Steel Survivor

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Hello! I'm Isa Gear-Claw, and I'm a dragonborn! I, uh... haven't actually done much of any dragonborn-y things. But! I still am one! So! Yeah.

[varyn-indoril]

Isa knocks softly on the door to Varyn's house, fidgetting anxiously with the small bundle in her hands. She hoped he was home, otherwise she might not have the confidence to try again when he got back.

( @mechanical-dovahkiin )

Varyn had been making final preparations, and also gathering the courage to ask Crow if they wanted to be adopted, too. Hearing the knock had him immediately abandoning his anxious adjustments and quickly heading to the front door to open it. Instead of his usual chitin armour, Varyn was wearing a simple black tunic and matching trousers. Without his armour, he seemed much less intimidating.

"Hello, Isa. It's good to see you. Come in."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled slightly and entered, looking around at the house.

"Hi! Sorry if I interrupted anything, I just, uh... well, I have something I want to give you but I was starting to overthink it so I came here to give it to you before my brain decided to fry itself."

She chuckled, holding out the bundle she was holding. It was, naturally, covered in various stains of oil and dirt, and was more of a small cloth wrapped around something than a proper bundle.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn was immediately touched. "Oh! Thank you." He took the bundle with and carefully unwrapped it.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

The knot holding the cloth in its bundled shape came undone easily, revealing a pocket watch that ticked happily. Isa fidgetted nervously.

"I've been working on it on and off for a long time, and I finally finished it. Watches are... well, they're sort of a test of maturity, is the best way I can explain it. We don't really keep track of age, so much as we do skill, and clocks are very precise, watches especially since they're so small, so they're the perfect test. I didn't really know what to do with it when I finished it, so... since my father isn't around for me to present it to him and pass the test, I decided to do the next best thing and give it to you."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn is incredibly touched by this gift. He holds it reverently, awed by it, and feeling a strong sense of pride. She made this. Incredible. "It is beautiful, Isa. A marvel. Thank you."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled proudly and hugged him.

"I'm glad you like it."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn was momentarily surprised by the hug before he returned it. He hadn't realized how much he needed someone to look at him in a positive light. It was nice. He could definitely get used to the hugging.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa squeezed him slightly before letting go, still smiling.

"I like that I can do that without panicking now. Hugging people is nice."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn smiled. "Yeah. It is. I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to hug me. Means I'm doing an okay job at not scaring you off," he joked.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa frowned at the joke, but decided not to comment on it.

"You look comfy. Do you have a set like that that might fit me? All I have is my armor and that's, well..."

She picked at a loose string on her sleeve.

"Not the greatest."

[varyn-indoril]

"I've got a few spares, but they'll probably be big on you. Maybe I could take you to Radiant Raiment in Solitude and we could get you something that will fit."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"I'd appreciate it. Thanks... dad."

She tilted her head after calling him that, considering the choice further.

"Yeah, I like that. Dad."

She hugged him again.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn returned the hug, feeling a warmth in his cold heart. Dad. He liked that, too. "You're welcome, kid. Glad to help."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"I should probably go now. Rusty's joints are, well, rusty. He's been whining almost nonstop about it, especially since he can't play with Jigsaw."

Despite this, she did not let go of Varyn.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn smiled and patted her back. "You want me to tag along?"

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Yes please."

Isa kept hugging him. She seemed entirely determined to not let go no matter what either of them said.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn chuckled. "How about we settle for a side hug so we can walk?"

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Mmm... carry me? You can put me back down when we get to my work area."

She chuckled as well, grinning.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn shakes his head in amusement. "As you wish." He picks her up with ease and begins heading toward her work area.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Yay!"

Isa holds on tightly as she is carried.

"This is fun."

[varyn-indoril]

"I'm glad."

Upon arrival, Varyn sets Isa down.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa grabbed her tools and sat down in front of Rusty, getting to work on removing the rust from its joints.

[varyn-indoril]

Isa knocks softly on the door to Varyn's house, fidgetting anxiously with the small bundle in her hands. She hoped he was home, otherwise she might not have the confidence to try again when he got back.

( @mechanical-dovahkiin )

Varyn had been making final preparations, and also gathering the courage to ask Crow if they wanted to be adopted, too. Hearing the knock had him immediately abandoning his anxious adjustments and quickly heading to the front door to open it. Instead of his usual chitin armour, Varyn was wearing a simple black tunic and matching trousers. Without his armour, he seemed much less intimidating.

"Hello, Isa. It's good to see you. Come in."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled slightly and entered, looking around at the house.

"Hi! Sorry if I interrupted anything, I just, uh... well, I have something I want to give you but I was starting to overthink it so I came here to give it to you before my brain decided to fry itself."

She chuckled, holding out the bundle she was holding. It was, naturally, covered in various stains of oil and dirt, and was more of a small cloth wrapped around something than a proper bundle.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn was immediately touched. "Oh! Thank you." He took the bundle with and carefully unwrapped it.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

The knot holding the cloth in its bundled shape came undone easily, revealing a pocket watch that ticked happily. Isa fidgetted nervously.

