Completed [Broken Casket] A Certain Something {Ethan}

[Hadyn Skellig]

Alma looked down upon Ethan with a softened gaze. His response to her retort was accepted with the slightest of nods, thin lips curving into a small smile. Her attention flitted effortlessly to Lucas, to whom she narrowed her eyes, smile melting to a simpering grin.

"Well enough, that," she replied before her mother could mumble something in response. "But don't go lumpin' all women into one category, sirrah. Surely we all like to tame a beast, but women of our stock," a wave to her kinswomen, "would sooner bed a man afore tame him. Half feral ourselves, ain't we?" She gave Hadyn a nudge on the shoulder, said woman glancing up at her cousin with a equally mischievous grin, though her expression suggested it wasn't a compliment.

"Get out o' 'ere," Jill barked, motioning her daughter to the door. Her thin brows were set in a furrow but her expression was light. "Ruinin' my fun for the evein'. Be off with you!"

Alma giggled and pressed a hand to Hadyn's shoulder, which the woman covered with her own. They shared a glance as the older Brae leaned her chin into her hand brazenly ogling Lucas. It would be a rough morning for Jill but neither Hadyn nor Alma had any intention of changing her mind. With a wink to her older cousin the blonde squeezed her shoulder before backing away from the table.

"It's been a pleasure. Mother, I'll collect you in the mornin'. Gents, enjoy your evenin'. Hadyn, keep 'em all drunk won't you?"

With a wave, Alma Brae disappeared amidst the crowd, the sound of the door opening and closing signalling her departure from the Casket. With a wistful smile on her lips the weaponsmith returned her gaze to Ethan who now sat a seat over. With careful planning and execution the brunette moved from one chair to the other so she was next to him, leaning close to hear the tail end of his words. There was something about his voice... something raw and intimate. He appeared displeased to be speaking with her. Had Alma affected him so greatly?

"I've been well," she replied with a smile, running an index finger along her lower lip to remove any grease from the potatoes. "Gettin' on alright. Feel as though I'm ready to pop. Soon enough, I suppose. But... It's hard to be alone."

Hadyn's voice dropped as her eyes did the same, staring at the rough-hewn grain of the tabletop. Dark brows knitted as she paused to wet her lips, thinking on the best way to explain it. Alone was a concept Hadyn Skellig embraced most of her life. It was easy to deny the difficulties of the pregnancy to most folk. But there were times, especially as she closed in on the delivery, that certain challenges were made more apparent because she was alone.

"It's been a fortune of circumstance to see them," she flicked her gaze toward her mother's cousin, the smile pulling at her lips once more. "They'll be off, though. Not ones to linger, Alma 'n Jill. Nice to have someone check in on me. Gods know I need it. Nearly spent the day on the floor day before last. Couldn't haul myself up. Sat there a good bell or two."

The woman's tone was light, brown eyes finding Ethan once more, comfortable in self mockery. Without Alma to distract her the words poured forth. She certainly hadn't intended to direct the conversation to her woes. With a sideways twitch of the corner of her lips Hadyn shrugged the opposite shoulder before leaning against the back of the chair, tilting her chin his way.

"What of you? Sure's nice to see a friendly face."

Meanwhile Jill was enjoying playing the part of the tipsy maiden, fawning over Lucas' words and actions. Her dark eyes watched him through the haze of inebriation, the lopsided smile on her lips accentuated by deep crows' feet beveling the corners of her eyes. While she never gave him complete control of the situation she allowed him to flirt and charm her, a willing partner in the old dance.

"Where y'from. Got the looks of a sailor to ye," she purred, tilting her face against the hand that propped it up. Occasional glances were given to the pair across the table, indications that even in her drunkenness Jill was ever conscious of her cousin's whereabouts and mood. Returning the hawk-like gaze to Lucas the blonde smiled again, displaying slightly uneven teeth, mirth bright in her eyes.

[Ethan Ironhorse]

