Sick Day

*section written by Silver*

Sick Day

My eye lids felt like a rusty gate, unopened for centuries, as I struggled to open them after a night of little sleep and plenty of tossing and turning. A soft knock at the door amplified the already pounding beat in my head, my gaze tiredly shifting to the door.

“Hunter, it’s getting close to open the tavern are you getting up?” Even Silver’s soft voice, which normally reminded me of bells was scratching on an anvil. I wince as the pain grows and can’t suppress the groan from my lips.

“Oh gods, Hunter, you look like death moved in.” Silver furrowed her brow, approaching the bed and laying her hand on my forehead. Its coolness was a blessing in itself.

“And you’re burning up too, there’s no way you can run the Iron Hearth in this condition.” A scowl set on my face at those words.

“But I have to. The Iron Hearth has got to be open, it’s too important not to be.” My voice came out as scratchy and weak as the words croaked through my dry lips.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure everything is taken care of while you’re recovering” Silver declared, little room to argue in her tone. Even still I hesitated, not a day since its opening have I had someone else even help let alone run the Iron Hearth for me.

“Are you sure? It’s a lot of work and can get very busy.” I worried out loud.

“Don’t worry, Hunter, the Iron Hearth is in good hands.” She whispered softly and kissed my forehead.

“Now get some sleep, I’ll be back later to check up on you.” With a turn, she picked up the keys for the front door from next to my bed and I quickly slid back into sleep as I watched her frame, silhouetted by the light through the door, silently leave.

I groaned as I opened my eyes for a second time, much easier than the first. I slowly pushed myself up into a sitting position and scrubbed away the sleep from my face, a dull light ghosting in from the moon outside alright high in the sky.

“By gods, I slept the whole day away and then some.” I through off the blanket and heavily set my feet beside my bed and stood. ‘But as much as I hate to admit it, I do feel much better though.’ I thought to myself while throwing on a shirt and some pants.

“I hope Silver is doing alright, only gods know how to handle some of them when they get drunk and rowdy.” I mumbled as I hobbled downstairs, worry set into my eyes.

The sound of the Iron Hearth easily reached my ears before my eyes. I hit the bottom step and was rather shocked at the sight. The tables, as full as can be everyone full of smiles and cheers as they talked and laughed among themselves, the fire in the fireplace lite with a pot full of what I guessed was a stew by the grumble of my belly. The smithery was cleaner than I remember leaving it and a few new swords in need of looking at rest beside it. I slowly walked towards an open seat at the bar as I took in my surroundings, a few people saying hello on my way. I took my seat and continued to look around until my eyes landed on what they were searching for. Silver, tray loaded with mugs and bowls in hand, swiftly moved between tables passing out orders to people. A bright smile on her face as she laughed and chatted with those she waited.

“That’s a bright one you’ve got there. Hasn’t missed a beat all night. Keeping every one fed and happy without a worry.” The guy next to me piped in, a regular here and the Iron Hearth. My eyes returning to Silver, threatening a customer with a dagger for getting a bit to handsy with her, causing me to chuckle.

“Yeah” I whispered my smile softening, “I certainly do.”

Author's Note

WARNING: Neither this chapter nor any of the future ones have been or will be edited as they are purely made for fun and are made with no stops or rereading or forethought. Thus we are aware there are spelling and grammar errors.