After about two more weeks of rest together with his routine things, Rey had fully recovered.
He looked at his health bar as it was completely filled up and smiled.
He woke up this morning, feeling very refreshed. So rejuvenated that he got into working out immediately.
He had missed his exercise and keeping in shape, and down he had quite some fat to burn before he could return to what he remembered of himself.
Push-ups, sit-ups, chin-ups etc. Rey did all of them but not as effectively as he would expect of himself.
If anything he was disgusted that he couldn't complete a fourth of his normal routine.
However, it was only a matter of time before he would return to that level.
Rey was excited for the day. He simply couldn't wait to step outside of this room after a long time of being bedridden.
It was time for him to go outside; time for him to meet the Brownbeard Dwarf Clan that showed his utmost hospitality despite not being one of theirs.
He freshened up and then took the specially made clothing that had been tailored for someone of his size.
It was a simple outfit of a pair of black trousers and a cream-coloured tunic but it suited him perfectly and Rey didn't mind.
Rey stood in front of the mirror that Uncas had helped him set up a few days back.
He puffed his cheek and exhaled, scrutinising his body through his reflection.
He tugged his belly fat and shook his head. One thing was certain, he was definitely going to get rid of them in some weeks.
Rey fiddled with his hair as he recalled its natural black colour which it once had.
Following the traumatising incident that he was forced to witness, Rey's hair turned white from the extreme stress he underwent.
He didn't particularly hate this white colour. To him, the white hair matched even more perfectly with his green eyes.
Rey was just nostalgic since his black hair was what he was more familiar with.
Taking a few deep breaths to rest his mind, Rey tied his hair into a bun and not long after he was done, that familiar knock on his door came again.
Uncas walked into the room and unlike before, he took a moment before speaking.
He observed Rey's transformation briefly, amazed how the person standing in front of him was the same person who was standing between the World of the Living and the Dead not long ago.
Uncas' lips curled into a smile and he gave Rey a thumbs up, approving his new look.
Rey smiled back at him and nodded. "Thank you, Uncas."
Uncas clapped once and rubbed his palms together.
"Anyways, are you ready? Papa is waiting for us."
Rey bobbed his head in agreement.
Today was bound to come and he knew it.
They weren't going to treat him only to let him go just like that.
That would be a dent in their hospitality if they did not introduce Rey to the entire clan.
As if noticed the small tension that was building up inside of Rey, Uncas spoke to calm his nerves.
"Don't think too much about it. It's just a bunch of old men and before you know it, you would be drunk shitless on ale, hahaha!"
Uncas opened the door halfway and moved to head out first, but not before making a final remark that left a warm smile on Rey's face, further pushing him to want to attend the ceremony being held in his honour.
"Moreover, I'm sure they are going to love you."
*********
"Oww!" Rey lamented for the umpteenth time as he and Uncas traversed the tunnel network of the Brownbeard Dwarf Clan.
It was obvious that this part of their architecture did not account for other races seeing how frequently Rey was slamming his head against the roofs of these tunnels since he was taller.
"Hey, Uncas! Did you guys not consider other races visiting when these tunnels were made?!" Rey cried out as he slammed his head against the rocky roof once again, eliciting a peal of laughter from his guide — Uncas Brownbeard.
His head gleamed red with bruises and Uncas continued to apologise for this as they walked towards the venue for the said ceremony.
Rey's agony came to an end as soon as they stepped out of the tunnel.
He felt very relieved and relaxed now that he did not need to bend so much any longer.
Unlike what Rey had envisioned from the minute exposure that he received, the inner networks of this place were even more marvellous to behold.
It spoke volumes of their mining and earth-crafting skills.
Rey's lips parted as he turned ever so frequently to catch a glimpse of every corner.
Despite how crude it was to the eyes, it was like Rey was looking at an advancement of a species like a beehive… no, even more alluring to behold.
"Woah…! This is… beautiful."
Uncas put his hands on his waist and puffed his chest and filled it with his innate pride as a dwarf as he listened to the half-elf, half-fairy's compliment.
"And to think it's so many years now since these were made."
Rey looked at Uncas with disbelief, only for the latter to further cement his claim with a nod.
"My ancestors and their ancestors have lived inside these mountains for ages. It is our home and our safe place from the destroyers of the world outside."
Rey's eyes lit up as a memory was triggered. He recalled his conversation with Eragon, his father and immediately, he knew just who Uncas was referring to as the destroyers of the outside world.
"Humans," Rey muttered.
"They have tried but have been unable to find this place. Hahaha, perhaps they wouldn't believe that people would live inside of mountains and not on them."
Rey shrugged, trying his best to not reveal his past through his expression.
"Even I find it hard to believe as I'm standing here right now."
"Then thank the Twin Gods of the Dwarves and the Holy Mother of the Earth and Nature as well as my ancestors."
Uncas started to move. "Let's go. We are already late."