Ethan took Alma’s grin as a sign that he had been partially forgiven, he knew for some women they could forgive a man for his actions but never forget, and if he decided to continue with Hadyn, one day this would come back on him. Ethan just hoped that it was a joke that he could work his way through, instead of a vicisous retort in the spur of the moment. Ethan hadn’t really liked trying to make Hadyn jealous, it had felt akward and overly aggressive to him. However, he didn’t know any other way to make Hadyn react. Since talking with her again, she had seemed distant as if Ethan was good enough to petch once and talk about her problems with, but didn’t want to share her pain or joy with. Long nights he had stared up at the ceiling of apartment and thought about Hadyn. After their last visit with one another, Ethan wasn’t sure where he stood with her. She had mentioned early on that night about acting like a father. The comment still hurt him, he knew that Hadyn hadn’t meant it and at the end of the night had had kissed him, yet he just felt more and more like some man hanging about for a scrap of her attention. He also knew that he would get less from her when the baby arrived. Whatever this was between them Ethan knew that it hurt him deeply. He needed Hadyn to say something about them, anything… Anything would be better then wondering what they were about. At the other end of the table, Lucas gave mocking offended face to Alma’s comment. He had lived far to long and met to many women to know that all women loved a rogue, it was the kind man that often was left alone. Of course, Lucas had never considered what happened to kind and generous men. In fact, the only time he was ever successful with women was when he acted the rogue. So to his experience being a rogue was the only thing that women seemed to respond to and when a woman that didn’t respond to his charms happened to slap him, he simple put that woman beyond his thoughts and tried the same roguish technique with another. Lucas knew that fights were won and lost, but as long as the ones that he did win were worth it, he never had to worry about the ones he lost. Of course Lucas’ right eyebrow arose at the mention of the woman’s feral tendencies. If these women were the type of ladies that Ethan hung out with, then he needed to spend more time in his presence. In fact depending on how the night turned out for Lucas he might owe Ethan a couple of free drinks and several sword lessons. Besides from the looks that Lucas was getting from Jill, he was going to have an interesting night at the very least. As Alma left, Lucas ears picked up the comment about collecting Jill in the morning, and with that he began to drink his ale to hide the grin on his face. Pulling down his drink, he quickly opened up his month and using his lower lip wiped the foam from this beard. Looking over at Jill, he gave her a wink that held a promise. As Hadyn stood up to move over to the seat next to Ethan, his eyes couldn’t help but stare at her growing belly. Ethan remembered seeing the Hadyn’s bare stomach during a night of drunken revelvry, and he knew that if she ever allowed him the pleasure of her body again she would have scars from the skin stretching about her belly. Yet, Ethan didn’t think he minded the thought of a few scars. He could also see that her hips were starting to grow a little and that her breasts were swelling. She looks more like a woman now, filled with life and by Cheva, I wish I could be a part of that, Ethan thought. As Hadyn sat down Ethan smiled at her, suppressing the feeling of holding her chair or doing anything to help her. Last time they spoke she had gotten upset with his offering of help. Ethan then looked back at her face and marvelled at the magic that had been involved with cleaning her up. Ethan had always liked how Hadyn hadn’t applied paints or overly care to her hair. It was a part of who she was, thought Ethan felt that maybe was do to Hadyn and the man that had broke her heart, he accepted her in her worn pants and dirt shirts. Yet her hair looked smooth and clean as it did when they were children. The desire to run his hands through her hair and kiss her clean lips was present. He snorted briefly at the thought and realized that her breathe was very close to a spice garlic potato, and that if he was going for a kiss tonight, he might need his own plate so both of their breathe would smell about the same. As Hadyn told Ethan, she was lonely, two comments came to his mind. The first one was to tell her to get a dog. After all their last conversation had made Ethan feel like he was just suppose to be a friend that held her hand and listened to her. What about his wants? His desires? His needs? He wanted to stand up and tell her that tonight and every night afterward to expect him. He wanted to scream at her to give up Orion and be with him. He wanted to pick her up in his arms and carry her back to their apartment… and yet he couldn’t do any of that. He couldn’t even place his hand on her abdomen and stroke it without her permission. He hated just how much power she had over him, most women he was able to take what he wanted usually a good petching and a moment of tenderness. He made sure to give as much as he received, but with Hadyn every time he wanted to give she seemed not to want it. The second thing that came to Ethan’s mind was the simple words, you don’t have to be alone. He wanted to offer not just his friendship with Hadyn, but his desire to be with her. Petch this is a mess, Ethan thought. So he sat quietly listing to Hadyn taking a drink from his mug or a forkful of mutton from his plate. “Hadyn…” Ethan looked over at Jill and Lucas for a moment, though they seemed to be conversing with one another, Lucas had surprised Ethan more then once with his sense of hearing. “Hadyn, I have been a ‘ight mess…” Ethan said in a whisper. “The way we left ‘hings last time, ain’t sure if I was to come a callin’ or not. We were all polite and whatnot, just like now. Yet…” Ethan gulped his throat having gone dry from his thoughts, “I want to know if I should keep callin’. I don’t want to be friends anymore, Haddie. I want more…” Ethan felt his palms slightly go sweaty as his fear and adrenaline began to make his heart pump faster. “I ain’t sayin’ we bind each other tonight. Nor am I sayin’ that we move in with each other and petch like rabbits… I just want to know if I have got a claim with you, and you have one with me.” Ethan wiped his hands on his pants, his nerves seemed have fled along with the courage to look in Hadyn face. For a moment he felt like a child, ready to be beaten by an older bully. “I can just be nice with ya, go ‘bout and say nice things when we meet, but ‘his here not knowing is keeping m’up at nights.” Ethan was really quiet knowing how scared Hadyn was at his words. A claim… Ethan knew Hadyn’s history with men and their claims, and he felt like a horrible petcher for even asking this. “I know you got to talk to Orion, and I ain’t claim sole rights over your heart, ‘specially with a little one ‘bout to enter the world. Yet I got so scared that ya were here to find someone else, lookin’ so pretty that I can’t right look into ya eye’s without a whole bunch of hurt. I guess, I am askin’Hadyn Skellig can I claim your hand when I need it, hold ya for joy and comfort when alone, and should ya need a petchin’ I be the only person on ya list. Ain’t a long list of demands, just important one’s ta me.” Ethan couldn’t even look at Hadyn right now, he merely stared at her hands waiting for the slap or beating. Prior to the conversation that Ethan had splits his guts out to Hadyn, Lucas looked at Jill and smiled. “Nay lass, I might have been born in Zeltiva but I am wagon guardsmen and every now and again a teamster. Been working the road from Zeltiva to Syliras then done to Riverfall for nearly twenty years now. Granted, I keep to the Zeltiva route most of the time now, easier on the legs and less swamp lands and praire. Keep an apartment in Syliras after the Djed storms about destroyed Zeltiva.” Out of he corner of Lucas eye he saw Ethan appear as if he was laying out his soul. Lucas had never seen Ethan adapt such a posture and he had even hurt the man on purpose during their sparring to see how he would react. Ethan was a fighter when pushed up against a wall or in pain, Lucas knew that from his reactions to hit or lost of footing. However, he lacked the muscle memory and skill to be an effective fighter, but his heart was there. Now he had the look of a man that admitted defeat and knew he was about to die. Lucas, had seen the look on bandits that had attacked the occasional caravan. Focusing his attention on Ethan mouth, he caught a few whispered words over the conversation of the tavern. Shaking his head he was worried that Ethan had just stopped him from bedding a willing lass. He turned back to Jill with an eye brow raised. He had enough sense to know that unless Hadyn spoke whatever words Ethan wanted that the night could turn to a very bad one indeed. “Don’t suppose I can convince you, ya to finish this conversation some place else?”

