User blog:Drix153/Tales of the Many Part II

Toby Almaard
"It's just me, Ma," Toby called out in response to her mother's inquiry. She brushed the grit and grim from her face as she pulled the sheet back over the entrance to their humble abode; just one among many enclaves in Keldagrim East's cavern walls.

"Toby?" Her ailing mother looked up from the rags she called a bed. "What are you doing back home so early? The mines don't close for hours."

Toby sighed, having gone through this several times already in the past. "I already told you, Ma," she said, "the mines aren't open right now. Something to do with the union strikes," Toby added as she started clearing the floor with a broom. Their neighbors' refuse was often swept in by accident and would quickly become a problem if not taken care of immediately.

Her mother continued as though she didn't hear her. "Your father slaved away in those mines his entire life. He made an honest living, unlike those Tainted Mirage boys you used to hang out with."

"Tinted Mirror, Ma," corrected Toby.

Her mother made a flippant gesture. "You're staying away from them like I asked?"

"Yes, Ma."

"Good."

Toby rolled her eyes. She finished sweeping out the trash and made her mother more comfortable before switching topics. "I'm going to go see what I can find for us to eat. I'll be back soon," she promised. They exchanged goodbyes as she left.

Once she was outside, Toby pulled a dirty rag from her pocket and held it over her mouth and nose. Some days the air would get so bad in East that a dwarf would be on their hands and knees in a matter of minutes, choking and gasping for fresh and clean air. She kept it in place as she traveled from her home to the fringes of the factories, where she found Bodri waiting for her.

"About time you showed up," he said, holding out his hands.

"Nice to see you, too, Bodri." Without needing to be asked, Toby produced the set of silverware she'd taken from her mother's belongings and gave it to him.

Bodri looked the set over and nodded appreciatively. "Not bad, Toby. You might just make a good thief yet."

She shrugged. "What do you think I'll get for them?"

"You'll get what the boss says they're worth."

"What? Come off it, Bodri," Toby exclaimed. "That's at least a few gold pieces right there!"

Bodri tucked the silverware out of sight and scowled. "You should be happy you're getting anything at all. Don't think the boss hasn't noticed you and that Black Guard together."

Toby flushed angrily. "You know for a fact that's not what it looks like."

It was Bodri's turn to shrug. "Do I? The boss sees what he wants to see, and what he's seeing right now isn't good."

Toby had nothing to say in return.

"Word to the wise? Stay away from him, Toby," Bodri suggested as he made to leave. "And for Guthix's sake, bring me something other than cookware. You're not going to get very far with stuff like this."