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Gorvenalus has been sitting in a chair finishing up his log book entries, he has been busy speaking with beasts that went on the trip, some varies papers have notes to add to the logs as he looks those other, turns some over he is done with and every so often looks up from his work to see who is here and not.
   
Xander has been busy so will likely be just a little late to the feast, but only by couple minutes as he has helped roll carts into the room, he may not yet be able to lift a lot but he has found some things to help with.   
   
Squirrelbabe has been suspiciously good, not only during the trip back but also now that they are here in Redwall. The DAB Ringleader is probably making the adults nervous about her good behavior. The little squirrel has, however, escaped all the other Dibbuns and everyone who is helping with them today, and is exploring around a little. Seeing the busy beaver, she walks over to behind his chair, hops up onto the back of it, and peers at what he's doing. "Whatcha doin', Gowve?" She is dressed in a nice, neat, green tunic.   
   
Elbio peeks into the room to see who all is there and shrugs as he backs back out, almost into Log-a-log who just snorts and quietly finds a place to sit with the shrews he has with him.   
   
Gorvenalus blinks and then smiles "Hello young one. I am updating my logs to keep track of abbey events and history, I am including some of what happen when Matilda and the others went looking for you and the other dibbuns, still have more to add as well"He looks at one note he is given and frowns and lays it aside as he can add that later, today is to be fun, happy and time with family and friends.   
   
Xander helps with a couple of carts and then decides to sit by the doorway, out of the way of others. He has on the green habit of the abbey novices, he also keeps his new cane close at paw.   
   
Squirrelbabe hops down onto the arm of the chair and picks up the note the beaver had set aside. She can't read at all, but she's still looking at it (while holding it upside down). "Why you gotta update da logs fow? Dat sounds bowing." She stands on the arm of the chair with the natural ease of her species.   
   
Gorvenalus chuckles"Could come in useful one day and helps us remember the past events. Some may want to know what happen while they were away and can do so by reading the logs"   
   
   
The Great Hall is festooned with decorations, late autumn flowers, and paper chains collected into looping whorls of bunting that crisscross the room about seven feet in the air. The late afternoon light from the setting sun shines through the stained glass windows adding a bright array of colored light to the hall.   
       
   
Near the front the Abbey Choir are singing a soft song, the tables are laden with food, and standing beneath the tapestry is Abbot Benar. He is dressed in his best with the tall silver wood staff of the Abbot held in one hand, the bell attached to the top of it ringing whenever he moves. As the choir are singing the muffled, chimes of Matthias and Methuselah ring through the hall in accompaniment to the song as the GUOSIM shrews Leigh and Oswald stand before the abbot. Oswald is dressed in his finest, a long blue coat with matching trousers, a cravat at his throat, and his braids have been re-done and the bells that have been woven into them chime gently.   
       
   
Holding his hands is Leigh, in her wedding gown the shrew maiden is radiant and Benar is waiting just behind and in between the two shrews as the choir sings and the various Novices who have been pressed into service as stewards hurry the last few stragglers to their seats. Matilda, Ciocan and the Abbey Elders are all sitting off to one side at the head table waiting quietly as kitchen staff hurry out to place the last few items on the tables from the kitchen. The dibbuns have been seated at a table that is front and center just below the high table as the celebrated place. Despite the honor, they are being religiously policed by Mother Krisha and her staff, as well as various dibbuns parents and extra staff in the form of the hares of the long patrol who helped look after the dibbuns during their journey home, are not giving them any and all chance to misbehave right now.   
       
   
At some unseen signal, the Choir lift their voices higher, signing a crescendo as the bells fall silent and the doors to Great Hall boom shut. Lifting his staff the Abbot lets the bell chime just once before speaking.   
       
   
"Welcome everyone, to a Feast full of joy, full of wonders and great tidings. After months of hardship, our children have returned thanks to the efforts of our Champion, Matilda, her team, and Lord Ciocan and the long patrol. These blessings are not without their losses so before we move onto the more joyous parts of today's celebration I wish to take a moment's silence to remember all those we lost during those dark times. From the small and most beloved mole babe to the brave warriors who will no longer return to our side in laughter and friendship."   
       
   
Lowering his head the Abbot leads a minutes silence for those who cannot be here today then lifts his head and looks around the room, "Next we have something joyous, I received a request from my old friend Master Oswald the Bard of the GUOSIM and his beloved fiance Leigh to lead their wedding ceremony today and so it is with great honor and pleasure that I consent to do so."   
       
   
The Abbot then took a moment to speak to both Oswald and Leigh, asking them the time-honored questions, outlining the sanctity and joy of marriage and the great responsibility that joining together brought. He spoke of honor, of love, of supporting one another through both the good times and hardship, through sickness, health, and any state that may fall in between. He then turned to the all-important questions, the I do's where said and raising his staff the Abbot pronounced Oswald and Leigh to be husband and wife!   
       
As the cheers and wellwishes of the happy ceremony died down the Abbot moved from beneath the tapestry across to stand before the high table, not far from the dibbun's table, "Today however we are blessed beyond all measure, not just with a wedding, a symbol of union and strength, of new beginnings. Not just with the return of our lost little ones or our noble and friendly visitors from Salamandastron, we are blessed because we are all together."   
       
Smiling the elderly squirrel gestured at the room, "Look around this room, we are a family, we who dwell here today within the walls of Redwall are friends," He reached behind himself and picked up a tankard and raised it high, "We are companions, we are together and so it is with a great heart and hope that I declare this Feast, the Summer of Hopefully Beginnings open!"   
   
Xander made his way into the Great Hall just in time and found a place to sit, he has novice robes on. He smiles as he watches the wedding and even says his congrats as well.   

Gorvenalus smiles, he writes down some things in his notes to later add to the log books and smiles "A very good name for the season indeed Benar"   

Ciana is with the dibbuns for now but ever so often looks over at where the hares and Ciocan are sitting. Oz is with Krisha and the other dibbuns of course.   
   
Elbio listens as he smooths out his uniform and raises a mug with a nod. He chuckles as he watches the dibbuns as he is glad they are happy and cheerful now.   
   
Rufus looks inside, being a bird he likely won't stay inside long, but for now, he will sample some famous Redwall food!   

DoraRose is sitting with her family, an arm around her daughter, just enjoying not having anything to do. She watched the Dibbuns on the entire trip back -- she needs a break. LilyMoore is so happy to have her mother back and is just sitting beside her, resting her head on her shoulder. Angela has even deigned to join them at the feast, although she looks her usual grumpy self.   
   
Emyuil is sitting as close as he can to his sister, happy that she has arrived back safely. Zarok and Terfil are stuck being stewards for the feast. Squirrelbabe has managed to escape the other Dibbuns, even with all the careful watching. She is with the beaver right now. Gracie is sitting calmly with the other Dibbuns, but she doesn't look happy. Once all the things have been said, Squirrelbabe claps along with everyone else, then she hops down and starts scampering across Great Hall, aiming to sit beside LilyMoore.       
   
Krisha keeps the dibbuns quiet when it's needed and frowns slightly at Squirrelbabe but decides it's ok as she is behaving so far. The badger will help the dibbuns get their food and drink before getting her own.   
   
Leigh happily stays beside Oswald, a lot greeting the two. She looks around and smiles again as she is happy.   
       
With the feast declared open and the season named Benar sits down in a chair and accepts a drink and a slice of pie.   
   
He then settles in to watch the chaos, with the Long-Patrol, Lord Ciocan, and the dibbuns back food is flying off the tables. Matilda gets up to open several large casks of October ale and starts handing out drink as the Cellar Hog, she seems to be enjoying being able to hang up her sword for a bit and enjoy her hobby of running the Abbey cellars.   
       
Squirrelbabe isn't the only dibbun to escape the dibbun table and are moving around to join other beasts on their table. Dibbuns are having a great time as are the long patrol, shoveling in a herculean amount of food.   
       
Oswald leads Leigh over to a table with the other and pours her a drink, "For you.... my wife."   
       
Xander watches the others while before he slowly gets up to get himself a plate of food and a drink, he frowns as he tries to figure out how to balance the plate and make sure he keeps his balance cause of his leg. Luckily an order beast helps him out to get the plate, a drink, and back to his seat. He smiles and nods his thanks as he can get back to his seat easily now but he does grab a couple of extra scones and a slice of pie before he sits.   
   
Gorvenalus writes a couple of things down and closes his logger book as he gets himself some soup, salad, some sort of pastry, and some ale. He sits back down with the order beasts and just smiles as he relaxes and enjoys the evening.   

