Not from round here (Kenna, Haden)

[Kenna & Fenrir]

DATE & TIME : August 20th, just after midday
WEATHER CONDITIONS : Sunny
CHARACTERS INVOLVED : Kenna, Haden
PREVIOUS THREADS ? none

Kenna slowly strolled back into the plaza, carrying a few pieces of metal in her arms. Harold had finally gotten to a point where his brace could be removed so the blacksmith had decided to bring it all back to her house, since it could be usable or something else.

She looked up and smiled in the sun’s direction. It was a nice and sunny day so and, like the dragon she still loved, Kenna enjoyed to bath in the warmth of it. She snapped herself out of it and walked over to the open smithing area on the side of her house.

The place no longer looked like the destroyed place Scratchet had made and was back to the general disarray it was always in. She placed the brace pieces on a clean section of work table to be looked after later and moved over to her design area. After having a quick scan through her old ideas to see if any of the parts would be useful as they were for a construct, she decided to leave any such ideas until another day; she probably had work to do.

“Where have you been?”[/b][/color] Kenna heard, she looked up and saw Fenrir sitting near the forge, looking at her inquisitively. Kenna smiled at her dragon.

“Just helping Uncle get Harold’s brace out,”[/i] the Terrible Terror rolled his eye, he didn’t perticually like the Hysterian, or the amount of time Kenna spent with him. Fenrir turned away and walked out of the house.

Kenna rolled her eyes at her dragon then got started pottering about her workshop, trying to work out what to do. She looked up when she heard a noise out in the plaza. It took her a second to see the problem, but once she did Kenna groaned. Fenrir was annoying someone, an outsider by the looks of it.

Kenna quickly moved from her workshop and across the plaza where the two where, “Fenrir! Stop that!” she shouted in dragonese. She looked up at the dark figure and smiled slightly embarrassed. “Sorry about that,” she said in common, “Fenrir can be strange sometimes.”

(OOC: You can have Fenrir act however you like, just think how a terrible terror would be. Also, remember to bold your speech and preferable colour it, the post page has buttons to help you do it.)

[atemusennen]

Haden had just gotten off the boat that had brought him to the island. The journey had been long and he wasn't sure it'd been worth it. He had desperately wanted a change of scenery, but the only boat that came to port was the trader, as no other person had any desire to go to Outcast Island. Being spontaneous, Haden decided to stow away on the boat until it made its next stop.

The boat docked at an island he had never been on, but he was happy for any land and hopped off the sea craft as quickly as he could. On the grounds that it was better than nowhere, he decided to take a look around. Entering the village he saw vikings conversing, laughing, and being friendly. It was far different from what he was use to. Seemingly out of nowhere a small dragon came up to him and looked at him. It nipped at his cloak. Just as he was about to walk away and girl said something to the beast and walked over to where he and it stood.

Haden stared at the blond girl in front of him for a moment, startled by her speech and how the tiny dragon seemed to understand what the girl said. He had never heard the strange language before. It took him a few moments before he realized that he had been staring at her. Haden recovered himself quickly by pretending to look at the small shop behind her and brushing off his shirt. He studied her face before responding to her, having realized by now that one should attempt to figure out the person they're talking to before jumping in to a conversation. He couldn't find any indication in her expression that told him she was untrustworthy, so he relaxed a little, but not much.

Haden crossed his arms and glanced to the side, “Some dragons are like that, I guess. I don't mind much anymore. It happens.”

When he spoke his voice was level and monotone, giving the sense he was uninterested by the matter at hand. He hadn't intended to sound uninterested, but that's how it had come out. He mentally cursed himself and tried to sound more friendly this time.

He looked at her now, speaking with a tone that sounded more sincere and up-beat, “I just got to town and I was looking for the blacksmith. You see, I need my weapons sharpened. Might you be able to help me?”

[Kenna & Fenrir]

Kenna waited patiently for the boy to respond, she didn’t mind him being slow. He was obviously confused by her dragonese. She smiled slightly at that, definitely not from round here.He seemed to try and recover himself, seemingly slightly flustered by things.

Finally he spoke and told her it was fine in surprisingly unconcerned tone. She raised an eyebrow at that, given how he’d just been she hadn’t expected a dismissive tone. He seemed to suddenly realised he’d messed up on that front and explained he needed a blacksmith’s help in a more normal tone.

The request did however throw Kenna a bit, it felt randomly upfront. “Sure, I guess,” her voice showed her slight confusion about it, but she pushed it aside and talked normally. “Well, I am Kenna, this village’s blacksmith, so I’m the right person to help,” she smiled at him, and then beckoned him to follow as she started to walk back to her place. “You come from far? We’re getting so many outsiders coming to our island nowadays.”

As they walked, Fenrir stayed right next to the outsider, not because he had any thoughts about him, mostly just to try and creep the guy out, he was in an annoyance mood. As they entered her work area, Kenna turned back to the newcomer and said, “So, what kind of stuff do you need fixing?”

