[Monifa] Mender's Song
The small orcish boy
Holds out his worn toy
The wolf he will someday ride
With loose button eyes
And stuffing that flies
From a long tear in its side
I gather my tools
A needle and spools
Of finely-spun soft grey thread
Then stitch wounded hide
Pushing stuffing inside
To leave a thin scar instead
Coarse fur, yellow teeth
Torn flesh knits beneath
My hands; the injured wolf growls
And her master frowns
With his gaze turned down
Hiding worry with a scowl
There's a whoop of joy
From the small orc boy
As I offer back his friend
Then he rides away
He has foes to slay
And a city to defend
The wolf's blood lingers
Staining my fingers
I wipe them off on my vest
I've done my part and
The warmth in my heart
Tells me that I've passed this test