Zolomon gets a large plate of food and sits letting the ale come to him as he grins "Jolly good food and feast then always jolly good food at Redwall!"   
   
Ciana frowns a little but does nibble some food. She looks around and slowly slips off to go over to where Elbio is looking up at him, she has a pasty in one paw and a bit of muffin in another paw.   
   
Elbio chuckles as he is speaking with another hare, "Well I have yet to decide if I tag along or stay ere' and just do my little trip next autumn." He then notices Ciana and smiles "Hey little lass"   
   
Krisha makes sure Ciana doesn't go too far, she smiles as she holds her son Oz and keeps an eye on the other dibbuns. She is a little tried but still glad the dibbuns are back now. She drinks some strawberry fizz with the dibbuns.   
   
Adrian is surrounded by a group of Privates, to whom he's regaling with tales from his journey half-way 'round the world. "...And so I says t' Monty, "Oy, tha's a bloomin' snake!" An' y' shoulda seen 'im turn white..." Varus, meanwhile, is sat at the same table as Lord Ciocan, partaking of the good food. Lacota is presumably still in the kitchen.   
   
Leigh nods " Thank you dear, I think the wedding ceremony went well and the feast is doing good as well looks like."   
   
Rufus yarks lightly as he samples rice cakes and some fish, also a bite of apple pie which seems he likes a good deal.   
       
Oswald clinks glasses with Leigh and smiles, "It went... very very well, and now you are my wife, I am very happy Leigh."   
       
Benar meanwhile continues to drink and eat, watching the room with a smile as everyone goes about enjoying themselves.   
   
Matilda continues to hand out drinks and Ciocan stands up after a while and starts to make his way around the room to all the dibbuns, talking to them and handing out a sweet from a bowl of candy.   
   
   
Xander sips his ale and looks around. He is glad to be home as he nibbles some food. He is starting to get used to being in a novice robe and likely surprised a good deal of beasts. He looks around at various beasts and when needed will chat with someone. He helped to roll in some of the trolleys of food for the feast, and helped set some things on the table so he is a little tired, he frowns a little as his right leg starts to bother him some as that's something he will need to get used to as well, the healers have said the limp will lessen somewhat and not be as bad, but of course, he still has some healing to get through, but he is happy to be home, even if maybe he traveled back a little too soon, most of it thanks to the ship and a logboat from the shrews that came was by water travel as it wasn't till the bridge he had to walk the rest of the way.   
   
Gorvenalus drinks some ale and eats a little pie as he smiles" I am glad we were able to have the feast Benar, it's good to see so many happy and not sad"   
   
Ciana will climb into Elbio lap if he allows and hugs him. She has taken a liking to the hare. Zolomon glances over and grins "Well least she likes someone, seemed  to hide or not stay so close to the other dibbuns oddly enough."   
   
Elbio lets the hare dibbun on his lap "Hey Ciana, ya being good lass" He will share some blackberry tart with her, he has enough for both of them after all.   
   
Adrian continues his tall-tales of fighting an adder bare-pawed, much to the amazement of his audience of mostly-younger Privates.   
   
The family of DoraRose is happily eating and chatting with each other and their neighbors at their table. Even Angela looks less grumpy than before. Gracie is chattering with the ferret Dibbun while they eat, and they both actually seem pretty happy. Squirrelbabe is scampering around Great Hall, eating out of a bowl while she talks to this beast and that. Some of the Abbeybeasts are watching her with suspicion, and a couple of them whisper about it. Squirrelbabe stops in front of the Abbot and staaaaares up at him. "Why you stick got bells on it?"   
   
Krisha glances at Squirrelbabae but then frowns when the dibbuns notice candy chestnuts, she clears her throat "Be polite and wait your turn"She says softly, she then stands to quickly get a dibbun who was climbing onto the table to get some cake and the dibbun almost knocked down a bowl of some sort of pudding.   
   
Leigh says, "I am happy as well Oswald. I am glad you and the others found me and that you found the dibbuns"
   
Benar smiles at Squirrelbabe "The bell is one of the symbols of the abbey," He says as he pours himself a new drink, "So the staff of the abbot has a bell on it as a symbol of his office."   
   
Xander chats quietly with a couple of novices before he stands slowly and gets his cane. He decides to make his way over to Krisha "Hey love. You doing ok with all the dibbuns back" He knows she has been busy.   
   
Oz reaches out for Xander "Dadada...heeeh" Yes he can say a couple of words now.

Gorvenalus smiles over at them and leans back in his chair just relaxing again.

Zolomon is just enjoying the food and his time at the abbey as he knows tomorrow...or is it the day after, the hares will have to head back homeward.   
   
Ciana just smiles and enjoys the berry tart Elbio offered her and even giggles
   
Elbio ruffles Ciana's ears, he is in a good mood though has yet to decide if he gets a look at the mountain or waits, he is RW LP residential hare now.   
   
Log-a-log has stayed with, well most of his shrews anyways as Leigh and Oswald are likely sitting elsewhere together, The shrew chieftain will be taking his shrews to the camp after the feast.   
   
Monty had gotten up from his seat next to Adrian's to retrieve another mug of October Ale, and as he returns he just so happens to return just in time to hear Adrian's recollection of the snake incident. A smirk slipping onto his muzzle, the scarred-up hare raises an eyebrow, clearing his throat right behind his best friend. "Ahem! That right? So I, uh...turned white, didja say?" The buck grins. "So now, was this before or after I had to tug ya outta that crevice in th'cave wall cuz you were hidin' and cowerin' like a Dibbun when bathtime's announced?" He gives Adrian a playful nudge in the shoulder before he plops himself down back in his chair and takes a long draught of the ale. "Ahhhh. S'good stuff, mate. Speakin' o'bathin', could pour a bunch o'this stuff into a tub right now and I'd not hesitate t'jump right in an' start splashin' about..."   
   
"Oh," Squirrelbabe says, nodding in understanding. "Can's I has a bell 'cause I live in Wedwall?" Before the Abbot can answer, a pair of hedgehog Dibbuns nearby start fighting over a muffin. The Ringleader bounds over to them,puts her bowl on the floor, and gets in between them, scowling. "Oh, good griefs, jus' make it bes 2 muffins!" She demonstrates by pulling the muffin in half. She hands half to each, then shakes a finger at them. "We had no good food an' almost nevew gots back home, an' you 2 fightin' like da slavews! No mowe o' dat!!" Ashamed, the hedgehogs quietly eat their muffin halfs. Squirrelbabe picks up her bowl and toddles back to the Abbot as if nothing happened.   
   
Krisha hands Oz to Xander "I am tried but I am fine. Classes start again tomorrow for them, I can handle all the dibbuns" She smiles as she has missed the dibbuns, a couple of day break likely be good as most of her time is with the dibbuns since they been back, otherwise she is sleeping.   
   
Adrian looks up at Monty, stopping mid-sentence. "Oy, I 'ad dropped mah rapier. I 'ad t' pick it up again. Fam'ly heirloom, y'know." He takes a bite of a pasty. "But anyways, there we were, tryin' t' get outta tha' dahk, dank cave. An' it was messy, I tell y'..."   
   
Monty laughs, eyeing his friend at his rebuttal. "Mmmhmm. That rapier slid pretty far across the floor, it did, and riiiight into the cave wall." With a grin and a wink, before he settles in and prepares to add a little to the story. "Well, yeah, I mean, when yer an ugly, scaley, terrible an' downright rude beast like th'snake was, y'don't have proper manners, y'know, and ya end up leavin' all yer meal remnants just lyin' about th'floor all willy-nilly. Honestly, m'surprised we didn't trip on th'bones an' bonk our poor bonces on'th'stone floor!" The hare grins. "Wot that snake needed was like, a cave-keeper t'clean up after im, aye." He nods his head, sagely, taking another drink. "Maybe then 'e wouldnta been so dang grouchy all the time!"   

Benar is about to answer when Squirrelbabe hurries over to separate the hedgehogs, he anywaysipping his drink and watching her. Once she returns he smiles, "Very well done young lady, for separating them like that. It seems like you have learnt a lot during your time away."   
       
   
He sets down his drink and leans forward, "Now I can't promise you a bell, we do not have many of them, metal to make bells is very rare. But...." He glances around the room and stands up, "Wait here, sit in my chair, and have yourself some cake I will be back soon."   
       
   
The Abbot then heads off through the hall, stopping to lean down and congratulate Oswald and Leigh personally and have a quiet word with the shrew. The abbot's chair meanwhile is empty and Squirrelbabe has permission... it is huge, it is made of oak, it has cushions, there is an emblem of the abbey carved into the wood that stands out above Abbot's head. It is... a very nice chair, the only one of its kind, and he never, ever lets anyone else sit in it and he just gave her permission.   
       
