Chương 94: Chapter 93 – Taller than Mountains, Older than Dirt

Grimwald Steelcutter adjusted the leather belt of his deep charcoal royal guard tunic. The intricate metalwork caught the light streaming in through the large window, each medal a testament to his service in the king's most trusted security branch. At four‑foot‑five, he was compact and muscular, his long beard and mustache meticulously groomed, reflecting the discipline of his rank. He waited nervously in the vestibule for Celestia to arrive with the refugees.

He hadn't been told much, and what little he had been told was vague. It all left him to wonder exactly what to expect. The group consisted of distinguished dignitaries, and their care, comfort, and security were to be his only priority.. They would be housed in Shadowborne Villa for the time being. This was only a temporary arrangement pending further instructions. Grimwald hadn't visited Shadowborne Villa very often in the past. There had been little reason to.

The venue had been primarily reserved for large celebratory gatherings… Weddings, parties, and the like. Since his wife took a position there as cook, he had come to know the place a little bit more intimately. Her brother had worked there for as many years as he could remember, but he could never recall precisely what, if anything, he did there. He remembered his first visit there many years ago. He stood marveling at the sheer scope and scale of its construction.

Most buildings had ceilings of a standard six feet, perfect for dwarves… high enough not to bump your head… but still low enough to make a dwarf feel tall. In Shadowborne Villa, the lowest ceilings vaulted to twelve feet, and others soared to twenty‑four, maybe more. A height fit for giants, his pappy used to say. It was utterly absurd by dwarven standards. The rooms were oversized and spacious, perfect for large celebratory functions.

For more intimate gatherings, however, it would leave the attendees feeling like they were standing in Odin's abyss. Why the higher‑ups decided to house them in such a place escaped his logic. Who were these people, and why were they coming here? Whatever the reason, he found himself looking forward to Celestia's arrival more than he cared to admit. Although he would never openly admit it, he was completely enamored by the fairy.

Her long brown hair with the red woven into it and her delicate features sent his heart fluttering every time he laid eyes on her. If the wife so much as thought I's was making googly‑goo eyes at the fairy, she would's most certainly be getting' the cast iron out and be beatin' the goo outta the googly. Celestia hadn't been to the dwarven realm for quite some time, and he'd just assumed she'd been promoted or reassigned. It wasn't until the fairy patrols ended that he felt in his bones that something was amiss.

To learn she was listed as one of the refugees sent a shiver up his spine. As the teleport began whirring, the air filled with a faint vibration and the scent of heated metal surrounded him. Grimwald straightened his tunic, adjusted his belt, and took on the rigid military stance he'd perfected over the years. He did not know what to expect when the doors opened. He steeled himself, looking straight ahead, conjuring the most stoic face he could muster. His heart raced when Celestia stepped out of the chamber.

He had to suppress the smile threatening to break across his face. Maintains professionalism and follow the code of honor ats all times, he reminded himself. His excitement at seeing her was short‑lived. Nothing could have prepared him for what followed. The beings who emerged were unlike anything he had ever seen. They moved with a sense of weightlessness, as if gravity had decided they were too beautiful to restrict. They glided rather than walked.

Grim rubbed his eyes, questioning his vision, craning his neck upward to catch sight of their faces. Most dwarven structures were built for the dwarves' compact stature. The teleport vestibules were much larger, towering in a way he never understood. He supposed it was to accommodate visitors, but that was the thing… they never had any… well, other than the fairies, that is. To the best of his recollection, however, he had never seen a fairy stand above six feet. Now he understood why they had made them so big…

these beings had to be eight to ten feet tall. The male and female drifted forward with cautious curiosity. Their eyes wide and blazed with wonder as they took in the unfamiliar sights. Watching them move with such grace and beauty made Grimwald suddenly aware of his own stocky frame, making him feel crude and earthbound. Their skin caught the light differently… a subtle luminescence that made them appear almost ethereal against the stone walls.

The air around them seemed to relax with a soft fragrance like rain on flowers. He was both fascinated and unsettled. Now he understood the need for accommodations like Shadowborne Villa… these beings simply wouldn't fit anywhere else.

"Grimwald, my dear friend, it's so wonderful to see you!" Celestia said with her usual vibrance.

"It's been a while."

"Yes, yes it has," Grimwald replied, unable to take his eyes off the pair of elves.

"This is Rowan, and his wife, Sheera," she said, motioning to them.

"How do you do?" Rowan asked, stooping down and extending his hand nervously.

"Pleasure," Grimwald said, shaking it gently, then extending his hand to Sheera. Her touch was like a whisper in the wind. So light… so unreal, he thought, smiling politely.

"Welcome. Please, take a seat anywhere whiles I discuss a few things with Celestia." He gestured toward the benches along the far wall.

"Your whole party hasn't arrived yet, so please sit tight while I's get Celestia on her way." You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. He watched as the pair seemed to float to the other side of the room. He couldn't look away, captivated by their grace. Shaking off the spell, he turned back to Celestia.

"I know you needs to be on your way," he said, gesturing to the stack of papers on his desk.

"I have all the paperwork ready for yous and…" He glanced at Sheera and Rowan.

"…and your friends, but we can sorts that out when yous return."

"I know I'm leaving them in wonderful hands," she said, smiling at him, then at the elves.

"Talk to them, Grim, they really are wonderful. I think you'll like them." She stepped toward the teleport.

"You're in good hands. Grim is great. If you have questions, he's the one to answer them. Be back soon!" She waved and stepped into the teleport. They watched the door close. The machine suddenly engaged with a low hum, then fell silent. Grimwald fidgeted with his beard, took a deep breath, and turned to his charges. Straightening his tunic, he began, "Well, as you know, I be Grimwald Steelcutter," his face flushed while he avoided eye contact.

