PM to join [Roshin District]All the Pretty Horses{Hadyn}

[Ethan Ironhorse]

2nd of Winter 513 AV Roshin District Outside Hadyn’s apartment Tenth bell Ethan had felt horrible as he approached Hadyn’s door. He had missed it, missed the one thing in Hadyn’s life that he wanted to be more of a part in that anything else. He had spoken with Hadyn not more then a day before she had given birth, and besides some back pains she hadn’t said she was feeling unusual. Still Ethan somehow felt like he should have known the exact moment that Hadyn had gone into labor. Of course, it was a completely unreasonable expectation; Ethan had no way of knowing that Hadyn would go into labor prematurely. Not to mention that it was only till he had stopped by Hadyn’s work, Sultros Blades that someone had told him she had delivered the baby. Ethan had gone weaponsmith shop on his way to training in the fighter pit. Yorick had told come out of the shop in excited breath to deliver the good news about Hadyn. News of Hadyn’s new born son made Ethan hug Yorick in the middle of the avenue, both of them yelling and carrying on. The community of smiths in Syliras was a small one, and due to that everyone knew one another quite well. So at the thought of Hadyn baby a great many of apprentices and smith all felt like their family had expanded. Yet for Yorick and Ethan it had been more like a nephew or son was born to them. After the both of them had settled down Ethan quickly went back to his apartment to change into a soft green work shirt. The linen thread had soften over time as sweat and washing had broken down the harsh weave into something softer. Reaching down in his storage chest, Ethan pulled out a small bundle of cloth. In it was a quilt of linen patches for the baby, along with linen change clothes. Ethan had paid 8 silver miza’s for the clothes and quilt, what he was particulary proud of was his purchase of fine wool cap dyed in Syliras green. The final price of the cap had been 3 silver miza’s upon haggling over it, but Ethan wanted to make sure that the baby won’t be cold when Hadyn left during the day with it. Him, Ethan thought, I need to starting thinking of Hadyn’s child as a boy. To Ethan it seemed as if all of a sudden everything was so real. His friend possible something else, Hadyn, had given birth to a baby boy. The only way this could be better was if Hadyn had given birth to Ethan’s child, and for a moment Ethan stood in his apartment holding the bundle of clothes and blanket looking about. A half used Philter mortar and pestle, along with jars of healing potions were spread out on a table. His room, always being relatively clean and secure, now felt somehow empty and depressing. Ethan’s strong hands seemed to cletch at the clothes and blanket and fear gripped his heart. This room seemed to almost trap his very soul, eating away at his thoughts. Hadyn, now has a family and all you have is this empty room. Family, it seemed to eat away at Ethan’s soul, his father had always favoured Erik more than him, almost as if Ethan was an accident that was never suppose to happen. It had been Ethan’s grandfather that had taken care of him, loved him, given him advice on what a man was suppose to be. Yet why couldn’t Ethan find someone? He had petched a few lasses, even thought about settling down with one or two, but somehow their eyes always drifted. Ethan realized that he was breathing heavily and realized just how afraid of meeting Hadyn’s son he was. What if he didn’t love the child, but loved Hadyn? What if somehow now with this babe Hadyn had realized that Ethan was just some fool? What if the peace that Hadyn and Ethan had built between them was shatter because Ethan couldn’t let go of his hate for the child’s father. Ethan had tried to keep his promise to Hadyn and meet with Orion. He had left several messages with the knighthood and they had told him he was away on patrol. Finally Ethan sat on his bed and the largest fear came to him, What if he realized he loved Hadyn’s child and her, and they didn’t care about him? Ethan sat for a while, before he picked himself back up and with every ounce of courage that he could muster he went out of his apartment to travel to Hadyn’s apartment in the Roshin District. At the sight of Hadyn’s door, all of a sudden Ethan’s courage fled and he felt his mouth go dry. Walking up to the door, Ethan raised a shaking hand to it and closing his eyes for a moment to steel himself against emotional disaster, he knocked softly.

[Hadyn Skellig]

It was the faint knock on the door that roused the resting mother, her eyes blinking open only moments after the sound registered. She was reclined on the divan, its upholstery at least twenty summers old, the faded pattern of sage color leaved hardly visible. But it was remarkably cheap at the market, one of Hadyn's first purchases for the new apartment. Her arm was draped over the light wood forehead resting on her upper arm. In her hand, dangerously close to tumbling earthward, was the small beige bundle of cloth and down stitched in the likeness of an unfortunate looking puppy. Sitting up properly, the other arm falling from where it lay on her hip the woman cracked her sore neck and blinked in the filmy light. It was still a pleasant shock to wake up to sunlight, the narrow window of the living room and kitchen casting a strip of brilliance across the floor. Hadyn sat in the room for a chime longer, her brain failing to catch up quickly with with her other senses. The knock. Must be Yorick or Shiress stopped in for a visit.