   
Ciocan meanwhile reaches Monty and Adrian and settles onto the bench next to Monty, "So how have you two been? I'd have thought you'd have been bored of all this Redwall food by you've been living it up large here for weeks." He grins at them both, "So are you coming back to the mountain with us when we leave? Or did you want permission to head off into the wilds again?"   
       
   
Xander takes Oz "You know, a day or two off be nice Krisha, just Me, you, Oz and Caleb"He shrugs"Though suppose I do have novice duties now..."He is still getting used to that, he smiles "When Oz is old enough maybe he will wield the family blade if he wants or...even join the order, either be good"   
   
Gorvenalus speaks with a couple of beasts as he is still getting some other details of the trip from those on it, it seemed there was only a small issue on the way back but of course, it was handled well and as seen, the group made it safely to the abbey.   
   
Ciana has fallen asleep on Elbio's lap, Oz also yawns as he is a little tried.   
   
Elbio chuckles, he looks over at Ciocan briefly but he can speak to him later if needed. For now, just enjoy food and some music that starts playing.   
   
Log-a-log is quietly eating,a couple of shrews start to argue over what fork is for salad and what is for the cake but soon decide it doesn't really matter as both forks get the food to you   
   
Krisha hmmm "I will think about it"She would be fine with a day off, others could handle the dibbuns like a day or two.   
   
Adrian was about to answer his friend until suddenly the Badger Lord arrives, and he sits up straighter and gives a quick salute. "Um, well, Sah... I uh... W-we c'n do that?" The question throws him for a loop. He'd have to discuss this with Monty.   
   
Monty shifts his attention to the large badger that seats himself next to him, the already stout and compact hare now seeming that much smaller when next to Ciocan's hulking form. He glances up to him with a grin, lifting his mug and saluting him. "Fit as a fiddle n'right as rain, sah. M'thinkin' all th'food an' good company 'ere has totally put s'more energy in these tired ol'bones. M'surprised th'both of us haven't developed a good-sized belly after stuffin' our faces every day we've been 'ere." He grins, giving Adrian another nudge. "Need t'apologize t'th' poor cook, though, for pesterin' 'im so much. Might as well just set up m'own cot right next to th'stove at this point." At the question about their plans, the buck glances over to Adrian. "Well, sah, I'm gonna leave that up t'my commandin' officer. If 'e thinks our job's done, we can return. If not, well...it's more time out on th'road for us. I do miss home an' m'gardens, sah, but...I've never been one t'not finish a job I started."   
       
The family of DoraRose heads out once the feast winds down. Gracie will fall asleep in her chair with her blankie. Meanwhile, right now, Squirrelbabe scowls at Abbot's compliment, not wanting him to mention it. But when he leaves, with permission given to sit in his big fancy chair, she wastes no time scrambling up into it, leaving her empty bowl on the floor. She perches on the back of the chair, waving to the Badger Mother cheerily. "Lookit, Muvvew Kwisha! Da Abbot saids I coulds be up hewe." Although he meant on the seat, not on the back...   
   
Ciocan listens to Monty, inclines his head toward Elbio then glances at Adrian, "Well Adrian, I am waiting, are you returning to the mountain, or do I have to had out your promotions here in Redwall?"   
       
The Badger Lord then spears himself a large cake with his fork, and by cake I mean the whole cake, he is a big badger and holding the cake in one hand he takes a bite out of the sponge and sighs, "I'd move a cot down to the kitchens as well Monty if I wasn't terrified Friar Lacota would fry my ears off for it."   
       
Benar isn't gone for long, he has brief chat with Oswald, pauses to watch the shrews fight, and informs them that they are in fact both using the wrong fork, the correct fork for eating cake is his and pilfers the final slice of fruit cake right out from between the pair of them, throws Log-a-Log a wink and heads back to his table eating it.   
       
   
Back at his table however he laughs, "Young lady, I meant sit in the cushions not up there anyway," He holds something up, it's a small bracelet of woven brass links, and hanging from it is one of the small bells Oswald wears. Except this is no simple hair bell, it is a tiny bronze bell with a clapper and rings softly and there are three letters stenciled into it.   
       
"I was just retrieving this from Oswald, he has been keeping it safe for me, this is the bell I had when I was your age," He holds it out, "This," He lowers his voice, "Is the bell that belongs to the leader of the DAB, but since I the abbot cannot possibly know who currently leads the DAB and since it has been many, many, many seasons since I led the DAB I can only give it to you as the dibbun who has shown the most courage and quick thinking whilst kidnapped in looking after your brothers and sisters. Leigh has told me all about how you helped make sure everyone else was looked after. So I give this bell to you ask that you make sure the current leader of the DAB receives it as the Abbot's most trusted dibbun."   
   
   
Elbio smiles at Ciocan and goes back to eating some food "I may, if tis ok with the abbot as well...tag along ta see the jolly mountain,then come back to the abbey come spring...or just wit and see it next autumn,wot be best?"   
   
Adrian blushes all the way to his ear tips. "P-p-promotions, Sah?" He stammers. "Ah, well, err... Y'know, Sah, this is a great location to do promotions... An', ah... Well... If y' trust us, Sah... I was initially thinkin' we'd 'ead a li'l northwahd before we came back 'ome t' Salamadastron sometime next spring..."   
   
Log- a -log chuckles and grins a little as the last slice of the fruit cake is gone, it's fine as there is still pie!   

   
Xander smiles "Think on a day off," He says to Krisha as he sits beside her and rocks Oz a little   
       
Ciocan smiles and listens and nods to Elbio, "I'd rather you not travel alone, so return to the Mountain with us now, stay for the winter, then you can return to take up your post next Spring and be my eyes and ears and advisor to the Abbot."   
       
   
He then turns to Adrian, "Well then... I will order the Major to have the patrol fall in someday before we leave and hand out those promotions all ceremonial and the like. If you are heading north I suggest you keep a wary eye on Ruingate, that city is full of vermin who'd stop at nothing to enslave you all straight up."
   
Monty laughs at Ciocan's words, the buck seemingly not really hearing what he'd said at first as he continues to prattle on. "Heh, well, sah, if th'bloody Badger Lord's afraid of th'Friar's wrath, then wot chance would a small fella like me have? Eh, I guess I'll just stay in th...." And then, those words seem to hit him out of nowhere, and his eyes go wide, his jaw dropping and his ear and a half perking straight up. His paw tightens around the mug handle he's holding, and he stares up at the badger. His gaze shifts to Adrian, before returning to Ciocan. "...sah? I mean...y'said...did he just say...uhhh..." he looks to Adrian again, before looking back to the badger. "...m'thinkin' I got scones in m'ears. Coulda swore he just said 'promotions'." It was something that Monty had thought about quite often, and now that it seems to be happening, he isn't quite sure how to handle it. "...uhhhh. Well I'll be a bloody....eh...I'm just...wot...." He nods dumbly at Adrian's plans. "...y...yeah. That, uh...that sounds fine sah. ....wot?"   
   
Squirrelbabe just gets more comfortable on the back of the chair to show her impudence. But then her eyes widen as he gives her the bracelet and bell. "You was a DABew?" She hops down to the seat and puts on the bracelet, jiggling it to hear it ring. "I's da Wingleadew. Ask any o' da Dibbuns." And any of them will agree. She then smiles and hops to the floor. "T'anks, Favvew Abbot! I's gonna go shows Isa!" And she hurries off to show the kitten, and any other Dibbun she meets. They'll all go to bed when it's time with minimal arguing.   
   
Krisha nods "I will think on a day off dear"She looks at the dibbuns, it won't be anytime soon she decides. She keeps the dibbuns behaving though they do get a little restless.   
   
Gorvenalus writes down a few things in his logbook before once more closing it and gets some pudding.   
   
Oz ends up falling asleep, as will Ciana and will need to be carried to bed soon.   
   
Zolomon ends up telling some jokes to a few beasts, enjoying the feast as it starts to wind down, he glances over at the Badger Lord curious of what the promotions are, since seems there is some ....maybe.   
   
Benar watches the squirrel leave and smiles indulgently, she reminds him a lot of himself when he was that age and running around in the dab. And now he "Officially" knows who is head of the DAB. he has some books to read now, there are ancient pacts between the Abbot and the DAB. He'll have to dust them off and make Krisha's life interesting... secretly of course. For now, he will just enjoy the feast   
   
Ciocan meanwhile just grins softly at Monty and stands back up, "Well then I will see your patrol in a day or so Adrian. But before then I want to see you in private to hear your debrief and report."   
   
