got together. Now after Liam’s death Ethan tried to live up to his Grand Father’s and Liam expectations. Ethan silently had wished that he didn’t have to have Liam’s death before he started to accept his advice. Ethan simply shook his head at Hadyn’s words about having to tell Ethan about Liam. He hadn’t really every knew why or how Liam had died. By the time Ethan had come back from the Outpost, polite people would say it wasn’t polite talking about the dead, and then the whole thing about Hadyn seeing some man had stopped Ethan from questioning further. Additionally, Ethan cooled at Hadyn’s words about Liam being proud how he turned out. Would he be proud? I am here, sitting with his sister thinking about how I would love to petch her against the wall of my room and letting her get more and more drunk. Liam might not approve of Ethan hitting on his little Haddie, but the drinking he would definitely have words about. ‘How many times have you got yourself in trouble because you drank too much Ethan?’ Ethan heard Liam’s voice in his thoughts. ‘What can’t get your wick wet without getting the lady so drunk she can’t see or feel it?’ Some of the more colorful memories of Liam’s lesson came back and Ethan sat the mug down looking at it. Hadyn had said something, and as Ethan turned his own head back to her, he realized she was saying that he had done well. “Have I?” Ethan voice was thick, “Liam, told m’and Brody. ‘Wha’s y’dreams? ‘Cause a man ain’t nuthin’ without one?’ I did wha’ m’grandda and Liam knew, not m’dreams. I always felt like he was waitin’ for m’to do somethin’ grand. Waitin’ for m’reach to grab the stars. I wanted to go out there, carve a’community out of the forest. Claim and master it like. Wha’ ‘bout you?”

[Hadyn Skellig]

"Grab the stars?" Dark brows arched skeptically over brown eyes as she set the mug down again. "Ye gods, Liam was always sputterin' shyke like that, wan'dt he?" A fond smile touched her lips, only the faintest echo of sorrow in the depths of her eyes. "Out of the forest y'say?"

She tilted her head to consider the prospect. Seemed daunting. And easily foiled. But not impossible. After another moment of thought Hadyn nodded, as if in agreement. Ethan would do well with something of that nature. He was hard working, diligent and likely a decent leader given the opportunity. Sure knew how to put folks at ease.

"If y'ever carve that place out y'be sure t'put a pub somewhere 'twixt the walls an' I'll be sure to visit." She tossed him a wink with a playful grin before falling silent to ponder his query. His question wasn't terribly specific. What about her what? What about her dreams? She couldn't recall the last time anyone asked something like that. Liam, of course. Drink untouched the weaponsmith scrunched her nose in thought, pursing her lips and twitching them in an expression her brothers called "bunny face". But it was her (alcohol-induced) thinking face.

"Ah, Ethan," Hadyn finally offered a shrug as she ran a finger around the lip of the mug, staring sidelong at it. "I don't 'memer what m'dreams were. Stupid things, no doubt. Probably even gave thought to bein' a Knight once or twice - if y'could picture it."

Hadyn was the last person anyone wanted with a weapon. Though it was her passion and art to create them, employing them with proper use was hardly her forte. She knew enough to handle a dagger and knife and was passable in archery. But hand her a sword and she was useless. A slight chuckle issued forth as she shook her head.

"There was a time when I was a girl I thought I'd be picked for Knighthood. Could y'imagine? Me? A halfwit with a sword, that'd be more apt. Likely stab m'self before any enemy of the city."

She snorted at the thought before taking another drink. In truth she was thankful she hadn't been chosen by the Order. With a few exceptions the Squires 'round bouts were whiny brats who in turned matured into snobby Knights. At least that was her impression. The gods favored her to toil in fire and water for her life and she was content there. After another quick sip she glanced at her companion.

"I'm a fair bit surprised they didn't scoop you into their little club o' misfits."

[Ethan Ironhorse]