Yawning indecently the brunette rose, the hem of the blue dress (equally faded as the divan cushion) sliding and falling just short of her bare feet. Coupled with sleeves that didn't quite reach her wrists it was evident the gown belonged to a shorter woman. Marnie hadn't possessed the height of her daughter but it was fortunate her clothes had been preserved and that Hadyn was able to wiggle into them. Casting a glance to the hearth the weaponsmith noted with a frown that it was nearly coals. Only two pieces of wood lay in the basket nearby. She chastised herself for falling asleep - there were things she'd wanted to get done. Crossing the floor to the fireplace she called out over her shoulder to the knocker:

"Door's open."

Grasping the iron poker the woman bent over and began rearranging the coals, encouraging them to stir. The small pot resting on its tripod above held cold water. At least she could rouse the fire and offer her guest tea. Standing up to properly greet whoever slipped through the door the woman cast an appraising glance at the open door to her bedroom. No sound from her son within. He'd been sleeping since his last feeding, a bell and a half prior. Tucking a dark strand of loose hair back into the messy bun at her neck Hadyn returned her attention to the entrance, making a quick guess who might have called on her. She had her bets it was Shiress as most folk were already at work by now. Standing with the fire iron in one hand the other holding the rag dog she waited with a hint of a smile on her lips

[Ethan Ironhorse]

Ethan heard Hadyn call out faintly behind the door that it was open. For a moment Ethan juggled the small clothes and quilt as he reached for the door latch. Ethan lifted the latch with partially two fingers and his own knee. The faint scrapping of wood coming out of the iron collar was faint as Ethan did his best to be careful and quiet. Ethan was quite simply worried that he would wake Hadyn’s boy, and though he wanted to be there to see the little man, he also didn’t want to cause Hadyn trouble. Ethan used his toes to push the door open, relaying on his sense of balance to keep him upright. Though the inside of Hadyn’s room was lighted by sunlight, the dark hallways that were lit with torches, candles, or lanterns had made Ethan momentary blind. Ethan first saw a hazy shape as the door opened. Thankfully he didn’t really see the poker in Hadyn’s hand as the clothes and quilt were piled in the way of his vision of her. Normally, Ethan would have seen the poker and charged in thinking that someone had a sword or club, but with a embroider dress flower patch on the quilt flipping upward along with lines of switching weaving into swords and shields made Ethan temporary blind to the surprise that awaited him. Slowly his eyes cleared away the haze and Ethan saw Hadyn, with a half smile waiting. Ethan smiled back hoping that she was excited to see him. It was then Ethan noticed her faded blue dress and memories of Ethan running around with Brody can back to him. “Ya know Haddie, I think the first time I eva saw ya, you were hiding behind ya mother’s blue dress with a doll. Hair tied in some long braid and Brody ‘bout to sneak up on ya to pull it. Granted now, I was holdin’ on m’own mom’s skirts scared… about what I ain’t so sure, but terrified all the same, and wonderin’where I was. Seems life sometimes comes full circle don’t it?” Ethan said quietly, wondering if the baby was still asleep.

oocSorry for the wait, we are putting in a water line and it has taken up a lot of my time.

[Hadyn Skellig]

It was neither Shiress nor Yorick but a familiar shape that wobbled its way into her home. Upon realizing the burden Ethan bore toward her Hadyn set the fire iron down with a thud, brushed her hands hastily on her thighs to remove any soot and stepped forward to assist him if he'd allow it. Hands reaching out to receive the bundle and relieve him the woman smirked at his introduction.

"Yeah. Full circle," she replied dryly. "It's a fortune I'm even able to fit into this thing. Here, let me help you. What is all this?"

Her voice was lower than usual in both register and tone, fatigue seeping into her speech as well as her visage. Once she'd helped him she smiled more fully, somewhat surprised she hadn't anticipated him arriving. It made sense. He'd been visiting her almost regularly. But a great deal had changed and Hadyn found herself rather slow at processing it all.

"Y'missed all the blood 'n gore, you lucky dog."