Adrian nods and salutes. "Sah, yes sah. An' I've got a lettah to y' from King Garheld, too, Sah. I'll delivah it then." Meanwhile, Varus finally makes his way over. "Sah," he says, then he looks at the two younger bucks. "Son," he says to Adrian. Not 'Corporal'. Not 'Adrian'. He says 'Son.' "Son, yahr lookin' well. As are you, Private Montgomery."   
   
Ciocan nods, "It will be good to hear from Garheld, but I will leave you to talk to your father," The badger nods at the Major and heads off to go talk to more beasts   
   
Xander smiles, he looks down at the sleeping Oz and over at Krisha, he is happy. He looks over at Ciocan and seems to want to ask him something himself but it can wait till later on. He will spend time with Krisha and even help her get the dibbuns to bed.   
   
Krisha will be glad of the help, she is glad the dibbuns are back, it's just getting used to ....well like what 35 or so dibbuns again, she is not counting the 5 otter dibbuns as they will head to Camp Willow in the next couple of days.   
   
Monty still seems a little dumbstruck at what just occurred, his thoughts seemingly taking over as his gaze shifts down towards his mug. He stares down at the liquid inside, slowly swirling it around much like the words he'd just heard are swirling around inside his head. "...wonder wot m'ol' pops would think..." he replies softly, as a smile grows upon his muzzle. Hearing Varus approaching, Monty glances up, a paw lifting in a salute to the older buck. "Sah! Nice t'see ya again, sah!" He replies, knowing the compliment was simply a way to break the ice. He is fully aware he is a mess of scars and heal injuries, but still, he smiles anyway. "Thank ya, sah! Yer lookin' well, as well, sah, not, like...old an' um....uh...yer....lookin' well!" he manages. His mind is still processing things, and his paw bumps into his mug and tips it over onto his lap. "Aw, bloody 'ell..."   
   
The Major looks at Monty nonplussed. "It's alright. I am old, I'm afraid." He nods his head, then looks at Adrian. "I ovah-heard yahr plans, Son. I must confess, I was surprised. I'd expected you'd be comin' back wi' us." Adrian blinks. "Well, sah, truth be told, it was somewot spur o' th' moment. I wanted t' 'ead a little northwahd, but I wasn't sure if we'd actually do it, or not... But if mah friend Mont is willin', then we'll do it, an' be back at th' Mountain in time f'r spring..." He looks at Monty, who spilled his drink. Varus, however, grimaces, slightly. "Lissen, Adrian, if yahr pressin' on wi' this... Then there's somethin' y' oughta know... An' I'm afraid, y' won't like it. Come see me in private aftah yahr meetin' wi' Ciocan..."   
   
Monty sighs, "Better clean m'self up, sah. I swear, m'worse than a Dibbun sometimes..." he grins, with a shake of his head. "Y'can't take me anywhere." He stands from his seat, his lower half now nicely soaked with ale. "Adj, if continuin' on is wot ya wanna do, then continuin' on is wot we'll do. Still have a bit more t'see out there." He smiles, clapping his friend on the shoulder before his eyes shift to Varus. "Sah. I'll, uh...leave you two t'talk then. Good t'see ya again, sah." He gives the older hare a salute before he turns to head off to clean himself up.

Meanwhile, Gorvenalus manages to talk with a few hares and the Champion some more before getting up. He will finish up the couple logs he needs tomorrow, likely at breakfast.

WHO:

Ciocan- Badger Lord

Xander- Now a Novice in Redwall

Elbio- Residential Redwall Hare and Private in LP

Rufus-Warrior Seagull and Messenger

LOG:

Elbio was enjoying the day outside, it was a good day and he had helped...ok sort of helped, lead the group back to the abbey.Yes they had to save his life but still, he did in a way help get a rather nasty group of weasels away from the area,right?   

Rufus was about to ruin his good perfect day by flying overhead and landing near the way in a not so gracefull way.He yarks loudly and causes a couple novice to scream and flee as if he was attacking, others gasp and point at the gull.   

Xander frowns as he makes his way into the entry, "Wot is...."He then sees Rufus and heads that direcion"Rufus...wot is goin' on?"   

Elbio gasps, then stumbles back in true fear of the gull.Yeah so much for fearless Long Patrol hare."It's a gull...achhhhh a bird!!" He bumps into Xander in fact unless the badger moves.   

Rufus yarks loudly at the hare "Bunny is too loud,why bunny shout like death is comin'...esss not comin' bunny annoying! Yark!"
   
Xander indeed stubles backwards as Elbio literally crashes into him and sends the cane rolling to the side.He groans but least the grass is soft"Ouch....hey off me please"   

Ciocan enters the sceen now and sighs, he clears his throat "Rufus....stop scareing one of my hares"He holds out his arm for the gull and arches his brow at the semi choas the bird seems to be making.
   
Elbio scoouts back best he can and gulps "I..I..i'm sorry I don't like...birds, birds are bad" Any he has seen, have been bad...a eagle once, a hawk one, he stayed cleared of the sparrow and then he sees this ...Gull of all kinds of birds to see.   

Rufus yarks loudly and then puffs out at the appearence of Ciocan , mutters something but flaps over and lands on his arm..."Bunny started it..."   

Xander sits up and looks for his staff and frowns, great out of reach. Now that the bird seems calm, the few beasts in the entry just go off to the pond, an order beast hands Xander his cane and then heads off elsewhere.   

Ciocan studies Rufus and then speaks "Tell them your sorry."He says in a calm tone.
   
Elbio stands up and dusts off, he offers a paw to Xander to help him stand if it's needed and looks over at where Rufus is and frowns more.
   
Rufus looks away and just perns a feather.He then clears his throat "Rufus is sorry"He says and looks back at the Badger Lord "Rufus needs fishes...will be back"He hops to the grass and starts to go to the pond.   

Xander allows the help up and leans on the staff, "Ummm...Rufus, I was hoping..."He glaces at ciocan and back to the gull"We need to let Ferravale know we are back"   

Ciocan steps back to give the gull room, he nods "A good idea, could you do this please Rufus.It will be a great help and he is right they need to know of the good news"   

Elbio stands up better and just watches from the sidelines as they talk.SO they know one of his fears,it's fine   

Rufus hmmms "Let me think about it....." He then flies off and returns with a fish from the pond and proceeds to eat it in front of them, perns a feather and nods "Rufus do this....step back need room when fly...step back!!"
   
Xander moves backwards and nods"Thanks Rufus and tell Patch to come over, I...owe him some candy Chestnuts.....better yet."He asks a novice to get a bag and soon they are back"Here....ummmm you can take a couple the rest are for Patch"
   
Ciocan chuckles and glaces over at Elbio "Have you spoken with Benar yet on your new position? You are welcome to also come back with me and see the mountain if like or wait till next Authumn and come by."   

Elbio seems to think,he eyes the bird as he still doesn't like birds."I will think on it sir and not yet.I hope to see the abbot soon,I have your scroll sir"   

Rufus right away opens the bag, eats 2 of the candied chestnuts and then makes sure the bag is closed, he flies off into the sky and is off towards Ferravale, and yes he purposely flies over Elbio's head .   

Xander watches the bird fly off and shakes his head "He has an..aditude sometimes doesn't he?"
   
Ciocan closes his eyes and sighs at the gull, he then opens his eyes again and nods "Yes, he does at times."
   
Elbio screams and flattens himself to the grass and only stands once he knows the sea gull is gone and dusts off...."Umm...yes..soooooo I will find de abbot now, soon"He frowns and hopes the bird will head back as well.   

Xander waves as Ciocan heads back inside with a couple of the hares, he nods to Elbio "You ok Elibo?"

Elbio nods "Yeah....I will be fine, just fine...just birds make me edgy. Me and the hares that came here , ummm before you guys goy back..we fought a couple eagles that wanted us dead, and when I got lost a hawk thought I make a good snack...so I stay clear of the sparrows here, but suppose I may have to"He frowns "Befriend them somewhat if gonnna be abbey hare...uh"   

Xander nods "Yep...most likely ya will but don't worry too much on it, de umm...sparrows, or some of them anyways, dislike me as well..long story and I usally dislike sea gulls but Rufus is the first one ever seen as a friend, when I was only a couple seasons old a flock of sea gulls tried to...well kill me, again a story for some other time...lets head inside it will be dinner soon"   

Elbio nods "Dinner ya say...Dinner sounds lovely" He will lead the way inside.   