Ethan barked a laugh at the mention of Liam and his sayings. It was good to laugh when he thought of Liam. To know he had felt like he was a disappointment to the man, as well as, his father. Yet, he had been there when Ethan crafted his first shoe and shown his grandda and Liam. It was odd to think of his relationship was stronger with Hadyn’s brothers then is own, but then again his father had trained Mikeal to meet and exceed him as a farrier and smith. Ethan was often the afterthought of the both of them, and it was often that Ethan thought about how his father had put him out. If his grandda hadn’t talked to Ros and the Windmount Stables, he might have headed out with Brody to seek his fortune. Now, he was here having an ale with Haddy, the girl he use to pull her hair. Granted, now he wanted to pull her hair as well, the difference being he wanted to do it in bed and naked. As Hadyn made a comment about out in the forest, his face colored a bit. He felt… not ashamed, but knew it was as much fantasy as becoming a knight. He smiled then as she spoke to him about having a tavern, “Be ‘ure to keep a barrel for ya’.” Ethan smiled at her wink and pulled a draft from his beer. As Ethan saw her scrunch up her face, the desire to kiss the little wrinkled nose came to him. Quickly, he fought down the urge to kiss her; The drink is strong and without having as much money I haven’t gone out drinking as much. To Ethan it seemed so sad that Hadyn didn’t have any dreams, it was like life had beaten her down so much that she had given up. No wonder why she had turned to drink, without a dream what more was there to life for. Ethan felt almost like breaking out in a speech inspired by the memory of Liam, but kept his mouth such. A knight, no the damaged girl that sat drinking wasn’t ready for a fight, her strength needed to be built back up, she needed something to love to decide to fight, and Ethan was sure that it wasn’t him that could fill that void. In other ways, Hadyn was stronger than any other girl or woman, he had dared to talk to. She carried on when others would have given up, she was a survivor, but hadn’t yet found her way back to the living. Hadyn was as likely to punch Ethan in the nose as she was ripping off his clothes. Strong and direct, that was what was left of the little Haddy, he once knew. Ethan snorted at the thought of becoming a Knight. “Pleas’ I like m’important bits. I like using them, and goin’ in the Knighthood risks losin’ them too quickly. ‘Sides dressed in all that metal, I’d need a bonny lass to help m’ta the privy, and I’d spend too much time playin’ w’th her on m’lap.” Ethan began feeling his foot tapping, and a song coming to mind about a pitching a girl and her pitching back. “Y’know Haddy, the deal was for drink and a SONG!” Ethan gave her a mock serious stare. “Stage is over y’ounder want to start of chorus?” Yeap, Ethan was definitely getting drunk, wanting to dance and sing meant that he was only about two sheets in the wind, but it wouldn’t take much to let loose the last one.

[Hadyn Skellig]

The woman laughed at his response, nodding knowingly with his assessment. Casting a leisurely glance over her shoulder she caught sight of the musicians gaining a crowd as the beat thumped vivaciously. She turned her attention back to Ethan when he decided to make good on her deal.

"Y'don't want me singin', Ironhorse," she cautioned with a smirk before taking another pull of beer. "Shatter the glass, I would. Don't want y'bleedin' out of them fine lookin' ears."

The grace and aplomb with which most women could carry a tune or even hum failed to glorify the only Skellig girl. In fact, she really only knew dirty pub jigs and they were far more crude than most gentlemen could bear. But she realized she had agreed to the stipulations of a song so she canted her head.

"Can't sing for my life. But I beat wicked on t'riddle drum." Hadyn stood then, drink in hand, and looked over to the performers. Indeed there was a frame drum resting against a chair, untouched. Its goatskin head gleamed in the flickering light as the fiddler's shadow moved across its surface. Turning back to Ethan, the woman smiled.

"C'mon then, Ethan. Give us a tune, will you?"

OOCJust realized I switched between boxes. My bad. So spacey

[Ethan Ironhorse]

