The dwarven halls were unaffected by the commotion that had just transpired beneath their feat. Even if they knew, I was uncertain if they would have cared, as they continued to go about their shady lives.

Taking the newly earned gold, I aimed to sate my appetite at one of the taverns down here. Originally I was planning to sell the rabbits I had brought, or maybe simple eat them. Luckily, more lucrative options had appeared.

I wandered the halls, looking to find a place to eat. Unfortunately, the shadier places all denied my access. Perhaps it was due to my outfit or the fact that the blood on me now was mostly human. Most likely though, the taverns were restricted to certain gangs, or were mere fronts.

Thus, I was walking towards the central area of the halls. There was a tavern there, bigger and livelier than any of the other ones. Though, I suppose, they might be darker on purpose.

The inside of the tavern is filled with a more morally agreeable bunch. People of all manners are chatting, laughing loudly and outright shouting, all whilst the young staff was refilling drinks and serving food. I myself got some suspicious looks as I entered, much the same as on the surface, from guests and staff alike. Without allowing a slight worry to show in my step, I made my way towards the counter. I almost made it there before a young man stood up and got in my way.

The young lad had a striking appearance. Though smaller in stature, his face had a raw and barbaric nature to it, making me look the smaller. Short, oily, brown-reddish hair donned his head above his frustrated expression. His outfit more or less explained his means; he had a bears head mounted on his left shoulder.

“You dare impersonate a bear!?”

“No.”

“Liar! You’re wearing an imitation of the bear clan’s garb!”

“Am I?”

“Play ignorant all you want. I have met several like you, those who would tarnish my good name to get whatever beneficial treatment!”

“I am not.”

“Then explain you shitty imitation of our garb!”

“I am a simple hunter who made his garb from the beast of the wild. This simply happens to include bears.”

At this point he gave to some emotion and took a step towards me. He was, however, visibly restraining himself. I could hear chatter about how the brat was starting something again.

“Nonsense! No simple hunter would be capable of taking down the bears of the wilds without severely damaging its pelts to a state beyond use. And several at that! Our very name is built upon the fact that we can safely hunt the kings of the forest!”

“…”

“Well, I will have to see you change into something else.” He said, as he started to turn away from me.

“Why should I?”

“Did you not listen to anything I just said?!” In a swift motion he was back into a fit of rage. His piercing blue eyes that were staring hard with hatred.

“I did, but the matter is that I, too, can take down bears. Why can I, too, then not wear this garb?”

“I suppose you will have to prove your strength then. Do you know where our arena is?”

“No.” The kid put his hand to his temple, massaging it in a compulsive manner.

“You fucking.. Look, outside the city hall there is an arena which is used for.. Just get your ass there tomorrow morning. Oh, and ask the many guards around here for directions there.”

“Why should I turn up though?” By this point the boy was visibly fuming.

“If you don’t turn up, I will cut you down on the spot next time me, or any of my acquaintances see you.” He said, this time actually trying to look dangerous or intimidating. I could even see him smiling a bit, as if this was what he wanted all along.

“Well alright, but could you do me a favor?” He was not amused by this sentence. His jaw muscles and eyes were bulging. That he hadn’t straight up lost his temper already was by this point a bit strange, if not for the fact that everyone in the tavern was watching the scene unfold.

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“What favor?”

“I’d like a place to stay for the evening, maybe I could stay at yours. Your family lives right next to that arena thing, right?”

“No, you cannot. I’m not that hospitable.” He said, sitting down. He was done with me, and tried his best not to re-initiate conversation.

I acknowledged his decision to end it, and went on with purchasing and finishing my meal. Later that evening I walked up to the city hall. The guards weren’t sure whether to let me pass or not, so I pretended as if I owned the place and walked right on in. Beneficial treatment indeed, these bears were a big deal around here.

Inside the stone brick building was a hall of wooden flooring with carpets on them. They were mostly red with a black bear shape and yellow trimmings. Similar carpets were also found hanging on the walls, besides various trophies of large animals. The top row above all of the other trophies and carpets was a row of mounted bear heads. It was quite the menacing and majestic sight to behold.

At the end of the hallway was some sort of reception desk to the left side, before a staircase to the right, leading to the second level. There were also halls to the right and left, and finally a big door with a plate with the words “The mayor, Thomas Bear” on it. The reception lady asked me if I had an appointment before I opened the door to the mayor. I did not give her a reply.

The mayor’s office was nice. It was divided in two, a sitting area with a stone table surrounded by chairs, and an office to the left of the first room. The office was also built on wooden flooring, and had a stone desk to contrast the two different cultures; dwarven and human. The desk had two wooden chairs on this side and a stone like throne on the other. The seat was covered in various furs, but primarily those with the shared name with the man currently on them.

Thomas shared a lot of the features with the younger boy from earlier. He had the same brown-reddish hair and piercing light blue eyes. Though, in contrast to the boy, he was far more calm and composed. Especially so when considering an unknown man had just entered his office wearing a bloody imitation of their “bear clan’s garb”. He also had longer, curlier hair and a short beard.

“Hello Thomas” I said, approaching the desk.

“Hello yourself. I’m sorry to say that I don’t have a name to go with your face though.”

“Neither did I, but this office has a handy sign with “mayor” and “Thomas” on it” Reaching the chairs, I sat down.

“But of course. Can I do anything for you mister...”

“Yes, you can. You see, I believe I met your son earlier. He and I had a conversation about the way I dress and how he did not appreciate it.” Locking eyes with him, I gave him a cold smile. He returned a rather humble one.

“I can why something like that might have transpired.”

“That is the reason why I’m here. Your son explained that I would face some sort of test of strength to prove my worth of this garment. I happen to need a place to stay for night, so I figured, why not here? Surely you have rooms for diplomats and such?”

“Indeed we do. And as a challenger for the arena I will be more than happy to accommodate you on our grounds. It also serves me to not have someone wearing what you are, out on the streets at night. In fact, why don’t you join us for dinner? I’m sure Eric will rejoice.” This time it was him who gave me an evil grin.

“I will be delighted.” I said, as I rose from my chair. This man was stranger than I had anticipated. He either anticipated that I would try to blackmail him in some way by mentioning the clothes and how crimes could have misplaced blame. Or, he simply enjoys pestering his son.

“My staff will tell you the way to the dining hall on the second floor. Come back once the sun sets and I shall have informed them of your appearance and our agreement.” He said as I left the room.

“We will meet again”