Redwall MUCK Forum

Who:

Zolomon- Archer in Mossflower Defenders

Rupert-Recorder of Ferravale, Historian, map maker

Misu-Archer in Mossflower Defenders

Xander- Leader of Mossflower Defenders

Ximena- Healer of Mossflower Defenders

Some spoofed Toads...

Log:

Zolomon sits up on the main area of the boat humming a tune, he is bored..so very bored as he sighs and looks around “Are we thar yet?”

Rupert just glares at the hare “Do be quiet and your tune is off key.”

Misu is up early as well as she snorts annoyed “I agree are we even close to being there yet?”

Zolomon looks at Rupert and purposely starts singing some song he heard once, he purposely decides to be as off key as possible.

Rupert just covers his ears and grumbles. He looks over at the passing trees and blinks before he goes to cover Zolomon's mouth “Quiet..now....we are near the swamps”

Misu is at once alert “Swamps? Didn't you say something about toads?”

Ximena comes up onto deck”Toads? Where.....are toads dangerous?”

Xander has his blade out now as he looks towards the shoreline and motions for the others to be quiet.

“Are we..there....ye----”He mmmmmmmmmmmfs as he can't sing now and then blinks when toads are mentioned and nods an ok on being quiet.

Rupert mutters quietly as he speaks in low tone”Yes...I said toads...”

On the shore is clear, no wait there is a couple toads that watch the boat and hop along the shore to follow it as it travels, one has a pitch fork and the other has nothing.

Misu gets ready for longbow and takes aim, she is unsure of weather to fire off an arrow or not.

Ximena gasps and hides behind Xander, she is not one to fight “W..what do we do Xander?”

Xander narrows his eyes “Rupert...Ximena....get down. Zolomon..Misu get ready to fire arrows if you have to, and above all stay calm everyone”

Zolomon nods and his longbow ready and gets an arrow laying it on the bow ready to fire when told.

Rupert gulps, toads he will not handle well “I assure you....yes”He will back off and let the others handle this, he does have a blade if they get onto the boat.

Suddenly the two toads go towards the boat and are joined by 3 other toads! Toads are also great swimmers go the river will not slow them down at all!

Misu lets loose an arrow and quickly gets another one ready.

Ximena needs no 2nd urging as she is already getting to a safer area of the boat.

Zolomon grins and fires his arrows “Hallo ya toads, have a gift, a jolly arrow wot!”

Xander grip tightens on his blade, he is ready if they dare make it to the boat.

Two toads are killed right away but the other 3 are still coming towards them and one makes it onto the boat and croaks something in his native speech and seems to laugh.

Misu calmly fires off another arrow at the toads coming towards the ship and  gets another arrow ready to fire.

Zolomon backs up, another arrow yes fire that towards the toad's head as he stays alert, focused and serious now.

Rupert just stays back and watches, a paw on his own sword if needed.

Xander snarls at the toad as it gets on the ship and angles his blade and slices down at it!

The toad in front of the badger is dead quickly, as is the 2 now with arrows in them. About 2 other toads are on the shore line and croak  between themselves and seem to have decided this boat is not worth going near, but they do watch them as they go further away.

Misu just aims her arrow “Come here toad...come on...I want to shot you”

Zolomon chuckles “Yeah your afraid, be afraid be very very afraid!”

Xander sighs and gives the hare a be quiet look before looking back to the toads “Rupert....we are out of this area soon right?”

Rupert nods as the toads disappear “Yes..now we are but stay alert a little while just in bloody case the foul beasts return with friends.”

Zolomon nods “So....we thar yet?”

Misu rolls her eyes but it's been a long almost 3 weeks and so she lets it slip “Are we close..there yet maybe?”

Ximena frowns as she shivers “Are they gone? Are we at Salamandastron now?”She frowns “Today?”

Rupert looks a little ticked off “Do you SEE a mountain?! Do you see hares and oh a badger lord!Do you see the sea or the sandy coast line!!!!”

Zolomon frowns”I see trees....and no toads at least.”He waits and grins, he just wants to annoy the rabbit “So we..thar yet old bean?”

Xander just frowns, “We are close now, very close” He backs a little away from Rupert.”Rupert?”

Ximena “How close is close?”

Rupert suddenly just screams loudly and storms off below deck and the door slams shut loudly!

Zolomon blinks and shrugs “He is in a bad mood I think”

“Gee” Misu says “Ya think?”

Ximena frowns and looks at Xander, and then the hare.

Xander sighs and sits down “Just leave him alone awhile, he will be fine later we are all stressed.”He is also alert and keeping an out out for more toads, even though no come he is still alert for anything. The whole trip has been fairly easy, no attacks till now. All well and good but he is still a little uneasy and worries more and more on how things are back home.