OOCYeah I noticed, but was grateful, the other bubble made me fear Hadyn was coming to kill me! Ethan cocked an eyebrow as Hadyn asked Ethan for a song. “Ye Gods and Goddesses that ‘mile tis a dangerous thing. Trap a man’s heart w’promises, while he die’s awaiting. Very well, I give ye a song, but for ‘very song I sing, might be wanting a kiss.” Ethan tapped his lips with his finger. Ethan went back to his drink and did his best to pour the rest down his throat. The ale went down with minimal assistance, and Ethan was glad for the extra liquid courage. Though Ethan was no tavern bar, he often song sea shanties at the Broken Casket when the mood was light. Ethan left the stool at the bar and signalled the barkeep that he was going to the stage. The man laughed and nodded, knowing all too well that drunken men tended to sing and if got the rest of the place going then it wasn’t such a bad thing. Ethan held out his hand for Hadyn to grasp, making sure that if gave him her hand that she wouldn’t sneak away when they got to the stage. Ethan made his way to the stage, slightly swaying, He coughed a little here and there clearing his throat. Ethan had a solid baritone voice that when he sung tended to clear the gravel from his throat at the end. Ethan took a step up on the stage and as he swayed almost to the point of falling, a roaring laughter. As Ethan steadied himself on his legs and waved at the men. Ethan waited for Hadyn to get seated before he spoke. In a clear voice that Ethan used to cut across the ironworks he spoke a short opening to his singing. “Say, barkeep, set up four strong drinks. Although it may seem odd, Tonight I’ll buy a round or two For our fine friends, the gods. For all that they have done for us A drink seems only fair. But if they don’t show up tonight I guess I’ll drink their share.” Ethan then sung the last bit, “Well I bought them a cup but they haven’t turned up So the day that I die I’ll just look in their eye and say ‘Hey where were you when the man poured the brew?’ And I guess I’ll be drinking their share.” Smiling at Hadyn to give her a nod that he would be starting Ethan sung. "Oh, Rhaus lives with experience Where all true wisdom starts. He gave us laughter, tales, and dance And music in our hearts. Since Rhaus gave us tavern songs A drink is only fair, But Rhaus’ far too far away to drink So I guess I’ll drink his share. Well I bought them a cup but they haven’t turned up So the day that I die I’ll just look in their eye and say ‘Hey where were you when the man poured the brew?’ And I guess I’ll be drinking their share. Oh, Rak’keli’ a woman fine, The friend of all men, A healer and a teacher And a lady to the end. Since Rak’keli’ has guided us A drink is only fair, But ladies prefer wine to ale So I guess I’ll drink her share. Well I bought them a cup but they haven’t turned up So the day that I die I’ll just look in their eye and say ‘Hey where were you when the man poured the brew?’ And I guess I’ll be drinking their share. Oh, Tyveth’s the strongest of the strong, So question not his might. And any man would hail him as A brother in a fight. Since Tyveth’s the guardsman of us all A drink is only fair, But since a guardsman can’t be drunk I guess I’ll drink his share. Well I bought them a cup but they haven’t turned up So the day that I die I’ll just look in their eye and say ‘Hey where were you when the man poured the brew?’ And I guess I’ll be drinking their share. Ethan went into the next Song feeling the drink keeping him going. Feeling a bit wicked he looked at Hadyn as he sang. “Oh, the farmer girl has a crooked smile And patches and stains on her blouse And a braid that hangs all the way to her legs And she lives in a tumble down house. But the farmer girl has a smile in her eye As she waits for me in the cart And of all the women I’ve known and loved She’s the one who stole my heart. Oh, the tavern-maid has a jaunty walk And a promise in her wink And she squeals when pinched and laughs when she’s teased And she always brings a drink. But the farmer girl doesn’t just promise When she winks, you know it’s a fact And of all the women that I have pinched She’s the one who pinched me back. Oh, the Squire’s daughter’s a beauty, true And her skin’s as white as milk And her hair is woven all through with gold And her gowns are made from silk. But the farmer girl is a simpler soul And a true and honest maid And of all the women I’ve taken home She’s the only one who stayed.” Ethan gave Hadyn a look to say, the only way this ends if she gets up on stage and have a bit of fun as well.

Song CreditThe Songs are adaptations from Cindy Vanous who produced them for the game Betrayal in Antara.

[Hadyn Skellig]

The weaponsmith accepted Ethan's hand with a piqued eyebrow, following him to the tiny stage. It looked as though the man was deep enough into his drink that she'd get a show from him. A grin settled loosely on her lips when his inebriation nearly caused an untimely downfall. But he regained his balance and bade her sit, which she did - appreciatively. The last thing she wanted was to be coaxed and cajoled to the stage.

Her laughter was drowned amidst the howls and stomping feet as Ethan launched into a well loved tune. With his assistance the Stallion quickly devolved into a cesspool of joviality. The fiddler joined him soon, jumping around the stage, his notes lost to the clamor. Hadyn couldn't be happier. She clapped along with the crowd, a smile plastered on her face, brown eyes focused on the man singing. Color raced up her neck as Ethan practically serenaded her with the bawdy jig, but she laughed it off, shaking her head affectionately. She couldn't recall the last time anyone had sung anything for her. It was embarrassing but surprisingly endearing.

Rolling her eyes, the brunette stood up and ascended the stage. Brushing back dark hair she shot him a look before fetching the unattended frame drum. Slipping it through her forearm, she accepted the tipper from the fiddler, holding it ready as the musician retuned his strings. Hadyn joined Ethan near the center of the stage, a wry grin on her lips.

"Y'won't catch me singin'," she warned him with smile. "But give me a rhythm to beat out o' this ol' piece an' y'might get what y'asked for."

Deviousness lit her eyes as she glanced over her shoulder at the fiddler. She knew enough of these folk songs and bar jigs to place a solid beat. Her brothers loved music and taught her well enough on the drum. When in fact she was properly drunk, her voice wasn't as horrid as some, though she was loathe to attempt it. But she smiled for the crowd as they raised their mugs, awaiting another song.

