Redwall MUCK Forum

So I recently came up with a TP Idea, but I wanted to run this on the forum past the more important players on the muck (particularly Benar and DoraRose) before I proceed

So Here's the Pitch:

Far across the Eastern Sea (the opposite from the Western Sea which sports such locations as Salamandastron and Willowbark) a small island based kingdom known as Ravos Isle is led by the eagle (yes that's right, eagle) monarch Ravos XI and the Merchant Lords of Ravos of which the High Merchant is none other than Mergleton Charles Fredrich Desmond Applewood Zinsbury Korvovowitzchesteringtonshire III Sr. (Mergleton's Dad) who has been given a diplomatic mission to set up a Merchant's Guild Outpost in Ferravale which may help benefit both Ravos and Mossflower through mutual trade and prosperity. While the monarch himself remains in Ravos, he sends his advisor (name pending) in his stead who has other plans for Lord Mergleton's expedition. Political Intrigue and Mystery arise as the royal advisor will attempt to overthrow his king and take Mossflower by force as a new colony of Ravos with only the watchful eyes of both to stand in his way.

This TP will have some battle but will focus more on the murder mystery and political intrigue parts as well as just introducing and having fun with some hopefully very well written characters. If everyone is on board, I'm really looking forward to this.

New Characters:
1. Lord Mergleton Charles Fredrich Desmond Applewood Zinsbury Korvovowitzchesteringtonshire III Sr, High Merchant of Ravos- Mergleton's Father who has risen in the mercantile ranks of his homeland over the course of many many seasons. He is excessively formal (it's rather obvious where Mergleton got it from) but also far more serious than his son and perhaps a twinge too attached to honor and bureaucracy which may prove to be his downfall during the events of the TP.

2. Ravos XI- The relatively young recently crowned monarch of Ravos. While I don't have an appearance planned for him in this TP he will be mentioned several times and at least one failed assassination attempt on his life will happen during the events of the TP.

3. Royal Advisor- The name and species of this character are still pending but I'm looking for him to be a cunning mastermind who appears at first to be the last person you would expect to be the villain. Something about him will seem a bit off though. His ultimate goal is to absord Mossflower into Ravos and be crowned the 1st Emperor of Ravos though in the end his plot will be discovered and he will be sent back to Ravos to face execution (although whether or not he actually faces this execution has yet to be determined)

4. Lord Mergleton's Bodyguard- Another character who has yet to be determined. In this case, species and gender are both up for grabs and other than his/her loyalty to Lord Mergleton and by extension Ravos is unquestioning, the rest is up to you. I'm open to suggestions. This character also likely has a history with the younger Mergleton as well.

5. Ravos Scribe- A character I just came up with as I was writing this actually, everything about this character is open to suggestion but it makes sense that a scribe would come along.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQkGP6d6QSk

The day is cloudy, cool, yet dry. It may rain later, but not at the moment. Grey light filters through the overcast sky from the sun above, casting a gloomy air over the great Abbey of Redwall.

LilyMoore is standing beside a headstone in the graveyard, wrapped in a cloak over a black dress. She scuffs the ground with the tip of a boot because her great-grandmother insisted that she wear shoes today. The mouse maid is staring at the headstone, which has "Marek" engraved in it. A little shelter has been set up over this area, and some chairs have been placed nearby.

The memorial service is today, and the Bell ringer is determined to say a little speech about her friend. But the tears are already threatening. She wipes her nose on her sleeve. How will she get through this?

DoraRose and Angela come walking silently into the graveyard and stand behind her. The Gatekeeper rests a paw on her daughter's shoulder. "You ready?" The youngest of the trio of mice shrugs miserably.

Quietly behind them enter some Ferravalians, led by Blisa and her bodyguards. They stand a little ways away, having again politely left their weapons in the Gatehouse. And then.....they wait.

Benar steps into view, the Champion at his side as Matilda goes off to the side the abbot comes up front and nods "We are here today to Remember Marek. If it wasn't for him, its hard to say how long fighting would of went on or whom else would of lost their lives. It was decided for him to be buried here in the abbey grounds, today each of you have a chance to say a few words, in memory of Marek"

Xander stays off to the side for now, he frowns remembering catching a quick look at what happen at the Bell Tower that day. He is quiet for now.

