Interlude - Dwarven Mountain Kingdom

“HALT! State your name and purpose for visiting.” A dwarven guard ordered.

“I be here to introduce the woman I be courtin to me family!” Grimhold exclaimed and Mezza blushed.

“That be honorable. Go on through.” Another guard stated.

“But we did not check their papers sir.” The first guard cautioned.

“He just told ya why he was here. The kingdom is not on lock down so stop being so dramatic! Yer holding up the line! We got plenty more to vet before our shift is over. How about you save that zeal for the ones with carts?” The second guard barked.

Grimhold took Mezza by the hand, nodded at the guard, and quickly moved through the gate.

After the two were farther in Mezza asked the questions in her mind. “Why did you not mention the diplomatic mission you are on? And that guard mentioned lock down, does that happen often?”

“As far as the masses are concerned, we are here visiting family. When the time comes, I will share Deathwalker’s proposal. Until then, it would be best no one knows about that.”

“Yea but how are you going to get an audience with the king if you do not go through proper channels?” Mezza asked in confusion.

Grimhold just smiled at her. “Do not be worrying yourself about that. I have my ways. As for the lock downs, it happens from time to time. We usually get along well with the elves, but conflicts have been known to occur. That and there are other things far more dangerous beneath the earth than a bunch of pointy-eared pansies. For now, we should focus on more joyous things. Let me show you, my home.”

Those last words brought a smile to Mezza’s face. “Okay Grimmy, I will follow yer lead.”

————-

The droning sounds of hammers hitting metal and anvils could be heard throughout the smithing section of the crafting halls. The crafting halls and connected marketplace were absolutely massive. Mezza had never seen the like in all her travels. Criers would do everything they could to grab the attention of onlookers and passersby. The noise was almost deafening at first. Though it did not take long before Mezza was excited, especially after they found a stall with various cooking herbs.

After purchasing far more herbs and spices than they probably needed, Grimhold guided Mezza further into the smithing section. He had heard a rumor and the dwarf had to see it with his own eyes. It did not take him long to find the forge he was looking for.

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“The Iron Forge, why are we here Grimmy?” Mezza asked as they entered.

Shortly after she asked that question a young dwarf girl greeted them. “Welcome to the Iron Forge! Home of the best metalwork in the kingdom! How can we help you?”

“Best metalwork in the kingdom. That be a bold claim lass. I doubt very much yer smith be the best.” Grimhold replied.

“Grimmy!” Mezza said in surprise.

The dwarf girl did not seem discouraged. “I assure ya, my da does some of the best work in the city!”

Grimhold chuckled and raised his voice so he could be heard in the back. “Ha! He probably is great with horseshoes, but I bet he is shite with armor!”

Both Mezza and the girl working at the counter looked shocked. The hammering had stopped and a few seconds later a rather large muscular dwarf with one arm came marching in from the back. “Who dares say I be shite with armor?!”

Grimhold smiled. “I do ya one armed git!”

At this point the girl working the counter had a scowl on her face and based on her body language was clearly about to go off on Grimhold. Mezza was unsure what to do, she would back her man, even though she had no idea why he was acting this way.”

The tension was thick in the air before it was broken by the one-armed dwarf’s laughter. “HA, HA, HA, HA, HA! It is good to see ya you stubborn old dwarf!”

“It is good to see ya too Narn! I missed ya lad!” Grimhold replied before crossing the room and embracing his friend in a bear hug.

Mezza understood what was going on once she heard the smith’s name. Sadly, the girl behind the counter looked confused. “Da?”

“Ah, sorry lass. This be one of my dear friends from my adventuring days, Grimhold.” Narn explained. “Grimhold, this be my daughter Griselda.”

Upon hearing the name, recognition clicked and the confusion on her face was replaced with a smile. Griselda crossed the room and gave Grimhold a hug in greeting. “Thank you for keeping da safe on yer adventures! The way he tells it, he owes you his life several times over!”

Grimhold was a bit surprised. “What nonsense you be spouting Narn!”

“Nothing that not be the truth! I owe you my life many times over!” Narn raised his one arm. “If not for you that varnac woulda got my other arm or worse!”

Grimhold shook his head. He still felt guilty for his friend’s condition. “Nah! You saved my life plenty too!”

“Ah-hmmm!” Mezza said loudly.

Grimhold shook off his mental contemplation and walked back to Mezza. Taking her hand in his, “This is Mezza, my betrothed!”

“Narn’s face lit up. “Ha! Bout time ya settled down!” The smith walked over and stuck out his hand. “Honored to meet ya! If you could tame this ornery jackass, then you must be an amazing woman!”

“Look who is talking! But yes, she is amazing and one of the best cooks I have ever met!” Grimhold countered.

“Wow, that is some high praise, coming from this bottomless pit of a stomach!” Narn pointed at his friend.

Griselda rejoined the conversation. “Da says I be the best cook he has known. Ma taught me everything!”

“Perhaps we could exchange recipes.” Mezza offered.

“I would like that.” Griselda smiled.

“Have ya seen yer family yet?” Narn asked.

“Not yet. I came to see ya first. I had to see if what I heard was true.” Grimhold replied.

“What is it ya heard?” Narn asked.

“That yer shite with armor! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!” Grimhold laughed.

“Why you!” Narn mock glared at his friend. After a few moments he dropped the look. “Come, I will show ya some of what I have crafted.”

Grimhold let his friend guide him to the back of the forge. “I see yer armor be improved. Who did the work? It was masterfully done.” Narn said when Grimhold removed his cloak hiding his mithril armor.

“Aye, his name is Deathwalker, and he be my new liege!”