Grundle+BG

Aaron Delcourt Grundle stood at the trade platform satisfied with how the trip had been. What’s more, he was thrilled to finally see the mainland for himself. He’d met a king, after all, and he’d even rode in a real Duranian air ship. The ships that were built for the trade route were different from the others. Those metal giants were much larger, with layers tripling that of the original models, to seal in the oxygen. He, Bracken, and Chester had parted ways. Chester left for his home and Bracken as well. They said they would meet back in Envelo. The issue wasn’t entirely resolved, after all, with Chester still missing his parents. Not to mention, that countless others hadn’t been found yet. So, it was just the welcome coincidence that Bracken should show up at that moment to deliver a message. “Grundle, you haven’t left yet. Wonderful! We have important business and you could help greatly.” He said this just before explaining the entirety of a conflict that Grundle didn’t fully understand and wasn’t entirely related. At first glance, anyway. Never the less, his ally was in need. If Bracken was correct, this event could change everything about Chimeria. "We'll need to find the authorities and ask for troops to assist us." Bracken followed Grundle as he walked onto the ship. When they arrived, Grundle and Bracken split up. Bracken headed into the city to find the council. If he could warn them of the coming disaster then maybe they would send reinforcements to aid the others. Grundle left in the opposite direction. Kröm needed to know what he was headed for, even if he disagreed with it. Grundle entered the study and saw the old dwarf at a table, looking over some books. As the door closed Kröm's head looked up, but he didn't speak. He just smiled. It was a vacuous smile, filled with the excitement of seeing that Grundle had returned. Even as he greeted his mentor and explained the last few days Kröm's expression remained. Like decades of intellect had been rendered insurmountably useless by the idiocy of a green, mule drawn, siege-caravan. Grundle told him everything about the last few days. The up coming battle was on it's way and he would need to leave today. When he was finished Kröm was in no way smiling. The room was silent for quite some time before Kröm spoke. "When we first landed on Lunaria, we went to work right away, looking for a place to build our first homes. The trees were weaker than on the main land, so we used more wood to build steadier timber frames. The animals were faster, so we set traps." Grundle interrupted, "I fail to see the connecti-" "Though not all problems," he spoke louder, "can be solved so easily." He closed his eyes to concentrate. "My closest friend was there with me on the first voyage. In fact, she thought up the whole thing. We found this very spot, where we stand now. The perfect spot." The dwarf stood to look around. "We built this tower together and she taught me everything about science. Everything she knew anyway. We had twelve years together. We watched the City of Bargus form over those years. We had accomplished the impossible, but we began to grow apart. Well, she did. I had hardly grown at all and when the day came that she left, I did not follow. She wanted to see the rest of the world before she was too old and that it would be best if she left alone. "So hear I am today, old and tired. I've done the impossible and yet I've never left the borders of Lunaria. Despite the danger, I wish I'd have followed." Kröm widened his eyes for a moment, waking from his nostalgic reverie. "So, in other words: Be safe and if need be, run." Grundle looked doubtful. "That's it?" "That's it. Now how do you suppose the shaman is handling the authorities?" "I'm doubtful that he'll convince the authorities to secure reinforcements." "Don't worry about that. I'll speak with them. We should be on our way now, to catch the council before they leave their office for lunch. Oh, and while we're here, how heavy would you say the caravan is? I might be have something to make it faster."