[Roshin District] Unexpected Guests {Orion}

[Hadyn Skellig]

46th of Winter
8th Bell
513 AV

"No! Don't put that in your mouth!" Hadyn lurched forward before the words escaped, fingers attaching to the object as it neared an impending slobbery doom. Liam held in his little hand the lid to a box of tea and was progressing the sharp edge toward his gummy mouth, a smile lighting his features when his mother seemingly joined him in chewing on the item. When she extracted the lid, however, the boy stared up with no small amount of bemusement. Anticipating his disapproval the brunette had ready in her other hand the baby's favorite toy puppy, offering it forward in lieu of the lid. A gaze that appeared not entirely convinced this was a fair trade melted into a happy gurgle as the puppy materialized before him, the cold sharp edged object already forgotten.

Taking a breath Hadyn relinquished the puppy to a soggy playdate with her son, turning to return the lid to its proper place. With a quick glance over her shoulder to be sure Liam was minding himself the woman resumed tidying. She was becoming restless, despite the obvious lack of sleep. Both she and the baby had been cooped up for the better part of the season on advisement from the prickly midwife to "lie in" for a season. The brunette was nearly rabid with boredom, taking to messing up the apartment just to clean it for want of something to do. She wanted to be in motion and active, trying to keep herself fit for her return to the forge. While she often took Liam on walks and made trips here and there around the city it didn't do much to quell her desire to return to Sultros Blades. She missed the smithy and her job something fierce. Though she was hard pressed to admit it she missed the company of the other smiths, most of whom stopped in to visit a few times. But seeing them for a bell never quite made up for the loneliness.

A wash of guilt settled on her then as she turned to watch her son, entirely engaged in smashing the puppy head first on the cushion he sat upon. Hadyn loved him. More than anything in her life. It was overwhelming at times to simply stare at him, his little body growing rapidly. For a solitary creature like Hadyn the introduction of this tiny human so completely helpless and dependent on her was wholly terrifying and wondrous all at once. She wasn't alone anymore.

Her days, however, seemed to lapse into the nights, Liam's uncanny schedule exhausting the new mother beyond her expectations. She knew the other women at Soothing Waters pitied her when she stopped in for the baby's checkups. She heard them murmur none-too-quietly about her poor state. Enduring such scenes only gave the weaponsmith more determination to do what she had to. Petch asking for help. Petch needing a husband or anyone else. But gods would she love a full night's rest...

She'd taken to sleeping whenever she had the opportunity. When Liam dozed off she was asleep within moments. It was astonishing, she realized, to wake up in the most uncomfortable, odd positions after a brief nap. If he fell asleep on his blanket in the main room she was gone, sprawled across the floor nearby using her arm for a pillow. Or if he happened to settle down in the pile of cushions on the table she was equally passed out seated beside him, her upper body draped across the table like a drunk. It was incredible.

Pausing a brief moment Hadyn glanced at the hearth, catching her reflection in the pan hanging from the mantle. A wince came unbidden. She looked like a wraith. Shadows clouded the skin beneath her eyes, her flesh a tinge more pallid and wan. Her hair was in dissarray and she was fairly certain there was drool in it. Taking a moment to undo the pathetic mess of a braid the weaponsmith raked her fingers through the dark tresses. She knew there was no hope to restoring any luminance to her hair (she'd need Soothing Waters for that), but at least she could try to appear in control. Rebraiding the thick locks quickly she tied the end and brushed loose strands behind her ear. One battle won. Removing the befouled apron she tossed it into the bedroom for later cleaning. Brushing a bit of dust from the shoulder of the beige dress Hadyn regarded herself once more. Not quite a vision of Syna but it would do.

Brushing her hands off the woman returned her attention to the rearranging of shelf items. It was the third time she'd attempted a new placement for the boxes and tins. It was stupid, really. She moved them so many times now she hardly remembered where anything was. Picking up the tea box and capping it with the lid Liam so nearly devoured Hadyn was saved from the menial task of (re)organization by a knock on the door. Her curiosity piqued. Before the baby the woman rarely had folks calling on her. Admittedly it took some time to get used to but it wasn't all bad. Hesitating to scoop Liam up lest he toddle away, the brunette crossed the floor, baby on her hip, and pulled the door open, a pleasant expression on her tired face.