Patch is here, he seems to have finally showed up after disappearing for a couple weeks. He didn't even hear about Marek's death till today, he frowns and is sad, in his own way.

Oz had a little help here, and he has, for now, a cane but one he doesn't plan to keep using as he is only borrowing it since it belonged to his brother Zork, but for now it is ok to use, for now.

Gorvenalus stays close to Oz and has a log book to write down what all happens today and anything important.

Rigel is not sure why he is here, he hardly knew the stoat but he did travel with him. He stays off to the side and listens quietly.

Mergleton is sitting alongside everyone else and is wearing all black robes today, next to him is Rupert who is similarly taking notes for the Ferravale record. He bows his head respectively but says nothing at the moment.

LilyMoore sniffles slightly, then turns and faces the gathered beasts, her mother and great-grandmother on either side of her. Once the Abbot is finished speaking, she takes a deep breath and closes her eyes tightly. Relaxing, she opens them again and lets her breath out slowly. She will not cry until she's done. She won't let herself.

"I know Marek did a lot of bad things," the Bell ringer begins, "but I only knew him as a good beast who was kind and helpful. I met him shortly after.....after Lorimis died, and he had snuck in to pay his respects. I didn't know who he was or anything. I just knew he was sad, and he helped me when I was sad. We became friends, and he was nothing but kind to me. Over the seasons, he helped me when I got lost in the woods, he gave me a bell, he helped me after my....my Daddy died."She takes another deep breath as more tears start to form. "He earned my momma's trust, and....." as she starts to choke up, DoraRose wraps her arm around her waist. A tear courses down Lily's cheek as she continues, "In the Bell tower.....during the battle....Ormaz had me up against a wall, and....and Marek grabbed him and jumped out a window....to save me and all of Mossflower." Butterclaw, who had been huddled nearby, chirps at her. "I know..." the Bellringer is crying earnestly now, "I know he did many bad things, but Marek did everything he could to save us. He was one....one of my best friends, and I'll....I'll never forget him."

As she finally lets herself cry, DoraRose hugs her close and adds, "Aye, he did do many evil things, but he did change, and he did what he could to prove that he was different. I am proud to have let him be my daughter's friend, and I am glad I gave him the chance."

Angela nods, but stays silent, not really one for speeches in settings like this. As the foursome of mice and bird go over to the chairs, Blisa stands, respectfully letting a few other people speak their pieces before she says hers.

Benar steps aside and lets others speak their thoughts .He can speak afterwards.

Lacota slips into the graveyard quietly, and stands a short distance away from the rest of the group. He never liked Marek, but it seemed disrespectful to not at least be here.

Xander is not sure what to say, but he does step forwards after a short while "I...ummm...well Uncle Zee knew Marek a lot better than I did. But I do know he helped me when I was younger, he even trained me some in fighting skills after..after Uncle Zee died and he helped the Mossflower Defenders a lot as well." He then steps down to let another speak.

Patch frowns, he speaks "I....I didn't even know Marek was dead till today, then no one tells me anything sometimes I find out later."He frowns as he looks over at the grave and sighs "Ya..ya rest in peace boss man, ya earned it" He then quickly sits down.

Oz stays seated by the recorder Gorvenalus, as the two listen to what others have to say quietly. Oz then decides to stand, with a little help, to speak. "Marek mentioned knowing my father, this being before I was born and likely right before Zork was born.Father never mentioned Marek, then again my Father died of a rather hard winter when I was almost a couple seasons old."He frowns" I didnt like Marek at first, but he did change..it took seasons but he did change, I forgave him, even after he was the one who killed my adopted son Maxtor..I forgave Marek for that nd he became a good friend."

Gorvenalus smiles as he speaks "I didn't know Marek too well but yes he was indeed a good beast and helped many. Me and him talked sometimes and I am glad of the help to Willowbark, seeing Willowbark again was...was the best thing for me, knowing my former abbey was still around and that beasts survived. Iwas glad to have Marek as a friend."

