Grumblybelly the Gracious

The sleeping gnome didn't budge. Naturally, Grumbleshanks poked him harder. Grumbleshanks sprang backwards ready for a tussle as the gnome rolled over. And continued to snore.

A sigh escaped the hobbit's lips. Damn thing won't wake. Must I draw blood? Whatever, I need to meditatate anyhow.

Grumbleshanks, left his gear hidden behind a knoll, and started towards the river and coincidentally the city of Baldur's Gate, or what was left of it. He could shake his head at the senseless destruction. However, despite the crumbled mess, the citizens were still hustling back and forth. A massive tent city situated outside the city gates was a beehive of activity. Maybe I'll find something interesting there.

At the shore of the river, he found strange rocks and shells which were not native to this land. However, he didn't find any corpses. No corpses. Birds? Beasties? Are the people of this city that clean? No, I've swung by the docks before. Like most large cities, the people of Baldur's Gate thrive in their own stench and filth. They forgot long ago what fresh air smelled like. Perhaps something more sinister?

A tickle stirred Grumbleshanks from his musings. "My friend! I missed you last night. It's been awhile since I last slept on dry land. The sea didn't rock me to sleep. How's our friend? Oh. Giant squid? This close to land?? Strange tidings are afoot. Are you okay?. Phew. Shame about the dolphin. We did what we could."

Sitting in the water with Squiggles in his lap, the druid began is daily meditations. "I can't believe they are actually following through with their threats. This is madness!" The urgent voice of the sea replayed itself over and over. Grumbleshanks strained to hear the voice of the sea over the humdrum of the city. In addition, the oceanic druid began to listen to the voices of the land.

Perception?: 15+8=23
(Dan, anything?)

Feeling refreshed, Grumbleshanks stood, took leave of his companion, and went to pick up his gear. Finding the gnome snoring louder than a thunderstorm, Grumbleshanks jabbed until it woke up.

"Snrf bzble wozipt."

"Eh?"

"Who the hell are you and why did you interrupt my swooning women and daring deeds?"

"Grumbleshanks, and who the hell are you to cozy up in my camp?"

"Camp! Hah! Gurkirat Kaleo bard extrodinaire, at your grumbly service," he said with a wink. "I can charm a canary from it's nest and entice a doe from hiding. I can silence an entire city market with a single note. Rumor has it Francisco Sinistera's muse took favor upon me as a babe in the cradle."

"Did she?" the halfling asked as he relaxed his guard.

"It wouldn't be a rumor if I told you, now would it?" he answered with another wink. "Have you the smallest of morsels to tide the hunger of a starving musician?"

Finding himself taking a liking to the talkative gnome, Grumbleshanks shared breakfast. "Mmmpf, this is marvellous. Did you make it yourself? Your mother? Send my regards for her larder. Wonderful grub. Wonderful son. Mmmpf. Magnificent. Clever woman your mother." And so, Grumbleshanks ate in contented silence with Gurkirat supplying conversation for two.

"Now, where to my pint-sized friend? I shall set your elegant words and mighty deeds to epic songs to remember and sang across the land. You shall be Grumblybelly the Gracious--"

"Grumbleshanks"

"As I said, Grumblemutton, slayer of dragons, tamer of elementals, and civilizer of kobolds. Citizens of even faraway Gondor and those of Lancre will sing praises of Grumbleshell the--"

"Grumbleshanks."

"Yes, Grumblystone, the lamb of Baldur, bringer of light, merriment, and peace."

Without another word--

"You can be..."

Without another word of consequence or meaning, the two set off towards the city.