Completed A Road Less Traveled {Orion}

[Hadyn Skellig]

It took her eyes a moment to adjust to the gloom of the chamber, though it was really more of a closet with a bed. When she did not see Orion she stepped further inside only to see his form in repose on the floor. Assessing the narrow mattress the woman set the candle down on the dresser and dropped her bag softly. His armor littered the tiny room. She said nothing for some time, opening the drawers quietly to find a few extra moth-ridden linens. A pathetic excuse for a pillow was stuffed into the bottom drawer. Retrieving and giving it a good smack to send dust flurries twirling, the woman tossed it gently to the man, the pillow landed in a puff on his stomach.

"You're welcome to the bed," she murmured with a small somewhat apologetic smile, lingering near the dresser as she balanced on one foot to remove a boot. "After my behavior downstairs you deserve the mattress more than I."

It was a gentle attempt at the teasing they so easily enjoyed earlier but far more tentative. If he exploded in rage and malice she was off to the barn. Better to sleep beside the horses than a crabby Squire. Honestly she figured they could likely manage the bed as she took up very little room. But she wasn't about to test those boundaries. The things she wanted to say to him were not vocalized. It wasn't worth it. He wasn't worth it.

Wiggling her foot out of the second boot she grasped the corner of the dresser, trying to look less comical than she did. When the shoe was finally removed she set the pair together neatly, stocking feet silent on the ancient boards. Now that she was close to the window Hadyn gave pause to stare out of the grimy glass, the lights of the miniscule village slowly snuffed out to leave the land in darkness. Standing there for a few chimes the woman crossed her arms over her chest, not quite ready to plop down on ground for a uncomfortable night. Her back to Orion she waited for him to claim the before she took his place on the floor.

[Orion Michaels]

Orion found himself holding his breath as she entered, bracing to see if they would reengage in their not so pleasant discussion. He wasn't dumb, he knew he had a tendency to overreact in these situations. There were more diplomatic ways to go about it. His fault in the matter? He didn't care. He just didn't care.

It was, however, some bit of relief when she clearly had no interest in bringing it up any further. There was nothing to be gained by it; both of them knew that. He accepted the pillow graciously, placing it behind his head to at least have some semblance of comfort in this extremely uncomfortable inn. "I'm plenty comfortable down here," he replied, managing a half smile. "Besides, I'm worried that thing will collapse if I put my weight on it, at least you've got a puncher's chance." They had to deal with each other a bit longer. May as well be civil.

Orion made no move to give up his spot on the floor, instead opting to try and at least diffuse the situation so they wouldn't both lay awake awkwardly the entire evening. "Listen, I don't like it when people talk like they know me, especially when I've barely been around them. You see what happens. I..I don't really care if you think it's right or not, but I just wanna move on with things." He sighed, nestling deeper into the not so deep pillow. "Yeah, it's probably unreasonable, but..."

Yeah, he had no idea where he was going with it. He just hoped she wouldn't continue to press.

[Hadyn Skellig]

Hadyn resisted the reflex to roll her eyes. Men could be so dramatic. Crossing the floor she stepped carefully over him and sat on the bed. The mattress, ages old, creaked threateningly before settling. The brunette released a breath, relieved the whole thing didn't cave in on her. Wouldn't Orion enjoy that sight? Scooting further down the bed and away from his form in repose, the woman began undoing the restrictive clothing.

"Don'tcha worry none," she replied at length, her tone suggesting an impending apology. "I hear y'mate. I spoke out of turn. Should've bit my tongue an' I'm sorry for it. Y'needn't explain yourself to me, though 'tis good of you. Hope this doesn't sully our lovely trip, hm?"

Her voice was momentarily muffled as she pulled the linen shirt over her head. Naked save for the britches, Hadyn set to unbraiding and re-braiding the thick dark hair, no head for modesty. Not like he hasn't seen her naked body before.

