Journal of the First Praetor, Felsite 19th 264
The work has gone much faster since the arrival of the migrants. Stones are cleared from the Great Hall entirely, and I order the housing level to be cleared as well. Work on the Ramparts proceeds well.
Nombres, the highly-skilled blacksmith, is taken by a secretive mood. Everydwarf in the fortress is excited about what he might create!
Nombres grabs iron, stone, leather, and gems, and gets to work. Meanwhile, I order our old drawbridge torn down, along with the last of our doors. They are to be replaced with a solid iron drawbridge over a small moat.
Markus designs the bridge. I am dubious of allowing a Mondulite to perform such a vital task, but I trust my friend to perform his duty. I construct the metalwork of the bridge myself, to ensure its quality.
Nombres completes his work! An iron cage, decorated with a variety of materials. I am distressed by the lack of imagery, but the handiwork is clearly exquisite. I will have to find a use for this cage- perhaps the centerpiece of our future dungeon.
Shouts come from the surface again. This time, they are clearly hostile. An enemy is upon us!
Elves, thank Kudust. Their leader rides upon a war elephant and carries a spear, but fortunately their armor and weapons are exclusively crafted out of wood, as is usual in the lower sects. Our newly-placed alarm pup proves its worth, and is subsequently beaten to death with wooden "swords."
Two members of our forces are on duty, sparring near the entrance. I order the remaining militiadwarves to the surface, but there is no time to waste. It is clear that this ambush is merely a scouting party, consisting of a mere sixteen elves. A true war march of elves would include at least five times their number- how else could they defeat their betters? Enzer and Minty take their positions.
The battle is joined. May elven blood christen our new home.