Rigel frowns, he just stays where he is, he didn't know the stoat that well.

Mergleton calmly walks up and faces the crowd as he speaks. "I first met Marek Redthorn when I was dealing with a rather unpleasant fellows several seasons ago, he needed funding to protect his village and I was more than happy to provide that funding. Eventually after the business with that nasty Irenievok fellow, Marek lost his village and returned to Mossflower, but I continued to provide monetary assistance to Marek in any way he deemed necessary, including both of his voyages to Willowbark Abbey. He was a respectful gentlemen and a proud warrior, and I am proud to have known him. I will speak with you all again shortly when the service is concluded, thank you"

As LilyMoore, DoraRose, and Angela sit down, Butterclaw settling comfortingly at the Bell ringer's feet, Blisa moves towards the front, the skirts of her dress and petticoats whispering softly as she travels over the grass. Turning and facing the crowd, the Chieftain of Ferravale folds her paws behind her back. "I knew Marek quite well, both before and after he changed. He was my tavern keeper and Ferravale Ambassador, wise in the ways of battle, yet kind. While his past isn't necessarily the most stellar, the fact that he did change and did the hard work of proving that he had speaks volumes of his character. I am proud to have known him, and while we may never know what exactly happened in the tavern when it blew up, I forgive him for that." Despite the solemn occasion, the cat smiles slightly. "Thank you for honoring him here in your Abbey, which, as my dear friend LilyMoore said, he gave his life to save. May he and his sacrifice and his repentance all never be forgotten." She turns to the Abbot, curtsies, then walks back to her seat and sits down. None of the other Ferravalians seem inclined to say anything.

Benar waits till most speak, The champion isn't sure what to say so she lets Benar speak "It..I will admit took me a while to trust Marek and even more time to Forgive him. But Marek did change over the seasons and for the better. He proved himself to be an ally and a friend to all. He will be remembered for seasons but not for what he was when he first came to Mossflower but for what he was, what he did just recently."

Xander has said what he is going to say and stays quiet as anyone that needs to speak, speaks.

Patch frowns as he looks at the ground and kicks a rock, is he....crying?

Oz and Gorvenalus have also spoken and just quietly waits.

Lacota raises a paw, and clears his throat to speak up. "I never liked Marek, but... He was honorable in his dealings. Marek... I forgive you..." He goes silent again.

Mergleton steps forward after everyone has spoken their piece and clears his throat. "Ladies and Gentleman of Redwall Abbey, my name is Mergleton Charles Fredrich Desmond Applewood Zinsbury Korvovowitzchesteringtonshire the Third, Esquire and I am here today to dissertate the will of Marek Redthorn, formerly of Send Valley. I have several statement here from the deceased that I will read shortly" he clears his throat.

"Article #1: To Benar of Redwall Abbey and Blisa of Ferravale, I leave what remains of the funds I gathered during my time in the Northlands to rebuild Mossflower following my brother's ill-fated crusade

Article #2: To Mr. Xander, I leave the deed to the Ferravale Tavern as well as specific grants to rebuild the tavern and the Mossflower Defenders headquarters, blueprints have already been sent to Mr. Texo and you will find that construction has already begun.

Article #3: To Mr. Patch, I want to assure you that for your contribution to my brother's defeat your employment at the Ferravale Tavern is insured.

Article #4: To Mr. Lacota and the Kitchens of Redwall, I leave my recipe books to do with as you may

Article #5: To Ms. Angela, I give you my field guide which have compiled over many long seasons and it's immensely important knowledge on herbs and poisons to better the future of Mossflower.

Article #6: To Mr. Oz: A solid pine rocking chair fit to your exact measurements crafted by the carpenters of our former home of Send Valley and imported here by Mr. Mergleton.

Article #7: To Ms. Dorarose, I leave a prized possession I have not used since my childhood, a dagger of pure silver once owned by father and his father before him, use it wisely

Article #8: To Mr. Mergleton, please speak with Blisa when you return to Ferravale, my position as Ferravale Ambassador is now vacant and I cannot think of a beast more suited to the task".

