Redwall MUCK Forum

Who:

Ciocan- Badger Lord

Crevan- Fox Dibbun

Some spoofed hares

Log:

Ciocan is here, training, like he usually does every morning but he did take a couple days off. Near there is a couple hares keeping an eye on the shores, one of the hares seems to be a drill Sargent as they are most likely making recruits cry doing running and training drills .

Crevan has ventured out onto the shores today, he is wary of vermin, that is till he sees some hares and the Badger Lord of all beast out on the beach. Upon spotting the group he rushes over though not to close as not to get in the way but he does offer a wave

Ciocan is training, moves with his large war hammer. If a vermin came on shore it would be unwise right now, he does spot Crevan but finishes his training drill. A hare starts to walk over and the badger lays a paw on his shoulder "At ease Private, it's ok..he is not gonna harm anyone and is allowed to be here."The hare nods and backs off but stays alert for anything else as the badger offers Crevan a smile as he walks over and kneels down, not that it will likely help as much. He has a bandage on his upper arm still as he speaks "Greetings Crevan, you and your father are doing well I hope"

Crevan nods returning the smile "Papa leg is better today and is working." He watches some of the hares for a few moments before speaking again while still watching the hares "I also saw Hanzi again last night.......he was at the fighting pit again."

Ciocan takes a deep breath at the mention of Hanzi, "Well...if that's his wish, he can be there. I have more important things to tend to like ridding my shores of the Blackrose permanently"

Crevan nods looking back at Ciocan "He threatened me, said he hopes I don't tell where he has been, that he hate to have to hurt me." He frowns for a second but then smiles again "But I'm not worried, he can't catch me." He then decides to change the subject "So what are you doing on the beach today, why are some of the hares running around and some not?"

Ciocan says, "To train, it's important to stay in shape and practice when one is a warrior. Some hares do running drills and exercise outside and.."He chuckles a little "And a couple out here are very highly skills in case of"He frowns "Another surprise attack, even a skilled warrior is not always ready for all attacks, sadly some can be a surprise attack..unseen till it's too late and that happen a couple days ago, I fear it would of ended far far much worse than just a healing gash across my arm, it's not deep but still needed a couple stitches and time to heal""

Crevan turns to watch them for a little bit "Some of them don't seem to be enjoying it. I always liked running in the sand, but some of them don't seem to be having a good time at all."

Ciocan says, "Training is hard...tough when a recruit and training has gotten harder and stricter now. But there is days off"He watches as a group of recruits go to head inside, only 2-3 hares stay outside as the badger watches them and turns back to Crevan"Once the Blackrose is...taken care of I am going to look for Hanzi, when I find him I am unsure what will happen"

Crevan watches the recruits head inside "He looks like a hare, but he is acting like a vermin." He comments quietly

Ciocan nods, "Just..avoid him, if you can and let your father know as well.....Hanzi is in a great deal of trouble, but I will not go into detail but its a very high crime...what he did and its unclear what the punishment may be just yet"

Crevan looks over to the badger lord "I know what he did sir its all anyone at the tavern is talkin' about."

Ciocan closes his eyes and reopens them, it's clear he is controlling and holding back anger and he finally speaks "Yes...he is..sadly an enemy now and the only way he would be back in my mountain is in a cell...always guarded and he will be..punished and we shall see what happens"

Crevan nods looking over at the mountain "I wish I could see what it looks like in there, its such a big place. It has always been comforting to look at....but I bet it wouldn't be fun to be imprisoned in it." He looks back towards the Badger Lord

Ciocan says, "No..it likely would not, as for going inside one day..."He is quiet for a while and then says"Maybe...""

Crevan smiles when he hears this "Maybe is good, because maybe is better then no." He starts to hop up and down in excitement

Ciocan chuckles at this and looks around, "A lot may happen in a few days but if all goes well maybe I will pay a visit to halyard again..maybe"

Crevan nods "I'll show you where I live, its not a lot but before papa adopted me I didn't have a home, now I have a bed and its nice and warm."

Ciocan says, "To have a family and home is very good, as well as friends"

Crevan nods "I thought Hanzi could of been my friend......but he isn't friendly at all, but I need to get going, I should go back so papa doesn't worry....thanks for talking with me sir."

Ciocan nods "Of course..."He frowns at the thought of Hanzi and sighs, he nods to the hares "I am going inside I need to...mediate..and no one distributes me.."The hares nod, he heads inside with one the other he speaks to quietly and the hare looks at Crevan "His Lordship insists I walk you home..."

Crevan nods and smiles "Ok thank you." And with that he walks home

Who:

Melantha- Leader of the Blackrose

Kalypso- Daughter of Melantha

Taz- 2nd in command of the Blackrose

MOSWEN- Fighter in the Blackrose

A couple spoofed slaves...

Log:

The base was slowly getting the repairs it needed, they even had a total of like 9 slaves. Which included 3 otters, 2 voles, an odd hamster, a rabbit and a couple mice. A total of 4 other slaves had died and the Blackrose leader was far from happy about it as she glares at one of the otters “Hurry up and get me my dinner...MOVE IT!” The otter nods and quickly rushes off to get dinner made.

Kalypso  walks in and rolls her eyes”Your in a foul mood mother” She walks over and sits down.

“And where have you been Kalypso...where?” Melantha  snorts, ears back” You disappeared..again, it's bad enough you let hares kill one of our best guards..just to show those hares power...yeah kill a couple hares in front of them and ya thought it would go simply?”

Taz walks in, his arm gone elbow down as he looks at the two beasts and sits “The hare need to die...they are becoming a bit too out of control.”

Kalypso just sighs, she keeps it a secret so far that she freed the two hares, they were very much alive and the guard was dead at her paws, a lie about the hares killing the guard and so far they believed her story but she hid the urge to smirk and enjoy this, she raises an eyebrow curious at Taz but doesn't ask what happen, she wasn't there and its not important to her.

MOSWEN  just stays by the wall and sharpens a blade “They have an eagle now or maybe it is just in the area, but if it's their friend I am not daealing with possible death from above”

Melantha just shakes her head and a look at Taz, “I know that, if you didn't run into that archer hare, you would have been fine. It may be wise to stay outta sight a few days before you draw the attention of the stripedog”

Taz smirks as he grins, “Or not draw his attention. I happen to know something about the stripdog...he does exit his mountain, every morning around the same time to do his training on the beach.”

Kalypso listens as she speaks “So, there is likely more room on the sands than inside that mountain, I have seen him up close..he over 8.5 foot tall, he had to duck a couple times on the way through tunnels before being outside again. And he has a large war hammer, and some sort of blade as well.”

MOSWEN nods “He's a badger...why does a badger led a bunch of hares anyways?”

Melantha snorts “So..all the more reason to be careful....”She then stops as a thought comes to mind, “Same time..all the tine?”

Taz grins”Yes.”He chuckles “I only need one paw to fire a crossbow...and one of the dunes is nearby in range...all I need is sandy colored  cloak, which I keep around....I just go out while still dark and lay down with the crossbow loaded with a bolt and quietly aim, I am skilled and can lay in wait for hours..someone else loads it for me and I keep the safety on till I get up there and just lie...wait..let him train for a bit as no need to fire too early, and when the time id right..fire”

Kalyoso chuckles “He wears his armor....so good luck with that your likely to just anger him when it bounces off.”

MOSWEN just listens quietly as they talk and seemly plan.

Melantha listens and smiles “Take out  their Lord..I like it...but it may be harder with armor on, but wounding him could be good...if done right.”

Taz just smiles coldly “Oh..Armor dosnt cover everything and I am skilled remember....there is the neck, the head...an area around the shoulder blades that can ..slay almost instantly. His armor covers his arms and chest and his legs some, then again...it's chain mail.”He smirks “My cross bolts are sharper than most, and with speed faster than an arrow there is still a very good chance it pierces that armor....be it the chest or the back in a certain spot...you have a very dead badger and what better way to bring the long patrol down than losing their leader. This plan will not fail, trust me Melantha....he is as good as dead”

Kalyoso blinks at Taz as she listens, she looks to the doorway “That otter is late with dinner...I think I will go see what is going on”

MOSWEN frowns “Maybe a cross bolt in an otter instead..I can load the bolt, for either..or both...your choice.”