"C'mon lads," Hadyn called out. "Give ol' Ironhorse a bit of encouragement for his next tune. He does well with this'un, he'll earn himself a kiss."

A wide smile formed as the men banged on the table, laughing and hollering for another tune. Hadyn turned her gaze to Ethan, tipper poised over the drum, expression indicating it was up to him to accept her challenge. She couldn't quite hide the smirk as she canted her head toward him, ready to play.

OOCMercy. Take a few weeks off from writing, try to post and it reads like I'm borderline illiterate. Sorry for the state of this one.

[Ethan Ironhorse]

The crowd was cheering and roaring as Hadyn came up to the stage. Ethan and the fiddler were stomping their feet. As Hadyn picked up the drum, Ethan picked up an ale from a barmaid that came around. While he bent over to grab the mug, he got quite the eye full down her blouse before he swayed upward. Oh aye, I am drunk! As Ethan pulled a long draft off the mug, Hadyn made her speech to the crowd. At the mention of a kiss, Ethan saluted the crowd with his ale. They all roared and quite a few toasted him as he drank. Stumbling a little towards the center, he used his left hand to quiet the crowd a little bit. The crowd hushed down… more like the yells and drunken shouts stopped as the general noise of talking continued. Ethan came over to Hadyn and bowed like a gentleman, before he bent back up he turned to the crowd a spoke loudly. “There once was a Lass from Syliras, Who’s demeanor was quite… serious. The glare in her eyes could cut glass, But she certainly had the most magnificent ass!” The roar of laughter from the crowd, and Ethan continued with the limerick. “Now it was not round or pink, As you might think… Oh No! It was big and hairy, So it lived out on the prairie, Eating all the grass, That most magnificent jack ass!” Ethan smiled as most of the men laughed and beat the tables, “Now in order for me to gain a kiss worthy of this lass, I will need your help gentlemen!” The roar of ayes and yells blasted the crowd. “When I point to you I want you all to sing the following…” Ethan sung the chorus to one of the sea shanties he knew: “Way Haul Away, We’ll haul away for Hadyn!” “When I was a little boy so my mother told me,” Ethan pointed to the crowd. “WAY HAUL AWAY, WE’LL HAUL AWAY FOR HADYN! That if I didn’t kiss the girls, my lips would all grow moldy! WAY HAUL AWAY, WE’LL HAUL AWAY FOR HADYN NOW! At first I met a Vantha girl, l but she was fat and lazy! WAY HAUL AWAY, WE’LL HAUL AWAY FOR HADYN! Then I met a Myrian girl, she damn near drove me crazy! WAY HAUL AWAY, WE’LL HAUL AWAY FOR HADYN NOW! I once had a Zeltiva girl who was as sweet as candy! WAY HAUL AWAY, WE’LL HAUL AWAY FOR HADYN! But I lost her to a Nyka lad dressed just like a dandy! WAY HAUL AWAY, WE’LL HAUL AWAY FOR HADYN NOW! Now I have a Syliras girl who’s beauty has a claim me! WAY HAUL AWAY, WE’LL HAUL AWAY FOR HADYN! I beg and cry for her, but she never hears my plea! WAY HAUL AWAY, WE’LL HAUL AWAY FOR HADYN NOW! She’s a smith and the hammer strike has made her deaf! WAY HAUL AWAY, WE’LL HAUL AWAY FOR HADYN! But’I don’t care one wit, cause for me she’s all that I have left! WAY HAUL AWAY, WE’LL HAUL AWAY FOR HADYN NOW! When I travel, I dream of her brown eyes, WAY HAUL AWAY, WE’LL HAUL AWAY FOR HADYN! And when I come back, she has a promise in her smile and thighs! WAY HAUL AWAY, WE’LL HAUL AWAY FOR HADYN NOW! We're running down a stormy sea and rolling through the thunder WAY HAUL AWAY, WE’LL HAUL AWAY FOR HADYN! It's every man aloft my boys or we'll be driven under WAY HAUL AWAY, WE’LL HAUL AWAY FOR HADYN NOW! The ragged heavens open up, we sound the jubilation WAY HAUL AWAY, WE’LL HAUL AWAY FOR HADYN! The setting sun's a beacon, boys, a sign of our salvation WAY HAUL AWAY, WE’LL HAUL AWAY FOR HADYN NOW! Way, haul away, we're bound for better weather WAY HAUL AWAY, WE’LL HAUL AWAY FOR HADYN NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!” Ethan took a long swig from his ale and bowed, slightly stumbling forward. He rose back up not gracefully but still on his feet. From the sounds of cheering and yelling Ethan thought the sea shantie had gone over quite well. He turned to Hadyn wondering what she thought.

