Completed A Road Less Traveled {Orion}

[Hadyn Skellig]

The woman nodded mutely, distractedly. She half lead half dragged the horse behind her, having to pause every few steps to wrench his head from the grass he so eagerly snatched up. Hardly any mind was paid to Orion, so engrossed in her thoughts was she. Poor man. This trip was likely worth ten gold Miza for putting up with her.

They traversed in the general direction of Portia's unspecified wave, the pathetic light making identification of anything a struggle. Finally Hadyn stopped just before a small two story building, set back from the road. A wooden sign once painted brightly rocked ominously on its hinges, the only words visible "The" and "Inn". But there were no lights within. With a frown Hadyn looked at Orion before back tracking.

Pulling the petulant horse around the side of the building the brunette found a three-stall barn and a tiny shack behind the inn, lights bobbing from within. Before she could approach the hovel, the door pushed open and a man emerged, walking cautiously with a pained gait, a lit candle in one hand. His cane tapped monotonously on the ground until he stopped several paces from Hadyn. Behind him a boy trailed his steps, halting directly behind the man. When silence filled the space Hadyn shifted her weight and smiled.

"Greetings," she began with a polite cant of her head. "We were told the inn would take guests?"

"Of course," the elderly man barked gruffly, offended by the very notion she thought otherwise. "Only have two rooms. Don't see many travelers. How many nights?"

"One."

"Very good. Eli will see to your horses. Here, boy. Take their beasts, be quick," he waved a cane toward them. As the boy skipped forward, Hadyn swiftly removed her bag from the saddle before relinquishing the reins to the lad. Receiving the horse, the boy quickly moved to Orion.

"Right then, follow me."

Hadyn cast a dubious glance to Orion and offered a one shoulder shrug before falling behind the man. Not the warmest of welcomes, but at least the place was open. Following the owner around the front of the inn, she waited patiently as he fidgeted with the lock, trying several keys before one worked. Pushing the wooden door open with one shoulder, the man went cane first into the darkness.

Candlelight cast growing and dimming specters on the wall of the inn, the scent of old wood and stale air greeting them. It was a narrow building with upturned chairs and three tables pushed to the side. A dark bar sat just beyond, shrouded in shadow and untouched. Dust settled on the fixtures as the owner moved to light a few candles. Illuminated, Hadyn decided the place hadn't seen visitors in at least three seasons. A rickety staircase lead to the second level, where it'd be lucky to fit a full bedroom, let alone two. Now that four candles burned, the elderly man set his candle down on the grimy windowsill.

"Bar's stocked, though can't rightly say if the stuff's any good." The proprietor's voice echoed in the confines. Leaning against a support beam he scratched at his chin before nodding to Orion.

"You're welcome to the drinks. You'll not be needin' supper at this bell, I take it."

Hadyn shook her head, not in the mood to deal with the man's ire should they wish for food. Besides, it'd be a wonder if they managed to scrounge up suitable dinnerware in this dusty, cobwebbed inn. The man nodded agreeably, wielding the cane to indicate the upstairs.

"First room on your right. Second room ain't been finished proper," he paused to cough before swinging the cane back down. "It's old 'n dusty but the linens are clean. It'll be two gold for the both of ye."

"Thank you."

Hadyn crossed the space while procuring coins from her bag and dropping four gold Miza into his upturned hand. Inspecting them for a tick the man nodded and sniffed, depositing them into an unseen trouser pocket. Hoisting himself away from the support beam he inched across the floor to pick up his candle. Turning to look at them, he offered a trite smile.

"Y'need anythin', I live in the house," he nodded in the direction of the shack with a tone suggesting they better not need anything. "The boy will see to your horses. Door locks on its own." With an expectant pause, he stepped over the threshold before giving them another glance. "G'night."

Once he departed, door sinking shut with a creaky click Hadyn made her way to the bar, picking up a candle as she went. It really wasn't much of a bar, more like a table pushed to the back wall with enough space for a person to avoid knocking into bottles if they were carefully. Perusing the stocks, she sighed.

"Whiskey, seasons old beer, rum," she read aloud, squinting and brushing the dust from the bottles. Selecting the newest bottle of whiskey, she turned and set it on the bar before retrieving two grime covered glasses. After wiping them with the corner of her shirt she poured Orion's, pushing it toward him before filling her own.

