PM to join That feeling of home; when your hammer falls.(Hadyn)

[Bolivar]

Fall 50th

I was never one for the rain.

Looking out the window and listening to sounds of the smithy nearby was a nostalgic feeling for the mixed blood. It was the a different tempo and tune but the song still came to the squire. It was the sounds of a smithy still doing work paying no heed to the world outside of their forge. A constant rotating gear that the city needed through rain, sleet or snow. That was something in common between Sultros and Syliras.

It would be normal to feel homesick wouldn't it. This has been the third or fourth major storm this season for Syliras. It was also looking to be the biggest out of them thus far. The common folk didn't really have to do much on days like these. Just stay inside and bond with whomever was around until the storm passed by. In Bolivar's case the squire dorms wasn't the most ideal place for him. Young brazen men with something to prove and nothing to lose.

Bolivar might have emulated that on occasion but to be around others who did the same put him off. Finding himself nitpicking their behaviors and actions Bolivar saved himself and his opinion of the other squires by heading out into the open street. Going out for a time and letting the fates choose when faced with a decision along the path Bolivar saw the Ironworks from afar; Felt it's pull and carried himself along.

Going to the Stallion would have been nice but Bolivar imagined this was the more busier days for Shiress. Not really romantic in the least. Better to just have a day for himself that didn't bother anyone too busy. With that in mind the smithy always seemed busy as they always were.

Today I chose to go along the path less traveled and found myself here. If I had to go back and choose once more. I do not think I would want to see where the other path went.

Quietly musing Bolivar walked quietly amongst the forges quickly enveloping in all the familiar sounds the smithy had to offer. Going down the line the scalding furnaces, the boiling water and the cooling metal in the midst of it all. The lack of light in some areas didn't really bother Bolivar at all, rather it just enhanced the experience for him. The Sylirans no doubt had the second best smithy Mizahar had to offer and as he neared the end of his tour throughout the ironworks Bolivar found a new reason to stay.

"Don't I know you from somewhere? From another time?"

Trying to come off as congenial Bolivar hoped that the familiar tone wouldn't upset the familiar face. Waiting to lock stares with Haydn Bolivar's face gave the impression of an incoming smirk before noticing something amiss. No, not amiss. Quite happy actually. The confused look on his face turning into a content one Bolivar found himself musing at Hadyn's development.

"Well, well well. You've certainly been doing well Hadyn. Could you use some help around here perhaps? It would do me well to repay you for your kindness back when I first came back to Syliras."

[Hadyn Skellig]

Hadyn released a slow exhalation, the blade stretched before her as she leveled her gaze with the cold steel. The glittering surface reflected the fire, brown eyes surveying the length for imperfections. It appeared smooth and unmarred. Lowering the weapon with satisfaction the smith paused in her concentration as a voice rang out. Casting a sideways glance to her left she found the owner, his face igniting recognition on her own. The man had come upon her early in summer, traveling and in need of rest. They'd shared a short introduction before he entered the city. Hadyn was certain she'd seen him once or twice after that, at a distance. Now he was here in the forge and she found herself smiling.

"Glad t'see you again," she replied amicably, setting the sword down on the table beside her. Though she was at work the woman was dressed in a dark blue dress, the swell of her belly discernible at certain angles. It was clear he'd seen it and she merely shrugged with another smile. "Doin' well enough, I imagine. Thank you for the kind offer."

Hadyn paused, considering whether she was in need of his assistance. The boys in the shop had managed to pick up the extra work to help her. But the woman abhorred idleness so here, on her day off, she was inspecting blades and trying to keep busy. Brushing her hands off against her hips the woman regarded Bolivar with an an appreciate gaze. She'd been in the smithy for a good three or four bells and it was high time for her to replenish.

"I think I'm well enough here. But, I could do for a bite to eat. I've a meager stash of food here if you don't fancy a walk." Brown eyebrows rose, hoping he would join her. It was difficult at times to be alone with her own thoughts and his face was a welcome reprieve from solitude. Of late she would take just about anyone up on an offer for company. Tucking a loose strand into the tether around her bun the brunette watched her acquaintance, finding herself pleased he'd stumbled upon her this fall day.

[Bolivar]

Recognition shown with that smile on her face Bolivar mentally cheered at the thought. It was good to be remembered, even better to have your hard work noticed but this was still good. Raising an eyebrow at Hadyn for a moment initially sure why found himself visibly smiling for a change. Bolivar knew that look she was giving him it was uncanny in it's likeness really. The look of hoping for a good time after some time working, she wore it well.

"Offer is mostly for myself though. I imagine you shan't ever need my help here."

