Sweet Sacrifice (Torin)

[Aurelio]

19th Ash, Year 121, A.O.S
Company: Torin | Theme: Investigation | Thoughts: Well, closing time... | Mood: Cautious

---

۞ The fact he had to constantly look over his shoulder; didnt make him feel at ease, it appears that he was deeper into this than before. The young Avialae had been wondering about the concept of bad luck. How it follows you life a shadow, but for now it seemed quiet. It was evident that no one had been following him. Atleast not yet. The cultists he found down in Hahseu have been causing a bigger problem within his life, they won't leave him alone. His knowledge of the cult had brought fear upon them, making him a valuable target for assassination.

Aurelio had been investigating these cultists for a while, although it appears that they were causing him much stress as possible. He needed to wind down; one of the Slayers in his faction had told him about a blacksmith. It was clear he needed new weaponry; a halberd, even well made quarterstaff would suffice. He knew just the place to get one; Kilvin's Forge. However, he looked over his shoulder as he took a moment, before looking around. He had noticed a closed sign upon the door.

"Fuck, I missed him..." He said.

He sighed for a moment as he knew that he needed to unwind, perhaps some of his colleagues from Slayer's Keep will be drinking at the High Hopes Tavern. It didn't hurt to have a few rounds of enjoyment every now and then, but this time he was cautious, more responsible than ever. He did not have Aurin to babysit him whenever he had got himself into a state of drunken madness. It was time to be more responsible; any false moves could cost him his life, especially when he has a cult follow him.

He had made his way through the Plaza of the Jeweled Arches towards the tavern as he entered inside. He noticed it was less crowded than the other day; perhaps because blood sport was the selling point of the tavern. Still, he sighed as he sat on the bar stool "Whoa, hey kiddo... Last time I saw you, you were dancing on the tables" Aurelio laughed as he sighed, frowning for a moment. He was in trouble; he felt like he couldn't handle the situation, but he needed to be strong deep down "I guess so..." He said in a sombre tone, clearly expressing the dislike of his current situation. He hated not having the freedom to go where he pleases freely, especially since assassins have been watching his every move.

He was hoping that he would not drag anyone else into this mess, like he has with Aurin. It was already a big burden on his shoulders. He felt guilty but he knew he must ride it out.

"A gin please." He said to the bartender, clearly not in the mood for conversation, he kept quiet as the bartender passed him a drink, before leaving him to meditate. He stared at the gin glass, before exhaling deeply. The stress was tearing him down, making it impossible for him to focus on what really mattered. ۞

[Torin Kilvin]

The workday had been calm and productive; Torin already beginning his work on the first order for House Leukos. Timon had taken up his station in the little shop, though neither of them really expected many customers yet. Even in their old master's shop customers coming in the front door hadn't been a constant thing. At the brand new Kilvin's Forge, they didn't even get one person a day, and the ones they did get were either after mundane work that, as much as it embarrassed him to say, wasn't worth the time it would take Torin to make, or else just taking the measure of the place for possible future purchases. New years would be coming, and with it a season of giving, which would earn him some custom. The word of mouth about his work on gifts that other smiths didn't have time for would help, earning him the first pieces of his reputation as an independent craftsman. But that was still months away, so Torin was content, happy even, to work on the larger orders for his patrons and Timon was more than happy to bury himself in the books his new master had bought to further his education.

Torin usually went out in the evening, if none of his friends were available to spend time with him. Sometimes he took the precocious twelve-year-old Timon with him, if he was going somewhere he knew. Tonight, however, Timon seemed too intent on finishing one of his books that Torin only made sure he had food enough for his supper before taking himself off into the rapidly cooling night.

He had meant to explore the High Hopes almost since he'd arrived in the city and heard about it, but one thing and another had meant he never had. Now that he had a steady income and wasn't terribly worried about expenses he let his feet lead him into the famous tavern. The inside was surprisingly quiet, more so than he'd expected, which pleased him well. He was sure the nights of screaming and fights hadn't been exaggerated, and while he might come by for the spectacle someday, it was nicer to get to know a place when you could hear yourself think.

The barstools were almost empty, just one older man in the corner with a pipe, looking lost in his own faraway thoughts, and a young Avialea man sitting in the middle. Torin took up a seat near the younger man, not the one directly next to him, but with only one empty stool between them.

"Hello." He said, sounding so friendly and earnest some people took him for ingenuine, first to the bartender, and then to the Avialea. "I'll just have an ale please, house special, thank you."