Melantha looks at Taz “Alright..but if you fail your only gonna add more problems for us and that's a good idea MOSWN..see what the hold up is I am starving though I hate to kill the otter...good help is so hard to find now a days and I like his cooking”

Taz grins “I wont fail you my master..” He chuckles “This will be...most enjoyable, I can even bring proof of it if you like”

Kalyoso nods and slips out of the room, the otter is told to hurry it up, but instead of heading back to the dinning room she gets a cloak, her weapon and heads outside and down towards the direction of the village and beach.

The otter finally comes in with wood pidgion, wild mushrooms and greens , some wine and rolls.

MOSWEN smiles “Finally dinner...we can talk and plan later right?”

Melantha looks at the otter “Good you live another day..thank you now outta my sight!” The otter nods and quickly heads off to do more chores.

Taz sips his wine and grins “Planing has only just begun..I shall head out before sunrise tomorrow master.”

Melantha nods “Good Taz..and Taz....please don't fail me...trust me you don't want to fail me” And she means it too, she has learned to be tougher,  colder, and a better leader than she was before...there is no way in the world the Blackrose is gonna fail under her leader ship..never again. She sips her own drink and eats her food, she will make sure the Blackrose is victorious and something to be feared for seasons to come.

Who:

Benar- Abbot of Redwall

Gorvenalus- Recorder of Redwall

Xander- Leader of the Mossflower Defenders

Ewan- RW Abbey Resdient LP Hare

Taran- Camp Willow Otter

Lillymoore- Bell Ringer for Redwall Abbey

Dorarose- Gatekeeper of Redwall Abbey

Foremole

Varies Abbey beasts Spoofed

Log:

It is snowing gently, thick flakes drifting down out of the grey clouded sky to coat the Abbey, Mossflower and all who are outside. There is a pool of warmth however where the snow is melting before it reaches the ground, an extra large bonfire built near the entrance to the Bell tower

Inside the Bell tower however is a hive of activity, a large scaffolding has been built up through the center of the tower, the main staircase is all but inaccessible leaving beasts to have to climb the ladders and slanted ramps around the outside of the scaffold. It is hollow in the middle however, a tower within a tower of perfectly cut and joined together wooden poles.

The scaffolding is swarming with moles and squirrels, the odd otter or order member and up near the top is Abbot Benar who is standing with Foremole examining the Matthias bell and more importantly the yoke holding it up. The two moles standing guard at the bottom of the ladder are not letting the curious or the adventurous up, it seems they have a list of who is allowed up and who isn't any if your name isn't on the list they aren't letting you past them.

"Burr aye Abbot, it is as you were saying," Foremole rumbles in his deep voice, "Tha wood be cracked badly, but doyn't be a worryin, we will ave'um tha tackle 'n ropes up soon and we can bring im down."

Benar nods his head and lays a hand on the golden bell, "It will be good to get this fixed, I miss his voice waking us up each morning," He looks over at Methusalah, "You finish up here I am going to go look at Methusalah's yoke," He walks around the edge of the scaffold, leaving the Foremole and his team to work and starts examining the large wooden beam and yoke that holds up the other bell.

LilyMoore comes into the Tower, dressed in warm leggings and a short tunic. And boots, because her mother and grandmother forbid her from leaving the Abbey building without them. She also has on a pretty blue knitted hat. Walking up to the moles, she politely smiles, then proceeds up the stairs when they give her permission. DoraRose comes in, wearing her black leggings and black tunic with a red knitted hat, helping some Order members add a bit more straw to the floor on top of what's already there. The Warrior spreads it around so the layers are a bit more even, then watches her daughter's ascent to the Abbot's side, high up in the Tower. The Gatekeepr grimaces. She never exactly liked heights. Hopefully she'll be most helpful down below, instead of up on the scaffolding.

Taran is here to help, if he can and seems glad to not be up high, after all birds and squirrels can be up there but he can bring anything in that's needed perhaps, or hold the rope below when told.

Gorvenalus is up in the scaffolding, not necessarily close to Foremole and the abbot but up here all the same, just not up as high as the others. He is making sure things are going well and lets one mole know he can go ahead back to the ground level."All seems good so far."

Xander came to help, be one of the strong beasts to give a paw slowly getting the bell down. He brought with him a couple of the stronger members of the Defenders. An otter and a fox, no worries the fox is on the abbey's side. He stays where he is as he has no clue what to do and is just basically waiting on instructions.

Ewan peeks inside and frowns, "Should I help or am I needed? I can reply messages....oh...dear.."He frowns after looking up and then decides bad idea "That's high up...how are they not worried? How are they ..standing there all calm like?" A novice beside him shrugs.

"Ayup Miss Lily," Foremole says with a tug on the brim of his cap,, "We'erum nearly ready, take this'um rope if you would be a lass," He holds out a very thick, nearly half a foot thick rope to the mouse, "An be lowering it down ta tha floor."

The foremole then turns back to his crew who are working the other end of the rope into a block and pulley system and then attaching it to the Matthias. Benar wanders down a ladder and moves to stand next to Gorvenalus.

"It's quite ingenious the method the foremole has come up with," He says, "Once the rope is down the beasts on the ground will take its weight and feed it back up and the bell will lower," The grey squirrel looks up at it, "I don't really understand the engineering behind it all but the foremole seems to know what he is about."

Down on the floor one of the squirrels working on the scaffolding comes over to the gathering of others, "Miss DoreRose, Master Xander, Master Taran, guests all," she looks around, "We'll be receiving the lower end of a

LilyMoore nods and does as she's told, using both paws to hold on to the huge rope. She's calm -- why wouldn't she be? She's in one of her favorite places in the world! Butterclaw the Sparra is nowehere to be seen -- he's helping with the other birds, and they're helping with the Dibbuns within the main Abbey building and beginning to wish they weren't. DoraRose nods and looks up again. "Will we be going up as a counterweight? I'm okay with that, I'd just like some warning." She's ready to help, she just needs to know if she's going to be high up, is all.

Taran nods as he steps over to help with the rope "Ok"He says quietly, he did offer to help after all and so he is helping.

Gorvenalus nods as he puts his paws behind his back "It is interesting. Willowbark had a bell tower but it was destroyed, I know Ferravale has one now but they only have the one bell that was given to them"He smiles"From Willowbark in fact."

Xander nods as he goes to get the rope to help"Ready when you are."

Ewan walks over slowly, well it is on ground level after all "Where do you need a hare at? I can help, I think so anyways."He doesn't look up through as he is likely to get dizzy, he never liked the crater at the mountain yet he had to go up there a couple times and made sure he stayed away from the edge...far away from it.

The squirrel laughs softly at DoraRose's question, "not at all Miss DoraRose," She points at a very large rock nearby that several of her team are securing in a web of rope, "That thar rock is the counterweight, you pull tha rope, it goes up, the bell comes down, is quite the little mix of pulleys and weights so fear not yer feet will be staying firmly on tha ground, be warned though it be heavy and hard work."

"Good Lad Taran," She grins, "That's the spirit lad," She then checks everyone is holding the rope and spaces them along so they can all heave on it as needed, "Just 'ere, it's Ewan isn't it? Our resident hare? Good so hold on and be ready ta pull."

Up in the tower Benar shakes his head and looks out a window toward the north, "I have seen Ferravale's belltower... it could do with more buttressing at the bottom or it'll collapse during the first earth tremor like ours did originally but I haven't wanted to comment on it to Blisa, they are all so proud of it and I just can't ever seem to work out the best time to raise the topic. I'd like them to learn from our mistakes not have to live through them."

Foremole looks down and then over at Lily, "Ok lass, oop on tha bell, yer riding tha guide," he clambers onto the webwork of ropes now ringing the bell, "See 'ere," he gestures at the large rope, "Keep an eye on it, it needs ta run through and stay central or it might tip or start ter spin, think ye ken do tha for us lassie?"