[Orion Michaels]

”Try not to shout, and be nice when we get there, okay?”

”You can’t tell me what to do!”

”Actually, I can do just that, Emily.”

This was going to be a mess. He knew he should have announced his arrival, but if he were going to actually follow through with it, it was going to have to be done on impulse. It didn’t mean that it was going to be easy on his nerves. Emily was an unstoppable force, and she was going to meet two important people. It was terrifying. Over thirty days had passed since he’d seen Hadyn or Liam, leaving off into the wilds without so much as a goodbye. It wasn’t the best start to their little ‘family’, but it couldn’t have been anything but expect such a thing. He’d returned from the Bronze Woods only a half dozen days back, and it was time for him to get back into reality.

Emily stared up at her father, arms crossed across her chest. Blonde hair was tied back in pony tail, and a plain white dress flowed down to her ankles. Ferocious blue eyes were unyielding, never breaking from her father’s face, those very same eyes that she shared with her father and brother.

”So let’s just have fun and enjoy the surprise.” It probably wasn’t the best call, but Orion had decided to not to risk arguing with her over just what the surprise was. It proved easier to get the young girl to cooperate when there was even the slightest chance of candy being the surprise.

”Fine.” she said, stomping off ahead of her father, huffing all the while.

Smiling softly, he ran his hand through his hair before moving after the fiery youth. ”Goofy kid,” he said quietly, long strides catching up to his daughter quickly. ”Slow down there, Emily. It’s this one.” Long rows of apartments were often like a labyrinth to those trying to navigate its corridors, but despite only coming here a few times, the squire was comfortable with finding the room.

”What’s here, dummy?”

”You’ll see.”

He took a moment to gather himself and then rapped his knuckles against the wooden door, waiting a few moments until Hadyn opened it. Appearing with Liam at her hip, Orion shot her a grin before speaking. ”Sorry to show up unannounced. We were in the area and I figured we’d stop by and-“

”You ditch her, too?” The little girl stared up at her father once more, judgment burning in her words and gaze. Sometimes Orion felt as though her entire existence was simply to remind him of his sins.

”Hadyn,” he began, ignoring Emily’s barbs,”this is my daughter, Emily. And Emily, I’d like you to meet your brother, Liam.”

The child’s eyes narrowed as she looked from the baby, to Hadyn, and then back to Orion. Wheels could be seen turning within her mind as she worked her way through the information she’d just been given. After a few moments of silence, she closed the gap between her and Hadyn, wrapping her arms around the brunnette’s leg in embrace.

”Miss, I’m so sowwie he did this to you. Owion is a bad man.” She placed her little forehead against Hadyn’s side, refusing to look back at her father.

”Ahah..go figure, everyone’s against me. Mind if we come in?” He grinned, shaking his head in defeat.

[Hadyn Skellig]

Brown eyes widened with surprise and curiosity when the face at the door turned out to be Orion. Further more the small child at his side, blonde hair in striking contrast to her father's dark unkempt mane. This must be Emily. A smile graced the woman's lips, truly glad to see her son's father. An eyebrow rose as the squire began the salutation only to be interrupted by a shockingly insightful query. Shifting the baby higher on her hip the brunette tilted her head as the man attempted introductions.

"Morning, Emily," she began kindly but was solidly cut off as the child flung herself forward, arms enveloping as much of the woman's leg as her grey skirt would allow. To avoid being thrown off balance Hadyn took a step back with the opposite leg, readjusting the baby and setting a hand on the girl's back. Looking up at Orion, brown eyes wide she stared helplessly at him, uncertain how to react to this sudden attention. She canted her head in agreement to his observation as Emily condemned her father with ease before trying to step back, both children having firmly attached themselves to her.

"You weren't kiddin' about this one," she replied wryly, managing enough distance for the father to squeeze inside. Liam was clearly thrilled to see more faces, pulling eagerly at a strand of Hadyn's hair as she maneuvered both herself, him and Emily around to shut the door behind Orion. "Ahh," she groaned, bending her head toward the baby as he yanked again and gurgled contentedly. "Will you take him?"

