[Sultros Blades] Steeling {Ethan}

by **Hadyn Skellig** on October 12th, 2013, 6:07 am

A narrow hand uncapped the whiskey, turning the bottle at a steep angle as the rush of liquid sloshed carefully into the glass. Per his wish she only gave him enough to wet his tongue, setting the bottle down once more. Pushing the glass toward her companion the woman pulled a chair from the table and carefully placed herself upon it. Looking up at him she knitted her brows in thought, chewing on her bottom lip as she leaned back to consider his question.

"Haven't thought 'bout it," she admitted quietly with a frown. How was it he knew more of these things than she? Hadyn allowed disappointment to write itself across her face, staring pointedly at the bed as she spoke. "Probably should. There are many things I need to figure out 'fore the little one comes. Gods be kind I'll have it sorted."

With a glance his way the woman placed an elbow on the table, resting her chin in the palm, fingers curled against her jaw. The other hand rested on her belly, fingers soft over the fabric of her shirt. Dropping her eyes to gaze at the rough grain of the table the brunette released a soft exhalation, weary of displaying her shortcomings before Ethan. After a chime she looked at him, a small smile on her lips.

"Takin' to trainin' have you?" her eyes flicked to the sword at his side. She'd noticed it earlier but hadn't remarked upon it. With his physique Ethan was likely well matched with a blade like that. What he could want with combat skills she didn't know. But it was a good use of his time, the active man he was. A grin pulled at her lips, gentle as her eyebrows rose. "Lookin' to best Brody when y'see him, I suppose."

by **Ethan Ironhorse** on October 12th, 2013, 12:24 pm

The glass was a simple ceramic cup but as the brown liquid moved in the bottom of it, Ethan wondered about Hadyn’s comment. Ethan was in consistent worry about the future, putting out plans and then readjusting them as events took place. In fact, he probably should devote himself to Avalis and ask for her mark, then again if Ethan knew all the possible futures and the like he might very well go crazy at trying to anticipate them. He had often thought about his future family, his fantasy of coming home to a pretty life and wonderful kids. Of course, Ethan had been alive too long to know that was foolishness of the worst sort. Ethan’s mother had said that she could only work after the first couple of seasons that Ethan was alive and could eat without his mother’s milk. Even then child death rates in Syliras were that one out of two would survive their first year. As one increased in wealth the survival of a child would increase.

Ethan wasn’t sure if he really believed his mother about the death rates of babes, he did know that his mother had been pregnant twice after Ethan and one was a miscarriage, and his sister had died in her crib one morning before everyone woke up. It was life, and without a plan or resources the first year for a child was like a toss of a coin. The thoughts about Hadyn’s child and what it would do to her if she lost it made Ethan realize how horrible his thoughts had turned. Instead he picked up the glass and smelled the liquor before he allowed it into his mouth. The smell of smoke and salt greeted his nose, Ethan could tell that the grain whiskey had come from one of Syliras stills. The smoke was from maple that edged the Cobalt Mountains, for the whiskey had a hint of red to it, and the salty smell came from Suvan Sea. Ethan tipped the cup and allowed the liquor to wet all of his tongue and go down his throat. The familiar burn of high alcohol content went down his throat, and he coughed a little at the sensation. Sharp taste of bitter smoke and bits of grain or grit rolled around on his tongue. The whiskey was young and hadn’t settled when they put it in a jug for sale. Hadyn had gotten cheap liquor the only kind that either of them could have afforded on a regular basis. Ethan promised himself that one day he would buy the expansive stuff that had been sitting for a while.

Ethan caught the look as Hadyn’s eyes went to the bed, and wasn’t sure about why she was looking at it. Did Hadyn want to Ethan to spend the night? Licking his lips and beard from the whiskey, Ethan looked at Hadyn as she placed her glaze back on him and then talked about his training. Ethan laughed a little at her saying that he was taking to it. The bruises on his body and sore aching wrists and ankles were a consist reminder about how hard he trained and what little he had to show for it. “Takin’… I suppose. M’wrist and ankles are bout sore every day. Gone and purchased linseed oil with Goldenrod, Cottonwood, and Alder in it, used the oil to rub into the joints of horse for ages, now its m’turn. A knight’s child of ten could beat m’swordwork, oh the forge gave m’muscle enough strength to hit, but m’wrists don’t have the strength to hold against blows from different directions.”

