Working as a scribe was certainly not one of his favorite jobs.

Dunvi who lacked any kind of apprenticeship or declined following their parents footsteps were expected to still work. It wouldn’t do well for youths to have idle hands. Giving them any job at all was better than being a layabout.

Rather than limiting a person to a single profession there was a rotating system in place. Every month you received a new position and continued trying out new lines of work. It kept things fresh and if one decided they wanted to stick with something they could. Ulgrin could at least admit that this was better than keeping the wind ducts free of dust and debris.

A month of crawling on his hands and knees was not a comfortable one. The tunnels that ensured the fortress had ample air flow were tighter than a greybeard’s grip on his mug of ale. Sometimes the young dwarf envied the smaller races, but then just as quickly remembered that being tiny had its drawbacks. Dunvi had enough challenges with heights as it was.

Not that any good dwarf would admit as such.

After finishing relocating his grandfather’s things Ulgrin was back at the grind. Copying documents was his main task most days. Sometimes he got more interesting jobs like comparing tax logs or calculating supply costs. Mostly though it was busywork.

Necessary to the success of a mountainhome, but boring.

Clockwork chimes rang out and he breathed a sigh of relief. Keeping time was important when you lived a good portion of your life underground. Most facilities had some fairly accurate way of keeping time down to the hour.

Fingers stained with ink he gathered up his things and stretched. The siren song of a good mug of ale called to him but he had business to attend to. His parents needed to know his plans for one, and for two he needed to get started on preparing for the future events to come.

“I witness your time here as complete,” a matronly old dwarven woman spoke as he approached her desk. Missus Ironbreak was older than his grandfather, hair white as the snow atop mountains. Somehow still kicking. “Will you be applying for a new position elsewhere or… were you perhaps interested in following his footsteps?”

Ulgrin shrugged sheepishly. “I’m afraid not, ma’am. Well. Not exactly. I plan to follow his path, but not the one he took up in his later years. His first calling.”

Dahna raised a bushy eyebrow. “So you’re planning on doing that. Well. Newbeards will be newbeards, I suppose.”

“He left me some important gifts, so I’m not going in blind.” He replied.

She gave a sharp tsk. “Still, you’re twenty years too young to be gallivanting about the countryside and exploring dusty old ruins.” One hand quickly wrote out a form. “Give that to the Overseer’s offices. And you’ve earned your bonus pay as well.”

Grinning, he took the sheet. Those who worked hard and stuck with their job for the full month were rewarded for their efforts, even if it wasn’t much. “Thanks, madam. Have a good day.”

Leaving the array of administrative chambers behind he took up a fast pace. Dun’kagoth was partially below ground, half exposed to open air and half beneath stone. The city was arranged around a massive crevasse that formed a perfect location for the center to be established. The rest of the city formed a pentagon around it, with the bottom ‘square’ turning to walls that protected its belly. Networks of tunnels connected the shape and quarters had been dug in the spaces between.

The central district was mainly residential but with a smattering of professions who had gotten a piece of the pie when the city had first been founded. Most of the administrative offices were arranged on the northern part so Ulgrin had a long way to walk.

With it being later in the day the suns had already set behind the mountains, leaving the city in a twilight shadow. Magelights lit the streets, their hallowed blues contrasting with the city’s primarily golden cascade of gneiss. Marble had been quarried and worked into decorations and it allowed the city to glow during the evening hours.

Ulgrin was proud of his home and naturally considered its aesthetics far superior to other dwarven mountainhomes. Definitely better than the ones who used mono-colored stones! That was just boring.

Hitching a ride for a few coppers on one of the beetle-drawn carts he traveled to the exit of the city. Dun’kagoth’s gates were cavernous and designed like the gaping maw of a sea leviathan. Frightening to a young dwarf, but he’d grown used to it by this point. Nodding and paying the porter, he hopped off and moved through the hilly landscape surrounding the mountainhome.

Grassy crags filled the landscape before rising into the hook-shaped mountain of Hedlock. Its rise was sharp and sudden, casting long shadows over the vales. Still, it was good soil and perfect for rearing all sorts of mountain livestock. Goats, sheep, chicken, proto-drakes, and smaller thunderers.

Carved into the side of a hill was his family’s home. Clan Hoofhome. Pastures surrounded it and paddocks had been formed to contain the herds of ungulates they raised.

Home was home. He’d explored their ranch time and time again, having investigated every nook and cranny that their land held. Admittedly, most of his desire to leave had been borne of long hours spent watching the herds with naught else to do. You could only entertain yourself so much by watching the clouds pass. You’d think I’d have become a weather-oracle with all I’ve watched, he mused.

Waiting for him were the family’s faithful hounds. Or rather one faithful sheephound, a pair of rambunctious scytheclaws, and a lazy mole lizard. Ulgrin wasn’t sure why the words for their names were so different in draconic, but velociraptor and lystrosaurus definitely sounded fancier. Their second sheephound was out, it seemed.

