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

[Hadyn Skellig]

14th Day
21st Bell
Summer 513

Hadyn pulled her third mug of beer close to herself, the sound of the pottery dragging across the wood muted by the rowdy patrons engaging in a drinking contest nearby. What she wouldn't give to be in such a mood. Staring glumly at the frothy liquid before her she half hoped her guest forgot about their prearranged meeting. When she first saw Ethan that morning she'd been in far better spirits. Now she was rather melancholy - not a mood she hoped to display before an old friend. Tonight was meant to be jovial. And yet the recent fight with Yorick hung heavy on her mind.

Taking a measured pull of alcohol the woman closed her eyes, the sounds of the festivities around drowning out her thoughts. Dark hair was swept up in a loose chignon, strands freeing themselves to frame her tired face. Any other night she might've cleaned herself up a bit, especially considering the arrival of her childhood friend - who'd grown into quite the handsome charming man. But she couldn't bring herself to it. Tucking a strand behind her ear the woman attempted to rub a bit of soot from her cheek and brush dust from her beige tunic. She was dressed for work in the forge, though the leather apron was gone. Dark britches, sturdy boots and a well worn tunic all but screamed laborer.

Licking her lips to remove the errant flecks of booze, Hadyn sat up straight, the muscles in her back twisting as her bones cracked. Here she was not yet thirty summers and she already felt old and decrepit. As much as she loved her job and maintained a healthy amount of pride in her abilities she did consider the effect her labor had on her body. Still unmarried and childless she figured it was time to resign herself to the sour spinster she'd feared most of her adolescence. Ah well. At least she could be a drunk.

[Ethan Ironhorse]

Ethan had time to clean up after work, for after he had left the Sultros Blades he had went back to the forge and bent his back to work. Making horseshoes for the variety of animals that came through Syliras everyday was a nonstop job. Ethan had brought Jaffery to the Blades and wrapped the man’s ankle and explained the whole thing to the Senior apprentices. The strong box moved into the office, while Ethan was sent back to the forge. It wasn’t a bad life, but Ethan once again felt like his life wasn’t complete. There had to be something else in the that he could step up and become. Part of him wondered if he was thinking of fatherhood, and yet he knew that if that occurred he would forever be bound to the city. So many people believed that after his grandfather had died, Ethan would have moved and taken up residence somewhere else. Meeting Hadyn, had stirred up the idea of leaving, ‘til the next Ironworks master croaks of ol' age?’ she had met it in jest but was he waiting for? It only seemed recently that Ethan had gained enough initiative to actually do something, to go out and play at being a mage-warrior. Those were the thoughts that Ethan possessed as he plied his craft, and washed himself. Ethan entered the Rearing Stallion and saw several apprentices from the Ironworks laughing and joking over at the corner. He waved at some of them as they called out, for it was a rare sight for Ethan to go out drinking. Especially at the Rearing Stallion, his location of choice was the casket, something about sailors and just being glad to make land fall always brought a joyous song and laughter to heart. Besides, the Kraken’s spiced potatoes were the best in Syliras’. Ethan scanned the large tavern and noticed Hadyn position and posture. She was hunched over the mug as if protecting it and herself from the rest of the world. For a moment Ethan honestly question if he should interrupt her, role of Senior had to be a shock and the way Eanos had her prove herself the first day, Ethan knew that it had to be tough. So Ethan went over to Hadyn, doing his best to sneak up on the girl, at a moment that she had her face turned down to a beer he came up and wrapped one hand loosely about her eyes, the other arm wrapped around her waist in a hug. His lips went down to her ear and in a quiet manner that was spoken in love for her wellbeing Ethan spoke, “As Senior, you are asked to do things for the good of the shop and of the craft. Know that the woman I met today was stronger than any other. I don’t hold onto you to keep you from cracking, but to feel the core of strength that was tested today by fire. What I feel is courage, strength, and start of leadership.” Softly, he kissed the top of her ear and the crown of her head. A bit of steel dust was in her hair and Ethan tried quietly to spit it out off to the side. Ethan went back to her ear and spoke again, “Hadyn, take one moment and breathe deep. Take a moment and feel. Slowly inhale, let that deep breathe start a warm feeling to spread through you. Focus on that feeling, not on thoughts of what went wrong today or what you could have done different. Exhale and feel those thoughts push away from you. Inhale…” Ethan’s hand laid on Hadyn’s belly for a moment. “Let your strength spread and fill you. Exhale…” Ethan softly removed his hands from Hadyn face and around her sitting next he waited till she settled in herself, and waited til she opened her eyes. Ethan took a moment to search her eyes waiting to see the flicker of her strength and presence, when he did he simply said, “Oi’ ther’ you are!”

