Collected for business

Over the next few days, you get settled in to life in the under mountain city. Surprisingly, the girls fit in even faster than you do, making friends with your neighbors, and seemingly thriving. You have a little bit more trouble, mostly because you seem to receive a lot of attention as a human male. You learn that there is a large gender disparity in the city, with there being at least five women for each man. While no one is disrespectful or harassing, there’s a definite feeling of being sized up whenever you meet new people.

You’re surprised at first to see so many people carrying weapons in such a peaceful city. Eventually someone explains that it’s something of a habit, or possibly a tradition among dwarves. It’s a holdover from a more violent past, though the dwarves remain quite proud of their martial prowess.

Your home life settles into a routine quickly, however. Lylah is a fantastic cook, so everyone looks forward to meals. Aisha seems to settle into housekeeping mode very easily, though she teases you about being your maid often. Naia, meanwhile, remains a social butterfly, at least when she can’t drag one of you off to a bedroom.

You’ve settled in well enough that you’re not surprised by the knock on your door. You do have a moment of surprise when you open it, however. Standing on your front step is a dwarf who appears to be around your age, though you’re not great at guessing dwarven ages. She smiles as you step outside.

The smiling, red headed dwarf has vibrant red hair tied up in a neat bun, and friendly green eyes. She carries a large hammer easily across her broad shoulders, and she’s wearing an outfit of leather and fur. You find your eyes drawn to her impressive cleavage, and she chuckles when she sees your glance.

“Taking in the sights, Greg?”

You look back up to see a grin on her face. “Oh…sorry, how rude of me.”

She laughs. “It’s fine. It’s nice to be noticed by a handsome man like yourself. I’m Hayley, from the siege workshop! I came by to see if you’re available to come meet the team today?”

You smile. “Of course! It’s nice to meet you, Hayley. Should I bring anything?”

Hayley shakes her head. “No, just your cute self is fine. We won’t get started training until tomorrow. The boss says I can train you, won’t that be fun!”

You laugh as the muscular redhead winks at you. “Well, if everyone is as cute as you are, I think I’ll have a good time!”

Hayley laughs. She seems to do that a lot, and the effect on her cleavage is eye catching. You find yourself liking this dwarf lady already, and looking forward to working with her. Before you can say any more, however, Naia bounces up. “Ooh, is it time for you to start working, Greg?”

You nod. “Yeah, this is Hayley, she came to bring me to the workshop.”

Naia eyes up the curvy dwarf. “She’s cute! You can come visit anytime, Hayley!”

Smiling, Hayley looks between you and Naia. “I might just do that, if Greg and I get along.”

Naia giggles. “Yay, new friends! Aisha and Lylah will be happy!”

Laughing, you kiss the excitable raptor girl. “Let them know where I’m going, ok? I’ll be back after I meet everyone.”

Naia nods. “Of course. Just warn me if you’re gonna need a bigger bed!”

Hayley laughs, and you blush. “Sorry, Hayley. Naia has no filter.”

Hayley grins. “I don’t mind. Maybe she’s right…we haven’t had a man in the shop for years! And you’re pretty cute, Greg.”

Naia smiles. “Just don’t wear him out! We have first dibs!”

You roll your eyes. “Ok, ok. We probably should get going. See you in a bit, Naia.”

As Naia waves and closes the door, Hayley leads you out and down the street. You notice she keeps glancing at you. “Something wrong, Hayley?”

You’re surprised to see her blush. “No, no! It’s just…most of the travelers I see are so young, and skinny. You seem older, and…well, bigger.”

You nod. “I’m a bit older than the typical traveler, I understand.”

Hayley grins. “It’s like you’re custom made to interest me, and probably most of the girls at the shop. You don’t see giggling youngsters at the siege workshop, you know? We never expected a man to be assigned to us. We were taking bets on what you’d be like, and it looks like we were all wrong. Not that I’m complaining!”

You laugh. “You keep up the compliments, I’m going to get a big head.”

She laughs. “I’m just saying, I think the girls will like you a lot. You’ll see though, we’re here!”

She gestures to a large, warehouse like building, with big double doors on the front. With a smile, the pleasant redhead leads you to the door.