"Well, not exactly the White Swan," she stated with an apologetic smile. "I wouldn't blame you if you were regrettin' your enthusiastic offer to assist me."

[Orion Michaels]

It was a little disheartening to see the woman in such a mood. They'd had more than their share of playful banter and teasing since they'd bet, but this sourness was something new to him. Whoever that stranger was must have been of some importance to one Hadyn Skellig. Not that he would ever try and find out. It was her own business. He was just the squire in not so shining armor who was a deterrent more than he was a real threat to anything out there.

Only the sound of hooves against the dirt were audible as they tried to find their way to the inn. Orion could only react with a shrug as the seemingly abandoned resthouse. He didn't really have any camping gear, so there wasn’t much choice but to figure out if anyone was actually in the building. Quietly, he urged his horse on, staying close behind Hadyn and her mount as she explored for a way in or some sign of life in the darkness.

“Someone’s coming,” Orion remarked, motioning to the door. A flicker of light through a window had caught his eye. The light click of wood on wood echoed faintly, and for a man trained to pick up anomalies, the sight wasn’t unexpected. An older man with a cane. He’d not expected the child in tow, but it didn’t really matter. Hadyn took charge immediately and secured them a room, which prompted Orion to dismount. Yielding the mare to the child, the two made their way around front, the only sound the occasional metal on metal of his plated armor meeting with one another.

Keys rattled for a few ticks, and then into the building did they go. Orion listened, nodded as the man spoke of the amenities, or lack thereof, and waited for him to depart before taking a seat, watching as the dark haired woman perused their stock of drink for the night. He had a feeling she was going to have her fill of what they had to offer, and by how . . . off she seemed after that encounter at the dilapidated structure, he couldn’t have blamed her. He’d drank himself into a stupor for far lesser things than that.

It might not have been high quality stuff, but the smell of a glass of whiskey was an unmistakable one. Slender fingers rested on the top of his fresh drink. Well, freshly poured, at least. Sliding it closer to him, he raised the glass to his lips, taking a quick sip before going to reply to her comment. He never really had a taste for whiskey, but this was something awful. His face contorted in displeasure as he gulped down what he had in his mouth, exhaling soon after. “That’s less than pleasant,” he remarked, a small smile spreading across his lips.

“Miss Skellig, not many places are. Eight gold dinners. Twenty gold bottles of wine. I’d say this is a much kinder place on my coin purse. I dare say that our wages as a squire are less than adequate for a lifestyle like mine.” He chuckled quietly, trying to show no negative reaction to the second part of her statement. This place was nothing compared to what he’d gone through in his occasional travels. So it was a little run down. The drink was of poor quality. And he still wasn’t sure if both of these supposed rooms were collapsed in. But it was far better than a season on the road. Far better than a single night in Sunberth. These were things that normal people might share in this situation.

“I’m happy to have come along. It’s nice to get out from underneath the watchful eye of my patron knight for a bit, anyways. The woman had me on a curfew. A grown man. So look at me, defiant to the end.” He raised his glass in mock toast before taking deep drink, the burning quickly reminding him of the drink’s quality. “SHYKE! That is awful.” He set the drink down and shook his head. “But, if you’re so want to get rid of me, we’ve only got another silent ride tomorrow and things will be back as they were, right? Pending any vicious animal attacks,” he added, raising his eyebrows in a joking challenge. It would be something he’d never live down, right? He may as well embrace it.

“But..you see…” he began, trailing off quickly. He wasn’t blind to her less than enthusiastic attitude. She seemed tired, but not the sort that you get after a long day. It was as though someone sapped the spunk and attitude she’d carried since he first met her in the Stallion. No jokes, no witty remarks, no lusty gazes. And he didn’t really know what to do. Orion Michaels was made up of many brief, passionate, encounters. Meeting with someone again, having any semblance of a friendship was near impossible. So when it came to comforting someone, well, he was hopeless most of the time.

“Um..I don’t know what went on back there, and honestly, it doesn’t mean anything to me, so I ‘m not going to pry. It’s your business,. But what I will do is sit here, drink this horrible alcohol with you, and hope that we don’t die or pass out before we get to these dust covered rooms. I hope that’s all that’s in there, at least. Sound like a plan?”