Of course Ciocan has had a quick meeting with all the hares, those that had been here already and those that came with him, they are to stay out of the kitchens, they are not to act like...well hares when see food, they are to behave like good guests and no snacks.They can eat like everyone else...there is a feast in a few days, then they can enjoy them selfs but at the same time not go overboard like hares do, they are guests here so behave.

WHO:

Patch- Owner of Redthorn Tavern in Ferravale, Spy and Ale Maker

Tenzin- Warrior and Explorer

Rufus- Sea Gull

LOG:

The morning was partly cloudy and one could tell it was getting that autumn time of the year now where the weather starts to be colder in the mornings and at nightfall. It was a little after sunrise so not many beasts around the paths....well Patch was on his way to his tavern, he munched on a candied chestnut and frowned when he noticed that was his last one and snorts. " They best come though with those candy chestnuts soon."       
   
Tenzin walked along the same path, never much for staying in one place, he let them know he wasn't sticking around, after all, they all had family and friends and such and the sea otter....well didn't, did he? He glances around and hmms.   
   
Rufus followed the sea otter and landed in a tree nearby tilting his head. He then landed carefully on the path before him "Where isss otter going? Should stick with others ya dumb otter"   
   
Patch slows at voices and soon finds the two. He sits on a tree stump to watch as this could be useful or just funny to watch.   
   
Tenzin steps back and folds his arms over his chest "Wot's it ya business featherbag? I am not one for large crowds of wot will likely be over excited beasts.No one seemed to care I left the campout..."He smirks "Likely worried more bout you"   
   
Rufus puffs himself out and glares at the sea otter"I, not bag feathers..you...you..." He thinks of the first thing that comes to his brain "Bag of fur!"   
   
Patch can't help it he bursts out laughing and falls off the tree stump. " Ohh ohhhh...stop me sides hurt...this is the best thing ever seen"   
   
Tenzin spins around when he hears Patch and then sees him. He narrows his eyes and goes to tackle the rat cause...well it's a rat and it's insulting him.   
   
Rufus makes a sort of cawing yark noise and puffs out even more. He keeps a close eye on the rat in case it's a foe"Rat is foe or friend, answer plentyfast or I peck ya plentygood!"   
   
Patch laughter turns to a scream when he is tackled" Whoa wait. I did nothing, nothing! I am no..foe to anyone, ok maybe to some but...look,  look I live in Ferravale and own..run de tavern. Let me go..let me go...we have a freaking peace treaty with the abbey. Your have grumpy beasts after ya." He is half angry and half scared out of his mind.   
   
Tenzin glares down at the rat and seems unsure of releasing him at first."Stand up slowly, wots ya name and ya know wot...I can check on ya truthfulness hmmm?" He then slowly backs up and stands his full height.   
   
Rufus just watches"Notta like ratfurs...but hear of the peace treaty of Ferravale and abbey."He looks around and perns a feather.   
   
Patch scoots back and stands " Patch...ya happy?" He mutters something under his breath and dusts off. He speaks, " You two can follow me it's up de path" He points to a gate up ahead and walks on to the tavern and on inside." Don't expect a free meal either "   
   
Tenzin snorts and follows Patch on inside the village and tavern as he looks around and shrugs sitting down "I have coin"He grins "Ale and whatever fer breakfast"   
   
Rufus follows and looks around "Is like Halyard but no big water....and smaller...." He peeks in the tavern and seems unimpressed "Hmmmph....Tenzin stays here, I going back to Bunny Lord let him know you is okie kay" He leaves and flys away.   
   
Patch arches an eyebrow " Bunny Lord?" He looks at Tenzin " And he...lets de bird call him that and ...ha" He snorts " I likely get slapped"   
   
Tenzin grins "That be pure entertainment right thar, I would watch that "   
   
Patch glares and gets some ale and the food is some oatmeal with nuts, fruit, and honey." Whatever." He gets himself an ale and sits down. The tavern is usually almost empty at breakfast, lunch and the rest of the day not do much.   
   
Tenzin eats and drinks some ale as he smirks "Your an interesting rat Patch."   
   
Patch kept an eye in the otter and then relaxed "How so? " He sips his own ale and decided to listen.   
   
Tenzin finished his meal and got a 2nd ale "One...you were in the camp...briefly,...seen ya, but ya left and guess headed here, and ya own a tavern in a village that somehow has a peace treaty with the abbey, I don't know much of the abbey but usually, woodlanders and vermin rarely get along too well"   
   
Patch says, "I didn't say the whole place gets along, on either side..and I don't know." He looks around, one ferret and the creepy undertaker in the corner, " I said I be quiet of de camp and will....:"   
   
Tenzin nods "Sounds like a good thing....no need to ruin a happy surprise, me...I wasn't fer de idea of a lot of happy screaming, hugging, and what not. I know no one around here, or even on the western shore. I use to have a holt on the northern sea...tis gone now thanks to a wolverine and that wolverine paid for his deeds ta me and ta others, he wolverine is dead..very very dead."He downs his 2nd ale and gets a 3rd...maybe a 4th before he speaks and is...oh out of coin"Good...riddance...."   

Patch keeps an eye on the otter and snorts. He motions a large stoat over.   
   
Tenzin manages to get a 5th ale and downs it, "I..am..leavi------" And he sways and falls over barely missing a table. Yep drunk sea oter...he will be fine after a nap, though maybe one not on the floor.   
   
Patch sighs " Ottis...get him to the room upstairs..." The stoat nods and takes care of it as the rat shakes his head, " Yeah yeah...wonder how today gonna go...who knows." He cleans up and goes about as a normal day, its a normal day nothing new here folks, he can keep quiet and the otter, well he can explain that later.

WHO:

Matilda-Champion of Redwall

Ciana-Dibbun Hare

Elbio-LP Hare

Varus-LP Hare, Major and Fighter

Tenzin-Warrior

Leigh- Healer in GUOSIM

LOG:

Ciana was never one to play well with the other dibbuns and then they started being mean and stuff to her so she slipped away when no one was looking and went to sit on a log along the river just watching some dragonflies.
   
Well, there are small creatures out nearby who noticed the nearby campfire, and large group and decided to avoid it, well avoid the large group anyways, nothing says avoid a single beast that's away from the group as the creepy looking, moving weeds? sneak up on the dibbun.   

Matilda has gone out to find Ciana, on her back is the sword of Martin the warrior as she walks along the bank slowly"She could not of went too far"
   
Leigh came along to get some walking in, and in case a healer was needed"You be surprised really, it's wide open and they have yet had time to have room to walk or run, though I also don't think they would go too far"   

The vermin spot the hedgehog and one grins as they get flint and steel and light a pile of herbs that smell sweet, yet...sticky and sort of musky at the same time, it gets fairly heavy scent wise.   

Ciana smells the scent and thinks its flowers, a smile as those be nice for like Matilda and maybe others, yes make a pretty necklace for Ciocan even.   

Matilda smiles as she speaks to Leigh, they are not too far from the camp the others have set up."Maybe...but yes your right"She sighs "It's getting dark, this is not...too good...what's that odd smell?"   

Tenzin is, of course, walking along the path, he frowns at voices and slips behind a tree to poke out and see, "Oh perfect...I camp out a few days and let them catch up...perfect"He is on the other side of the river so he doesn't smell the herbs and the wind is blowing more towards the hedgehog and hare dibbun, yet too far to really affect anyone further away.   

Leigh frowns "I..have no clue maybe we should head back and find some others to help, that's no scent I know and I know a lot of flowers and herbs...wait"She frowns is one like something one uses to relax or...   

GIggles and laughter fill the air as shapes move, and a sort of hazy smoke appears around the small path. Weed plies seem to move and one goes to grab the dibbun.   

Ciana frowns and moves back. A cough as the smell fills her lungs and nose, she then screams as her foot paw is grabbed and that only lets her breathe in more. She starts to cry and she is dragged backward and something covers her mouth and then she passes out.
   
Matilda lays a paw on her blade and draws it "That was Ciana...Leigh stay here. If I am not back in 5 minutes, get help"She rushes off towards the scream.   

Tenzin frowns, a sigh as he starts to back away and then suddenly dives into the river and goes to cross it to the side everyone seems to be at right now.   

Elbio groans as he is, well in a thornbush still off the path but away from where the others are which may be a very good thing.
   
The shapes move faster and laughing is heard and then voices " Hee hehe...more taplayplay yesplay...gotta getya, gotta getyagood!"   