[Ethan Ironhorse]

As Hadyn stepped closer to Ethan, he felt a stirring for her, for pregaunacy had swollen her breasts, and though the worn faded blue dress she wore covered her figure Ethan couldn’t help but think that somehow she was even more beautiful. While Hadyn was helping Ethan with his bundle, slowly taking soft small clothes for baby’s diapers, as well as, long tunics to cover the baby, the small green knitted cap came off the pile and floated down to the floor. Ethan smiled as he watched Hadyn for a moment, she looked tired and worn, yet Ethan wanted to hold her, inhale her scent and carry her to the bedroom telling her that he had the next few bells with the child and she could rest. Yet his mind wasn’t quite done with the dream. A picture of holding Hadyn’s babe and Hadyn curled up against him as they all slept, brought the feeling of love and happiness to Ethan. However, as he become to know more about Hadyn, the more he knew it was impossible. So instead he mumbled under his breath, “Aye, fortunate indeed, looks like ya are filling all the right parts of that dress.” In a much clearer tone and one that was regulated to match Hadyn’s volume, Ethan spoke, “Well, I have been buyin’ a few things here and there for da ba… boy. Some small clothes, a knitted cap, scrap quilt, and some long tunics. I know how ya dun hate gifts, so I thought I brin’ it in one batch that way ya only experience it once, and it may be stupid but…” Ethan began to fish around his coin pouch, when he felt the prick of the pin. Ethan grunted briefly, from the pain, as he fingers avoided the pin and pulled out the tin clothes clasp. Ethan had twisted a bit of tin and chiseled in the design that his grandfather had told him about. “Wasn’t sure if ya had one yet?” Ethan said, “M’Granddad use to say that a Drykas knot meant the ties that bind us all. A cord that knows no beginnin’ or end; but is connected and overlaps our very hearts and souls. He gave every babe of our family one, said that the magic of the weave would connect us. Don’t know ‘bout that, but I dun figure it be the right thing, since ya more family to me then m’brother. Either way, should at least keep up his diapers." Ethan said with a smile. For a moment Ethan allowed her to study the gift, the animal need to close his arms around her and hold her, kiss her, and claim her was strong for a moment, but he was able to stop himself just like he had done several times in the past. Ethan thought about the emotion scars left by that Tobias, Hadyn's one time suitor. Though he didn't know about any of the physical abuse or harm she may have undergone, the emotional hurt he had left Haddi with made Ethan want to kill him. Ethan remembered Haddie as this beautiful wonderful lady, and though Brody threatened to kill him if Ethan ever made to court his sister, Ethan wished that he could have went back in time and courted her before Tobias had ever harmed her, or before Orion,... or before life had twisted their relationship like a Drykas knot. In a way he wanted the old Haddie back, the quiet smile, the look she gave him when he would turn around and see her staring. However, the tired woman before him had her own type of charm. Ethan knew that if it was anything other then emotions he could expect a quick response. She was practical and hard working, and the best part was that Ethan could talk to her like a friend. They talked about work, about names for the babe, he had even talked to her about his practice in magic, and though she had nodded and been bored. She had listened and it was a better kindness then anything else she could have done. So as Ethan thought about the past Haddie and his trouble with coming up with converstation with her. He had to admit that the Haddie in front of him was still someone he could love. “Ya know Haddie, I wanted to be there for ya so much. Would’a have been as useful as a tit on a log, but some how I dun feel like I wrong ya and the little one.” Ethan said with a heavy heart. The comment about missing all the blood and gore had gotten to Ethan. He had wanted to be there, praying for her, worrying over her... being one of the first people to see her boy. He had wanted it not just as a would be lover, but as a friend. To have missed it felt like, he had missed something so significant that it was unforgiveable.

[Hadyn Skellig]

Hadyn accepted the mass into her arms, catching Ethan's gaze around the bundle of cloth. A dark eyebrow arched expectantly as the corner of her lips curved into a grin. His eyes were devouring her form as if he hadn't seen a woman in years. Pivoting and depositing the offerings to the table the woman turned back to face the smith. Crossing her arms loosely she leaned her backside against the table, regarding him with a simpering expression.

"Y'alright, Ironhorse? Lookin' like y'ain't never seen a pair of tits before." Her voice was calm, only the slightest hint of teasing apparent though her grin widened. "Careful Syna don't pluck your eyes out for starin'."