On the ground the squirrel madam hops up onto the counterweight and holds onto the central rope, "Ok everyone, seize tha there rope and be ready for me signal."

LilyMoore grins widely. "I'll do my best!" As she starts to carefully climb onto the bell, her mother of course just happens to look up right at that moment. "Lily, be careful! If you fall, so help me..." The Bellringer gets a firm grip on the rope and waves to her mother below, being careful not to lean. "Don't worry, I'll be careful!" She positions herself to where she can have the rope in question in sight at all times. DoraRose grabs the rope and turns to the squirrel. "Well, I can do hard things, and heavy lifting isn't new to me. I bet as a team we'll have it done in no time." She braces her feet and paws, ready as she could ever be.

Taran nods as he gets good grip and waits on the signal, he listens very carefully.

Gorvenalus hmmms as he listens "Well let's hope nothing like that ever happens again, I have read little of it but heard not so good stories of that events from seasons ago" He stays beside Benar as he speaks and watches the beasts work as he speaks.

Xander nods, he has a good grip on the rope just like the others do as he just slightly listens to what is said and pays close attention.

Ewan nods "Yes..Ewan..."Yeah no time for long names he will just do what is needed to do, he is a little concerned as this is the first time he has done something like this, but a deep breath and he is ready.

"Alright then!" The squirrel shouts up, "We're ready down here Chief!"

Foremole checks lily is ok one last time then hops off the bell to go over to a series of levers attached to some sort of gear and rope and pulley system. He pulls a lever and there is a clunk, "Ok brace yerselves!"

The squirrel leading the ground team grins, "Ok everyone here we go, brace yerself and be ready," she shouts up, "Go Chief!"

The foremole throws another lever and the Matthias bells is suddenly free and everyone on the ground will feel a sudden increase in the strain on the rope. Not a lot but enough to give a feel that things are ready, "Byrr o'kay," the foremole calls, "I be pullin tha break so start ta pull yer all!"

LilyMoore stays steady on the bell, refusing to look away from the rope that is her responsibility. DoraRose feels the tension, alright, and she adjusts her stance slightly, suddenly very glad she's so strong. That bell is heavier than it looks. She tried to brace herself mentally for how heavy it is, but having never done this with any bell before, she simply had no way of knowing. But she's quickly readjusting her expectations as she prepares to pull on the rope.

Taran nods, he is able to handle the slight weight suddenly without too much of a problem, just a slightly tighter grip on the rope and he is ok.

Gorvenalus watches from where he is, things seem to be going well so far. He looks at all the pullies and things "I must say...this is interesting setup and does make this a lot easier indeed...hope its just as easy to place it back up as well, then we repeat with the other bell"

Xander was ready and already griped the rope better and made sure his foot paws didn't slide, he takes a deep breath and then exhales...ok he is ready as he can be as just listens and moves slow when needed and only slightly faster when needed, this is a take it slow and steady sort of thing and he knows that as he keeps his focus the whole time.

Ewan frowns,ok this is...it's good right? He is doing fine so far...right?" This is..going good..right?"He glaces up once and then just straight ahead. He is stronger than he seems to think he is, it's just not something he is use to doing, but he also isn't refusing to help. He will stay and help.

As the party on the rope pull the large rock the squirrel is standing on lifts off the floor then starts to rise! And the Matthias begins to lower... each heave, each inch the rock lifts is an inch the Matthias lowers and soon enough the rhythm is going nice and steady as bell and rock exchange positions.

Foremole and the squirrel call back and forth to each other and the bell sways gently as it descends, "How we be looking Lilymoore? We being on tha' thar straight n narrow m'lassy?"

LilyMoore takes a deep breath. "So far, so good! I'll let you know if it goes awry.....hopefully it won't." DoraRose continues to pull on the rope, silently wondering why she put herself at the front of this little group. It's not an issue, she's just questioning her decision on her position. But mostly she's focused solely on the task at...paw

Taran keeps the grip on the rope, his foot paws slips forwards once but he manages to get a good grip still and get into a better position again.

Gorvenalus watches and lets the foremole and squirrel handle this as they better know this sort of stuff than he does. He is watching though and will write about this in his log book for beasts to read, even seasons from now read about this. He glaces at Benar and then back to the lowering of the bell.

Xander nods slowly, stays focus and a strong grip as the bell is lowered. He makes sure no one slips that is helping with the rope, even encouraging them "We can do this..it's going well."

Ewan frowns, ok just get the bell lower and lower to the ground then they all can go in for tea and scones, tea and scones is always good and a way to calm the nerves.

The Matthias continues to descend, inch by inch, the counterweight goes up, soon the rock and the bell pass each other and the squirrel riding it waves at Lily, "Doing good lass, keep an eye on it though!"

The rock and bell pass, the bell continues down and a group of moles wheel a large cart into place beneath the bell ready to accept it as it comes down. Benar loops his tail around the scaffolding and leans out to watch, "Looking good Foremole, nearly there! Keep it up everyone!"

LilyMoore hasn't taken her gaze off the rope this entire time, and she doesn't do so now. To keep her mom from being upset, she doesn't let go of her paw holds to wave back, either, but she does grin at the squirrel's compliment. DoraRose continues to pull, focusing on the task at hand and letting the moles and squirrels and whoever worry about carts and straw and keeping everybody from dying and stuff. Although keeping a good grip on the rope will help people not die, so maybe this is the perfect job for a Warrior....

Taran looks up and smiles, ok so over half way down, that's a good thing.

Gorvenalus watches and also makes sure Benar is being careful as well."Careful there Benar" He says quietly as he watches the bell lower and the rock go up,"So where will we be repairing the bell anyways?" He is curious if its inside or somewhere on the grounds.

Xander keeps his grip, steady..steady as he stays focus, it may seem like it's taking a while but it's ok and better to be safe after all.

Ewan peeks up and then quickly forwards again"It's..almost down, that's good..then we can all rest and relax again." He's doing fairly well helping.

The Abbot chuckles at Gorvenalus and moves back onto the platform, "Don't worry so Gorvenalus, I've climbed taller things then this scaffolding, anyway shall we head down? It is nearly there."

Ten feet left, then seven, six, four, two and with a soft chime as the bell settles onto the waiting wagon it is down. The counterweight is all the way up top and the moles move into secure it as the Foremole settles the locks and brakes on his machinery.

"Arr tha be it all! Goodun work everybeast! We'llum be getting tha yoke down next her abbot so tha carpenters can fit tha new one!"

Benar waves and calls down, "Good work everyone, very well done!"

LilyMoore smiles satisfactorily as the bell comes to a rest on the cart. Standing, she strikes a pose as her mother releases the rope and walks over to the cart. "Good job, honey," she says, holding out her paws to help her daughter down. The Bellringer grins mischievously, then slides down the bell and jumps to the floor. DoraRose rolls her eyes, but she can't help but return her daughter's grin. "You're a rascal, Sweetheart." "I know, Momma," is the cheeky reply.

Taran looks up once the bell is down"Is the yoke hard to get down or are the moles handleing that?"He stays close to where he is.

Gorvenalus smiles and nods "Down sounds good my friend and maybe everyone can go inside for a little rest."He will head down when the abbot does.

Xander relaxes only after he knows all is well and stays nearby to see if help is still needed, he nods to the one otter and fox, it's ok if they go off for now and he looks over at Benar and Foremole.

Ewan smiles "Ok ..all is good, all went well then I wasn't worried" Yeah he was a little bit but he is not saying that to anyone here.

Benar comes down the last ladder, "Foremole and the Abbey Carpenter are working on that, now the bell is down the rest is just woodwork," he smiles, "So come along everyone, the Kitchen staff have been roasting us a well done supper out at the Bonfire, mulled cider and a snack for everyone i think."