Torin always tried the house special, he liked to know places by how they chose to present themselves. He casually examined his bar-mate while he waited for the drink. The winged-man seemed tense, maybe he was having a bad day. The young smith didn't say anything else until his greeting was acknowledged, or not, if it wasn't, but he half turned with a friendly expression, in case a conversation might help.

[Aurelio]

19th Ash, Year 121, A.O.S
Company: Torin | Theme: Investigation | Thoughts: Well, closing time... | Mood: Cautious

---

۞ Aurelio was invested in his thoughts as he thought about the dangers of the cult. Perhaps Aurin was right, he shouldn't have gone down in Hahseu, but it was his job. It was a slayer contract after all; a duty that needed to be tended to. He stared into his gin for a moment as the more he thought about the situation, the more it would agitate him. He needed a way to pass time. A blonde male with extensive features sat beside him as he nodded at him. He couldn't help but feel like he needed a sense of company. After all, it was lonely in the tavern, never mind the bar. Perhaps it was a great time to get to know more people, that way Aurelio would have more friends; incase shit happens.

He walked up to the other man and offered him a friendly smile "Mind if I join you?" He asked as he nodded. It was clear that the Avialae was lonely; it was always comforting to talk to strangers, but yet Aurin had reminded him the dangers of going out to the bar. He was to avoid any bad drinking habits and getting himself into a state like last time. However, it was fun; sometimes, fun needed to have a limit in dire situations. There was an unknown killer on the loose, followed by the reporting of multiple missing persons cases across the board.

"Long day..."

He exhaled as he tried his best to relax and act cool; but the tension within him kept rising up within him. He needed a moment to calm himself, perhaps engaging with conversation was the answer to his problems. He needed some time to not think about those certain aspects of danger that Aurin had warned him about. He also didn't want to drag anyone else into his problems, so he kept things brief. There wasn't anyone at the High Hopes but a few patrons and Torin himself.

"So tell me, what are you doing alone on a night like this, do you come here often?" He asked.۞

[Torin Kilvin]

Torin had no knowledge of the things plaguing their way through the tall redhead's mind. His drink arrived and the only thing he was really thinking about, other than evaluating the ale, was how the man reminded him vaguely of Aurin. Perhaps he could slip away into the cottage that evening, if Aurin wasn't waiting for him when he got home. The older man had a key, of course, and Timon would have let him in regardless. The two seemed to be growing thick as thieves despite their short acquaintance. Then again, Torin himself had only known Aurin a few days when...

A faint color stained his high cheeks and he smiled into his drink, banishing the thought before he made a fool of himself.

When the other man stood and moved closer his smile spread into a grin and he nodded, "Please, do." He nodded to the barstool right beside himself and nodded to the bartender, so he would bring them both another when their first drinks were empty. "Let me buy you a drink."

There was nothing of flirting in his words, only a deep desire to be friendly and helpful, and perhaps the exuberance of being his own man with his own money. He nodded at the mention of a long day.

"I work a forge, I know just what you mean about a long day." He rolled shoulders that were big even by Avialea standards, showing how sore he was. It wasn't bad, in truth, or, perhaps he was just used to it.

The question was one he heard many times before, people were curious when he was out by himself, so he shrugged one shoulder and said,

"I'm a bachelor, just starting out with my own business, no one to cook for me at home, so I just come out for a bit of supper and conversation, when I can get it. Are you hungry? I'm more than happy to order for two in exchange for the company."

The truth was Torin liked feeding people, he liked providing, even for strangers. He had a maid coming to clean and do a bit of baking for him twice a week because he listened to strangers. The woman had needed work and was well trained, but her reputation had been ruined by the mechinations of the nobility. So, he got a nicer home life and she got some much needed income. Things worked out, it seemed to the very young smith, if people were kind to each other and lent a hand when one was needed.

The Avialea didn't look like he'd missed many meals but you never knew what someone was going through. "I've never been here before, actually. I like trying new places. I only came to the city a year back, so I like to see what there is on offer. Is this your normal haunt?"

[Aurelio]

19th Ash, Year 121, A.O.S
Company: Torin | Theme: Investigation | Thoughts: Well, closing time... | Mood: Cautious

---

۞ It was awkward for Aurelio; especially when he was told by Aurin to spend his time with people he knew. However, he couldn't help but see the friendly nature of the blonde male as he was also filled with the same naivety as him; except he didn't have wings. To live up to those wings was a burden on him; as soon as he offered him a drink; he smiled and nodded "Why thank you, it isn't every day you meet a stranger who buys you a drink." He said as he made brief eye contact with the man for a moment. The golden glow in his eyes indicated Hytori features.