The woman was assured in her blunt nature, addressing his wandering eyes with no small amount of amusement in her dark eyes. Her expression softened when Ethan explained the gifts before procuring a pin. Extending her hand so he could lay it in her palm the woman managed to hear bits and pieces of his statement, her focus entirely on the twisted tin. Somewhere in her memory she recalled hearing of the Drykas knot. Her fingers ran gently across the piece, warmed from its occupation in Ethan's pouch.

"Y'gotta stop givin' me things," she murmured distractedly. She meant to be far more stern but the pin made it difficult to reprimand him. "But it is lovely."

Raising her gaze to Ethan as he launched into an unwarranted apology for not being present at the birth the woman tilted her head, bemused. She'd only been joking, of course, when she mentioned him missing the blood and gore. But he'd taken it seriously. With an averted gaze the brunette sighed.

"You've got to stop thinkin' you did wrong." This time her voice was noticeably sharper, brown eyes expressing disapproval. "An' buyin' gifts won't fix that feeling. I appreciate all this. Truly. It's more than either of us deserve. But no one expected you to be there. And y'probably wouldn't have gotten farther than the door with that cockblock of a midwife."

She shot him an easy smile then, closing her hand around the pin. It bothered her how much Ethan berated himself for standards he assumed she shared. There was no expectation on her part that anyone should be around when she went into labor. It was pure fortune Shiress called on her that day. But, true to her nature, Hadyn readily anticipated giving birth alone aside from the prickly midwife. Ethan's tendency toward self-condemnation was frustrating and puzzling. She could perhaps understand disappointment. But why did he feel like he'd done something unconscionable?

Brushing it off as she pushed away from the table she crossed the floor toward him. Stepping before him Hadyn placing a hand on each of his arms, the pin pressed into her palm with two fingers.

"Stop worrying, Ethan. It'll make you old. You're here now." Moving away she canted her head toward the bedroom. "Besides, 'bout time y'meet the lad. Reckon that's why you're here anyhow."

Moving to the door she pushed it open a bit farther. Inside three candles burned, illuminating the chamber. The flood of light from the open door displayed the bed, just beyond, the crib. Within a sleeping Liam lay, swaddled in grey blankets. Nodding her head toward the cradle Hadyn grinned.

"Go on, then."

[Ethan Ironhorse]