[Hadyn Skellig]

"Aye," came Jill's overly quick reply, standing as she spoke. From the expression manifesting on Hadyn's face the blonde was swift to acquiesce to Lucas' suggestion, if only to flee from the vicinity of her kinswoman's ire. Snatching her jacket Jill pulled hurriedly at Lucas' sleeve, leaning close to him with a whisper. "C'mon then. Don't want to get caught up in this storm."

Without waiting for him to respond the blonde woman backed a few steps from the table, casting Ethan a quick if not pitying glance before turning and snaking her way through the crowd. Whether or not Lucas followed was of no consequence. She'd seen Hadyn this way only once before and had no interest in sticking around to see what became of the lad to whom her violent temper was directed. Poor chap. If he chose to join her Lucas would find Jill lingering by the door, catching a narrow glimpse of their abandoned table in spite of herself.

Hadyn was barely aware of her cousin's hasty departure, brown eyes leveled with Ethan's as he rambled on. From his first sentence she was tense, the planes her face severe in the light. Though interjections leaped eagerly to her throat she could not manage to voice them, allowing him to speak freely if only because she was stunned to silence. Calm breaths were pulled carefully through partially parted lips, her gaze steady as she listened. Though Ethan was having a nervous time of it Hadyn only noticed his motions, attaching no emotion to it. He wiped his hands, his voice was strained and manner uneasy.

A muscle in her jaw clenched when he mentioned claiming her. No one claimed her. No one. It took all the resolve on Mizahar not to bash him across the face with a nearby mug. Lucky for him she wasn't drinking. Narrowed eyes darted from him to the far-off exit like a savage beast cornered. What was he doing? why was he talking like they were alone? though earlier in repose with an arm draped across the back of the chair she now sat stock straight, hands gripping either side of the chair, ready to spring up. Though she was no longer as lithe as she had been there was a subdued flight about her muscles, prepared to dart like a doe in sight of danger. Unlike a deer, however, Hadyn's blood was boiling, a fierce desire to fight him tooth and nail tempered only by the measured breaths.

