GFL – Page 0022

Grouping For Looks is a page-by-page retelling of the Looking For Group saga through the lens of a mirror universe where Cale is a goateed tyrant and Richard is a holy soul trying to set him on a good path.

EXT. FOREST – DAY

Having made their way out of the gnome-infested mountain, gnome soldier Fitch cuts through the bush with a machete that looks normal sized for him. 

FITCH
The camp is in the next clearing. 

The gnome steps aside, leaving a clear path to a valley for Richard, Cale, Benny, Krunch, and Sooba. No one takes it. 

KRUNCH
You’re coming with us. 

FITCH
I’m afraid not. 

KRUNCH
That wasn’t a request. 

FITCH
If the trolls see a gnome leading a group of wanderers to their camp, it will mean the deaths of you, me, and all of Mechastone. 

RICHARD
And if they see a group of wanderers without a gnome escourt..?

FITCH
It will mean the deaths of just you. 

RICHARD
His math checks out. Thank you for your help, Fitch. 

Richard shakes the cautious gnome’s hand and then passes through the opening Fitch made. 

RICHARD
Oh-

Cale reaches out to shake Fitch’s hand, shoving him at the last second over a crouching Benny. Cale and Benny chuckle as Fitch rolls down the hill. Krunch points and laughs. 

KRUNCH
Ha-ha!

Fitch continues to roll until something tall and wooden stops his momentum. Not a tree. At least, not anymore. 

Richard frowns at his allies and pushes aside the leaves that Fitch was too short to cut. A legion of troll soldiers, with catapults and siege towers, like the one Fitch rolled into. The commotion the rolling gnome made caught the attention of hundreds of trolls who now gaze, weapons drawn, at the group. 

RICHARD
So… let’s talk diplomacy!

GFL Archives

Original: LFG Page 22

First Grouping For Looks: GFL 001

Previous Grouping For Looks: GFL 021