Redwall MUCK Forum

*Its Long as has some pre feast stuff*

In the middle of the mostly empty hall the many tables sat waiting for the feast sat. A squirrel, Spruce, was adjusting one of the spoons - he'd spent more than half an hour making sure everything was perfectly set, having roped in the help of the few hapless novices running around and the mouse visitor-turned-resident, Urtas. The latter looks at his friend with a sigh. "You went over this table already.

"Yes, but /someone/ bumped it."   

Jaison glaces over and chuckles slightly"I am sure no one is worried if a spoon is slightly out of place,lest I don't think anyways"   

Krisha is making sure the dibbuns behave and finish cleaning up before the feast,so far they have behaved and it's likely cause its close to time of the snow badger or least here in a few weeks.A soft sigh as a young vole is told to go clean his paw,again.
   
With both paws gesturing to Jaison, Urtas half seriously pleads with the squirrel. "Listen to the good healer, Spruce, com'on!"   

"It matters to /me/." The squirrel mutters, stepping back from the table. "And besides, I'm done now. I think....." He eyes the rest of the tables.   

Jaison nods"I see, not to worry all should be fine and in order for the feast today.It will be very nice"
   
Krisha glaces over at the beasts in the room but for now stays where she is keeping the dibbuns out of trouble and out of beasts way till it's time to sit down.   

"Yes, no thanks to this lot..." Spruce says, pointing over his shoulder at Urtas - but he has a grin on his face that grows even wider as the mouse scoffs behind him. "Oi, I /told/ you details aren't my thing."
   
"Yeah, yeah," Spruce waves him off, though his bright expression falters when he spots the dibbuns. Ever since Dochas left they've been more behaved, /shockingly/, and he'd been blamed for a lot less, but... "I kinda miss when the dibbuns went wild. It was fun to watch the fireworks go off."
   
Jaison frowns"I like them behaved, no beast should run around and scream for no reason and besides."He clears his throat "Its the winter season soon enough, snow badger and all that. of course they behave for that and likely back to crazy afterwards but whom knows. I never was...ill behaved as a dibbun"   

Lacota is naturally busy in the kitchen right now. His assistants run hither and thither to make things ready.   

Krisha tells the dibbuns to go off with Sister Anna and walks over to the others"Hello,I do hope all is well"
   
Gorvenalus has been in the library most of the day, but Oz does wander inside and look around. He has spent a lot of time in the orchards learning about the bees and how to care for them.
   
"Hullo, badger mother!" Spruce waves- the slight tension he had held disappears with the dibbuns gone. "I think everything is set out here, though I'm a tad unwilling to ask the friar how goes his work. I don't want my head bitten off."   

The mouse, Urtas, glances at Jaison with a questioning brow. "Snow Badger, what's that, Master Healer?"   

Jaison smiles"I am doing well.The infirm is nice and organized and should be finbe threw winter"He looks at the mouse"You don't know the snow badger? He ...well story goes he brings winter or well his snow hares do and he brings gifts to good beasts all over or most places and i am unsure of not so good beasts, and sometimes he will let a beast see him but thats rare.I am unsure he is real or not myself but snow is nice, and if he is real he brought WAY too much snow that one year."   

This whole time, novices keep bringing food out to place on the assembled tables.   

Krisha nods,a small frown at Jaison as she thinks on the winter he speaks of,but she doesn't dweel on it too long."Its not for a while yet, that snow comes and sometimes snow comes a few days before that"She has yet to figure out how to do things this year.   

Oz sits at one of the far tables, staying out of the way for now and close to the library steps.

"I never saw snow till last spring, when I came to Mossflower." Urtas replies, "It was all melting then though. I also did not know you inlanders had a legend about it, either."   

Spruce spares a glance at Oz sitting off to the side. He turns around to face the other beasts, though many is addressing Jaison and Urtas. "Say, anyone wish to, uh, /test/ the cordial and ales in the cellar before the feast? I'm not sure the hedgehog managed it yet, and, well, someone's got to make sure they won't make us all sick - and top quality, of course.... You want in, Mother Krisha?"   

Jaison frowns"I am sure it's fine, besides there will be enough at the feast for those able to drink it. And drinking to much is not a good thing,not at all". Nearby is a chuckle,it seems a certain wildcat is visiting,he heard of the feast so he wandered over to the abbey.Hey free food and good food at that.It was one thing he loved about this place,the good food.   

Krisha crosses her arms"No..."She hears the laugh and then sees the wildcat.A deep breath as she calms herself,she still is unsure of the cat and when he is around she avoids him.   

Oz tilts his head and decides to see what is going on"Is..something wrong? What is funny?"

Lacota would likely tan their hides if he caught them in the cellar sampling the drinks. At any rate, the squirrel suddnly makes an appearance from the kitchen, pushing a trolley toward the head table, a large cake sat upon its top.   

"Come on, Jaison, Krisha, even a /taste?/" Spruce spreads his arms out. "Don't you ever want to live a little, eh?" He can see Urtas face palming in the background, and he tries to salvage the plan. "It'll be for the good of the abbey, and the feast! It's a noble cau-" he stops, hearing the laughter as well - and spying the friar. Urtas though shifts uncomfortably at the Wildcat's appearance.   

Jaison says, "I don't drink."He says calmly"Just in case I need to tend to something,besides most drinks taste bad to me. tea or water is fine,maybe a small little bit of cider now and then"   

Kage snorts as he listens but he doesn't wander over to the group. He decides to stay by the doorway though as he watches others come and go from the room,others being busy with things that need done in time for teh feast.
   
Krisha shakes her head"No driking any ale right now, we can wait for the feast as it's for the feast"   

The younger squirrel in the room shrugs, "Well, it's not just ale down there - I'm more interested in the /non/-alcohol containing sweet stuff, to be frank." Spruce grins, though he's put off by Urtas' and the badger mother's reaction to the wildcat. "Friar Lacota! What say you? Wanna taste test the feast's drinks when you're done?" He calls over, not at all expecting the older squirrel to agree.   

The same door Kage stood near opens again - this time revealing too bundled up hares in their dress uniform. "Heyo, Redwall!" calls Greenhill, taking off the long over coat of the Patrol, "Corporal Eshter Sheen and Private Lawrence Harolds, representing the 67th for this wonderful feast- oh. We're early, it seems."   

Jaison just shakes his head, a small shrug"There is a rather nice strawberry fizz with some slight...peach I think in it, not sure tis new."He waves to the hares"Hello!"

Lacota snorts, as he gets a novice to help him lift the cake up onto the head table. "You know as well as I do that Matilda will have a fit if you do."
   
Krisha sits downn in a chair,she seems a little tried now and it's still a liittle while before the feast starts.   

"There's hope for you yet," Spruce says with a sly grin at the healer. He waves a paw at the friar. "Yeah, yeah, I'm aware. But the risk's half the fun!" He winks.   