"I've been working on it on and off for a long time, and I finally finished it. Watches are... well, they're sort of a test of maturity, is the best way I can explain it. We don't really keep track of age, so much as we do skill, and clocks are very precise, watches especially since they're so small, so they're the perfect test. I didn't really know what to do with it when I finished it, so... since my father isn't around for me to present it to him and pass the test, I decided to do the next best thing and give it to you."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn is incredibly touched by this gift. He holds it reverently, awed by it, and feeling a strong sense of pride. She made this. Incredible. "It is beautiful, Isa. A marvel. Thank you."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled proudly and hugged him.

"I'm glad you like it."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn was momentarily surprised by the hug before he returned it. He hadn't realized how much he needed someone to look at him in a positive light. It was nice. He could definitely get used to the hugging.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa squeezed him slightly before letting go, still smiling.

"I like that I can do that without panicking now. Hugging people is nice."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn smiled. "Yeah. It is. I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to hug me. Means I'm doing an okay job at not scaring you off," he joked.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa frowned at the joke, but decided not to comment on it.

"You look comfy. Do you have a set like that that might fit me? All I have is my armor and that's, well..."

She picked at a loose string on her sleeve.

"Not the greatest."

[varyn-indoril]

"I've got a few spares, but they'll probably be big on you. Maybe I could take you to Radiant Raiment in Solitude and we could get you something that will fit."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"I'd appreciate it. Thanks... dad."

She tilted her head after calling him that, considering the choice further.

"Yeah, I like that. Dad."

She hugged him again.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn returned the hug, feeling a warmth in his cold heart. Dad. He liked that, too. "You're welcome, kid. Glad to help."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"I should probably go now. Rusty's joints are, well, rusty. He's been whining almost nonstop about it, especially since he can't play with Jigsaw."

Despite this, she did not let go of Varyn.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn smiled and patted her back. "You want me to tag along?"

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Yes please."

Isa kept hugging him. She seemed entirely determined to not let go no matter what either of them said.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn chuckled. "How about we settle for a side hug so we can walk?"

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Mmm... carry me? You can put me back down when we get to my work area."

She chuckled as well, grinning.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn shakes his head in amusement. "As you wish." He picks her up with ease and begins heading toward her work area.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Yay!"

Isa holds on tightly as she is carried.

"This is fun."

[varyn-indoril]

Isa knocks softly on the door to Varyn's house, fidgetting anxiously with the small bundle in her hands. She hoped he was home, otherwise she might not have the confidence to try again when he got back.

( @mechanical-dovahkiin )

Varyn had been making final preparations, and also gathering the courage to ask Crow if they wanted to be adopted, too. Hearing the knock had him immediately abandoning his anxious adjustments and quickly heading to the front door to open it. Instead of his usual chitin armour, Varyn was wearing a simple black tunic and matching trousers. Without his armour, he seemed much less intimidating.

"Hello, Isa. It's good to see you. Come in."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled slightly and entered, looking around at the house.

"Hi! Sorry if I interrupted anything, I just, uh... well, I have something I want to give you but I was starting to overthink it so I came here to give it to you before my brain decided to fry itself."

She chuckled, holding out the bundle she was holding. It was, naturally, covered in various stains of oil and dirt, and was more of a small cloth wrapped around something than a proper bundle.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn was immediately touched. "Oh! Thank you." He took the bundle with and carefully unwrapped it.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

The knot holding the cloth in its bundled shape came undone easily, revealing a pocket watch that ticked happily. Isa fidgetted nervously.

"I've been working on it on and off for a long time, and I finally finished it. Watches are... well, they're sort of a test of maturity, is the best way I can explain it. We don't really keep track of age, so much as we do skill, and clocks are very precise, watches especially since they're so small, so they're the perfect test. I didn't really know what to do with it when I finished it, so... since my father isn't around for me to present it to him and pass the test, I decided to do the next best thing and give it to you."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn is incredibly touched by this gift. He holds it reverently, awed by it, and feeling a strong sense of pride. She made this. Incredible. "It is beautiful, Isa. A marvel. Thank you."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled proudly and hugged him.

"I'm glad you like it."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn was momentarily surprised by the hug before he returned it. He hadn't realized how much he needed someone to look at him in a positive light. It was nice. He could definitely get used to the hugging.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa squeezed him slightly before letting go, still smiling.

"I like that I can do that without panicking now. Hugging people is nice."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn smiled. "Yeah. It is. I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to hug me. Means I'm doing an okay job at not scaring you off," he joked.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa frowned at the joke, but decided not to comment on it.

"You look comfy. Do you have a set like that that might fit me? All I have is my armor and that's, well..."

She picked at a loose string on her sleeve.

"Not the greatest."

[varyn-indoril]

"I've got a few spares, but they'll probably be big on you. Maybe I could take you to Radiant Raiment in Solitude and we could get you something that will fit."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"I'd appreciate it. Thanks... dad."

She tilted her head after calling him that, considering the choice further.

"Yeah, I like that. Dad."