The woman from the Terras clan were fiercely dedicated to their trade. Often spurning younger Isurians from their forges as they worked day and night to produce their steel. Bolivar could only imagine this applied here as well. He knew Hadyn probably didn't need his help but it seemed like a waste not to go that route.

"How can I refuse? That was actually my second suggestion. We've the same way of thinking you and I."

Though again Bolivar found himself hesitant about going to a tavern to eat. Perhaps Hadyn would go to the White Swan Inn instead? They always had tables to eat out there but it might come across as forward if he were to suggest it. Of course he could ask if she wanted to eat at the Herald's arms but again that he might have come off more then friendly. A thought came though inherently a useless thought started to appeal to the squire the more and more he thought of it.

"Perhaps we can both cook something up of our own? I imagine it would be a nice change from smithing yes?"

Watching his words Bolivar quickly considered the other solutions adding, "Of course if we that doesn't appeal or it doesn't work out we can eat anywhere of your choosing. Like perhaps the White Swan Inn? My treat."

[Hadyn Skellig]

The woman took a step back, setting the heels of her hands against the table, her bottom resting against its surface to take some weight off her feet. Full lips curled into another smile as Bolivar suggested cooking. Shrugging one shoulder she made ready to reply when he spoke again. Dark eyebrows rose over her eyes at the mention of the White Swan. It seemed odd he should offer to buy but the thought of her attempting to cook was not an appealing one.

"I hear they have a mouth-waterin' stuffed quail," she replied with a grin. Her tone implied she was not one to frequent the establishment but she smiled as her head tilted a slight degree to the left. "An' I'm the last person y'want cookin' anythin'. Can barely manage to boil water."

Hadyn winked at him one corner of her lips pulling up in a playful grin. Pushing off from the table the female weaponsmith stood straight. Smoothing the azure material of her dress she cast a glance around the forge. Turning to face the table she made quick work of tidying the space, putting items in their appropriate places and lifting the sword she'd so recently inspected. It was off-putting, she realized, for folks to see a woman so heavy with child brandishing a weapon. With a sheepish look at Bolivar Hadyn took a few steps to the rack where other swords lay. She placed it in the vacant slot before turning to face him.

"I'd do well for a walk to the Swan. Though I must inquire," she spoke as she shouldered her bag, gesturing to the door that he might exit and she follow. "To what do I owe your gracious offer to buy?"

[Bolivar]

Not instantly going at the mention of eating at the Swan but it obviously piqued Hadyn's interest. Granted he wanted to be a cheapskate with the cooking themselves bit but this was how it was going to be it seemed.

"They don't actually serve swan do they?"

The deadpan expression once again on Bolivar's face raised an eyebrow. Barely managing to boil water? Gesturing at a man nearby boiling water with a heated weapon looked at Hadyn feeling all too clever.

"I would think you'd do that just fine actually."

Waiting as Hadyn cleared her area not quite disturbed by weapon in hand Bolivar lead the way as they were ready to go.

"Can't a nice guy just take a nice girl out to eat just to be nice?"

Learning such frivolities from his immersion with the people of Syliras Bolivar felt he explained that right. Perhaps more would have been good but he wasn't quite yet ready to get all mushy with Hadyn now was he?

"Besides trying to uphold these new ways that the knights are teaching me I could use the company. Be nice to talk to someone and not really get too heated with. Syliras has some characters."

It was still lightly raining out but they could probably get by without getting too drenched. Quite happy he wore his soldier's outfit rather then his robes Bolivar lead the pair to the White Swan Inn.

[Hadyn Skellig]

"I hear swan is quite the meal," she replied with shrug. Far be it from her to know. After a moment the weaponsmith cast him a sideways glance as they walked, eyebrows arching when his final comment was delivered. The left corner of her lips pulled upward in a smirk, a short nod affirming his observation. Syliras certainly had characters. Never a more colorful place - though she had no experience to back such a statement up. Falling in stride with him the woman pondered his words before speaking.

"New ways, y'say?" brown eyes glanced his way with unhidden interest. Perhaps the Knights were instilling some modicum of morality and decency in their squires. It might account for Orion's sudden change in behavior. She highly doubted it.

"So you're one of them, hm?" she remarked with a grin, brushing off her earlier question and posing a new one.

Her tone was congenial, the potentially negative connotation in her words dispelled with a playful smile directed his way. She certainly had nothing against the Knights. But with every passing season it appeared there were more and more squires running about the city throwing their weight around and not seeming to learn much - for all the effort they claim to put in. For a civilian native to the city it raised a few eyebrows. But Hadyn was clearly having a go at Bolivar, her expression blithe.

[Bolivar]

"New to the Isur in these bones."

Being this short was not exactly the squires choice- but no wait. His race wasn't what she was to was she?