Zolomon nods and grins as he whispers through the door “Are..we..there..yet..old..bean?”

The hare is greeted by a loud slam at the door and then its quiet again.

Zolomon jumps back and rubs his ear”Rude..”He says and sits by Xander, longbow and arrow ready just in case.

Who:
Melantha - Former leader of The Blackrose

Marek-Ambassator of Ferravale and Tavern Owner

Nightbreath- Village Seer of Ferravale

Ormaz- Evil horde leader

Kakarauri - Head Assassin for Ormaz

Atticus-Visiting Ferret

Vojin-Head Guard of Ferravale

Assorted spoofs of main guards, town guards, vairies town beasts and horde beasts

Log:

Right after this one:

http://forum.rwmuck.org/viewtopic.php?id=783

The day has been long and hard, and it has only just begun. The sun shines down on the village of Ferravale in Mossflower country as an enemy force strives to conquer it.

The attacking army at the front gates is striving to place ladders while the defenders valiantly fight them off. The dead from both sides can be seen, riddled with arrows, concussed with rocks, and one small group of evil ones crushed under a log that the Nightwings, birds of Ferravale, dropped on them. The birds are flying around, dropping stones and sticks on the enemy below, and struggling to not be downed by the arrows flying up towards them.

Unbeknownst to the defenders, a group of the enemy has made it into the village from the back entrance. Smoke begins to billow into the sky as a few houses that were set on fire catch fully aflame.

Down in the forest can be seen the disappearing tail of Basilisk the whip tail snake as he vainly tries to hunt down Ormaz, the beast who stole his beloved Blisa. The huge reptile disappears into the forest, blinded by dust. No one is crazy enough to follow him, at least not at this particular moment

Up on the wall, Ferdinand the ferret peers down, biting his lip as he discovers he can't see the stupid snake anymore. Curses. When (he can't let himself think 'if') Blisa returns, she'll have his hide. He turns to the remaining members of his task force of bodyguards (the trainees have already been felled). Pointing to Nightbreath and Marek, he loudly says, "Hurry! Get them into the tavern!" Clarissa the rat, Statler the stoat, and Waldo the weasel nod and go to help the Ambassador while Ferdinand looses a couple of arrows, and Hank the fox neatly decapitates an enemy that got too close. His axe is bigger than DoraRose's, and strikes about as much fear into the hearts of his opponents as hers does.

On the ground below, the vixen Valerie squints up at the Ambassador. "Bring him down here to me! I don't think he's doing too well."

And the battle rages on.....

Nightbreath turns with uncanny intuition to parry a blow that would've struck him in the back. In his other arm, he half-carries, half-drags Marek down the stairs of the walls, towards the tavern. Handing the Ambassador off to Statler, Waldo, and Clarissa, he returns to the wall tops, raising his sword with a wordless shout. Ormaz, meanwhile, slinks through the ranks, feeling his anger build up again with the disappearance of the snake. Fortunately, the horde as a whole were too preoccupied with the assault to notice his momentary cowardice. Snatching up a shield from a fallen rat, he draws his sword in his other paw....

Marek slowly opens one eye to survey the chaos only to fall unconscious again, being carried off away from the battlefield, the last thing in his line of vision is the exodus of Ferravale's finest to the tavern to reach the second line of defense in hopes of stopping the invaders.

Melantha stays off to the side, she has a captive and a main one, this should look good for the new boss, though she does secretly hate him but stays quiet as she motions for a rat to tie Vojin's paws behind his back "Maybe they will slow in fighting now, your the head guard aren't ya...I remember you from a few weeks ago in the tavern one day"

Kakarauri chuckles as she skips along, chaos and she loves it as she looks around and grins "This is fun..." She stabs a random rat and shrugs.

Vojin glares at the cat "What of it , so you have me..so what."He frowns at the fighting around him and sighs, he feels like he has failed in even allowing himself to get captured.

A little off from the wall, away from the major fighting, comes another ferret, one with a sack over his shoulder. He's hedged his bets, and, to be frank, Atticus isn't one to willingly be in a siege at all. Now, only problem left to figure out is that of getting out. The nice town was, well, nice, but he isn't willing to die here - or beyond grabbing what those who /are/ willing to die here will no longer need. "No siree." He mutters to himself, looking for something that'll let him out. He swallows some air, nervously glancing about as the noise of battle increases. Fiddling with the small blade he bought on poor Earwood's advice, he feels with his free paw the wall, looking for purchases. It seems his plan is to climb out, then. An arrow lands far too close to Atticus for comfort, and he hugs the wall, hoping to avoid being shot. Whatever's in the sack clanks loudly as it smacks the stone, the ferret wincing as it does so, muttering, "Not today! You'll never get me today! /Not today!/" over and over again.