When he finally fell silent the brunette stared for another three or four chimes longer. The rage-filled words she'd been so eager to lash out with were dead in her mouth, tongue sitting like lead. Another breath, chest rising as she stared at her brother's childhood friend. Lips parted a fraction more preparing for speech though it would be another chime before a sound was emitted.

"How fucking dare you."

The dangerously low tone was bristling with unfiltered anger. Her glare was locked on Ethan's face as she let the words settle in the negative space between them. She no longer cared for her appearance or their setting. He'd done the one thing she'd trusted him not to. And he'd done it here. HERE.

"You have no claim over me, Ironhorse. And you won't ever with words like that. You have the petching gall to saunter over here and deliver this rot expecting me to open my arms to you like some two copper whore. If this was biting on your mind why didn't you come over? why didn't you seek me out? not plop down 'n the middle of my dinner an' lay this down like it's talk of the weather or an injured horse."

Hadyn was so focused on Ethan she didn't register the bargirl approaching with more food. Her voice was still mercifully quiet, riddled with waves of fury and disappointment.

"I don't have to talk to Orion about anything. And you have no right to bring him into this. I know you think poorly on him an' perhaps it'll do you well to seek him out if you're so invested in me."

Hadyn stood rigidly, brown eyes glassy as she stared at the man. Ignoring the bargirl's impertinent question about more ale the weaponsmith sharp gaze glared ruthlessly at Ethan.

"I'll not talk of this here anymore. You want to talk proper? it won't be in the Casket."

Upon snatching her jacket she strode past him - for she'd never turn away from a man - making a direct line to the exit of the building. Her blood rushed loudly in her ears, fists clenching and unclenching as she went, barely aware of the bodies she passed. Despite her boiling fury her chin lifted, defying anyone to bother her. Her expression was blank, frozen in neutral. Her eyes were wells of vexed hurt, roiling and dilated as she walked away from Ethan. Someone opened the door for her. She didn't notice. She stepped out into the cool darkness, her breath issuing in steamy tendrils. The chilly breeze tousled her dark curls as she paused in the light of a sconce to regain her breath.

[Ethan Ironhorse]

