The first time Kael set foot in the dwarven kingdom, it was to accompany a young dwarf he'd rescued on the road back to his homeland. He hadn't expected much, perhaps a nod of gratitude or a gruff farewell, but instead, he was welcomed with a lavish feast.
Back then, dwarves held little of the cold hostility they bore toward humans now. They were warmer, more open, and Kael's visit turned into one of his most cherished memories.
The younger dwarves had never seen a human before. They'd scampered around him, poking at his robes and peeking at his boots like he was some rare, fascinating creature.
"Carry me! Carry me!" they shouted, clinging to Kael's legs as he laughed and tried not to trip over them.
The elder dwarves had been no less enthusiastic—eager to show off their craftsmanship, their forges, or their battle techniques. To them, it was a point of pride to impress a guest from another race.