She hugged him again.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn returned the hug, feeling a warmth in his cold heart. Dad. He liked that, too. "You're welcome, kid. Glad to help."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"I should probably go now. Rusty's joints are, well, rusty. He's been whining almost nonstop about it, especially since he can't play with Jigsaw."

Despite this, she did not let go of Varyn.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn smiled and patted her back. "You want me to tag along?"

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Yes please."

Isa kept hugging him. She seemed entirely determined to not let go no matter what either of them said.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn chuckled. "How about we settle for a side hug so we can walk?"

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Mmm... carry me? You can put me back down when we get to my work area."

She chuckled as well, grinning.

[varyn-indoril]

Isa knocks softly on the door to Varyn's house, fidgetting anxiously with the small bundle in her hands. She hoped he was home, otherwise she might not have the confidence to try again when he got back.

( @mechanical-dovahkiin )

Varyn had been making final preparations, and also gathering the courage to ask Crow if they wanted to be adopted, too. Hearing the knock had him immediately abandoning his anxious adjustments and quickly heading to the front door to open it. Instead of his usual chitin armour, Varyn was wearing a simple black tunic and matching trousers. Without his armour, he seemed much less intimidating.

"Hello, Isa. It's good to see you. Come in."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled slightly and entered, looking around at the house.

"Hi! Sorry if I interrupted anything, I just, uh... well, I have something I want to give you but I was starting to overthink it so I came here to give it to you before my brain decided to fry itself."

She chuckled, holding out the bundle she was holding. It was, naturally, covered in various stains of oil and dirt, and was more of a small cloth wrapped around something than a proper bundle.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn was immediately touched. "Oh! Thank you." He took the bundle with and carefully unwrapped it.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

The knot holding the cloth in its bundled shape came undone easily, revealing a pocket watch that ticked happily. Isa fidgetted nervously.

"I've been working on it on and off for a long time, and I finally finished it. Watches are... well, they're sort of a test of maturity, is the best way I can explain it. We don't really keep track of age, so much as we do skill, and clocks are very precise, watches especially since they're so small, so they're the perfect test. I didn't really know what to do with it when I finished it, so... since my father isn't around for me to present it to him and pass the test, I decided to do the next best thing and give it to you."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn is incredibly touched by this gift. He holds it reverently, awed by it, and feeling a strong sense of pride. She made this. Incredible. "It is beautiful, Isa. A marvel. Thank you."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled proudly and hugged him.

"I'm glad you like it."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn was momentarily surprised by the hug before he returned it. He hadn't realized how much he needed someone to look at him in a positive light. It was nice. He could definitely get used to the hugging.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa squeezed him slightly before letting go, still smiling.

"I like that I can do that without panicking now. Hugging people is nice."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn smiled. "Yeah. It is. I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to hug me. Means I'm doing an okay job at not scaring you off," he joked.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa frowned at the joke, but decided not to comment on it.

"You look comfy. Do you have a set like that that might fit me? All I have is my armor and that's, well..."

She picked at a loose string on her sleeve.

"Not the greatest."

[varyn-indoril]

"I've got a few spares, but they'll probably be big on you. Maybe I could take you to Radiant Raiment in Solitude and we could get you something that will fit."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"I'd appreciate it. Thanks... dad."

She tilted her head after calling him that, considering the choice further.

"Yeah, I like that. Dad."

She hugged him again.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn returned the hug, feeling a warmth in his cold heart. Dad. He liked that, too. "You're welcome, kid. Glad to help."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"I should probably go now. Rusty's joints are, well, rusty. He's been whining almost nonstop about it, especially since he can't play with Jigsaw."

Despite this, she did not let go of Varyn.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn smiled and patted her back. "You want me to tag along?"

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Yes please."

Isa kept hugging him. She seemed entirely determined to not let go no matter what either of them said.

[varyn-indoril]

Isa knocks softly on the door to Varyn's house, fidgetting anxiously with the small bundle in her hands. She hoped he was home, otherwise she might not have the confidence to try again when he got back.

( @mechanical-dovahkiin )

Varyn had been making final preparations, and also gathering the courage to ask Crow if they wanted to be adopted, too. Hearing the knock had him immediately abandoning his anxious adjustments and quickly heading to the front door to open it. Instead of his usual chitin armour, Varyn was wearing a simple black tunic and matching trousers. Without his armour, he seemed much less intimidating.

"Hello, Isa. It's good to see you. Come in."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled slightly and entered, looking around at the house.

"Hi! Sorry if I interrupted anything, I just, uh... well, I have something I want to give you but I was starting to overthink it so I came here to give it to you before my brain decided to fry itself."

She chuckled, holding out the bundle she was holding. It was, naturally, covered in various stains of oil and dirt, and was more of a small cloth wrapped around something than a proper bundle.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn was immediately touched. "Oh! Thank you." He took the bundle with and carefully unwrapped it.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

The knot holding the cloth in its bundled shape came undone easily, revealing a pocket watch that ticked happily. Isa fidgetted nervously.

