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Copper
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History - The last strand of my titian tresses fell from the tight buns at the sides of my head. Softly the comb caressed the silky curls as I contemplated the circumstances that drove me to hide my ears. The reflective glass clouded over as I gazed into it.
"Golub! Um Bludlord Balgog need ore. Lat git! Git Now! Grug?" Thwack a fist hit my abdomen. I understood... Ore meant more 'Shinies' for the orqu family... I nodded. "Lat ears funny! Me Golb nub like". He pulled hard. "Lut mudder must o hang lat by ears on line!" Atara... A tear ran down my cheek... Where was Atara. Gone! All gone! "Nub pull ears", I cried... "I will cover them!" Golb let go of my ears. "rulg". Every day it was the same... "Lat Snaga git ore" "Snaga lat funny ears..." but the worst "Snaga lut mudda nub like lat she pull lut ears make em pointy!" I shook from the memories. Lament filled my heart. I had to break this revelry. The cave was dark and damp. My hands were worn and calloused. I hated mining inside. The air was musty. This day there was a strange stillness to it. Outside the orqus patrolled. Then a strange but familiar sound perked up my ears. "hoowah! Clomp Hummies!" Battle cries! This time I would escape! The Edan had made a distraction! I waited. Seemed like hours passed until I finally saw my chance. I carefully found a stalagmite to hide behind. I watched the cave entrance carefully. Men and orqu danced around each other bashing and striking. The scene was ugly.Blood poured from many wounds. Golb was engaged with a fair Edan dressed in periwinkle blue. He clomped hard and set the man staggering back. Hate filled my every cell. I took my pick and ran straight for Golbug. "DIE YOU SON OF A FILTHY PIG!" The Edan looked up startled! My pick struck Golb inflicting a mild distraction to his parry. The Edan took advantage of the hesitation and sliced through. Golb lay on the earth. His entrails exposed, eyes staring at me... He grinned. "Yub pointy ears Lat win!" I stood shaking. The stench of the dying orqu filled my nostrils.. They had lost. Tears of joy filled me. I was frozen with disbelief. "You need a bath!" The Edan smiled at me. "Thanks for your help. You have never swung a pick like that before have you?" I shook my head. "Come I will take you to a place I know where you will be safe." Tel Ruid was a lovely town. The elves were all so kind to me. But healing takes a long time. Shalia, the Faerie, took me under wing and taught me sword basics. Patiently demonstrating every feign, strike and parry. She took me out on the ocean to contemplate the wonders of the Gods creation. The tavern was filled with Lightheart, Camris and Talanithus' joyful laughter and song and Lu always had a fish steak to nourish me after a hard day practice. The warrior taught me to smith the ingots that I had been digging and Life was calm and peaceful. For a while I would adventure hoping to find my home. It took me to many wonderous Islands and Villages but I never found what I needed. Alas I came to work with Tel Mithrim in Valdolen's Forge. I looked around and realized that I was home. I belonged here in the forge with all these wonderful elves. Luthien came by to have me sharpen her knives and check a small dent in her armour. "Oh! Copper your hair is down! I have never seen it like that before! You have pointy ears! You are elven!" |