OOCAlways trust a drunk man to embarrass a pretty lady! Additionally the Song is from Haul away Joe, if you want to hear the beat.

[Hadyn Skellig]

He accepted her challenge. Wonderful. Moreove he got the crowd involved - an act Hadyn most certainly gave him points for. Her brothers would've been proud. The audience's laughter mirrored her own as Ethan started off with a crass little poem, warmth in her brown eyes barely aided by the alcohol. He certainly knew how to endear a woman like her.

Then it began. And, ever the entertainer, Ethan added a personal touch - the crowd bellowing her name at each interval. Well she wasn't one to shy from a challenge so without hesitation she set the tipper to the drum, thumping away at the goatskin surface, moving her hand in back to deep the pitch. It was a fairly simple rhythm, especially with the help of the crowd. Back and forth the tipper went deftly across the drum, a smile emblazoned on her lips as she played. The fiddler pranced around them, working the audience up with his accompanying tune. Each time the tavern shouted her name the woman felt her cheeks go red but she didn't shy from it, her pride to great for such cowardice.

And once the song came to a close, the final beat of the drum echoing across the narrow walls of their stage, Hadyn grinned. Setting the drum down the weaponsmith adopted a skeptical expression, sauntering to Ethan's side she cast her gaze over the denizen of drunk merrymakers.

"Hmm," she pressed a finger to her lips as if in thought, head tilted as she looked at Ethan. "I dunno, mates. Y'really think he earned his kiss?"

Those still paying attention thrust mugs and steins in their directions, agreeing heartily. But Hadyn let it play out, amused enough to make Ethan wait. She gave a mock shrug and a shake of her head, turning as if to leave the stage. But with a quick wink to the crowd she spun on her heels, placed her hands on Ethan's shoulders and planted a brief kiss on his lips.

[Ethan Ironhorse]

Ethan almost felt Hadyn body as she moved towards him, he wetted his lips with an expectation of the kiss. Has Hadyn came in close to his side Ethan placed an arm around her waist on top of her hips, he didn’t care as the drink had fueled his boldness. Otherwise he never would have been on stage in the first place. As Ethan waited he felt the haziness of drink make him stare at Hadyn’s face; feelings of family, completeness, and the comfort of a friend made him look at her eyes and filled his head and heart with passion. His heart began to beat and all the noise of the bar, dissipated as the drum beat echoed in his ears. Ethan released his loose grip on Hadyn as she turned to him and placed her hand’s on his shoulders. As Hadyn came in, Ethan closed his eyes and felt a delicate kiss touch his lips. It was soft, only allowing Ethan the briefest taste of hers. It was almost hestitant, like the kiss of a chaste woman, before deciding what she wanted. It wasn’t what Ethan expected, all Hadyn’s flirting and talk about the possibility of what would happened, he had thought would have been filled with passion and confidence. Yet the brief kiss, felt like… the old Haddie, not sure who or where she was, that little girl that would always following Liam. That sweet girl who Ethan would peak at when Brody and himself started on night of adventuring, the old Haddie before something that change her, the Haddie that was a part of his past. As Hadyn moved back, Ethan opened his eyes, seeing a piece of brown hair falling about her face. Ethan took his hand and softly brushed it back behind her ear. He looked into her eyes and for a moment felt a connection. Brody, once told Ethan that his success with women was due to knowing when to take the lead and grab what you want. Of course, like most of Brody’s advice it had lead Ethan to more trouble than he had ever realized. So with the drink that had fueled him taking the stage and the singing ballads and shanties for Hadyn, he decided to take Brody’s advice one more time. This time Ethan’s eyes went down to Hadyn’s lips, the hand that had softly brushed her hair, went to the small of her back where it rested with light pressure. Ethan slowly tilted his head and went in, pulling Hadyn body close to him. As Ethan’s lips touched Hadyn’s they were firm but not pressing. Light, but with a confidence of that this was what he wanted. He opened his lips slightly, but held back his tongue, treating Hadyn with passion and not like some wench. He wasn’t a fool, and though he worked his lips lightly, seeing if Hadyn felt the passion as well, he held her body to his. Feeling the heat and heartbeat as they kissed. Ethan realized that whatever the consequence of this kiss was, for him it was well worth it and he would continue till he needed breath if Hadyn allowed it.