"I've been working on it on and off for a long time, and I finally finished it. Watches are... well, they're sort of a test of maturity, is the best way I can explain it. We don't really keep track of age, so much as we do skill, and clocks are very precise, watches especially since they're so small, so they're the perfect test. I didn't really know what to do with it when I finished it, so... since my father isn't around for me to present it to him and pass the test, I decided to do the next best thing and give it to you."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn is incredibly touched by this gift. He holds it reverently, awed by it, and feeling a strong sense of pride. She made this. Incredible. "It is beautiful, Isa. A marvel. Thank you."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled proudly and hugged him.

"I'm glad you like it."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn was momentarily surprised by the hug before he returned it. He hadn't realized how much he needed someone to look at him in a positive light. It was nice. He could definitely get used to the hugging.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa squeezed him slightly before letting go, still smiling.

"I like that I can do that without panicking now. Hugging people is nice."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn smiled. "Yeah. It is. I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to hug me. Means I'm doing an okay job at not scaring you off," he joked.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa frowned at the joke, but decided not to comment on it.

"You look comfy. Do you have a set like that that might fit me? All I have is my armor and that's, well..."

She picked at a loose string on her sleeve.

"Not the greatest."

[varyn-indoril]

"I've got a few spares, but they'll probably be big on you. Maybe I could take you to Radiant Raiment in Solitude and we could get you something that will fit."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"I'd appreciate it. Thanks... dad."

She tilted her head after calling him that, considering the choice further.

"Yeah, I like that. Dad."

She hugged him again.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn returned the hug, feeling a warmth in his cold heart. Dad. He liked that, too. "You're welcome, kid. Glad to help."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"I should probably go now. Rusty's joints are, well, rusty. He's been whining almost nonstop about it, especially since he can't play with Jigsaw."

Despite this, she did not let go of Varyn.

[varyn-indoril]

Isa knocks softly on the door to Varyn's house, fidgetting anxiously with the small bundle in her hands. She hoped he was home, otherwise she might not have the confidence to try again when he got back.

( @mechanical-dovahkiin )

Varyn had been making final preparations, and also gathering the courage to ask Crow if they wanted to be adopted, too. Hearing the knock had him immediately abandoning his anxious adjustments and quickly heading to the front door to open it. Instead of his usual chitin armour, Varyn was wearing a simple black tunic and matching trousers. Without his armour, he seemed much less intimidating.

"Hello, Isa. It's good to see you. Come in."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled slightly and entered, looking around at the house.

"Hi! Sorry if I interrupted anything, I just, uh... well, I have something I want to give you but I was starting to overthink it so I came here to give it to you before my brain decided to fry itself."

She chuckled, holding out the bundle she was holding. It was, naturally, covered in various stains of oil and dirt, and was more of a small cloth wrapped around something than a proper bundle.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn was immediately touched. "Oh! Thank you." He took the bundle with and carefully unwrapped it.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

The knot holding the cloth in its bundled shape came undone easily, revealing a pocket watch that ticked happily. Isa fidgetted nervously.

"I've been working on it on and off for a long time, and I finally finished it. Watches are... well, they're sort of a test of maturity, is the best way I can explain it. We don't really keep track of age, so much as we do skill, and clocks are very precise, watches especially since they're so small, so they're the perfect test. I didn't really know what to do with it when I finished it, so... since my father isn't around for me to present it to him and pass the test, I decided to do the next best thing and give it to you."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn is incredibly touched by this gift. He holds it reverently, awed by it, and feeling a strong sense of pride. She made this. Incredible. "It is beautiful, Isa. A marvel. Thank you."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled proudly and hugged him.

"I'm glad you like it."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn was momentarily surprised by the hug before he returned it. He hadn't realized how much he needed someone to look at him in a positive light. It was nice. He could definitely get used to the hugging.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa squeezed him slightly before letting go, still smiling.

"I like that I can do that without panicking now. Hugging people is nice."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn smiled. "Yeah. It is. I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to hug me. Means I'm doing an okay job at not scaring you off," he joked.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa frowned at the joke, but decided not to comment on it.

"You look comfy. Do you have a set like that that might fit me? All I have is my armor and that's, well..."

She picked at a loose string on her sleeve.

"Not the greatest."

[varyn-indoril]

"I've got a few spares, but they'll probably be big on you. Maybe I could take you to Radiant Raiment in Solitude and we could get you something that will fit."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"I'd appreciate it. Thanks... dad."

She tilted her head after calling him that, considering the choice further.

"Yeah, I like that. Dad."

She hugged him again.

[varyn-indoril]

Isa knocks softly on the door to Varyn's house, fidgetting anxiously with the small bundle in her hands. She hoped he was home, otherwise she might not have the confidence to try again when he got back.

( @mechanical-dovahkiin )

Varyn had been making final preparations, and also gathering the courage to ask Crow if they wanted to be adopted, too. Hearing the knock had him immediately abandoning his anxious adjustments and quickly heading to the front door to open it. Instead of his usual chitin armour, Varyn was wearing a simple black tunic and matching trousers. Without his armour, he seemed much less intimidating.

"Hello, Isa. It's good to see you. Come in."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled slightly and entered, looking around at the house.

"Hi! Sorry if I interrupted anything, I just, uh... well, I have something I want to give you but I was starting to overthink it so I came here to give it to you before my brain decided to fry itself."

