Asher at the forge

[Asher Fairchild]

*Asher sits at Degrins forge, starring into some smoldering coals. The fire is gone, neither of the forges are as hot or as full of life as they once were. They haven't been in a long time. She wonders how it all went so awry so quickly. Half the town is gone. Either missing, or in the mists. The other half is weary, and tired, trying to hold down the fort until the others return.*

"Figures." She says while stoking the coals, trying to get some heat out of them.

[Skyrius Ventus]

"Asher! Mind if I join you?" *Sky approaches in his casual wear. No need for armor in this dull town as of late.

[Asher Fairchild]

"Ah, hello Sky. Please do. Company on a night such as this is very much appreciated."

*A silence sits between them for a moment*

"I was just thinking about the others...I just hope everyones ok."

[Skyrius Ventus]

"As do I, I really wish we could go with them."
*Sky sits on a stump. He looks down at his sword.
"I remember when I was younger. I never did tell you where I got this sword did I?"

[Asher Fairchild]

"You never have, my friend. I'd love you to share that story with me."

[Skyrius Ventus]

"When I was young and had just started at the knights academy in the Empire, I started at around the same time my brother did. His name is Winter. Winter and I were always in the sort of sibling rivalry stage and never got over it."
*Sky stood up and walked around the stump.
"Winter and I competed over everything. He is only my half brother, so there were minor differences. He had a more stable upbringing with his Father up north than I had with the elves. He was smarter than I, faster in combat and could even cast magic much more advanced than mine.
One day at the academy, I swore to defeat my brother in combat. Myself and him had one decisive battle, yet, I lost. He handed me his sword; this sword, and told me to train so we could battle some time in the future to see who was better. The next day Winter vanished from the academy. His instructors told me he had graduated earl and went up north to practice medicine.
I never seen my brother since, and I hope the next time I see him I can challenge him with the sword he gave me, The Adjudicator

[Malva]

Malva pops out from behind a tree.

"Oh, there's people here, hi."

[Skyrius Ventus]

Hello Malva!
Did you hear my story about my brother and I?

[Asher Fairchild]

"Sky...what if you never see him again? What if we never see the others again? How will we cope? It all just seems so helpless.."

*Asher is startled by the noises of the bushes behind her, and puts her hand on the hilt of her dagger*

"Oh Malva, its just you. Hello, have a seat!"

[Skyrius Ventus]

"I know I will see him again, I have a gut feeling. Not sure if we will even get along. Winter has a thing for 'wanted men' , he's really by the books for certain things. Once he finds out that I'm wanted, he's going to come after me. I know it."

[Asher Fairchild]

"...Sky, I won't let him do that. I can't. He'll have to go through me first."

[Skyrius Ventus]

"I'm telling you no, as your friend, if he does show up I want to be the one who deals with him. One on One, if that okay Asher? If anything happens to me, I would like you to have my sword..."

[Asher Fairchild]

*Asher sits for a moment, clearly struggling.*

"I know you're honor bound to do this. I know you've been planning for this your whole life...I'll try my best to stand aside. But we can't lose you, Sky. If your brother comes to find you, you'd better make damn sure you're ready."

[Skyrius Ventus]

"Trust me, my friend, I am more than ready. Also if you could keep this conversation on the down low, I would appreciate it. I wanted to notify you on another matter as well...
I intend to head off on my own in search of a teacher. Someone who can teach me the way of the blade in another style. I wish to broaden my abilities."

[Asher Fairchild]

*Long sigh*

"Its hard to lose you at a time like this, when so many are gone. I guess the rest of us will have to pick up even more slack. I wish you luck. Try to come back in better condition than last time, ok?" *She winks*

[Ivy]

Hugo, clad in his usual attire and carrying his lantern on his glaive, strolls up to the forge from the road.

He pauses, looks around at who's here, then rolls over a piece of firewood to sit on.

He waves, then takes a seat.

[Asher Fairchild]

"Good to see you Hugo, its been a while."

[Ivy]

Hugo turns his head to Asher and smiles in acknowledgement.

He scrawls out a note, and hands it to Asher along with his lantern. It reads: "Good evening Sheriff, so long as we're all sitting out here I suppose I ought to get a fire going. How are things?"

Hugo gets up from his seat and in short notice there's a small fire burning in the forge. it isn't much but it gives off enough heat to keep everyone around warm.

[Krond Thuliaga]

*Krond, noticing a small gathering down by the forge, makes his way down*

Little gathering by the fire eh? *He says in his Krond voice* Mind if I join in? I love merry gatherings by a fire. Reminds me of my days back in the Dragonspine mountains with my clan.

[Ivy]

Hugo looked and waved politely to Krond, then turned his attention back to the fire.

After a moment, Hugo tilts his head, as if reflecting on something. He starts tapping his fingers rhythmically on the sheath of his sword and mouthing words, as if he was singing.

[Asher Fairchild]

"Things are as good as they can be, Hugo. Thanks for getting this fire going again."

*Asher gets closer to the flames and warms her hands*

"Oh hello Krond! Yes, please join us, the more the merrier. Sky was just telling me about his brother."

[Krond Thuliaga]

Oh? Sky has a brother!? Did not know that! Do tell my friend I have a brother to; a younger brother. His name is Keothi.

[Ivy]

Hugo smiles meekly at the conversation at hand, then throws a scrap page from his notebook into the fire. He sets about writing a new note down.

After a moment, a new note is produced: "Look at you all, having siblings."

[Malva]

Malva smirks at Hugo's note.

[Krond Thuliaga]

*Krond looks at the letter in confusion*

What? What does the note say?

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