LilyMoore pumps a fist into the air. "Yes! Race you!" The exuberant and hyperactive Bellringer dashes out the door. DoraRose looks to the heavens. "Oi.....because her adventure riding the bell wasn't enough for one day..." and she heads out the door, too. After they have their cider and snack, they go back about their business, with Lily rescuing her bird friends from the Dibbuns. Birds are not pillows, no matter how fluffy they are, so you shouldn't sleep on them.

Gorvenalus chuckles as he walks over to Benar"Seems today went very well, hopefully it will not take too long to fox what is needed to fox and get the bell back up once again."

Xander walks over "I will help again for when the bell needs back up and when the other one is needed down and back up again"

Ewan watches the others "That was different and interesting never helped take a bell down before" He smiles at the idea of a snack"Snacks are always good to have anytime of the day"

Benar says, "Indeed today went very well, we can have the bell properly polished and checked over as well whilst it is down and the carpenter works on the wood," he stands near the fire and holds up his cup of cider, "Thank you everyone.""

Gorvenalus watches as some beasts nod, others chat among them,self's as the beaver gets some cider and sips it"We will have to do something once both bells are fixed and polished and once more ready to be rang"

Xander nods "Your welcome" He gets a snack and a drink and sits down on one of the chairs that was brought outside, not too many chairs and some beasts got their drink and snack and went inside, some stayed outside to chat.

Ewan smiles, he stays where the fire is and just seems to like the company of the other beasts"This sort of reminds me of once when they had a bonfire on the beach on the western shores...I forgot why now, it was a few weeks before we went to leave to help out here"

Benar says, "A good bonfire outside and a warm drink and friends is always welcome Ewan, but if you will excuse me I need to go thank Foremole and his crew," he nods to everyone and heads off to talk to the Foremole who has just come out of the Bell Tower."

Gorvenalus smiles as he sips his cider"It has been a good day. I shall write of it later...later though after I enjoy this."

Xander chuckles "It was nice out here....yeah I know it sounded odd...I meant the fire and friends is nice....company, it's good"He smiles as he sips some cider.

Ewan smiles,"Yeah..friends...friends are good to have always"

Gorvenalus heads inside once most of the others do before he goes to bed writes down the events of today in the logs book.

Who:

Ciocan-Badger Lord

Varus- Major in the LP and Fighter

Gregorian- Sargent in the LP, and Fighter/ Blacksmith

Log:

Ciocan is up here to look over some papers he has, also it's a place to go for fresh air and to try and relax and not be disturbed, unless of course it was important.

Gregorian hadn't got much else from the merchants and met back up with the other hares without problem. Then it was a quick march back to the mountain. By the time they're back it's evening and Greg's limp is not being faked anymore and is real now but discomfort will not slow him down. A quick ask around to find out where his Lordship was he heads straight for the crater. He salutes quickly "Sah"

Ciocan looks up and frowns at the limp, "You alright Gregorian?"He places the one report in his pocket "Need a healer?" He makes a mental note they need more healers and the one report of one leaving is not the best news, but he spoke briefly with the hare and decided it was best to honor the request.

Varus follows up just behind Greg, and tosses a salute, as well. "Sah." Glancing at the slightly older hare, he frowns briefly, then says, "Ah, err, Sah... We 'ave somethin' ta report..."

Gregorian's limp gets worse every time he has to hurry for an extended period, side effect of his missing leg and lingering pain related to it. He muscles through it so he doesn't have to retire again, nothing a rest wont fix "Fine sah" he glances back to Varus when he arrives "Yes, news tah report. We've been tah Halyard" he stops though, let the younger, senior officer do the reporting.

Ciocan looks between the two, this has to be important as he nods "Go on" He says calmly as he will listen to what is said.

Varus nods gravely, and decides to start by diving into the deep end first. "We've identified Tarsa's murderah. A shifty lookin' mahten... Didn't get 'is name yet, but I'll keep askin' around Halyahd..." He pauses there, so Greg can add his own observation, specifically about Hawkeye, the Major having not overheard the exchange between otter and marten.

Gregorian continues on after Varus "Didn't catch a name eithah but he's got purple eyes so he's easy tah spot. He was talkin' tah Hawkeye, bartendah at the tavern, ottah. He was talkin' tah him about gettin' his help and askin' about the patrol...Hawkeye didn't seem tah remembah it when we spoke tah him aftahwards"

Ciocan hmms"Hawkeye....maybe speak to this Hawkeye a little more. But not remembering a chat or...odd and should be looked into. Did he act odd when he said this? Sound..off at all?" He shakes his head as he starts to think "Something needs done with the marten and the sooner the better. A group needs put together for a mission..."He then adds "But...do not put Private Zolomon in the group, yes his rank is slightly higher than the other privates but...he has been effected by Tarsa's death the most and it's unclear how well he would emotionally handle the mission and we need beasts on the mission that will be able to think clearly and quickly"

Varus stands up straighter. "I placed Private Zolomon on indefinite leave. This has left my unit extremely understaffed, I'm afraid... I've had to ask Sahgeant Maxim from the reserve unit to take Tarsa's place temporarily... In the meantime, I intend to coordinate with Jinora to track this secretive vermin group down..."

Gregorian pauses for a moment to think on the otter's behavior before answering "I don't know him well enough tah say. He seemed disoriented. Tired, headache...It may be he is ill and it's unrelated but I would treat it as suspect. The marten may have some trick ovah the ottah" he nods to the suggestions of a joint mission "I happened tah speak tah Zolomon last week. He seemed tah accept that he may be compromised on this and he agreed tah stay at the mountain. I believe he intends tah keep his word and stay put"

Ciocan nods "This is good that he stays put, he can be put back on active duty after this mission. I myself have only been to Halyard once, I usually just go as far as the beach to do some training. I would suggest being careful and seeing if more information can be got, like possible names of the group..how large it might be, things like that."

Varus nods, adding after Greg, "'E seemed strangely dazed, too... Very odd, really." He frowns, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "At any rate, I'm also suggestin' that we institute a curfew... Th' mahten made it clear that 'e'll keep killin' Patrollahs, an' I'm not lettin' 'im 'ave that satisfaction..."

Gregorian nods his agreement to the curfew "He at least had a ferret with him and based on Tarsa's death and the flowah left with her Zolomon was convinced it's the Blackrose again. We tried tah follow the marten and ferret and I asked around the merchants at Halyard but we don't know where the marten goes, only that he's been seen at Halyard a lot. He must be camped up somewhere near there"

Ciocan nods "I do know of tattoos this group has, supposedly one their members as well as slaves they marked have a tattoo that a lot more simple than the Blackrose members tattoos. I have not seen a picture but I know the members are said to have a black rose flower with thorns,vines and leaves on it and very detailed and the leader may be a cat, if she wan't killed already."He shakes his head "I had a report of two missing privates at the same time as Tarsa's death, any report info on that by any chance?"

Varus frowns at the mention of Blackrose. "Nothin' I'm afraid, Sah. They're still missin', but if th' Blackrose is involved, then I think we know who's got 'em now..."

Gregorian shakes his head "No sah...the only good news is that we haven't found them dead. We don't know where they are or if they are alive still..." he nods to Varus "Blackrose have a history as slavahs. There's at least a chance they're still alive out there.

Ciocan takes a deep breath and then exhales before he speaks" We need to hunt them down, and when found come up with a plan on how to stop them. If need be I will come along once this hideout is found, but do not try and ambush the base as soon as it's found..study it best you can without being seen and then, as I said, a plan on how to take the Blackrose down can be made, as well as whom goes and whim doesn't go on the mission"

Varus looks disgusted. "Those Blackrose scum 'ave grown too big for their britches... It's about time we teach 'em a lesson they won't soon forget..."

"Teach them and the rest of the shore" Greg grumbles "We can't go on gettin' attacked like this all the time. We need tah wipe them out so thoroughly no one else tries for a while"

Ciocan nods "Agreed. Keep me updated and when more info is gotten report back to me."

Varus nods to Greg. "Aye, we will. Or mah name isn't Varus Trinius Visurgis Swiftbuck... We will crush these vermin, an' the soonah, th' bettah..."

