Ten-Thousand Cuts

[dearest-nehaa.livejournal.com]

Nehaalista was just where she'd promised she'd be. Most days she spent were on the Observation Deck, watching the Bleed go by much the same way she'd watched it pass on the Exodar before the crash. Back then, however, she'd also been occupied with proper duties, and proper training. And family.

She shook her head and looked at her wares. Necklaces, rings, small loose gems, large loose gems, settings, bracelets and cuffs. It shone and glinted in the light. She toyed idly with one of her curls, pulling it straight and letting it snap back.

Well, if they wanted them, they would come. In the meantime, Nehaalista picked up a book and read, The Light and How to Swing It

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[dearest-nehaa.livejournal.com]

She smiled and lifted her loupe to her eye to better inspect the little elekk. It was no secret between her friends and family how much she loved the majestic, elephant-like creatures that had been used on Draenor for everything from transportation to heavy labor.

She touched her lips and drew out her hand as though she was sending a kiss towards Choline. Then she remembered she had her omnicom and wrote, [It is lovely, your elekk, I mean. And thank you, but I'm not as good as my father was.]

[tricks-of-trade.livejournal.com]

Choline loved the elekks too.

"It's not difficult," Choline said after reading the omnicomm, with a wry grin, "to tell when something has been crafted with care. Or love. Each of these always were." She picked up the elekk and pocketed it again. "And yours."

She picked up another gem and admired its facets. "Your parents. Did they live after you came to Azeroth? Did your father teach you?" Choline looked totally engrossed, as though she wanted to hear more.

Any familiar story of home would put her at ease.

[dearest-nehaa.livejournal.com]

Nehaalista shook her head, [I don't know where they are. They may very well be dead. But, my father, Neharam, he was a jeweler in Tuurem, and then in Shattrath. I learned from him, by watching.] She looked down once and thumbed her finger over a bangle. The design was her father's; the small parade of alien birds and elekks over it etched in with small, delicate cuts.

[So yes, he taught me... in a manner of speaking.]

[tricks-of-trade.livejournal.com]

"Oh."

Choline looked at the bangle; something about it caught her eye.

"Has anyone claimed this one?"

[dearest-nehaa.livejournal.com]

[No one yet, would you like it?] Nehaa offered the band up for Choline's inspection.

[tricks-of-trade.livejournal.com]

"I think so," Choline said. "It's pretty."