Matilda slows as she starts to cough and then starts to feel faint and dizzy, the grip on her blade lessens as she glares at the shapes and voices "Who are...you pests!" She coughs and gags from the smoke and calls out for help best she can before a bad coughing fit. She kicks at one of the weed looking beast.   

Leigh hears the call and starts to also head to the sound, but looks unsure as she looks back towards where the LP Camp is and frowns.
   
Tenzin stops on the shore and frowns, "Leigh lass...best find Oswald and whoever else...I got told of these strange beasts near the river with this smoke that knocks ya out and beasts have mentioned being dragged out by ghosts or living plants, I say vermin ."   

Elbio crawls out and makes a weak whimper sound as he reaches towards where the shrew and otter are, it's not been a fun week for him.   

The shapes look closer, they are vermin of some sort..thin, plant-covered weasels with spears, the spears have strong smelling knock out herbs on them. Seems they already took off with the dibbun.   

Matilda stumbles backward and tries to move back to the camp before tripping over a couple of the beasts and her blade slides from her paw and onto the muddy bank as she loses consciousness she sees a dozen or so ...thin weasels covered in vines and weeds, one tall one has a wicked smile.

Leigh jumps and then slaps at the otter "How...dare you scare me. Where HAVE you been"Slapping him again. Yes, he gets slapped for scaring her and for wandering off without a word.   

Tenzin rubs her arm"Hey, calm ya pretty little self.."He frowns and makes a shhh motion and scans the treeline. He also catches sounds near the river.   

The band of vermin drag away the hedgehog and seem not interested in her blade as they leave it behind, they also leave drag marks behind, so not very smart vermin either. Those drag marks will led 1/ 2 mile down a path and to where the vermin stay.   

Leigh frowns, she looks around and getting out a small knife edges close to the hare and blinks, she quickly goes to check on the hare and studies him "Long....patrol?"   

Tenzin hides quickly and shakes his head as he digs out something he places over his nose to pinch it shut and tries to only breath through his mouth when needed, he finds the blade and picks it up and frowns at the drag marks, he cusses and gets back to the shrew quickly, once by the river the plug is off and he is coughing. What be that ya found....oh and Matilda is in trouble, those beasts have her we need help"   

Elbio groans "F..Flitchaye......"He mutters, still barely conscious and looks like he has had a bad week, some bruises, cuts, burn mark on his arm and likely not had much food and water a few days, cause duhhh....captive and out and just escaped.   

Leigh frowns "A long Patrol hare but not one that was at the mountain or with us....and the who...what now?"   

Tenzin frowns as he places the blade on his back and goes to pick up the hare "Come on, where de camp this seems best for Lord Ciocan ta handle and anyone else, sides we can warn them of that sleeping stuff, I say...not sure how many many the hare here knows" He will make sure to stay close.   

Elbio just mutters weakly and is in/out of consciousness...yeah he won't be much help at all.   

Leigh nods and shows the way, she frowns "Who are the Flitchaye...it sounds almost familiar like read it somewhere."   

Tenzin says, "sound like bad news to me lass, but don't  worry we will find the camp and get and save ya friend"
   
Leigh says, "Freinds...Matilda and a small hare dibbun Ciana"   
Tenzin nods "Friends then"   

The two arrive at camp with the news and the semi-conscious Elbio. Its decided, get more info if they can from Elbio...then a rescue come daybreak.   

A couple of hours have passed and of course, the news made it's wat to Ciocan who waited on news of when the hare would awaken, he then went to go speak to them.

Elbio was on a blanket and looked around. Upon seeing the badger he blinked a few times and studied him before speaking "Your....very tall.."Yeah that's the first words that come to mind, he has a headache ok   

Ciocan arches an eyebrow and then speaks "I was told you may have some info that would be helpful, I am also curious of the Long Patrol recruit uniform, I make it my job to know all the hares in my Long Patrol, even recruits and no recruits, new or old, have come on this trip...so who are you?"   

Elbio blinks again and sits up a little "Your Lord Ciocan, aren't ya?" He then frowns "Me and a shrew was grabbed by some group called the Fliitchaye. The shrew, Berwin  was sadly...slain"His ears go flat now as he frowns"They use strong sleeping herbs"
   
Ciocan listens, " The uniform, why do you have it?"He is curious but also listens to the rest of what is said.   

Elbio looks at the uniform he has, slightly torn and dirty but yes its a recruit one "From a Corporal Adrian...there is 4 others hares as well.....ummm so me and 3 other recruits and a Private too.I..."He sighs "I wanted ta try and help find info on some beasts who left and..got lost, then those Flitchaye pests attacked and then got loose and made it to the river, tis all remmeber...well and the otter who carried me 'ere"   

Varus comes back toward the river after taking two privates to scout out the area. He perks up. "Did I 'ear yah say 'Adrian,' lad?"   

Ciocan tilts his head "Corporal Adrian....is alive?" He has wandered, it's been....well over a year, or was it two now. and that's over 4 or 8  seasons, maybe it's been longer, "Who is the private and the other hares, and where are they?"
   
Elbio looks between them and nods, he replies "Private Monty...and yes Corporal Adrian, thar is also Sola,Selina and Yerna(think spelled last two correctly)...and we arrived at the abbey..Redwall sur, they are likely still thar unlesss they are...well looking fer me"His ears droop now.   

Varus seems surprised. "Montgomery, too? I mighta guessed, wot. 'Ow long ago did y' reach th' Abbey?"   

Ciocan lets Varus do some questioning but he seems pleased to hear the two hares they sent out so long ago, are alive. He had worried they were not. For now, he listens.   

Elbio speaks "Few...weeks ago, we helped with some rats...rats are gone now though but we were gonna stay and make sure. And de abbey mentioned how the dibbuns were taken by slavers and ...how some beasts went to find them, so since de rat issue was gone thought I try and find something bout the dibbuns, didn't mean ta get blooming lost or run into these..Flitchaye beasts, their camp is maybe 1/2 mile or so from 'ere...probably 3 dozen or so left after a..."He frowns "After Berwin, a...shrew fought them, Berwin died...I managed ta kill a couple of the vermin and passed out by the river"
   
Varus nods grimly. "Rats, y' say?" He detests rats. "Thanks for the information, lad."   

Elbio nods as he ends up drifting back to sleep   

Ciocan hmmms as he walks out of the tent to think about this info, "We need to find this Flitchaye camp but also be careful in doing so, I don't want any more trouble on the way to the abbey. "   

Varus nods. "Yes sah," he replies. "Though it sounds like we might 'ave t' watch out f'r these rats, too. I'll the lads to be on th' look out f'r anythin' suspicious, wot."   

Ciocan nods "Could be wise just in case..for now, we need to find this Flitchaye camp and get back Matilda and Ciana, see if anyone else knows something about the group"
   
"I only know wotevah I've been told," Varus replies, "from th' last time I was in Mossflowah many seasons ago. They're a pretty suspicious lot, not often seen, wot. Undahstand this is all heahsay on mah paht.."

Ciocan nods "I need to speak to some others, we can chat later Major try to get some sleep"

The Redwall Dibbuns are growing bored, which is terrible since literally, the entire DAB horde is among them. Squirrelbabe has decided that exploring Salamandastron is a good idea, so while DoraRose was on a (reluctant) break from tending to them, Squirrelbabe somehow got all the Redwall Dibbuns to give their caretaker the slip. The ferret Dibbun is the only one not with them, having chosen to stay with Matilda. They are now wandering around the Mountain, following their Ringleader, who is refusing to admit that she is hopelessly lost.   
   
Julia is freaking out. She knows her sister has returned, and she knows that Felicity is sick, but she doesn't know why she hasn't been allowed to see her yet. She has gathered that she couldn't catch the sickness, so why can't she see her sister??! No explanations are being provided by the adults, so to burn off her anger, the leveret Ringleader is leading the Long Patrol branch of the DAB to go make a mess somewhere (although she hasn't told them that's her plan).   
   
The 2 groups meet outside the door of the craft room. Julia quirks an eyebrow and puts her paws on her hips. "Whatcha /doin'/ up /'ere/? Aren't y's'possed t'be wi' da Redwallahs? Are y'losted?" Squirrelbabe crosses her arms, scowling fiercely. "We jus' /explorin'/. We no get /losted/ 'cause we Wedwallews! Whot /you/ doin'?"   
   
Oz has tagged along though mainly crawling as he follows and chuckles, likely carried a little ways before sat down on the floor again to look around.   
   
A couple of the dibbuns from the mountain stay towards the back of the group, they are a couple of the younger hare dibbuns, but they can walk and run fairly well.   
   