She chuckled, holding out the bundle she was holding. It was, naturally, covered in various stains of oil and dirt, and was more of a small cloth wrapped around something than a proper bundle.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn was immediately touched. "Oh! Thank you." He took the bundle with and carefully unwrapped it.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

The knot holding the cloth in its bundled shape came undone easily, revealing a pocket watch that ticked happily. Isa fidgetted nervously.

"I've been working on it on and off for a long time, and I finally finished it. Watches are... well, they're sort of a test of maturity, is the best way I can explain it. We don't really keep track of age, so much as we do skill, and clocks are very precise, watches especially since they're so small, so they're the perfect test. I didn't really know what to do with it when I finished it, so... since my father isn't around for me to present it to him and pass the test, I decided to do the next best thing and give it to you."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn is incredibly touched by this gift. He holds it reverently, awed by it, and feeling a strong sense of pride. She made this. Incredible. "It is beautiful, Isa. A marvel. Thank you."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled proudly and hugged him.

"I'm glad you like it."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn was momentarily surprised by the hug before he returned it. He hadn't realized how much he needed someone to look at him in a positive light. It was nice. He could definitely get used to the hugging.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa squeezed him slightly before letting go, still smiling.

"I like that I can do that without panicking now. Hugging people is nice."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn smiled. "Yeah. It is. I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to hug me. Means I'm doing an okay job at not scaring you off," he joked.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa frowned at the joke, but decided not to comment on it.

"You look comfy. Do you have a set like that that might fit me? All I have is my armor and that's, well..."

She picked at a loose string on her sleeve.

"Not the greatest."

[varyn-indoril]

Isa knocks softly on the door to Varyn's house, fidgetting anxiously with the small bundle in her hands. She hoped he was home, otherwise she might not have the confidence to try again when he got back.

( @mechanical-dovahkiin )

Varyn had been making final preparations, and also gathering the courage to ask Crow if they wanted to be adopted, too. Hearing the knock had him immediately abandoning his anxious adjustments and quickly heading to the front door to open it. Instead of his usual chitin armour, Varyn was wearing a simple black tunic and matching trousers. Without his armour, he seemed much less intimidating.

"Hello, Isa. It's good to see you. Come in."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled slightly and entered, looking around at the house.

"Hi! Sorry if I interrupted anything, I just, uh... well, I have something I want to give you but I was starting to overthink it so I came here to give it to you before my brain decided to fry itself."

She chuckled, holding out the bundle she was holding. It was, naturally, covered in various stains of oil and dirt, and was more of a small cloth wrapped around something than a proper bundle.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn was immediately touched. "Oh! Thank you." He took the bundle with and carefully unwrapped it.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

The knot holding the cloth in its bundled shape came undone easily, revealing a pocket watch that ticked happily. Isa fidgetted nervously.

"I've been working on it on and off for a long time, and I finally finished it. Watches are... well, they're sort of a test of maturity, is the best way I can explain it. We don't really keep track of age, so much as we do skill, and clocks are very precise, watches especially since they're so small, so they're the perfect test. I didn't really know what to do with it when I finished it, so... since my father isn't around for me to present it to him and pass the test, I decided to do the next best thing and give it to you."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn is incredibly touched by this gift. He holds it reverently, awed by it, and feeling a strong sense of pride. She made this. Incredible. "It is beautiful, Isa. A marvel. Thank you."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled proudly and hugged him.

"I'm glad you like it."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn was momentarily surprised by the hug before he returned it. He hadn't realized how much he needed someone to look at him in a positive light. It was nice. He could definitely get used to the hugging.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa squeezed him slightly before letting go, still smiling.

"I like that I can do that without panicking now. Hugging people is nice."

[varyn-indoril]

Isa knocks softly on the door to Varyn's house, fidgetting anxiously with the small bundle in her hands. She hoped he was home, otherwise she might not have the confidence to try again when he got back.

( @mechanical-dovahkiin )

Varyn had been making final preparations, and also gathering the courage to ask Crow if they wanted to be adopted, too. Hearing the knock had him immediately abandoning his anxious adjustments and quickly heading to the front door to open it. Instead of his usual chitin armour, Varyn was wearing a simple black tunic and matching trousers. Without his armour, he seemed much less intimidating.

"Hello, Isa. It's good to see you. Come in."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled slightly and entered, looking around at the house.

"Hi! Sorry if I interrupted anything, I just, uh... well, I have something I want to give you but I was starting to overthink it so I came here to give it to you before my brain decided to fry itself."

She chuckled, holding out the bundle she was holding. It was, naturally, covered in various stains of oil and dirt, and was more of a small cloth wrapped around something than a proper bundle.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn was immediately touched. "Oh! Thank you." He took the bundle with and carefully unwrapped it.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

The knot holding the cloth in its bundled shape came undone easily, revealing a pocket watch that ticked happily. Isa fidgetted nervously.