[Hadyn Skellig]

The liquid filled the old glass with a hesitancy that seemed to pervade this village on the outskirts of civilization. The atmosphere though pleasant had an unmistakable undertone of irresolution, as if the very earth beneath them was apprehensive and standoffish. It wasn't readily apparent but after passing the folk of the Outpost and the minimal interactions with those therein Hadyn could only describe their mannerisms as withdrawn - a lingering sentiment of guarded and reserved politeness. Why, she had no idea. Perhaps it was the isolation of these people, a distrust of newcomers or simply a dislike for the pair of them. The woman couldn't decide nor could she easily describe the ambiance.

Pushing aside her musings on the misanthropic village the brunette cracked a small smile to her companion, nodding to his derisive statement of the Swan. An eyebrow cocked unbidden as he launched into a explanation to assuage her concerns. This response was likely the most personal he'd been with her without her prodding. Hadyn couldn't imagine wallowing under the thumb of another to keep her bells, but then, she was never one for authority. Before she could draw the glass to her lips Orion promptly responded to the alcohol with a less than favorable opinion. Pausing with the booze halfway to her mouth the blacksmith stared at him and then dropped her gaze to the whiskey, eyebrows raised and expression indecisive.

"Well damn," she replied with mock disappointment. "Here I'd hoped we stumbled 'pon the secret stash of Mizahar's finest liquor."

Tilting her head and giving the whiskey an apprehensive glance before bringing it to her lips. He was right. It was horrid. The burn was barely tolerable as the taste was nigh present at all. But she swallowed it down, expression mirroring his as she winced and set the glass down. Nodding, Hadyn stared at the alcohol with only the thinnest veil of contempt before returning her gaze to the Squire.

"Get rid of you? How easily you read my mind." Though prior events soured her mood considerably Hadyn dug deep to respond with a little mirth, if only so Orion wouldn't have to put up with a grumpy blacksmith. No one wants that. But then his demeanor changed. His words trailed into the stale common room of the dilapidated Inn, an uneasiness to his person. Hadyn watched him with slight interest. He appeared vexed by the prospect of potentially consoling her and his carefully chosen words made it clear he wasn't well versed in the art of soothing.

"Indeed," she canted her head in agreement before taking another draw from the glass. It was slightly better on second pass. "Y'know you ought to leave the Knights and get yourself a job at the orphanage comforting children. Y'have a gift, my friend."

A warming smile curved her lips as she pulled another sip of whiskey. After his generous offer and tolerance of her Hadyn didn't wish to spoil the trip with moping. While the purpose of the journey still plagued her the woman did her best to secure it at the back of her mind. There really was nothing she could do. And Orion was smartly not delving into the issue, which left only the two of them staring at each other. Far be it for her to wax endless on past troubles.

"Now then, I don't have much in the way of food," she glanced at the bag she'd dropped unceremoniously near the bar. "But you're welcome to what's in there. I don't imagine the ol' man wants us knockin' on his door for anythin' 'less the place was burnin' to the ground. Even then..."

Tucking a strand of hair behind an ear she rested forearms against the bar, leaning over them slightly, glass cupped between her hands. The arc in her lower back produced a crack and she sighed in response. That was a long time coming. Moving her hips from one side slowly to the other, her vertebrae yielded two more cracks as Hadyn glanced at Orion with a touch of embarrassment. He'd no doubt be quick to tease so she figured she may as well get there first.

"Y'hear that, Squire? I'm a relic. Crickin' and crackin' like the bones of Tanroa herself, I reckon."

Hadyn fell silent, the candlelight flickering unsteady illuminations across his face. Admittedly she was no less attracted to him than she had been that night in the Stallion. But their similarities made for awkward conversation and uncertain glances. No one wanted to be the one to act a fool, saying or doing something that might send the other running for the Suvan (if only for the sake of pride). Yet they were strikingly companionable, perhaps because they had such similar outlooks. But as the paltry light cast golden hues on his countenance Hadyn felt a twinge of guilt in her gut. He looked younger to her in that moment. Less cynical. A fellow with all the passion and vigor of the world - perhaps a specter from another time. With a deflated wisp of a sigh she dropped her gaze to the booze, lifting it for a swig, words issued before she took a long pull from the glass.

"You're sure a confoundin' mystery, Ser Michaels."