The hares for their part nod in greeting. "Badger Mother Krisha, right?" Sheen says, walking right past Kage to stand by the rest of the beasts in the hall. The hare Harolds, though, narrows his eyes at the wildcat as he passes. Urtas meanwhile has made himself busy by helping out with the novices brining out food.
   
Krisha nods to face the hares"Yes I am Krisha,was you needing something?"   

Jaison smiles a bit"I...well...it is good to wait,after all..no rush am I correct?"   

Esther blinks. "Uh, just saying hello - we're here for the feast, of course." She adds a smile for good measure, before turning to Jaison and Spruce. "Hello! I don't think we've met - I'm Esther Sheen, of the 67th Patrol. We came last feast though I don't really recall either of you, I think."   

"I'm Spruce," the squirrel murmurs in response.
   
Krisha nods"Of course, its good to still have some Long Patrol hares nearby the abbey.It makes the area safer and helps to keep the peace."   

Gorvenalus chooses now to wander down the steps from the library.He is carring a couple books down that he will place in his room for now.   

Lacota harrumps. "You mean to eat us out of house and home, I think," he scoffs.   

"Well," Sheen begins, turning to Lacota, "If you weren't such a good cook there would be no danger of that," she says as sweetly as she can, "But the world would be worse for it, I'd say!" With a laugh she looks back at the badger, bowing her head. "That's our hopes for Mossflower - and the Abbey - too."   

Jaison nods"Peace is always nice to have,tis a good thing" Meanwhile the wildcat yawns as if he is bored and looks towards the doorway that leads to the kichens while everyone else appears busy at the mormeent.   

Lacota harrumps again, but he nods. "Aye, it's good to finally be appreciated, it is. I dare say beasts here have started to take me for granted."   

Krisha smiles"Yes, peace is good.The woods have been very quiet,for the most part. Nothing really been happening."A small frown"Even when they found.....well no one knows what happen really,no signs of a fight or so I heard"   

Oz sighs And looks hopefull"Could I take a walk in the woods, I am old enough to explore on my own and I know to be carefull and to avoid areas that look creepy or out of place."
   
"Trust me, my good friar," Sheen says still with that smile, "Us hares would never ever take your skills for granted." At the reference to Elbio, though, the smile falters. "The loss of the lieutenant hit us all pretty hard in the Patrol. We still haven't found the culprit, either, which is why there aren't more hares here - the commander's doesn't wish to show her face her until she can bring to justice whoever is responsible."   

The other hare hasn't moved that far into the room, keeping an eye on the wildcat - when he yawns, Harolds flinches slightly.   

"You know Oz, maybe I could show you around some time." Spruce says to the young badger. "I've only left the Abbey a few times since I got here, but I like to think I know my way around."   

Jaison sits,a look to the wildcat"Tried? its still early afternoon"
   
Kage just smirks as he gets up"I am fine,no worries"   

Krisha shakes her head"You are not going out alone Oz...I"She starts to lecture him when a novice rushes over and whispers something"A dibbun did what!?"And...she rushes off, no lectures today it seems.
   
Gorvenalus frowns "But....."And he blinks as she rushes off"WHat...just happen?" Its hard to say but a dibbun is likely in trouble,well the dibbun mischief had to happen at some point.
   
"Alright." Spruce whispers low enough for no one else but Oz, "Now I'll definitely help break you out - though I'm scared to death by your mother."   

Sheen, for her part, coughs once. "Well then. Er..." She catches Harolds' eye, who turns to the wildcat after a moment. "Say, friend, what's your name?" The attempt to break the ice is painful for anyone who hears.
   
Kage grins"I am Kage, pleased to meet you..."He starts to head to the cellar it seems.But Jaison stops him"I say you should..stop, we all should stay where we are.."The wildcat chuckles"You lot are no fun at all,you know that right?"
   
Oz blinks"Break...out?" He looks at the wildcat and frowns,and back to Spruce"But where would we ..go? And I should likely stay as mother would just worry or like ground me till I am like super, super old and all grey and stuff"
   
The squirrel waves his paw, "Easier t beg forgiveness than ask permission, they say, and I for one don't intend to leave Redwall permanently. As for where, well," he glances at the wildcat even as he whispers to the badger, "The river moss, maybe a few of the taverns around, or the ol' ruined church. We could be back in a day or two."   

Harolds' eyebrows raise when the healer stops Kage. "Is there a problem?" He asks the healer, hoping to stop any conflict arising.   
"Oi, Harolds!" Sheen calls, "I'm sure they can figure it out. I'm gonna find a seat."   

Oz blinks "I only know of the..Black Gull taven and I don't think its very friendly to many beasts and it's kind of creepy"
   
Jaison had left the room for a short while, but now comes back .He frowns as the wildcat Kage just seems, well he isbn't sure just slightly annoying and the whole no one is fun statement"What is that supposed to mean sir?"   

"You wouldn't fit in, no..." Spruce mutters. "But we can probably talk about this later." Truth be told the squirrel was no wholly distracted by the wildcat, the healer, and hares. Harolds coughs. "Erm, excuse me," he says, distancing himself from the pair.   

Oz nods"Yeah, besides I likely , not sure on wandering off anyways"   

Jaison sighs and just decides to not worry on the wildcat.Kage though raises an eyebrow at the hares and slips out a cantee of some sort and takes a sip from it before placeing it back into his pocket"I simply stared you woodlanders seem to not have any since of adventure, doesnt that get rather boring?"   

Lacota is *still* busy setting up, as the Abbot seems to be busy with some important business that's kept him later than expected.   
"I'd say it does!" Spruce calls from across the hall, deciding to be rather friendly to the wildcat everyone else seems to have some sort of aversion to. Greenhill laughs. "Adventure is a tricky thing - and /long/. And sometime boring is better."   

Oz frowns "Adventures can be..back and get you into trouble even if your not looking for trouble."   

Kage shrugs "One good thibg bout this place is de food, tis the best"

"That we can all agree on!" Greenhill grins, "Speaking of, now I better find a seat..." The hare turns away, moving across the hall. Spruce looks around. "Where'd Urtas get to?" He murmurs, shaking his head. "Anyway, I'm gonna go down to the cellar to see if I can't taste test what's being brought out for the feast," he says with a wave to Oz. "See you in a bit!"   

Returning from his foray to the cellars after some time, Spruce seems a bit sheepish as he enters the Great Hall. "Locked..." He mutters to a bewildered Urtas who had emerged from the kitchens a little while ago.   

"For the best, I'd say," the young mouse replies with an arched brow and half smirk. "You won't gain anyone's ire now."   
The squirrel huffs.   

Chestnut has been watching the Redwallers most of the day from her perch, the sparra never relly were ones much for the feasts, well she did jion in one once,last winter or maybe the authumn before that,for now she simply watches the going ons.   

