The smithy was quiet. All the business bussle had gone to wet their Whistle at the Arrow after the meeting. I had planned to join them just as soon as I finished tidying the tools and maybe seeing what I could wear to hand out my treats. My footsteps echoed in the silent shop.

I knelt down to check what was in the big trunk beside the forge. Suddenly a gusts of wind blew over my face and loud voices barked orders.

"Look for the chrystal! We want the Communcation devise! "
"Take all the metal and weapons too!"

I did not recognize the coarse voices! A heavy boot stepped right by my face.I looked up a leg, body..The boot pulled back then thrusted forward kicking me in the nose. Oh! how that hurt. I stood dizzily, blood running down my mouth and chin. I was face to face with a dark looking heru. Smoldering eyes glared into mine. A sinister grin flashed in my direction chilling me to the bone! I ran ! I had to get away!

As I left the smithy I could hear their laughter and rude jokes." No" I thought, "this was Valdolen's place. I worked there! How dare they enter my safe place and cast me out". I took in a deep breath and marched right back in!. Tables had been broken and the chests were all open! Our tools were slewn all over and the anvil had been toppled. Rage burned inside of me. I had never felt such anger. I pointed to the door!

"Get out! GET OUT! This is My smithy!! Out!"

A searing pain pierced into my arm. Blood was dripping from it. Two of the Drow caught me and took turns punching me in the abdomen! I wretched!

I had to get away. Consiousness was coming and going! I prayed that RZ did not show up at the smithy all alone. We needed help. I could not get to the chrystal. One of the bandits was holding it and stuffing it into a bag!. Then everything went black. Just before the darkness took over I remembered Amberyl Askani had been near by. I hoped my assailants had not hurt the young arwen.

As the conciousness took another aware moment I saw the Drow cheering and drinking some of our ale. I creeped to the door . It was ajar. Somehow, Thank the Gods, I made it to the Arrow. Amberyl was there crying for help. She too had seen the attack . I remember her pleading voice saying " Drow all over Copper was hurt". Before the lights went out again I saw my elven heros grab their arms and run through the door.

I awoke to the smell of muffins. A soft quiet voice like a tiny bell tinkled around me. Slowly a comforting hand stroked the bloodied hair from my forehead. This was a voice I knew.
"copper"
"hurt"
A little hug! whisper was helping Amberyl apply bandaged to me. Their care and soothing voices soon brought me back around. My face hurt. My ribs Hurt. My arm hurt! I was afraid!

They filled me in about the raid. The Elves had gone to defend the shop. It looked as though they were winning this battle. whisper suggested I sleep at the Inn instead of the smithy! I smiled though that too hurt. I had lost a lot of blood so I curled up under the counter and slept.

Though my night was filled with terrifying dreams, each time I awoke whisper would soothe and calm me 'til I fell back to sleep.

Two days later I made the trek back to the forge. RZ had been there tidying all the carnage. I looked about. One of our sales people had been killed in the battle. The communication Chrystal gone! Other wise RZ had set the shop straight!

I had failed my people. I had let the Drow steel the very thing they had come for! I was filed with shame! I picked up my Hammer.. A tear rolling down my still swollen cheek... And I started to work!