One Year Prior To Departure

No story has a true beginning, only a point where you begin telling it. So we shall start here.

Within the illustrious nation of Aleteros Grendal lives and practices his craft. Studying the mystic properties of gems, he weaves the precious gemstones into his spellwork and teases out arcane secrets from these bounties of the earth. This has proven a fruitful endeavor. Grendal has enjoyed success in his career. He's earned the respect and esteem of his colleagues and been given the opportunity to pursue projects at his leisure.

OOC: Your character is an experienced mage, successful and well established.

Writing Prompt: Describe a day in the life of Grendal, where he lives, how he starts a typical date, the people he encounters and the projects he's working on. End your post with him learning that an extra-planar expedition is being planned.