Mergleton reads off several smaller notes dedicated towards those Marek had a long history with, a process which takes around an hour to complete before finally reaching the final article. "Lastly, to my dear friend Lilymoore, I leave behind this wooden locket in your likeness carved in secret for you by Brother Ulraunt during our last trip to Willowbark Abbey, and this letter which I have instructed Mr. Mergleton to only read upon my passing. I cherish every moment I had with all of my friends, and I wish you all a long and happy life, Marek Redthorn"

Lacota peers through the cookbook dubiously. Maybe there might be some usefulness here.

As each article is read off, there is a growing murmur from the Ferravalians gathered. They're basically pleased, just surprised the stoat had so much to give. Blisa raises her eyebrows, but says nothing, just smiling slightly, accepting the gift with grace befitting a leader.

Angela also raises her eyebrows, accepting the book as it's handed to her. She starts flipping through it, scanning many of the entries. "Mm.....this'll be most 'elpful...." DoraRose accepts the dagger with a look of mild awe adorning her face. She unsheathes it, admiring its deadly beauty.

LilyMoore, still crying slightly, accepts the locket, smiling a little at how beautiful it is. Butterclaw peers at it, chirping in admiration. "Looks like Lilyfriend! Marekbeast goodfriend!"

Benar listens as the Will is read, The Champion is beside him and blinks. Benar nods at the funds, though not too much of the abbey was really messed up. A side gate, a storage building was destroyed by some birds, the funds will likely be saved, a small amount used to perhaps replace some crops lost.

Xander blinks "The..Tavern? Well new Tavern anyways...but why me?" Ok he is surprised but nods and smiles "I will make sure it is well taken care of, I even have a good idea for a name already for the Tavern once it's build"

Patch frowns"Just a job..what am I supposed ta do till then?" He pouts and looks at the ground, ok maybe there is more..right?..right?

Oz tilts his head as the chair is mentioned and nods slowly as he listens, well he can look into getting a chair size figured out later. Gorvenalus checks and even will double check with Mergerton on what all is said for records.

Mergleton clears his throat and addresses Lilymoore as he reads the letter. "My Dearest Friend, If you are reading this letter it means that events have transpired as I feared and I have fallen in the battle to protect Mossflower from my brother, but I implore you not to let sorrow overtake you for I assure you that I am in a better place and Mossflower is once again at peace as am I. As I told you once before, you must remember those you have lost not for the way in which you lost them but for the time in which you spent with them and the noble sacrifice they gave to protect those they loved. My friend, it will be a long journey to recovery the road will be difficult and I cannot promise that you will emerge from it unscathed, but I promise that when it is all finished you will grow to be the strong and powerful young mouse maid that I know is within you. You are no longer a child, Lilymoore and I wish you a long and happy life. Goodbye My Friend, Marek"

LilyMoore looks up at the fox as he reads the letter, and she starts to cry, covering her eyes with her paws, locket clutched tightly. DoraRose resheaths the dagger, slips it into her pocket, and wraps her arms around her daughter's shoulders. Angela rests the book on her lap and hugs the younger mice. Blisa reaches over and grasps the Bell ringer's shoulder. Butterclaw chirps quietly, comfortingly, and Lily can't help but continue to weep. But while she has a night to go through, full of weeping, her joy and power shall be found in the morning.

Lacota is respectfully silent. He has a lot to think about tonight.

Benar stays quiet, seeing if anyone else has anything to say before he clears his throat and speaks" If anyone else has anything to say before we head inside, now is the time."

Xander sighs, he seen Marek as a friend but he has also said what he needed to say and plans to take a little walk to Ferravale later, maybe with the Chieftain , so he can find and speak to Texo.

Patch frowns"Marek will be missed by a lot...likely more so than he ever thought he be missed by"

Mergleton bows respectfully as he departs back home for Ferravale, his carriage awaiting outside

Whom:

Marek- Ambassador of Ferrvale and Tavern Owner

Benar-Abbot of Redwall

Dorarose- Gatekeeper of Redwall

Patch- Annoying but helpful rat

Rayen- Healer fox and Archer

Rigel- Archer in Mossflower Defenders

Log:

===Redwall Abbey Infirmary===

Marek was up and out of bed, against the better wishes of the healers. He let them tend to his wounds and burns, apply what was need and fresh bandages and then was heading slowly to the doorway.

