Brimer the Orc & Ciran the Drow (special preview)

A few years ago you had been out getting eggs and bread to take back home when you happened upon a performance. An orc was playing a lute and singing, and his voice was exceptionally lovely. You stopped to listen much like several others. The orc smiled at you and for a moment you felt the beating of your heart skip and bounce. But it was in the same moment you felt aware that someone was uncomfortably close to you. It had been a gift you’d picked up over the years. You then noticed a dark hand near your waist, and you snatched it. The drow behind you looked just as shocked as you were. The orc’s song halted for a brief moment before he started again at a much more rapid pace.

You came to know the pair as Brimer and Ciaran, two friends traveling and using their various talents to make a way in the world. Brimer was the orc, a jovial and musically talented fellow, who used his music to distract unsuspecting people. Meanwhile, Ciran the drow would pickpockets. You snatching Ciran’s hand had been a shock to both, they claimed no one had ever caught Ciran before. That’s what they told you anyways after you ran from them.

Once they caught up with you they begged you not to tell. They had gotten jumped on their way into town and just needed some cash in order to get some food and shelter for the night. Being the sucker that you were, you agreed to come let them stay at your family’s inn, but they had to earn their keep for the night. Brimer was set to performing for the usual patrons, while Ciran was put in the kitchen.

They still come through every once in a while. They show up at the door, asking for the same deal you gave them in the past. Brimer performs while Ciran goes to the kitchen to work. It was always a joy to see them, Brimer was always so kind and happy, he was like warm sunlight to be around. Ciran was flirty, he made everyone he was around feel special and beautiful. You counted the days between visits, excited to see them again. It had been a while since their last visit, and then, a few days ago, they showed up, both wounded. Brimer was horribly injured and somehow Ciran had brought him all the way here. You got them set up in a room, and tenderly attended to their wounds.

Ciran had obvious cuts and scratches, but Brimer’s injuries were strange. He was covered from head to toe in large, strange bruises. He had no visible signs of blood loss or wounds, Yet he looked so pale and sickly as if he had suffered such things.

“We’ll work all this off, love, promise.” Ciran’s expression was nothing but concern. Brimer had sustained most of the injuries and had been resting almost all this time. Ciran had barely left his side. If it wasn’t for work you would stay with them too.

“I’m not worried about that now,” you say tenderly to Ciran. “You two need to get better before you do anything.”

“I just want the big guy to wake up, you know?” Ciran takes hold of your hand, squeezing it for strength. “It’s always been us.”

“It’s okay, he’ll be fine. You have your own injuries to worry about too.” You smooth your hand up his arm then gently brushed your hand along his cheek. His skin was stone gray, but it felt so warm. Tears hang on his thick, white eyelashes and you smoothed them away. His nose was crooked, but in a way that added to his charm.

Ciran smiles softly at your gentle touch. “Thank you, it means a lot we have someone in this world looking out for us.”

“You two are trouble, let’s be certain. But I would never turn you away.” You stand up, taking their dirty clothes to go wash them. “I’ll return with some food in a moment.”

“Thank you,” Ciran’s eyes went back to sleeping Brimer. “He’s going to be so mad he missed meals.”

You go beside Brimer’s bed and check his forehead. He’s not as warm as he was, which was a good sign. He does feel sweaty though, you make a note to return with a cool, damp cloth to mop up his face.

“I’m sure he’ll make up for it.” You brush Brimer’s long hair aside. “I’ll be back.” You leave their room, seeing your two youngest siblings listening by the door. “Don’t you two have anything better to do than spy? Go on, get!”

“How did they get hurt?” One asks, trailing along behind you.

“What if the orc dies?” The other asks, timid and afraid.

You turn and scowl down at them. “Don’t say such a horrible thing!”You then thrust the laundry basket into their hands. “Go and take these down to the washroom. Make sure they get cleaned soon! And stop spying or I’ll make sure to scrub their britches on the back of your heads.”

Your siblings run off and you sigh heavily. It had been a thought at the back of your mind, but not one you allowed to see the light of day. What if Brimer did die? What if something happened that couldn’t heal?

“No,” you say aloud to yourself. “They’re fine. They’ll heal.” You stride off again, trying to move that awful thought from your mind as you went into the kitchen. Nothing bad ever happened here. Your big brother’s protected the place, your parents made it inviting, you little siblings made it fun. You felt lucky to have been left on the doorstep when you were a baby. They took you in and loved you like one of their own. But that’s probably why you felt the need to work as hard as you did.

“How’re the boys?” Your mother asks as you slice bread.

“Ciran’s fine, just worrying himself sick. And Brimer is still resting.” You place the bread on a plate with some berries you had picked that morning.

“Such a shame, I do miss his singing,” you mother frets. For her, taking in people was natural. “These things happen though. Should be right up on his tippy toes in no time. I worry about the pretty one though.”