Krisha walks into the great hall, a soft sigh and a shake of her head.Sister Anna beside her"Well could of been worse, least paint washes out...just not as soon as one may want"A very surper grumpy and..bright blue? Brother Rick sits at the far end of the room muttering to himself.   

Jaison has gotten some last morment work in before he ventures into the room, he looks around to see whom is here and who is not.   

Oz tilts his head and frowns "Why is Brother rick's fur all blue?" One of the older dibbuns shrug and another speaks "Cause he triped the string and the bucket came down on his head...lotta paint so he is blue, I think it was supposed to be someone else though."   

"Well, there's still things to do," Urtas says to his friend, already moving for the kitchens. "And I for one like making myself useful."   

Spruce mutters something under his breath that no one catches - but the pair of woodlanders both spot the blue brother at nearly the same time. Spruce's sudden fit of laughter at Rick's misfortune is tempered somewhat by Urtas', "Oh, oh no..."
   
Chestnut finds this so funny she falls off her perch and rights herself just in time to flutter to the floor and chuckle,"Abbey worm all blue, ha ha ha ha."   

Krisha just takes a deep breath, the feast is soon and hopefully things calm down soon.The dibbuns involved are for sure getting a lecture before bedtime.   

Jaison stays where he is "Well...that happen I suppose."   

Oz just watches Brother Rick do his best to remain calm and less grumpy. The young badger speaks "That wasnt very nice for who ever it was ment to fall on."   

Unlike the squirrel, Urtas doesn't seem to find the blue abbey brother that amusing - doubly so when he notices the sparrow laughing as well. In fact he seems on edge just by being near the bird...   

"Brother Rick!" Spruce calls, "Maybe a bath is in order, huh? Unless you're going for a festival look, eh?"   

Chestnut strightens up and smooths out her feathers."Alla abbey worms have feast, maybe I jion in too?"
   
Brother Rick just rolls his eyes "It won't come off that easy,I tried."A short glare gets those still thinking it's funny to suddenly stighten up in thier seats,a mutter from the old squirrel "Youngins these days..."   

Krisha looks at the dibbuns, who look a little worried now and hope this matter is forgotten soon.   

Oz just stays quiet, the room ius just sort of quiet for a morment as well.Oz notices the sparra and waves.
   
"It won't?" An impish grin spreads across the younger squirrel's face. "Brother Rick," Spruce cries, pressing his paws to his heart in mock shock, "Are you implying you haven't even /tried/ to wash it out? Goodness, I'm glad I don't have to sit near you! Can't imagine the paint smells nice."
   
Chestnut stays a little out of the way , a couple other of the sparrows come down now to see what is happening and likely to wonder where Chestnut went off to.   

Brother Rick hmmphs loudly , muttering something bout manners as he did indeed attempt to get it off, he storms off to the entry and out towards the gatehouse,well suppose someone has to watch the gate,he likely will wander back in later on.   

Krisha sighs as the old squirrel storms off, a look at the couple dibbuns who clearly set up the paint trap.They frown,yep they likely in trouble later on.   

Jaison frowns, he looks around and towards the steps "I wonder where the abbot is." Of course some slight chaos would happen before the abbot showed up.   

Oz just watches him head off, the badger will make sure a piece of the Brother's fave desert is saved for him.   

"Maybe he'll take that bath, now..." Spruce says, feeling a bit guilty about driving the older squirrel off. "But," he remarks to Urtas who hold a grimace on his face at the whole affair, though in truth was more distracted and unsettled by the appearance of more birds, "The stuff to wash that out - lard and whatnot - is /not/ what I'd call a pleasant smell. I've had to wash paint out of my fur at least thrice because of the dibbuns."   

Chestnut is jioned by a couple more sparrows.Oh boy now there is 5 sparrows in the room! Will more show up?Who knows.
   
Jaison notices the "Oh the Sparra are...not in the rafters,how intresting." He does keep his distance from the birds though.
   
Gorvenalus comes from the library now and finds a seat.
   
"All five of them..." Spruce mutters, plopping himself down in a chair. Urtas is standing by nervously watching the birds. "Don't worry," the squirrel whispers to his friend, "The Sparrows - or 'Sparra' - aren't really a threat. They managed to nearly wipe themselves out a few seasons before I got here, and they haven't been much to worry about since."   

Chestnut luckly is too far away to hear Spruce, indeed the sparrow are few, 5 here in the great hall and 3-4 others, includeing her son, still in the rafters   

Krisha clears her throat"Let's all settle down now, the feast should be starting any morment now"   

Jaison glaces at the sparrow and smiles a little "Feel free to..to stay and jion us.All is welociome to a feast"   

The sparrows chatter to themselves and , for now, head off for a short while
   
Benar finally arrives, he's a bit late, he's been talking to the Sparra Queen, the work on the roof is complete, the scaffolding is mostly down and the two where just saying their thank yous. The sparra nest is now secure for the winter and the abbey won't fill up with water next time it rains so win-win.
   
Benar pauses inside the entranceway and pushes back his hood, looking over the groaning tables laden with food, the bright candlelight, the fire-roaring in the hearth and starts to make his way around the edge of the room toward his chair and table.
   
"Good day everyone," Benar says, "I am glad to see you all, we have some extra guests," coming through the doors behind him are the sparra. They flap in following their Queen and start to make their way toward the tables, chirping and saying hello to all the abbey worms as they begin to land.   

"Now everyone seats please and my sparra friends," he eyes two nearby birds, "No eating until I open the feast."   
   
Chestnut seems to pout at this but nods "Abbotworm was very nice yes for inviting us, is very good abbey worm and feel most welcome at feast." Well looks like all the sparrow are here now. Well almost all it seems the prince is likely staying guard at the nests.   

Krisha smiels as Benar gets to the feast,the dibbuns quiet down from where they were taling quietly and some other beasts quiet down as well.   

Jaison gives a nods and gives his attention to the abbot now as the feast is about to start now.   

There's another group that comes in late behind the sparrows and the abbot - woodlanders from Mossflower. Farmers, frontierbeasts, former citizens of Farrevale, and, noticeably, John MacGarran. Having just been able to catch Benar's words he turns to those around him and relays it before entering hall and escaping the chill autumn air. There's a bit of a clamour as everyone finds their seats, and suddenly Spruce and Urtas - who the young squirrel had to drag down into the seat next to him - were surrounded by abbey beasts and their friends from Mossflower.   

Oz waits for things to start, as does Gorvenaslus as the recorder gets out his log book to write a few things down.   

Sparras flutter down to land on benches and chatter to abbeyworms nearby.
   
Benar stops near Chestnut and smiles, "Oh hello there, I am glad you could make it, do enjoy the feast."   