Patch notices and been watching"Hey..if your slipping out so am I, sides ya can't go wandering off alone your likely to fall over dead, with or without help from an enemy"

Rigel walks in and tilts his head "Someone is heading out? May be not good plan, least from front..many beast in the woods, and sometimes dirt road but they do nothing yet..odd but could be bad news yes?"

Marek turns "Patch....and Mr. Rigel. I can not stay here and more help is needed .A point is proven I shall need to have some company, you two may come along and if there is beasts close to the gates that means we should leave as quick as we can, while we can."

Patch blinks "Why would some beast be on the road or woods and be doin' nothing...that sounds dum"He turns to Marek and nods and errrrks "Shouldn't we get a healer ta tag along bossnman?"

Rigel asks, "They may be needin' healers here yes? Maybe we find one on trip?"

Marek says, "Mr. Rigel...I may know of one beast outside the gates, if she is still around but I am not planing to take any others with me a small few is less likely to be caught than a large group""

Patch nods "So small group..got it."

Rigel says, "I can offer my archer skills, also got good tracking skills so how far is this being if we be leaving...ummm now?""

Marek makes sure he has a few, not many, but a few supplies"2 weeks..about depending on a route to get there."

Patch folds his arms over his chest "Route...right I can find a good route and help avoid most beasts"

Someone knocks on the door politely before opening it and sticking their head inside. it is Benar, the abbot looks around and then moves in all the way, "I wanted to just see how you were doing Marek, sorry I haven't been in to see you before now things have been somewhat busy, the abbey is filled with beasts."

Rigel waves to the abbot"Greetings Abbot...yes beasts all safe inside....though there has been some siteings of not so good beasts in the woods and couple times on road yet they do nothing as of yet"

Marek turns when he sees the abbot, one eye now has an eye patch over it. He is currently standing up but goes to sit slowly in a chair some fresh bandages on his now.

Patch nods to the abbot, yes be polite today "We were getting ready fer a trip."He looks around, no he decides to not borrow anything.

Benar inclines his head toward Rigel, "Yes, Matilda has been reporting a variety of beasts seen watching us from the eastern treeline," he looks at Patch, "I heard you were preparing to go someplace," he then looks at Marek, "And that you were out of bed and planning to go... is that wise? You need to heal... what can possibly be in Willowbark that is so important you would risk your health like this? There are other beasts, beasts who aren't recovering from burns who can go."

Rigel frowns and speaks "Well he not be going alone and you are being needed of more fighters here yes?"

Marek clears his throat " There may be beasts there Mr. Benar that can help and if my brother is outside the walls as we speak it would be best for me to not be here. I can take a healer with me if you wish Mr. Benar but I will be fine and it appears Mr. Rigel and Patch will come with me and I have reason to believe Ms. Rayen is not too far from the abbey and she is a healer"

DoraRose enters the Infirmary Recovery. She looks grim and solemn....and determined. Noting who all is in here with a raised eyebrow, she nods to the Abbot, then turns to the stoat. "Is it true? That you're leaving the Abbey for Willowbark?" She has closed the door behind her and now stands with her legs planted firmly at shoulder width, arms crossed, looking directly into the stoat's good eye.

Patch looks between Dorarose and Marek, usually he would say something rude but...well he decides to be wise and say nothing as the mouse maid looks unhappy. He would leave but darn she closed the door, he sighs and keeps his mouth shut.

Benar looks at Dora then back to Marek, "I was just asking about that myself Dora... I... Marek the Long Patrol are coming I am sure that is what Martin showed me in my dreams last week. The Hammer Lord is Marching...." he pauses and frowns at the others, "Your brother is going to attack the abbey regardless of if you are inside it or not, I'd rather have your advice on him here then lost out in the woods."