When he mentioned he works a forge, Aurelio furrowed his eyebrows as he moved closer "Ahh, I was looking for someone earlier to make me a new weapon, but they were closed, so I came here instead." He said with a chuckle as he opens his mouth to ask another question; as soon as he did monster hunters from Slayer's Keep would come in rowdy. It appeared they were going on a pub crawl with their colleagues. As soon as they saw Aurelio they cheered and screamed loudly "Oi! Aurelio, you two love birds having it on yet!" He said as he gulped. He sighed and rolled his eyes in seriousness. It was clear he wanted a quiet night, but it appears that people ruin it.

"Don't mind them, they are very special people to work with."

Aurelio would have left if Torin wasn't there. He gladly nodded to the offer of food as he rolled his eyes. He didn't care what the slayers would say about him. He was hungry and longing for company for the night, perhaps he could help him with the embarrassment of dealing with his own faction. He pondered on his previous point he made before about the forge "So, you work a forge huh? You're Mr. Kilvin if I remember the exact name... Must be complicated; a young boy like you running a business." He said with chuckle; it made him feel better about his Avialae routes. It appeared everyone had hardships in life, including those who were non-Avialae.

"Interestingly I stopped by there, hoping someone was around to craft me a better weapon, but it had been closed." He said with a shrug "Funny enough, I meet him in this bar, for which I tend to go very rarely, last time I was here... I made an absolute fool of myself" He sighed.

"I'm behaving tonight, I don't wanna drink too much..." He uttered with a frown.۞

[Torin Kilvin]

Torin returned the eye contact with the ease of a man who has never truly done harm to another sentient being in his life. He gave a little laugh at the exclamation,

"Just buy one for a stranger in return someday, that way the whole world gets a free drink."

Taking a long swallow of the ale, which was bitter at first but ended in sweeter, hoppy tones which he wasn't sure he liked but didn't dislike either, he nodded,

"Most of the shops close around dusk here, some even earlier. I guess business is good if they can do so. Though," He rubbed a hand against the back of his neck a little abashed at having been caught, "I closed up a few minutes early myself today. My assistant wanted some free time and my business is very new so the chances of customers wandering in off the street aren't high. What sort of weapon were you looking to have made? I don't mean to steal another man's custom if you've your heart set on the smith you chose, or you use him regularly, but if you aren't I could surely use the word of mouth you might spread. I'll even give you a discount as one of my first customers."

The offer was generous, but he was feeling generous. His contract with house Leukos would ensure he didn't starve or default on the taxes of his home but he was still looking to expand his customer base for once-in-a-while jobs.

"I blacksmith and runesmith, apprenticed for fifteen years under two different masters." He sounded half proud and half shy listing his abilities out loud. When the loud group entered and greeted the Avialea by name, Aurelio, Torin was about to tell him that he could join his friends, and not to worry about him. But the golden-winged man didn't seem inclined to join them, a little embarrassed even. To show his acceptance of his companion staying right where he was Torin waved over the bartender and ordered two dinners, letting Aurelio pick his own as he wanted.

Thinking it was a bit rude of him not to give his own name at this point he said, "I'm Torin." Before blinking in surprise as his own last name was also provided. "Yes. I mean, I am Torin Kilvin." He flushed a bit deeper at his own awkwardness but relaxed again as they began to talk business. "I suppose I am the only smith on the street, aren't I?"

He wasn't offended at being called a young boy, but there was something inside him that thought he might be, someday. He did not puff his chest up or state his age, just shrugged one shoulder again. "As I said, I started very young. I assure you, I am qualified. I have a contract to work for House Leukos, but I have spare time to work for other clients." He tried to sound professional as he said it. It was all true, after all.

"I should only buy you the one drink then? Probably for the best, I'll only have two myself, gotta be up early to work. A man has to make a living after all." Glancing over at the obviously mercenary type men who had greeted Aurelio he asked, "What do you do? I'd like to understand how best to craft you a new weapon."

A weapon, like any tool, could mean the difference between success and failure, and unlike most other tools, the difference between life and death. The more he knew, the better he could work.

