Journey to the Underground

Nathan, now determined to embark on his journey to the Ulaborg Kingdom, began to plan the details of his trip with the help of his trusted companions, Liam and Winston. The three of them gathered in a private chamber, their voices hushed as they discussed their strategy.

Nathan sitting on his chair leaned forward, his tone filled with curiosity and excitement. "Liam, Winston, I'm looking forward to this journey, but I think it's best if we keep it low-profile. No one should know that I'm the prince. I want to experience life beyond the palace walls as an ordinary traveler."

The decision to travel in disguise was made to allow Nathan the freedom to explore the Ulaborg Kingdom incognito, without the burdens and expectations that came with his royal title. It was a quest for knowledge, adventure, and personal growth, a journey that held the promise of both challenges and revelations.

Liam, his loyal friend and confidant, nodded in agreement. "I understand, Your Highness. We can arrange for suitable disguises. We'll need to choose names and backgrounds that won't raise any suspicions."

Winston, ever the practical butler, chimed in with a thoughtful suggestion. "Perhaps, Your Highness, we could pose as merchants. It's a common enough profession, and it would allow us to move freely and interact with people without drawing undue attention."

Nathan considered Winston's idea and nodded in approval. "That sounds reasonable, Winston. Let's go with that. As for names, I think something simple and unassuming would be best. Call me 'Nathaniel' during our journey."

Liam, with a hint of amusement, suggested, "I'll be 'Lucas,' and Winston can go by 'Thomas.' What do you think, Your Highness?"

Nathan chuckled at their choices. "Perfect. Nathaniel, Lucas, and Thomas it is, then. Now, we should gather the necessary supplies, prepare our disguises, and chart our route. We'll need to be well-prepared for the journey ahead."

Winston, always thorough in his planning, began listing the items they would need. "We'll require traveling cloaks, common attire, a modest cart for our 'merchant' goods, and, of course, some coin to cover expenses along the way."

Nathan added, "And don't forget, we should carry a map of the region and a list of the places we intend to visit. We'll also need to decide on a cover story for our 'merchant' business."

Liam, with a confident grin, responded, "Leave the cover story to me, Your Highness. I have a knack for storytelling, and I'll ensure our background is convincing."

As the three of them continued to discuss the practicalities of their journey, their voices filled with excitement and anticipation. The prospect of experiencing life beyond the palace walls, even under disguises, filled them with a sense of adventure.

With their plan in motion and their disguises taking shape, Prince Nathan, Liam, and Winston prepared to set out on a journey that would not only be a valuable experience for Nathan but also hold the potential for unexpected discoveries and challenges along the way.

As they journeyed through the winding paths that connected the small dwarven villages, the air was filled with the hearty laughter of the dwarves. The evenings were a symphony of revelry, with dwarves indulging in merrymaking, feasting on generous portions of meat, and savoring their cherished beverages.

Their travels eventually led them to one of the most renowned underground cities within the Ulaborg Kingdom, known as 'Glimmerforge' made underneath a mountain. This city was famed not only for its skilled craftsmen but also for a precious ore known as 'Glimmerite,' a rare find that remained exclusive to the depths of this dwarven kingdom.

As Nathan, Winston, and Liam approached the city's imposing gates, they were met by two robust dwarven soldiers, guardians of Glimmerforge. One of the sentinels, their demeanor stern but vigilant, addressed the newcomers, "State your purpose for venturing into Glimmerforge and provide your passes if you possess them."

Winston and Liam exchanged a brief glance before turning their attention to Prince Nathan, who was seated in the cart. With a reassuring nod, they conveyed to the prince, "Your Highness, we shall handle this. Please wait here."

The prince nodded in acknowledgment, placing his trust in Winston and Liam's capable hands. As the wine merchants stepped forward to engage with the dwarven guards, Nathan observed the bustling city with eager curiosity, eager to explore the wonders of Glimmerforge.

Nathan, now posing as a wine merchant, nodded to Winston and Liam. He sat back in the cart, leaning on a barrel of wine, ready to let his trusted companions handle the situation. 