[Orion Michaels]

"No such luck, I'm afraid. Though it seems we came across the world's worst, which might be just as impressive an achievement, if you ask me." He grinned at her reaction to the drink, her expression mirroring his. The shyke they were consuming may as well have been the perfect period to the conclusion of this evening. Somber mood, insanely bad alcohol, and a conversation that tip toed around the topic all together. Wonderful.

"I figured as much. I'm pretty much only good for one thing," he retorted, shaking his head slightly. He couldn't blame her if she were actually serious. He was far from one to sit and make small talk if there weren't a goal in mind, and everything just felt so . . . so aimless. He didn't want to ask, she didn't want to talk. This was what they were.

"I know it might be hard to believe, Miss Skellig, but I'm even worse when it comes to children. I'm pretty sure they always cry when I try and soothe them, so that you're not crying buckets is a success in my book." He didn't have a clue how to deal with them. In fact, when he was working the Soothing Waters, they would guide children to other physicians, just to make it an easier exchange for all parties involved.

Orion let her finish speaking before he stood and began to make his way over the kitchen area. "You know, Hadyn..well, I guess you wouldn't, but I'm a little bit of a cook. No need to bother the help, though I use that term loosely." He hated trail rations, and if he could make them a quick dinner on someone else's coin, he'd do it without missing a beat.

"I'm grandpa to the squires I train with, so I'd say we both have a little dust in our veins," he replied, clearing off a bit of room on a counter as he took inventory of what they had available. "Though you could stand to go get yourself loosened up. I know a masseuse or two who at the bathhouse who could do wonders for you. Don't worry, neither of them is me, not that I'm the worst you could get." He flashed a grin, pulling some potatoes, peppers, and onions out from their pantry.

"A mystery, huh? Care to explain, Miss Skellig? I like to think myself a very straightforward man, personally."

Orion grabbed a few logs and tossed them in the wood stove. After lighting them he went back over to the counter and grabbed a knife to begin chopping the vegetables. Blue eyes glanced up to the blacksmith, awaiting her reply.

[Hadyn Skellig]

The weaponsmith filled her glass again but not before topping the Squire off,the alcohol sloshing eagerly into the vessel. Setting the bottle down while picking up her glass with the other hand the woman took a sip, face souring at the taste but swallowing a second pull before the glass retreated. She turned to face him as he rummaged around the pathetic kitchen. An eyebrow rose when Orion announced himself a dabbler in the art of cooking. Was there anything this man couldn't do to appease a woman's heart - if only for a night? Doctor, master between the sheets, soon-to-be Knight in armor, and now a cook. It was quite a laundry list. She snorted before taking another swig of booze at his comment to loosen up. He wasn't exactly Ser Open-Book, though she knew he was making an anatomical reference.

"A sight more loosened up than you, I reckon," she muttered with a smirk as she watched him prepare an impromptu meal. Good. Her rations were skimpy at best and with all that metal he was prancing around in he'd likely worked up an appetite hardly befitting of the meager snacks nestled in her bag. She smiled when he inquired after her offhanded comment. So he was curious. She hadn't been sure whether he would show interest but she took another sip and pushed his glass toward him before speaking.

"I'm sure you do consider y'self straight forward," Hadyn replied with a smile, leaning her back against the bar, glass in one hand as she watched him. "But let me ask you somethin'. You've gone from job to job and, despite a claim to openness, you've never really expressed a passion for any of it. You are clearly good at the things y'put your hand to. Morwen's teeth, it's a rare honor indeed to be asked by the Knights at your age to join their ranks. And yet," she paused to take another drink, her words measured as if explaining a foreign concept. "You display no confidence in yourself. The quiet jabs about your skill with a blade don't do you any favors and I certainly hope you don't gripe about your capabilities - or lack thereof - to your Patron. You mustn't if she thinks so highly of you. A regular prodigy, aren't you?"

Another pull from the whiskey as the woman paused in her explanation. It was something she'd wanted to comment on since first she met him. The arrogant swagger covering up clear insecurities. And now she had a chance. Hadyn Skellig was nothing if not honest (blunt though she may be) and she truly considered Orion a friend, even if he did not reciprocate. His demeanor mystified her and she wasn't entirely sure he knew he acted thus. She was concerned for him. Crossing her arms over her chest, one hand still holding the near empty glass between pale fingers the brunette continued.

