[o] Forging on

Noah

It creeps in like a thief in the night
Without a sign, without a warning

"It's been a while." He breathed. "I'm doing...ok. The last year has been hard. I lost my wife." He said, his face faltering immediately with the grief that clung to him, so easily brought to the surface. "It will be something I will never heal from." He said, sucking his cheeks slightly and biting on the left side. He sighed, pushing the breath past his lips to keep himself from drawing blood within his mouth. 

"I am glad to hear you are doing well." He said in all sincerity, despite the grief hanging off of him like a cloak. When they first met in the Grounds, things had been different for her. He had no idea of the turmoil she had experienced since that first meeting, or after she helped them with their regional quest, but to hear she was doing well was good. He moved to take a seat near her as she explained what was happening within the forge, eager to listen to what she had to say, if only it meant to push out his sadness for a moment in time.

But we are ready and prepared to fight
Raise up your swords, don't be afraid