[atemusennen]

Haden followed Kenna to the Blacksmith's Shop. He hadn't known she was the blacksmith or he probably wouldn't have asked. In truth, he had hoped she'd have just pointed him in the right direction and the two would be on their way. This is okay though, he thought to himself, she seems nice enough.

He was shaken from his thoughts by her question and repeated it, mostly to himself, “Far?” He had to think for a moment before he answered. If he answered this wrong it could end badly, “Sort of. My island's closer than you'd think. So, you really get that many outsiders? It must be great for you, having so many people coming and bringing in business.”

Haden glanced down at the little dragon that had stayed next to him the entire time. It seemed to be trying to annoy him again, but he wasn't phased. Actually, the beast was kind of cute, in a way. It didn't bother him to have the dragon there in the least. I applaud your efforts though, he thought as he smiled down at the tiny creature.

He turned his attention back to Kenna when they reached her workshop. She too had her full attention on him, it seemed. A simple question, what he wanted done, and Haden responded by pulling out his two knives and sitting them on the table. The blades looked completely different from one another.

One had an intricate design in the handle and a few gems embedded into it as well. He'd obtained it recently. The other was older and the steel blade was now dull from being used. He'd gotten it almost a year ago from a trader.

“I'm looking to sell this one.” he said, touching the handle of the newer one, “And the other I'd just like sharpened. That is, if you don't mind.”

[Kenna & Fenrir]

He took a moment to reply. probably just trying to work out the distance, she thought. Kenna found the wording of his reply intreeging, but didn’t comment on it. “Yeah, in a way. Mostly they just come for minor things if they do come to me.

Fenrir looked at the boy quizzically when he smiled at the dragon. The moment the two humans stopped walking, he scuttled up Haden’s legs, going round in a circle until he was perching on the boy’s left shoulder.

Kenna just looked at her dragon then rolled her eyes before looking at the two weapons Haden had pulled out. She picked up the fancy dagger and examined it for a bit. The weapon itself wasn’t all that great; it was obviously a ceremonial piece. Still, it’d probably be worth quite a bit if this was an island with a monetary system. Not worth too much in a barter or gift economy, unless there was someone with a lot of things to give.

She alternated her view between the dagger and its owner before finally settling on the owner. “If you’re looking for anything tangible as payment for this, you’re on the wrong island. I know the mainland works by coinage,” something she’d learnt from some outsiders that had tried to pay her metal pieces, “But we mainly work though gifts or bartering.”

She looked round her place, “I guess you could have a look at the stuff that’s round here while I work on the other dagger, see if there’s anything here you want…our if you’re staying here for a while count it as ‘I owe you a few favours’. Generally I follow a maxim that as long as I don’t feel like I’m being robbed, I don’t mind.” Kenna innocently smiled at the kid, noting that he was cute.

[atemusennen]

Haden didn't flinch when the dragon crawled up to his shoulder, didn't show any sign that it made him uncomfortable in the least, though he wasn't use to having one on his person. He noted its weight on his shoulder and felt its small claws through his clothing. He giggled softly and said, “Well, you seem to be enjoying yourself.” though he wasn't sure if it could understand him. He scratched it lightly under the chin.

He nodded when Kenna told him the island worked through bartering. Haden had known that already. He had also knew she'd have nothing to trade for the dagger he offered. But that's alright. I don't really need weapons or armor, but there's something else I need.

He listened to her closely, but his outward appearance made him seem somewhat disappointed in her words, though she had actually said exactly what he wanted to hear. He had to be careful with this next part now.

Haden leaned against the wall, letting his shoulders fall slightly, appearing defeated. His face became disappointed and somber. He sighed and said, “I've been everywhere trying to sell that blade. Nobody will take it off me; they say they have nothing to give me and sent me out the door.”

Pain shown clearly in his eyes as he turned them to the ground and there was brief pause where he gathered his thoughts before continuing, “I'll be here a while... and what I really need is a place to stay...”

He let his voice trail off, letting his desperation show for a moment. His expression remained depressed as he pet the dragon on his shoulder. He had delivered the lie so well even he was believing it. There had been no hint of falsehood in his voice, face, or mannerisms. Even his own father wouldn't have been able to tell he wasn't speaking the truth. Now he just waited for an answer.

[Kenna & Fenrir]

Fenrir didn’t respond the human’s comment, though he did contemplate whether it would be worth climbing up onto the top of his head, though it’d probably sent the kid toppling and cause him to drop. He did like the scratching though.

Kenna placed the ornate dagger down and took the worn one. She walked over to where her sharpening stone was while Haden explained why he’d come to her. She turned back to see his dejected look. His aims for pulling her heart strings really worked, the sight was really sad for her, especally since he was still scratching the terrible terror.