"My point, Orion, is that you may consider yourself entirely candid, but y'aren't. Not truly. You're a good man," she pointed the index finger of the hand holding the glass his way to emphasize the intent of her words, "a just man. But it doesn't seem you think so. You bemoan your capabilities when you ought to be proud of them. You boast about your skills in the bedroom, but it doesn't matter to you as much as you pretend it does. Sure, you've likely laid half the female population in Syliras. But you're so deprecating 'bout yourself in other aspects that I wonder if it's all a rouse."

She dropped the finger and stared levelly at him. "Look, I know someone made you the way y'are with women. An' I got no problem with it. But don't use that like it's a valid petchin' excuse not to be proud of yourself for the things you've accomplished in this life. It's a fine line between pride in one's capabilities and arrogance, I grant you. But for petch sake, man, have some dignity."

Hadyn fell silent, waiting. She knew she'd hadn't exactly explained her thoughts lucidly but when he asked, she couldn't help but answer. Half expecting him to slink back into his shell she made ready to give him the glass of whiskey but kept still until he reacted.

[Orion Michaels]

Orion fell silent as she spoke. It wasn't the calm, acceptable silence the two acquaintances had enjoyed throughout their journey. Instead, it was replaced with tension. Frustration. Annoyance. Everything had been going so well. He'd even offered her a moment of kindness, a pitiful attempt at comfort, and this was his repayment?

What a horrible lapse in judgement.

Pushing her words aside, he went about his business, continuing to place knife to food until it was chopped down to the desired size, or thereabouts. He could cook, but he wasn't a head chef by any means. Orion tossed a few droplets of water onto the hot pan, the sizzle it gave off not nearly as satisfying as it normally was. Without even a glance up at the smith, he began transferring the food from the counter into the pan, the heat hungrily attempting to consume the vegetables which were placed on the metal.

He could still hear her talking, and not a word was lost on him. She'd decided she understood him and needed to tell him about himself, it seemed. As if he didn't know his own strengths. As though he didn't know his own shortfalls. What a waste of an otherwise pleasant trip.

Eyes scanned the pantry for something to add to some flavor to the mix, Orion tossing the woman a sideways glance to let her know he wasn't completely ignoring her, though the thought had crossed his mind. If he could just pretend like he hadn't heard her, and just gave a vague response to whatever she said, maybe he could go on with this.

Those peppers were too hot. Those herbs weren't the right flavor. "..aha.." Garlic. A nice little kick to round out the taste. He turned back to the the food, giving it a quick stir before commencing to chopping up some garlic. Basic knife technique. Index finger and thumb grasping the back of the blade, avoiding the sharp edge, the rest of the hand and fingers holding the handle tightly. Good control, good power, good agility, and no danger to one's fingers. The knife was less than sharp, which was never a good thing when cooking, but it would have to do. After making his way through a couple of cloves, he took the diced garlic and tossed it in the pan with the rest of the cooking vegetables, giving them a quick stir before moving the pan to a less heated part of the stove to prevent burning while they slowly roasted.

Now he could say his part.

He took a deep breath, turning slowly to Hadyn, keeping the counter between him and her. Shaking his head at her offer of a drink, he licked his lips, sighed, and then spoke.

"..You think you know me so well, hmm, Miss Skellig?" His tone was even, unemotional. Matter-of-fact.

"Meet a man in a bar. Spend a day with him on business, and suddenly, you've got a grasp on his inner workings, right? Tell him about his strengths. Tell him what he's shyke at. But 'it's okay, I understand him'." He'd seen it all before. He'd dealt with it before. The path was always different, but the end result was identical. It was frustrating, and it didn't take long before his brief moment of controlled tone began to falter.

He hated it. He hated it so much. And she'd gone and called him a good man. A good man. It was a word which unlocked so much emotion in him. So much sadness. And a whole lot of anger.

"I just wanted to have a nice ride, get you to your business exchange, whatever the petch that nonsense was, sleep, and go home. It would look good on me. You would get your job done. We could call it good...." The blue eyed man trailed off, as though he was chewing on that last word, the one that seemed to carry such meaning to him. "Don't even pretend like you know me, Hadyn Skellig. I don't care what you've seen with me. I don't care what your lady friends or whatever have said. Just stop it."