Ethan smiled and laughed, “Oh Haddie, all this trainin’ got me a chest full of bruises as colorful as artist’s floor. Still I do it, because if I ever want to go out and start learning at different cities, goin’ to need to defend myself. I have traveled to the closer outposts for farrier duties, but always with a knight or with supplies, yet still travelin’ without some skill is a dangerous thought. I wanted to head to Zeltiva see if they have some fancy journal from ‘fore the Valterrian on metals or smithin’. I don’t know, maybe even try my hand at tradin’. Seems like the Valini and Belmont’s done well by it, I am just… tired. Feels like I being toiling in horse shyke for ages and getting’ nowhere. Brody and I used to tell each other about the riches and girls we would have, he at least had the stones to go for some of it. I followed a well-worn path of smithin’, its respectable, but I want more… and I ain’t ashamed of admittin’ it. If arms give lets m’travel, then so be it, but I want to put m’mark on the Syliras. Somethin’ grand… somethin’ useful, just haven’t figured it out yet.”

by **Hadyn Skellig** on October 12th, 2013, 6:56 pm

She nodded as he explained the intention behind his training. Couldn't blame him. Despite the protection of the Knights it was always prudent to hold some skill in self defense. Liam and Ioan trained as boys with the quarterstaff, though the younger brother was always making up excuses to miss training and paint. Brody, for his part, tried his hand at every weapon available to him - though his forte was rapier. Between the three of them Hadyn gained only minimal knowledge of practical weapon use - despite her profession. She'd always been fond of fisticuffs.

"A mark on Syliras, hm?" she cocked her head gently to offer a simpering grin. "I trust you'll do it. Y'always had a head for somethin' bigger an' better."

Hadyn paused, shifting in her seat to sit up straighter, arm dropping from the table. She couldn't decide what suited Ethan best: a wayfarer or a settled family man. Both fit his personality and goals. With a smile she leaned against the back of the chair, twining a lock of hair around her finger as she thought, gaze just beyond Ethan.

"What 'bout your place in the woods?" Hadyn glanced at him with a contemplative gaze. Such thoughts conjured the memory of their night at the Stallion, drinking and singing followed by petching and breakfast. Were that she might be able to indulge like that every night. Though it was such indulgences that landed her in this sticky predicament in the first place. "An' weren't y'hopin' to settle down - wife 'n kids 'n all that? Your plans see no end, hm? I don't know, Ethan," she shook her head with an sad albeit affectionate smile. "You've got more ambition in your little finger than most men have in their life time. I admire it."

by **Ethan Ironhorse** on October 13th, 2013, 12:37 pm

Ethan held his head in his hands at the question of Hadyn’s. “Gah! If we are goin’ to talk about dreams and philosophy, goin’ to need a ‘nother couple of fingers worth.” Ethan sat there for a moment thinking over his plan and understanding of everything that had brought him to this point. Everything that Hadyn said was true he wanted a family, wanted a place in the woods, and wanted to leave his mark on Syliras. Yet, to explain his grand scheme to anyone was asking for them to ridicule his thoughts and dreams. Still this was Hadyn, someone he had known in childhood and recently had a growing friendship at the very least, and his hope at something more. Ethan raised his head and looked at the cup as he spoke his thoughts.

“I suppose it starts with Eyris, as a boy m’grandda told m’that those who prayed to Eyris sought knowledge, from knowledge comes power and from usin’ that power comes wisdom. M’grandda used it to focus m’attention on lesson of smithin’, but the truth of the matter was it put a deep believe in learnin’ because I thought wisdom was a chief attribute to a Knight back then.”

Ethan made the Mobius strip about his forehead, “And m’grandda was right, Eyris showed me that from m’knowledge and experience, I gained the wisdom of my craft. Yet, working the forge wasn’t enough, plenty of knowledge and wisdom to make somethin’, but imagination was needed. What the disciples of Eyris don’t say is that, knowledge and imagination brings forth dreams of flight and fancy.” Ethan still for a moment, “Also, seekin’ knowledge in the craft don’t give ya family. When Brody left, I had no one to push me ta the girls. So I focus on bein’ a farrier and a better one then m’ brother. Soon enough, Ros asked m’ ta leave for outposts and kept m’brother here. The road was nice, but it left no time for lasses. I began to seek the teachin’s of Cheva, even had a’bit of a thin’ for m’mates sister…” Ethan cracked a small smile, realizing that he was getting off topic.

