18 Granite, 201

Sound effect: Waves crashing on a shore

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Pan up the beach, revealing David the dwarf, lying on the ground, sopping wet and motionless

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David stirs. Groaning, he weakly rolls over and begins to retch, spewing out an impressive amount of saltwater. Using the rock nearby he hoists himself up. He starts suddenly, reaching behind him. When his hand finds the copper pick-axe still wedged into his pants he relaxes, rebumured. Trudging down the beach, he scans the horizon but sees nothing.

David: HALLOOOO!

*silence*

David: HALLO? IS ANYONE HERE?

Distant Voice: HOOOO! OVER HERE!

The voice is coming from the hills to the east, away from the shore. David hurries up the steep incline.

Absolom is sitting by a small pool, fishing when David enters the scene. The surroundings here are more green and tranquil than the harsh rocky beach.

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Absolom: Hello there! I met you once on the ship, David, right?

David: That’s right, and you’re, um-

Absolom: Absolom Asmelzokun at your service! [Absolom steps forward and shakes David’s hand furiously, thrusting out his pelvis slightly.]

David: Er, right! [David extricates his hand from Absolom’s.] So, what does the situation look like? Any other survivors?

Absolom: I don’t believe so! As far as we’re concerned we’re the only 2 dwarves on the planet!

David: Uh…huh. [David suddenly screws up his face, sniffing the air.]

David: What on earth is that smell? It smells like… burning.

Absolom: Look for yourself! [Absolom gestures towards the east, where the ground drops away entirely.]

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David: HOLY ****! It’s a ****ing volcano! This whole island is a giant volcano!

David spends a few moments visibly composing himself.

David: Okay, we need to get our **** together! Absolom, stop fishing and look around for any other survivors, or supplies that may have washed up on shore. And when you’re done, set up a makeshift fishery so we can process those fish before they spoil. I’ll start carving out some living space. Our first priority is survival, after that we can worry about getting the hell out of here. Get moving!

Some time later, David is examining the pile of supplies Absolom managed to rescue, trying desperately to be optimistic:

- 1 copper pick (david’s)

– 10 plump helmet spawn (saved by Absolom before the ship was wrecked)

– 6 barrels of rum that had washed up on shore (praise Armok)

– About a dozen usable pieces of wood from the wreckage

Shrugging and choosing a place to start, David begins striking his way into the rock. Absolom, knuckle-deep in turtle entrails, keeps one eye on David’s rear end as he mines his way into the rock.

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