Statler and Waldo go to carry the Ambassador over to Valerie, who is rummaging about in her haversack. "Lay him down," she orders. Clarissa is walking behind them, keeping an eye out for any enemies.

Up on the wall, Ferdinand starts to make his way towards the Seer.  "Nightbreath!  We've got to get you out of here!"  He swipes at an enemy ferret who is wielding a foil just as he climbs up over the top of the wall, and the invader takes the initiative to start a duel.  The Head Bodyguard curses under his breath, blocking his enemy's parries with his sabre.  He has to get out of this fight and get to the Seer. It's his duty as bodyguard to protect the leader of Ferravale, and with Blisa being held captive, that role has fallen on the shoulders of Nightbreath and Marek (who, in painful honesty, are better fighters than the Chieftain).  If they die.....well, that would be really, really bad.  Ferdinand growls as he doesn't parry fast enough and gets a small wound on his side.  He has to get out of this duel....

Hank roars and swipes the foil-bearing ferret off the wall, and he falls screaming until he lands on the heads of his comrades below. Ferdinand looks down, then looks up at his fox follower, who just smiles crookedly.

Nightbreath trades blows with a burly marten wielding a blade in each paw; he evens the odds by severing the beast's left paw at the wrist, then kicks him off the wall to his fate before his foe recovers from the shock. Ormaz, meanwhile, is almost at the wall, letting out a yell as he allows himself to fall into the thrill of battle. Finding a ladder, he begins to climb.

Melantha smirks"Oh it matters, they see their head guard a captive sort of brings hope crashing down"She goes to shove him towards where beats can see him better or least Ferravale ones as she smirks.

Kakarauri keeps alert as she brings chaos with her, a lone otter, yeah woodlander choose bad day to visit, decides to fight her but she is ready and has her twin blades with her." I bring twin blades of death!"

Vojin stumbles and snorts, he looks towards the walls and sighs, and the tavern then frowns, this is not good he has to get loose, he has to get away from this,but how.

Seeing no more arrows landing nearby, Atticus timidly backs off from the wall, looking up. With a bite of the lip, the ferret reaches up grabbing at a stone. The screams of dying beasts are disconcerting, as well as the fighting on the wall tops, but, he'll deal with that when he gets there. One thing at a time. The sack is making quite a bit of noise as he climbs up, and, as the ferret makes his way to the top, he tosses the sack up first, clambering up after it. He lies there for a moment, panting. Another arrow whistles in his ear, and he leaps up, looking frantically about. There's a tree nearby, close to the wall... Atticus starts stretching his legs, preparing.

Ferdinand and Hank get on either side of the Seer, beating off baddies with the ferret's sabre and the fox's humongous battleaxe. "Nightbreath!" the Head Bodyguard tries again. "We need to get you out of here. If you get captured, too, Ferravale ith thure to fall, even if we have to retreat to Redwall. The villagerth who ethcape will be lotht without a leader."

Valerie kneels beside the Ambassador as Statler and Waldo gently lay him down on the ground. Checking his vital signs, she frowns, her brow furrowing. "This doesn't look good...quick, hold his head up!" as the stoat and the weasel comply, she pulls out a powder, opens the stoats mouth, and places it under his tongue. The package says 'white willow bark' on it in black ink.

Clarissa, guarding them, spots some of the enemy trying to get down off the wall. Taking her bullwhip off its loop on her belt and drawing one of her knives, she roars, "Prepare for attack, shipmates!"

Kakarauri grins "Chaos!!!!" She laughs  and swings her blades at random beasts some flee, a couple die and others back off, she accidentally gets one of her own rats "Oppps stay outta the way" She then goes to see whom she can..well enslave and figure out where to take them.

Nightbreath's blade-rope snakes out, lancing through a ferret's side. Ripping it free and coiling it again, Nightbreath switches back to using his sword. "I will go," he agrees calmly despite having to raise his voice to be heard over the din of battle. "But I will not abandon you yet! I have a task for you, Ferdinand. Fulfill your oath as bodyguard! Find Blisa and bring her to safety--where exactly that would be does not matter--" He pauses to rip his blade through a rat's throat. "--only that you rescue her. I will buy you time. Fate is in the air tonight, and this is not my time to fall!" He finishes his declaration in a defiant shout as he draws his hidden dagger from his robe's sleeve, sinking it into the chest of a horde beast who had locked blades with him. Sparks shower from the jagged edge of his sword as he frees it from the dying attacker's sword.

Ormaz finally reaches the ramparts, kicking one of the remaining Ferravale guards off with a cruel laugh. He begins to fight his way towards the nearest stairs down, working his way towards the tavern...

Melantha just smirks, she looks at Vojin "Arnt you a leader too......how interesting"She chuckles as she looks towards the shouting guards "Hey I have your head guard what ya think of that!!"