Winston stepped forward, his tone respectful but firm. "Greetings, honorable guards of Glimmerforge," he began. "We come as merchants, seeking to share our fine wines and goods with the dwarven people of this renowned city. We also hope to learn more about the unique Glimmerite ore that is found here."

Liam added, "As for the pass, we were not aware of such a requirement. We deeply apologize for any oversight. If it is necessary, we would be most grateful if you could guide us on how to obtain one."

The dwarven guards exchanged a quick glance, their expressions scrutinizing the trio. The dwarves were known for their shrewdness and caution when it came to outsiders.

As the dwarven guards scrutinized the trio, their expressions shifted from suspicion to curiosity. The first guard leaned in closer to Winston and whispered, "Is that the famous Valdyr wine you're carrying, friend?"

Winston, his demeanor calm but intrigued, nodded discreetly. "Indeed, it is," he replied in a hushed tone. "A rare vintage, known for its exquisite flavor and quality."

The second guard chimed in, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "We do appreciate fine wine here in Glimmerforge," he said, also speaking softly. "Tell you what, if you're willing to part with five bottles of that Valdyr wine, we might just let you through without any hassle."

Winston glanced at Liam, who nodded in agreement. They understood the unspoken request. This was a common practice among merchants seeking entry to the city, a way to bypass the formalities with a more personal touch.

Winston turned back to the guards and extended his hand, sealing the deal with a discreet handshake. "You have our word," he said, "five bottles of Valdyr wine in exchange for a smooth passage into Glimmerforge."

As Nathan, Winston, and Liam passed through the gate, they found themselves in a narrow, dimly lit corridor. The passage wound its way deeper into the earth, the stone walls hewn with precision and care. It was a stark contrast to the vibrant marketplace they had just left behind.

But as they continued down the corridor, their anticipation grew. They knew that what lay ahead was nothing short of breathtaking. And indeed, as the corridor opened up, they stepped into the heart of Glimmerforge, the renowned underground city of the dwarves.

Before them stood towering pillars, more than 200 meters in height, crafted from a fusion of iron and the unique Glimmerite ore. The sight was awe-inspiring. The pillars reached toward the cavern's ceiling, supporting the massive expanse of rock above. They were a testament to the dwarves' engineering prowess and their mastery of working with the earth's bounty.

What truly took their breath away, however, was the overhead spectacle. On the ceiling of the city, embedded within the natural rock formations, were the hanging luminous stones. These enchanting gems bathed Glimmerforge in a soft, ethereal glow, casting a warm and gentle light over the entire underground city.

going further he gazed upon the bustling dwarven marketplace, his thoughts raced with excitement and wonder. He marveled at the array of finely crafted weapons, intricate metalwork, and a multitude of other treasures displayed before him.

It was a sight unlike any he had witnessed before, even in the vivid descriptions of fantasy novels and video games from his world.

"Wow," he thought to himself, his eyes wide with amazement, "so this is what a dwarven city and market looks like. I've seen them in games and read about them in novels back on Earth, but this is on a whole different level and how can they make such towering pillars without it collapsing."

He couldn't help but be drawn to the sheer craftsmanship on display. Each piece seemed to tell a story, a testament to the dwarves' unparalleled skill in working with stone and metal. It was as if the very essence of the earth had been shaped into these magnificent creations.

Nathan's thoughts continued to race as he considered the depth of history and culture that surrounded him. He was no longer a mere observer in a fictional world; he was living and breathing the marvels of a dwarven city.

The marketplace, with its lively atmosphere and the echoes of dwarven laughter, felt like a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of tradition and innovation. Nathaniel couldn't wait to explore further, to learn more about the people and the secrets that lay hidden beneath the earth's surface.

As Nathaniel strolled through the vibrant dwarven market with Winston and Liam, a sense of excitement welled up within him. No longer bound by the duties of a prince, he embraced the role of an adventurer in a realm filled with marvels, eager to explore the Glimmerforge.