[Hadyn Skellig]

Her immediate reaction was one of fight, muscles tightened and ready to spring in response to a violation of space. She'd been accosted in a the bar enough times to hold her own and keep the lascivious ruffians at bay. But a familiar voice murmured softly in her ear, quieting the reflexive fist her right hand had become. His entrance was nothing short of unexpected and she was reasonably surprised. Comforting words and gentle commands to breathe nearly had the woman cocking an eyebrow but the kindness in his voice and closeness of his body encouraged her otherwise. She entertained his suggestion, closing her eyes and breathing, though not quite thinking on the suggested topic. She was instead ruminating on his well built body and rather sensuous proximity to her.

Opening her eyes she found him sitting beside her with a salutation.

"Aye, here for takin'," she replied lifting her mug in welcome. "Those were some kind words y'graced me with. I must look right m'serable t'get you talkin' to me like that, tellin' me how to breathe an' whatall. Y'ever consider cheerin' folk up for a livin'?"

A grin crept across her lips as she motioned to an unfamiliar bar keep. After ordering Ethan his own beer the woman took another sip from her mug before turning to look at him. The boy she'd known had grown into an amusingly handsome well spoken Sylirian. She was pleased to hear his accent had gone untainted. There was a perverse satisfaction to the notion that Ethan Ironhorse was still the working lad she'd known him to be. Of course he was probably making waves at Iron Works but at least he hadn't turned into a petchin' Knight like every other child.

"Ain't the Casket," the brunette conceded as his drink was placed before him, "but it's a sight stronger than the shyke they keep o'er at the Coin." She made a face of mock disgust before taking a pull. "Now then, Ironhorse. Give it to me straight, eh? Whatcha been doin' with y'self all these years that hasn't landed y'straight in the Tank? Y'sure play'd m'brother like a fine fiddle and got him into all manner o' trouble back then. How'd y'manage to keep your nose clean all these seasons?"

[Ethan Ironhorse]

Ethan smiled at the compliment, “’f they l’k like you, ‘uch a job m’ght not be too bad. ‘sides being Senior is a ‘ime for cheer and ‘ime to realiz’ that y’ got to learn. Y’ look in the c’p told me ‘nough.” Ethan nodded at the barkeep and said, “ ‘ouse brew.” He wasn’t fancy and he didn’t really care for expansive ale. He waited for a moment before the barkeep set down a cermanic mug filled ale and froth. Ethan took his finger, like a knife and cut the head of ale from the brim of the mug. He grabbed the mug around its base and not by its handle as he took a draft. The brew was dark and the first note of taste was the robust sense of heavy hop and yeast. His thoughts turned to a dark brown beard and bit of butter to soak in. As Ethan allowed the mug to come down the bit of bitters came from the second note. Warmth of the ale lighten the bitter bite as Ethan swallowed the bits and grit from the drink. The brew was still young enough that it hadn’t settled in the cast, but it was dark and heady, with enough kick to make sure the local livery would be jealous. As Hadyn mentioned the casket he nodded about the drink and locations. The Coin was there to provide cheap brew with enough kick to get you drunk and spend your coin elsewhere. Ethan went to the Casket because of the spice potatoes and a pretty wench who showed enough of her chest that even Ethan wondered how she was able to walk without falling. “If m’ memory s’vres me right, y’ brother g’t m’into more trouble, I m’rely s’ggested ‘f Brody put the ‘ron in f’rge to w’rm it up b’fore hammering. ‘fter he l’ft, me gran’dad took m’side and ‘pent the t’me to sho’ m’trade. I stopped vis’ting w’th Ioan. A’ter a ‘hile Brody and m’ stopped ‘riting. Just got b’sy, st’rted shoeing at the ‘tpost, for a t’me had an e’e on this lass. She marri’d s’me m’ller, gots l’ke ten brats.” Ethan stopped for a moment his voice had broken at the thought of Margie’s children. Ethan took a swig of the ale and before starting again. “An’ways, ‘bout that t’me me gran’ die. St’pped m’from ‘rinking and ‘hasing skirts. Started buyin’ chair’s, d’shes, st’ff to m’ke a room f’r a family. He left m’something!” Ethan reached down into his shirt and pulled out a copper band small flowers that looked like rose interwoven wrapped around the band. Inside flowing script of Pavi. “Ain’t ‘lot but he lov’d m’gran t’ll day h’died. Said I should wear it on m’day. Since then ‘een upstandin’ citizen! Got book’s, r’ding about ‘iltering so I’s stop travelin’ to the ‘tpost. B’n trainin’ the ‘ld noggin’!” Ethan tapped the side of his head as he looked down at his ale and realized that he must have drank half the thing. Looking at Hadyn a soft smile spread on his lips, a brief moment he gave her a look of want and thoughtfulness. He put the copper ring back in his shirt. Deciding that he was not going to propose tonight to Brody’s sister, or tell her about how lonely his bed has been, he realized that he wanted to hear about her. “H’rd some r’mors ab’t you and some ‘night, should I b’ ‘friad?”