"One of what? I am among many of thems. Which one in particular are you referring to?"

Her tone seemed agreeable enough and initially Bolivar saw nothing amiss glancing back at Hadyn. It took some time but slowly Bolivar felt the hard stare Hadyn was giving him. The orthodox method when dealing with such accusations was to look past the person and ignore them. However if you were eating together with that same person Bolivar couldn't quite do that now can he?

"Among them being the knights? If so I am indeed a trainee. Had a bad experience with one of us? Or five?"

It was an unintended notion on Bolivar's part but that didn't make it better in any regards. That spastic twitch that followed after Bolivar found himself looking at Hadyn's belly might have very much sealed the squires fate in being on agreeable terms with Hadyn. To suggest that her child was a product of a one night stand with one member of the Knighthood was despicable enough but five at the same time? Why'd he have to move like that after saying that?

"Hold on! That was not my intent"

Two open palms in the air between them was given with his apology before continuing.

"Tell me. What have you heard? Have any of the knights wronged you or anyone you hold dear Hadyn?"

[Hadyn Skellig]

He was a peculiar one, this Bolivar was. And it was somehow endearing. Particularly his immediate damage control after an exceptionally suggestive query. His apology resulted in a chuckle from his companion, a simpering grin sneaking across her lips as he made amends for his transgression. His concern was understandable. But the weaponsmith was not only raised by men known for brash and bawdy behavior, but she was exceptionally difficult to insult.

"No," she replied with a smile, casting him a glance. "No one's done me wrong an' gotten away with it." Hadyn winked at him as she sidestepped a pothole. Despite the roundness of her belly the woman maintained a brisk pace. She was not one to allow a pregnancy to slow her down least of all when she was in good company.

"Nothin' against the Knights really," she added, canting her head to a familiar passerby. "And I must admit, last time I saw you you were a bit worse for wear. I see the Knights have put some muscle on your bones and a spring in your step. Suppose they do enough good to offset the bad, no?"

The brunette's tone was teasing, as was her expression as she moved closer to Bolivar to avoid a gaggle of children trotting down the lane. There was a nonchalance about her that seemed to put folk at ease, the confidence of woman content with herself not quickly diminished by the unexpected pregnancy. Hadyn maintained a congenial nature, ready to tease and mock both herself and her companion, if only to settle the mood.

[Bolivar]

The smirk that answered him caused a rueful expression to appear on the squire's face. Feeling his face redden by the ploy he shook mildly miffed and largely amused by the bait that Hadyn had so skillfully set.

"I would imagine so. We might be similar in that regard though I will admit. I hesitate at the thought of wronging anyone who pounds at iron and steel more then I."

Nodding slightly at the point Hadyn made Bolivar still was focused on how the knights gave Hadyn a bad impression.

"Indeed. Being among the knights is like a second skin for me. Easy as breathing."

Finding himself smiling slightly as Hadyn walked closer let his mind wander at the motion.

This. Whatever this was. Was just easy as breathing as well.

"I haven't been just sitting on my hands. It's hard honest work for the most part."

Seemingly not bothered by the rain anymore Bolivar stepped out to help the pair guiding them along. To the left of them was the Maiden District and needless to say it was doing well in setting the mood for this evening.

"So who is the lucky man Hadyn? I imagine it is only a manner of time before you have Cheva's mark as well. You'll be sure to invite me for that when it happens won't you?"

[Hadyn Skellig]

Ah yes. The dreaded question. It no longer took her aback or caused hesitation in her step or voice. Though gods knew she was envious Orion did not have to manage the same awkwardness that seemed to follow this line of inquiry. But it wasn't Bolivar's fault and in response the woman merely smiled as they walked, catching him in a glance before speaking.

"Cheva'd likely die in a fit of laughter at the thought of bestowin' her mark 'pon me," Hadyn replied lightly. "Though I'd happily invite you to such an event, should it ever occur."

The brunette paused, considering how much information to grant her companion. As a member of the Knighthood he'd likely know of Orion, if not dealt with him directly. And while his reputation garnered mixed opinions from most she didn't wish to give the blue-eyed squire more trouble than he already had, especially if Bolivar was on less than friendly terms with him. Smiling at the man the weaponsmith tucked a loose strand behind her ear, speaking once more.

"As for the man, I doubt lucky is the word he'd use. This," she indicated with a single nod, "was not in either of our plans. He's had a hard time of it."

There was no bitterness or unhappiness in her voice, her tone implying a simple fact. Hadyn was not adverse to speaking on the subject. But it seemed when others discovered she was bereft of Cheva's mark and not well thought of by the father of the baby it made for uneasy conversation.