The squirrel then spots others arriving, the seats growing full, beasts are going to be impatient to start so he hurries to his chair, waving at John in passing and then rings the bell by his place. It's clear silver chime rings in the air and he smiles at everyone waiting for quiet... or at least it to be quieter.   
   
Lacota is FINALLY able to start the feast. He's been shooing beasts away from the table for awhile.   

John waves back with a cheery grin. "Heyo, Father Abbot! Managed to find a few more guests for today." He says, just as the bells chime. He takes a seat near to the head of the table but not quite among the abbey elders   

Urtas slaps Spruce's paw away from sneaking an early biscuit.   

Chestnut nods and jions her sparra quietly and waits
   
Krisha quietly waits, stern look helps a dibbun get quiet quickly
   
Jaison smiles, "Oh more beats, this is nice"   

Oz is curious whom all the arriveing beasts are but he decides to ask later on.   
   
"Welcome everyone," Benar says, "To the Autumn of the Roof," he smiles, "A simple name maybe but for a very important reason. Everyone in this room has helped with the restoration of the Abbey roof and the Sparra lofts."   

He gestures, "From beasts who climbed up to the roof to do the work, to those who helped build the scaffolding, to the sparra who flew us supplies from across the land and to Abbey folks and guests who helped keep the work force fed."   

He smiles, "Without all of you we'd have rain leaking through the roof and damaging the structure from now until spring. So it is with a great heart I can announce the work on the roof is complete," he lifts up a tankard of October Ale, "And the feast prepared by Friar Lacota and his team is begun!"   
-   
Chestnut smiles as she stays near her fellow sparra.This is nice to miggle with the abbey worrms from time to time, likely her and her sparra will stay in the lofts come winter and be seen again in the spring.   

Krisha raises her own mug and nods,a smile"Yes to a great feast and to the roof being fully repaired."   

"Autumn of the /Roof/!" Spruce taps his forehead. "Of course, I probably should have guessed that." He says, attempting to write the name down on napkin - but Urtas grabs his wrist. "Bad idea."   

"Here, here!" John had already managed to find a mug of ale. "To the Abbey Roof!"   

Jaison smiles"Yes, a fitting name indeed for the season"   

Oz smiles "I like the name.."Gorvenalus chuckles as he writes down some things in the abbey logs book and sits the book aside to lift his own mug,a nod and smile"Yes indeed"   

Lacota nods, and claps politely. "Yes, it has been concering for some time. In honor of the occasion..." He rings a small bell, and two novices wheel out a cart with a cake in in the shape of the Abbey. All around, and on the roof, are tiny figures of marzipan, including one of Abbot Benar in front of the main doors, directing it all.   
   
"Oh gosh that is wonderful," Benar peers at the cake and smiles, "Simply amazing Lacota... I can see why you wouldn't let me into the bakery now! This is exquiste!"   

Benar sets down his tankard and smiles, "Welcome everyone, now please... dig into the delicious food. Just no stealing figures off the cake until the Friar says we can eat them."   
   
Chestnut smiles as some novices decide to get the plates for the sparra warriors,she nods her thanks and smiles as some berry muffins are set before the sparra as well."Abbey worm food is always goodgood!"
   
Krisha and Sister Anna help the dibbuns get a drink and a plate of food befoe getting herself some food and a drink.She sits down and miles as the dibbuns behave themselves now and enjoy the feast.   

Jaison hmmms "One should check on brother Rick and bring him a plate of food and some Ale.Maybe see if he is less grumpy than he was ealier"   

Whistling at the sight of the cake, John glances at the friar. "Think you outdid yourself, eh?" He grins, before tucking in.   
Likewise Urtas and Spruce start collecting food on their plate. "Hey, Oz!" The young squirrel calls, "You think they managed to make a mini you?"   

Down the table the two hares of the 67th have been sitting politely, but that the go ahead has been given they do as hares do.
   
Oz frowns "He got a lot of blue paint all over him, he is gonna be moody for days propally"He is then curious, hmmm a mini him....maybe but right now food first.   

Gorvenalus goes to get some food and tea todrink before going back to his seat.

Benar asks, "I am sure Brother Rick can join us if he asks nicely," BEnar says as he helps himself to some salad, "How is everyone else doing? I trust you have all been enjoying your days?"

After a moment's pause, Spruce rises with a sigh. "I can bring him food, if need be." He announces to the table, "I feel a bit bad for needling him earlier - didn't realize it would bother him so."   

John mutters to whoever is nearby, "What happened? I know Rick being grumpy isn't new, but what's this 'bout blue paint?"   

Krisha smiles "I have been fine and the dibbuns have behaved, well most of the time anyways but I think they shall behave now as it is almost time for the snow badger after all to show up here in a few weeks"   

Lacota raises a paw. "It me and my helpers over a week, but we managed to make an edible figure of nearly every Abbey member. Please, look for yourself, if you can."   

Jaison replies"A couple dibbuns had a bucket with the paint and he triped the string and got the paint on him..."he frowns"A couple dibbuns set up a string with a bucket of blue paint, but for someone other than Brother Rick but Brother Rick is de one that...well set it off"   

Oz smiles, finding himself will be fun but he likely woulnt eat the figure.He would save it, save it till it got all mushy and gross and...well likely far from looking like it did before.

Gorvenalus smiles"Indeed a very nice surprise with the cake, very nicely done"
   
"If a creature eats a miniature of themselves, is that a form of cannibalism?" John laughs though sobers somewhat by the look one of the older abbey members he remembers from his youth gives him a scowl. So he turns to the healer with a knowing smile. "Ah, the old bucket trick. Evil idea to replace the water with paint, though. I wonder how we never that to do that when we were dibbuns."
   
"Maybe we could make brother Rick's figure blue, eh? And then-omphf!" Spruce is cut off as Urtas elbows him in the ribs. "Right, right, I'll fix up a plate for him, don't worry."
   
Benar says, "Ah... well blue is a good colour, I was blue once," he smiled, "But I was a child when that happened."
   
Krisha just enjoys the feast, the dibbuns are being good for now so maybe she wont lecture them later,she did already give a quick lecture before they came to the feast.
   
Jaison shrugs,a sip of his drink now"Dibbuns can indeed be very intresting"   

Lacota glances at Benar curiously. "Blue? You got into paint? I always assumed you were a very well behaved boy in your younger seasons."   

Oz didnt do much when he was younger, he is still young but more in his teen seasons now.He is novice age in fact but has yet to really become one, but he has taken great intrest in learning about the bees and singing a lot.   

Benar smiles at Lacota, "I grew up in the north, I was captured, I was a slave, I was rescued, I was kidnapped again, I was adopted by my Mother and Father. I had a very adventursome youth."   

Spruce gathers a plate of good food and heads outside towards the gatehouse. He hopes Rick isn't too upset....
   
"I always thought you were from Southsward, truth be told, Father Abbot." John interjects, surprise on his face. "Don't know why, though."   

