Just Another Day

"Anather comes ta take ye place, pup," Doane said lazily. He was stretched out on the landing before his cave one fine autumn morning as Shanku came in to work for the day.

"Oh?" she asked as she landed.

"Ye were a pleasure ta wark wi', but it's time ta share ye," the dragon said, and added. "Scoot o'er a bit, pup, ye're in me sun."

"Where am I to be 'shared' to?" Shanku asked as she stepped to the side.

"Th' nex' step in glass, accordin' ta dwarves," Doane gestured absentmindedly. "Dey make jewelry from some o' me glass baubles."

"Why not use real gems?" Shanku asked with a gesture and added hastily, "No offense."

"None taken," Doane chuckled. He closed his eyes and stretched out to a different position. "Gems be hard to come by some days, and dey cost too much far some folk."

"So glass is cheap alternative?" Shanku asked with a grin.

"Aye!" Doane opened his eyes at the sound of quick footsteps. "Ah, she comes! Shanku, meet Arloda Shimmerstone. She'll be ye new supervisor."

Shanku turned curiously to find what she assumed was a dwarf. Aptly named, Shanku mused. This must be how the Highlands feel around me. Not even four feet tall, a husky woman with green eyes and thick, red hair strode toward them with quick, purposeful steps. There was a braided "crown" at the top of her forehead that circled her head and two braids below each temple. She wore a loose shirt, a leather apron over her clothes, and leather gloves and shoes on her hands and feet. She came to a stop before Shanku and looked her up and down as she stroked her chin.