Day of the First Trade
In the year 3100 BGW, the peaceful riverside village of Riverhome, nestled along the Giant Tears River, thrived under the careful stewardship of the Waterspur family. Known for their nurturing spirits and deep connection to the land, the Waterspurs had transformed the fertile valley into a sanctuary of abundance. Their farms teemed with crops, their herds flourished, and the river provided life to all who lived there. Yet, on this fateful day, their tranquil lives would change forever.
A Strange Sight
It began with a shepherd boy who spotted figures descending from the eastern mountains. Short and stocky, their forms glinted in the morning sun as they moved steadily toward the village. At first, the boy thought they might be spirits of the stone—beings whispered about in old stories—but as they came closer, the truth became clear. They were strangers, unlike anyone the Waterspurs had ever seen.
The boy’s cries of alarm brought the villagers rushing to the edge of the fields, clutching spears, hoes, and whatever tools they could muster. Standing at their forefront was the family elder, Merris Waterspur, a woman of calm wisdom whose soothing presence had long guided her people.
The strangers, later revealed to be dwarves, were led by Banmar Frostvein, a renowned explorer from Dumatharun. Clad in heavy armor and bearing weapons of unmatched craftsmanship, the dwarves presented an imposing sight. Yet, Merris stood firm, her voice steady as she instructed her people to hold their ground but not provoke.
The Meeting of Stone and Soil
When the two groups finally faced each other, the tension was palpable. The dwarves, wary of the humans’ crude weapons, stood in a defensive formation, while the villagers murmured anxiously. It was Banmar who broke the silence. Removing his helmet, he stepped forward, holding a hammer crafted of gleaming Drakthorite.
Merris, understanding the gesture as one of peace, stepped forward with a basket of the village’s finest goods: fresh grains, fruits, and dried meats. The exchange was simple yet profound—a hammer for the bounty of the land. In that moment, a bridge was built, not of words, but of mutual understanding.
The Trade of Stone and Seed
The dwarves, intrigued by the variety of crops and livestock in the village, lingered for several days. The Waterspurs, ever hospitable, shared their knowledge of farming and the ways of the river. The dwarves, in turn, demonstrated the use of their tools and weapons, gifting the humans implements far superior to anything they had known.
Merris Waterspur was particularly fascinated by the dwarves’ stories of their mountain halls, while Banmar marveled at the humans’ ability to cultivate life in the open air. This exchange marked the beginning of a deeper relationship between the two peoples.
The dwarves carried seeds and livestock back to Steerbright, planting small gardens outside their mountain halls. The Waterspurs, with their new tools, expanded their fields and fortified their village, ushering in a new era of prosperity.
The Legacy of First Contact
The Day of the First Trade became a cornerstone of Waterspur history, celebrated as a moment of diplomacy and trust. The hammer gifted by Banmar Frostvein remained in Riverhome as a symbol of unity, passed down through generations as a reminder of their role in bridging the gap between stone and soil.
For the dwarves, the encounter opened their eyes to the potential of surface life, while for the humans, it was proof that even the most disparate peoples could find common ground.
The relationship forged that day would echo through the ages, shaping the foundations of human and dwarven alliances and embedding the Waterspurs in the annals of history as stewards of peace and prosperity.
