The deafening explosion's impact sent Fletcher hurtling towards the ground to claim some sort of cover.  As the dust cleared, he stood up, an expression of fright quite apparent on his countenance.  Brushing his face with his forearm, he turned to look at his other newfound comrades to assess how pathetic he had appeared.  The gnome seemed unfazed, but he couldn't see the others beyond the plumes of debris.  His ears started working again, and the first thing he heard was himself coughing.<br/><br/>"I hope they have a tailor wherever they're going," he said under his breath,  "because I'm going to need a change of pants."