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Nearing an End of a Quest; log XIV (Part 1...?)

In Salamandastron, Privates Rhonwen and Sheen are on sentry duty when word comes from the 23rd...
Pvt Rhonwen & MSG Terrence, + LCpl Addersmith, Pvt E. Sheen, & Lt. Redford (all spoofed by Terrence)

It was approaching noon now, with the late spring sun beating down upon the sand outside of Salamandastron. In a little crevice on the side of the mountain, just above the hidden gates, two slivers exist in the rock, and looking rather bored with her right paw propping up her face is private Esther Sheen. The shore outside hadn't had a single speck of movement besides the waves since she got to the sentry room just after the morning patrols returned and exercises finished. Not even a crab or seagull was outside now.

She let out a long sigh. At least four hours were left of just sitting there.

Rhonwen had been quiet as well, she would read a book but that was a big no no for right now. She yawned but stayed awake as she watched the shore quietly. She tilted her head as she kept watch, this was boring to her as well.

Sheen casts a sideways glance at her fellow sentry for a moment. Very few words have been exchanged today between them, and there was a part of her that loathed to break the silence. Yet she was also bored out of her mind.

So, after clearing her throat, she asks, "So.... Watchya planning on doing once you get out of this room?"

Rhonwen shrugs "Likely go ta the library, learn some more history. Some of it is real interesting, once they didn't have a cook and the Badger Lord was the main cook for like a season or two."

"Ah, I see." Sheen wasn't the best reader out there, especially of history, but she wasn't quite willing to admit that now. "I can take guess that far, far too many 'ares got cooking as punishment for somethin' or another, right? But what's the most interesting, by the by?"

Rhonwen shrugs "Not view cooking as such... now washing all those dishes after a meal.. .that right thar is a punishment, trust me ya don't wanna do that." Its clear she may well of gotten the punishment of wash duty. She keeps an eye out the slit, is that movement? ...no just an ant as she sighs.

As the small trail of ants on the windowsill is really the first sign of movement either of the hares have seen, Sheen absent mindedly flicks one away. "Trust me, I've done my fair share of scrubbing pots. Might be a rite of passage for the patrol, wot."

There's a beat of silence again.

"So, Rhonwen, right?" her eyes dart from the ants as she says this, "What do you think of, well," she waves northwards, "What's all happening up there?"

Rhonwen hmmms, she nods to the name "Not thought too much of it, do miss de tavern but tis fine. I am sure we can go to Halyard again soonish, maybe we just be having others worry too much"

"Aha!" Sheen gives a short laugh. "The bar 'ere doesn't quite live up to 'Alyard's, does it? But, yes, I 'ope so too. Closest we can manage is going to that stuffy base up there, the 23rd. You've been yet?"

Rhonwen shakes her head "No, not yet I think I am with the next group to go... in day or two, I think"

"Can't really say it's much more exciting than this room, sadly," Sheen gives the other hare a look of mock mourning, "And sadly far too many 'ares 'ave been lost to boredom up there. Truly, sacrifices we shall never forget. Though.... Maybe you'll see Konner make it back safe and sound, eh?"

Rhonwen frowns, she has heard of the missing hare "I wonder if they are still trying to find him or not, he could be hurt or scared or something... I mean just cause  one is a LP Hare doesn't mean to never be afraid"

"I think finding 'im is a top priority for the LP," she says, nonchalantly, muttering to herself, "Or so I'd 'ope." With another sigh she turns back to look out the window. "The problem is that 'Alyard's a lot of ground to cover, and right now trying to look for a 'are is difficult. But I doubt 'e's 'urt, really. Back before I was a recruit, a training group got attacked by toads in the swamps. Konner got lost for at least a week before that big lump Dom met up with 'im, and it was a while after that before either of them made it back to the patrol. But they made it out in the end."