“Days on the road soon became to many, and thoughts of multitudes of girls with good figures and no minds, turned to thoughts of one lady to share m’life with. So I took m’knowledge and wisdom to focus on gainin’ a proper lady. Which meant money to help build us a life, and to purge m’wild ways for the lady I wanted was beautiful, smart, kind, gentle, wild cat in bed, and would help keep house.” Ethan laughed at his description of some kind of magical, mythical perfect woman. “Oh, aye, I know I am a fool. Never in m’dreams did I stop to think she might have feelin’s and thoughts as well. Nah, it wasn’t till I started seeking lasses here that I realized some women wanted the security of the money a smith could bring, others wanted a toss in my bed, and for some I was a backup plan to marrying a Knight.”

“Many of the lasses, I had fun with, but after a couple of nights and talkin’ with them I realized they weren’t anythin’ but a bit of fun. So I went back to the axiom of Eyris, knowledge is power and use of that power brings wisdom. I knew that tryin’ to find this perfect wife wasn’t gettin’ m’results. So I looked into the teachings of Cheva and Oriana. Cheva taught that love was deeper and richer if one had full knowledge of their partner, and that only truth with oneself and their love could bring that out. Asking a disciple and thinkin’ a bit over the sayin’ I realized that what I dreamed of was some sort of perfect woman that took care of all m’needs and desires. No one is like that, to know someone fully is to love every bit of them, and before one can do that they must know themselves. I asked myself questions while I was on the road. Who was I, listing out all m’good qualities and bad. I realized that though I loved my brother, I hated and was jealous of how m’da fawned over everythin’ he did. That thought, that realization that what I did was to beat m’brother left m’ hallow inside. Slowly, I began to do things for m’self. Went out and started to learn about m’own thoughts and realized that I like talkin’ to the Gods and Goddesses. Bought m’tiny statues of Eyris to remind m’ ta seek knowledge and wisdom. A statue of Izurdin to provide m’ strength in smithin’ and strength in life to face the challenges ahead. Got me a statue of Tyveth, so that I may seek the truth of m’self and rid m’ of some of the bad things inside of me. Cheva, I pray to almost every few days, I don’t ask to know who I am suppose ta love, just that I know them when I see them. Lastly, I got one of Harameus not because I do magic that came later, but because I want to transform m’self to something better.”

“So ta not chew ya ear off, I train so I can travel to learn. I learn so I can gather power and wisdom. I need power and wisdom to make wealth for my family, while I transform m’self to become better. Once, I have power over m’self, I can began to seek a family to love and cherish with all m’heart. With wealth and knowledge I can help transform Syliras and later the Wilds to somethin’ better for m’family and everyone else’s. At least that is the plan…” Ethan felt empty in way, he had just told Hadyn some of the most core truths about himself, and he was a bit afraid that he sounded egotistical. Power and wealth, Ethan should have power over his knowledge and self, not power over someone else. The plan was grandiose, but as life continued he was learning that the truth of life was that you developed a plan and make small steps to see it through, at the end you hoped all the small steps made something that looked like your goal.

by **Hadyn Skellig** on October 14th, 2013, 3:36 am

Again the woman fell silent, listening to Ethan as he explained his plans and philosophy. She wasn't sure she'd ever met anyone with nearly as much conviction as the man before her. Admittedly she didn't know if that was a good thing or not. Resting against the back of the chair Hadyn watched him, the passion in his words attesting to his faith. While he'd mentioned this kind of talk required more booze she'd simply smiled - leaving the action to him. There was certainly enough for him to have a bit more but she wasn't going to keep him here by filling his glass. When he finished the brunette let the silence linger for a bit, contemplating his last comments. Running a finger along the cracked spine of a book resting against the back of the table her brown eyes stared into the distance.