Krisha listens as beasts speak quietly to one another.   

Jaison says, "I grew up fully at the abbey, my patrents lived in the woods but after a very hard winter they came to the abbey."
   
Gorvenalus just smiles as he listens,"It seems the north would be a hard place for one to live in would it not?"   

Benar helps himself to some more food, "Well I lived in Southsward for twelve seasons, I was a Quartermaster in their army before I came back to Redwall and became a Novice."   
.
"Ahh, I'd heard that," John says, taking a sip of ale. "Suppose I'd just assumed... Where in the northlands were you born? If you don't mind me asking, of course."   

Lacota nods at the other squirrel. "Our lives were not so terribly different, I see. Fascinating. We must discuss this more over tea."   

Krisha listens quietly as she has heard this storey some before this. She keeps an eye on the dibbuns and makes sure they behave for the rest of the feast and they do, and the rest of the night is peaceful as well. Maybe the dibbuns will behave for a while, least till after the snow badger most likely at least   

Jaison hmmms and a bit late to the feast is the wildcat Kage. He had wandered off for a bit but returns in time to enjoy some good abbey food.   

Oz blinks "Ummm...Abbot Benar was like a...he fought before?" This is serious new to the badger."When was that?"   

Benar says, "No," he smiled at Oz, "I did not fight, I was a Quartermaster I was in charge of making sure everyone had supplies and food and was taken care of." He looked over at the others, watching people enjoying the feast and smiles. "So Jaison how have you been?"
   
Jaison smiles"I have been fine Abbot. And all is well in the infirmary too,and the herb garden did very well indeed this season,I also found a couple harder to find herbs we needed in the woods."   

Oz wows, "Sounds neat. I wanna help with bees....and sing, fighting is bad, even if it does save lives sometimes."He frowns"It also takes lifes and...and that can be bad too"   

Lacota makes sure that everyone is getting their fill, as he flits about the room.
   
Benar smiles at Oz and nods, "You are good with the bees, they tell me you have been very helpful in getting them ready for winter." He helps himself to some trifle, "And I am glad to hear it Jaison, the herb garden always worries me towards thisend of winter."   

Jaison smiles"Well not to worry then, the herbs for cooking even did very well too. course some can be used for healing among those as well."He smiles"Honey is usefull even in healing."   

Oz listens, a smile"Yeah..and the bees have wax too in the hive, thats helpful to the abbey also.But we do keep some honey and stuff in the hive so the bees have food for the winter time."
   
Lacota nods. "I expect we'll have a good harvest of honey this season."   

Benar asks, "We have had a good harvest all arond so far," Benar said as he finished his trifle, "So Lacota is it time to cut the cake?"

At this point, Spruce comes back as quietly as he can, though it's still pretty obvious as the large door creaks on its hinges. Slightly red faced he darts back to his seat.   

Jaison smiles "Oh...cake time?" Or he hopes so anyways
   
Oz smiles"Cake...yeah"He chuckles a little as a couple shhh him.When he is able to get the cake he will enjoy it and will find his little figure of himself to save, save somewhere and forget about it after...oh a few weeks,find it and it's basically a glob of what use to be pretty cool looking in a side pocket of one of his tunics.   

Lacota belatedly nods. "Yes! Gather around, everybeast, find your facsimile! It's time to cut the cake." He hands the knife to Benar. "Father Abbot, would you do the honors?"   

John leans back in his seat. "Not sure the sugar'll do me any good, but..." He quiets down as the knife is handed off.   

Benar smiles and picks up the knife, "Very well, for the Autumn of the Roof, let us all have cake," he starts to cut the cake, handing out a slice anda small marzipan figurine to each person.
   
When eventually Spruce is handed his portion, he picks up the figure of himself. "Say, friar, what's this exactly made of?"   

Jaison nods,"Cake is always good.Course after some healthy food first"   

Lacota looks over at spruce. "It's called 'Marzipan'. A recipe I learned from a pirate a long time ago. There's a great deal of sugar in it."   
Lacota says, "It also contains honey and almonds."   

Benar says, "I do love Marzipan but oi try not to eat it too often," he nibbles on his, "But I do love it, it is so much nicer then eating almonds"

"Ahh." Spruce stares at the mini him for a long moment. Setting the figure off to the side he digs in the cake.   

John nods. "For sure, though for me maybe the cake might be a tad too much," he says, half way through his slice. "Not gonna stop me, of course."   

Lacota smiles, and selects the figure of himself. "It was quite a tall task to try and model every abbey beast, but I think it was worth it."   
Benar says, "They look amazing Lacota, you did a brilliant job, I love how you dyed them all different colours."
   
Lacota nods, pleased. "Your praise means a lot to me, Benar."
   
Benar says, "I am glad Lacota and it is always good to enjoy one of youer feasts, now I should go do my rounds and talk to everyone"
   
Lacota nods, and stays behind to help clean up.

Who:

Velm-Chief Healer of LP

Quinten-General of LP

Donica-Corpal/healer in LP

Some assorted spoofed hares and a dophin!

LOG:

   
It's been an intresting past couple days on the shore.First a storm which isnt odd, late authumn storms happy and most were happy to not deal with training drills on the beach and get a day off.

But the next morning a day off was out of question when a beach dophin was seen and needed help. And so the hares of the Long Patrol got busy helping the young dophin best they coululd.

Velm stayed by the dophin most of the time.Checking on them and making sure they stayed wet and cool, and of coure not too cold as some colder winds were starting and luckly not too bad yet.   

It is starting to rain, heavy, pendulous dark clouds blowing in off the ocean when Quinten comes walking along the beach toward Velm and the young dolphin. He walks up to the Master Healer's side and looks over at the dolphin, "How are we doing?"   

Donica has helped and make sure curious hares don't get too close,also helping to work on how to get the dophin back into the sea and safelty.   

Velm nods"So far all is well, I think it's doing better..tis the fist time ever dealed with something like this sur and,well I dont speak dophin and never tended to one before." A look at the dophin shows it does seeem to feel some better than it did .   

Quinten says, "Well I am afraid I can't help there either, only time I ever saw dolphins before was when I was at sea on a boat."   

Donica walks over "So, how do we help them get back into the sea?" She remembers the dophins from the trip before."I know Ciocan said to keep him updated.I wonder why it was alone though or do they not always stay in groups?"   

Velm lsitens and gives a nod.A shrug towards Donica"I don't know, maybe to explore on it's own or something. I read some are in groups usually and some out on thier own, thar isntr too much I found on dophins in the library."   

Quinten says, "Well that is why I am here," He said softly, "I've gone through my notes in the archive and whilst there isn't much on talking to them there are instructions from Lady Rosalaun on how to get them back into the ocean. I have some privates on their way, we essenetially need to use sale-cloth or taurapaulin something waterproofed with wax to sort of make a... slide down into the deep water"
   
Donica says, "Doesnt sound too hard and hopefully the dophin finds it's way to where ever it was headed.I think it got too close to shore during the storm but luckloy it washed up where it could get some help."
   