She had no right. It wasn't supposed to be like this. His part said, Orion turned back to the stove to make sure the food didn't burn. He had nowhere to run but to the small kitchen, but gods above he would have scurried clear to the other side of Mizahar given the chance.

[Hadyn Skellig]

Hadyn watched him go about his business, mulling over her words as she took another sip. Was her assessment necessary? Not really. Could she have been more delicate about it? Definitely. But the deeper she drank the whiskey the less likely she was to be circumspect of polite conversation. And then came his reaction.

It wasn't the bombastic rage she'd feared. Somehow the flying pans and vegetables whizzing toward her did not transpire but his response was nonetheless acidic. Obviously he felt she'd over stepped her bounds. Hadyn, of course, did not agree. But she let him finish as she kept silent with patient sips and a careful eye to his hands, ready to duck in the event an onion was hurled her way. Not that she'd blame him.

And yet, despite feeling slightly guilty for the sloppy conclusions she'd bestowed upon him Hadyn was not ready to concede her point. Not ready to let pouty Orion have his way simply because he encountered some resistance to his behavior.

"Oh, come off it," she breathed with a frown, though her expression softened a fraction after the words came out. "Y'asked me to explain myself an' then you have a tantrum 'cause y'don't like what I had to say." She hesitated before continuing, letting the silence thicken as the vegetables cooked. "You're right. I don't really know you. I'm gatherin' what I can from observations an' the occasional snippet you so generously offer from time to time. But for a man who considers himself straightforward, please," she tilted her near empty glass at him, "correct my mistakes."

She paused to finish off the whiskey in a final gulp, setting the glass down and crossing her arms over her chest as she regarded him. Her posture was neither overly hostile nor relaxed. Wetting her lips as she readied her next statement, the woman surveyed her companion coolly. It didn't bother her as much as it bothered him but she did not revel in his discomfort. He didn't like the idea of having his rigorously cultivated exterior questioned. Admittedly neither did she but Hadyn knew very well she could at least be honest about her sins. And to invite her to comment on her statement then complain she had no right was childish and she wouldn't stand for it. He was just shying from a challenge.

"I'm invitin' you to clear the air. Obviously y'think I'm wildly flawed in my theories. Tell me how it really is then. Because I don't want to have the wrong impression of you, especially if I'm so horribly off the mark that you reacted thus. If you're really just a dirty rotten bastard with a flare for the dramatics, then by all means - give me what for. But if you're all petched because I happened to notice somethin' real about you and your response is to lash out then y'need to grow up."

Hadyn fell silent then, expression still bearing traces of ire.

[Orion Michaels]

Orion listened attentively while she spoke, even though his back was to her. The dinner he was cooking was less than appreciative of his divided attention. A little bit too done, browned potatoes just a little blackened now. This drew soft curses from Orion as he pulled the dish from the flame, setting it off to the side. "Son of a bitch," he muttered, waving the small remnants of smoke from his face before turning to regard Hadyn once more.

The truth of the matter was simple. She was pretty much right. He was a baby who just needed to grow up. He would lash out when people confronted him. That wasn't even the issue. Not by a long shot.

"Why does any of this matter to you?" His question forced its way out through gritted teeth, as the former doctor did what he could to remain calm. Focus, don't focus. Breath deep. Breath shallow. Gods he hated confrontation, or at least ones which tried to so specifically inquire into who or what he was. "What do you really need to know about me?"

He walked around the counter. Slow. Calculated steps. Never did he let his gaze drop off of her. She was a frustrating one, like so many before. Thinking that by challenging him he would come flying back with all the details she so desired. "What am I to you? Because honestly, I don't give a flying fuck what your opinion of me is. Poke and prod all you want, it's not terribly likely to turn me into a fount of knowledge." He came to a stop about a foot out from Hadyn, looking down to the woman. She'd been good conversation, a bedmate, and a somewhat charming conversationalist, despite their desire for privacy. It was oh so confusing why she'd care to pry, despite his somewhat regrettable invitation to do so.

"Think of me what you will. Monster, charmer, sleaze. That's your choice. I just don't understand why you've gotta get me involved." With that Orion turned and motioned to the slightly overcooked food. "It's a bit burnt. I'm going to go up to the room and get out of this blasted plate." He'd escape as well as he good, even if it was just to the room of questionable quality. This was why things were a single night of fun. This was why he rarely let people close. They started asking questions. They started offering unwanted advice. They started getting too personal. And he wasn't whole enough for that, not yet, and truth be told, he didn't know if he would ever be.