Still with a hand carefully on Emily the woman stood awkwardly with her son's fingers wound around a piece of hair, helpless between the two children. She cast Orion a pleading if not accusatory glance as Liam brought the lock of hair to his mouth to chew on while he entertained his guests with happy squeaks.

[Orion Michaels]

Emily’s arms awkwardly tangled in Hadyn’s skirt, but the girl was going to make her point. She took any opportunity to deface her father’s already wounded name. Sometimes Orion couldn’t get over how intelligent the youth was. Other than her struggle with ‘r’ sounds, she formed well thought out concepts for someone her age. But then the flood of swears would come out of the mouth of someone you wouldn’t expect could speak and he was reminded that it was indeed his child. ”She’s not letting go for a while,” he warned. ”That’s the same look she gets when she’d decided she’s done walking. Good luck.”

Orion slipped past Hadyn, and into the apartment he’d last visited at the start of the season. He wasted no time in aiding the brunette woman, claiming his son in his arms to get her the freedom to deal with the stubborn girl. Shooting a grin Hadyn’s way, Orion found himself a seat, where he could enjoy the show and cradle Liam with ease. ”Figured it was time for her to meet her brother, but why am I not surprised that she’d show attention to anyone but who I brought her to see?”

Emily’s striking blue eyes peeked up from the grey fabric, her quiet voice following soon behind. ”I’m sowwie I didn’t tell you sooner. He’s not going to get you toys, presents, candy, toys, or candy, so don’t even ask because he doesn’t care about anyone because he is a dumb head.” She nodded as she listed her grievances with her father, her ‘whispering’, which was more like a hushed shout, being done for Hadyn’s favor. That big vagik didn’t need to hear about what his problems were. He wasn’t going to fix them anyways. ”See, one time we went to the mawket and I said, petch-face, I weally want ten honey candy, and he said I could only have one. What am I supposed to do with one? I want another one before I even finish the first one and then there isn’t one! He doesn’t know anything.”

The child took one big gasp and began again, must to Orion’s amusement. With Emily’s never-ending talking and Liam’s quiet stares, he could almost enjoy how things were.

”And then I wanted this dollhouse, it was so pwetty, and he told me it was too much mizas, but miss, I’ve seen how much money he has. He gives the old woman a biiiig bag of monies evewy now and then and I just think if he gives it to her, why not give it to me? But he says ‘no.’ Because HE IS A VAGIK.” She raised her voice, as though Orion hadn’t been able to hear everything she’d so secretly told Hadyn.

”To be fair, the dollhouse was near two hundred gold,” he said in his defense, chuckling and offering no apology to the poor woman that Emily had attached herself to for the moment. ”Why don’t you come meet your brother, Emily?”

”I’m busy, da-..Stupid! Leave me and my new fwiend alone!”

[Hadyn Skellig]

Well this was certainly a pickle. Hadyn shot the squire an unimpressed glower as little Emily began her crusade against him. Once Liam was removed the brunette was able to focus on the blonde lichen attached to her leg. Paying heed to Orion's warning she moved with ponderous grace to the table, allowing the child to ramble on while she went about her business. Setting a wooden plate down she unwrapped freshly purchased cheese, a bag of nuts and a half loaf a bread to squeeze them on the plate. As Emily began explaining the unfortunate tale of an un-acquired doll house Hadyn was slicing apples to situate on the already overflowing plate. Wiping her hands on a rag she found the child was finally quiet. Looking down at her the brunette smiled before pushing the plate toward Orion.

"Sounds very frustrating," she agreed solemnly, dragging her burden across the floor to sit on the faded divan. Once seated she hoped Emily would remove herself but she spoke on regardless. The weaponsmith had no experience with children, but considering she was once a little girl herself (and potentially just as bratty) she called on conversations with her brothers, hoping to garner some wisdom from the constant deals they had to make with a petulant baby sister.

"Now then, Emily. I'm sure it must be annoying to have to rely on him. But you are a smart little girl. And smart girls always figure out how to make the situation work for them, hm?" she paused, staring into the blue eyes Emily shared with her father and brother. "Your father is tryin' to do well by you. I know it's difficult to see when he won't buy you things or take you places. But I promise you he is trying."

