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Verosh had been busy the last few weeks traveling for supplies, even going all the way to Sauti in order to pick up medical necessities for his father's work as a healer, and when he arrived back in Jahaur the man had been so hopeful for a bit more alone time with his spouse. Unfortunately that did not seem to be in the cards since she was busy at work in the forge, making more repairs and new weapons than usual as others prepared to travel with the changing season. A sigh left his lips as he simply wandered about after being chased away to 'rest' since he shouldn't be cleaning right after returning from a long journey, but Verosh could not settle down. The concept of simply relaxing felt too strange no matter how tired he truly was. The warrior simply shook his head, shifted the basket of dirt and dust he was carrying, and then proceeded towards the trees so that he could dump it out of the way of the forge. He had at least gotten away with stealing it so that he could do something 'easy' that would help out.

He had not been expecting to see a familiar face near the trees. Verosh found himself pausing, confusion crossing his brow as he studied the other hybrid. "Ika? What are you doing standing around here?" Verosh knew that she was more like him and it was truly strange to see her simply just standing around, not doing anything with a weapon or the like.

"I see, so you're one of the many orders today." Verosh nodded at the explanation before moving over to toss the basket's contents to the side. He awkwardly held the empty basket, half debating if he should just leave it on the ground, before the question made him shake his head. "I'm not a smith, just married to this one." He explained, the whole concept still being new to him despite having two children together with Jhana. "Your teacher is close to some Elaria?" He found himself frowning at the very idea. Even though there was a treaty in place the hybrid was still wary of the Elaria and their origins. It had been hard enough dealing with some Alkidike that didn't like hybrids, but having a new pure Aishan race raised by extremists made him even more wary. "No offense, but they're fine with you escorting them?"

It was a blunt question, but an honest one since Verosh personally knew what it was like to be a hybrid living the Aishan lifestyle. While many had started accepting changes, still a little wary of male hybrids especially, there were still quite a few who sneered at the existence of hybrids and only tolerated them.

"I'm lucky, indeed." Verosh admitted though he glanced back to Ika with a frown. "Perhaps I was a bit bristly and still apparently need to work on my attitude around others, but I do my best." Anyone else he would have maybe started a fight with over the tease but he knew Ika and she was also a customer.

"Hmm." Verosh raised his brow at the explanation before nodding. "Pride is forever a thing, so it's nice knowing that Sena picked you over others despite the tension." If the older warrior chose Ika then she would not back down since that would also admit that she was wrong in her decision. Their kind were far too proud for that and so the Elaria would have to accept it or go without Sena. Even Verosh could surmise that much without directly knowing everyone involved, simply based upon his own experiences as others had asked for his mother's help in the past and had to accept him as well. "You'll prove that you were a good choice, I'm sure." He acknowledged, knowing that he had fought hard himself to do the same whenever in a similar situation growing up.

The appearance of fire simply made him tilt his head, Verosh refusing to show surprise or fear at the sight of fire. "So a sacred heart then? Impressive." A grin crossed his lips, a hint of the competitiveness showing in his bright gaze. "Though I think just being able to fight with physical prowess against the aid of magic is a boon in itself." He refused to even try to find if he had magic even though several of his aunts had it and his own father was a healer, simply out of pride and the desire to strengthen his body rather than relying upon anything else.

Verosh shot Ika a look, but opted to ignore the jab. Thankfully raising children had taught him some form of patience over the last few years and the pair of younglings definitely kept him on his toes. "Understandable." Verosh watched the dancing flame, his expression calm as he listened to Ika's words. It made sense that another hybrid had more magic in their blood since the earthlings seemed to have a better knack for it than most Aishans he had met. In that way they were similar, something he did acknowledge as he listened.

"Shame, I could have used a spar." He frowned towards Ika, realizing he was actually disappointed with that. "Then what are you supposed to do? Just sulk here until your swords are ready?" Maybe he was the one sulking since he too was supposedly required to rest, but Verosh couldn't help sharing his frustrations. It was not in his nature to simply sit still and he wouldn't be surprised if Ika felt the same.

Verosh nodded. "That's fair enough." If they were supposed to rest then he supposed that it was best to behave, especially since Ika needed energy for her upcoming mission. Surely she had been on missions before, right? Verosh opened his mouth as if to ask before the next suggestion and following questions nearly made him stumble.

"Why would I need Jhana's approval for drinks? I don't have a drinking problem." He mused with a confused frown. "If anything taking a break to drink should be good since I am also supposed to be resting." Verosh confirmed before turning on his heel and starting away towards town. Why would drinking together be overstepping? Verosh was honestly confused, especially since the idea of cheating had never crossed his mind nor did he ever intend to do such a thing. The confusion built into silence as he continued walking, the trees growing around them before he finally spotted the path towards town. The smithy was slightly apart from the others since Jhana had picked up her practice, others back then being more wary of a hybrid and only opting to get her work as time passed and the smithy proved itself useful.

Verosh pursed his lips in disapproval though he kept walking forward. If she had some sort of thoughts about drinking then he would simply only have one glass and show restraint! Not like he drank often at all so in all honesty he didn't even know what he would get. He knew the richer wines could be good for the body if taken in moderation, but the stronger ales hadn't been touched by the hybrid since he had dedicated himself as a warrior. The last thing he wanted was to lower his guard because he was intoxicated!

Verosh simply straightened his own shoulders and stared back at any who dared to stare at him and his companion. Most thankfully had grown accustomed to the prickly warrior and simply nodded or avoided them entirely while going about their business in town. Eventually the sight of the tavern built into a twisting tree caught his attention, the man's gaze skimming over the dark brown structure before going back towards Ika. "Jhana has been here for a while, but I only recently settled with her in the last couple of years when we had blooms together." He admitted, swinging the door open and moving towards the first open table he saw. Taking out a chair for himself, Verosh plopped down and waited for Ika to join him. "Mostly I still travel to help gather supplies and I'm not too fond of going to town. Perhaps that is why? Do you actually live in this particular area as well?" It had been a few years since he had encountered her as a child and even then the memory of the river cutting closer to Chibale seemed so far away from this particular area.

Verosh only rolled his eyes as Ika twisted around before sitting down. It didn't surprise him that the other hybrid even made sitting down an event. Though the thought was more amusing than annoying like it once would have been. Perhaps being a father had softened him a little bit? Verosh made a face at the thought before nodding towards Ika. "Two." He gave a slight shrug. "They're still fairly young though, but already plenty to keep an eye on." At least his spitfire of a daughter was while his son worried him in other ways but seemed much more reserved and well behaved.

"I see." Verosh smirked. "So is this your first mission then? You've not settled down for a family, but more so for training." He nodded at the thought. "Then I truly do wish you the best on your first outing." The hybrid waved down a server while he spoke, getting whatever ale that they were currently offering and some breads and cheese to eat along with it.