Waves of refugees abandoned their homes, fleeing 'Mj?llnirshús', the village that was once known as the warmest and safest place in the kingdom. But now... that warmth had transformed into an unbearable scorching heat. It was as if every villager were living on the rim of a volcano erupting in madness, and that volcano's name was "Modi".
Far away to the east, at a flea market for wandering travelers near the edge of the village 'Frieheim'.
Amidst the chaos and the clamor of the crowd, appeared the figure of a dwarf with a beard explicitly braided in a magnificent fashion. On his head, he wore a striking skull-patterned bandana. He was busy arranging his 'goods' upon a canvas spread over the ground... These were no ordinary goods, but a small arsenal packed with high-grade weapons of all kinds.
When every weapon was polished to a blinding shine, the handsome-bearded dwarf took a deep breath before belting out a melody that rang bright and resonant across the market.
[Song: Upbeat, Inviting Melody] The handsome-bearded dwarf:
"Step right up... seek a blade of steel! Here it's thick... with a strength you can feel! Want a sharp spear? Here to pierce... armor far and near! Need a war hammer? Here's a big head... a mountain-crushing slammer! Want a shield against the arrow's art? Or a mallet to break the earth apart... take your pick! Laid out for you to buy... come, brothers, cast your eye!"
Suddenly, a middle-aged wandering warrior walked by. The glint of the weaponry caused him to freeze in his tracks. He picked up a sword, examining it with wide-eyed wonder, before moving his lips to sing in response to the same tune.
(Wandering Warrior):
"This blade... is truly grand! Fresh steel... hardest in the land! Long and large... satisfying to hold! For a true man... brave and bold! Is it magic? Is it nice? Tell me now... what is the price? ...I wish to see!"
The handsome-bearded dwarf spun toward the warrior as if in a dance, a trade-smile shining clearly on his face.
The handsome-bearded dwarf:
"Sharper eyes... than a hawk in flight! One glance... and you're exactly right! Its name is 'Comet'! Slicing the sky... in the dead of night! Two gold coins... brother, pay the fee! Price is quick... don't laugh at me! One of a kind... a guarantee... in every deed!"
The wandering warrior laughed heartily while digging out two gold coins to hand over. He took the sword, twirling it in an arc over his head. The sound of wind cutting through the air went Whoosh! He froze in an elegant finishing pose before singing his final line.
(Wandering Warrior):
"This sword... my partner in strife! To slay the dragon... and save the princess's life! How delightful... truly delightful!"
Ending his song, he skipped away, almost dancing, leaving the handsome-bearded dwarf standing there smiling, proudly accepting his profit.
Immediately after the warrior danced away, a giant, portly merchant, wearing wrists full of glittering gold bracelets, walked heavily toward the stall. His eyes were fixed on the 'Giant Mallet' standing tall.
He used his two chubby hands to grab the handle, then exerted force to hoist it over his head! Hup! But due to the massive weight, his body lost balance... Thump! Thump! Thump! ...He staggered three steps to the left. Thump! Thump! Thump! ...Before the weight swung him back three steps to the right!
But instead of being shocked, the large merchant grinned broadly, as if he had found his soulmate. He began to belt out a song with a deep, clumsy melody.
[Song: Tuba or Timpani Rhythm... Doom... Doom...] (Big Merchant):
"Oh... what is this thing I see? (Low voice) Heaviness... weighing on me! (High voice) Lift it up... stagger away! (Stumbles) Swing it back... hip-hip-hooray! (Pulls back)"
On the side, the handsome-bearded dwarf saw a deep-pocketed customer interested in the big item. He didn't hesitate. Hup! Hup! Hup! Gripr jumped into the air three times, matching the rhythm of the merchant's staggering, landing perfectly right beside the giant customer. He looked up and belted out a powerful counter-verse!
The handsome-bearded dwarf:
"It is... a Mallet! (Staccato) Used to smash... Bash! Crash! Flatten the earth... in a flash! Use it as you desire... the one you admire!"
The Big Merchant laughed loudly with satisfaction. His voice echoed through the market like war drums beating. He pulled out a large bag of gold, shaking it to make a Clink-Clank sound to the beat of the music.
[Song: Faster Tempo, Fun and Rousing] (Big Merchant):
"Ha Ha Ha! The bigger... the better! Heavy stuff... is a go-getter! Do you have more? ...I want to try! Bring two more... make it fly! Here is gold... make-it-snappy!"
Wink! (Sound of tossing the gold bag).
The handsome-bearded dwarf caught the gold bag precisely with his mouth (because his hands had to prepare to carry the goods). He then scurried to grab two more giant mallets! ...One in the left hand, one in the right!
However... with the massive weight doubling, the handsome-bearded dwarf's stout body lost balance, becoming a perfect replica of the customer just a moment ago!
Thump! Thump! Thump! ...He staggered three steps to the left (cheeks puffed out holding the gold bag). Thump! Thump! Thump! ...Then the weight swung him back three steps to the right!
