As you'll have noticed from the ranks of the deceased, we did eventually succeed against the goblins. It was rather more of a show, though.
You see, after week upon week of training, we let the new warriors loose. The goblins were quickly routed, leaving only one alive. He was fleeing toward the horizon when Melbil rushed to the doors, unlocked them, and shouted "CHARGE!"
Everyone within hearing ranged rushed after the goblin. I can only imagine the fear it must have felt, seeing two dozen angry dwarfs chasing at top speed.
And that's it. It took a good deal longer than I'm presenting it here, but eventually the attack was warded off. Not without cost, though.
Anyway, I had the foresight to make Melbil order construction started on some miniature catacombs. She said it would seem 'fatalistic,' but I didn't back down. They were completed just recently.
27 TimberI... I can't believe what's happened. I thought I was helping... I...
Okay. I went in to talk to Melbil about some ideas I had about organizing the stockpiles, nothing major. I... I don't think I'll be interfering in fortress policy anymore.
I walked into her office, and she looked up at me slowly.
"...yes, Amost? What is it this time?"
She seemed to be sighing as she spoke.
"You need to-"
But she continued, seeming not to notice that I had spoken.
"Amost... I need to ask you a question."
"What?" I was curious. She seemed to be rather depressed about something.
"Will you
ever...
leave me...
alone?"
Now I was shocked, rather than curious. How could she think I would leave her bereft of my council?
"No, Melbil." I said as kindly as I could manage. I walked over around her desk, and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Never."
She just looked up at me, inch by inch, and I was shocked at what i saw.
Journal, her eyes were
empty.
She nodded slowly. "Alright."
That was the last word I, or anybody, ever heard her speak.
She got up, eyes unfocused, and trudged slowly out of the room.