Hadyn extended her hand for the girl to take, not entirely sure she would.

"You seem very bright. And I think you know enough to see your father has no idea what he's doing. He probably wishes things could go back to the way they were. Sadly, they can't. But you're being very brave and I'm glad you came with him today to meet Liam and me." The brunette smiled, fully aware the child had no choice. "And since we're new friends you are always welcome here. I'm happy you came today, Emily, because Liam has been wanting to meet his beautiful older sister. But," she hesitated, brow furrowing in mock concern. "It's a tough job, being a big sister. I hope you can handle it. Otherwise I may have to find another little girl to fill the role."


It was a gamble but it worked on her many times all those years ago. And she sensed a spark in Emily that would hopefully encourage her to rise to the challenge. Admittedly if the girl decided she didn't want a brother or thought Hadyn was lying it would be all for naught. But the brunette's words were completely genuine and her expression imparted sincerity. During her talk she never once looked away from the child, keeping her attention focused on Emily without paying Orion or Liam any mind.

[Orion Michaels]

Orion glanced up occasionally from Liam to watch Hadyn deal with a full force introduction to Emily. He’d learned early on that the child had an endless supply of oxygen and didn’t actually need to breath in order to talk. She’d open her mouth and that would be that. For the rest of the day an endless spring of insults, curses, observations, songs, questions, answers, all of the answers, more answers, and nonsense would flow forth. The child’s skill was almost magical, if it weren’t unbearably annoying.

While Emily continued her assault on Hadyn, Orion’s focus turned almost entirely to Liam. While he had to give Hadyn credit for how well she was dealing with his rambunctious child, he’d come to see he son. Rare had the chances been for the squire to spend time with the newborn. Duty called, as it always did, and as a result he’d been around for such a small amount of the boy’s young life. ”How are you doing, Liam? Did you behave while your daddy was out and about?” Big blue eyes were all he got in reply. The baby had been so quiet in his few experiences with it, and today was no different. Liam was entranced by so many things, content to observe without disturbing anything. Even Emily’s incessant chatter couldn’t distract him from his father’s face.

Emily, meanwhile, was engaged deep in conversation with her new friend. ”It’s vewy fwustwating,” she replied, nodding vigorously in agreement. It wasn’t fair and was most certainly a reasonable request. The energetic child was ecstatic that Hadyn felt that way. A frown touched her lips when Hadyn suggested that Orion was indeed actually trying to take care of her. ”No, he isn’t. If he was weally twying, he would buy me a dollhouse,” she replied bluntly, shooting a dirty glare her father’s way. It was sound logic in her mind. Still, Hadyn had already endeared the child to her, whether she was trying or not. Emily’s focus remained on the brunette, and when she was offered a hand, the youth took it.

A big sister? That was a job Emily hadn’t even considered. The wheels began to turn in her still forming mind. The challenge she relished, but there was more than that. Hadyn had told her that smart girls always have things work out for them, right? So that’s just exactly what she would do. She grinned and gave Hadyn another hug before releasing her and starting over to Orion. ”Thank you!” She skipped over to her father and brother, beaming until she was before the squire. At that point her smile faded and a stern scowl came across her features.

”Yes, Emily?”

The blue eyed girl replied by sticking out her right hand, palm up. ”I tooked the job Hadyn gave me. Big sister Emily. That will be ten thousand billion mizas.” She was such a successful businesswoman already.

Orion glanced over to Hadyn and then down to Liam, an incredulous smirk on his lips. ”Can’t believe it, Liam. She’s found a way to bleed me dry quicker.”

[Hadyn Skellig]

Hadyn could only grin as the girl seemed to acquiesce, enveloping her in a tiny albeit fierce hug before bounding back to her father. The woman remained seated, resting her head against a hand whose elbow was propped up on the back of the divan. This new role was exhausting and while she was happier than she'd ever been it was draining to care for something so entirely helpless. Having Orion there to hold the baby and take Liam's attention away was appreciated. All Hadyn wanted to do was close her eyes but she caught the squire's gaze over the newborn's head as Emily demanded payment for the new job. The brunette smiled in return, shaking her head with a defeated shrug.