Gregorian nods too "Yes sah...We need tah find him and follow this marten or anyone who talks with him. They'll lead us tah the othahs eventually...With yah permission I'd like tah go and find Majah Jinora. We need tah get movin' on this" assuming no objections he moves to stiffly limp back in to the mountain.

Ciocan nods "Go ahead and update her as well, having two units on this may well be good." He glaces at towards the beach and raises an eyebrow, he then nods as he turns to head back inside "I will be in my quarters, I need to think and then get some rest"

Who:

=Let's just say A lot were on ==

Log:

The Great Hall is bedecked with boughs of pine and mistletoe and holly with clusters of red berries.
The tables are bedecked with festive pot-plants, platters of food, urns of soup, fresh bread, pies, cakes, tarts and every kind of drink imaginable.

The Abbot hasn't arrived yet but most of the elder council have arrived and are sat at the top table whilst the dibbun keepers are having a hard time keeping the little ones from starting already. There is a festive air, an annoyance of impatience and a hubbub of voices as everyone waits for the abbot to put in an appearance so the feast can start.

Xander is here as he goes to find a chair to sit in. He had let some other beast know the feast was today and left it up to them if they came or not.

Ewan hasn't worn his Long Patrol uniform since it was decided he was staying at the abbey. Now he enters with his Private, fighter rank uniform deciding it was a good occasion to wear it. He steps into the room and looks around before he finds a chair nearby.

Gorvenalus had been finishing up a couple things in the library but he also is soon entering the room and goes to sit near the other elders of the order, he hello here and a brief hi there.

Mara enters the room and looks at all the wonderful dishes set up on the table...what a fortunate time to end up here, she thinks as she finds a seat that would fit her. The badger maiden has washed up and took the time to clean her favorite dress - the one she is presently wearing as she settles in.

Taran enters once more, he had helped a little in the kitchens, nothing too major just what was needed. He smiles as he looks at all the gathered beasts in the room.

Lacota enters the room with two novices pushing a cart with a massive cake that looks like the Matthias and Methuselah Bells. They wheel it over to a spot before the Elder's table.

Thomas is assisted to a chair by a novice, and he thanks the younger squirrel for his help.

Rigel is here and right away goes to get some food! Oh and Ale.

Matilda  enters and quickly finds a chair by the  where the abbot will sit and waits for the feast to start.

Benar finally walks down the stairs wearing his best habit and vestments.

He moves through the crowd smiling and pausing to say hello to everyone as he goes, he finally reaches his chair and settles down and picks up a bread roll as a hush falls on the hall, beasts straining to look toward him.

The squirrel looks up and over his glasses, "Was there something I was meant to do?" He asks with a sly grin and a young Novice nearby calls out.

"Open the Feast Father, please..."

Benar strokes his fuzzy chin and looks around the room and then laughs and holds up his bread roll, "Oh very well if I must, welcome one and all, friends, guests, my brothers and sisters of the order, I welcome you all to this our Annual Winter Feast, my thanks to Friar Lacota and the kitchen staff and this amazing cake! Just look at the size of this... you have outdone yourself Lacota."

"Ger on wid it," A young mole dibbun shouts before being shushed by an attendant sister and the abbot laughs softly.

"Ok ok, Welcome to the Winter of the Quiet Ice, may we all take a moment to give thanks for our friends, our family and this bounty spread before us," He pauses and waits for about twenty seconds before breaking his bread roll in half, "I declare the feast open!"

Xander smiles as for now he stays seated as he waits it seems, least for now.

Rigel walks over "Sir..Xander? Are you not going to be getting of food and drink?"

Mara looks at the cake in wide-eyed wonder, unable to imagine how much time and effort went into making it. She cannot help but to smile at the dibbun's insistence to carry on, then waits for the okay to start digging in...

Ewan smiles, he smiles as it is declared open "I like the name..and the cake is most lovely."He gets himself a plate and some October ale before sitting back down.

Thomas cannot see the cake, but he assumes it is impressive.

Gorvenalus chuckles as he lets a few get some food before him before he heads up to get a plate, but first he writes down a few things in a log book he has.

Taran frowns, oh well he did ask some of the Camp Willow Otters to come, not his fault they didn't. But it's fine he will still have a nice time and enjoy today.

Atvi slowly goes down the stairs and sits on the last one as he watches all the beasts gathered, a slow blink and a small frown. He needs to get use to this place again.

Mara decides to get up and help herself at this point. She takes a plate and loads it up with a couple of the tarts, some bread, and a couple slices of the savory pies before returning to her seat. She then gets up and gets a glass of one of the cordials, then returns to her seat and says a few words of thanks before digging in...

Lacota stands by, and nods. "Thank you, Benar. I took a lot of time to get them identical to the real deal..."

Thomas remains seated, but a novice fixes up a plate for him. When the novice returns, he says, "Thank you, lad."

Aric arrives, with a small group of squirrels and mice and carries his daughter Luna as he looks around and shrugs "May as well stay I say..enjoy the feast and merriment"

Luna giggles and when she is let down will go sit where the other dibbuns are sitting.

Matilda  gets some salad,pie,soup and rolls with some October Ale.

Benar helps himself to a bowl of thick chestnut soup and several warm bread rolls. He then pours himself a cup of tea and smiles at the Friar, "I am very glad you had time to make a cake Lacota, it looks almost too good to cut open."

He looks around the hall at the hubbub of talking and chatting and eating beasts all having fun and smiles, "You did an amazing job, just look at them all my dear old friend, this makes it all worth it and skating on the pond afterwards will be fantastic."

Xander sighs, well who ever he was looking for seems to not be here as he stands and goes to get himself a plate of food and some tea. He glaces over at Benar and then sits down to quietly eat and sips some tea.

Rigel is just enjoying the food, the ale...and OH! CAKE!

A young dibbun girl, an otter, passes by where Mara is sitting and looks at her for a moment, then turns to her and says, "What a pretty dress!" Mara can only smile and thank her for the kind words before cutting off a piece of pie with her fork...

Ewan grins "Ice skating..sounds fun chap..and the pond is least frozen like a jolly stone brick, wot wot..."Well he is in a good mood tonight, then again its a feast and he is a hare after all.

Atvi frowns, he for one is not going near the pond, in fact he just stays on the steps and watches everyone else.

Jaxson comes, ok he is late..why late again and for the feast. He is glad though that a lot of good food is still here and gets some before sitting with some water to drink.

Matilda  asks “Skating?'

Gorvenalus smiles "Ice skating? Sounds interesting...and the wind has calmed down a good deal, it won't be as cold feeling and beasts can always bundle up. hmmmmms maybe cider or hot cocoa to be ready near the pond"

Mara oohs. "I don't think I've ever tried ice skating before...sounds like fun!"

Taran asks, "I wonder when beasts first decided it was fun?"

Aric chuckles a little, it seems the group of travelers have joined the feast, a couple even do some magic tricks like a sudden coin in an ear, or an endless supply of scarfs out of a sleeve, one does a handstand and juggles with their foot paws and then gets upright and bows with a grin. The beaver chuckles as he sits down."Glad we decided to stay...least till spring time and I must thank your moles sir abbot for getting our cart ere' "

Lacota hmms. "I doubt very seriously that I shall go skating. However, I'm sure other beasts will have fun."

Thomas feels around for his cup of cordial. "At least it's not thin ice..."

Mara looks over at Taran with a smile, saying, "I'd be willing to wager that it was an otter who thought of it first." Then she takes a sip of her cordial and lets out a soft sigh, while looking upward. "I wish Mother and Father were here with me..."

Benar smiles and nods at Gorvenalus, "Oh yes, Sinway and the team have set all the lanterns up and bonfires around the pond and the ice is thick enough we can all go skating after dinner."

"Come now Lacota, you have to join us, it will be great fun! I promise," He gestures, "As Ewan says it will be great fun."