Rigel just stays where he is, waiting to see what happens"I am knowing we should go soon if going"

Marek takes a deep breath and explains "Let him believe I am dead. My brother will do all he can to get inside, he won't stop and its hard to say if the Long Patrol will make it in time. There is not much advise I can really offer that I have not already offered"

DoraRose nods. "I'm not going to get involved in the 'should Marek stay or go' discussion." She glances over her shoulder, then pulls a small package and a jar out of her pocket. "I got my grandmother to tell me what creams of her fight infection. I then stole a jar of it and an eye patch so you can use the cream on your eye." She hands them over to the stoat, then adds, "If you do go, I would ask that you take LilyMoore with you." Her gaze hardens and her jaw clenches. "If Ormaz is anything like you, Marek, he WILL get in at some point, and I don't want my daughter anywhere in this area when that happens."

DoraRose returns to the Main Infirmary...

DoraRose comes out of the Recovery Room...

Benar looks at Lily then back at Marek, "I don't agree with Marek leaving and I really... am not sure how you expect to get to Willowbark and back again in time Marek. It's not that close but you're an adult if you decide to leave I won't stop you." He looks at Dora, "As for Lilymoore... she'll sneak off after Marek the moment she hears he has left regardless of what either of us say to her Dora, I'd much rather she was with Marek then sneaking through the woods filled with slavers and hoping to find him."

Rigel blinks but he listens, "Who is being Lilymoore" seems he has yet to meet her.

Marek takes the creme but frowns "Lilymoore with...me?" He sighs but will allow it, "As for Willowbark its not as far away as Salamandastron and I only plan to stay long enough to see if their champion or any other fighters would like to come. Then its back here"

Looking between the Abbot and the stoat, DoraRose shows nothing but surprise. "Oh! Um, okay....I was expecting an argument." She sighs and looks the squirrel in the eye. "That's not the reason I'm sending LilyMoore -- my daughter," she adds for the fox's benefit, "was there when I first met Ormaz. She gave Marek a hug before I sent her off to hang out with Blisa. Then Ormaz revealed himself and threatened her." She starts quivering slightly. "I want her out of the area when he gets here. Maybe while Marek and them are gone we will defeat Ormaz and I can KILL HIM!" All her pent up rage and helplessness come out in those final 2 words and she stomps her foot. Taking a deep breath, she closes her blue eyes, then opens them again. "I'm....I"m sorry. I just can't have my daughter here when Ormaz shows up."

Patch just...well..he isn't sure as he looks to Marek "Take the mouse already..take her"He whispers "Her mother scares me"

Marek takes a deep breath and then speaks "Alright ms. Dorarose...where is LilyMoore now as I am planing to leave out some back way now"

Benar folds his hands into his sleeves, "I have had enough arguments of late Dora... if you want Lily away to safety with Marek then to safety she goes," he turns to the window and opens it looking outside, "The Abbey is as secure as Matilda can make it... but if I could I'd get every child here to safety. But Redwall is our refuge, a bastion, It will hold Martin has sent us someone who can hold it but she will need you to be clear headed Dora." He turns back to his Gatekeeper, "You need to control your temper, your rage and not lose it, we need you thinking clearly."

Rigel raises a paw "Maybe if she is knowing her child is safe with us..less worry and more focus and clearness here yes?"

Smiling grimly, DoraRose nods. "I'll....try, Benar. I just....I haven't..." her smile vanishes as she looks to the floor, rubbing her arms. "I know I haven't been the same since Leon....I'll try...." she turns to the stoat. "She is in the Gatehouse. I'll go get her." Glancing at the Abbot, she adds, "I've been teaching her how to use my sword, and she's actually not too bad with it. Not, like, an expert by any means. But she could sort of defend herself in a fight if needs be, so long as some beast who can fight is there with her." She then turns and walks out the door, saying over her shoulder, "And I'll let Nana know that you left after you're gone. Else she'll drug your food or something...." and she's gone.

Patch sighs and looks at the door"There is back gates right?"