Lucas smiled at Jill as she accepted his offer, as she pulled on his sleeve, Lucas got up and looked at the stormy face that was beginning on Hadyn. Whatever Ethan had said, he had certainly cut this woman to the core. Perhaps the man was more rogue then what he initially thought? Perhaps Ethan had petch another lass and was somehow trying to apologize for it. Grabbing his own cloak, Lucas shook his head. Whatever Ethan had done or said, he couldn’t believe the man had a roguish bone in his body. Nah, Ethan probably was just speaking poorly and that was youth. So Lucas wished the man luck as he followed Jill’s slender form through the crowd. Pausing at the door, he saw her look back, he knew what was going through her head, because it was going through his. “Aye, my boyo probably said something stupid, but from the look in his eyes and the fact that he got her a crib… he’s about as in love with her as a man can get, Jill. In fact, if your cousin should slap him and beat his face in, I think he would only question what did he do? Give them some time, they are young and full of piss and vinegar. Besides, I can’t even imagine young Ethan being anything other then a good man to whatever woman he choose.” Lucas waited for Jill’s response, before chancing a look over to the table himself. Ethan sat as he finished and when he finally looked up at Hadyn, he knew that he had said so many wrong things, but the weight inside of him was gone. He had finally the courage to ask Hadyn about them. By the Gods and Goddesses, he had wanted to ask thousands of times before, but perhaps it was the courage of others that had finally awoken his. However, the dead look in Hadyn’s eyes told him that he had passed some emotional boundary within her, and though his burden was done, the pain in her eyes tore at his very soul. Yet it was her first words that tore away all pain and empathy for her. How dare he? His back felt like it was on fire, his own hands balled into fists. How dare he have emotions? How dare he have thoughts about wanting something of a connection with her? So he was good enough to petch and have her tell him about the baby and her life, but just keep waiting Ethan, you are not worth anything. His eyes narrowed as she continued. So he had no claim on her… nothing can’t even ask that she don’t petch another. He felt his jaw tighten to the point that even his teeth felt like they would pop out with rage. Hot short breaths began to past his nose, thoughts of saying a thousand horrible things to Hadyn came to him. Ethan was as hot as the food that was delivered to the table. He wanted to point his finger in Hadyn’s face and scream to her about Orion. It was utter bull shyke that she was speaking. Didn’t have to talk with Orion, and yet all this talk about how she offered him access to her child? By Tyveth, it didn’t make sense, she was impossible! She was insane, crazy beyond all sense of logic and reason. What had he seen in her? What could she possibly offer him, love! She was broken, just another broken girl that did everything to stay broken. Ethan stood up glaring deep into Hadyn’s eyes as she walked past him. He was barely keeping his tongue in check, his hands finally found something to do as he placed them on table. He shook in anger, Hadyn might as well slapped him, it would have hurt less. A part of him wanted to sit down and drink his ale, forget Hadyn even existed. Just sit there and die from pain, but as he looked down at the table, willing himself to sit, the soft smell of Hadyn drifted to his nose, and all of a sudden he realized that he wasn’t done with this conversation. No, he wasn’t ready to stop chewing on this gristle. Ethan, pushed himself from the table and placed some coins on the table. It was probably two times the worth of the drinks and what ever food was still left to be paid for, but Ethan didn’t care. Ethan felt the anger pulse out of him in waves, some of the sailors thought to block his path from Hadyn, one had even gone so far as to step in front of him. Ethan in turn looked into the sailor’s eyes, and in a heartbeat the man fell to the side. The sailor had seen a look in Ethan’s eyes that had cut past his foolish thoughts of valour, and he recognized the look of a man willing to fight and die for a cause. Ethan left the Broken Casket and looked about for Hadyn’s shape, it took him a chime to find Hadyn in the darkening night. Wisps of steam seemed to come off of Ethan’s body as his blood boiled in the cool air. Ethan ran after her, finally catching up with her perhaps a city block away from the Casket. Ethan stepped in front of her and crossed his arms blocking Hadyn’s path. If stood ready to move wherever she moved to because he wanted to make sure she had to face him. “Aye, Haddie, I want a proper talk and the Gods and Goddesses know you ain’t goin’ to start it!” Ethan scream at her, he was filled with rage. “I lay out my feelin’s like some fool boy and you spat on them. When Haddie, are we goin’ to have this proper talk? When were you goin’ to tell me I got no claim of ya heart? I know, when the baby was born? No? How about when they were runnin’ about? Perhaps, when we had grey hair and I spent my life pinin’ over you?” “You done accused m’ of thinkin’ you a whore. Well, I must be the stupidest man for thinkin’ it was anythin’ more then a transaction. Here I thought, if I could only see behind that wall you put up. Get past all the shyke scared to love someone nonsense, I might find ya. I might hold ya, and grow old t’gether. But nah, thank ye, for clearin’ up that vision. Right, Ethan Ironhorse nuthin’ more then some dumb beast to support ye. Yet, when that animal has a feelin’, well time to beat it and change it out for another one. Whew! So glad that’s clear, here I done thought asking that you to have a piece of m’heart and m’ lay claim to a piece of yours was right thing to do. Nah, I don’t want no broken pieces that I have to work to put back together, while the person that has mine stabs it.” Ethan gasped for breath, the fire in his belly and mind finally coming down enough to realize that he needed to breath.

[Hadyn Skellig]

He followed her. Hadyn couldn't determine whether she expected to hear his footsteps catch up or if she was surprised he'd had the balls to come after her. She stopped as he came round, arms crossing over his chest. He was a vision of anger; thunderous expression as dark as the sea, his voice assaulting her ears though he was but a foot from her. She weathered his tirade, brown eyes locked on his meeting his rage with fury of her own.

"Don't you fuckin' scream at me," she yelled back, brows knitted as her hands balled into fists at her side. She didn't give a damn who was passing by to see. Her temper knew no check when it was so dangerously worked up.

"You're so wrapped up in what I did an' didn't do for you y'didn't even bother to hear me! I ain't pissed 'cause you suddenly want some claim over me, though I grant you it's not high on my priorities." The woman took a breath, dark eyes watching him in the low light. Never one to back from an argument the brunette glared with equal intensity as she spoke again, hands gesticulating wildly to emphasize her point.

"It's how y'did it. Showin' up here like it's just the two of us. Alone. We aren't alone. Somehow I'm supposed to drop everythin' I'm doin' and pay you mind while you get this anvil off your chest? you want that kind of attention? don't petchin' wander into the Casket while I'm with m'kin and play the martyr when I get mad. It was the wrong time, Ethan. What about that do you not get?!"

Hadyn scowled, breaking her gaze from him to pull in a breath. He was so unbelievably dense. He just dropped an emotionally heavy sack of figurative potatoes on her in public. How could he not see the uncomfortable situation that put them in, what with Jill and Lucas there. Not to mention he hadn't bothered to come around after he delivered the cradle. It infuriated her that he couldn't even comprehend why it angered her so. There was a brief pause in her biting words where he might interject as she inhaled slowly, brown eyes finding his face again as she prepared another tongue lashing.