Once he regained his footing, he tried to steady himself, walking wobbly and slowly toward the Big Merchant with a rhythm that was clumsy yet heavy...
Waddle... Dawdle... Waddle... Dawdle...
The Big Merchant received another mallet into the crook of his arm... Suddenly, his knees went weak! Whoosh! He almost fell standing up! He was forced to drop both mallets to the ground. Thud! He shook his head back and forth, panting in time with the slowing music.
[Song: Rhythm slows down, panting] (Big Merchant):
"It's heavy... (Puff)... Good! I like! But to carry... (Puff)... I cannot hike! I'll buy them all... keep them in store! (Points to the pile) Leave with you... two for now, no more!"
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The Big Merchant grabbed the first mallet, slung it over his shoulder, and walked drunkenly away to the left side of the stage... Waddle... Dawdle... Waddle... Dawdle...
The handsome-bearded dwarf let out a huge sigh. He was forced to shoulder the two entrusted giant mallets, walking clumsily back to place them where they were... Heave... Heave... Heave...
Suddenly! The music shifted to the sound of a playful and bright harp. Two young women walked in, circling the long spear display... The first wore a bright Yellow dress. The second wore a sweet Green dress.
Both stopped to look at Long Spear Level 1. (Yellow Lady): Raised right hand high. Swish! (To call). (Green Lady): Grabbed her friend's arm down. Grab! (Stopped her). (The handsome-bearded dwarf): His body jerked to rush forward... Creeak! ...Then had to freeze, one leg left hanging in the air!
Both moved to look at Long Spear Level 2 (Longer). (Green Lady): This time raised left hand. Swish! (To call). (Yellow Lady): Grabbed her friend's hand down. Grab! (Stopped her). (The handsome-bearded dwarf): His body jerked to rush again... Creeak! ...Then had to brake so hard he almost face-planted!
Both moved to stop in front of Long Spear Level 3 (Even longer). This time the music sped up! Drum roll... Both ladies fought to wave their hands, calling wildly! (Yellow & Green): "Over here! Over here! Merchant dear!"
Seeing this, the handsome-bearded dwarf took a deep breath, expanding his chest... Inhaaaaaale! Gathered power in his legs, and sprung! Grand Jeté! He split-jumped high in the air, crossing over his pile of goods beautifully!
Boing!
The handsome-bearded dwarf glided down to land softly in front of the two ladies, finishing with a welcoming gesture like a conductor who just ended the first movement.
The handsome-bearded dwarf:
"Lovely ladies... seek a spear so long... is that right? Hope it's not... too long... for your height! If you like it... take it... with delight! For this price... One-Gold-Coin!" (Holds up one finger with a trade smile).
Hearing the price "One Gold Coin," the two ladies flinched slightly. They quickly scurried away to grab the Level 2 Spear (Medium size), hoping the price would decrease with size.
(Green Lady):
"This spear is too long... need a new one... let's see? Size reduced... as it should be... This middle one... How-Many-Gold-Coins?"
The handsome-bearded dwarf immediately slid to stand beside them, coming up with a smooth reason.
The handsome-bearded dwarf:
"Though it's shorter... the steel is... heavier! (Mimes carrying heavy weight) Hardened steel... durable... forever! This one is also... One-Gold-Coin!" (Holds up index finger again, grinning wider).
The two ladies looked at each other in panic. They scurried to grab the Level 1 Spear (The shortest one) with final hope.
(Yellow Lady):
"Then this spear... shorter down... worth a try? Tiny little thing... catch the eye... Tell me little brother... How-Many-Gold-Coins?"
The handsome-bearded dwarf grinned until his eyes squinted shut, leaning in to whisper with pride in his craftsmanship:
The handsome-bearded dwarf:
"Though it's shorter... it's harder to make... indeed! (Mimes detailed tapping) Detailed work... exquisite... guaranteed! This one is also... One-Gold-Coin!" (Holds up finger and wiggles it against the wind).
(Green Lady): "The long one... is one gold coin?" (Yellow Lady): "The short one... is one gold coin?" The two ladies chorused together as if rehearsed:
"This is... Not-Cor-Rect!"
The handsome-bearded dwarf scratched his head. "Oh? Then what is... correct?"
(Green Lady): "The long one... can be expensive!" (Yellow Lady): "The short one... can be cheap!"
The handsome-bearded dwarf sighed heavily, not wanting to argue with beautiful customers.
The handsome-bearded dwarf:
"In that case... choose one spear! *Discount to... Half-A-Gold-Coin! Choose now... take it out of here!"
The two ladies jumped up together with joy! Boing! (Green & Yellow):
"Long... is half a coin! Longer... is half a coin! In that case we choose... The Longest One... and we'll join!"
The handsome-bearded dwarf spoke with concern. "Wait! The long spear... is very long! You two... might not be able to hold it! What are you buying it for? You don't look like warrior folk?"
The Green Lady turned to wink:
*"Buying it to Dry Clothes! *The longer... the more clothes we dry! Here... Half a Gold Coin!"
