The Marakese

Cave

That night everyone gathered around in the cave as they feasted on the bear that was hunted earlier by them. They roasted the bear and began to eat them. The dwarves sat alongside the children, all immersed in the fire and the food that blazed before their eyes. And as it was customary, the elder dwarves began to narrate tales of old. The children sat there captivated by the tales that was spread before them. Their imagination took them far and beyond. There was cheer and laughter as the dwarves narrated tales of illustrious times. The once great dwarves walked around the fire and swirled tales of victory and bravery. They stoked the flames of the minds of the children, their eyes began to flame much like the fire before them. The other dwarves hummed the beats to an old song and for a moment the times of the old was bought back, much like a magical moment. The children stood up and saw the scene that was played out. "Borkir" shouted the children as they saw him march on. Borkir got up and stood there watching his old self, with pride completely immersing him. Decades passed in an instant and slowly the might of the dwarves vanished and there was just the present left with them. What happened? asked one of the children. Time! said the elder dwarf in such a tone that the children sat down quietly scared. His voice was so loud that the fire in the caves had gone out. "Buskar light the fire " they said. So there he went again to light the fire. 

Ilvandir came out at last from his hiding and joined the party. The dwarves became somber and silent as they saw Ilvandir sit amidst them. Buskar had just returned from lighting the fire and was all cheery as he came in. He saw the others were quiet and was surprised.  What happened he asked Borkir? Bokrir shook his head at the direction of Ilvandir who was sat down there. Oh! said Buskar and sat himself next to Borkir. The children however were in a cheery mood and continued their chatter. Ilvandir the shortest and the heftiest dwarf of them all, got up and shushed the children. "What are you all so cheery about?" he said. What are you so grumpy about? asked back Ilkir. Everyone laughed much to the fury of Ilvandir. What is so funny? he asked everyone. Look we live in dirt, and we sure as well eat it as well, he said and spat the food out of his mouth onto the surface. Bokrir was about to lose his anger, but his wife told him to control it. How did you get so fat when you can't hunt your won food? joked Ilkir. Ilvandir raised his eyebrows and came charging at Ilkir. Ilkir was felled by the giant man. Ilkir was submerged under the weight of Ilvandir and found it difficult to breathe. Buskar and Bokrir finally managed to remove the large man from Ilkir. " You could have killed him" they said smilingly. "That is how I hunt" he said to Ilkir with a smirk on his face. Ilkir did not even try to get up from the surface, he lay there. Borkir's wife went and checked to see if he was fine. Are you fine? she asked him. Yes madam, he replied. Good, there is a lot more food left, she said and bought him a plate. 

"Do not worry about him" Buskar's wife said to Ilkir. He lost his son and has not been the same ever since. Ilkir ate the meat, as he was chewing it he asked her "How?" In battle, she said. Bokrir came and stood near Ilkir. His son was a very good warrior. Ilvandir the second! he said in a proud tone that the face of Ilvandir shimmered in light for a few seconds. Ilvandir the second was a brave warrior, decapitating the enemies head at will. He was the joy of Ilvandir and he saw his son fulfil his own dream of being a great warrior. I tell you Ilkir, that no father looked after his son the way Ilvandir looked after his son. He personally made him the armor and sword. Ilvandir was almost in tears as he went and stood by the fire. Bokrir looked at him and tuned his attention back to Ilkir. Ilvandir the second was even well liked by the general Maximus and so his father, as he pointed at Buskar. People had high hopes on him. Ilvandir came and joined the narration. Continue! he said looking at Buskar. Buskar got up and left. Buskar's father was mentoring him and they were always in close proximity during battle. Buskar's father used to teach him many techniques and valuable lessons. "I felt a little left out" joked Ilvandir. He was doing such a good job, Foravan. I thought my son was in good hands and he would have a great future ahead of him. "He certainly would have" said Bokrir. Ilvandir stroked his chin and sat his heavy frame on the ground. I was foolish to believe that all would go as i planned it to be. But I think the gods had something else in mind, said Ilvandir. What happened asked Ilkir. Nothing , what always happens , happened. You see child, people always fail each other. They never say true to their word. So , if you were to live long, Do not believe the words of anyone. They are either lying or they do not know better. Do not poison him with your evil tongue, came in Buskar. Certainly do not believe his word, said Ilvanidr "The blood of treachery runs in him" Buskar pinned Ilvandir to the ground. "What did you say , fool!" she shouted at Ilvandir. He caught hold of the knife that was on Ilkir and was about to stab him.