The abbot finishes his bread and stands up, "Now if you will excuse me I need to mingle," He moves through the crowd, stopping at each table to sample some of the food on it and talk to anyone who wants to talk with him. He pauses by Xander and places a hand on his arm, "You ok? Cheer up Xander, do try and enjoy the feast."

He then moves on and stops by Aric and grins, "I am glad the Foremole's team where able to help get your cart here. Do you think we might see some of your troupes performing skills this evening? I am sure everyone is eager to see you perform."

Xander smiles...some "It just seems..Krisha is likely in Ferravale is all...probably helping to fix the forge for Ferro and to check on him. Guess..Guess I just worry sometimes is all"

Atvi tipy toes into the room, finally and looks around. He about trips on his robe..yeah that needs hemmed just a little.

Lacota huffs. "I don't know. I'm no spring hare, you know..."

Ewan chuckles,"Any age..almost any age can skate."

Taran gets a little soup and bread as he smiles and starts to speak with a novice that's close by and tries some pie.

Aric smiles "Some are doing...simple tricks. maybe some more juggling could happen"He chuckles "I like it here and I think Luna does as well"

Mara decides to get up and get a bowl of the chestnut soup the Abbot had earlier, wanting to see how it tasted. She sees Taran talking with a novice and leaves him be, then turns to Xander once she sits down. "So I was in the library earlier," she says, "and you'll never guess what I discovered!"

Thomas sips his cordial. He knows for a fact he won't be skating, for obvious reasons, but doesn't say anything about that. Instead, he remarks on the delicious Deeper'n'Ever, Turnip'n'Tater'Beetroot Pie. "Simply amazing."

Xander sips so tea, but he is curious"Discovered what? I know you were looking for a map.."

"Neither am I Lacota," Benar calls back to the Friar, "If I can do it so can you! We don't have to be adventuresome, just a slow turn around the outer edge will do."

He then smiles at Aric and nods, "I can see them performing, it looks like good fun, I have never had a knack for it myself... but I am glad to see everyone is having a good time. I am glad you and your Luna decided to stay with us for a bit, you have certainly brightened things up around here."

He pauses to cut himself a slice of the turnip'n'tater'beetroot pie as he spots it and settles down on the bench next to Aric, "Oooh I didn't realize there was some of this, have you tried it? It is great pie and Lacota always cooks it just right."

Atvi takes deep breath and walks the rest of the way into the room, then trips over a loose bit of robe and sighs as he stands up and dusts himself off"This rob too big."

Mara nods as she takes in a spoonful of soup. "I found the maps, but then I found a book on the Badger Mothers that have come before..." She pauses to take another bite. "...and I was surprised to find out that there was one with my name. Excited, too!"

Ewan glaces over at the badger maid "Ya was looking for Brockhall or..something right lass?"

Aric tries some pie and smiles "It is..interesting, it's different that is for sure. Me and my friends been eating a lot of apples and dried fish the past couple weeks so anything else is good to us"

Thomas overhears Mara, and he speaks up, "I thought the name sounded familiar... Sister Letitia read that book to me awhile back. It is very interesting..."

Gorvenalus smiles "The library has many maps and the badger mother right now is Oz....and one day Krisha will take his place. I don't know as much history on badgers that came here...I may have to read some more."

Benar looks over, "Mother Mara was a long time ago child, she was an inspiration however, have you seen her personal journals? Those are in the archive if you want to look. Though I am also curious what is this map you have found?"

He pours himself another drink of tea and looks at Aric as he tries the pie and laughs softly, "It is certainly different, very hearty and filly, I always have to make sure to have a small slice or I will get too full." The abbot then reaches out and starts on a trifle, spooning some into a bowl, seems he is onto dessert already!

Matilda  smiles as she eats, drinks and speaks with various beasts .

Xander nods"Yeah Uncle Oz is badgermom ...Papa Oz"He chuckles, slightly better mood. He then clears his throat "I know she was looking for Brockhall, not sure why though"

"Deeper'n'Ever pie is a delicacy of the moles," Lacota replies to Aric, "It is quite good, though... Also make sure you try the Hotroot Soup, which is an otter delicacy..."

Atvi finds a seat near the abbot and says a quiet "Ello...sir" He has grown a little since being away a couple seasons, he is of novice age now.

Ewan gets a little pie with some creme, he looks at the cake....well it can wait and others need a slice first anyways as he enjoys the pie quietly"Good apple pie"

Mara looks over at Benar when he addresses her in regard to her namesake. "I will have to go through them, sir," she says solemnly, "If they are like the one I read earlier, then I will be reading them for a long time...I never knew she was about the same age as I was when she first came here." She nods to Xander and says to him, "I was going there to see if I could find anything about my own family history..." before looking toward the feast. "Is there anything here that would be considered a badger delicacy?"

Gorvenalus says, "Benar knows a lot of Brockhall..ask him maybe"

Aric nods "A lot of food is very good ere' good sir, very good indeed and beasts are friendly."

Benar looks up from his trifle, "Oh you should have asked if you where looking for Brockhall. The Abbey holds the key to Brockhall in trust since the days of Badgermother Bella and the building of the Abbey."

The squirrel gestures at Xander, "We had a little holiday there last summer for a few days to air the place out and let Oz and Xander and Krisha see the home of the Badgerlords of Mossflower from long ago. I keep the Keys in a cabinet in my office as it is the Abbots responsibility to look after it."

He then looks at Aric, "Don't do it unless you like spice, Hotroot is... way to hot, I don't know how or why otters like it! It is like fire in the mouth," he then glances down at Atvi, "hello Novice, how are you settling into your new robes and chores?"

He pours Atvi a drink and then glances back at Mara, "I am afraid there isn't anything here we'd really call a badger dish and you won't find much in Brockhall I am afraid. Everything that was in the Library there is in the Abbey Library. Bella donated it all as the foundation of the Abbey Library most of their old records are in the Archive however. I am sure the recorder would be happy to let you look however to see if there is anything of use but Bella's family was so long ago the Genealogy records may not be of much help Miss Mara."

Lacota thinks for a few moments. "Well, err, Miss Mara... There was one very old recipe I found here... It's... Let me think... Yes... 'Brockhall Badger Carrot Cakes'..."

Mara shakes her head at the thought of the hotroot soup...much too hot for her liking. But then she gasps when Benar tells her about Brockhall...and mostly about how there isn't anything there. "You mean--I would have found nothing there?" She lowers her head at the thought she was on a fool's errand, only to have a more powerful force bring her to Redwall...fate, perhaps?

Atvi shrugs "Robes too long and I trip."He sighs "I....wanna be a good novice and honor my...my friend and grandma would want me to..to one day be a brother in the order"

Mara then looks over to Lacota and smiles. "Carrot cake does sound good," she tells him, "and my favorite things have either mushrooms, leeks, or both in them."

Ewan says, "Least Brockhall was left alone by that horde...I am glad it was not found by the wrong beats"

Matilda  nods “I am glad as well Brockhall remains hidden”

Gorvenalus says, "Yes Brockhall is a little hidden I believe and hard to find unless one knows where to look""

Benar smiles softly at Mara, "You'd have found some amazingly antique furniture, some beautiful carvings and rooms and been impressed by the fact it isn't as dusty as you might think," He wags his spoon at her, "After breaking in of course. If you'd like to see it I can take you down there and unlock it."

He gestures toward the recorder, "But Gorvenalus can show you all the records and such but Bella closed the Hall and moved here to Redwall and it has been kept closed and sealed for the most part ever since."

He then glances at Lacota, "Carrot cake you say.... not as nice as a good hazelnut sponge but I'd be tempted to try this." He nods to Ewan, "Anybeast who doesn't know where it is would be hard pressed to find it. It was hidden by Bella and she had Martin's help in devising it's disguise to keep people from wandering into it by mistake."

Aric says, "THis Brockhall...it be some famous place of Mossflower?""
Lacota nods. "It is a VERY old recipe... From Bella herself, perhaps. I'm afraid I've never used it... But I could whip up a batch for you sometime, if you wish..."