Rhonwen nods, she is still watching the beach, yep lot of sand and water and nothing else. "Yeah, who knows maybe he decided to not be in de patrol and left. Or he is having a hard time getting back, or maybe he decided to try and gather more info before he comes back"

"Maybe, maybe." Sheen nods, staring northwards. "I doubt 'e left though. I was the last 'are to see 'im, and we were both running from a patrol of vermin beasts near 'Alyard. Split up in the alleyways, and well, I made it back."

There's a pause before the hare leans towards the window, squinting in the noon light. "Say, you don't see anything out there, do you?"

Rhonwen quietly looks, "Hmmm, I am unsure... if it is something it's far off for now." She is alert, not that she wasn't alert before.

Sheen has risen slightly from her chair with both paws resting on the stone windowsill. "I'm not sure, either."

A ways off, barely visible against the sand and the sun beating down high above causing a glare, something is moving south at great speed. The fur and the clothing is difficult to discern exactly as both are nearly a perfect match to the sand around the beast!

"That a 'are, maybe? Could be one of our uniforms..."

Rhonwen tries to get a better look, "Possible, a runner maybe and one in a hurry. I wonder if thar is trouble. Maybe one of us should get one of the officers"

"Could be..." Sheen replies, uncertainty colouring her voice as she stands fully. "I'm not sure we should bother an officer until we know for certain. Perhaps we should wait below to meet them, eh?" Even the private speaks she's moving towards the ladder to the main entrance below. "If it's a runner, once they tell us what's up we can get a 'igher up. Or not, if it turns out to be something minor."

Rhonwen frowns as she nods. If it was a threat they would surely know by now and, well there be a lot more movement to be seen. "Then why run if  it's minor, not know anyone that runs for fun"

"Maybe they're trying to get out of the sun as quick as possible," Sheen shrugs as she starts climbing down the ladder, "Or maybe the 'ave a message. I just don't want to call in an officer if the message's 'bout a lack of salt or something at the 23rd, you know? But if you want to get one feel free. I can't stop you."

Rhonwen hmmms as she seems unsure right now, she nods as she comes down. She knows an officer is usually close by, she just isn't sure how close by right now and other sentries are not here for a while yet. "Just stay alert"

Sheen grabs a spear that rest against the tunnel wall once she's down the ladder. "Yeah, I know." She replies as she opens the small side door next to the gate, stepping outside to add over her shoulder, "Though I doubt a single beast'll jump us, so I doubt there's much to worry 'bout."

Rhonwen stays very alert and knows they can always yell for trouble if needed, you don't leave a fellow hare by theirself just in case. She has a spear, and a sling if needed as she nods "Two to one odds in our favor just in case, always pays to be carefull"

"Exactly!" Sheen says a bit too brightly. "Just aim a stone between their eyes if it's a threat, wot, and that should sort them out. Now, though, I guess we wait. Did you 'appen to grab a spyglass, by chance? I forgot to."

Now the figure in the distance can be made out more clearly, their ears framed against the blue sky: a hare no doubt, clad in the sandy uniform of the main patrol.

"Well," says Sheen, "I think that might be one of ours, or I'm a badger."

Rhonwen nods as she hands over a spy glass "I have one,yeah." She looks towards where the hare is coming from "Wonder whom it is"

Esther Sheen nods as she takes a spyglass with a thank you, using it only for a moment. "Yep, that's our colours, alright. Got the blue facings and all. I suppose now we'll find out, wot?" Handing the spyglass back she steps rather boldly up a rock to expose herself to the shore, waving her spear to the patroller.

"AHOY!" She calls, and the runner waves back. "Now we wait, I guess," Sheen murmurs as she steps back down by Rhonwen.

Rhonwen nods as they do indeed wait to see if anything major is needed to know, or if it is indeed maybe some minor thing.

It takes about five minutes before the runner slows to a trot, stopping before the large rock. "Lance-Corporal Darrick Addersmith," he calls, "With a message from Lt. Lossow at the 23rd Base near Halyard. It's urgent!"

Sheen glances at Rhonwen. "I guess you were right."

Rhonwen listens and nods "Let me find an officer sur!"She salutes and she is off to find an officer,maybe the Master Sergeant is close by the entry.