"Y'done nothin' to make me think y'aren't the pious good hearted Knight you're no doubt breakin' your back to be." She paused for a tick before continuing. "But y'got a past, certainly. I didn't meant t'make light of it. Anyhow. Hope I didn't go 'n petch things up 'tween us. I'd sorely miss your witty remarks and attempts at br'vado on t'ride back."

Her voice wavered somewhere between humility and teasing. She didn't wish the ordeal to drag on - she'd said her apologies. She honestly hoped he wouldn't hold the whole thing against her and let his resentment fester. Tying the braid off, she stood, mindful of her prone companion, and stepped over him once more to blow the candle out, unconcerned with the eyeful he received from the floor. Returning to turn down the bed the brunette scooted narrowly onto the creaking mattress.

"Advanced apologies if I break this damn thing an' end up on top of you," she muttered, testing the weight of her hip as she lay on her side. "Well then. G'night, Squire."

[Orion Michaels]

Well, it was good to know she cared little for modesty with the history they shared. Orion made no attempt to avert his eyes, nor did he gaze particularly intensely. Her words washed over him, an apology for speaking out turn. If only more people could understand that before they went trying to dive into what made him, well, him. If only there didn't need to be an apology. Things would be so much easier, and a whole lot more fun if it didn't feel like he had to walk on thin ice around anyone and everyone who presumed to know him.

"Pious and good hearted..?" Orion muttered back to her, frustrated yet. Why did she have to go and say something like that? He wasn't out to impress her, he didn't care what she had to say about him or his knightly aspirations. She probably thought it a joke. No way was he going to succeed. Not with his temper; not with his fragile mind. Being the mature man he was, he ignored her and rolled over onto his side, putting his back to her. It was amazing he was successful with women at all, though it was quite clear why nothing long term ever developed. 

A soft sigh escaped his lips as he tried to settle into his 'bed' for the evening. The creaking of the bedframe beside him was somewhat unnerving, though, and he wouldn't have been surprised if it did actually give way. A thought he'd need to push from his mind. Tons of others would come flooding in as he did such, and it was becoming all too apparent that the squire wouldn't be getting much in the way of shut eye this evening. 

He slowly traced his finger across the floor beside him, drawing trails in the dust as he waited for sleep to take him. It was going to be a very, very, long day. The ride back wouldn't end fast enough.

[Hadyn Skellig]

It certainly was not the most comfortable bed she'd ever had the opportunity of sleeping upon. In fact it left her rather stiff and sore come morning. She was probably better off sleeping on the floor. Her waking was nothing short of glorious, the light pooling in from the grimy windows alighting her face and pulling her (unwillingly) from the shackles of dissatisfied sleep. It was a little after dawn the sun creeping between the sparse rooftops of the Outpost to emblazon heat upon Hadyn's still tired form. Squinting her eyes to avoid further assault the brunette lolled her head to the side, eking out the last moments of slumber before full consciousness dragged her awake.

Resigning herself to a grumpy awakening the weaponsmith cracked her eyes open, thoughts aligning themselves to remind her why the sun was shining on her face. She never woke up to such a lovely feeling, sleeping for most of her life in a carved out hole in the walls of Syliras. Stretching cautiously against the rough sheets Hadyn delighted in the feeling of warmth and light streaming in despite previous malcontent. Turning her head to the side she caught sight of a lump on the ground. Brow furrowed for but a tick until realization set in that a cantankerous squire was snoozing on the ground. The scene from the night before came to her then, the disagreement (a polite way of putting it) between them and the dismissal of it all to sleep soundly.

Resting there for a moment longer the woman considered waking Orion. No, best let sleeping dogs lay. The last thing she wanted to do was incur his obnoxious wrath. The ride home would be unbearable. Pulling her aching body from the pathetic excuse for a mattress Hadyn sat up, pulling the sheet up with her, wrapped around her chest. It was less for modesty than the slight chill in the morning air. She pondered how the squire would take to being woken by the prodding of a big toe. No, that would probably set him ablaze with ire.

Standing with great effort the brunette took careful steps to avoid her sleeping companion, a glance down at him leaving it unconfirmed as to his state. If he was already awake he'd no doubt be thrilled to see her up and about. Moving quietly to dresser, she slipped her feet into the boots before pausing. Where the petch was her shirt...

