Come the Autumn caravan Giltbends is thriving. The population rising to 18 stalwart dwarves. Despite the constant menace of troglodytes the miners manage to finish the entrance hall and more permanent storage for food and refuse. Limul Nakasmafol now has an elk bird, 2 troglodytes and a giant mole as kills to his name. The last one after the mole had somehow snuck into the food storage and drank half of the stores. 84 booze and a whole barrel of elk bird meat. A frentic chase ensued and eventually the beast was laid low. And is now being butchered to make up for some of stores it ruined.
The caravan from the mountainhomes arrived just prior to winter to find a small but bustling settlement. What had started out as a small group of dwarven pioneers was beginning to take some shape as civilization. Under the cavern floor a small, efficient settlement is growing. Cog the caravans leader watched locals from varied origins till new fields, chopping down cave fungus trees and bringing in fresh fish from the deeper caverns. passing into the branch-off coridoor leading to the entrance of the Giltbends he notices a mechanic hard at work. Rigging up some cages to a cunningly designed system of counterweights. Thinking better to not disturb the dwarf in his vital work he continues on. leading his caravan onward. Passers by casually greeting him as they pass. Giving their well wishes and obviously pleased to see the settlements first caravan. A lifeline with the mountainhomes and a source for any materials the fort cant supply itself. Which in this wilderness could mean the difference between famine and fortune.
A dwarf in robes and a neatly combed moustache appears as they reach the main door of the settlement. From his dress and demeanour Cog decided it was safe to assume this to be the expedition leader. Libash Rakustkulal extends his arms wide in greeting as the group approaches. Taking Cogs hand firmly in both hands to shake it in greeting.
'Welcome to Giltbends brehtren! I'm glad you found us safely. The icefields are harsh at this time of year. Come, come and let us get to business." He says as he ushers the group past the thick granite doors. To one side of them standing an armored dwarf armed with a silver hammer. His helmet off and held at the hip. He nods to Cog in greeting as they pass before continuing a conversation with one of the forts masons.
'You seem to have taken to your new home well Libash. Im impressed. For all this to occur in a year. It's a wonder you did not freeze on the wastes! I thought nothing good could come of living in such a place..' Libash grins and nods whilst the dwarf talks. His hands behind his back as they walk at the head of the caravan.
'Yes it has been fortuitous times for us. Without Limul back there though to keep the Troglodytes in check though we would've been overrun. As it is we've had a few people with cuts and bruises. But nothing worse thankfully. Though even him alone wont be able to look after all of us the way things are. The next migrants we get with military experience will form a squad to work with him. All the surface bears for us are yetis.. Strange creatures. Thankfully they keep their distance from us and we do the same with them. So far at least..'
'But enough of the past. let us see what goods you bring to trade!' The two laugh easily as they head deeper into the forts trading hall and warehouse area.
( Map of Gildbends late winter 1001
http://mkv25.net/dfma/map-10601 )