He sounded like Brody, talking of far off places and dreams. Desire for the open road and exploration. Indeed something of her brother shone brightly through his eyes, evoking a warm smile from the woman. But his interest in worship sounded more like Liam. Her eldest brother spoke at times on the meditation required to understand and commune with the gods. He was quietly devoted to a few choice deities though it was rarely remarked upon. At this consideration Hadyn frowned in thought. After a chime she stood as if she'd suddenly remembered something important.

Crossing the short distance to the bed, she knelt down carefully and reached under the bedframe, hand searching blindly until it made contact with the desired object. Giving a forceful tug the brunette hauled a small chest from the depths. It was dusty and old, clearly belonging to someone else. Flashing Ethan a smile the weaponsmith pulled the creaking lid open to display a shallow compartment.

"Some of Liam's effects I couldn't seem to part with," she explained, picking carefully through the items. Nothing of much note. A few of Liam's own attempts at art, a favored toy from his youth, the ring their father passed down to his firstborn son to give to his wife. Tracing fingers over the objects Hadyn stared pointedly until she selected the sought after piece. It was wrapped in tattered rags, clumsily as if it were necessary to shield it from view swiftly. Unrolling the palm-sized trinket the woman extended the figure of Tyveth. It was an effigy of Tyveth, carved from grey soft stone. The simple and unadorned it was clear the object was oft held, the figure sitting comfortably in a man's hand as if it'd been held consistently over the course of many years.

"Here," she offered a small smile, eyes on the figurine. "It's better off in your care than wastin' way in this box."

Hadyn's expression indicated it wasn't up for discussion. She hadn't granted it to either of her remaining brothers, not feeling either of them were particularly suited for Liam's favored god. Instead she kept it locked away with the remainder of the man's life, hidden until it found a worthy owner. Even if he didn't use it she wanted Ethan to take the statue away where someone could appreciate it the way Liam had. A quiet sorrow nestled in her gaze as she passed the god to her companion, feeling suddenly drained. Once he received it Hadyn sat back on her heels, staring at the small chest once more, mulling over her offering.

by **Ethan Ironhorse** on October 17th, 2013, 12:01 pm

Ethan sat at the table wondering what Hadyn thought, slowly he poured himself another drink as this time taking the moment to slip the liquor instead of trying drink it all in one taste. The slipping caused the horrible after taste to linger longer, but the burning of the liquor in his throat was less and Ethan wasn’t quite sure how he preferred to take his whiskey. Ethan watched Hadyn play a little with a cracked spine and wondered if his talk of Gods and Goddesses had put her off of conversation. As the small frown began to show on Hadyn’s face, Ethan felt a little dread in his stomach. Ethan had always worried that his devotion to a few chosen gods instead of the general pantheon set him at odds with everyone. Aye, most people prayed to the God or Goddess directly affecting them, but besides the odd offering or simply heartfelt prayer, they didn’t bring them up in general conversation.

Ethan remembered having long talks with Liam about the Gods and Goddesses. After all Liam was one of the few people that had open discussion with Ethan about their teachings. Most of the time a priest or priestess would deliver Ethan some transcript or fable of their God or Goddess and that would be the end of it. Ethan on the other hand wanted to discuss their teachings question when something was suppose to be used and when it wasn’t. Yet, the priest or priestess would merely state that was up to Ethan to decide on. Liam on the other hand didn’t mind the conversation or debates. However, at times it became quite spirited between the two, and Ethan was forced to go off with Brody and cause trouble. As Hadyn got up and fiddled with something under her bed, Ethan decided to take a long pull off his whiskey and retire any more thoughts of drink tonight. Once again the burning drink of liquor poured down his throat and Ethan needed to figure out a way to introduce Hadyn to some better brewers. Putting the cork back on the clay bottle of whiskey, Ethan waited for Hadyn to finished whatever her task.