Isa was not originally a DAB member when they left the abbey but it was safe to say their adventures had brought her closer to Squirrelbabe and the rest of the group so where they go she goes too. As the two groups meet she's unsure if they're supposed to be friendly or not. The hares didn't seem too bad at the feast. She glances at Squirrelbabe for the answer. Squirrel's scowling so Isa does too, copying the arm folding as well "Yeah, we're not lost cause we can go anywhere we want!..." she points at the door "Like there. What's that?"   
   
Rufus is not too close to the dibbun groups, but he does hear them chatting, just whereas sound bounces off these long tunnels after all.   
   
Grace may not get on with Julia but there's other dibbuns in the Sala group that she does so she's there too, hanging back in the crowd and happy to have some fun causing mischief. She at first raises her paw to wave at the abbey dibbuns but then stops, looking between Julia and the others as they seem to have a standoff.   
   
Julia scowls back, first at Squirrelbabe, then at Isa. "We jus' lookin' foh fun! An' dat's da craft room -- 'tis where we go t'paint an' stuff." A couple of leverets bounce up and down. "We wantsa paints!!"   
   
Squirrelbabe glances at the door. "Paintin' sounds fun. I say we do dat!" There's a cheer from the Redwallers, and the trio of female mice clamber onto each other's shoulders and open the door! They tumble inside, managing to get out of the way of the stampede as the other Redwallers charge into the room.   
   
Squirrelbabe goes to help Oz stand up so he can toddle inside with them. Julia narrows her eyes, ignoring the leverets who follow the other Dibbuns into the room. "Whatcha doin' wif 'im?" The squirrel rolls her eyes. "'E came fwom Wedwall wif us. Chill out." She tries to lead the baby badger and any stragglers into the room, leaving the leveret Ringleader glowering at her back.   
       
Oz blinks and looks backward at Julia and back to Squirrelbabe and back to the hallway. He falls onto his bottom once and crawls over to a small stool and pulls himself up as he giggles.   
   
A couple of younger hare dibbuns find some little bits of paper, glue, and smile, "This room is fun" "Yeah...funs"   
   
Isa glares back but gets distracted as the other dibbuns get excited "Tha' does sound cool..." she gets out the way of the mice opening the door but quickly pulls one of them back up so they're not trampled in the stampede. She looks around and her eyes widen "Ooooh" she looks back at Squirrelbabe "Y'gotta see this, they don't just got paints in here there's cloth an' glue an' tools an' all sorts. We could makes everythin'" she heads for the neat rolls of fabrics herself, going to pull out a green one at the bottom which makes four others fall to the floor and start rolling away.   
   
Rufus slowly comes down the long hall and puffs up slightly at the noise coming from the craft room down the hall. He has not been in this room before so he grew curious, a small quick peek would not hurt after all.   
   
Grace has never got to play in the craft room unsupervised before, there's normally adults around. She's curious too though now that they've got a quiet spot. She huffs a little sigh on her way in the door though as Julia seems to be causing trouble "Just leave it" she says to the other hare as she passes Julia to get in the door and looks around. She's just deciding where to start when she spots movement by the door as Rufus peeks "Ah! Bird!" she yells, taken by surprise and grabbing the first thing she can, which is one of those rolls of fabric on the ground, and throwing it at the gull.   
       
   
Julia's glare becomes even darker at Grace's words. "You leave it!" She grumbles, but she, too, follows the others into the room. She smiles at a number of the Redwallers opening the paint and brushing it onto a piece of paper. "Can I paint, /too/??" They hand her a brush, and she plops down with them, content (for now) to just make something pretty.   
   
Squirrelbabe doesn't leave the baby badger's side, but she does look around. "Hammews?" she asks the kitten. Watching the fabric roll across the floor, 2 of the bolts unfurling as they do so, the squirrel says, "I wantsa builds a boat so's I no gotta wide wif dat dummy Ciocan."   
   
At Grace's exclamation, both Ringleaders turn towards the door in time to see the fabric flying across the air towards the gull! "No, don'ts!" Squirrelbabe calls out. The massed Dibbuns start squeaking in alarm, and Julia tries to get them to settle down with no luck. "'Tis okie, Grace 'as gots it 'andled!"   
   
   
Oz blinks and squeals in delight at the sight of the room, the colors of paper and such and grabs a pain can that tips over and spills, his eyes widen as he looks at it. He puts a paw in it and slaps the paw on the table, then giggles as that looks so cool!   
   
Koda passes the room, stopping a moment and then just shrugs and heads on. Meanwhile, a couple of hare dibbuns start arguing with an otter dibbun over who should get some string and bits of colored paper and the nice neat box...turns over!   
   
Isa hugs on to the green bolt of fabric as she looks around but she glances back at Squirrelbabe when the other dibbun joins her and asks about hammers "Ummmmm" she looks around and points at some wood, saws, hammers, and general woodworking stuff "There...Do we gots time t'build a boat? Maybe we could just steal their ship?" problem-solving dibbun style. She puffs up at Grace's yell from the door and quickly spins around but hesitates when Squirrelbabe says no. A second later though and she drops the green bolt of fabric to grab one which had unrolled a bit on the floor "'e's always talkin' to the big badger, 'e might go an' tell him" and she goes to toss a bit of the loose fabric at the gull, hoping it might tangle him up somehow.   
   
Rufus pokes his head in and yarks loudly "Small furs being loud, ya ya...and small furs no mess with ship, small furs need to be goodfurs ya ya!!" He steps in further, likely not the best idea.   
   
Grace is disappointed to have missed but she is only little and rolls of fabrics are heavy. She backs away from the gull a little when he enters but after he's inside she edges around the side of the room, trying to get to the door so she can shut it before anyone else just passes by and spots them.   
       
Julia is still trying to calm the Dibbuns who are freaking out, especially after Isa mentions the gulls might tell on them. "'Tis okie, 'tis okie, we all gonna be okies!" Squirrelbabe glares at her. "You no' doin' dat wight." The leveret flails her arms in agitation. "Oh, yeahs?? Den 'ow would YOU do it?" The Redwall Ringleader straightens her back. "Like /dis/."   
   
Squirrelbabe gestures at the kitten to make sure Oz doesn't fall then stands in the middle of the room and says "OI!!" really loudly (which she obviously stole from DoraRose, who says that all the time to get their attention). Once quiet is mostly restored, she spreads her paws out wide. "It gonna be okies. We done dis befowe. We gonna be okies." She whips around, grabs the fabric Isa tried to cover the bird with and stalks over to him. "'Cause you no gonna tell on us, aw yous??"   

She spots Grace trying to close the door and decides to use that as a distraction. "Ya, she gots da wight idea!" Hopefully, this distracts the bird enough for her next move to work: the squirrel pounces, trying to cover the gull with the fabric! The Redwall Dibbuns cheer and the Long Patrol Dibbuns just look at Julia, who is staring in shock at her rival.   
   
A couple of the younger hares hide under the table and start crying, clearly, the seagull looks frightening.   

Oz looks at the seagull and points to it, he reaches out as if trying to grab a feather, those feathers look neat!

Isa glares at the gull to try and look scary as he's scaring some of the dibbuns. It kind of fails as she's small and fluffy but she backs off anyway at Squirrelbabe's gesture, going to go to Oz instead quickly, just making sure he's not about to fall over as he reaches for the bird.   
   
Rufus puffs out as a lot happens at once and he is covered in cloth and yarks loudly, his tail feathers stick out and the baby badger pulls out one when the gull starts to pull away! Luckily one feather will not mess things up as he starts to go back and forth yarking louder and louder "Rufus is gonna peck a beast plentygood! YARK YARK YARK!!!!"   
   
Grace slams the door shut as Squirrelbabe pounces and then she pounces too, going to grab the end of the fabric and run it around the bird to try and tangle him up further "Yah not peckin' anyone here!"   
       
   
Squirrelbabe scowls and makes sure the gull's head is covered with the fabric. "You no peck us o' I gonna give Baby Ozzie mowe o' you feavvews!!" She nods appreciatively to Grace. "T'anks! You good at dis." She then turns to the other Dibbuns. "It okay, he can't do nuffink nows. We gonna be okies. Oh, I knows, let's make somet'in' /pweety/ for DwowaWose!!"   
   
As the other Dibbuns smile and go back to making pretty things (although they do stare worriedly at the wrapped up gull, hoping the Ringleader is right that he won't do anything now), Julia stares in slight awe at the squirrel, amazed at the fact that she has all the Dibbuns doing as she says. She stands there wordlessly, trying to figure out the squirrel's secret.   
   