Sheen waits with Addersmith, handing a canteen of water to the runner. "'Ere," she mutters. "So, what's so urgent?"

The older hare shakes his head. "Gotta tell an officer first, sorry Sheen. But I guess, well - there's some movement in town. I'm not willing to say more, though."

Meanwhile, the master sergeant is not the first officer near the entrance. Redford, the healer lieutenant under Velm's command, is. "Oh, hullo Rhonwen!" The officer says in greeting as he carries a crate up from the cellars.

Rhonwen stops and salutes "Sur! Thar is an urgent message from Lt. Lossow sur, I was looking fer the Master Sergeant." But this hare is an officer as well, so maybe it counts as the message was urgent and if the Master Sergeant was busy or too far inside the mountain, then the healer would have to do.

Redford blinks. "Oh, uh, right. Right, I'll be right there." The young lieutenant dips his head, "At ease, by the way - er," he looks around the hallway junction, his ears perking up as he sees a pair of hares coming down from the second floor. "Hey, Burnfield! Just the hare I wanted to see come here and bring this crate to the infirmary - you there," he says to the second hare, "Harold, right? Go find your master-sergeant and bring him to the gates. There's a message it seems from the 23rd."

The two hares share a glance before doing as they're asked. "What's the message about, sah?" Bunrfield asks as she takes the crate.

"Not a clue, but I'm sure we'll all find out soon!" Redford answers, turning to Rhonwen, "Well then private, lead the way!"

Rhonwen nods as she turns to head back to the entry area where the hare from the 23nd awaits. She had not heard what the message is but she leads the officer there to see.

When Rhonwen gets back with Redford in tow, they find Addersmith sitting with his back against the stone wall of the tunnel drinking water. Esther is leaning against the same wall, waiting. When the lieutenant appears they both snap to attention. "Sah!" Says the runner, "It is my duty to report movement in Halyard- a group of about ten beasts, half armed and armoured, heading south, presumably to here. I made good time, but they'll be here soon enough I fear."

Redford blinks. "Uh, righto." Looking at his feet for a second, he nods slowly. "Right.... Um, where's the captain, or Terrence... by chance...? Er, Sheen - maybe you go and alert the mountain and all that. Yes," he nods, "Do that."

Sheen, for her part after she salutes, glances at Rhonwen with a raised eyebrow and a shrug as she passes the other private. "Right sah."

Rhonwen blinks and frowns, she would ask if this was the first possible threat the healer has seen or heard before. But she stays quiet and alert. "So are we in... like danger or sumthing? Maybe I should get his Lordship even?" She is a bit worried but also unsure as just half of who ever this group is, is armed.

Redford blinks. "Right, his Lordship." He gulps. "That would be good, yes, yes. As for danger..." He glance sharply at the messenger. "What do you think," he squints as he studies the rank insignia on Addersmith's uniform, "Lance-corporal?"

"Maybe, sah- but it's only ten. Not exactly a fighting force I'd say."

Rhonwen is still worried, "Well... so far 4 of us." Better odds than earlier she thinks to herself. She is not even sure if the Badger Lord is in his room or maybe the forge as those are the two main places he would be usually.

"What's going on here?" Terrence's voice is unmistakable - as is the urgency in it. "Lieutenant," the NCO nods to Redford and the others. "Addersmith, what's going on? I saw Sheen in passing and said Halyard's made a move. She's getting the mountain on alert as we speak."

The young lieutenant bows his head. "Right, Terrence. I was just gonna send Rhonwen to fetch the badger lord and whoever else she can find, wot!"

"Good, Rhonwen - go do that. If any hare makes a stink about you interrupting the Lord, tell them I sent you." Terrence turns to Darrick. "Now then, Addersmith, tell me everything while we wait."

Rhonwen salutes and she heads off to find the Badger Lord, no one luckily gets in her way .

Sgt Adrian, Pvt Cole, MSgt Terrence, Cpt Velm, & spoofs

Having taken advantage of the late spring weather, Terrence had all the hares of the mountain patrol organise themselves and go for a run - they aren't due back for at least another hour or so, leaving the master-sergeant by himself on the shore waiting.

