Hundreds of footsteps clamored as they made their way up a set of stairs. A diverse crowd, all called to the Entrance Hall of Baelmar, the mighty dwarven fortress. Those hailing from the ruined city of Bordris, refugees, were specifically called in attendance, though all curious were allowed to join. King Mikhail stood in front of the gates to the outside world, waiting for the people to finish gathering.

Mikhail had been in light correspondence with the current custodian of Bordris, Aksel. They would speak of progress on the rebuilding of Bordris, how the remaining population was keeping under circumstances, the hopes and dreams of their people. And now, it was time to share with the people of Bordris news to send their hearts aloft with hope for the future. Aksel's rebuilding efforts hadn't gone unnoticed, rumors had run wild amongst the people what the Vohl had been doing in the mountains. After all, it was hard for those tending the fields to ignore his voice as it rang throughout the mountain range and valley as he battled endless air elementals.

Mikhail was requested to hold an assembly for Aksel and his people, and so he did. As Mikhail watched the last small group walk into the hall, he turned to look at Aksel and gave him a nod. He took to the make-shift podium as it sat on the platform above the statue of the great Pringz Cheddarbeard. Mikhail cleared his throat as he began his address to the people:

"I want ta thank ye all fer comin' out 'ere today. I know it was a bi' sudden, but it's nothin' ta be worried aboot. Nae, tha opposite in fact! T'day, I 'ope ta bring a bi' o' levi'y ta yer 'earts... Tha trage'y tha' befell Bordris not too long ago is one tha' is carried in tha' 'earts o' her citizens daily. I see yer pain, tha weight of absence in yer lives as ye struggle ta make amends with loved ones ripped from ye far, far too soon. Friends, family, neighbors... How yer still a people in mournin' tryin' ta move forward as best ye can. An' while I've done all I can ta make Baelmar a place fer ye ta regain yer foo'in', ta find some degree o' normalcy in yer lives again? I know fer some of ye, it's a cold comfort, tha' these cave walls could ne'er be yer home. An' I'll ne'er try ta convince ye otherwise. An' so, why bring this up? Well, I'll leave tha' fer Aksel ta explain."

With that, Mikhail stepped back and gestured for Aksel to take the stand and address his people.

(Plain English transcription of Mikey's speech under the cut)