Their first pup was named Chisel, an older dog with a splotchy brown and white coat. The twin terrors were Arrow and Longbow. Lightly feathered, and proud of their amber plumage and gray scales. Lastly was the simple stumpy-legged Anvil who served as an excellent mouser with his superior digging skills.

Almost immediately he was beset upon by the wild beasts, but they were easily calmed by offering scratches of the highest quality. “Aye, aye,” Ulgrin replied, nudging them along. Happy woofs, chitters, and snuffling followed the young dwarf as he passed the gate and headed towards their house.

Waiting for him on the porch was his father.

“Welcome home, my boy.” Harkin said with a smile, his pipe puffing. “Long day at work?” His father was of average height, possessing a barrel-like build. His arms were as developed as a smith’s from managing animals and the occasional stonework. A long braided light red beard framed a pair of happy green eyes as he gestured for Ulgrin to join him.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“As long as it always is,” he replied, taking a seat in one of the chairs. “There are plans for an expansion on the fourth-floor farms. Needed a lot of copies of orders made.”

“S’pose it’s about that time of the decade.” The older dwarf said. “I remember the last time had some issues. Think the old coots figured out that the aquifer is going to be as much of a pain this time?”

“Probably. There’s more orders for proper structural support.” Ulgrin rested his head against the reclining chair, patting his lap for Anvil to hop up. The snuffling lystrosaurus obliged, earning jealous stares from the other animals who then had a brief spat to claim their father’s seat.

Harkin nodded, taking a long breath of his pipe.

Silence fell over the two for some time as they enjoyed the sun setting behind the mountain. The two were never much for idle conversation and often settled into these satisfied silences. While his father was naturally upset about his son not pursuing the family business he did have two other children to take over.

Ulgrin paused. “Is sister out herding half of the flock for grazing?”

“Aye. She’s in the northern passes, we worked out an agreement with the Hildrensons. Out with your mother.”

That was good. Competition for good ground was fierce sometimes. Grudges had been born over such things. Better to arrange for peaceful business. “And brother is probably still in town at the forge? He works too much.”

Harkin gave a wry grin. “Works harder than you, boy. Let him learn. Stamina is an important part of being a smith. When he crashes it’ll be a lesson.” The older dwarf paused. “Now, I can see you’ve got something on your mind. Out with it, will you?”

“Bah.” Ulgrin replied with a sigh. “I went through Grandfather’s office today.”

“That’d explain it.” Harkin closed his eyes for a brief prayer. “Memories?”

“That… and a gift.” He reached into his satchel and withdrew the letter, handing it over to his father to read. Harkin grumbled, withdrawing his spectacles and squinting at the page.

After a brief time he nodded. “Well. I cannae say that wasn’t expected. Figures the old man would pull something like this. You, an adventurer? It fits. You were born with one foot out the door my son. Knew you’d leave the den eventually.”

Ulgrin gave Anvil a good scritching. “That ‘one day’ appears to be soon, it seems. It calls to me, father. More so than anything else.”

“Then you have my blessings. Just know that this old ranch will always be here for you to return to.” He puffed his pipe one last time. “Now how about we start dinner? The rest of the family will be here soon.”

“Of course!” Ulgrin replied.

Together the two of them retreated inside and got down to business. Today’s meal would be a hearty stew (mutton of course) with freshly baked bread for dipping. On the side they prepared a tray of glazed and roasted bunshrooms stuffed with carrots and broccoli. The umbrella shaped fungus was perfect for putting other food inside as it contracted upon itself when heated, the result similar to a meat bun. Harkin splurged and brought out the better tasting stones for snacking upon afterwards.

Contrary to popular belief, Dunvi did not solely subsist off of alcohol, meat, and mushrooms. Diets varied, but surface foods were well regarded. Food was an important part of enjoying life, so why limit yourself to so little?

As for the topic of eating rocks, it was normal for dwarves. While they could technically eat any rock found upon the road it wasn’t appetizing. Dwarves preferred uncommon stones, the more precious the better. Nobility consumed gemstones regularly, but for the common folk quartz was good enough.

From what Ulgrin had read about their kind’s biology the ‘roughage’ aided in digestion. That and it was just tasty to crunch up. He liked carnelians the most, but it was a rare treat. Perhaps he’d one day be able to try a diamond? Now that sounded appealing.

Soon enough the family arrived for dinner. A tired looking Elrani, his mother, stepped inside. She wore an expertly woven head of auburn hair and long bangs. Her face lit up upon seeing the meal at the table and she gave a smile. “So you remembered this time! Very good, husband of mine.”

“Aye,” Harkin replied. “The spoon is a harsh teacher, but this old dwarf can learn.”

Behind her was Ulgrin’s sister, Elkina. Tall for a dwarf, her build was stout like an elm. Like him, she possessed a pair of yellow eyes just a few shades darker than their mother. “You’d better have. I wanted to help with the lamb’s birth, but nooo, we need to head out to the pastures. You’re lucky, father.”

“Experience has its benefits.” He said. “Two young’uns born healthy with no issues. As for the work, it’s necessary. We only have the season to graze there. Need to fatten the herd up as much as possible.”