Then he finally gave his really reason for needing the trade. Fenrir and Kenna both looked at each before turning back to Haden. She was the only person on this island that would take the dagger and Kenna knew it. He could theoretically ask someone else for logging for some other kind of payment, but that wouldn’t be a garrenty. She could owe her uncle and have Haden use on of his beds, but Ari wouldn’t keep him for more than a few days, no matter what payment.

Kenna quietly sighed then smiled at him, “Sure. You can stay here as long as you need to and I’ll count that as payment,” she started sharpening the dagger with the stone. “Do you have your own bedding, because there’s only one bed in this place so you’ll have to make one on the floor in the inside workarea.”

(OOC: You're fun. I'm going to have to keep an eye on what you're doing so our plans for later stories don't clash :3)

[atemusennen]

Haden let his eyes light up as he smiled at her. Again she had told him what he wanted. It was almost too easy. Still, he felt somewhat bad for exploiting Kenna like this. She’s too nice… he thought, and far too trusting of strangers.

He spoke with joy and sincerity, “Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me. You won’t regret it.” Or you just might… Haden continued, “Yes, I have my own things and I’ll be happy to stay wherever you’ll have me.”

He looked over at the dragon again and smiled at it, scratching the top of its head ever so lightly. He found the creature cute, even though he knew it could take off his hand if it wanted to, “Looks like we’ll get to spend so time together, huh little guy?”

Though you could be a problem… he realized. Haden liked the beast but if it caught him doing anything questionable it probably wouldn’t hesitate to attack and maim him. He’d need to be very careful or he’d end up missing a few fingers.

Haden ruffled through the things in the bag he’d brought with him. Not seeing what he needed he slid it back under his cloak. And turned his attention to Kenna, “I hate to bother you, but I seem to be running low on supplies… Would you mind showing me to where I could get some?”

[Kenna & Fenrir]

“Cool,” she was glad the kid responded well to that. She had a feeling the boy had been trying to twist her arm, but she didn’t mind. After all, he’d given something, it was only right she give something in return.

Fenrir eyed the boy. He didn’t trust him yet. But then again, why should he, they’d only known him for two minutes. He jumped off of the boys shoulder and flew off, he was bored.

Kenna continued to sharpen Haden’s blade as the boy started to look through his bag. He then piped up again, so she paused as he explained himself. Kenna smirked slightly, Of course. She started sharpening again but moved over to where he was, “I’ve got things to do here, but I can point out where to go.”

They went outside and Kenna walked round her house so they could see the rest of the village that was below them. She then proceeded to point out all the different places he’d probably want to go to find different types of things.

“They’ll probably ask you to do some favours for them, since you don’t have any wares to trade. They’ll probably give you what you need now though. They generally accept that sometimes people leave the island before repaying sometimes and they can live with losing the amount they’ll give you. But since you’ll be staying at mine for a bit they won’t have to worry about you not repaying them, right?”

[atemusennen]

Haden followed her outside, memorizing the route to the exit in case his plans backfired on him. I’ll need a quick escape route…he thought to himself. He didn’t plan on being caught, but it helped to know your options.

He turned his attention back to Kenna when they stopped walking. The view displayed everything in the village and he could clearly see all the building and residents. For a moment he stared out at it sadly, not false pain like he usually displayed, but real sadness. It’s so different than back home…I wonder if they noticed I left?

He had only been half listening while she explained, but he’d heard enough to know how things would at the shops; he had known most of it already. Still, it took him a moment to register her question.

“Of course. You won’t have to worry about anything, Kenna. If you don’t mind, I’ll go check out those places you pointed out. Thank you… for everything. You’re a good person, don’t forget that.”

He began walking away down to the village when he stopped. Without turning he said, “It occurs to me that I never gave you my name. It’s Haden.”

And he continued walking.

[Kenna & Fenrir]

She looked back at the boy and looked at his face slightly confused. Why is he sad? she thought to herself, though when he realised he’d been asked a question he replied quickly. He gave the obvious ‘you won’t regret this speech.’

“Of course I don’t mind. Why else would I have pointed them to you?” she said smirking. He then thanked her. Him calling her a ‘good person’ threw her off slight. She hadn’t expected that one. As he turned and started to walk away she thought about it. She guessed she was in the context of her actions, but she didn’t really feel like it was.

She’d desided to help him cause she’d probably been the only one that it’d have been easy to pay. It wasn’t like she had to worry about him stealing anything from her, she knew Fenrir would probably be keeping an eye on him whenever he was home. That was Fenrir’s primary job. Guard Dragon.

Kenna smiled as the boy stopped and told her his name, “Nice to meet you Haden,” she muttered to herself as he continued walking. He seemed interesting. She turned away and walked back into the work area to get started one…whatever it was she would do, she still didn’t have much clue. She wondered what that kid was going to be like.

She looked down at the dagger the boy had given to her. Where did this come from?

(Okay, I think this thread is done, I'll Archive after you've seen it/after a week. How to see you when you're better.)