At the mention of Liam’s effects, Ethan eye brows raised slightly. Why was Hadyn looking through Liam’s stuff now? When Hadyn brought over the stone carving of Tyveth, Ethan wondered what she was doing, after all Liam had only showed his small prayer shrine to Ethan once or twice and Tyveth was one of his favorites Gods to pray to. As Hadyn picked up the object and placed it on the table, she told him of her intent that Ethan use it. Ethan picked up the small idol and his hands went over piece. It felt quite a bit different then the wooden one Ethan had purchased. The craftsmen ship of carver was better, since Ethan only saw a few chip marks from a stray tool. Yet Ethan could tell it was Tyveth, because the carver had spent the time to chisel his features and general frame. As Ethan looked at Hadyn, he knew the argument that she should keep the idol for her child wasn’t going to change her mind. So with relevance that the idol deserved Ethan took out a small sweat rag that he had put in his own armor and wrapped the idol carefully. Ethan felt sad about using the rag on such a piece, but it was the only thing he had to make sure the piece didn’t become scratched or further chipped. Ethan placed the idol in his armor and felt the lump that it created against his left breast. Still Ethan, wasn’t going to be exercising with it there, it was there just to hold itself in place till he got back to his apartment.

Ethan looked at Hadyn and felt very blessed to have her in his life, yet Ethan just didn’t know how she fit, and he was beginning to wonder if she knew or wanted to fit in his life. “Thanks, Haddie. I am blessed by the gift.” Ethan stood up and felt that the liquor made him slightly unsteady, he hadn’t gotten in his meal and was still tired from all the training he was doing. Ethan wondered for a brief moment if he shouldn’t join the Knighthood to impress Hadyn. After all she had become with child by a squire, maybe she would like her man wrapped up in steel instead of leather or Iron dust. Shaking his head slightly, Ethan banished the thought from his mind. Hadyn, was her own person, and though a bit of armor might have gotten her to bed, it certainly hadn’t kept Orion there.

“I…. must go.” There Ethan had said the words that he dreaded, but felt proud at the willpower to leave Hadyn’s apartment when all he wanted was to stay. “I will check up on ya every now again, but if ya have the need, I will be in the pits or at m’apartment.” Ethan squared up his armor and sword, checking to make sure he had everything. Looking at Hadyn for a moment, the feeling of kissing her and her soft body kept his feet rooted. He needed to leave before he became trapped by her eyes, and for the first time Ethan wasn’t quite sure how to end their meeting. Should he kiss her? Hug her? Or just wave and leave out the door.

by **Hadyn Skellig** on October 17th, 2013, 12:52 pm

The gift pleased him. Hadyn smiled as he wrapped the idol and stowed it. Good. It would serve its purpose now instead of rotting away with the rest of Liam's possessions. When he stood she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the momentary waver in balance. Had her shyke alcohol really affected him so much? Perhaps he'd had a mug or two before coming to the smithy. The woman joined him standing though she was significantly less graceful, using the bed to keep herself vertical. Once her feet found purchase she looked to Ethan with a smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Aye, I'm keepin' you up again, curse me," she replied with a grin. "Ros'll flay you if y'aren't toilin' away at daybreak."

Hadyn nearly missed the apprehension in his features as he paused, trying to figure out how best to depart. It occurred to her then that perhaps he was expecting more than just a simple farewell. He'd gone out of his way not only to have the crib made but to stop by Sultros and lug it home for her. Certainly that amount of thought deserved more than a pat on the back. Worrying her bottom lip a moment the brunette considered how best to handle this. Fear slipped coldly into her vertebrae, winding along her spine in an effort to remind her what that she wasn't the affectionate type. What would he assume about her? What more would he ask her to give? She ignored the proverbial serpent slinking down her back and simply chose to act.

After a chime she closed the distance between them, reaching a hand up to rest it on the side of his face. She could smell the scent of Ironworks on him - familiar and comforting. Her index finger ran gently across his cheekbone, brown eyes watching him as she tried (with no luck) to discern his feelings. Her other hand touched his arm loosely to maintain stability. As close as they were she now had to tilt her head up at a slight angle to look at him, the corner of her full lips pulling into a small smile.

"I can't imagine my sayin' thank you is enough to express my gratitude," she explained quietly. "Y'know I'm not one for excessive displays of affection but..."

She stood up on her tiptoes and planted and soft kiss on his lips, sinking down to stand flatfoot again. Though it was a display she wouldn't normally condone herself partaking in something about his continuous generosity and her inability to properly appreciate it made the kiss necessary. Gritting her teeth against apologizing or doing something else equally ruinous Hadyn glanced away before returning her gaze to him. A momentary panic seized her, reminding her that she didn't do shyke like that. Would he look too much into it? would he want more? Gods be good he wouldn't.