Jaxson has been quiet most of the time during the feast, hey eat the yummy food and just be stress free right?

Xander says, "Brockhall is nice..be nice to go again sometime for a few days"

Thomas says, "You're very lucky, Miss Mara. Stories tell that at one time Brockhall had been overrun with adders, and another time, many seasons later, it was taken over by the Sable Quean..."

Thomas says, "Both times, however, it was cleaned out and fixed up."

Oz was just a little late, but he trusted Sister Ginny and a couple others to keep the dibbuns out of trouble and they did a fairly good job. He walks in with his staff, a couple times stopping as his knee bothers him and then finally sits down. And of course 3-4 dibbuns rush over and sit in his lap as Sister Ginny the hedgehog sighs and goes over "Let Papa OZ eat and then you can sit on his lap"The 3--4 dibbuns go back to where they was.

Atvi tilts his head"Yeah cause vermin who try it again will get stabs a lot"

Xander looks over at Atvi...ok...he then frowns a little when he sees Oz limp once, he resits the urge to go over and check on him and help him to a chair but stays where he is when he sees him make it to a chair after all.

Aric lets the members of the traveling show do some more ticks for the abbey beasts, one of the mouse maids even sings. He sips cordial as he smiles..it's been a good day.

Benar waves his tail, "Papa Oz my dear, I am so glad you made it down," He smiles, "And yes you lot let Papa eat something before you all pester him."

He then looks over at Atvi and smiles, "Come now Atvi no need to talk about such things at the feast," he sets down his spoon and looks around, most beasts are finishing up and the Abbot stands up and raises his voice, "Ok everyone, if you'd like we can retire outside to the pond! There is skating to be had and bonfires and warm mulled drinks for everyone."

He motions toward the doors, "If anyone would like to join us you are more then welcome to bring your food with you too of course but be sure to dress warmly."

Xander seems to debate rather he will go out or not. He sips some ale as he thinks.

Atvi frowns, well he might go...but not onto the pond.

Thomas stands up from the table, and grips his staff. "I might as well..."

Gorvenalus smiles "I will have to see if I can find some history of badgers, but perhaps tomorrow "

Oz listens as a lot of talking goes on and chuckles, he smiles when he gets a plate and some tea as he eats quietly" Skating? I do not think slipping on ice interests me...let others go I will likely stay inside."

Lacota starts cutting into his huge cake.

Mara finishes off her plate and ponders a slice of the massive cake that Lacota is cutting into as she hears the tales that Thomas tells of Brockhall. "I'm sure it was a lot of effort to rid Brockhall of them," she says, "but even if there is nothing there of note, I would like to see it."

Benar smiles at Mara, "I would be delighted to take you and show it to you Miss Mara, talk to me next week once the feast is out of the way and we can head on down."

Oz decides to stay where he is. When it's less crowed he will get a slice of cake, after some others have gotten some. Otherwise he sits quiet.

Matilda  smiles “I think I may go see what this skating is all about, come on Oz...”

Jaxson meanwhile has fallen asleep....another side effect of too much good food!

==To The Pond==

The Pond is aglow with warm light! From three massive bonfires ringing the shore and by strings of beautiful lanterns hanging from the trees of the surrounding orchard. The ice is smooth and has been brushed clear of snow leaving a flat, gleaming surface that sparkles under the warm light of the fire and lanterns.

The kitchen has set up a stand near one of the fires laden down with urns of mulled and spiced and warming drinks from tea to wine to hot chocolate and there is even a stand doing warm snacks, fresh bread and other such outdoor foods for anyone still peckish.

Benar leads the way down to the shores of the pond and smiles as he gestures to a stand, "Ice Skates in a variety of sizes though I'll be using my own," He holds his up and grins, "Now make sure to stay wrapped up warm and if you start to feel cold retire to one of the fires and have a warming drink."

Xander looks and smiles "Brother Sinway did a good job looks like." He shrugs "Most likely no skates my size and..I may just watch"

Matilda smiles “I want to try this, it..seems fun”

Atvi frowns and stays off to the side by one of the bonfires "Ice is bad...bad ice..gonna stay away from it"

Gorvenalus made sure his logbook was elsewhere before he came venturing over to the pond.

Oz makes his way slowly to the pond, he is not going on the ice and stays off the pond by one of the fires. Some dibbuns have gone to bed, some are still out here to skate and Sister Ginny and Brother Rick keep an eye on the dibbuns while skating.

Thomas makes his way through the snow, this time being guided by a novice. "I shan't skate, I'm afraid. But those drinks smell good..."

Mara joins everyone that decided to come out, the badger in a warm cloak that covers the majority of her body. She goes over to look at the skates and sees a pair that are roughly her size and tries to put them on her paws...

Benar shakes his head, "Come on Xander, Krisha would want you to have fun and of course I have skates your size! You don't think I'd break out the skates for everyone and forget badger sized skates did you?"

He sits down on a bench and pulls on his skates and then steps out onto the ice, he balances for a moment then pushes off, starting to skate slowly in a long swirling circle around the edge of the pond, "Come along everyone."

After that there is a rush of beasts toward the stands for skates surrounding Mara as beasts hurry to follow the Abbot out onto the beautifully flat pond.

Lacota has somehow managed to get his helpers to wheel out that entire cake. Through the snow. One wonders how he did it. Plenty of cake to go around with the drinks, though.

Xander smiles "I..suppose I could skate..who knows it could be fun" He does find some and gets them on after a few moments and then goes to skate and at first looks like he is doing fairly well, til he falls onto his behind and spins a little. He snorts and slowly gets up, but it takes a couple times to get up.

Atvi whimpers and decides to stay by Oz "Ice is bad..huh papa Oz?"

Once Mara has her skates on and secured, she gets up and gingerly steps onto the ice, trying to keep her balance and not fall down. "Whoa...ohh! Not sure...if I can. . .gah!" She staggers a little bit before falling, though she looks no worse for wear. "How do I do this?"

Thomas hangs back, not stepping forward with the other abbeybeasts. "Could some beast direct me toward the drinks, please?"

Oz shrugs "Guess it depends."He listens to the laughter and then to one order beast who grumbles and gives up after one try" You can stay by me Atvi it is not like I am going onto the pond, not at all."

Gorvenalus chuckles "Not had fun in a long while"

The cake and hot drinks are proving to be just as much of an attraction as the ice skating and quite a crowd is gathering, encouraging Lacota to cut the cake and start serving it with the hot drinks!

The Abbot meanwhile seems quite content to be out on the ice, keeping warm by skating along. He slides to a stop near Mara and staying upright offers her his hand, "Here let me help you Mara, everyone," He calls out to anyone nearby who need help, "Pay attention, it is all about balance and not stopping unless you mean to. It is quite fun once you get going."

Xander frowns, "Yep..tons of fun"He says quietly and gets up...ok ok he..never mind he falls face first onto the ice, it's a good thing it's so thick and he sits there and sighs loudly, ok maybe he will just go to the hot drinks.

Atvi watches the others "It makes beast fall down...."

The Friar is cutting off slices, and passing them out on plates.

Oz smiles "I will have to take your word for that Atvi..but ice is slippery, and one thing hard to avoid..weather its over a pond or a puddle on the ground somewhere. Ice even gets me at times and those who can see...well ice has a way to hide it's self at times too"

Gorvenalus smiles, he does and has gotten the hand of this"It is something fun to do this time of the seasons. Let's just hope no ice effected the rope for the bells, we do repair one soon after all and shortly afterwards the other bell"

Mara gets back up and tries again...and nearly falls again, but she is able to catch herself. From there, she starts to get the hang of it, albeit she moves very slowly and close to the edge of the pond.

Thomas manages to find the table of drinks, and he feels about for a mug of mulled cider.

Atvi just pouts, yep no pond for him, least the dibbuns and younger novices have hot cocoa which cheers him up and he smiles.

Benar keeps pace with Mara, smiling all the time, his thick tail swaying from side to side, "That's it see, nice and slow and you'll get there in no time at all. Take it nice and easy no need to rush."

