A burly dwarf pushed through the crowded tavern of Thorin's hall with two mugs of stout. He slammed one down on the table beside a massive hunkered down elf. The dwarf tucked his long, blonde braided beard into his belt before settling down. Copperspire grabbed the mug with a thankful nod, "Thank you, Master Tubok."
Tubok nodded firmly, taking up his own mug, slurping the frothy head off. Copper cast a look towards his drinking companion, "You're in good spirits lad. Did you.."
Copper never had a chance to finish before Tubok let out a whoop, "Aye, laddie! I did! Me and the lad are properly a-courting." Copper grins a little, "Well, my congratulations to you two. May the forges of your hearts burn bright and hot together..." Tubok laughed heartily and clapped Copper's shoulder, "Now, Copper, we just gotta get you one. I am sure even a dwarf here would wish to court you, what with your skill in the forge."
Copper blanched a little bit and shook his head, wild red tresses flying, "I doubt that, there has never been a union of elf and dwarf as such that I know. Nor do I intend to invoke the wrath of the Valar just to find out." He sighs and takes a deep drink, grunting, "Besides, I loved twice before, and either time did not go well..."
Tubok furrowed a bushy brow, leaning over his mug, "Care to tell me bout em, lad?"
Copper sighs, running a hand through his curly hair, "I... Well..." He leans forward over his own pint, closer to Tubok as he lowered his voice, "I loved a man once.. Yes, a man. And that is why I did not be with him, call me selfish, but I was not ready to watch a love whither and die on me."
Tubok nods slowly in understanding, "Aye, I couldn't be with a Man for that reason, I hear ya lad... Whatever happened?"
Copper smiled wryly, "I gave him a ring and a promise to look after his line... And that was it. He fell in battle later that week. And I have, I am watching over his line till this day, though one of his successors turned to evil. The ring now resides with it's sister on the hands of a couple in Bree-land, it is the wedding ring of two men."
Tubok can't help but smile at that, "Well, I'm glad the ring is in good hands, and those folk you look after. You mentioned another?"
Copper grimaced and nods, "I fell for a Teleri elf.." He paused at Tubok's confused look, "Ah, I will explain why that is not good another time perhaps, it is a dire subject." Tubok nodded, the beads in his beard clattering. Copper waves a hand, then picks up his stout, "Clearly it did not work out. I am destined to live alone, Tubok, my friend. I am well over 9,000 years..." He shakes his head slightly and sighs, then drinks deeply.
Tubok gave a stubborn huff, "Don't give up, laddie. I know there is one for you, somewhere. Tubok knows best, after all! I'll bet ya five silver that you will find someone."
Copper scoffs, "I shant, but fine..."
Fearelhil walked along the quiet wooded lane late in the evening. The air was somewhat cooler compared to the intense heat and drought during the day. He walked with his hand on his sword hilt, wary of anyone idiotic enough to try and mug an armed elf.
He arrived back in Bree not long ago, hearing word of a drought even off in Imladris. He left in the middle of the night with little preparation and no warning to his friend, Aurthiel. He probably should have left a note, now that he thought of it. They may think he went missing. He will write Aurthiel a letter explaining his sudden, abrupt absence and why he may be inclined to stay...
Stay... He stopped at the path sloping up to where he was staying. He was suddenly overcome by emotion. He knew at the top of the path there would be a sweet kiss, a warm embrace and someone delighted to see him. What did he do to deserve such a thing? no... He was a kin-slayer, he did not deserve such a luxury.
An old friend's voice rang loudly in his head, "I'll bet ya five silver that you will find someone."
Fearelhil jerked his head up, swearing profusely, "Dammit, Tubok... Always right, he is..." He takes a few deep breaths and started up the path to home, wiping an errant tear with the back of his hand...
Home...
