Ang was about to put away the barrel when a dwarf suddenly shouted, "Outsiders! Do you have any more liquor? Bring it all out and let us drink our fill!"
The other dwarves chimed in one after another, and the lively atmosphere immediately boiled over, as if a feast was about to begin.
Ang did not respond right away. Instead, he turned to the Dwarf Great Elder and waited for his stance.
However, the Great Elder ignored the rowdy dwarves. He turned to Ang instead, a meaningful glint in his eyes as he slowly asked, "Outsiders, did you come down from the World Tree?"
Ang nodded and answered solemnly, "Yes, Great Elder. We came here to find my companion's mother." As he spoke, he raised a hand and pointed at Linya beside him.
The Dwarf Great Elder's gaze fell on Linya. He narrowed his eyes slightly, then said evenly, "A half-elf? They aren't very welcome here."
Linya's heart sank, but she still gathered her courage and asked, "Great Elder, have you ever had dealings with the Elf race?"
The Dwarf Great Elder pondered for a moment before saying with a hint of mockery, "Of course. They still live high up in the World Tree. But they're awfully proud. You may not be able to find them."
A flicker of hope appeared in Linya's eyes, only to dim again moments later.
She knew full well that the Elf race held itself in high regard. If they did not wish to show themselves, she would likely have a hard time finding any trace of her mother.
Ang sensed that the Dwarf Great Elder did not seem friendly toward the Elf race, so he lightly touched Linya's arm, signaling for her not to press the matter further.
Changing the subject, he asked tentatively,