She placed the coin in the dwarf's hand. Gripr looked down at the coin in his palm and his eyes went wide. "Wait a moment, lady! This is... Half of a Half... of a Gold Coin!?"
The Green Lady lifted her chin: "I paid my half! You must accept the other half from her!" (Points finger at the Yellow Lady).
The Yellow Lady smiled sweetly, picking out a coin reluctantly: "Can I pay... Half of a Half... of a Half... of a Gold Coin... is that okay?"
The handsome-bearded dwarf clutched his temples, wailing. "Oh... I give up on you two! Pay however... just pay!"
The Yellow Lady quickly placed the money (fraction of a fraction) into the dwarf's hand. Gripr nodded dismissively to get it over with.
The two ladies ran to grab the Longest Spear in the shop! One held the left end... One held the right end... (Music FX: Sound of a stretching rubber band)
Whoosh... Clank! (Green ran left, Yellow ran right, Spear went taut, snapped them back to collide!) Whoosh... Clank! (Tried again, still ran opposite ways!) Whoosh... Bonk! (Third time, heads collided loud and clear!)
They looked at each other, giggled, and then simultaneously marched with quick steps, facing the same way, disappearing off to the left of the stage... Leaving Gripr standing there looking at the fraction of coins in his hand, bewildered.
Suddenly, a group of three travelers walked into the shop zone... An old man with a long beard in a cloak (Galdur), a warrior woman looking capable (Fiona), and a young lad carrying a bow (Farran).
The handsome-bearded dwarf saw the new group, eyes sparkling. He immediately leaped in to welcome them with his signature sales rhythm!
He dashed to Galdur first:
"Uncle... Uncle! (Respectful voice) Looks wise... a wizard... clearly! Over there... magic rings... loved dearly! Crystal orbs... charming sight! Choose one... to your delight! Like which one... discount for you... Half-Price!"
Galdur nodded with satisfaction, stroked his beard gently, and walked off to see the magic zone as invited.
Then the handsome-bearded dwarf slid over to Fiona:
"Sister... Sister! (Sweet voice) Looks tough... holding a shield... showing might! Over there... strong shields... ready to fight! Brave swords... to slash and smite! Choose one... to your heart's light! Discount for you... Half-of-a-Half... Price!"
Fiona smiled, accepting the interesting offer. She tightened her grip on her shield and walked off to the heavy weapons zone.
Finally... the handsome-bearded dwarf moved towards Farran. He swept his eyes over the boy, saw the bow on his back... and froze! Creeak! He looked left... looked right... His shop had only heavy items, not a single light bow for sale!
He scratched his head, stopped to think of a rhyme for a moment, before improvising stutteringly:
"Brother... Brother! (Dry smile) Er... Wooden bows... I cannot make! But other weapons... plenty for goodness sake! Like which one... take it... for your sake! Discount for you... easy... easy... ...Half-of-a-Half-of-a-Half... Price!"
Finished speaking, the handsome-bearded dwarf quickly spun around, acting as if to walk away (embarrassed that he had nothing to sell).
But Farran stared intently at that face and the braided beard... A memory surfaced. He quickly called out!:
"Brother... Brother! Why is your face... so familiar to me! May I ask... who might you be?"
The handsome-bearded dwarf halted his steps... He slowly turned back to look clearly at the boy again. Before puffing out his chest and patting his belly Poof! Answering back with pride.
The handsome-bearded dwarf:
"I am... Gripr! (Poses) The Swordsmith... of great degree! From Mj?llnirshús!"
Farran's eyes went wide. The memory from childhood became clear. He pointed at the dwarf with joy:
"Ah! Master Gripr... the renowned! Formerly the friend... of my master, profound! I am Farran... widely found! The last disciple... of Magni!"
Hearing the name Magni, Gripr jumped in shock. Before peering at the boy and grinning wide enough to show every tooth. He lunged to grab Farran's shoulders, shaking him with affection:
"Oh! It is you... Farran! No wonder... the face I scan! That explains... the bond began! Hurry and choose weapons... as fast as you can! For you... every piece... Half-Price!"
Farran smiled at the kindness, but his curiosity remained. He tilted his head, asking innocently:
"Oh! Master Gripr... so kind and free! But why... come so far... to this degree?"
Gripr, currently in a good mood, accidentally let slip an answer by instinct, forgetting himself for a moment:
"Oops! ...I ran from Modi!"
The moment the sound "Oops!" ended, Gripr immediately clamped his hand over his own mouth! Slap! His eyes darted around, looking left and right with paranoia...
The atmosphere around them instantly fell silent... Farran stopped smiling... Fiona and Galdur, who were browsing nearby, snapped their heads to look in unison...
Gripr slowly lowered his hand, then whispered in a trembling voice to Farran: "You... You probably don't know... right now at that place... Modi is not like before..."
Farran frowned. "Not like before, how?"
Gripr swallowed hard. Then began to enter the melody of darkness... "Modi is Moody... He's Mad, very Mad."
(The music changes to the sound of a hammer striking steel, haunting and rhythmic... Clack... Clack... BOOM!)