"Suppose it was foolish to assume a brother's love was payment enough," she replied mildly. After a moment of sitting a thought occurred to her. Forcing her muscles to work again the woman stood, waving a hand toward Emily. "I bet you're good at figurin' puzzles out. Why don't you come with me into the bedroom."

Hadyn crossed the floor and opened the door to the bed chamber, leaving it ajar for the girl. Once inside the weaponsmith moved to the bed, dropping to her knees and reaching under the wooden frame. Beneath was a wide box which she gave a couple tugs to before it jerked forward into the light. It was old and barely passable as a decent trunk. Pulling it out far enough to open the lid on its creaking hinges Hadyn rifled through the items within.

Clothes and books were moved about as she searched for the desired object. Finally her fingers felt the soft material of the goatskin bag. Pulling it out she sat back on her heels and opened the pouch. From it she pulled what appeared a tangled mess of iron. Undone it was two horseshoes connected at both ends by two narrow chain links. Between the two chains was an iron ring that slid across the links. It was one of the many game her father gave to his children to figure out when he wanted them quiet. Testing the strength of the metal by yanking the two horseshoes in opposite directions the woman was satisfied the game was still in working order. Turning to Emily the brown eyed weaponsmith extended the horseshoes.

"You have to get the ring free. Once y'done that you have to get it back on. Think you can get it?" she smiled warmly at the girl before adding: "I might have somethin' else in here if you manage to figure it out."

If it interested her enough to try it wouldn't keep her busy for long but in Hadyn's experience it was a rewarding puzzle. The girl was smart. And for all Orion's attempts at giving her a good life the woman was fairly certain he wasn't able to challenge her enough given his present situation. It was a damn shame the squire wasn't able to spend more time with Emily. They were both intelligent inquisitive creatures. If he had the opportunity Hadyn was certain he could foster his daughter's sharp mind. And while it certainly wasn't her job to do so the weaponsmith saw no harm in giving the girl something to do with her time.

"You can take it back to the other room," Hadyn nodded to the door. "There's more light there."

Resting on her heels the woman looked down at the open chest, having barely noticed her brother's possessions when she'd been searching for the game. Now they sat in the open. A frown crossed her lips as she touched a wooden toy that had belonged to her sibling. With a heavier sigh than she'd intended the brunette brushed a hand on her thigh and stood, ready to join Orion and Liam in the other room.

[Orion Michaels]

A challenge? Now a challenge Emily could do. Not only would she be rich after she forced her stupid dad to pay her all his gold, she would be the smartest person in the room after she solved the puzzle which Hadyn was going to present to her. Maybe it wasn't so bad being stuck with that idiot petch face.

Orion watched, relieved, as Emily's demands were temporarily delayed by the wonderful offer Hadyn made to Emily. He'd learned quickly that the girl possessed a fire that burned constant, not unlike himself at her age. Only his was snuffed out by life, while everyday Emily's seemed to burn brighter. If he could focus her passion and vibrancy on something beyond trying to get one up on him, she could do most anything. The least of which was solve a puzzle.

As Emily bounded off after Hadyn, Orion smiled down at Liam, who's big blue eyes hadn't left his father's face. "That's your sister, Liam. Her name is Emily. I pray that you've got her energy, but gods I hope you like me a little better." He chuckled, glancing up to watch as his daughter disappeared beyond the door frame.

"I can get the wing fwee faster than anyone ever!" Blue eyes lit up as she jumped up to snatch the toy from Hadyn's hand. She was out the door in a flash once Hadyn suggested the better lighting. She didn't need to make the puzzle any more difficult on herself.

The jingling and ringing of the metal pieces together drew Orion's attention back to his daughter as she exited Hadyn's other room almost as quickly as she'd entered. The squire opened his mouth as to speak, but Emily quickly put a hand up in dismissal, not wanting to hear anything from her father on the topic. A wry grin spread across his lips as he then looked to Hadyn once she returned to the room. "You're a miracle worker. She's actually not talking. I can't believe it. The only time she doesn't talk is when she's trying to ignore me." The only thing more amazing than the fire she possessed was the stubbornness that was within every fiber of her being. When she didn't want to do something, well, she didn't.