"I've been working on it on and off for a long time, and I finally finished it. Watches are... well, they're sort of a test of maturity, is the best way I can explain it. We don't really keep track of age, so much as we do skill, and clocks are very precise, watches especially since they're so small, so they're the perfect test. I didn't really know what to do with it when I finished it, so... since my father isn't around for me to present it to him and pass the test, I decided to do the next best thing and give it to you."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn is incredibly touched by this gift. He holds it reverently, awed by it, and feeling a strong sense of pride. She made this. Incredible. "It is beautiful, Isa. A marvel. Thank you."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled proudly and hugged him.

"I'm glad you like it."

[varyn-indoril]

Isa knocks softly on the door to Varyn's house, fidgetting anxiously with the small bundle in her hands. She hoped he was home, otherwise she might not have the confidence to try again when he got back.

( @mechanical-dovahkiin )

Varyn had been making final preparations, and also gathering the courage to ask Crow if they wanted to be adopted, too. Hearing the knock had him immediately abandoning his anxious adjustments and quickly heading to the front door to open it. Instead of his usual chitin armour, Varyn was wearing a simple black tunic and matching trousers. Without his armour, he seemed much less intimidating.

"Hello, Isa. It's good to see you. Come in."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled slightly and entered, looking around at the house.

"Hi! Sorry if I interrupted anything, I just, uh... well, I have something I want to give you but I was starting to overthink it so I came here to give it to you before my brain decided to fry itself."

She chuckled, holding out the bundle she was holding. It was, naturally, covered in various stains of oil and dirt, and was more of a small cloth wrapped around something than a proper bundle.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn was immediately touched. "Oh! Thank you." He took the bundle with and carefully unwrapped it.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

The knot holding the cloth in its bundled shape came undone easily, revealing a pocket watch that ticked happily. Isa fidgetted nervously.

"I've been working on it on and off for a long time, and I finally finished it. Watches are... well, they're sort of a test of maturity, is the best way I can explain it. We don't really keep track of age, so much as we do skill, and clocks are very precise, watches especially since they're so small, so they're the perfect test. I didn't really know what to do with it when I finished it, so... since my father isn't around for me to present it to him and pass the test, I decided to do the next best thing and give it to you."

[varyn-indoril]

Isa knocks softly on the door to Varyn's house, fidgetting anxiously with the small bundle in her hands. She hoped he was home, otherwise she might not have the confidence to try again when he got back.

( @mechanical-dovahkiin )

Varyn had been making final preparations, and also gathering the courage to ask Crow if they wanted to be adopted, too. Hearing the knock had him immediately abandoning his anxious adjustments and quickly heading to the front door to open it. Instead of his usual chitin armour, Varyn was wearing a simple black tunic and matching trousers. Without his armour, he seemed much less intimidating.

"Hello, Isa. It's good to see you. Come in."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa smiled slightly and entered, looking around at the house.

"Hi! Sorry if I interrupted anything, I just, uh... well, I have something I want to give you but I was starting to overthink it so I came here to give it to you before my brain decided to fry itself."

She chuckled, holding out the bundle she was holding. It was, naturally, covered in various stains of oil and dirt, and was more of a small cloth wrapped around something than a proper bundle.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa had finished the watch. Finally, she'd managed it. It had been a pain in the ass, especially with the way she'd so carelessly undone weeks of progress, but with a few sleepless nights and endless work, she'd done it.

It ticked off the seconds in a steady, soothing rhythm, and to Isa it was the greatest music in the world. But now, she had to wonder. What could she do with it? She'd passed the test, sure, but there was no one left to declare that she'd done so.

She hummed, tapping her cluttered table in sync with the watch's ticking.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Home.

Isa couldn't remember a time she'd felt at home since the thalmor burned her first one down. Blackreach had never provided the same comfort, and being on the surface had an annoying tendency to burn her retinas every twelve hours or so. Home had become a distant concept to her.

For a while, she'd been content to consider anywhere that she was with her automatons home. After all, the saying goes "home is where the heart is", doesn't it? But it never truly felt like home.

Now, Varyn was saying he wanted to adopt her. Her and Crow, together. Isa found that she liked the idea more and more the longer she considered it. Crow was nice to her, her first real friend for as long as she could remember. She didn't know much about Varyn, but what she did know was more than enough to convince her that he was a good person. He'd gone out of his way to help a kid he barely knew, after all, twice. All the way to Valenwood to help Crow when they'd been kidnapped, and then down into Blackreach when Isa had wandered off to die.

Perhaps others would not have been so quick to trust him, but Isa didn't care. She'd finally found her home.

[varyn-indoril]

It took some time, but Varyn managed to track Isa down. Sinderion's lab was much the same as it was when he had last been here. This time, though, Isa was there. Varyn crouched down beside her.

"N'chow, kid. You okay?"

@mechanical-dovahkiin

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa groaned, curling in on herself. She was lying on the stone bed, having kicked the skeleton as far away from it as she could a while ago. Her eyes were closed, but she didn't seem to be asleep.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn sighed and rummaged around in his bag before pulling out some bread and dried meat. "Eat, Isa."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

She groaned again, scowling and trying to move away from him.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn rolled his eyes. "Stop fucking moping and eat some gods-damned food. I didn't come all the way to Blackreach to let you starve yourself."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Go away..."