"Thanks, Ethan," she took a step back so he could take his leave, brown eyes watching him carefully. "I'll see you 'round."

by **Ethan Ironhorse** on October 22nd, 2013, 6:40 pm

Ethan wasn’t sure what to say to Hadyn as she brought up Ros. Since he started training, Ethan hadn’t spent much time in the Ironworks except the occasional night helping with furnace and pouring bars. Ethan had reached a point in his smithing that he could be considered a senior apprentice for Ros. The problem was that his smelting and casting needed work, which interfered with his sword practice and fighting skills. So Ros, worked with Ethan to give him the opportunity to work nights. It was exhausting and often gave him the feeling of never being able to catch up on sleep. Still life continued, and Ethan marched forward every day.

Ethan continued to debate internally about whether a handshake, hug or kiss would somehow give him knowledge of their relationship. He was pretty sure that a handshake was too impersonal, it kept Hadyn at a distance and it didn’t seem like Ethan was interested. A kiss… it meant so many things too light, too much pressure, the possible expectation of something more; and in it all Ethan wasn’t sure about the expectation for something more. Hadyn… was complicated and Ethan wasn’t sure just how much complicated, he could take. Yet Hadyn’s smile lit up a room, her eyes showed him the softness in her, her very touch sent thrills and shivers in him. Yet she cringed when he touched her, it had been only talking with her that he was able to find small tales of her past and who she was. Hadyn, much like his emotions for her, was a mess that wouldn’t… couldn’t be cleaned anytime soon, and she was having a child. By the Gods and Goddesses, Ethan wanted a child so much to do teach all the things that Ethan’s grandfather did with him, to be a better person. Yet, could he give all his love to a child that wasn’t even his, to a woman that didn’t want him to love her anymore then a brother?

Sometime during the internal debate Hadyn had chosen to move forward as her hand touched his cheek, he felt his face go taunt with ache. His hands wanted to fold around Hadyn’s waist pulling her closer to him, yet somehow he was able to keep them close to his slides. Ethan wanted so much and knew that Hadyn controlled all that she would give. Ethan hurt with loneness as she stroked her finger against his face, and yet as the steel came to his eyes his emotions battered his will. It was perhaps the kindness and cruelest thing that Hadyn could do as her head went up to his hand Ethan bent down to receive a soft kiss on his lips. Emotions roared within him; and everything illogical and emotionally wanted to pick up Hadyn and take her to her bed, not for passion or lust, but to hold her gently and kiss her throughout the night.

When the kiss broke it was… Ethan didn’t know what it was, and if anything it left him with more questions than when he had come see Hadyn. “Then I’ll see ya.” Ethan said it because it was a reaction to the phrase, nothing more. Yet, the poetry and pleas within his mind stayed locked behind those words. Ethan felt the silent plea for something more in his eyes, and before his mouth could ask it, his will moved his feet. One step forward, one step closer to the door, one step away from her. Ethan’s chin quivered with… angst. He had thought all these emotions were behind him, all these thoughts gone, since he had learned of women. How could Hadyn somehow uncork all that raw emotion from him once again? Each step was with great willpower, the door came into view and Ethan hadn’t even realized he had opened it before he was past it, and as the door closed behind him, he willed for Hadyn to ask, to stop the door from closing, to rush to the door and open it back up to tell him to wait, and he allowed himself a brief moment to stand at the door waiting for any of those things before he gave up and left.

by **Radiant** on October 25th, 2013, 10:58 am

Hadyn :

Ethan :

Notes :

My radiance is not bright enough?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your grade, beam me a PM and we can work it out.

Skill	XP Earned
Observation	+5 XP
Socialization	+5 XP
Rhetoric	+4 XP
Storytelling	+2 XP

Skill	XP Earned
Observation	+5 XP
Socialization	+5 XP
Rhetoric	+4 XP
Storytelling	+1 XP
Shielding	+2 XP
Philosophy	+2 XP
Acting	+1 XP

Completed [Sultros Blades] Steeling {Ethan}