Ethan watched Hadyn’s backside with significant interest as she turned away from him to set down his gifts. Thoughts of ripping the blue dress and having the woman in front of him seemed to swim in his head, but for the moment he simple admired Hadyn’s figure feeling like no other creature the Gods or Goddesses made could compare. It was then that she turned and almost as if to torture Ethan folded her arms in front of her, covering that what he wanted and yet giving him enough presence of mind to realize he was caught. As Hadyn teased him the blood that had been flowing into lower bits decided to change direction and make him flush red. Ethan even felt the heat come off his ears, for a moment he averted his eyes. Perhaps it was because he had known Hadyn as a teenager, but for some reason he felt like a boy on the clasp of manhood when he looked at her. If he hadn’t known better, he would have sworn that Hadyn somehow cast a spell on him, making him feel like some animal ready to ravish her one moment or kill anything dangerous that came around her. Ethan had been around men lost in women or drink, in fact most blacksmiths fell into one or the other category, but for Ethan it wasn’t women or drink it was Hadyn. Something inside of him wished he could act normal around her, but for some reason his mind went to mash and all he could do was act like a boy wanting to impress her. Thoughts raced around his head; Rip off her dress and take her till neither one of you can stand; Flee for your life she had bewitched you!; Walk over there and tell her that you are a part of her family. It was about that time he realized that he was watching the gentle curve of Hadyn’s backside against the table, and though he would have settled going over to kiss her, Ethan’s courage fled and he launched into a description of what he brought. It hurt briefly when Hadyn told him that Ethan should be giving her gifts. Any other woman would have jumped in his arms and been happy for his thoughtfulness. But not Hadyn… and yet all other women couldn’t compare to her independent nature, her intelligence, her friendship. When she told him that she thought the clothes pin was lovely, he lit up at her offhanded comment, and then blurted out an apology for missing the birth of her baby. Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose as Hadyn stated that he should quick apologizing. The only thing he wanted was her and for a moment he wanted to say he was sorry again. He gritted his teeth biting back the response, there was a feeling of depression at the thought he could never win with her. He wasn’t sure what he could win, he wanted her that much he knew, but she made him crazy. It would be good when the snow melted and Ethan travelled to Zeltiva, maybe some distance from the one thing that could turn his world upside down would be good for him. There was a sad grin at the mention of the midwife, a thought that she was trying to make a joke. He didn’t want this to be a day of angry words or self doubt. But no man ever gets what he wants all the time. He looked up at Hadyn for a moment and thought about what she was saying, and in the end it almost seemed like she just wanted nothing from him, and Ethan wasn’t sure what to do with that. It was scary in the sense that she needed nothing from him, and to him it seemed like he would have moved Syliras stone by stone just to see her smile. As Ethan moved along with Hadyn, he decided to take one bit of her advice and stop feeling sorry about himself. So he openly watched with enjoyment Hadyn’s backside in her blue dress, as she opened bedroom door, Ethan took the moment to stop and face Hadyn before he walked past her. “Ya know, I might find a few other reasons to b’here. ‘Sides Haddie, someone should tell ya that with a wink and a ‘mile ya can make a man weak in the knees.” Ethan leaned in as if he was going to kiss her, but then stopped for a moment. “But I guess that ain’t me,” Ethan said with a wicked grin, and turned away from her. Whether it please Hadyn or not, Ethan felt almost wicked at the tease, yet a sense good that he openly said what she did to him came with it. When she had been pregnant, he didn’t want to suggest anything physical for fear of the baby and of Hadyn, but now he just wanted to stare at her or hold her in his lap. Ethan managed to pull himself away from Hadyn and ventured into the bedroom. He walked softly over to the crib and his shadow fell across the babe in it. Ethan breathed deeply wondering about the child within. He saw a small bundle of grey blankets and the faint outline of the child. Ethan began to bend his knees and as he bent down to get a better look at the child. He wasn’t sure what he felt as he glazed at the newborns face. In parts it was red, while the boy seemed to be mouth in a sucking motion as he dreamed. The feeling of something so surreal as Ethan glazed at the child, before him was Hadyn’s child a living breathing creation of her. Ethan had been afraid that he would be jealous or spiteful of the child because of his father. Instead he wanted to hold the babe and feel his heartbeat and cradle the child in his arms. Ethan let out a soft breathe that he hadn’t know he was holding and spoke softly to Hadyn as he looked down at the child. “I dun think this is ya’s best work, Haddie.” Slowly the babe’s eyes opened and Ethan found himself looking deep into the boy’s blue eyes. They seemed to call to him, begging him for a bond. “Hello, little man.” Ethan said softly, “Its nice to meet finally meet ya. I am sure you don’t ‘member all the talks we had, after all ya mom’s belly was in the way, but I am Ethan.” Ethan smiled, “Ya know, I dun see a little bit of Liam in ya. Ya goin’ to be a serious one with the patience of the mountains. Ya mom will teach ya ‘bout steel, but I have the fairer hand with the soft metals, and ya need patience for that. Maybe make ya a gold or silversmith.” Ethan held out his finger to the young boy, softly Hadyn’s son reached out and grasped the finger with both tiny hands. “Aye, got a fair grip there lad. We’ll make a smith of ya.”

[Hadyn Skellig]

"Certainly my most expensive and time-consumin' work," she replied with a smile as she leaned against the doorframe watching Ethan approach the crib. The baby had only seen a handful of faces since his arrival into the world: Hadyn, Shiress, the midwife, Orion, Yorick and now Ethan. Those were the only humans he'd had contact with though the brunette imagined his memory didn't span more than a few ticks. There was a bitter sadness in the absence of her brothers. Whether her son would ever meet his remaining uncles Hadyn didn't know. The thought was disheartening.

Ethan was speaking to the baby his voice too soft for the weaponsmith to make out words. It was good though to hear someone else talk to the child. In the short time since his birth she was sure she'd go mad at the sound of her own voice. Crossing one arm across her body the woman rested the side of her head against the wood. As nice as it was to have folks come in and call on her and the baby it was fleeting.

Shiress and the midwife of course left after the birth. Yorick was in to check on them for a few bells at a time. And Orion had come. He'd stayed with them for most of the night, holding his son while the woman slept. But even he departed, leaving the baby in his crib and slipping out before Hadyn woke. And now Ethan. Come to bring Liam gifts and see the newborn. But then he'd be off. As much as Hadyn relished the time alone with her baby there was a loneliness that hung heavy in the negative space, especially when a guest departed.

Worrying a nail the woman slipped away from the bedroom, returning to the hearth to stoke the coals. Ethan was a good person. Any woman would be fortunate to have such a man dote upon her. He could provide for her and her son. He'd be reliable and patient. There'd be no questioning his intentions or concern that the latest goodbye would be his last. Brow furrowed the woman mindlessly turned the burning lumps over with the fire prong.