[Aurelio]

19th Ash, Year 121, A.O.S
Company: Torin and Bar Patrons | Theme: Investigation | Thoughts: Ahh, a blacksmith | Mood: Intrigued

---

۞ He smiled at his friendly expression as he looked over at the other male, it seemed as if he had a friendly demeanor and meant well. However, he couldnt help but feel a flow of innocence and naivety upon him. Perhaps he was young like him, wanting to find his place within the world. He listened intently as he went further took a sip, shrugging "I was hoping I could've gotten an inquiry about service before I left, I can understand wanting the free time; it must be hard starting your own business" He smiled with a shrug, feeling better about his current life struggles. The sense of loneliness did bother him as the Synnekar were battleworn, strong and relentless. He was yet to be all of those.

He smiled at the way he talked through his impressive feats as a blacksmith; they didn't sound arrogant and brutish like most people would, it was more humble. There was an air of shyness about him as he listed his abilities out loud, knowing that he would be a great asset he simply nodded. The eye contact this time was strong, intense as his golden eyes interlaced his soul for a moment, that was until one of the slayer's got between them "Oh go on, y'know you want to" Aurelio sighed, rolling his eyes "Oh shut up, Brixtan, go fuck... Cecilia or whatever her name is at the Velvet Cabaret, I'm sure she's dying to see you" He returned in exchange as they left him to his devices again.

He smiled at the name said before him "Aurelio, but call me Lio" He exchanged as he looked over at him "Hmm... The platter sounds good, if you don't mind sharing of course" He asked for a moment, knowing how Kalzasi cuisine was he was dying to have a taste. He was hungry, famished. His appetite roared as he stared over at the man "So, you're the smithy that I came to see, I didn't realise we'd cross paths" He smiled curiously "Perhaps, we can make a deal, I was looking over at your armory wrack and saw that you made the lightest quality armor thats protective but movable, that would be heavily useful on the battlefield, especially when defending Kalzasi from monsters..."" He said in a humble delight as he didn't like to brag that he was a Slayer; it was nothing exciting really, they went in did the contract and came out with tons of bruises, scars and what not. If they were unlucky, they wouldn't come back at all. It was a high risk, high reward job, someone had to do it.

His eyes wondered around the room for a moment, as if in caution. He had been paranoid by his last experience with Aurin, knowing that he did exactly as he said that day, he still couldn't help have the feeling of being watched as he smiled nervously "Early eh, like me then..." He said with a smile "Slayer's Keep keeps me on my toes with monster hunter contracts; although that being said, some monsters are... relentless if you will. It can be hard piercing through the skin of some creatures, my prefered weapon is polearms; so spears, glaives, anything you can come up with" He asked curiously as he stumbled with his words slightly.

It was clear that the recent incidents were taking a toll on his mental psyche, making him stressed for no reason. ۞

[Torin Kilvin]

Torin made a side-to-side gesture with one hand,

"Less about wanting the free time, but about giving my apprentice time to study and the fact that we haven't had a single customer of consequence, I mean, one who actually made an order, since we opened. The fact that you happened along on the first day he and I both decide that remaining open for the final half-hour was pointless is..." He wasn't sure of the word to use' A joke of the gods', seemed applicable but he tried out, "Ironic?" Making it a humorous question.

"But either way, I'm here now, ready to listen to whatever you might need, assuming my poor customer service of closing early didn't scare you away." He was still smiling, still gently joking, but there were some people that would have been so offended by his lack of business etiquette that they would have taken their custom elsewhere.

The intrusion into the conversation was confusing, and quite rude. The rude response from the winged redhead made the exchange seem almost by route, as if it were something that happened to him often, or as if he knew the person well. The name of the woman from the Cabaret was familiar to him, though he wasn't close with any of the staff, Aurin had talked random shop as pillow talk occasionally.

Torin nodded happily at the suggestion for their meal, he enjoyed sharing though...
Looking over Aurelio from his booted feet all the way up to his shock of red hair Torin wondered if they still wouldn't need two. "Let's order the platter, and maybe the cheese tray as well?" He asked sheepishly, not wanting to admit that after a long day of swinging a hammer he might accidentally eat everything himself.

"A happy coincidence, I hope?" He asked, genuinely sounding hopeful, "But yes, I am the Kilvin on the sign." He flushed lightly, as if embarrassed to be displayed so openly as on a public sign. When the conversation turned to shop talk he took on a more serious expression.

"I can make armor, aye, the things you saw in the display are already purchased by someone else, and likely wouldn't fit you, but I can make custom things. Were you looking for blacksmith work, or runesmith? I can make good, light armor with just my smithing forge, but I could make it harder than the thickest armor without making it any heavier with my runeforge." It wasn't bragging, more like laying out the options. His eyebrows rose at the mention of the Slayers, and then he looked again at the assortment of other mercenary-looking men who were still making a ruckus at a table farther away. Oh.