“Bah. You just wanted an easier job.” She replied, huffily taking a seat at the table and loading up a plate.

“Guilty as charged, lass.” Their father said with a grin.

Once everyone was seated, their attention quickly turned to eating heartily. Ale was quaffed and plates were emptied. Satisfied dwarves were left with full bellies.

It took halfway through dinner for the last member of their family to arrive. Skradin, the youngest brother. Beard still quite patchy, the youthful Dunvi almost immediately threw himself into consumption. His hair was a redder shade to match their father, but his eyes were an oddity being the color of quartz. “Sorry I’m late. The master smith got a rush order.”

“And you should know by now that your master is no slave-owner.” Their mother said sternly. “A young dwarf shouldn’t be cooped up in a workshop for so long. No wonder your beard isn’t growing very well!”

Skradin blushed, one hand covering his shame. “Mother… I volunteered. It was work for the Baron. He expects it done soon or else we’ll have some serious sanctions on our shop.”

“We have the Guilds for a reason. Nobles can’t just barge into proper business like the old days.” She grumbled, angrily biting into a bunshroom.

“Tis only for the day. Tomorrow, I promise, I’ll come home on time.” He replied sheepishly.

“You’d better.”

Once the meal was consumed, the family retired to the lounge area. Lit by a large hearth, the stone chambers had plenty of rugs and couches for reclining upon. Even in the chillest of winters this home had always been warm.

Now that his family was done, Ulgrin withdrew the letter and handed it over. “Mother, I received a gift from Grandfather’s office. One last message.”

She raised an eyebrow before deftly reading the parchment. “Of course. Old gundi.” Despite the curse, a small smile alit the corners of her mouth.

His sister immediately snatched up the paper before Skradin could even get a chance. “Oh? Dearest little brother of mine is planning on leaving? About damn time!” She shook her head. “Finally. I’ve had enough of you skipping out on your chores to daydream or run to grandfather.”

Ulgrin gave a smug look in response. “You know this means someone else will have to do my chores while I’m gone?”

“Bah, sheepshit. You’re right.”

“Not it,” Skradin said after taking the advantage and prying the paper from her distracted hands. “Too busy at the forge. Suppose you’ll have to deal with it, sister of ours. Haha.” He turned to me with a gleam in his eye. “You’re serious about this? Leaving to explore? Congratulations, brother.”

The appreciation and acceptance filled Ulgrin with joy and he gathered up his siblings and parents for a deep hug. “Aye. This is my calling.” Pulling away, he looked at them all. “I’ll be sad to leave, but I’ll write when I can.”

“Think little of it. You’ll return eventually,” their mother said knowingly. “Then, I suppose this means Ulgrin is most suited for it?” She asked, turning to Harkin. The dwarf nodded sagely, turning to leave. The room was left in suspense as he dug around in one of the storerooms.

Returning, he set a large trunk onto the table. “This?” He gestured to the artisanally molded steel chest. “This was your great-great grandfather’s equipment. He left it to Clan Hoofhome. Served as a cavalrydwarf during the war of ‘786. Fought hard against Kegrusland and earned himself the weapon inside.”

Opening the chest, Ulgrin found a hammer within. That and a set of brigandine armor that shone a burnished bronze. Below it all was a tabard emblazoned with the colors of the Stoneborn, blue and dark green.

Lifting the warhammer, he found it well balanced and designed for throwing in a pinch. Interestingly enough there were runes carved up and down its sides. He could make out the arcane words for ‘EXPAND’, ‘LENGTHEN’, and ‘STRENGTHEN’. Did it do what he thought it did?

Focusing on pushing mana into the weapon, he found it increasing in size. The shaft extended, easily stretching out to turn the weapon into a polearm. A longhammer.

Harkin gave a nod. “Earned a favor from the runesmiths and asked for that. Always complained about having to switch between weapons in close quarters, so he decided upon that. Steel, but should be fairly stronger. Perfect for bludgeoning an angry lineman.”

Ulgrin was speechless. Best family ever. This weapon would serve him well, he had no doubt of that.

Rather than wait for him to gather his wits, the family all pulled him into another hug. For the rest of the night they made merry, for soon he would be journeying onwards and entering new lands.

Now he would have a worthy weapon to help him in the journey.

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Here is Ulgrin's family. It always surprises me how so few stories include the main character's family. Either they're an orphan or simply don't particularly care. Not in this case! Ulgrin loves his kin. No this isn't a death flag. Probably.

Lexicon of Words and Terms Used:

Newbeard - A young dwarf who is considered an adult but lacks the experience. Typically dunvi enter adulthood at 20 years of age.

Dinosaur - Yep, dinosaurs exist in this setting. Why? They're cool. Typically referred to as 'thunderers', most of the largest species have been driven from civilization long ago. Sometimes confused with dragons.

Bunshroom - A fairly common species of mushrooms that is shaped like a meat bun or cup. Not referring to rabbits.

Gundi - An endearing curse word that means 'Bonepile'. Typically used for older dwarves.