Velm smiles"Then sounds like we have a plan sur and of course we would help a lost dophin, the Long patrol helps all in need if they are able"   

Quinten says, "Indeed we do," the general folds his arms and looks up at the clouds, "The rain should help, soon as the privates get here Donica you can take the lead in setting up the slide of cloth. Velm you and I need to roll the dolphin onto it"
   
Velm gets ready to help,being careful of course"We are aslo lucky it's not a full grown dophin."He glaces at the dophin.."Well looks like your be headed off soonish."He speaks calmly hoping it does understand some that they are helping.Its clear it knows they are friends at least and it seems to show trust.   

Donica steps to where needed"This will be an intresting story to tell others some day of how the patrol helped a dophin."She smiles "They did help us once after all , though it was a few seasons ago now if remembering corrrectly"   

Several privates arrive carrying long strips of waxed, waterproof treated sailcloth. Quinten nods to them with a brief salute, "Ok we need a line of cloth down to the waters edge and then we need to splash it with water, get it wet so we can help slide our dolphin friend down to the water.   

Velm makes sure the privates listen to orders from the General,"You heard him let's go so we can get our friend back home,I am sure he is missed by someone and be carefull as we do this." He watches as the privates do as they are told with the sailcloth and helps to ajust it where needed.   

Donica smiles, everything so far is going well as the hares work to help the dophin get back into the sea. The couple scrapes from the drift wood will be fine and heal very soon. "Hopefully thery are carefu to not wander to close to shore this time."   

Quinten moves to kneel down beside the dolphin and places a hand on its wet hide, "Can you understand us? We are going to try and help get you back to the water."   

Velm keeps close as he watches the dophin who is more active now than it was before. It was a little scared at first but seems to have clamed some senseing help. It makes a sort of happy sqeak sort of noise as Velm tilts his head and hmms softly.   

Donica checks the line of cloth sail and nods, heading back over,a smile "I think they know we are helping"She glances out at the sea briftly , seeing if any other dophins may be nearby looking for thier friend,but at a safe distance from the shore of course.   

Quinten hums and moves to one side of the Dolphin, "Ok Velm, we need to try and lift the youngster onto the cloth now and keep them wet."   

Velm nods as he goes to help, very careful and slowly as to not startle the dophin too much,a couple other privates help as well."Easy, easy...there we go."He does indeed make sure the dophin stays wet as thats been a main reason he has stayed out on the shore for so long..   

The dophin makes a small sort of squeeal and then calms as it's layed on the cloth and seems happier as it knows it will be home soon back with it's parents soon, the parents are in fact close as some sounds are heard and the younger dophin replies with it's own.   

Donica looks towards the sea and then gets out an eye scope she borrowed and checks whats going on, she then replies"Thar is two other dophins out thar, parents maybe? They are staying a safe distance from de shore"   

Quinten says, "Ok that's good they won't be alone when we get them abck in the water," he lifted, heaving gently, stretching with powerful hare legs to push and roll the dolphin onto the wet sheets. "Ok... Velm push and then lets slide them into the water"
   
Velm nods as he makes sure this is done carefully, no need to rush and hurry up. This is something to not mess up.Luckly the dophin seems pasinent for now but seems to get a little excited the closer they get to the water.A soft chuckle from Velm"I think they are happy to get back to the sea."   

The two large dophins seem to watch the hares and stay close enough to not be in danger of the tides.   

Quinten says, "Donica we need an extra hand, you and the team come and help us slide them along and keep throwing water on the cloth ahead of us"
   
Donica nods"It will be back with family,thats good,Likely may be in a little trouble for wondering off but still a good reuion to have"She nods, water is put on the sail cloth as the dophin is helped closer and closer to the water.They slowly get close to the water and into the small waves where water is up to thier ankles and knees a little.
   
Velm keeps an eye on the progress, and ever so often the two moving shapes out on the sea that is clearlyy seen now."Least they are friendly and know we are helping,tis good to have friends on the sea."   

Quinten says, "Indeed," Quinten murmurs as he pushes, heaving as best he can to help slide the dolphin down the cloth, pushing firmly to try and slip them back into the water.

The dophin is soon in the water,it spashes some as it slips further into the deeper water and finally seems to get enough water to move finally freely.It dives into the water and resurfaces staying water at some hares and seems to..possibly laugh maybe before headed off to jion up with the two larher dophins. All three make a sound as if maybe a thanks before circleing once and headed off into deeper water. A couple hares frown at the fact they got sparyed with water,on in the face.   

Donica smiles as she watches the reuion of the dophins."They seem so happy now.We did good to help them."   

Velm nods,he sits and looks clearly tired now."Ok, we should have de rest of the day off I think after this"   

Quinten chuckles, "Oh do you now," Quinten laughs softly, "I dunno I could send you all back to work right away!" he smiled soflty, "But yes I agree everyone has earned some down time after that"   

Donica smiles"We can all get back to work tomorrow,Its good to have a little time off now and then.And we can update hios Lordship that the dophin is back with family"
   
Velm listens, a frown starts then a smile,a nod"Course sur, this rescue went very well indeed.I am glad of that.'
   
Quinten says, "I am glad, I know it is very hit or miss when a creature like that beaches itself, at least they where a little dolphin not a whale.""   

Donica asks, "I am not sure I would want to see a whale, has something like this happen before on the shores?"   

Velm nods"Yeah, that been worse and likely a headache to handle..if we even could of."He shrugs at the question"I know one time seals were on the shore but not cause they were in trouble,they wee just resting a day or two.Course that was a long time ago when I was a private."

Been down since November 1st I believe

I am hoping to start this today if enough are on.And have maybe 2 or 3 roleplays total.

Basically there will be a storm, not a super bad one, just  the avaergae late autumn storm on the western shores.Nothing damaged, just some rather nasty waves so drills on the  beach are of  course canceled for a day and a half. Of course the hares are trilled, or  most anyways, for a day and a half off to just relax inside.......

But late morning as the storm is cleared,a sentry spots a young dophin on the beach!

How will the Patrol help?

Can they save the dophin and help it get  back into the sea?

Let's do this!

==I decided to just post this tonight dso enjoy===

WHO:

Kage-Assassin,Helaer,Poisoner and Fighter

Atticus- Ferret of a Band of Merchants

LOG:

The past coupl weeks at Ferravale have been sort of choas. First a group came to take away the chieftin in the early hours of the morning and set fire to her home and the now pile of rubble that used to be Town Hall. After this some villagers left to help find the cheiftain and some left out of fear and being unsure so they went to live elsewhere. Recently another fire happen, to the Mossflower Defenders old place. Kage sits on an old wooden box by the tavern,drinking an ale.The tavern looks fine, though a very small bit of the roof will need fixed.

