Chapter 1: Introduction
Warriors like Hrothgar Champion didn’t belong in quaint, uneventful villages with narrow paths, homes painted a rainbow selection of primary colors, and flowers blooming everywhere. They belonged on open fields, where they could ride unicorns, hunt the beasts that ravished flocks, and feel the winds of adventure blow the scent of distant lands in their nostrils.
But Rakan found himself in just such a village today, a long and weary horseback ride away from his latest victory. When he first arrived, a few children tossed flowers atop his worn-out boots from a distance. A kind old woman offered him fresh bread and honey. Another man handed him a small flask of potent mead. The villagers knew all about him - the legendary Hrothgar Champion, who wore his dark hair shorn close to the skull and boasted arresting blue eyes.
Rumors of his adventures had spread like wildfire across the realms where the common folk lived. In these parts, his name was whispered with an almost fearful reverence, because of his mighty sword Alethar, often used to slay monsters and dragons.
But Rakan felt no affinity with these people. They didn't understand him, nor could he fathom their simple ways. He knew of love, yes, and the powerful desire to be united with someone in such a primal connection.
He knew the attraction he received from women, their widened gazes, the hushed voices when they spoke of him. Yet, he had not managed to find anyone who stirred his very soul.
At this small village, he stumbled upon a blacksmith shop, its humble structure contrasting the grandeur of King’s Landings or the palaces of the Emerald Queen. The blacksmith, he soon discovered, was no ordinary man either.
Meeting Gillian felt like bumping into a mountain.
Compact, stout, and covered in a thick beard streaked with silver, the dwarf displayed a wisdom and charisma that rivaled the most captivating human women.
It wasn’t just the shape of his face or the roughness of his hands; it was the knowing look in his eyes, reflecting intelligence coupled with experience.
Hrothgar had seen the way Gillian smiled at the villagers, teasing them gently but always with genuine care.
Some might have mistaken that as paternal affection, but there was something deeper in his gaze.
The warrior’s instincts ignited as Hrothgar and Gillian exchanged glances. Intrigued by this unfamiliar sensation, he decided to enter the blacksmith shop. Inside, the smell of hot iron lingered, mingling with the sweat of labor and a strangely comforting aroma of burnt wood.
"Well met, traveler," greeted Gillian warmly, not betraying any surprise at Hrothgar’s imposing size.
The dwarf regarded him with a keen, appraising gaze.
the hrothgar replied with a nod, "Greetings, master blacksmith. I am Rakan." Rakan took a deep bow.
Gillian chuckled and wiped his hands on an already soiled apron. "Ah, a warrior on a quest for fame and fortune, no doubt! But what brings you here, to my humble forge?"
Hrothgar shifted his weight on the worn wooden floorboards, "err, not exactly master blacksmith, I was looking to drop my gear off for repairs and to be held by someone while I try to relax in this quaint town." Gillian continued to scrutinize Rakan, from his heavily calloused hands that gripped his worn-out shield, to the broadness of his chest and shoulders that filled the blacksmith shop with a palpable energy.
Without another word, the dwarf proceeded to take the sword, shield, and other tools of the trade from the giant man.
For a few moments, there was an uncomfortable silence as Gillian worked, the soft clanking of equipment against iron and the roaring heat of the fireplace filling the air.
Finally Rakan began stripping himself of armor, until only a flimsy loincloth remained, leaving nothing to the imagination. "I'll change in a different room." The corners of Gillian's lips curled into a sly smile as Rakan gathered his clothes. The dwarf gestured to a door in the corner. "Ah yes, my lodgings. You're welcome to rest and refresh yourself there."
The warrior's curiosity mounted, but he nodded his thanks and stepped through the doorway, leaving him alone for the first time since he had entered this unusual village.
It was a welcome change from the constant wide-eyed stares of the curious townsfolk. He closed the door and found himself in a small, Spartan room that was surprisingly cozy and inviting.
Rakan removed the rest of his armor there, piling it next to a wooden trunk at the end of the bed. He spied his gauntleted reflection in a tiny metal mirror hanging on the wall, seeing the weariness obvious in his eyes. He was so tired.
It was hard to remember the last time he’d experienced relaxing sleep, devoid of the need for constant vigilance.
He stretched his powerful body, marveling at the elasticity that belied the strength barely contained within. Hrothgar’s hand lingered on the bulge in his loincloth. He felt a familiar tightness in his groin, but he cast the urge aside.
He returned to the blacksmith in a simple tunic and burlap pants. His boots replaced with more casual ones. His heavy gear gathered up ready to be presented to the blacksmith.
Rakan felt a tinge of relief, washing over him like a warm spring thawing the winter's frost. The warrior noticed that Gillian appeared even shorter now, as he stood tall and strong next to the stout dwarf. Yet, their prior connection hadn't seemed hindered by their extraordinary size difference, igniting an air of curiosity within Rakan.
"Finished so soon?" jested Gillian with an intrigued smile.
Rakan nodded shyly, "Yes, thank you for looking after these items for me, I think I'll find an inn or tavern in town, Know of any with decent food?"
Gillian's grin widened, his eyes shining with amusement, "Well, only one place around here would be able to feed a mighty warrior like yourself - 'The Iron Hammer.' I'll handle your gear; I also recommend you keep your weapons close by. Strange things have been happening in this village of late. Best to play it safe."
There was a notable spark of warning in the dwarf's eyes; his tone conveyed a solemnity that caught Rakan off-guard.