[Hadyn Skellig]

Hadyn listened in silence, smiling every now and again. She was delighted to see him maintaining his family's legacy at Iron Works, though she was baffled as to how they never met up all these years. Ioan and Brody spoke fondly of Ethan before their departures, having kept somewhat in touch with him since their youth. Even her beloved eldest brother Liam had only good things to say about Ironhorse. Certainly that was enough for Hadyn.

The woman took sips from her beer as she watched him, licking a thin trail of froth from her upper lip before setting the nearly empty vessel down. Previous melancholy was effectively pushed to the back of her mind as she settled into an evening with her new companion. Admittedly she deeply honored and flattered by Eanos comments. There was a touch of sadness to the thought that it ought to have been Liam in her place, were it not for his untimely demise. But she would not let such thoughts rule her - if anything, she decided as Ethan spoke - she would use her brother's memory as fuel to work harder to please Eanos.

Somewhat engaged by her own thoughts it took her a moment to realize Ethan was displaying something for her to see. Leaning forward eyes accustomed to scrutinizing metals observed the ring, noting the fine craftsmanship of the piece. Her Pavi was almost nonexistent though she knew enough to determine what it was. Sitting up and looking at him, she offered a smile as he tucked the ring back into his shirt. She was ready to comment on her ring when he commented on a certain rumor he'd overheard. An eyebrow rose over a skeptical eye as she turned slightly in her bar stool to look at him.

"Knight, hm? Tch." She shook her head. Orion. The corner of her lip twitched but she turned it into a grin before offering him a nondescript shrug. "He ain't 'xactly the image of discretion but no. Y'needn't worry o'er him. A passin' thing, y'see. 'Sides, he has enough o' his own troubles t'be concerned with. " She finished off the last of her beer, tilting her head back to catch the final droplets before setting the mug down and waving her hand for another. Gods, already on her fourth beer.

"Sorry t'hear 'bout your girl," she replied as she waited, tone adopting sincere condolence without overreaching their boundaries. Turning her head to catch Ethan in her gaze she smiled softly - a smile of understanding and sympathy. "Sure 'n there 'nough eligible ladies round 'bout lookin' for a strappin' charmin' smith like y'self. Nikali knows t'boys a' Sultros have more than their share o' lasses chasin' them t'be satisfied e'ery night o' the season, then some. 'Magine it's not much different o'er at Iron Works, no?"

Hadyn tossed him a wink as her drink arrived. Trading the mug for coins, the woman sat up a little straighter, the bones in her lower back cracking gently. A warm bed was in order but she was quite enjoying herself. Setting the earthenware down she ran a finger along its edge, catching errant froth before licking off her finger. Returning her attention to the man, the brunette smiled mischievously.

"Must 'mit I expect'd to hear 'bout your brood o' children an' overbosomed wife." A simpering grin before she took a swig. "Y'always liked the well endowed ladies, 'cordin' to Brody." She flashed teeth before licking her lips. After tucking that loose piece of hair behind her ear Hadyn rested one hand on the bar, the other on her mug. She wasn't the most elegant of ladies, not known for her decorum or demure nature but she held herself with undisputed dignity.