"I would be happy to provide arms and armor for a man who works to keep our city safe." It was a little odd that he included himself in ownership of the city now, but it felt correct. He owned a space in it, earned his living there.

"I just got a new project to make a polearm." It didn't feel necessary to mention that the project would be for himself, since he'd only had one to practice with during his visit to the far Northern town of Starfall. "It wouldn't be out of my way to make a second one at the same time. Is there a type of beast you're looking to slay, or would a general strength and sharpness enchantment do the job?"

The look of slow stress that Torin was beginning to recognize on Aurelio made him want to put a hand out and rest it on the man's shoulder comfortingly, but they had only just met, and in friendship, as most other things, Torin was learning to try and take it slow.

[Aurelio]

19th Ash, Year 121, A.O.S
Company: Torin and Bar Patrons | Theme: Investigation | Thoughts: Ahh, a blacksmith | Mood: Intrigued

---

۞ Aurelio chuckled at the start, knowing that apprentices do need time to study and to forward their knowledge; he also needed to do that from time to time during his training when he was younger. It always helped process things clearer once you had a break and took things on a slower pace. He knew very well what learning and training was all about, he was also still learning the routes of life as a young Avialae. Although, classed as an adult after completing his Warrens March, it still felt like he had alot more to learn in life. He wanted to know who he truely was.

Soul-searching would have to wait as he listened to Torin carefully. He smiled as he nodded at the business options he was making, however he shook his head when he heard about his customer service being poor "It's no big deal, I'm sure we can come to some sort of arrangement, if you know what I mean" He asked curiously. The blonde muscular man in front of him appeared to be in a jovial mood, like he was somewhat happy-go-lucky. It amused Aurelio in a way as he smiled at him, like he was in a daydreamy phase.

He snapped out as soon as he mentioned their food "Oh... Err yes, of course, the cheese tray does sound lovely" He laughed it off, although he couldnt help but feel his anxiety stir around. The thought of Aurin getting hurt whilst he was under Hahseu was still at the back of his mind. Although, he did exactly as he told him to as he tried his best to concentrate on the services that Torin was offering him, but it appeared he was troubled deeply.

"I'm sorry, I zoned out for a second" He said with worry in his eyes.

"Could you repeat that?" ۞

[Torin Kilvin]

It was pleasant that Aurelio was not offended by his lack of experience and customer relations as of yet. It made the young smith more eager to work with him, more disposed to ensure he got what he needed. If there were people in the world worth protecting with good weapons and armor, wasn't it the ones who weren't assholes?

The food arrived, a large platter filled with a sampling of the regional dishes of Kalzasi, as well as some that were popular for just the High Hopes. Refills to their drinks arrived at the same time, being passed over by a young serving woman with hair at least as red as Aurelio's. She looked them both over and popped one eyebrow as if to say she wouldn't mind a tumble with either of them, or even both. Torin blushes and looked down at his reflection in his mug until she moved on. She gave a little laugh, which he assumed was due to his shyness even though he didn't look up to see if she was even reacting to him.

When he heard her move off he looked back up and gave a sort of 'whew' expression to Aurelio, though, for all Torin knew, the man might be interested in bedding the woman. Putting all such ideas out of his head before his imagination tried to torment him with images he pulled the tray over and picked up his eating utensils and eyed the food looking for what he wanted to try first. It took him a moment to realize his dinner companion might not want to eat off the same large tray so he asked,

"Would you like to each have our own plate? I'm so used to eating with other apprentices that it doesn't bother me, but if you'd like, we can."

Once the matter was decided he dug in like a teenager that did hard, physical labor for a living. Because he was, and he did. His body required large quantities of food and he sometimes thought he was going to be hungry all the time for the rest of his life. His table manners were good, though they were country manners and didn't include anything specifically genteel. The food was good, simple and hearty, just the sort he liked. The spicing was different from what he was used to, but not bad.

The irony of the situation was the sort that could only be appreciated by gods. If Torin had known to ask, had known that Aurelio knew Aurin, he had the means, literally under his shirt, to contact the older man and relieve the younger's fears. But he did not, and Aurelio did not, and Auren did not. Even if Aurin had known that the two younger men were together that night it was unlikely he would have thought that they might worry for him enough to check-in.

Blinking when he was asked to repeat himself Torin at first looked confused and then smiled his shy little while,

"Which part? I'm sorry, I guess I just started talking about my work and got a bit lost in it. Please, ask any questions you had in mind and I'll try and keep my answer more brief this time."