Veryyn awoke with a jolt. Anxious dreams kept him from proper rest, but surely he could lay idle no longer. Crawling out of the large bed, he dressed and made for the entryway. Barron stirred and circled about his feet. “I need to see the sky. You too bud?” Veryyn spoke softly so as not to disturb his maiden. “Let sleeping dragons lie, isn’t that right Barron?” The beast’s face contorted in agreement and through the large hatch they made their way. Outside, Veryyn breathed easily and Barron wallowed in the damp undergrowth. Together, they trekked through the dense wood to a nearby stream. Gathering water in his hands, Veryyn drank his fill, while Barron hopped headlong into the shallow water.
Refreshed, Veryyn made his way back to the burrow. The sun was sinking in the sky, and soon he would head north, to a small tribe that lived in the great forest. The nomadic group of elves known as the Uite band were dear to Veryyn, and they always very much appreciated his trade. In return for his haul of animal skins and human finery, he could likely receive much of the sugar and flour his dear Evie desired, and maybe a new hat and cloak for himself. Entering the dwelling, Veryyn found a very busy Evie, bustling this way and that, preparing a meal of salted meats and eggs. “Good to see you, sweet Evie.” Veryyn said, approaching from behind and embracing her. “And you, my love.” Evie replied. She paused for a moment to enjoy the warm moment before tending back to her meal. “I suppose we are going to meet old Wilkers today. Best be moving soon, as soon as I can get these eggs to cooking. This old stove is quite a marvel, what that it works with no wood. But it just does not throw out heat quite the same as a simple wood stove.”
Together, they prepared a decent meal of salted meats and eggs, with a few honey berries picked ripe from the bush the day before. The couple sat and talked merrily. They spoke of former dealings with the Uite, of the hard-nosed bargains of old Wilkers, and the finer things that they had to trade. “Remember those golden bangles you ‘procured’ last fall? You could have bought the whole camp, the way they fell over themselves trying to buy them” Evie said, laughing. “Indeed, the Uite’s love for shiny things has filled our bellies and our stores more than once.” Veryyn replied. “Unfortunately, the raiding has gotten a bit lean, and I’d settle for a bit of flour and sugar to tide us over.” “Nonsense!” Evie said. “You haven’t had a set of fresh clothing in long enough. We ought to have plenty. I’ll load the pack.” With that, they finished their meal. Soon preparations were made. Packs were filled and they filed out through the marvelous dwarven door.
It was nearly a mile, through the crowded trees and thick brush to the narrow path that led to the Uite village. From there, it would be an easy night’s walking. Veryyn and Evie both carried heavy packs, although the dwarf carried a great deal larger portion of the load. Each was laden with fur and finery collected over the past several weeks of trapping and thieving. Slowly, they made their way through the brush. “Slow down, dwarves aren’t meant to toil through the brambles!” Evie said, struggling over a particularly large root. Her dimensions were not ideal for this path, standing roughly half as tall as Veryyn. He slowed pace and helped her over the largest hurdles. He struggled to help with the heavy pack, although she bore it with ease. “We each have our strengths.” Veryyn said, swiftly and expertly navigating the tangled path.
Ahead of them, the trees gave way to a well beaten footpath. The sun had already dipped out of view and the forest darkened while they took to the path. “I do hope they have mead!” Evie said, sweat forming on her brow. “One can hope, my little whetstone.” Veryyn said, much to his own delight. Evie turned red in the face, even more so than usual and for the time being seemed to be at a loss for words. Down the path they trekked, with Veryyn walking at half-speed and Evie keeping pace double-time. The hunting trail was worn into terrain well, and had kept the native Uite people fed and well for as long as they could remember. Evie pulled a torchstone from her pack, and unwrapped the damp packing cloth from around the end. Coming into contact with the cool night air, the plain stone came to life and illuminated Evie’s face. It emitted a warmth that Veryyn and Evie appreciated against the brisk breeze that was cutting through the trail. Tall oaks and willows bent and swayed over their heads, and the forest hummed with the rustling of leaves.
“I do enjoy this walk, although the sky is so near. It is something I may never get used to. As a child, the elders always told us that if we left the cavern, we were liable to fall right up into the sky!” Evie explained, although in their time together she may have told that story before more than once. Veryyn nodded with affection. “Yet here you are, venturing with a tree-demon of all things!” He added. “You know even the elder dwarves who had never seen the living surface avoided the use of such nasty terms.” Evie said, although it was only half-true. Both of them were acutely aware of the tension between both of their people. It was not uncommon for either race to use awful and inappropriate slurs in the safety of their own company. “And you’re lying through your teeth.” Veryyn said in a somber tone. There was understanding between them, and in relative quiet, they walked towards the Uite encampment.
It was a calm, clear night. Veryyn and Evie trudged through the early morning hours. The winding trail led them slowly upward and over the steep mountain pass. From a clearing high upon the steep trail, the far side of the woods could be seen. “All downhill from here. Come now Evie.” Veryyn said. “I can see the clearing, just a bit further” Veryyn followed a rocky outcropping and just below them the trees opened up into a large open valley. They had reached the encampment. In the clearing below them were a dozen or so rough hewn stone and wood dwellings. They each had a warm glow and plumes of smoke coming from their stone chimneys. “Come and let us make camp.” Veryyn said. “I thought you’d never ask. It’s hard to keep up with with your long legs.” Evie replied, and she let out a grunt as she heaved her heavy pack to the ground.
Veryyn laid his pack down and reached inside for some rope and a tight-knit cloth. He expertly crafted a snug makeshift shelter by tying his rope tightly between two trees and stretching his tarp across. Together they pulled their packs nearby and huddled in the tiny shelter. They shared a quick bite of some dry salted flatbread Evie produced from her pack wrapped in a clean white linen. In need of rest, the pair laid close together. A cool breeze blew around them as they fell into an easy sleep.
Ricky Hurlich Shorts 