[Ethan Ironhorse]

Petching Idiot! Ethan thought, Never…Never bring up a woman’s previous date. It was too late as Ethan had already said it, and the look on Hadyn face showed him that he had stepped right into the horse shyke. By the Gods and Goddesses he was a fool, Ethan cursed himself slightly, Jaffery could have done better. The only thing that Ethan could do was drink, feeling the ale go down, he listened to Hadyn talk about how the rumor held a bit of truth to it. He was already having second thoughts about what was going on here with Brody’s sister. It’s Brody sister, you and him use to say how girly she was and how she would never understand men like you two. Come on, Brody would toss you out of the highest window he could find if he knew about what was happening here. Of course Ethan, wasn’t really sure what was happening here. Like Hadyn said, enough though he was a farrier the working lasses and maids tended to like a man with a steady job, and he certainly had talked a few to coming to his room. In fact he blushed a little as Hadyn talked about the same things he was thinking. Ethan quickly found interest in his drink again. Better to be thought the fool, then to open your mouth and remove all doubt, yep that was what granddad use to say and in this instant he was right. Ethan just couldn’t think of something to say. Why yes Hadyn I could have had half a dozen girls in my chambers and we weren’t playing house! Petch, it was bad. Ethan saw the wink and watched Hadyn stretch out on the barstool. His eyes drifted to her chest and then downward. When he heard her back pop, Ethan knew what was plaguing her. Swore muscles were pulling on her back from carrying the heavy load. On days when he went to the Outpost or there was a heavy load of shoeing to do he felt the same thing. Ethan nodded to the barkeep for another one as he took a drink from his ale. As Hadyn told him about chesty wenches and Brody, he nearly choked on his ale. It was a go thing it was almost done, because the backwash from his mouth went right back into the mug. “Petch!” Ethan said in a half cough, “Brody… I… y’s are… wha’ I mean…” Ethan was sputtering and coughing a little. What could he say? After a talking a moment to calm himself Ethan spoke, “We wer’ a wee bit drunk when discussin’ tha’ sort of thing. ‘Hich he ‘wore he never tell.” Especially you! Ethan thought. Ethan looked at Hadyn almost like he was ashamed of something else, “Aye’s don’t reckon’ he told you anything else?” Looking down at his ale and realizing it was finished Ethan got off his seat for a moment and went behind Hadyn. “Y’ back is hurtin’, I ‘ight be a letch for chest’ lass’ but I do som’ work with horse flesh. Tell me when t’ stop.” Ethan gently placed his hands on Hadyn back. They were firmly as he focused on the tension in her muscles. His thumbs traced from the small of her back, to the bottom of her ribcage feeling the tight muscles. Fingers gave firm pressure against the muscle, but lightening as the muscle tried to move. A horse’s leg was delicate and filled with muscles that could roll or spasm, so Ethan made sure to work the muscle with a gentle firmness feeling warmth to start under his hands. “Sorr’ for bringin’ up the rumor, we even? Or I still got a deb’ to pay?” Ethan said in genuine tone. He had been a fool, and hopefully the massage and apology would stop Hadyn from seeking payback.

[Hadyn Skellig]

Hadyn couldn't help but snort quietly at Ethan's response. He appeared embarrassed. Poor lad. She smiled reassuringly as he continued and responded with another shrug. Such talk didn't bother her much. But as he stood and came near her, the woman's eyes narrowed. He was quite physical tonight. She was ready to object when his hands moved to her back and immediately began working the fatigued muscles. The words died on her lips as an appreciative moan escaped her lips, eyes closing briefly.

"Easy on t'ere, Ironhorse," she managed as he continued, hands gripping the edge of the bar. Her back arched gently to his ministrations and she groaned again as a knot unraveled itself beneath his deft fingers. "Y'only just joined me an' you've got me meltin'. Ain't hardly fair."

As much as she hated it, the brunette pulled away from him carefully, turning to look at him over her shoulder. Her eyes illustrated her desire that he continue but her expression was one of firm conviction. She reached to the side and picked his mug up, offering to him with a nod to his seat.

"Sit on down, mate. Much as I 'ppreciate your hands workin' their magic on my body, there's time 'nough for that." She winked at him with a smile, indicating she was not adverse to what the evening had in store. "But for now, let's just settle for a bit of talkin', hm? Now then. Y'needn't worry y'self on askin' after my late night habits. I reckon you have a few sordid stories y'self." Another wicked smile. "How's it y'aren't workin' at Soothin' Waters with those hands of yours. Morwen's teeth," she breathed, stretching her back and closing her eyes. "Felt wonderful, I'll tell y'that."

