Lost to the Orcs (Oyeon Orcs)

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

Narod

Ay pick up the bags, slingin’ them o’er my shoulders. They’re no’ all that heavy an’ thankfully, we donnae have t’ pack any o’he nestin’ materials. My brothers’ mate isnnae gravid with a new kit, an’ likely willnae catch for another year o’ two.

My gualinaea , my sister-child, was born during ‘he first days o’he Summer. Much longer o’a pregnancy than we had thought; but my new sister panicked ‘he entire time, for she feared it would be too short. But when she did the mah-th , she found it was ‘ just right ’. With spring’s arrival once more, my family is leavin’. My gualinaea she is still quite smol, no’ as smol as Arawn was but she is still smol enough.

Her name is Ti’lana. Named for her lost brother an’ Arawn’s twin. She is bright green, like new shoots spillin’ forth upon ‘he ground.

Ay kiss her head as Ay drop ‘he bags int’ one o’he many caravan carts, readyin’ for traversin’ ‘he lands. My chest clenches with emotion. Ay look a’ e’eryone, ‘he vast majority o’he mountains expellin’ like a great birth o’a hoard.

Ay weelnae be joinin’ them.

My place is in ‘he mountain. T’ study what H’nash left me. So Ay might continue t’ teach his son, in his stead. T’ continue leadin’ ouer people who stay within ‘he mountains year round. Orcs like Ganák, Shalk, Burgrol, an’ since Warner is apprenticin’ with Burgrol, Ys’ari is stayin’ as well. Arawn is no’ very happy about his new friends stayin’ ahind but he weel make more friends. An’ they weel be back in time for Adsen.

Slender an’ small arms wrap around jus’ above my hips, a head at ’he middle o’my back. Ay smile down at ’he hands claspin’ at my belly. Givin’ them a gentle pat an’ pullin’ away so Ay can wrap my arms around her an’ hug ‘he female properly. “Ay weel miss ye too sister.”

Her lips wobble an’ tears prick her gaze, “I don’t get why this is so heartbreaking. We’re coming back for the winter. I’m just so used to the komfwtr s and my fucking clfvon .” Ay’ve ne’er dreamwalked. It had ne’er been anythin’ that intrigued me, so her words, Ay donnae always understand. But it is her. My dearest new sister, an’ Ay donnae mind no’ knowin’. “I’ll miss your face.” She sniffles, givin’ me a squeeze.

O’er this year, we ‘ave gotten close. She is very kind, very sweet. An’ Ay can understand why my brothers, an’ Irf, fell for her so hard. But my heart is spoken for, an’ Ay doubt Ay could find another t’ find their way inside.

Ay let her go, because my eyes meet burgundy brown ones o’er her head an’ Ay see ‘he pain in that gaze. He’s curbed it ‘round her. ‘round all o’us. But fleetin’ looks, like now, remind us that feelin’s donnae stop for anyone.

When she turns to hug him, teary eyed, Ay wince only slightly. For Ay know ‘he male wouldnae wish my pity.

It will do him good t’ stay away from her. Ay will help him study an’ become the best Dream Weaver o’ Reeve he could e’er be. Whiche’er he decides. O’, if he wishes t’ stop both, Ay weel continue t’ support him in whate’er he deems worthy o’ himself.

“If aught is amiss, send word.” Jaedason murmurs, clasping arms with me ‘fore pullin’ me in for a hug. He nuzzles the side o’my head an’ it makes me laugh as it did when we were young. He pulls back with a grin. “Take care o’him, Ach?” He jerks a chin at the male in question.

“Ock, can count on me, m eiksya .” Ay close my eyes briefly, tappin’ two fingers t’my chest.

“With my life.” Jae murmurs, reciprocatin’ ‘he prayer.

“With my heart.” Ay murmur ‘he goodbye. Ay do ‘he same with U’snar. He grins an’ waves, pullin’ his snifflin’ mate t’his side as ‘he caravan leaves. Ay wave them off. They’re happy an’ ready t’ start checkin’ harvests of ‘he natural resources that keeps us alive. Keeps us from wars with ‘he humans. Because if no’ for ouer wares, what else do we ‘ave t’ bargain ouer freedom for ?