Scrunching her nose in mild annoyance Hadyn glanced around the narrow chamber, unable to locate her top, which left her half naked with pants and boots. She'd better find that damn shirt before Orion made some stupid jab about her indecency. Stepping around him once more, she bent over and began rifling through the mess of sheets, quilts and other paraphernalia at the foot of the bed, hoping to find the blouse quickly.

[Orion Michaels]

The morning didn’t come nearly so soon for Orion. For all of his whining and confidence he wouldn’t be able to sleep due to the frustrations which had been inflicted, he was gone in a matter of chimes. There was no time for him to worry on the struggles of the next day. He’d have to mount that stupid horse and make his way back with a woman he’d argued viciously with a handful of bells prior. It just wasn’t worth it.

The uncomfortable floor had caused him to twist and turn as he unconsciously reached for anything he could fine to help him keep warm and contented. No big deal if one of the items he chose happened to be Hadyn’s shirt, right? It’s not like it was exactly his fault. He was sleeping, after all. Like a babe with their blanket, he’d cuddled right up with the blouse. Up against his face did it rest, grasped tightly in one hand while the blanket she’d tossed him was pulled up to his neck by his other hand.

He showed no signs of wanting to wake anytime soon. There was a long day before them, though, and he really should have stirred. Should have. Instead he just laid in his place amongst the mass of armor, clothing, and blankets, soft breathing and occasional muttering the only sounds escaping from him. Hadyn would have herself an interesting choice to make. If nothing else, there was a mostly serene look on his face, and he seemed unaware of her moving about the tiny room. The ride and disagreement had been exhausting and he was ready to sleep the day away. oocSorry for the short post. Can't do much with sleeping. Haha.

[Hadyn Skellig]

Hadyn picked through the cloth until each piece was moved from one pile to another. And no shirt. Well that was odd. She could've sworn she flung it unceremoniously to the end of the bed. Her hand brushed over the leather vest, plucking it from the mess of cloth and tossing it on to the mattress for later. Standing straight, the brunette ran a confused hand through dark undone waves. Turning slowly she glanced at her sleeping companion, checking to see if her rummaging had woken him up and then... she saw it. Her shirt curled up neatly beneath his head.

A frown pulled the corners of her lips as she considered how soundly he was sleeping. She didn't want to wrench the shirt from him. But she couldn't very well traipse around the Outpost topless. Not without unwanted attention. Stepping closer to the man she examined his slumbering form with a scowl. He looked so damn peaceful, cuddled up to the shirt, blanket cozily tucked in at his neck.

She could leave him like that for a while. It was a lengthy ride home but another bell would likely do Orion some good. But she wanted to check on the horses and start breakfast - an offering to the man who she'd pissed off last night. The best laid plans...

Kneeling down beside his body, snoozing like a child, the brunette decided she would try to extract the shirt from him. If he woke up she'd simply offer him a pillow and encourage him to keep sleeping. Unlikely he'd comply. But she really wanted her shirt. Perhaps he'd keep sleeping.

Scooting close to him, she reached up to the bed and fetched the pillow to make the trade. Then she set to the task of removing the shirt. Slow and careful? or swift and efficient? Hadyn wasn't one to skirt around something that needed done. With as much tenderness as she could muster the weaponsmith placed her palm on the side of his head, lifting it toward her gently, cradling it as the other hand struck forward to remove the pillow. Gods alive she hoped he didn't come bursting out of his sleep and punch her in the face. Although the unobscured view of her breasts ought to keep him placid enough that she might slip the pillow beneath his supported head and be off with her clothing.

[Orion Michaels]

Orion's face scrunched up somewhat as Hadyn attempted to retrieve her shirt, or as Orion considered it, a rather comfortable pillow. Scented, and not covered with dust? There wouldn't come a single complaint from Orion Michaels. Not until she tried to remove it from his possession. When she raised his head, he grumbled, trying to hold onto the makeshift pillow even tighter. A disapproving grunt escaped from him when she tried to place a real pillow in its stead, but when it was actually in place, it wasn't all that bad.