[Ethan Ironhorse]

Ethan smiled a little at Hadyn’s response, Ethan knew that perhaps he was showing a little too much interest in touching her body as his hands continued to rub and smooth out the lower back. As Hadyn looked back Ethan confidence came back. The look of desire was there and that was all he needed to know that perhaps he wasn’t complete inapt fool. Ethan grabbed his mug as he gave Hadyn a sly look of self-satisfaction. “Ay’ sure ‘nough I migh’ have a tale or two.” Ethan thought about it and figured what that loud mouth braggart Brody probably told his sister. “Y’ ‘member lit’ Loran and large Kate, they liv’d down the hall from y’nd Brody. Well Brody just lov’ Loran ‘mile ‘mongst other things. Well, he had me ‘teal a bottle ‘f ‘hiskey from m’pa and one night got ‘s in one of the ‘arehouses down by the docks. Well, we get to a drinkin’ and I find m’self with Kate alone scaried half out of m’mind. She’s talkin’ about havin’ a cravin’ for s’me salty meat. Of ‘ourse, I got n’ idea what she’s on ‘bout, ‘cus I only want to ‘hink about is keepin’ down the ‘hiskey and ‘haps getting’ off her dress. Well, Kate ‘cides to kiss m’, leans over and plant’ a big ol’ wet one on m’. Granted, m’mind and lower parts are cheerin’, but that big belly of hers is ‘ight on m’hest. M’belly is about to give up all the ‘hiskey and I feels like m’hest is about to break. After fighting back the ‘hiskey and getting a’breathe of air she up’s and drop’s m’pants.” Ethan remembered the look of shock on Kate’s face when she did so, but decided not to tell Hadyn’s some of the things that came out of her mouth. “’fore I know it, m’pant’s are gone ‘nd things start really heatin’ up. Then of a’udden, I hear’s Loran screamin’ her bloody head off. She run’s in ‘n me and Kate, ‘aked, with Brody’s ‘hare of the ‘hiskey down her front. Brody is callin’ m’name sayin’ I have poisoned him, and Loran is starin’ at m’ and Kate.” Those blue eyes wide with surprise and shock… Ethan shivered at remembering her stare at him. “Then all ‘f a sudden, BANG!” Ethan fist hit the wooden bar counter. “Kate’s gone ‘nd clobbered the side of m’head. You ‘member thos’ ham’s she had for hands!” Ethan put his hands out to illustrate the size of his head was the size of her hand. “She goes ‘nd grab’s her sis’ Loran, cussin’ m’like I done somethin’ wrong. Then she starts yellin’ for the petching ‘nighthood! I stumble to Brody, lookin’ desperate for m’pants ‘nd find him buck nake’ with his ‘ntire chest covered with fluids ‘etter left in the body. He grabs m’shirt and pushes m’out a back door, and we start a runnin’. Once we get to the ‘allways, Brody’s screamin’ for m’shirt. ‘early rips the thing off m’back and so we both got t’ share m’shirt to cover ourselves as we make it back t’ the apartment, and y’ know Brody! Since, I cus’ the ‘rouble he go’s first and I am starrin’ at his hairy back. Well, thankfully it’ late enough at ‘ight that the ‘runks are still at the tavern, so nobody but ‘quire’s ‘nd ‘nights a ‘bout. We enter the apartment ‘nd sure enough, Liam lookin’ like Izurdin with the ‘rong side of a hammer stuck up ‘im. ‘hankfully, Brody ‘cides to give up his share of m’shirt and starts yellin’ at Liam. Well, like a thief, I ‘neak into his room ‘nd grab m’pants ‘nd leave him the shirt, since it was o’ly fair. ‘ourse as I put on the pants, I heave ho’ all over Brody’s boots. He told that his feet smelled of ‘hiskey for a ‘eek.” Ethan smiled thinking about Brody and his foolish ways. The man had a heart on him, granted his anger was almost as colorful.

