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Gavlan knew two things in life: one, that death was certain, and two, that he despised human cities. He did not mind Wood Elven cities, though, as most of them were built with the utmost respect for nature, which he appreciated. None of these narrow roads, however, were conducive to his brain, so used to the openness of the vast wilderness that lay outside the city walls, which stood high, looking down upon its residents with an unspoken promise of safety across the smooth, bricked surface. 

[color=1a7b30]"All of these [i]GODDAMN UGLY[/i] houses look the same."[/color] Gavlan growled loudly enough to award him the dirty looks of passersby, which he shot right back at them ten fold. He was fed up. The map that his client had provided him to locate his address was about as useful as an elf at a belching competition. It was around evening and the streets were crammed and bustling with people from all over, but none were able to assist him in finding the house he sought, and those that did help lead him on false trails. Gavlan had been marching around aimlessly, now, and he found himself nauseated, and had to stop and lean against the nearest house, but not before being bumped into for the twentieth time that day. [color=1a7b30]"You're lucky I'm a busy dwarf, or I'd come over there and explain to you why [i]you[/i] should be more careful!!"[/color] He might have kept his cool a little better if the High Elf that had knocked into him with a smirk hadn't also made a snide comment on his height as he was doing so. The elf dissolved into the crowd, and Gavlan unfixed his fierce gaze from the matter. Leaning hopelessly on the house while still wondering what the penalty for, 'seriously maiming,' was, Gavlan heaved his worn satchel onto the cobbled street, and took out his flask. After a long swig, he gazed up into the pale blue sky. Nighttime was approaching and he knew if it did, he would never be able to find his client in the dark. [color=007236]"How big is this accursed city?"[/color] Gavlan pondered to himself. [color=1a7b30]"At least the streets are starting to empty, now. Might be able to walk in peace. How do city dwellers stand it?"[/color] He stood up and swung his satchel over his back and trodded off, again. At this point, he would be happy enough if he found a place to rest his head, and his weary feet. 

In the middle of a three way street, Gavlan saw just what he needed; the Sun was casting a perfect ray down onto a tavern called the, "The Devilish Gnome." It's vaulted roof on top of three stories, it stuck higher than the buildings around it, and the orange light from the sky shining down onto it almost gave it a holy appearance. He was unsure whether the building really was blessed, or that he was becoming delusional from walking all day. Deciding that this matter was unimportant, he quickly made his way inside. The music from a Dwarven bard in the corner, and the clinking of glasses were welcoming signs as Gavlan made his way through the wooden threshold. This being a human tavern, he was happy to see that there was a shorter end of the bar that he could sit comfortably in. [color=a36209]"What'll it be, master Dwarf?"[/color] Came a deep voice from a wrinkly barman, as Gavlan hopped into an open seat. 
[color=007236]"Four pints of your best."[/color] 
[color=a36209]"Ah, expecting company?"[/color] 
[color=007236]"No."[/color] 
[color=a36209]"Oh..."[/color] 
The barman gave a funny look, as he scurried off to fetch Gavlan's beer. [color=0076a3]"Haven't seen you in here, before."[/color] Came a smooth voice from Gavlan's side. Looking over, he was greeted by a dwarf with a long flowing amber beard, wearing a fine merchant suit. Obviously, a well to do Dwarf, a stark contrast from himself who was still clad in his worn set of armor, chips, dents, and scratches adorning it. [color=1a7b30]"Aye, never been to Loringrad, before. Mess of streets, if you ask me."[/color] At this, the merchant chuckled. 
[color=0076a3]"Can't blame you for getting lost here. Loringrad is marvelous city, though, albeit a little on the large size. But, it's the best place in the world to do business."[/color] 
[color=1a7b30]"Hah! Your type of business, I suppose. Meanwhile, I'm walking around for hours trying to locate my mouth breathing client. If I ever do find him, I'll be happy to let him know what I think of this lousy map he gave me."[/color] 
Gavlan slammed the map onto the bar, making a few patrons look over in concern. The merchant peered down at the map, and, with a smile, he looked up, again. [color=0076a3]"I know this area very well. Let me give you hand here."[/color] Tracing along the paper, while black ink flowed from the tip of his finger, the merchant created a line from the tavern they were in to the house Gavlan was looking for. [color=1a7b30]"Show off..."[/color] Gavlan thought to himself; he prided himself on the fact he had never needed magic in his life, believing that its convenience made people soft. It was too late to visit his client, but he was still incredibly thankful towards the merchant, and, to show his appreciation, bought another round of beers for himself and his new acquaintance. 
[color=1a7b30]"The name's Gavlan. I never got your name, by the way." [/color]
[color=0076a3]"Aberforth. I own a bookstore in the Market District. I also sell a lot of magical tomes, which has made me a wealthy Dwarf, indeed."[/color]
[color=1a7b30]"Bah, I've no use for magic or books. The only thing a dwarf should ever put trust into is the blade at his side."[/color]
[color=0076a3]"Spoken like a true mountain Dwarf. I never lived in a mountain for long, but I do occasionally long for the grand halls of my birth home."[/color]
[color=1a7b30]"And so you should! These Human cities make me feel ill. Nothing charming about them in the slightest."[/color]

After a lengthy discussion on Dwarven architecture, the simplicity and horrendous nature of Human architecture, and seventeen beers later, Gavlan decided it was time to retire for the night. He and Aberforth walked outside into the dimly lit streets.
[color=0076a3]"If you're ever close to the market district, make sure you visit me in my store."[/color]
[color=1a7b30]"Well, I might, but I won't be buying, unless you've got a book with a giant spike on it."[/color] Aberforth gave him a raised brow, but then gave a hearty laugh. [color=0076a3]"I must be off, now. Thank you, for your company!"[/color] Gavlan watched as the merchant stumbled away in the direction of their home. [color=1a7b30]"Barely made it to thirteen beers, and he's already tipsy? Living in a city does weird things to a Dwarf."[/color] Gavlan thought to himself as he returned to the bar. After paying everything he owed to the barman, and buying a room, he made his way up the stairs to the third floor. [color=1a7b30]"My legs are aching, will be nice to finally take off this stinking armor."[/color]

Looking out the window of his room, the moon shone brightly in the sky. Glad that the annoying part of his job was over, and that he would be able to collect his money, tomorrow, he lay on top of the large bed. 

[color=1a7b30]"Tomorrow will be a breeze compared to today."[/color] He sighed to himself as he shut his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.