Opening his eyes slightly, Orion was more that surprised at the sight before him. He recognized those curves, partially clothed as they may have been. A half grin spread across his lips as he, not fully aware as he came to consciousness. "Why good morning," he whispered softly, releasing the shirt, instead reaching up to try and pull Hadyn down on top of him. The feel of her skin, the taste of it, they all came rushing back to him in a moment of hazy lust. Completely mistaken as to what the circumstances of her nude person was, Orion was momentarily in a euphoria, thinking he was waking up to an attractive, topless woman.

Then he remembered they had been arguing and weren't exactly on terms for a morning romp.

Wherever Hadyn ended up, Orion shot her a somewhat sheepish look, an almost genuine moment of embarrassment from the temperamental squire. How much of a fool did he seem now? Yell at her all night, ignore her, and then try and make a move in the morning? Cheeks flushed red as he quickly looked away from the smith, awaiting an attack, physical or verbal. "I..uh..Sorry about that, Miss Skellig."

What an idiot. It seemed that Orion had a knack for making things a little worse. Who would have thought he could make the already underwhelming amount of excitement for the long trip back lack even further? It wasn't even a surprise to the squire.

[Hadyn Skellig]

"Orion, the petch - oouff-"

Hadyn was unceremoniously pulled down to Orion's warm body, her rickety balance easily undone by his attempt to cuddle. She landed against his chest, in all her topless glory though her expression was dubious. But a grin pulled easily at the corners of her lips as he greeted her warmly. Hadyn had no problem letting bygones be bygones, especially in the form of a morning petch. But it seemed his bigger head caught up with him and he instead began to apologize. The smile fell and the brunette rolled her eyes

"Should've let it be," she lamented with a sigh though she made no swift motion to untangle herself from his body. Glancing down at her shirtless body the woman raised her gaze with another grin, eyes twinkling. "Y'know, I heard you're better off gettin' laid after arguin'. Settles the ill humors stirred up by the fight or somethin' like that."

Hadyn dipped her head down to press a kiss to the squire's lips. It was not a passionate, lustful kiss. More closely akin with unspoken remorse for her words the night before, coupled with an invitation for a physical apology as well. The woman braced herself for his ire, ready to land on her feet and pretend it never happened if he became annoyed. She'd be lucky he didn't toss her off and storm down stairs, so unpredictable was Orion Michaels.

[Orion Michaels]

Orion released an audible sigh when Hadyn's lips met his. Almost every ounce of his being wanted to to just cave in. Her lips, they were so sweet. He could just give in right? Everything he wanted in the moment was a skin's width away, and even better, was more than willing. There was nothing to blame it on. They weren't drunk. Two totally..mostly..in control adults. All Orion needed to do was let go of the agitation. Be reasonable. Accept the fact that an attractive, half naked woman lay upon him.

Orion was hardly that agreeable.

He wasn't quite dumb enough to explode again, either. After all, he'd put the two in their current situation.

Orion's arms wrapped around Hadyn, embracing her fully as he pulled her in close for a much deeper kiss than the one she'd given him. Everything his body screamed was desire, but his eyes were dull and distant. He couldn't follow through with it. His flesh craved, but his mind argued against it.

"We're fine, Hadyn," he lied. She may have been. He was a tangled mess. "I'm afraid if we try anything here, the floor will give out beneath us. If the owner of this place disliked us before..." He flashed a mostly genuine grin, releasing the dark haired woman from his hold. Gods, something was wrong with Orion if he was turning this down, despite any anger he harbored.

"Let's get on the road. Long day ahead of us, you know?"

Fully awake now, memories of their previous night came streaming into his thoughts. He'd gotten so angry, she'd been taken off guard, as most who'd seen that rather unattractive side of him had, but here she was in the morning, ready to move on and act like it hadn't happened. This was a first. He wasn't sure what to do. No idea at all. All he could do was look into her gaze, somewhat helplessly.