The Gnome's Contribution (Private)

[Soldier]

The dwarf the Gnome had bumped into was a sturdy, powerfully built Infantryman wearing the stripes of a Sergeant. He glared down at the Gnome as he tried to blink away the sunlight. "We are evacuating the city, sir. All women and children are to report to the North Gate. All men are to report to the North Gate to be evacuated or report to the compound to be armed and prepared for combat." The dwarf spit on the ground and pointed to the compound. "Report there. We can use a Gnome for something, at least."

[Niell]

"Right," the Gnome spoke as a glimmer of admiration sparkled in his eye. Depending on the size of this battle and its magnitude, this dwarf's spit won't be the only thing to hit the ground. His bloody, guts, and intestines could accompany it. With a swift nod affirming he understood the brief instructions, Niell's enigmatic hazel eyes followed to where the stout man had pointed. "Right," Niell muttered once more as he glaced off to where the dwarf had pointed, trying to force his limbs to move towards that direction. But that wouldn't. What if it was he who's blood, guts, and intestines hit the floor. What if it was the dwarf who stood there, thinking the same exact thing about the poor little Gnome. Point of being, if the city was rushing to evacuate women and children, something big was definently happening, something very big. Niell already doubted it was a dragon to come steal the dwarven treasures...Aerternia, Zerdargia had transformed into a city without treasures. Where once dwarven gold and mithril could be commonly found wherever, now only the subtle ores could be mined, let alone bought. There was no shiny gleams of magical armor, no more giant swords to sever a giant's head, tear through its flesh and rip its head from its neck. No...no longer did a true dwarven people surround the Gnome. They had fallen from their grace, and now lived amongst men.

Quickly the Gnome took off half between a scrambled sort of run and tumble. He quickly caught himself and put on a new burst of speed (for a Gnome, that is) towards the city's compound. Armed and prepared for combat? Quietly Niell was already beginning to doubt they had any sort of armor for a Gnome, but perhaps, just perhaps he would be lucky. The small Gnome flew throughout the city, hard leather boots pounding upon cobbled stones and rounding corners of homes, shops, and other buildings. Swiftly yet effectively the Gnome found himself panting at the entrance to the compound, muttering to anyone near him, "I...came as quick as I could. Niell, reporting...for duty!" Niell quickly straightened up and ran a pale hand through his black hair. Quickly he glanced up to see if anyone or anybody was distributing armor or whatnot. Surely something had to be going on.

[Soldier]

The Gnome found himself in the compound, facing yet another Dwarf with Sergeant's stripes. This one was guarding a pile of equipment, and as the Gnome approached, he grinned wide. "And what're ye te be doin' in the comin' battle, eh?" he asked in a kindly voice. "Le's see if'n we're te be armin' ye." He dug around in the pile of equipment and pulled out a suit of Gnomish black leather armor, with pockets of different sizes on the sleeves, torso and leggings. A Gnome-sized dagger and matching short sword were also found. The Dwarf tossed the items to the Gnome and chuckled. "Begone with ye, now, and prepare yerself. Once yer ready, go ta that table there ta explain yer skills and such." He pointed to a table where a Dwarf was issuing orders to men lining up.

[Niell]

The Gnome quickly outfitted himself into the leather black armor, silently thankful for the amount of pockets and whatnot that seemed to be overly abundant. "At least I can do something," he mumbled to himself as he quickly took the dagger and slid it into a pocket along his shin. For the shortsword, he sheathed it at his waist and latched it to his belt. Deftly he ran a slender pale hand through his black shading grey hair, adjusting the spectacles atop of the bridge of his nose. Making sure he looked presentable, he then stepped in line and patiently made his way up towards the table. Puzzled and yet all together curious eyes flicked from person to person, noting their behaviour and how they acted. Were they scared? Did they know what is happening, Niell mused quietly to himself as he adjusted the armor that was upon his shoulders. He had never worn any before, since it was rather unusual for such small creatures to arm themselves. But alas; now situations were beginning to turn dire, and such things were becomming more mandatory in the material world they lived in.

Once Niell reached the dwarf, he quickly did a smart salute like how the others had. With a affirmative nod, he introduced himself, who he was, and what little skills he had. "Serale Sir, my name is Niell. I have no combat skills to engage in this task Sir, but I am taking a course in Gadgeteering, Sir!" Niell spoke in a nonchalant tone. No fear was making its way through this Gnome.