[Ethan Ironhorse]

Ethan face turned as red as his head. He felt the blood in his face as his mouth began to work on something. Perhaps it was words that he wanted to shout back at her, or just a reaction, but his frame began to shake. “What! So I am some stupid beast! Did ya ever think about that kiss ya gave me, last we met? I did every night hence, and it took everythin’ I had not to ask to spend the night holdin’ ya. Don’t ya know that every day m’first thought is to check on ya? Yet, when I ask about helpin’ at the forge ya’ nearly castrated me! By Cheva’s heart, every time I embrace ya, ya act as if I am going to beat you! It makes m’feel like I am almost rapin’ ya for the simple pleasure of havin’ in my arms. I don’t come around, Haddie, ‘cause I want more from ya each time and I know I ain’t high on y’priorities. Ya open m’up raw, Hadyn Skellig, I can’t push ya ‘cause I know that ya givin’ me what ya can, but I feel the heel for askin’ ‘bout the little I get.” “And then… and then I done see ya in the Casket made up like some Goddess. Ands I know I got no claim, ain’t got shyke to hold ya from grabbin’ a man that doesn’t make ya feel like he’s about to beat ya when he holds ya. So what’s I suppose to do? Talk pretty like? I got’s no idea where I stand.” Ethan threw up his hands waving them madly, “So I done laid it out, aye, it was a shyke place to do it, and aye, it was a shyke time, but if ya had gone home with someone else I would have killed them or died myself. Any other woman, I could have not cared. By Nikali tits! I would have laughed and hurt for a bit, but been fine. But ya? I up and decided to ask for a piece of your heart, like some fool boy! And like some dog, I come back ta ya every time, askin’ for scraps off your plate. You’s says ya lonely! Well ya got a dog, and its name is Ethan!” Sometime during his shouting match, his vision had gone hazy and he felt wetness on his cheeks. A brief thought of whether it was raining came to him. “So there Haddie, do us both a favor and kill this dog, because he wants what you can’t give to him!” Ethan felt so exhausted, he felt like his chest was broken, like it had been opened up and everything was scooped up and thrown on a fire. He wanted to pick her up and take her home, and he knew that it would never happen. Hadyn would just tell him that he was crazy and that he should just never speak with her again, and that would be it. He wanted to be there when her child was born, he wanted a claim on her heart, and he had botched it. He had fumbled the message and thrown it all away. By the Gods and Goddesses, why I am still here telling her this? I should just leave, but I need her to tell me its over, that I am a fool for caring and that she doesn’t care about me.

[Hadyn Skellig]

Hadyn was beside herself. He was absolutely unreasonable! The woman closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose as another swell of ire shot up her lungs. His words caused her blood to boil like water over fire as she took another breath. Too much drama. Kill the dog. Petch. She was about ready to throw her hands up and walk away.. Opening her eyes again she found him in a state of madness, bones quivering beneath his skin, cheeks bearing the sheen of tears.

"Ethan, I can't even begin to start," she murmured, voice gravelly from yelling. If she wasn't careful she'd start it up again. Already they'd caught a gaze or two from passing sailors. "What would ever give you the idea I'm out lookin' for a lay? I'm near bursting with child an' you think I'm on the prowl for a piece of meat? Gods among us it's not like I'm linin' up the bachelors to have m'pick. You're so feckin' insecure that y'can't see the situation for what it is. I'm out with my family, Ethan. Alma, she done me up this way. You know I don't give this much of a petch how I look!"

To emphasize this point Hadyn pulled the ribbon from her hair, allowing the strands formally secured to fall back around her face. Dropping the damnable bow the brunette cast a dark gaze his way.

"An' don't you be blamin' me cause you think you're a beast of burden. You put that on yourself, Ethan. I never asked you to have that crib made. I never wanted anyone to go out of their way for me. But you did. An' you think that entitles me to lovin' you and givin' you some claim over me. I know I been right confusin' of late. But perhaps, perhaps," she pointed an accusatory finger at him, "I have a bit more on my plate than worryin' who wants control of my heart? Tyveth knows why you'd even want it. I'm not 'xactly anyone's first pick."

That was what really bothered her. She couldn't figure out why he cared so damn much. There were select few who liked her, much less loved her. And here he came out of the blue to profess his devotion to her. She couldn't wrap her head around it. Throw in the tumultuous emotions of a pregnancy and the woman was at her wit's end. Shaking her head the weaponsmith glared at him, her tone implying a sense of honest disbelief.