Velm had decided to go along with the group, and it was good to get out of the mountain for a change. The fresh air and the space helped him to think as he had spend a good deal of time inside or in the infirm with checkups and tending to the recovering Lt. as well.He wasn't one of the fastest hares but he didn't seem to mind that too much.

While the captain's presence was a surprise, Terrence hadn't said a word when Velm joined his hares. Having an officer along would probably keep them more on track, and he won't complain. Can't guarantee the same for the various privates and nco's running with Velm, though, but none of the hares near the healer would dare breath anything about that. Instead they mostly keep to themselves in their groups, squads and companies sticking together in a (mostly) ordered fashion. With Velm being part of the Homeguard and not the Mountain Patrol, he can kinda do as he pleases - especially because he's a captain.

Velm needed some time away and a run did help, besides there was a couple privates acting up earlier, and one private  twisted his ankle when they tripped over a bit of covered drift wood in the sand. Velm keeps an eye on a now slightly limping private. "I say just rest the rest of de day and ya should be fine tomorrow young chap."

The private nods silently as he tries to keep up with his unit, face scarlet with embarrassment. "You 'eard the captain!" Calls the sergeant leading the troop, "Rest up and I'll have you back out 'ere by dawn."

Privately, the private is deeply thankful that Velm's presence as a commissioned officer means that any jokes at his expense will be held off for now.

Velm walks over to Terrence after making sure the limping Private is doing okay "Hallo Sergeant, how are you doing today?"

Terrence looks up, rising slowly. "I'm well, thank you," he says as he dusts off his paws. "How was the run?"

The private and the rest of the hares, now back, go about finding places to take a rest until they're called to attention again.

Cole seemed to dislike joining in on the run, but he did and got there just in time, barely avoiding being yelled at... again. He sits down with the others now quietly.

Velm nods "It was good, tis good to get out of the mountain sometimes. I been a little  too busy, also a good run helps clear the head and makes one less stressed."

Having already sat back down against the rock, Terrence nods as he listens, saying, "Yes, yes, that's good. I can imagine it can." His eyes are gazing northward up the shore as he speaks.

Cole frowns "Why so many runs lately though sur? A day off be blooming good, right?" He even smiles, a smile always is good to have after all.

Velm frowns towards Cole and hmmms as he notices the gaze northwards "Something in your sights Sergeant or worried bout something? The beach seems mostly clear today."

"An extra run a week is to make up for all the setting about the Patrol did in winter," Terrence wryly addresses Cole while still keeping his eyes northwards. "The hares are supposed to get at least one good march in per week, unless your footpaws forgot that." He shakes his head with a snort. "As for- no, captain. Nothing yet, at any rate. Simply thinking."

Cole frowns but nods "True, sur... ya be right as we hares got to stay fit and stuff."

Velm speaks "Expecting someone?"He asks  as he studies the same direction a moment, he even glances at the sea a bit.

"No." Terrence replies with a shrug, "My mind's simply on the town, that's all. I suppose I am expecting something to happen, in a way."

Cole listens a little, another private speaks "A lot happens in Halyard sur and has fer a while. I say some be too worried 'bout it cause no one can go to Halyard as much as they did before'and de tavern is a great place ta go... usually"

Velm nods slowly, a glance at the Private speaking "Don't always have ta go to Halyard on a day off. Could relax and have a day on the beach maybe." He hasn't heard too much of what has been going on in Halyard since that's mostly, except for major issues, something the main patrol deals with.

"Now may be a good time to remind you all," Terrence turns to face them, "The order for the battalion to stay out of Halyard except for official business still stands. If I find anyone has gone to get even a drink there," he eyes the private who had spoken earlier, "Well, I'm certain you can guess."

Cole ears droop slightly as the Sergeant speaks, "So... when can we like go ta Halayard again?" The other private sighs and even pouts and a couple seem worried but all look to be listening to what is said.

