Oh thank god its not just me.
I wanted to say that he looked like the primary romantic romantic interest in a dwarf bodice ripper. Appropriate for someone as interesting as Stonebread with Raisins.
In the heart of Karak Drakk, amidst the roaring forges and echoing caverns, lived Nain, a renowned Runesmith of unparalleled* skill. With brawny arms that could shape the toughest metals and a beard as glimmering as molten silver, he was the epitome** of dwarven strength and craftsmanship.
But beneath his gruff exterior lay a heart yearning for something more than just the clang of hammers on anvils. Nain dreamed of a love as enduring as the rocks of his homeland, yet he had resigned himself to a life of solitude, believing no maiden could ever match his quiet stoicism.
That was until one fateful day when a caravan from exotic Karaz Zorn arrived at Karak Drakk, bringing with it tales of a mysterious Kvinn named Eira. Whispers of her beauty and enchanting aura spread through the mountain halls like wildfire, capturing the attention of every dwarf, including Nain.
Driven by an irresistible curiosity, Nain sought out Eira, finding her in a secluded chamber adorned with shimmering crystals and flickering torchlight. She was unlike any Kvinn he had ever seen, with eyes as deep as a keg marked with the Rune of Everlasting Ale and a grumble that could melt even Adamant, if grumbles were also Adamant Forgers.
Despite his gruff demeanor, Nain found himself drawn to Eira's presence, his heart pounding like the relentless beat of a Greedy Troll's heart. Their initial encounters were fraught with tension, his rough exterior clashing with
her rough exterior. But as they spent more time together, their differences faded, giving way to a fiery passion neither could deny.
Bound by a love as strong as the Ancestors*** themselves, Nain and Eira embarked on a whirlwind romance (of a mere four centuries), their hearts intertwining like the intricate runes he inscribed upon his mighty weapons****. But their happiness was short-lived as dark forces conspired to tear them apart.
A jealous rival, envious of Nain's newfound happiness, plotted to sabotage their love, weaving a web of deceit and betrayal that threatened to engulf them both. As tensions rose and danger loomed on the horizon, Nain vowed to protect Eira at any cost, forging alliances and facing challenges that tested his strength and courage to the very core.
In a final showdown against their adversaries, Nain unleashed the full power of his Runecraft, channeling the fury of the mountain itself to vanquish their foes and secure a future where their love could flourish without fear or doubt.
And so, amidst the echoing caverns of Karak Drakk, Nain and Eira forged a bond stronger than Gromril*****, their love enduring as a testament to the resilience of the Dawi heart. Together, they stood as a beacon of hope and passion, a testament to the enduring power of love in a world shrouded in darkness.
* With the definite exceptions of the various Runelords and Runeladies, and of Fjolla and Dolgi, and likely of Karstah as well.
** See above.
*** (i) Valaya is the Patroness Goddess of Motherly Love. (ii) Ergo, there exists love which is of the Ancestors. (iii) Therefore, it is not blasphemy to speak of a love "as strong as the Ancestors" themselves.
**** Actual
weapons weapons, not the "sniggering laugh, waggling eyebrows, exaggerated wink" kind of "weapons". After all, it is a well-known fundament of Runelore that flesh cannot be enruned.