"It's like y'want me to love you out of pity. Sure I think about that kiss I gave you. I was thinkin' you'd stop by for more. But no. You keep from me an' then complain when I don't dote over you. Then you waltz in there," a thumb jabbing in the direction of the Casket, "and expect me to fall on m'knees before you. I don't know what you think love or devotion is but both take time. I care about you. I think highly of you. But I've got a baby growin' in me. What few emotions I possess are wrapped up in this," she nodded once to the belly. "And I'm all fire and vinegar. To you, Orion. Damn near everyone. Speaking of which," Hadyn's voice dropped as she adopted a more suspicious if not quizzical tone. "How d'you know Orion?"

[Ethan Ironhorse]

Ethan held up his hand as soon as the name Orion came out. If anything Ethan couldn’t quite deal with that tangle mess at the moment. It took Ethan a moment to steady himself, he took a deep breath in through his nose and slowly let it out of his mouth. Looking at Hadyn, he finally spoke in a raspy voice, one that was trying to recover from the yelling. “Haddie… when I think about ya, I see the strength ya possess. Ya don’t need m’ta care for this child. Nor do ya need m’ta fill some hole in ya feelin’s. I know that ya don’t care one whit about what ya look like, and ‘cause ya don’t ya more honest about who ya are. I’m not sure how to ‘xplain m’feelings to ya. There are this here moments, where a small smile comes about ya face and I see the woman behind it. At other times, I done see ya hurtin’ afraid of unknown, yet I know ya won’t give up, that ya fight on. On top of all that, ya got brains Haddie! Ya think, ya so full of opinions that they come spilling out, and ya ain’t afraid of work. When I look at ya, I see a friend and a partner. Some one that forces m’to be a better man, some one that ain’t afraid to kick m’in that arse to get m’goin’. So I am terrified of losin’ that, losin’ a partner and friend who by their mere touch brings m’comfort and happiness. So aye, I am insecure, ‘cause it feels like I have everythin’ to lose, while ya won’t be bother by it.” Ethan had calmed down a bit as he looked down at Hadyn. “I got ya the crib, ‘cause I don’t know where I fit anymore with ya. When ya brothers were about I could spend time with Brody or Liam, and somehow they kept these feelin’s locked up. Somehow when I saw ya, I felt apart of your family and thought eventually ya and m’would come together, all natural like. Yet without Brody to keep m’from ya, I don’t know how we work. I want ya, but ya don’t need me. I suppose in some idiotic way I thought I could be a father for ya wee one. Doesn’t mean I don’t want to be a father, but it seemed like I could be that for ya, and while I was doin’ that somehow we would become a family. Petch, it sounds stupid but its all I got.” “Haddie, I known ya from a little lass, ya’re different, stronger, smarter, and more ‘ndependant. Yet the girl that made m’laugh and chase her about the woods, she’s still there, just… better, and I ain’t sure how I can be part of her life. Its got m’terrified and stupid. Normally, I know how I was doing ‘cause I could embrace her or make her laugh in the past. Now, she pulls back and acts like m’touch is poison. So, aye, I fear ya will find someone else to fit with ya, and all m’feelin’s about the only woman that makes m’feel stronger, smarter, and better will leave me.” “And no, I never did expect ya to fall to ya knees. I prayed for a yes, and expected a slap. If I just got ya to admit that ya thought highly of me, I would have thought it a win Haddie. By Tyveth grapes! If I got ya to admit that I was maybe one of the top five people ya think about it would have thrilled me. I know ya have to think first about the wee one, wasn’t expectin’ anythin’ less of ya Haddie. I just wanted ta know I was someone important ta ya, and that wouldn’t be replaced…” Ethan finally let out a tired sigh, all the emotions that had been rattling about his head, finally came out, and Ethan had to admit it was a giant mess of things. Yet it was all the things he felt, he only wished they had talked about this sooner. “As for that giant knob of a man, Orion, I saw a wanted warrant for a mage. Since, I been practicing magic, thought I could be some use. Orion was there, said my plan’s were stupid, but didn’t offer his own.” Ethan shrugged, “In the end, I realized just how little I know ‘bout fighting. Still didn’t excuse his high and mighty petcher attitude.”