[Hadyn Skellig]

Brown eyes drank his features in as he turned on her to speak, approaching her with conviction. He stopped uncomfortably close but it was clearly his intention. Locking onto his blue eyes Hadyn waited for him to finish. She did not wilt under his gaze but nor did she level at reciprocal glare. Although it was wildly inappropriate she wanted to tell him to calm down. To just take a damn breath. Instead she gave him silent space. There was nothing for it.

"Y'just make no sense," she admitted in a mutter after a moment as he retreated. She should've expected as much. Slink back into his shell after displaying a bit of resolve and petulance. Why did she care? Why shouldn't she? It was a natural progression. And while she hadn't been the most tactful at showing it, she did care for him - if only in the context of companionship. After the answers he'd given her earlier that day it was almost absurd for him to respond in such a juvenile fashion now. It wasn't prying as far as she was concerned. She wasn't asking after his past. She wasn't begging him to let her in on all his dark secrets. But his manner was so... incongruous. When he encouraged her curiosity she figured it fair game.

After he departed Hadyn sighed, eyes rolling once in exasperation as she turned to face the food he'd thoughtfully prepared. Picking at it, she finished the whiskey she'd set out for him and returned the bottle to its rightful place. She could hear the floor creak above her, ignoring the tug of guilt as she ate. She hadn't meant to ruin the evening. Far from it. But he perplexed her so damn much. Why should she care? because she wasn't a mindless halfwit. He contradicted himself over and over again. But Hadyn agreed she'd probably taken the wrong approach.

Less than half a bell passed before she gave up and tidied the small space before tugging the bag over her shoulder. Picking up the dying candle she ascended the stairs, half hoping he was asleep so they wouldn't have to speak. The wood groaned beneath her careful steps, her expression drawn as she made it to the top of the stairs. If the downstairs was sparse the upstairs was plain barren.

Just for the petch of it Hadyn checked the second room but discovered the innkeeper was correct. It was entirely devoid of furniture, instead housing broken tables and supplies that ought to be downstairs. Well shyke. She was stuck sharing a room with her grumpy guide unless she wanted to hazard a stay with the owner. Closing the door quietly Hadyn back tracked to the first room, cracking the entrance to peer in - checking to see if Orion was sleeping or not. Opening it further the woman braced herself for another onslaught condemning her interest in his person.

[Orion Michaels]

The crash of one the arm plates rang throughout the room as it became quickly acquainted with the wall. Caring little for the sleeping innkeep, or whatever he wanted to be called. The place was shyke, anyways. "So stupid," he muttered, as he continued release the plates, ignoring them after they fell noisily to the ground. He just needed to make it through the night, a hopefully quiet ride back to the city, and be on his way. It wasn't so bad, but then why was he still so frustrated. She'd something curious, and he'd opened the door somewhat. To Orion it felt like she blew past the door, but why could he communicate that effectively. It wasn't he first time he'd fired at someone who said something which to most would be an innocent non issue, and it wasn't likely to be the last. But to him, it was a huge issue, one that stung to his very core.

"I'm not a good man, Hadyn," he remarked to no one in particular.

Free of his armor, the squire took inventory of the room, realizing it was less than an adequate place for the two of them to be staying. That the proprietor could call this place an inn was criminal. A bed barely big enough for one person. It would take a rather cozy couple to call that comfortable. "For crying out..."

He snagged a rather frayed blanket from atop a small dresser and lowered himself to the ground on the far side of the bed. He didn't want to deal with any more shyke this evening. Though it seemed Hadyn was wishing the same thing. He'd been up here awhile already and he didn't hear any rumbling of the blacksmith coming up to correct his mannerisms any further.

Sighing, Orion slid a wayward piece of armor over to use as a rather uncomfortable pillow and pulled the blanket over his body. Silently he laid there, staring up at the ceiling of the small room, candlelight dancing from a breeze likely the result of a hole in the structure. This place was less than pleasant, and getting worse by the bell.

As the door opened, Orion's jaw tightened somewhat. Was it all going to start again? He wasn't going to pretend like he was sleeping. In fact, he didn't expect much sleep at all. He just didn't want to shout anymore, he didn't want to yell anymore. He just wanted to let it go.