Events of the 24th of Opal, 1052Johnny and Stravitch sat on the edge of the cliff, taking a break from the aquaducts construction. They watched the workers down below hauling stone, building floors and walls to extend the channel northwards towards the off-limits brook.
Stravitch pointed into the distance, towards the dread camels frolicking on the scorching sand, and said, "It really is starting to look like winter."
"Whatta'ya talkin' about? Winter?"
"Yeah. Look at them, they're actually wearing some skin this time. Must be getting a little cold."
Johnny stared at the camels for a few moments, before they both erupted in laughter. He clapped Stravitch on the shoulder amicable, "I'm glad ya' showed up, chief. I'm gunna' be needin' yer help 'ere shortly."
"Of course, I sent a letter back with the traders, so we should be-" he was silenced by a shadow growing over them.
"Down to the mess hall! We have a meeting! Grab the other masons and hurry!"
***
Aryn paced before the assembled mass of Dwarves, his eyes narrowed. Lucy stood behind him, shifting nervously from foot to foot. When the last of the stragglers took a seat he began to talk.
"I'm extremely disappointed in the whole lot of you. When that ass Staketaxed came back to trade, he was greeted by dozens of filthy Dwarves hauling goods we expected him to buy, covering them in mud or vomit or... blood, where ever THAT came from. It took some smooth talking but I convinced him it was worth his while.
"Because of that, I've designed a new project for us to work on during the aquaducts assembly. Lucy, show the designs, please."
Lucy stepped forward, unfolding the papers in front of her, holding them up for the crowd to see:
"As you can see," She began, "this will work on a simple pressure-plate system. Each room will be fitted with a ceiling hatch. Entering a room releases a soothing, and cleansing, shower of fresh water upon the occupant. Once water has accumulated to a reasonable level the hatch will shut. We're left with a clean fortress."
"Good. Miners? Get to work digging. Kuli, when you and your team finish with smelting down the nickel ore you're to help the glass makers with flood gates. Everyone! To work!"
As the miners shuffled out, grumbling under their breaths, Kuli approached the front of the mess hall. Taking off his cap and holding it in his hands he said, "Sir? I'd like to talk to you about something of some importance..."