Squirrelbabe pokes at the gull, saying, "Now you's be quiets! I's gots paint ovew hewe dat I gonna put on you feavvews if you don't be quiet!" She then marches over to the wall that has the hammers and things and scrambles up to them with all the agility of, well, a squirrel. She is intent on ignoring the bird unless he stays loud.   
       
Oz looks at the feather he has and puts it in his mouth, he then spits "eeeeeeeee" He says and makes a face, the feather did not taste good.   
   
Isa eeps as Oz gets himself a feather and she quickly puts herself between the baby badger and the bird in case he does start pecking or just flails their way "Get away!" she hisses at Rufus and if he gets close again she will try to swipe him with her claws. The warning made she looks back at Oz to check on him and has to giggle when he tries to eat the feather. She picks up the feather again for him "Look, yah can paint with it" she offers, going to dip the end of it in some paint and brush it on the mess of papers as a demonstration before she offers it back to him.   
   
Rufus yarks loudly and starts to fly upwards, getting even more tangled in the cloths and now some strings as he moves and crashes into a shelf and into some bright blue paint get spills all over himself, the floor, the shelf and only yarks more as he gets back to the ground and shakes the paint pail off that sends the paint pail into the wall with a loud clack!   
   
Grace actually looks quite proud when Squirrelbabe compliments her but it quickly turns in to a grimace as Rufus takes flight and takes down half the room with him. She covers her head to shield herself from the paint flying and yanks on the fabric but it just gets pulled out of her paw.   
   
A second later and the door opens suddenly to reveal Greg. It sounded like there was a fight or a bird broke in or something! He'd ran there from the forge but whatever he was expecting to find in the room it wasn't this. He freezes in the doorway, staring at the scene until his brain can process enough for a roaring yell "Wot in the name of hell do yah lot think yah doin'?!" Grace immediately goes eep, grabs a bit of fabric, and throws it over herself, as if that'll hide her.)   
   
   
Dibbuns frantically run out of the way as the bird takes flight. Squirrelbabe gets a splash of blue paint as she tumbles to the ground holding a hammer. She drops it and runs over to the other Dibbuns, joining Julia as she guides them to the far corner of the room. The trio of mice is crying because the "meanie birdy" ruined their picture! Most of the other Dibbuns are crying now, too, really scared.   
   
Matters are not improved by the adult hare's appearance. Basically, everyone freezes, staring. But when he yells at them, frightening the Redwall Dibbuns so much they all start crying even more loudly, Squirrelbabe finds her anger and moxie, and she marches over to him, shakes a fist in the air, and gives him a trio of very choice curse words. "It not okies fow yous t'come in hewe an' /scawe/ us!! You say you sowwy, o' I wip you /eaws/ off an' makes you EAT 'em!!"   
   
Julia's mouth drops open. First, she just learned a new word! Second, who does this squirrel think she is, shouting and cursing at the Smith like that? Julia could learn some lessons from this brave little Redwaller. Squirrelbabe continues to glare at the adult. Forget the fact that he helped rescue them, she's not going to let him yell at them like that!   
   
Oz tilts his head, he giggles and happily says one of the choice words, it was an easy one and sounded funny, he then whimpers a little when some paint got on his head and cries loudly!   
   
Isa screams as the paint hits her too, coloring the side of her head blue. She tries to rub it off with her paw but just spreads it around more before she quickly looks at Oz when he starts wailing "Shh shush shh shh, it's ok, it's just paint, it's just makin' a mess...Like a game! Look" she takes the blue paw she'd got from trying to get the paint off herself and she lightly smacks herself in the face with it, leaving a nice pawprint behind. She grins, trying to reassure him and act like everything's fine while she ignores adults and scary birds behind her "See? It's just a game"   
   
Rufus puffs out as now he has some blue on the end of his feathers now, he yarks loudly and mutters some things. He manages to get some cloths off off himself and looks very unhappy."Bad bad furs make mess...attack Rufus yark!!!!!"   
   
Grace edges towards the wall while remaining under her cloth of totally not invisibility. She's just trying to blend in until he dad's far enough away from the door to run for it. Greg does not look impressed with Squirrelbabe but nor is he shocked by bad language or scared by threats. He does recognize that he probably shouldn't be scaring them after everything so he at least stops yelling but he gives the squirrel a huff noise and heads inside towards the bird, pointing at Squirrelbabe on the way "Don't threaten beasts" he turns his attention to Rufus "Stop yellin' and calm down! Yah makin' this worse. They're just dibbuns" he snaps the words at the bird before looking around the room at the youngsters and their mess "Dibbuns who should know bettah than tah be causin' trouble like this"   
   
   
Squirrelbabe growls. "I talks da way I wants!!" She angrily informs the Smith. An otter Dibbun pipes up. "We was just tryna make pretty thingies f'r Dora! Da birdie's da one who maked da big mess!" The other Redwallers echo an agreement, even though most of them are still crying. Squirrelbabe nods in satisfaction. "Yeah, we no' /twyin'/ t'be naughty! We jus' twyin' t'make pwetty t'ings!" Forget that she had a hammer shortly before he came in.   
   
Julia, for her part, stays wisely silent since she had led the leveret DABers in here to actually make a giant mess so maybe her sister will have to deal with her and she can finally see her. Most of the leverets are trying to blend in with the Redwallers (seeing as how the hare-that-eats-books is the only Redwall hare present, that won't really work) or hide in manners similar to what Grace is doing. A pair of them try to slip out the door, not realizing that they're leaving a trail of paint pawprints behind!   
   
   
Oz wails loudly now and rubs his eyes, he is very tired now. About then Matilda comes in and frowns at the dibbuns "What the seasons?" She had been speaking with Ciocan and the grown-ups of the Redwall group as they would be leaving the mountain in the next day or two. A frown as she studies them."Explain what happen...please"   
   
Rufus glares at Greg and then goes to pout, can a bird pout? In a far corner of the room.   
   
Isa sighs quietly as Oz doesn't seem any happier but then Matilda arrives and it's clear with two adults and a blue bird they're not going to get to have any more fun. She points at Rufus "It was his fault!"   
   
Greg raises an eyebrow at Squirrelbabe but he's not going to waste his time arguing with her. He looks at the otter and sighs heavily "Well, yah should have had an adult in here tah help yah...yah shouldn't be on yah own tah begin with so yah've clearly broken free from yah caretakers. /Grace/" he doesn't really need to look to know the shape under the cloth is her, he just assumes it is because he can't see her anywhere else and of course she'd be involved. He looks back as Matilda appears and Grace, defeated, stomps back in to the room to accept her fate. In response to Matilda's question, Greg just shrugs and gestures around at the same time "Dibbuns" dibbuns happened. That should be explanation enough. He looks back at the group "Right, well. The gull here is goin' tah have tah go take a bath before even more paint gets everywhere. The rest of yah though, if yah clean up maybe there'll be time for makin' gifts aftahwards"   
   
The Dibbuns looks to Squirrelbabe, the obvious and only leader. The Ringleader hesitates, thinking through the offer. Clean up, then make presents? She makes a swift decision. "Alwight, fine! We clean up, but den YOUS gotsa helps us make giftsies fo' DwowaWose!" The other Dibbuns nod, going along with what their leader said. They help clean up, with the mouse trio tattling on Greg's choice of words to Matilda. Julia helps clean up, too, glad to not fully be in trouble for once. Now she just needs to figure out how to get them to let her see her sister in another way....
   
Oz has fallen asleep as Matilda sits down and makes sure all the dibbuns do help clean up before they make any homemade gifts for whomever, she mentions how it be nice to make one for Ciocan even, she looks tired but she will wait till this is taken care of.   
   
Isa is happy to at least accept that the bird has to go take a bath, that seems punishment enough to her. Never mind that they're all covered in paint and will need a bath too. She once more glances at Squirrelbabe but if the squirrel accepts the terms she goes along with that. She's a little reluctant at cleaning up but she does try. Rolling up the fabrics a little messily, mopping up paint, and then she gets to at least have that fun they'd been wanting and make things too.   
   
Matilda keeps an eye on them and then once they are done its bath time, dinner, and then time for sleep. They have to get up early after all, and finally...finally start the last leg of the journey to...home   
       
   
The worst thing Greg said was hell and Squirrelbabe way surpassed that with her language but the smith doesn't argue with the taddling anyway. He refuses to argue in general but helps tidy and then helps making gifts. He even helps a few including Grace make some rough flowers out of bits of wire. He doesn't mention bath until it's too late and they're too sleepy to argue but all in all, it turns in to a pleasant afternoon of arts and crafts.