Post by nali on Nov 7, 2006 13:55:33 GMT -5
The grass was green and lush, the buzzing of bees and the chirruping of the many species of birds were easily audible, in the otherwise perpetual silence. A slight disturbance, to the natural sounds all around, sent birds squawking to and fro, it began softly as a small chinking in the distance. The wary creatures had fled the scene, leaving just the few fluttering butterflies and other insects whizzing around. The weather was decent for this time of year; late autumn, there was a slightly cool breeze, but overall the temperature was pleasant to the Dwarf, who trudged into the field, grumbling under his breath as he so often did.
For it was a Dwarf who disturbed the peaceful, idyllic scene; with the tramping of his weathered, leather boots on the rough stoned path leading through the farmer’s fields, bare of the crop that had so recently been harvested. If the Dwarf had come just a week before, the scene before him would have been quite different, and the events that were about to unfold undoubtedly have been quite different too.
Just a week before the farmers of the Lord’s land were out in force, with the scythes, sacks and other implements for which to make war on the crop and harvest away. This time of year was oft strenuous for the locals, who feared this time of year, as it heralded the beginning of winter, and the long, harsh months which would undoubtedly follow. Working feverously throughout the weeks, the crop had been finally drawn in, and the farm hands began their well deserved, yet unfortunately, short rest.
The Dwarf had no real care or love for the nature around him, he followed the path, though it oft led him astray and far from where he eventually wished to end his long and arduous journey northward thus far, but that is another tale and shall not be divulged here.
The Dwarf had the not uncommon Dwarven name of Nali Fireforge. He was a Merchant by trade and travelled alone, though he much yearned for company he had found none, as of yet, Elves of course shirked him as he did them and Men, well they had their own company and did not desire friendship from Dwarves; more they want the weapons and armour that the Dwarves can fashion like no others. The stout Dwarf pulled a small pony behind him, which was severely under-nourished, as the Dwarf was himself, for a Dwarf at least. The pony was weighed down with many an instrument and belonging; mainly the tools of a Merchant and Miner’s trade, but the hardy Dwarf himself carried more than his fair share of weighty minerals in a large sack slung across his back. Nali wore a heavy, brown cloak over his conventional Dwarven armour and mail, he wielded many a weapon including throwing axes, a short bow more suited to hunting rather than actual combat, a round shield slung across his back and of course being a dwarf, a fine hand axe, crafted by his own fair hand.
Nali’s face was grim and weathered, from all his time outside against the elements, but unlike most dwarves, as he spent more time aground being prone to wanderlust, his face was not so dark as most; from the constant mining and crafting of weapons. Nali was a merchant by trade and rather sold the fine crafts his fellow Dwarves had made, the stout hearted Dwarves much preferred someone akin to sell their produce, and Nali was the perfect go-between; fetching a fair price for both buyer and seller, of course he also kept a goodly sum for himself, though his fellows had come to trust him over the many years, as he took less than most, being a fair old sort really.
Grounding to a halt the old Dwarf breathed heavily, it was high time for a short break, not long mind, as he wished to enter the nearest town before nightfall and it was coming on for six o’clock already. Dusk would soon be approaching, but Nali was weary and more importantly his faithful old pony looked like it was nearing its last legs. Nali patted his pony fondly and began to unload all the assortments, putting them in a small heap at the side of the track. The Pony whickered happily as his load was taken and he nudged his owner fondly. A smile graced Nali’s hardened lips, it was quite obvious to those who knew him; that he had an unusual soft spot for the animal. Stifling a yawn Nali perched on a cold stone hoping the coolness might just keep him awake. Unfortunately he was quite wrong in that respect. After just a few moments his heavy eyelids began to droop, and he slipped from the stone onto the soft grass. The peacefulness was only interrupted by the loud snores of the lonely old Dwarf as he dreamt of lands faraway.
For it was a Dwarf who disturbed the peaceful, idyllic scene; with the tramping of his weathered, leather boots on the rough stoned path leading through the farmer’s fields, bare of the crop that had so recently been harvested. If the Dwarf had come just a week before, the scene before him would have been quite different, and the events that were about to unfold undoubtedly have been quite different too.
Just a week before the farmers of the Lord’s land were out in force, with the scythes, sacks and other implements for which to make war on the crop and harvest away. This time of year was oft strenuous for the locals, who feared this time of year, as it heralded the beginning of winter, and the long, harsh months which would undoubtedly follow. Working feverously throughout the weeks, the crop had been finally drawn in, and the farm hands began their well deserved, yet unfortunately, short rest.
The Dwarf had no real care or love for the nature around him, he followed the path, though it oft led him astray and far from where he eventually wished to end his long and arduous journey northward thus far, but that is another tale and shall not be divulged here.
The Dwarf had the not uncommon Dwarven name of Nali Fireforge. He was a Merchant by trade and travelled alone, though he much yearned for company he had found none, as of yet, Elves of course shirked him as he did them and Men, well they had their own company and did not desire friendship from Dwarves; more they want the weapons and armour that the Dwarves can fashion like no others. The stout Dwarf pulled a small pony behind him, which was severely under-nourished, as the Dwarf was himself, for a Dwarf at least. The pony was weighed down with many an instrument and belonging; mainly the tools of a Merchant and Miner’s trade, but the hardy Dwarf himself carried more than his fair share of weighty minerals in a large sack slung across his back. Nali wore a heavy, brown cloak over his conventional Dwarven armour and mail, he wielded many a weapon including throwing axes, a short bow more suited to hunting rather than actual combat, a round shield slung across his back and of course being a dwarf, a fine hand axe, crafted by his own fair hand.
Nali’s face was grim and weathered, from all his time outside against the elements, but unlike most dwarves, as he spent more time aground being prone to wanderlust, his face was not so dark as most; from the constant mining and crafting of weapons. Nali was a merchant by trade and rather sold the fine crafts his fellow Dwarves had made, the stout hearted Dwarves much preferred someone akin to sell their produce, and Nali was the perfect go-between; fetching a fair price for both buyer and seller, of course he also kept a goodly sum for himself, though his fellows had come to trust him over the many years, as he took less than most, being a fair old sort really.
Grounding to a halt the old Dwarf breathed heavily, it was high time for a short break, not long mind, as he wished to enter the nearest town before nightfall and it was coming on for six o’clock already. Dusk would soon be approaching, but Nali was weary and more importantly his faithful old pony looked like it was nearing its last legs. Nali patted his pony fondly and began to unload all the assortments, putting them in a small heap at the side of the track. The Pony whickered happily as his load was taken and he nudged his owner fondly. A smile graced Nali’s hardened lips, it was quite obvious to those who knew him; that he had an unusual soft spot for the animal. Stifling a yawn Nali perched on a cold stone hoping the coolness might just keep him awake. Unfortunately he was quite wrong in that respect. After just a few moments his heavy eyelids began to droop, and he slipped from the stone onto the soft grass. The peacefulness was only interrupted by the loud snores of the lonely old Dwarf as he dreamt of lands faraway.