Isa sat up, moving back until she was against the wall.

[varyn-indoril]

"No. I care about you too much to leave." Varyn held the food closer to her. "Eat, kid. I'm not letting you die."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Why..?"

Isa stared at the food. It was easier than looking at Varyn.

[varyn-indoril]

"You're a smart kid. Smart, kind, brave. It takes guts to walk into a dungeon full of enemies with a mer you barely know. It also takes guts to not immediately recoil when you see what that mer is, and what he's capable of."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"... wasn't smart to walk in with nothing more than a dagger and hope. Wasn't super kind to barely talk to you the whole way. And I don't think anything counts as brave when you have a dwarven centurion as backup. Why do you care so much? I'm just some kid you barely know."

[varyn-indoril]

"Maybe I want to know you better. Maybe I see you in pain and I can't stand that. Maybe I think that no kid should have to be alone like I was."

He paused before continuing. "Plus, maybe I want an apprentice. I've been doing this adventuring thing for almost two centuries. Maybe I want to pass on my knowledge to the next generation or whatever."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"You have Crow for that. They need you more than I do, anyway. I've survived without anyone else for a long time, I can keep going."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn sighed and decided to stop beating around the bush. "Kid, I want to adopt you. Both you and Crow. That's what I'm trying to say. Besides, Centi seems really upset without you. Rusty, too. And Crow needs a friend right now. Someone their own age."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa finally looked up, surprised by his words. She hesitated for a moment, trying to think of something to say, but gave up quickly and settled for moving closer and leaning her head against his shoulder.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn's eyes widened. Perhaps he had been expecting a negative reaction. The trust it took for her to lean against him made his heart ache. He held out the food to her. "Eat, Isa. Please."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

She grumbled quietly, but took the food and started eating, taking small bites so she didn't overwhelm herself.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn sat quietly, letting her eat in peace.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa ate roughly half of the bread he'd brought and couple chunks of the dried meat before setting the rest aside and sighing.

"... thanks."

[varyn-indoril]

"You're welcome. Now, as wonderful as it is to share space with a skeleton, perhaps we should go home. Are you well enough to walk?"

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Uh... maybe? I haven't moved much since I got here. Kind of just went straight to rotting in bed."

[varyn-indoril]

"Let's have you try. If it is too difficult, I can always carry you."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Okay."

She grabs onto one of the shelves by the bed and stands up slowly. She's unsteady at first, but finds her balance after a minute.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn offers his arm for Isa to grab hold of, if she needs help balancing.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

She smiles slightly, accepting the offer.

"Thanks."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn returns her smile. "No problem."

He helps her back home. As they approach the area, he speaks up again. "I bought a house near Crow's... It's spacious enough for you, if you'd like to stay there. Or I can drop you off at Crow's, where Centi and Rusty are. Whatever you want."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Mm... whichever's closer, I don't care either way. I just want to take a nap."

[varyn-indoril]

"To Crow's, then."

Varyn helps Isa get to Crow's home. Once they are at the door, Varyn turns to speak to Isa again. "I'll see you later. I'll probably be back in the morning, but if you need anything before then, my house is not too far west of here. You can send Rusty to get me if you need. Sound okay?"

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Okay."

Isa gave Varyn a short hug, then went inside.

[varyn-indoril]

It took some time, but Varyn managed to track Isa down. Sinderion's lab was much the same as it was when he had last been here. This time, though, Isa was there. Varyn crouched down beside her.

"N'chow, kid. You okay?"

@mechanical-dovahkiin

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa groaned, curling in on herself. She was lying on the stone bed, having kicked the skeleton as far away from it as she could a while ago. Her eyes were closed, but she didn't seem to be asleep.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn sighed and rummaged around in his bag before pulling out some bread and dried meat. "Eat, Isa."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

She groaned again, scowling and trying to move away from him.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn rolled his eyes. "Stop fucking moping and eat some gods-damned food. I didn't come all the way to Blackreach to let you starve yourself."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Go away..."

Isa sat up, moving back until she was against the wall.

[varyn-indoril]

"No. I care about you too much to leave." Varyn held the food closer to her. "Eat, kid. I'm not letting you die."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Why..?"

Isa stared at the food. It was easier than looking at Varyn.

[varyn-indoril]

"You're a smart kid. Smart, kind, brave. It takes guts to walk into a dungeon full of enemies with a mer you barely know. It also takes guts to not immediately recoil when you see what that mer is, and what he's capable of."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"... wasn't smart to walk in with nothing more than a dagger and hope. Wasn't super kind to barely talk to you the whole way. And I don't think anything counts as brave when you have a dwarven centurion as backup. Why do you care so much? I'm just some kid you barely know."

[varyn-indoril]

"Maybe I want to know you better. Maybe I see you in pain and I can't stand that. Maybe I think that no kid should have to be alone like I was."