[Hadyn Skellig]

Hadyn's grin widened as he launched into his tale of woe, eyes brimming with mirth. The players in his story were familiar to her, Kate and Loran frequently spoke names among the Skellig boys. Amusement lit her features as he continued, an earnest laugh issuing forth from smiling lips. He was quite the storyteller, the effective descriptions of both her brothers and Kate seizing her in fits of laughter. Once he finished the woman had to pause to wipe a tear from the corner of her eye, her abdomen aching from merriment.

"I do remember this event," she informed him after a moment, pulling her mug close to her before taking a sip. "Though seems I heard a different version. Somethin' 'bout you tryin' to steal poor Kate's virtue?" Hadyn tilted her head in mock thought, tapping her chin pensively. "Or no... 'haps you'd put a wager with Brody on who could shag which lass first? Qalaya preserve me I can't 'member right. But I do know Brody was all twitter-patted. Liam gave him a tongue lashin'. A proper one too."

The woman smiled in memory, eyes bright as she smiled and took another sip. After a moment the joviality faded, the smile breaking slightly as her eyes dropped from his face. Pulling in a slow breath the weaponsmith set the mug down before returning her eyes to his.

"Sure 'n y'heard 'bout Liam, hm?"

[Ethan Ironhorse]

Ethan laughed at the end of the story as he drank his ale, Brody had forever been the source of Ethan’s amusement and trouble in his younger life. Brody had been a brother to Ethan more than any of his real brothers. As Hadyn added her own color about the story, Ethan snorted at the comment of stealing Kate’s virtue. Ethan mumbled something in mug, “Can’t steal somethin’ that not ‘here.” Kate still scared Ethan to this day. When the clothes had started to come off, it was almost like getting mauled by a bear. Last he hear Kate married some willow of a baker and had four children, there was some rumors that if the man didn’t bring home bread daily, she was likely to eat him instead. Ethan laughed a little at Hadyn talking about the wager. No that was the fair maiden Susa, a smile that could melt a man’s heart and a body made for the gods and goddess. Of course, she only would speak the squire’s or knight’s sons. Ethan shook his head with a grin, turned out that Susa personality was like a hot poker to the belly, without the cleansing burn that stops the bleeding after the wound. Ethan had his drink half way up to his mouth before stopping as Hadyn asked about Liam. The muscles of his jaw got tight and Ethan stared at the bottom of his beer. Liam… Liam hadn’t just told Brody those lessons when the two of them got in trouble. He had spent the time to teach Ethan as well. Brody had always raged against his older brother, bothered by the advice that Liam gave. Yet to Ethan, Liam had been an older brother, who actually did make sense and looked out with love for Ethan and Brody. For the longest time Ethan had wanted to be Liam; a weaponsmith, a man who all the ladies wanted but because of honor and responsibility took care of his family, a strong man who loved his brothers and sister. He should have been there for Hadyn, he should have been there for the funeral. “Aye, I heard.” It was all that Ethan could say at the moment. With another taste of the dark ale, Ethan placed the mug down, looking at the cermanic mug instead of Hadyn. “Hadyn, I… couldn’t make it to the funeral ‘cause of bein’ at the Outpost. I didn’t know about it ‘ill I got back, by then he was… gone. ‘hought ‘bout comin’ by and talkin’. Didn’t seem proper with you and…” Ethan couldn’t say it, he voice had gotten emotional. Ethan had wanted to see Hadyn and comfort her, he had wanted to help her by becoming man of the house. He had never really sorted the feelings about her, Liam, or Brody. Liam had been almost better than his father explaining things about men, women, and smithing. Brody was a brother, almost a more emotional twin than anything else. Hadyn had been a little sister when they were younger, even though she was the same age. When she blossomed into a woman, Ethan had thought about courting her, but realized that it would hurt Brody, as well as, fear that Ethan wouldn’t be accepted into the family. Yet when he heard about Liam and Hadyn getting married, he had retreated to his work and really hadn’t dealt with the wounds. “He was like a big brother to me. He sat m’down with Brody and taught us ‘bout life. With Brody and Liam gone, didn’t want to presume I was welcome at y’door.” Ethan quietly rotated the rim of his mug with his finger, thinking about the lessons and love that Brody had shared with Ethan, he raised his mug up and looked at Hadyn. “To Liam, a better brother has yet to be found. His strength and patience was rival to the most pious of Izurdin followers. May his example ‘hine a light for the rest of us in dark times.”