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The dwarven priest eyes Harcourb the caravaneer warily as he departs.
"Tis sad, but he was the best we could get," Ulfgar rues. "Through our magic, every other caravan driver my sister and I interviewed proved to have malice and deceit in their hearts. His intolerance is tragic and distasteful, but at least he wears it on his sleeve. Of course, with the blend of sweet and stern words you all seem capable of, I'm sure he'll see the error of his ways soon enough."
...
At the question regarding his patroness, Ulfgar laughs jovially before answering Valentina.
"Outside of a dwarf hold, most folks' knowledge about our pantheon begins and ends with Father Torag. Then again, for a people who pride ourselves on strength and stoicism, Bolka the Golden Gift is a side of our lives often kept intimate.
"The daughter of Torag, Bolka is our goddess of marriage and love. Rather than the obvious strength of a hammer, whether wielded at the forge or in war, she embodies the strength found in union, family, and community.
"In truth, I believe that the most fervent of dwarven prayers are quietly offered to Bolka as our young, stout swains prepare themselves to approach a potential partner. I know many a man here in Stoneriver who would more willingly face down a drunken giant than bare his heart to his love."
...
"Aye," he muses, stroking his beard and turning to Aristide after hearing Francoix's suggestion, "Appointing a second to Harcourb may hasten the wearing away of his more toxic attitudes."