Two Suns Before the Spinning Coin's Capture  Â
     It was hardly a wise decision to moor the newly christened Nortyrliht so near to the Moraby drydocks. With half of her small crew grumbling because they were too deep in maelstrom waters, while the other half grumbled because they had been denied the leave to go ashore for a round of ale, the situation could only invite trouble for her freshly promoted captain.
          Daniwyda was not generally a woman to make such rash decisions. She had long since outgrown the wildness of her youth and learned to keep the warrior’s wrath in check. Twenty years ago, she had been the first to board each enemy vessel, and the last to concede one ilm of the deck. Marriage, time, and experience had long since curbed that reckless nature, moulding her into a dependable, upright and cautious captain. However this morning the old pirate had woken with the thrum of courage rising in her breast and the inexplicable need to revisit the town that she had once called home.
        Now she walked down blacksmith’s row for the first time in over two years, with a deeply rooted fear nagging her at each step. At the farthest corner of Blacksmith Row was a little shop front, filled to bursting with kettles, ploughshares, and barrel hoops. Over the doorway, swaying jauntily in the breeze, was a elegantly carved sign that read “Iyrnahct and Sons.†Dani stared at the sign for nearly a minute of sickening dread. Then she sucked in a deep breath and swung the door open.
       Three boys sat at the counter, playing a game of dice for orange sections. Their heads popped up curiously as Dani entered, staring up at the fully armoured sea wolf, who’s ishguardian armour glinted even in the dim light. The younger two, both freckle-faced hyurs, quickly swept away the remains of their game and scuttled to the back corner, while the third and only Roegadyn among them took his place behind the counter and addressed Dani with a jaunty “Welcome ter Iyrnahct an’ Sons, What brings ye ter our fine shop terday?â€
         “I’ve a fine mail coat that wants mendin’. Some acid damage to the sleeve.†She replied unfolding the light bundle to show the small hole burnt into the rings.
        The kid whistled lightly “Is that full Ishguardian steel? I’ve only heard o’coats like these!†Then in an attempt to remain professional, he grabs a slate and chalk, adding “I’ll need ter have me Da look o’er it. What’s th’name I ken be givin’ him?â€
        “Tell him it be ‘Dani’.... Daniwyda Merlfalkwyn.â€
         For a moment the boy stared up at Dani with iron grey eyes that perfectly matched her own. Then his face broke into a wide grin. “Really! I’m called Dani too, Danisil†he declared with a trace of pride.
         “Would that be a family name?†Daniwyda asked softly, trying to stifle a sudden pang of regret.
          “Aye, twas, on me Mum’s side though.â€
         Little Dani scratched her name down on the chalkboard list, with his tongue stuck out in concentration. Then he hopped down from his stool and trotted off towards the back room. The muffled cry of the anvil beyond rang suddenly clear as he opened the door and bellowed at the top of his small lungs. “Hey Da! Customer!â€
        Old Iyrnahct took his time, wiping off soot stained hands, and slowly made his way to the front room. His elder son moved into his place and the anvil sang out again. The smith was a giant even among sea wolves and his massive bulk dwarfed Daniwyda. Deep blue eyes acknowledged her briefly and settled on the delicate mail shirt.
       “Now this’ar a bit’o fine craftsmanship an’ no mistakin’.†Iyrnahct mused in a thick northern brough “Not oft’ I ketch a chance ter work a piece so fine. This bit ‘ere needs ter be removed, cleaned up an’ fresh links crafted fer her. I’d be honored ter take th’job.â€
      He gave Daniwyda a professional nod, before adding “Findin’ steel ter match ul’ be th’great trick ‘ere. I’ll need ter have an order up from Ul’dah.â€
      “I’ll pay extra for yer troubles.â€
       “It be a deal, Mam! We be right glad fer yer custom.â€
       The huge blacksmith extended his hand, easily engulfing Daniwyda’s smaller one, but his grip was gentle and warm. He turned to note down the job in the shop’s ledger and Dani’s attention turned back to the little boy at his elbow. The resemblance was clear in the shape of their eyes and the curve of their broad smiles. However little Danisil’s face was far narrower almost hawk-like and he bore short jet black hair, where his father had blue waves.
        “Yer lad makes a fine shopkeeper fer his age.†She noted, with a small smirk. “He’d be how old, ten year?â€
          The giant raised his eyes from the ledger for a moment. “Dani’s risin’ thirteen.â€
          “Looks like he’ll be a small one.â€
           Daniwyda drew herself up slightly, barely scraping five-fulm-six herself. The massive Iyrnahct glanced back to his small, grey-eyed son, quickly brushing her observation aside. “Oh thar’s plenty o’time fer him ter shoot up yet! Lad’s hardly begun growin’.â€
          He glanced down to the slate for her name and suddenly hesitated. “......Daniwyda.†Iyrnahct spoke her name slowly, with surprise and an undercurrent of confusion. For one moment he hesitated looking back at his little Dani and over to his customer and Captain Daniwyda felt the faintest stirrings of hope.
          Then Iyrnahct shook his massive head, brushing aside all qualms with a stoical grin, and Dani’s heart plummeted. Through a fog of defeat, she shook his hand again and promised to put in upon her return from Thanalan to retrieve the coat. Then the bold captain of the Nortyrliht scuttled out of the shop like a frightened school girl and struck out hastily for her vessel.
         Back inside his store, Iyrnhact stood silent and preoccupied, unable to shake the feeling that he had forgotten something of great personal import. After nearly a minute, little Dani gave his father a light nudge. “Ye all right Da?â€
         The giant shook himself again, forcing a smile. “Aye lad, right as roega…†Glancing to the open door he added, “Ye ken… I thought that woman right handsome.â€