Marek nods silently and looks at Benar" One bit of advise Mr. Benar....my brother will likely try and go after the leaders or send...or try and send his horde after leaders. I will use a back gate as me,MR. Rigel,Lillymore and Patch head off...and I do wish you luck in all this Mr. Benar"

Benar says, "Very well..." he looks back out of the window then turns back, "Take the South Gate, travel south until you reach the ruins of St Ninians and circle out from there. That likely puts you out of reach of their scouts as they won't be watching the south as closely.""

Rigel nods "Sounds good..so off we go then, all is ready, I am hoping so cause we should be like now...get supplies later if not have em' now"

After a few minutes, DoraRose returns, LilyMoore in tow. The young mouse looks frightened, but she goes over to the stoat and gives him a hug. "Marek.....are we really going to Willowbark? Are y'sure you can make it?" The Bellringer has a haversack on her back, a cloak over her arm, and her mother's sword at her side, hanging from a brown belt. The Gatekeeper looks to the Abbot. "Which gate should I let them out through? And the sooner they leave, the better -- I /think/ a sparrow was muttering something about bad worms coming." She shrugs slightly, not really being able to understand Sparra speech. She turns to the door, already leading the little party of travelers off, figuring she can hear the Abbot's answer as she heads out the door.

Patch says, "I think we were leaving now.....right?"

Benar looks sharply at Dora and then out the window, he then reaches out and pulls the wooden storm shutters into place before closing the glass pane, "South gate, then reseal it," he picks up his habit hem so it is off the ground, "Good luck, everyone and I will see you soon."

Marek nods "Lets get going"He can answer any questions once they are in the woods and on their way to get to the Willowbark beasts.

==Out the south gate and to the woods and river ===

Once they reach the South Gate, DoraRose turns to the stoat. She opens her mouth to say something, then hesitates. She takes a deep breath, then goes to go something she's never, ever done before: give the Ferravale Ambassador a hug. "Keep her safe...please. I....I can't lose any more of my family." She pulls back and looks deeply into his eyes. "I am choosing to trust you. Stay safe, Marek...." Turning to her daughter, they embrace, both starting to weep. LilyMoore is a few inches taller than her mother, and is more willowy while her mother is stocky and strong. But their faces reveal their relation "I love you, Lily, and I'm sorry for everything I ever did that made you doubt that," the Gatekeeper says, hugging her daughter tightly. "Stay safe, and do everything Marek tells you to do." The Bellringer nods as she tries to hold back her sobs. "I will, Momma, I promise. Please don't die. I love you, too." They hug each other tighter, then the older mouse releases her daughter and kisses her on the forehead. "Go. And know that I adore you, and your father would be proud." Lily nods, and Dora opens the South Gate. Once they are safely outside, she closes the gate and reseals it, then, wiping her cheeks dry on her shoulders, DoraRose gets 4 chains and uses them to secure the 4 gates even more strongly. No enemy is going to get inside on her watch. She can only hope and pray that her daughter will stay safe. And that they can kill Ormaz before she returns.

Marek nods, once he and the others are outside they move quickly towards the church and will double back to the river where a boat is waiting for them.

Rigel acts as a back guard and keeps his longbow always ready.

Patch tagged along as well,  “A boat..well with the coming storm it should help us get some lost time in right?”

A voice is heard “And your going somewhere looking that horrible?” Its Rayen as she looks at the others.

Marek turns and nods “If you wish to come along Ms. Rayen get in now, or don't up to you.”

Rigel grins as he makes sure all is on the boat “The vixen with spunk..hello lass, always nice to have a healer and a very lovely one at that.”

Rayen just glares at Rigel “Touch me...hug me..kiss my paw or sit near me you die and we have one less beast on this trip.” She goes to sit down”I have healer herbs and bandages. Lets go..”

Patch smirks “I like her already, she stays bossman”He finds a seat and is ready to go.

Marek sighs and stays near Lilymoore, he is clearly tried from the fast pace walking they did, even a little jogging and looks ready for sleep, only after he makes sure its ok to rest will he take a small nap, the trip will be long but at least there shouldn't be any trouble as they got lucky, they were not spotted...its now on to Willowbark Abbey.