Interlude - Grimhold & Mezza

CRUNCH!

The Forest Wolf’s skull caved in from Grimhold’s warhammer. The dwarven defender spun and hit another Forest Wolf in the side sending it off course from its attack on Mezza.

“Thank you Grimmy!” Mezza thanked as she cut a big gash in the third Forest Wolf’s face with her butcher’s knife.

YIP!

The third Forest Wolf’s head reeled back and up from the pain, leaving its throat exposed. Mezza took the opportunity to use her other blade to slice the beast’s throat open. Another quick slice on its two front legs dropped the canine to the road floor, dead a moment after.

The second Forest Wolf, seeing its two pack mates dead, took off back into the forest that butted up against the main road to the Elven nation. The two dwarves listened and waited for any reinforcements. When none came, they both let out a breath.

“I do not know how you live like this Grimmy, always looking over your shoulder for a monster to attack.”

“No different than dealing with nobles and people. This is just more direct. Plus, I like the sound they make when they go crunch under my hammer! Ha!”

Mezza stowed her blades and drew her skinning knife. “I guess that be true. We will eat well tonight and for a few days once I skin and butcher these two.”

“You are very impressive with those blades, Mezza. Nice to know such a capable woman has my back.”

Mezza beamed back at him. “Oh Grimmy! You know just what to say to a woman.”

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“Here. Let me help you skin those two. I may not be as good as Deathwalker, but my Skinning skill is decent.”

Mezza had a curious look on her face. “Deathwalker skinned? I thought he was a healer.”

Grimhold laughed. “Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Deathwalker is far more than a healer. The man hides his strength, but he is a powerful mage and I imagine much more than that.”

“What do you mean?” Mezza asked.

“Well for starters he repaired and improved my mithril armor, so his Smithing skill is rather high to do such a feat. Then there is the fact that he would dress all our kills and was damn good at it. Then there is his cookin...”

“His cookin?” Mezza interrupted.

“Aye lass. His cookin is only second to you, my love. Before I had yer food, it was some of the most flavorful meals I ever had and made things I never heard of before.” Grimhold explained.

Mezza sat there for a minute. “I will have to have a chat with him when we get back. He showed me the bacon recipe, but had I known he knew other dishes I would be mining his brain for more.”

“Aye, that sounds like a good idea when we return.”

The two dwarves fell into a companionable silence as they continued to butcher and dress their kills. Mezza was far more skilled at this endeavor than Grimhold and finished before he did. While she waited for him to finish, she asked him another question. “Grimmy, why do you think he hides his strength? I mean I would understand if he was trying to lay low, but he is the talk of the kingdom.”

Grimhold thought a moment before answering. “I do not think he wanted the responsibility he is saddled with. I truly think he just wanted to be an adventurer, but he had to step up to deal with Darrien’s betrayal...”

Mezza spat to the side upon hearing her old employer’s name. “He was the worst!”

Grimhold nodded before continuing. “What I do know is the man is not one to shy away from his duty. He has saved my life multiple times over in such a short period of time.” Grimhold got lost in thought for a moment. “Deathwalker was willing to sacrifice himself to give this town, now turned city, a chance to survive. I would follow him anywhere and travel to the ends of the continent if he asked me to.”

Grimhold had finished dressing his kill. Mezza took his hand in Her’s and pulled them to her chest. “I like him too. He is a good man, and he brought me you.”

Grimhold smiled and leaned in to kiss her. As he did, he thought to himself, ‘This is another thing I be thankful for. His insistence on Mezza coming with me. Now I get to have moments like this, and I will get to introduce her to my family and get their blessing.’