Velm says, "I am guessing thar is some new updates that need to be heard. I know we still get some supplies from Halyard, though I think one time a small ship came right to de beach with some supplies. "Likely one of the merchants that are still friends with the patrol and doing their best to avoid anyone they rather not  run into."

"As of the moment it seems to be if a patrol hare were to wonder on into that town," Terrence sighs, "You'd be about as likely stabbed as offered a drink, and frankly I don't trust hares to not be hot headed and start a brawl. The merchants though - those have slowed down."

Cole frowns "I wouldn't fight or start one that would be bad. I remember when  someone like bumped into a rat and that started a fight  and like with the whole tavern and it was wild." He goes on and on about the day, likely a while ago and then another private slaps him, "HEY!" He gets a glare and looks down at the sand.

The look Terrence gives Cole when he begins to mention that incident is unamused, to say the least - which morphs into shock then anger as Cole is slapped. The master sergeant leaps to his feet and launches himself at the offending hare with a brutal shove. "YOU DO THAT AGAIN I'LL LOP YOUR BLOODY PAW OFF, YOU UNDERSTAND, PRIVATE?"

Adrian arrives from the direction of the mountain to see how the runners have fared. "Hoi. Wot's new wi' you lot? Did y' run fastah th'n yahr grannies this time?"

Velm steps back letting Adrian come towards the group as the Healer is part of the Home Guard, he looks to see if Terrence needs any help when it looks like a small fight between a couple Privates is about to start.

Cole takes a deep breath and does start to shove the other Private but stops when Terrence comes over. The Private that slapped Cole glares "He started it, going on and on and he wouldn't shut up, he talks too much." Cole mutters something under his breath and looks down, he resists the urge to punch the other private, a calming breath as he lets some sand run threw his fingers, it seems to calm him a little.

"Private, the master sergeant hisses as he steps in between them, his back to Cole and looming over the other private. "Are you an idiot? You think that justifies a slap?" he spits, "And you dare don't talk back - you're already in a world of trouble." Terrence looks more furious than any of the hares present have likely ever seen him.

Adrian oh mys, and he raises his paws, taking a step back. Clearly this was a bad time. so he starts to back away slowly, letting Terrence handle... whatever it is that he's handling. "Y'know, tell me latah, wot!"

Cole stays quiet as the other private speaks "Well... I... ummm..." Okay the Sergeant looks really really mad and it seems the poor Private is starting to notice and no one is helping him either as they decide it's best not to even speak as the Private gulps a little. "Well... sur, ya see... well wot am I supposed ta do? Hmm... let him be annoying?" Cole  glances over now but  is still silent, which is likely wise as he likely get himself in trouble too.

Velm frowns, not wise to make an officer upset and Velm has  seen some Privates get into trouble before. He has dealt with  stubborn privates before as he  did have a small group of  hares  when he went to Mossflower seasons ago.A frown, only one of those hares are still around, then a lot of  hares were lost that day.

"What you're supposed to do," Terrence's voice is dripping with scorn, "Is whatever you're told to do. So, yes, let him be annoying. It's my job to tell hares to shut up, not yours, cleah?" The hare glares at the private for a long moment, letting the words sink in.

"Sergeant Adrian!" He calls as he turns on his heel, not having missed the way the sergeant was slipping away, "You can be in charge of this private's punishment if you wish! They don't seem to understand how the patrol works, so teach them as you see fit."

Velm quietly heads back into the mountain letting the other officers deal with the Private.

Cole sits quietly, he is doing a fairly good job not to punch the other Private back, it may be wise to have the hares head inside, well except Private Miller, the one that's in trouble for slapping Cole.

Adrian ohs, and he turns at hearing his name. "I think scrubbing all the floors in Salamandastron with a toothbrush from cellar to level three might be a good fit for a punishment, wouldn't you agree?"

"Until next summer, yes," Terrence dips his head. "Well, I'll leave Miller in your paws, Adrian. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna get the rest of this lot indoors." With that he stalks off and begins getting the rest of the patrol on their feet and moving.