Thanks to the support of MichelleXKentin I went on with this story a lot faster. thanks Michelle.

Hammer and Sparrow discus men in this chapter and Hammer wants Sparrow to do something for her

Anyway, please enjoy the next chapter and reviews are always appreciated ;)

Tigergirl

Men, stories and daggers

Hammer woke up somewhere midday. Her head pounding as a result of her drinking spree with Sparrow yesterday. Then she remembered where she was and a smile crept up her face. She was at Sparrows house. Invited to stay there by Sparrow herself. No big deal right ? Just two friends staying in one place, in separate bedrooms no less. Nothing big. Then why did Hammer feel so strange ? Hmmmmm maybe it was the hangover. She hadn't been drinking for 3 years and yesterday she went at it like the old days. Yeah probably just the hangover.

Hammer got herself all freshed up in Sparrows bathroom and went downstairs. Halfway down she stopped. She heard pounding and not just in her head, on an anvil as well. How the hell was Sparrow working right now ? "Sparrow ! What the hell are you doing ?! Hammer cried out over the noise.

"Good morning Hammer" Sparrow said with a smile. Did you sleep well ?

"Well enough but my head is killing me. Why are you working at this ungodly hour ? Hammer asked all groggy

It's half past 1 Hammer I've been up since half past 8. Sparrow said like it was the most normal thing to do with a hangover. " You were always weird Sparrow. Hammer said smiling.

Since when did you get immune to hangovers ? Hammer asked." Since I don't have to save all of Albion or rot in my miserable hut in the Spire. After work I go to the pub to have a few beers. Sparrow answered " Seems I rubbed of on you" Hammer said with a proud smile. What do you do when your there ? Sit there and be quiet all the while being surrounded by your hordes of adoring fans ?

" Laugh all you want Hammer but I actually talk to my adoring fans" Sparrow said with a smirk. Hammer didn't look convinced. " You have adoring fans ? " Oh I only saved the whole land nothing much" Sparrow joked. "That's not what I meant. I know what you did I was there you smart-ass. But I don't really see guys trowing themselves at your feet. "Well not all of them do. Sparrow admitted. "Most of them are woman and they want to thank me for saving their husbands, but some of the men in the Spire were single and they actually want to thank me and try to do so with a kiss. "You're kidding right ? " Hammer asked. I wish I was" Sparrow chuckled when Hammers eyes grew wide. "What did you do when they did that ? "Only one fool tried" Sparrow said with a crooked smile. I punched him in the face. Since then the brave souls who want to thank me are more polite.

"Seems I really did rub of on you." Hammer said with a glimmer in her eyes and a huge smile on her face. So still no husband then ? "Oh god no. Sparrow responded. "No one to your liking ? "There was one but it didn't work" Sparrow admitted. "Why not ? Hammer was curious "I don't really know. Sparrow answered truthfully. "He was smart enough and he was very kind but he didn't understand what it was like going trough all of it. He was willing to wait he was very patient but it just didn't feel right. I broke it off and now he is married and his wife is expecting his child. I'm happy for him.

How about you Hammer ? No sexy monk up north that caught your attention ?

"Nah, there were a few good looking men up there but they didn't really speak English all that well and even if they did they wouldn't be relationship material anyway. "And why is that ? Sparrow asked. "They don't understand what's it's like to be a hero.

The thing we've seen the things, the things we did, the things we lost. They just don't understand" Hammer explained. They try to be understanding but they just don't know what it's like. When you went on your quest in the Spire Theresa sent me out to help people. Villages raided by bandits, the captives being sold to slavers. They don't know what it's like to help the poor souls. I helped rebuild houses. I saved the traders and killed the men responsible for their suffering. I even went to help some poor sods in Westcliff. Their son went missing in the woods. I found the poor boy. He was found by Balverines who attacked him. I killed those horrid beasts but I was to late. The boy was mortally wounded and he died in my arms while I was bringing him back home. I know only two people who would understand how hard this life can be. One went back to his homeland and one is standing right next to me.

Sparrow thought about what she just heard. She never knew Hammer had such a hard time to. She knew Hammer lost her father she was there after all but she never really knew how much Hammer went trough when she was gone. Of course there was little time to hear about all her stories back then and besides she didn't talk to much those days anyway. Hammer was right. When you didn't live trough it, it was impossible to understand.

Sparrow went over to Hammer who was now very quiet. She took her in her arms and hugged her tightly. Hammer did not expect this but welcomed the hug anyway.

When Sparrow let go of her Hammer desperately needed something to talk about if not this could get out of hand very fast. She saw the anvil and got an idea.

"Sparrow can I ask you something ? "Anything Hammer, what is it ?

"Can you make me a dagger ? Hammer asked glad she came up with the idea. "A dagger ? Why do you want a dagger ? Sparrow didn't expect this and Hammer could see it so she explained. "I always wanted one but as a monk it was out of the question of course. I like my hammer of course and I wouldn't trade it in for the world but a nice swift dagger is something I wanted for a long time.

"Of course I will make you a dagger" Sparrow said a little surprised but exited at the same time. I will start today, it will be finished by tonight if I can work all day. "Don't worry about that. Hammer said glad with the excuse to go out, she needed to think. "I will take a walk today around the lake I always loved that place. "Okay then that's settled. I will see you tonight then. Sparrow said with a smile. "Be safe Hammer. "I will, see you tonight. Hammer said as she left the smithy

Hammer left for Bower Lake. She thought about her conversation with Sparrow as past a beautiful house. It was empty. What a Shame she thought by herself, the owner of this place must be very rich to afford a place like this. I wonder why he's not here to enjoy his view. Hammer went back to Bowerstone very late at night. She had been thinking so long she forgot about the time. Sparrow was already asleep. On the pillow of Hammers bed was a beautiful dagger accompanied by a note.

The bandits on the coast by Westcliff have been causing trouble. Wanna come with me to test your new dagger ?

Nothing would please Hammer more then to do just that.