"Maybe I should be paying you to watch her instead," he joked, shaking his head. "No, that would be a bad call. If you've never given yourself cause to dislike me before, this would do it for sure. I'm surprised her current nanny hasn't quit, truth be told. Quite the handful."

With a sigh, Orion looked between Liam and Emily, taking the moment to relax in a moment of relative peace. Everyone had been working so hard, been so busy, and most importantly, were feeling the effects of fatigue. To have a few moments of calm was something that Orion would no longer take for granted.

[Hadyn Skellig]

The weaponsmith stood as the child bounded away, the iron clanking as she went. Leaving the chest open for later use Hadyn followed Emily into the other room catching the squire's grin with a smile of her own. A light snort followed his second thought shaking her head as well as she found a seat at the table. Childcare - it sounded like a nightmare job tempered only by the thought of miza. Despite having her own child Hadyn couldn't imagine minding a gaggle of them for profit.

"Then you share at least one thing in common," she replied dryly before popping half an apple slice into her mouth. She couldn't remember exactly when she'd eaten anything memorable, most of her food scarfed down while Liam slept before she herself collapsed for a nap. As she chewed the brunette gazed at the hearth, the nearly quiet apartment seeming at odds with the bodies therein. All four inhabitants were used to yelling or at the very least speaking vociferously. And here they were silent for the moment.

Hadyn didn't want to ruin the peace, content to pull a small piece of bread from the loaf and take a bite. Though Orion and Emily were unexpected she had to admit - the company was nice. And Liam seemed to be perfectly happy in his father's arms. Unable to admit it to anyone, especially herself, Hadyn was lonely. These moments of interaction were surprisingly pleasing. Glancing Orion's way she offered a small smile.

"How are you?" it was a dumb question asked with sincerity. They didn't often trouble each other with pleasantries so it was assumed she inquired with genuine interest. He had his plate full playing squire, not to mention two children in different parts of the city. Stealing a slice of goat cheese the woman tossed a glance toward Emily to be sure she was still hard at work on the puzzle. Returning her gaze to the father the brown eyed weaponsmith let him speak as she bit into the soft cheese, savoring the moment to actually enjoy the food.

[Orion Michaels]

Emily continued, hard at work and determined to solve the puzzle put before her. Soft, sweet notes escaped her lips as the youth sang quietly while she worked, oblivious to the world. It was a moment of serenity which Orion rarely enjoyed. Emily was singing, and Liam had began to coo softly as his big blue eyes and tiny little fingers both were fixated on Orion's face. He reached up to try and touch at his father's beard, bringing a gentle smile to his lips.

"Point taken, Miss Skellig. I could have been tossed to the side more than a time or two throughout this process, and I'm bound to give you another opportunity or two, I'm sure." He grinned, glancing up at the mother of his child, taking in her features if for only a tick. She was a beautiful as they day they met, but she seemed exhausted. Liam was probably a lot bigger of a burden than she let on, but she'd never complained to him once. She, and most of Liam, deserved so much more. As long as he was running in and out of their lives, he was going to be a source of relief and of stress.

He raised an eyebrow at her sudden question. "Do my ears deceive me, or is Hadyn Skellig initiating..small talk with me?" He grinned and quickly put up his hand to let her know he was teasing. He didn't want a peaceful moment to explode from one of his ill timed jokes. "I've been good. Sore, busy, and tired, but good. The knights have been running me ragged. I left on a patrol the day that the snow started, and it didn't bother to let up for us poor souls." He glanced down at Liam to find him looking right back up at him. His father's voice was still fairly new to him, and every time he spoke those blue eyes only got bigger.

"How about you?" He didn't have time to feel lonely, but neither did he have anyone with whom he shared a bond. From the start of his training he'd felt isolated by the other squires, both by age and by reputation. "Liam seems to be growing well. Healthy boy." He wasn't an expert on the health of children, but he knew enough about human health that he could tell there was nothing overtly wrong with the child. "Glad to see that he-"

"I got it!!" Emily declared victoriously, holding the pieces of the puzzle high above her head, one in each hand. "I bet you couldn't, stupidface," she said, turning her cold stare on Orion.

"The joys of fatherhood," he said, smiling helplessly once again at Hadyn.