Near the rubble a ferret wanders, stopping to take in the destruction. He seems surprised - while Atticus had heard the news it was the first time he had been able to visit the town since he'd come back to Mossflower. The small dock and landing up the river had fallen into disrepair along the rest of the town, and as Atticus kneeled down to grasp the ashen remains of a plank more beasts come after him.   
Atticus rises after a moment, tossing the burnt wood aside and slowly casts his eyes around the old town center looking for any signs of life.   

"Of course the tavern's still there," He mutters with the barest hint of disgust - an emotion that is replaced with something more pleasant as he spots Kage. "Hail!" He calls, raising his paw in a greeting as he strides over. "Do you, by chance, what happened here?"   

Kage takes a long drink of ale before he speaks "Choas..."He smiles some as if he loves the idea. He stands now" Lot of beasts left, chieftain got kidnapped."He looks at the tavern and smirks "The tavern is still here...thiugh"He chuckles some"No owner, he died"   

"Patch is dead?" Atticus can't help the surprise - and the hint of glee - when he hears that. But he collects himself. "No matter, though. You sure the chieftainess was kidnapped? Not slain?"   

Kage nods "Kidnapped, not sure by who or where they went.The rat overheard something he should not of, so he had to die. Now some I do belive of the villagers did go to find thier chieftain, some just left the town to live elsewhere. This village is basically nothing much now"
   
"No, it isn't." Atticus replies, his demeanour shifting. There's regret as he looks about the ruined place - and something else, weariness or fear - that is gone in a blink. "Tell me, friend," he turns back to the tavern, "When you speak of the rat hearing something, and his unfortunate death, you said he had to die. Why so?"
   
Kage replies "Simple, so he wouldn't warn the chieftain of what was to come."A cold smile"It needed to be a surprise and he almost ruined that, so death happen to him."He gets some dust off his pants as he looks around "Don't know all the details. I just know the rat needed gone, perment like."   

Atticus regards the cat for a long time before nodding, once. "Do you by chance recall who told you the rat needed removing?" The ferret's watching the larger beast carefully, searching for something in Kage's face.   

Kage is silent and decides to finish the last of his ale."I didn't ask a name..."He keeps a close eye on the ferret" I simplyly look for a job,get one...complete it and get my gold.Simple as that. I don't even know if I will stick around."   

"I see." Atticus looks at the ground, contemplating something. Finally he speaks again, meeting the wildcat's eyes. "I would never dare accuse you of anything unsavoury, friend, but you speak as if you at the least witnessed the late tavern-keeper's demise. Did you? And ere you fear repercussions, I can assure you I shan't weep for his passing and would be inclined to thank you, even, if I were a tad more hard hearted."   

Kage is careful with his words, he still does speak the truth when he replies "I did see him die.oddly no one really seemed to care except for a couple stoats, also at the same time beasts were a bit...well fearfull the town hall was burning down,the chieftains home as you can see was half way saved,course think some looters got to some vaualbles left behind in the chaos"   

"Vermin are vermin, naturally." Atticus says, "Now, to change topic. You earlier mentioned taking a job, and I happen to be in the business of offering workbeasts' wages. What is it you do exactly?"   

Kage looks intrested but also pays it safe."A job?" He is silent as he mulls it over,then " I am a healer, I know a good deal on poisons...."He seems to debate to add assassin so "And a very skilled fighter, mostly with darts or throwing kniefs."   

"Poisons you say?" Atticus doesn't have to feign surprise. "Yet a healer. Strange. Rarely have I met wildcat healers, Mr...? I am sorry, I did not catch your name."   

Kage replies "Kage and yes poisons and anidotes of some,now some are saddly without an andote or they have one but one needs it within a few meer mintues"   

Atticus offers a polite smile and bows his head. "I am Tarn, myself. Tell me, would you be willing to use your skills against those who'd endanger Mossflower? Or rather- would aid those who wish to hunt down the vermin who did, well," The ferret gestures around him, "This?"   

Kage tilts his head as he thinks on this "I am usure and by now they would be long gone,though I may know who set fire to that Defenders place...not that anyone was really there"
   
"Of course not," Atticus laughs, "Of course not. The defenders were a group that never did much good, from what I've heard. Yet arsonists loose in a land full of trees is a dangerous thing, aye? And let me be clear, Kage, I do not ask merely for your information, but your skills in healing - and in poison, if need be. The payment would more than likely be far more stable than anything a band of brigands could offer, and with it would come food and board, if you so wish."   

Kage says, "A place to stay might be good.I am a wanderer and go from place to place.But where, this village dosnt seem to be a spot to stay now"
   
"For now a camp across the river, near the stone bridge." Atticus replies promptly, "Though myself and some of my company have made ourselves at home in the Blackgull tavern on the road. Now, as for this place...." He looks around. "This village may yet be rebuilt. I had hoped to establish trade here with the lands downriver, but that has been difficult these past seasons. But now..."
   
Kage shrugs "Maybe, but with no chieftain whom may be alive and may be not alive...it's hard to say. Once a leader disappers or prehaps dies...those loyal seem to leave or even show if they really cared or not."
   
"Well, the chieftain is not here." The ferret shrugs himself. "And with you admitting yourself that those who took her are long since gone.... I fear that she shall not return." He lets a small smile tug at the corners of his mouth. "So where does that leave this place, and the beasts left behind?"   

Kage says, "No clue, as I said some are moving elsewhere. Maybe to the sea or think a couple went north, I for one avoid the north...go far enough ya freeze"
   
"Not all will leave, I think," Atticus says, "in fact, I do believe that if we can begin to hunt down those responsible some would be willing to stay, and help. You mention the sea - many of the creatures with me, who you would be working with, hail from there. I do not wish to see Mossflower decline even more."   

Kage says, "Maybe.Who ever it was they were only intrested in Ferravale, some other damage was done by some beasts whom got too much ale I think.""

"Do you recall what type of creature it was who hired you before?" Atticus suddenly asks, side eying the cat. "I need not a name, but if you recall anything, please, do share."   

Kage hmmms"A fox maybe. yes a fox I think why do you ask?"   

"I ask because, my good cat," Atticus responds with a tilt of his head, "I am under the impression that - with or without your knowledge- your former employer is at once guilty of three crimes - arson, kidnapping, and, of course, murder."   

Kage hmms"All those are likely so. the group that took the chieftain in all the choas did murdur a couple of her guards"

"And yet you recall nothing else save one of them being a fox," Atticus mutters, reaching into his coat, "Really."   

Kage keeps a close eye on the ferret, he lays a paw of his own close to his belt watching Atticus very closely now,he stays quiet,alrt and oddly calm.
   