"I'll be serving as yours protector, tour guide, and all‑around go‑to guy while yous is here," he added awkwardly, forcing a smile. He wished the floor would swallow him whole. Talking to elves wasn't exactly part of his plan when he rolled out of bed this morning. What does one say to an elf? He tugged at his beard, buying himself a moment before speaking.

"Thank you, Mister Steelcutter. We appreciate your government's generous hospitality," Sheera said graciously breaking the awkward silence.

"Yes, we'll do our best to fit in here. We may need some coaching until we learn your customs," Rowan added.

"Please be sure to tell us if we do anything that may be considered taboo." You two have a better chance of deep‑sea fishing off the peak of Mount Ticquanda than you do of fitting in, Grimwald thought, nodding.

"I'm sure you'll dos just fine," he said, smiling reassuringly, though not entirely convinced. Sheera and Rowan exchanged a glance, a flicker of something unreadable passing between them. Grimwald stood in the awkward silence that followed.

"So, you'll be staying at Shadowborne Villa," he blurted.

"Shadowborne Villa?" Sheera asked, surprised.

"Sounds fancy. Let me assure you, we're simple folks. We don't need anything extravagant."

"She's right," Rowan said.

"We come from a modest society and will be comfortable anywhere." Shadowborne Villa's the only place we could possibly fit the likes of you folks, Grimwald thought, raising his eyebrows. We couldn't shove yous into a normal house if we done tried. Struggling for words, he nodded.

"Good tos know… good tos know," he said, breaking the silence. He exhaled and walked to his desk.

"If yous need anything, I'll be right here gittin' the paperwork ready for Celestia," he said, motioning to the far side of the room. Sheera and Rowan exchanged another glance, their eyes drifting upward to the vaulted ceilings and intricate stonework. The silence stretched, thick with anticipation. Suddenly the teleport began its low growl, announcing the arrival of the next group. Sheera and Rowan stood, faces bright with excitement. Grimwald looked over to the teleport, his shoulders slumping with relief.

Thank yous, Odin! I'm not sure how much more I's could take! He took a steadying breath and stepped forward to greet the newcomers. As the door opened, Grimwald couldn't contain his smile when Celestia reappeared." Grim thought he'd seen everything after Sheera and Rowan's arrival… that was until Ray emerged. His breath caught. He was unprepared for the likes of him. Unlike the elves, Ray was solid. Substantial. Built like Grimwald but on a grander scale. A wall of muscle, his presence larger than life.

Where Rowan and Sheera moved like whispers, Ray moved like granite… deliberate. Weighted. Commanding space. He was tall, taller than the elves. It was enough to make Grimwald's neck ache.

Broad‑shouldered, with a corded build that spoke of raw power and resilience. Ray looked like he could carry several dwarves without breaking a sweat. His skin was darker, orange, rougher than the elves' luminescent complexion. His was textured by years of hard living. His eyes, however, told a different story… deep warmth and tremendous understanding lie within their depths. His compassion echoed a hearth fire during blizzard. His gaze, however, was alert, calculating, and methodical.

He scanned the room with a warrior's precision. Missing nothing. Much like a hawk searching for prey. His military background was apparent in his stance alone. Where the elves moved with nervous curiosity, this goblin radiated a contained energy that suggested he could shift from stillness to action in an instant. Grimwald caught himself staring and quickly composed himself. Suddenly he became acutely aware of just how small he must seem beside the goblin.

Without warning, a small figure darted out of the teleport in a blur, making Grimwald jump back in surprise. It wasn't until the figure cried out that he understood.

"Momma, Daddy!" Thai screamed, running and leaping into her father's arms.

"That was so much fun! Did you like it?" Grim studied the child with curious interest. She was small and seemingly delicate in her father's embrace. Her black hair flowed down her back, her eyes were unlike Grim had ever seen. Wide and filled with wonder, they radiated with a deep, brilliant blue. Her complexion wasn't as translucent as her parents', glowing with a warm pinkish blue hue, that made her appear violent when she flushed. Her rosy cheeks, round and healthy. She was beautiful by any species standards.

Her dress and matching shoes shimmered in the light, casting tiny rainbows across the room and lending a festive glow. She slipped from her father's arms and scampered over to Grimwald, her tiny shoes clicking softly on the floor.

"Hi," she said, smiling brightly.

"My name's Thai. What's yours?" She looked up at him, despite being almost eye-level. Grimwald realized then that she wasn't as small as she seemed… only appearing tiny when wrapped in her father's arms.

"My name be Grimwald, but you can calls me Grim," he said, extending his hand.

"Pleasure to meet yous, young lady." Thai giggled heartily.

"Are you an old kid, or a kid who is old?" she asked, tilting her head, puzzled by his size and obvious age.

"Thalindra!" Sheera exclaimed sharply.

"That's not very polite. Apologize right now.""'Tis alright, ma'am," Grimwald said, smiling at the child's innocence.

"I's, young lady, is what they calls a dwarf. Don't lets my size fool yous. I may not be as tall as yous is used to, but I's is older than most everyone in 'dis here room."

"How old is that?" Thai asked, eyes wide with fascination.

"Older than dirt," he mused.

"Well, how old is dirt?" she asked, growing more confused.

"Enough, Thai," Rowan said, scooping her up.

"I'm sorry, Grimwald. Please excuse her; this is all new to her."

"It's fine, really it is. I's know the lass be meanin' no harm. She's just trying tos understand," Grimwald said, winking at Thai.