Gorvenalus says, "This is a good skill, takes practice though"

Oz yawns as he starts to feel tried but he stays out here, for now.

Thomas sips his cider, keeping his distance from the pond.

Mara keeps at the slow pace as Benar moves close to her and offers encouragements. She stays near the edge of the pond, keeping her balance as she moves forward a little quicker, but not by much. "I think I'm getting it...I think I am!"

Xander has figured it out, somewhat but decides he has had enough for now and gets some cider.

Benar smiles and watches as the pond starts to fill up and starts to speed back up, skating slowly in a circle and watching everyone, drifting over to help them as needed and mostly staying on the ice except for the odd trip to get a hot drink or circulate amongst the beasts on the shore.

Thomas speaks up, "I used to go skating in my younger seasons, but I... Can't anymore."

Gorvenalus says, "I did not have this where I use to live"

Mara says to Gorvenalus, "Neither did I...this is fun!" Then she heads over to the drink table and pours herself a cup of hot cider to sip upon while she catches her breath.

Oz says, "Beasts may of skating in Send Valley..I do not remember"

Atvi let's Brother Rick get him inside, he is tried.

Thomas sips his cider, and leans on his staff. Thomas says, "I did a great many things as a lad that I cannot do anymore..."

Xander gets off the ice and takes off the skates. Ok he admits it was...fun. But now its time to go inside, get warm and sleep till maybe lunch time tomorrow.

Oz speaks “There is likely something you can still do Thomas”

Mara decides that she is going to head back inside as well, her tummy full and her spirits high.  "This was fun! I certainly enjoyed this a lot!".

Thomas mhmms. "Very true. I can still travel about just fine, despite my blindness."

Gorvenalus smiles, he decides to take a break and rest. He smiles as he watches the others have fun.

Oz  says, "I rarely leave the abbey...maybe that one clearing but even that's been a while" He speaks with Sister Jenny and Brother Rick as they get whim ever is left of the dibbuns and younger novices and heads inside.

Thomas hmms, and sips his drink. "I'm thinking of traveling south come this spring... Haven't decided yet. You all have been incredibly accommodating to me, and I've been able to get through your Library with help, too... But I'm a wanderer by nature."
   
Oz nods"I think I may go inside as well...but it's been a good day"

Beasts will make sure all gets inside and stuff is put away and bon fires safely put out all the way before all beast finally head to bed till morning.

Who:

Gorvenalus- Recorder of Redwall Abbey

Xander- Leader of Mossflower Defenders

Log:

Gorvenalus has been in the library most of the day, fixing some books that long needed repair, as well as a couple more recent ones, finally done or maybe they are laid aside to dry from glue, he comes into the great hall.

Xander is by the fireplace, a blanket wrapped around him as he stares into the fire. He sneezes once and sighs..yep been a long past couple days.

Gorvenalus looks over and decides to check on the badger "Is something wrong my friend? You doing ok today? "

Xander frowns "I..I don't know...Krisha hates me and she went to Ferro's..Ferro is ill cause the forge is like messing up so was gonna check on them, then the storm hit and so couldn't..so was gonna after I helped look for this lost dibbun, we found the dibbun and..and that's the only good news"

Gorvenalus sits down by the badger and studies him "The only good news?" He is worried maybe "I am guessing this Luna is with our new guests?"

Xander nods "Yeah....and their cart is still in the clearing...."He sniffs as some tears fall"Brother Rick and Sister Carmel went to check on...a vole family, that Atvi...he is in the infirm..his grandma died guess...the cold and he had slipped out into this creek...and someone went to get him out and they don't know what happen but both was found downstream..Atvi barely alive and..and..."He stops and seems unsure to go on "I..I need to find...but I don't want to tell him..."

Gorvenalus listens and gets all of this info and frowns "Brother Rick?..Oh yes I do remember he and Sister Carmel went to check on a family of voles, I had not known it was Atvi though and I know Novice Kenya and a Novice Pine went as well...Pine got sent back very shortly after leaving..something about not listening..."He frowns "Is some else ill?"

Xander looks down "Brother Rick maybe....Sister Carmel is ok....."He is silent, so very very silent..."KE..Ken....Kenya,,,,,,"He can't say it, he can't, why does he have to?

Gorvenalus pats him on the shoulder "What about Novice Kenya, is she ok Xander? If she is in the infirm you should let Brother Sinway know so he can check on her....I know she wasn't in class...which is odd, she is a good friend of Atvi so it doesn't surprise me she went with Brother Rick to check on him" He replays what was said in his head and frowns"Xander..what happen..please it's important" He will give him time to speak or least he hopes he will get more info out of him, if not there is always others to ask.

Xander speaks "I..I....she..."He frowns "I carried her back here and all the while thought...was thinking what if something happens or maybe happen to Northstar or Krisha I mean I don't fully know if they are ok, or even Ferro...."

Gorvenalus listens and frowns "We can send someone...a sparrow maybe or I can go myself, I am sure they are ok as long as they are inside, I sadly know nothing of fixing a forge but ...if needed I can find someone to help Ferro if its needed. Do not thing ill thoughts Xander...They likely understand the storm..I can also let Krisha know you wanted to check on her but could not. "He thinks "I can go here soon, now..what of Kenya? Where is she, you mentioned carrying her..."

Xander looks away after a brief eye contact"She's..she's dead...I don't know...it was mentioned when Atvi slipped in the creek ice broke and maybe he was sweep away..she had jumped in and...her and Atvi found later half a mile down..stream..."He frowns"What am I supposed to do...I know I should find Sinway but maybe someone else should, not me...he'd hate me for such news"

Gorvenalus says, "He wouldn't hate you...it was not your fault...it was no one's fault.."He wipes away a tear. "Stay in the abbey...by the fireplace..I will go check on Krisha,Northstar and Ferro...if an extra healer is needed I have those skills as well.""

Xander sniffs "You think they are ok? I mean....what if they are not, the last thing we did was...argue and she was..so mad at me, and I likely deserved it at the time..I know I been so over busy and I am sorry for that..I am"

Gorvenalus pats him on the shoulder "Beasts say things...words come and sometimes not the best ones...but one can

Gorvenalus pats him on the shoulder "Beasts say things...words come and sometimes not the best ones...but one can't take them back..but one can say sorry and....do better."He offers a small smile "Family fight...argue..but they are still family"

Xander smiles..faintly and nods "Thanks Brother Gorvenalus..and for checking on them just be careful...please"

Gorvenalus says, "I will do my best to be careful"

Xander nods and goes to hug his friend "Thank you...times like this wish Zolomon was still around..then again it's hard to say what he would do to cheer me up...or not cheer me up..who knows"

Gorvenalus chuckles "Likely tell you to hang upside down from a tree...."He is then serious "But he would also understand with so many things at once going on....and likely agree with me when I say your taking a much needed break, this time for real..till further notice"

Xander says, "But.....I am leader of the Defenders....how can I...rest"

Gorvenalus says, "Easy...just do and others can help you know..have some check on the tavern and base, maybe a couple for possible patrols if needed...not too much has needed help being gotten and the past with searching for the lost dibbun or checking on beasts...well others can tend to that also. I do not think some horde is bout to come around a corner again anytime soon...hopefully not for a very long time""

Xander says, "Fine..I will...rest and take break...or least try"

Gorvenalus nods "That's all I ask is you try....and to speak to Sinway"

Xander frowns....and he sighs deeply"Someone else can...please I am no good at that sort of thing."

Gorvenalus says, "Sometimes we have to do things we rather not and you have info on what happen, you talked to who was there.....you brought her back to the abbey, talk to him as it be best heard from a friend"He goes to head to the doorway"In the meantime I will be at Ferravale and I will send word back once I am there and check on some beasts""

Xander sighs as he slowly stands to go find Sinway.."Ok..."He will do this, but he won't enjoy it.

Gorvenalus nods and slips off to get his thick cloak, a healers pouch of herbs and supplies and heads to Ferravale.