Atticus pulls out a small coin purse, studying it in his paws. "I have coin here," he says, removing two gold pieces, "That I would offer for such details as names, or species, or why they hired you, or anything else you know, but," he sighs, replacing the purse in his jacket. "You don't recall anything, really. A pity, truly."   

Kage looks at the ferret,he does speak" I only know they clearly wanted the chieftain gone, and the fires at her home and town hall may of likely been a distraction. I was simple told..."He stops, trust or not trsut the ferret. Its true he was not part of the kidnapping group, they learned of his skills and offered some much needed cion that he took,then he played along to the choas and even helped heal a couple of the villagers of burns.   

"Well, the fact they wanted her gone is rather clear, isn't it?" There's a dry tone to Atticus' voice as he speaks, still holding the two coins in paw. He looks down at them, picking one up with his free paw and holds it up to his eye. "Here," he says, tossing the gold to the wildcat, "Perhaps that will ease your mind and sits your memory."   

Kage catches the gold coin and looks at it,then at the ferret "I know some more, not much more though...I do have other skills that are useful..to some anyways. They knew I had skills and seemed not to give up much in the way of...where they went to or why they just stayed long enough to take the chieftain. Only a few got away from some guards...heck the main one may be dead already but probally not"   

"I see," Atticus repeats, mulling over the words. "Now, what exactly did you do for them?"   

Kage smirks "I am also an assassin for hire." He seems proud of this. "As for knowing much of a reason or this place....I as I said wander from place to place,dont usually stay long in one place too long."   

"Ahh, now I understand." Atticus dips his head. "But how do I know you speak truly? For instance, you merely witnessed the late Patch's death, rather than committing it. How can I trust your word and know you are not some boastful fraud?"   

Kage narrows his eyes. He stays calm though as he is smart"What if I had killed the rat...few seemed to like him from what I seen. I think the stoats were the tavern's main...what you call it..guards? or something, they took him to the infirm but he was already dead "   

"What if you did?" Atticus smiles, "What if you did indeed. I already told of how I would not shed tears for him, but I like to know what one has done and is," he searches for the right words, "/Capable of/, ere I pay them."   

Kage chuckles some,he speaks as he pulls out a blow pipe.."Pison can work fast...something so tiny like a dart."He looked at the ferret,a grin"Did you know a group know as the Fitchaye use these also, some darts to kill and a rare few to knock one out. Course main weapoons could have poison but it's easier seen, also as I said or maybe I didn't...it was an hour or so before sunrise,it was still dark. The serch teams didnt leave right away to hunt down the kidnappers, also rummors of a snake is true..the chieftain had one, it's gone off with the serch teams."He shrugs "But as you said earlier, its very unlikely any of the beasts will come back, the kidnappers or the chieftain or the search teams."   

"Oh, trust me, I know the snake." Atticus nods, "She - the chief, Blisa was her name I recall - once threatened to feed me to it." He spits, repressing a shudder. "I had offered to help establish trade... but no matter." His attention is wholly back on the wildcat. "Did you kill Patch with one such, Fitcheye, did you say- one such Fitcheye blowpipe?"
   
Kage smirks "Not saying one of them had this.This one is mine. I learned of them..group of rats and weasels that wear bones and leaves, mud and dark type clothin'..use to be by the river, I think the last vermin horde scared them off deper into the woods.They are not a group to get near"   

"They sound much like a squirrel tribe I heard off." The ferret grunts. "Savage beasts both groups, no doubt - but you did not answer my question. Was your blowpipe, and the poisoned dart within, was that how Patch died?"   

Kage is quiet, alert again and takes a chance"Yes....I killed Patch, so when I said I witnessed his death,that was true as I watched him die"   

A slow, wolfish smile spreads across Atticus' face. "And the truth comes out, friend." He holds out his paw still holding the remaining coin, offering it to the wildcat. "Three things you must keep in mind before I agree to hire you- if you ever find yourself contemplating using such arts as poison darts against me, even if you succeed I can assure you would soon thereafter meet me in Hellsgates. Two: obviously, do not breath a word of you being an assassin to anyone save me. And three - you must be willing to go along with our ways, and our laws. All easy enough in exchange for safety, work, and pay, hmm?"   

Kage takes the coin as he listens"I keep secrets well enough. What rules would those be?"He asks."And I don't kill those I work for, unless they try to kill me then that's a different story."He grins"Goon also mntion...I don't think thar be anymore ...Mossflower Defenders, de only ones in that base were a squirrel, now dead and a Ferret that decided it be best to change sides he was on, he was smart I say"   

"Who was the ferret?" Atticus' words a bit sharper than they have been. "I dislike those who abandon their own, even if their own are doomed. Hmm." He gives a single mirthless chuckle, "Perhaps that one shall be the first creature you fell for me."   

He claps his paws. "Right then, the rules, now. You will certainly find out more once you come back with me to the main camp, but in brief: killing when you do not have to is frowned upon, and killing innocents even more so- often the punishment for that crime is to suffer twice over whatever they did. If you a have dispute in camp, do not start a brawl but rather bring it to one of the company captains, they will act as judge for you. Do not harm your fellows, etc... you understand. It does little good for a company of beasts to hate each other when greater threats exist."   

"Oh, and I would ask that you act the part of the healer, be friendly, lie, cheat if you have to - but do not be found out." Atticus adds.
   
Kage nods"Smokefur was his name. And if you wish I could find him, a small...accident maybe could befall the ferret"   

The smile broadens. "Yes," Atticus says, "Yes, I would like that. Smokefur the coward. One thing more- my companions, such those company captions I have mentioned, they will know who you are, of course."   

Kage nods, he listens and knows to be careful, even if he is likely safe,being watched though seems to slightly upset him,but it's understandable.   

"I will have a contract drafted soon for you to sign," Atticus continues, "And I would suggest reading it in full. It'll be sent back across the great sea for record keeping. Oh, and of course," Atticus' face brightens as eh holds out his paw to shake. "Welcome aboard the Band of Merchants, Kage."   

Kage nods, an eyebrow archs "Over...seas?" He finds that curious but decides not to ask further"I will of course read in in full before signing it,not to worry on that"    He shakes the ferret's paw.

"Ah, but of course- forgive me." Atticus bows his head. "Over seas, yes. The band you have joined is but a small part of a much larger operation - we are the eastern and most northernly branch of the company called the Band of Merchants, formed from several city states along the great sea. Halyard is our main port in this land and I, and my lord, Urtas, who is currently residing in Redwall Abbey, have been tasked with expanding inland. Hence why I wished - and still wish - to make Ferravale, or perhaps a new village, a river port so we can all the more easily transfer goods and the like both to the sea, to Halyard, and to here, Mossflower. A greater connection, as it were."   

"Now come, friend, I should introduce you to my friends."   

Kage nods as he goes to follow Atticus and lets him lead the way to the camp that was mentioned, there he will fully read,look for small print on the contract before he signs it.