Putting the iron down she inspected the pin once more. She'd seen them before but hadn't given them much thought until now. It was generous of Ethan to bring this to Liam. Generous. The gifts he bore with enthusiasm made her stomach turn. Why couldn't she just accept them like any other appreciative woman? shouldn't she be thrilled with his thoughtfulness? instead she recoiled. Turning the silver pin over in her hand the brunette closed her eyes.

She'd stupidly hoped all these complicated things would sort themselves out or go away after the baby was born. How silly of her. Instead they were more glaring. More pressing. Could she honestly push people away anymore? was that a realistic response now that she had a child to think of? would she have to grit her teeth and bear things she never tolerated before simply because it would make her son's life a little easier? Most of the time the answer was a yes. But suddenly becoming a touchy-feely emotionally stable woman wasn't going to happen in a day - if ever.

[Ethan Ironhorse]

Ethan smiled as the Hadyn’s child made soft cooing sounds. While the child had a hold of his right index finger, Ethan stroked the boys head. The soft peach fuss of hair, almost felt like wisps of air to his callused fingers. Ethan began to hum a few bars of a song his grandfather use to sing to him as a childe. Ethan saw the pull his finger to his mouth and is a soft sucking motion, knew that the babe was ready to feed. Taking a moment to look up at where Hadyn had been, he hadn’t realized that she had left the room. There was a moment of panic as Ethan wasn’t sure of what to do, the child was hungry and he didn’t want to leave the babe alone even for a moment. So he started to sing in his low rumble of a voice while rocking the crib gently. “Hush child, the sea is wild Lay to rest, my hunter When you awake you will have All the pretty little horses Greys and Striders, for you my rider All the pretty little horses On the grass, with wind will carry Poor little baby, crying wild The horses will hear and come a callin’ with me and my child Hush child, the sea is wild Lay to rest, my hunter When you awake you will have All the pretty little horses Greys and Striders, for you my rider All the pretty little horses Wind in hair, with spear at hand Poor little baby, crying wild The Diamond clan will protect the land with me and my child Hush child, the sea is wild Lay to rest, my hunter When you awake you will have All the pretty little horses Greys and Striders, for you my rider All the pretty little horses Rope the pavilion down Poor little baby, crying wild The Ruby clan will tie it to the ground with me and my child. Hush child, the sea is wild Lay to rest, my hunter When you awake you will have All the pretty little horses Greys and Striders, for you my rider All the pretty little horses.” The babe seemed to calm down and his eyes once again slowly closed as the lullaby brought him down. Ethan remembered that there a great deal many versus sung by his grandfather, the song was one for children of the sea of grass, and a way to teach them about the various clans. Smiling, Ethan got up and walked out of the room for a moment, his voice low as he watched the crib for any sign that the babe had awoken again. “Sorry Haddie for the tune, but should keep the little man down for a’bit. However, I can tell that he will be hungry when he wakes.” Ethan’s eyes were casted away from Hadyn as he softly talked. Laughing a bit, he thought of a dirty joke that Hadyn always seemed to enjoy. “Ya know, since they ain’t in use, don’t suppose I could get a tug on them.” Ethan said with an impish grin. As he turned to Hadyn to see if his joke would make her smile, he stopped for a moment. “Haddie, what’s wrong? Ya looking like the Valterrian is happenin’ in ya head.”

[Hadyn Skellig]

Hadyn ignored the off-color remark about her breasts, not in the mood to deal with jokes or teasing. Her temperament was decidedly uneasy and sullen despite the earlier warmth she'd greeted him with. Part of it was owed to nights of little sleep and general stress and irascibility of a new mother. But she was also feeling horridly out of place. Nothing but Liam felt right.

"I'm fine," she answered with an unconvincing half smile. She wasn't trying to convince him. She didn't care what he thought at this point. "Haven't quite sorted through all the shyke I was feelin' last season."

That was the only way to describe the sentiment. It wasn't the best explanation but it was the only one she had. Hadyn wrapped her arms around herself, staring at the coals and avoiding his gaze. Nothing about Ethan made sense to her. Nothing about his actions or his words illuminated his intentions or why he even thought of her as an acceptable prospect. Sure, they had history. Sure he'd been around for some measure of her childhood. But she wasn't that little girl anymore.

"Thanks for coming by," she murmured with a glance his way. She didn't know what else to say. She didn't know what he wanted from her. Tightening her grip around herself she stared at the fireplace, brow furrowed as she waited.