He paused before continuing. "Plus, maybe I want an apprentice. I've been doing this adventuring thing for almost two centuries. Maybe I want to pass on my knowledge to the next generation or whatever."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"You have Crow for that. They need you more than I do, anyway. I've survived without anyone else for a long time, I can keep going."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn sighed and decided to stop beating around the bush. "Kid, I want to adopt you. Both you and Crow. That's what I'm trying to say. Besides, Centi seems really upset without you. Rusty, too. And Crow needs a friend right now. Someone their own age."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa finally looked up, surprised by his words. She hesitated for a moment, trying to think of something to say, but gave up quickly and settled for moving closer and leaning her head against his shoulder.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn's eyes widened. Perhaps he had been expecting a negative reaction. The trust it took for her to lean against him made his heart ache. He held out the food to her. "Eat, Isa. Please."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

She grumbled quietly, but took the food and started eating, taking small bites so she didn't overwhelm herself.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn sat quietly, letting her eat in peace.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa ate roughly half of the bread he'd brought and couple chunks of the dried meat before setting the rest aside and sighing.

"... thanks."

[varyn-indoril]

"You're welcome. Now, as wonderful as it is to share space with a skeleton, perhaps we should go home. Are you well enough to walk?"

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Uh... maybe? I haven't moved much since I got here. Kind of just went straight to rotting in bed."

[varyn-indoril]

"Let's have you try. If it is too difficult, I can always carry you."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Okay."

She grabs onto one of the shelves by the bed and stands up slowly. She's unsteady at first, but finds her balance after a minute.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn offers his arm for Isa to grab hold of, if she needs help balancing.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

She smiles slightly, accepting the offer.

"Thanks."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn returns her smile. "No problem."

He helps her back home. As they approach the area, he speaks up again. "I bought a house near Crow's... It's spacious enough for you, if you'd like to stay there. Or I can drop you off at Crow's, where Centi and Rusty are. Whatever you want."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Mm... whichever's closer, I don't care either way. I just want to take a nap."

[varyn-indoril]

It took some time, but Varyn managed to track Isa down. Sinderion's lab was much the same as it was when he had last been here. This time, though, Isa was there. Varyn crouched down beside her.

"N'chow, kid. You okay?"

@mechanical-dovahkiin

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa groaned, curling in on herself. She was lying on the stone bed, having kicked the skeleton as far away from it as she could a while ago. Her eyes were closed, but she didn't seem to be asleep.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn sighed and rummaged around in his bag before pulling out some bread and dried meat. "Eat, Isa."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

She groaned again, scowling and trying to move away from him.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn rolled his eyes. "Stop fucking moping and eat some gods-damned food. I didn't come all the way to Blackreach to let you starve yourself."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Go away..."

Isa sat up, moving back until she was against the wall.

[varyn-indoril]

"No. I care about you too much to leave." Varyn held the food closer to her. "Eat, kid. I'm not letting you die."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Why..?"

Isa stared at the food. It was easier than looking at Varyn.

[varyn-indoril]

"You're a smart kid. Smart, kind, brave. It takes guts to walk into a dungeon full of enemies with a mer you barely know. It also takes guts to not immediately recoil when you see what that mer is, and what he's capable of."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"... wasn't smart to walk in with nothing more than a dagger and hope. Wasn't super kind to barely talk to you the whole way. And I don't think anything counts as brave when you have a dwarven centurion as backup. Why do you care so much? I'm just some kid you barely know."

[varyn-indoril]

"Maybe I want to know you better. Maybe I see you in pain and I can't stand that. Maybe I think that no kid should have to be alone like I was."

He paused before continuing. "Plus, maybe I want an apprentice. I've been doing this adventuring thing for almost two centuries. Maybe I want to pass on my knowledge to the next generation or whatever."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"You have Crow for that. They need you more than I do, anyway. I've survived without anyone else for a long time, I can keep going."

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn sighed and decided to stop beating around the bush. "Kid, I want to adopt you. Both you and Crow. That's what I'm trying to say. Besides, Centi seems really upset without you. Rusty, too. And Crow needs a friend right now. Someone their own age."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa finally looked up, surprised by his words. She hesitated for a moment, trying to think of something to say, but gave up quickly and settled for moving closer and leaning her head against his shoulder.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn's eyes widened. Perhaps he had been expecting a negative reaction. The trust it took for her to lean against him made his heart ache. He held out the food to her. "Eat, Isa. Please."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

She grumbled quietly, but took the food and started eating, taking small bites so she didn't overwhelm herself.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn sat quietly, letting her eat in peace.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

Isa ate roughly half of the bread he'd brought and couple chunks of the dried meat before setting the rest aside and sighing.

"... thanks."

[varyn-indoril]

"You're welcome. Now, as wonderful as it is to share space with a skeleton, perhaps we should go home. Are you well enough to walk?"

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Uh... maybe? I haven't moved much since I got here. Kind of just went straight to rotting in bed."

[varyn-indoril]

"Let's have you try. If it is too difficult, I can always carry you."

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

"Okay."

She grabs onto one of the shelves by the bed and stands up slowly. She's unsteady at first, but finds her balance after a minute.

[varyn-indoril]

Varyn offers his arm for Isa to grab hold of, if she needs help balancing.

[mechanical-dovahkiin]

She smiles slightly, accepting the offer.

"Thanks."