"I say, you there, little chap - come here"
Gunther Gunthersson sighed inwardly and turned to face the haughty voice coming from the fine goods section of Ol' Gunther's Emporium.
"yes, sirs, how may I be of assistance?" he asked wearily of the two foppish young men.
"Well, I suppose you may be a little bit of a help - aha a little bit, what? Did you hear that Roderick? I said 'little bit', and look at him!" called one of the humans.
"Oh, hawhaw, I say, you rapier," replied the second.
Gunther could feel a bristlely heat under his beard. His dear old dad's voice was as clear in his head as if he had still been alive and stood at Gunther's shoulder 'always remember son, humans insult without meaning, be as tolerant as you would for a youngster'.
"Shorty, how much for this bit of bric a brac?" asked the young noble Roderick
"Ahaw" added the other, clearly amused by the continuation of the height related humour.
"That, young sir," said Gunther, his tone a pitch higher as he forced his anger at the new insult into his stomach "is not bric a brac, but a brooch made of silver and mithril, mined in the depth of the Grundil range, and fashioned by the finest Smith House West of the mountains. It's value is at least 30 dragons"
"What? Whatwhat? 30! I know you garden gnomes are greedy, but that is an outrage. Trying to short change us, eh?" cried Roderick, in amused outrage.
"Short change! Ahaha." added his companion.
'In the mode of competitive commerce, we must never resort to prideful violence' came his father's voice in Gunther's head', as he forced his clenched hands open. "I'm afraid the cost is 30 Dragons, sirs. I do have some cheaper brooches, if you care?" he asked flatly.
"More affordable? Do I look like I would struggle to raise the funds, you revolting grubber? Impudence, I call it, what?"
"Perhaps, Roderick, he has a SHORT temper ahahahaw!"
Grubber. The word burned in Gunther's head. Rage fired in his heart and his nostrils flared. "Perhaps, I can show you some of our most special wares, sirs?" he as he led them toward the 'Arms and Armour' section. He couldn't remember his dad ever saying 'be true to yourself' or 'business isn't everything', but he couldn't be sure he didn't.
"That's more like it, knee-biter!" crowed Roderick.
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My efforts to build an opposing force for my greenies - the Clans of the Western Range, featuring Gunther and other Dwarves returning to their roots.