With nothing left to do in the mines, I left. Before I decided to head to the next location, I informed the villagers of what transpired in the mines. They seemed to be shocked by the news, so I let them be and went on my way.
("Now that's all done with, where do I go next?") [Solace]
Checking the map, I settled on going to Armdale mines. It was a bit far compared to the distance traveled for Camerina, but I didn't really have much of a choice.
("Dispel |Mimic|.") [Solace]
Turning back to spirit form, I flew in Armdale's direction.
("It's kinda chilly.") [Solace]
At this time, I could see the sun setting. As someone who is kinda afraid of the dark, I thought it best for me to hurry. Also, having |Night Vision| doesn't make it better.
("Oh, I think I see it.") [Solace]
The village, or rather, town came into view. It was much larger than Camerina village, which interested me by how lively it seemed.
("|Mimic|. |Wardrobe|.") [Solace]
I landed a decent distance away, then turned into human form. I then walked the rest of the way to the town.
("Woah…") [Solace]
I was in awe of what I saw. The town's roads were built with perfectly arranged bricks, and the streets were lined with lights that made it seem like day.
("This place is actually kind of technologically advanced.") [Solace]
As I passed through, I felt a bit excited by the atmosphere. I found it strange that a large majority of the buildings were taverns or alcohol stores, but I soon realized the reason why.
"Get him!" [???]
I heard shouting, and cheering from one of the taverns. Within moments, a man flew out the door. He then hit the ground before tumbling a few yards.
"Get up, Thungrid!" [???]
Another man walked out of the tavern. The man I assumed was Thungrid picked himself up groggily and swayed as he stood.
"Hwat? Whudya want, Oled?" [Thungrid]
He slurred his words pretty hard. Judging by the look on his face, he was more than just drunk. It was also then that I realized the two's height.
("Dwarves?") [Solace]
The two were built like an ox. Bulging muscles that were… not really comparable to Fina's magic combat teacher, but they were pretty jacked.
"Thungrid! Yer drunk!" [Oled]
"Nah… I'm not!" [Thungrid]
Thungrid suddenly charged at Oled, tackling him back into the tavern. Cheers erupted in the tavern as the two duked it out.
("The hell was that?") [Solace]
It kind of piqued my interest there, so I took a peek. Unfortunately for me, Oled was sent my way and slammed into me the moment I entered.
"Ugh!" [Solace]
"Oof!" [Oled]
Oled stood up, shaking his head as if to shrug off a concussion.
"Who the hell bumped into me?!" [Oled]
He turned to me, a surprised expression appearing on his face as he saw me.
"A… human?" [Oled]
The room fell silent.
"...Yeah?" [Solace]
Seeing his surprised face had me scan the room. It was then that I realized that every person in the tavern was a dwarf.
"Whaddya think yer doing here, hooman?" [Thungrid]
The dwarf pointed a finger at me, his arm wavering as if he was too tired to even hold his arm up.
"Uh… I was looking to ask where the Armsdale mine is." [Solace]
Thungrid and Oled glanced at each other for a moment. After some more silence, everyone in the room burst out laughing.
"...Why's everyone laughing?" [Solace]
"Bring the drinks!" [Oled]
He called for drinks, but a few dwarfs came over with large wooden barrels. They dropped the barrels next to a table with a loud thud, which made me somewhat anxious.
("What's going on?") [Solace]
"Come! Take a seat!" [Thungrid]
Thungrid took a seat at the table, all while extending a hand towards an empty stool.
("Well crap. I guess I have to do it.") [Solace]
I'm weak to peer pressure, I know. I took a seat across from Thungrid, heart pounding from nervousness.
"Now listen here, lad. Ya want ta go ta Armsdale mines, ye?" [Thungrid
The accent was heavy, almost as much as the alcohol on his breath. Thankfully, I was able to grasp what he was trying to say.
"Yes." [Solace]
Thungrid laughed heartily.
"Ya can't go! Ya gotta beat a dwarf at drinkin' ta get a pass!" [Thungrid]
("Oh. Oh no.") [Solace]
Just from hearing that, I knew I was kinda screwed. I've never drunk alcohol before, but I felt like I couldn't win considering all the stories written about how dwarfs can't be beaten at drinking.
"Luckily fer ya, ya got a dwarf an' drinks right here!" [Thungrid]
He took hold of one of the barrels with one arm, and casually poured alcohol into his mouth out of it.
"Ya in?" [Thungrid]
I sighed. If I wanted to get into armsdale mines, I could simply sneak in. But there was one problem.
("Gentleman's rules number 7: A gentleman never backs down from a challenge. They may refuse if it conflicts with other rules.") [Solace]
Unfortunately, it didn't conflict.
"I'm in." [Solace]