[Hadyn Skellig]

Hadyn released a sigh that was more in line with a growl, her frustration at a head. He didn't make sense. Nothing made sense. As much as she wanted to yell at him again - and the urge was massive - she didn't have a energy. Brown eyes rolled reflexively when he held up his hand to illustrate a dislike for talking about Orion. What'd the man do to petch with Ethan? Hadyn could think of at least three things off the top of her head but it was neither here nor there. The blacksmith was already speaking, returning to the subject at hand. His tone was less aggressive and far more emotionally charged. It quite nearly wounded her to hear the words as he tried to explain himself.

A bemused expression painted itself on her face with unabashed obviousness. Losing her? did he think she was leaving? his words were tumbling out and she had a hard time remembering which arguments she wanted to address. Closing her eyes as he continued the woman shook her head slowly. A dull ache at the base of her skull began to throb, making his voice even more difficult to hear. Finally she opened her eyes. He was describing her. Or who she used to be. Or who he thought she was.

"Ethan," she began quietly as he sighed. "Y'know you're important. There's never been a question of it, far as I'm concerned. I'm not sure who'd be replacin' you, anyhow."

Then he answered her earlier question. Giant knob of a man. Well, it wasn't the worst description of Orion. Ethan's description of the scene was painfully lacking and it inspired only the mildest of hitched eyebrows from Hadyn. With an equally heavy sigh the woman merely shook her head with a defeated shrug.

"He's got his problems, no doubt. Doesn't do well with people, 'less he's drunk. Even then it's a gamble." She caught Ethan in her gaze, expression softened somewhat. "But, if you're plannin' on spendin' time with his child, wouldn't hurt to get to know the man. At least better than y'have. He seems to want to do the right thing, far as the baby's concerned. Might do the both of you some good to hash your issues out."

[Ethan Ironhorse]

Ethan hurt deeply by her comment, his child. He knew that her baby had come from Orion, but somehow those two words hurt more deeply than any burn he had received from the forge. If it hadn’t been for a season worth of time, that child which was growing in Hadyn belly would be his. He would be a father, perhaps even a spouse to a woman that awoke in him passion and greatness. Yet, just like Cass, Hadyn had fallen for a squire, some petcher from the knighthood thinking that their sword thrust was better in bed then the yard. Ethan stepped forward to Hadyn and allowed his hands to softly caress her upper arms, his touch was so delicate it felt like he was barely touching her skin and yet if felt like he was holding lighting. He looked down into Hadyn’s eyes, and felt like he was drowning in brown pools. He knew he had hurt her, and Ethan felt horrible for doing such a thing to Hadyn. Ethan found his voice after a few moments, and even though he knew that his touch caused Hadyn discomfort because of her ex-fiancé. Ethan was beginning to realize he needed to tell Hadyn what his feelings were and asking her to stretch her own limits of emotional emptiness. Ethan found his voice after a moment or two. “Haddie, sometimes I need to hear it. I know that I have been avoidin’ ya, and I promise to look in on ya every couple of days ‘bout midday. I’ll stop by the forge first and if I don’t see ya I will come by the ‘partment. I… if I become less ‘mportant ta ya then another man, please tell me.” Hurt filled Ethan’s eyes, he took in a sharp breathe for a split second and before Hadyn could respond he decided to continue. “I realize dat this here spat hasn't endeared me to ya family. So I will promise to talk to that petch… Orion and focus on acceptin’ his role, whatever that may be.” Ethan removed his right hand from her shoulder and gently placed it on her swollen pregnant belly. His other arm gentle slide across the skin of her arm till it found her hand. He knew he shouldn’t, but he grasp her hand and held it in a delicate hold as if he held something more valuable than all the miza’s in the mint. ”I dona wish this child was mine, Haddie. For the longest time, I thought that I would talk to Liam about ya. See iff’n he would allow me to come a callin’. One night, me and him got ta talking. I’s was drunk and talking about how poor me life was. Well it dona came out that I wanted to come a callin’ on ya, and ya wanna know what he done told me? Ethan, a stallion canna chose a mare, but when he comes to mount her, he don’t go askin’ the farmer if she will kick him in the grapes. I am still not sure what he done meant, and I left to go to the Evantide Outpost while he… past. Haddie, I guess I am sayin’, I wanna be apart of ya and yar childs life, I just wish I had realized that much sooner.” Ethan leaned in and quickly gave Hadyn a soft kiss on her forehead. Ethan then placed his forehead gently against her with his eyes closed. He felt so drained and as if he could somehow push the thought into her mind by contact he spoke it out loud. ”Haddie, I am so sorry for all the pain, hurt and embrassment I donna caused ya. Can ya forgive me? Canna give me one more chance?” Ethan asked with as much love as pain in his voice for all the hurt he had caused her.