Fuzzy: The Swans (Ringbridge)
Cyrus listened intently to his friend’s explanation and nodded his head in the affirmative trying to assure the dwarf that Cyrus would do everything in his power to get the smith all that he needed.
At the mention of his family, Cyrus’ smile grew wider and he readily allowed the subject to be changed, “Valoria is thriving. What a woman, smarter than anyone I have ever met. Braver too. She babies Leo a bit more than I care to see but he is his father’s son so maybe he needs it.”
He looked around to make sure there were no eavesdroppers and then continued speaking quietly, just above a whisper so that only the dwarf could hear the beginning of his tale, but his voice grew louder as he continued so that any passerby could hear him say, “... the boy could have easily waddled to his grave, I nearly died twice down there, admittedly once was because of that damned cat and it’s filthy owner, but still. The kid is fast, smart and stronger than you’d think for such a wee little thing.”
He paused and then said, “If Henry had told me I’d be a father so soon after joining his ranks, I’d have told the Lord where he could put that charter, but such is life, always the unexpected. I guess it’s up to you to find the joy or let the pain tear you apart.”
“Gandred, I haven’t told her yet, but I am thinking about asking Henry to send me back out in the field. Between Valoria and her sister and all the people who are now here tending to the land and our defense, my skills would be better used elsewhere...” He trailed off, ready to be scolded for even considering the appearances of abandoning his family and lands, but hoping the dwarf would see his own view of things.