Flawed Gemstone

Confessions in the Dark

One bright day in early spring, Grumpy was still trying to figure out how to get his hands on the treasures to cast a protection spell. The closer he could get to the items, the stronger the spell would be. He needed to physically touch the treasures to cast the strongest spell. But he was afraid to ask Doc or the others to even look at the treasures again. But they were leaving for Castell the next day. He wanted to be sure nothing could possibly happen to those precious treasures.

Grumpy was already packed for the trip, and he watched the brothers wrap the treasures they'd made over the long winter. There were thin, delicate necklaces with small gems, gorgeous pendants encased in what looked like spun silver, and so much more. Anything and everything that could be made with gold and jewels, the Dwarfs could make. Their skill was impressive, and Grumpy found himself drawn to the treasures, touching and handling them. They were like nothing a human could make, and he got a certain satisfaction from seeing and touching the beautiful jewelry. The problem was that he didn't want the brothers to be suspicious about his intentions with their personal treasures.

While they packed, he wandered over to where their personal treasures lay, wrapped in cloth, and he reached out to pick up one of the rings. He carefully unwrapped the cloth to see the glint of sapphire.

"You like it?" Doc asked from behind him.

Grumpy jumped and spun to face Doc, his cheeks pink. "M'sorry," he mumbled, fumbling with the cloth.

"Why?"

"Shouldn'ta touched it."

"We don't mind none," Happy said.

Grumpy squinted. "Yer sure?"

The Dwarfs studied him, puzzled. Then Bashful smiled sympathetically.

"We ain't humans. And yer as good as kin."

Comprehension dawned on all their faces, and they relaxed. "Humans are really that finicky 'bout treasure, eh?" Happy asked.

"Yep," Grumpy said, looking down. He carefully finished unwrapping the ring and held it in his palm. "Ain't never seen nothin' like this afore..."

"Look at them all ya want. We jest have ta pack 'em before bed," Sneezy said.

Grumpy felt a warm rush of affection for Sneezy, who had been actively trying to make up for his terrible behavior. He nodded then studied the ring as the brothers went back to packing. After making sure Dopey was occupied, Grumpy turned away and took a deep breath. Magic seeped from his hands into the ring, and he focused on weaving the magic into a protection spell that few would be able to even detect, let alone break. After a few minutes, he sensed that it was complete, and he carefully rewrapped the ring in the strips of cloth then chose another treasure.

He finished with the diamond pocket watch, and he was very careful to pour in as much magic as possible without changing the feel of the watch. When he was done, he smoothed his fingers over the gold and silver that made up the casing then wrapped it up and set it aside. That done, he drew his hands over the tops of each of the items and felt the surge of magic arch up to meet him, which confirmed he'd done what he'd meant to.

Satisfied, he turned and watched the brothers. They were efficient, he had to give them that. They moved with purpose, led by Doc, who guided each task while handling his own. It was impressive, to say the least.

"Get your till, erm, fill?" Doc asked jovially, coming over to smile at Grumpy.

Grumpy grunted. "Sorry," he felt compelled to mutter again.

"T'ain't no trouble," Doc said. "There's nothin' wrong with wanting to book, er, look at treasures. 'Tis only natural, after all."

There was a moment's hesitation then Grumpy looked down and spoke in a small voice. "Is it?"