Marek coughs suddenly as he violently returns to consciousness and looks around, despite the best efforts of the healers to hold him down, Marek races towards the tavern with his sword drawn and manages to cut through an unfocused fox in his path before once again falling to one knee, still not fully recovered as the healers once again race to his side, carrying him away as he falls to the ground, still conscious and aware but unable to move. "Do not *cough* give up, Ferravale must not fall". Marek attempts to speak again but his words are lost in the chaos as he and the healers vanish from sight, hoping in vain to escape the battlefield unaware of the enemy soldiers approaching rapidly from behind.

Vojin frowns as he looks up in Defeat mouthing a sorry, if its even seen.

Twirling the sack of loot around his head, Atticus lets it go suddenly - and right into the face of a rat that pops its head over the rampart. The unfortunate horde beast falls with a scream, a broken nose, and the ladder the rat was gasping. All three, rat, ladder, and loot sack, hit the ground with a clang, crunch, and scream. Meanwhile, the culprit of the murder of this rat, and unintentional foil of a wall top breach, is booking it down the wall top toward a less... chaotic section, cursing his luck and poor judgment. And then another beast leaps onto the wall from another ladder, this time in front of Atticus, and the ferret - skidding to a halt, pulling his blade out - waves to the weasel. A bluff is all that's left to him, if he wants to live. "Oi! Mate! Over here - it's clear an' I saw a few beast, er, going to the, er, inner town! We're breaking through! Come on! Loot an' stuff awaits! ONWARD TO DEATH AN' ...uh, death..." He's trying to save his own skin, no one else's. With that in mind, he charges into a place were the fighting /isn't/ really that bad. The complete opposite of the seer. And the head guards. And if the ferret remember correctly, there was also a snake, somewhere. Not fun.

More chaos ensues as Valerie starts shouting and screeching at the Ambassador. She has obviously been taking lessons from Angela about bullying her patients. Statler and Waldo draw their weapons and face the oncoming enemy. Clarissa, noting the Head Guard's 'sorry', nods, hoping he understands that she doesn't blame him.

Ferdinand stares at the Seer for a few moments, indecision holding him hostage. Then he nods. "I thwear I will. Come on!" He orders Hank, who follows him without question.

The Head Bodyguard rushes down the stairs, making a path through his enemies, fire burning deep within his eyes. Dashing over to the bodyguards on the ground, he orders them to follow, which they do without hesitation. They are stopped by a Black Rose member, whose life is stopped by the swift, expert snaking strike of the ferret's sabre, whose fury and mission cannot be stopped.

He leads his task force to the South, to an exit only they know of. They quietly and quickly slip out into the depths of Mossflower woods, headed to Redwall.....

Nightbreath, step by step, is being forced back towards the tavern. But for every step he takes, another horde beast dies. He would swear he can feel the strings of fate weaving together, coalescing into one singular duty: /Protect./ His paws are tired and he's bleeding from a few minor wounds soon enough, but still he fights on, his sword a reaping tide against the dam of the horde, winnowing them down beast by beast. And, of all things, he begins to sing, joyously, at the top of his lungs as he slays. Ancient words long forgotten by any save his lineage, spoken in forgotten tongues. As the fighting grows ever more desperate, he switches to the common tongue in a roar. "I am thunder!" He brings his sword down to cleave through one beast. "I am fury!" On the back swing, he parries a spear strike angled for his throat with such force that the spear haft is sundered. "I am War!" With a low kick, he sends a beast sprawling backwards to be trampled by the horde beasts as they surge forwards. "Wrath is my name, and Vengeance my calling!" He laughs now, even as blood, sweat, and tears stream down his face as he looks upon what could very well be the death of his home. "AND JUSTICE IS MY ARMOR!" He smashes aside another blow, totally at one with his weapon and the ebb and flow of combat. "I am the Hammer! I am the point of the Spear! I am the Gauntlet about the Fist! I am the Bane!" He slices easily through the next beast, but more press in, forcing him back to the tavern. "I am the Soldier at the End of Time! In my Master's name, I BRING DEATH!" They pay dearly in blood to force him through the door, ever further back. "My will is eternal! Against the fire, I am stone! Against the storm, I am the sea!"

His limbs feel as lead from sheer exhaustion, and finally his wounds begin to take their toll. He's too slow to parry the next strike that bites into his flank, and a shield batters him back further. That shield is wielded by none other than Ormaz, who grins savagely. "You aren't so hard to kill." The Seer's eyes blaze with defiance. "I AM THE WEAPON OF THE LIGHT!" He hurls his dagger with a flick of his wrist, and it hurtles through the air. Time seems to slow down as the dagger hisses forward as if the power of every Seer ever born is behind it...But fate has other plans for Ormaz, seemingly. The dagger, due to Nightbreath's exhaustion and injuries, is just slightly off target, and Ormaz howls in pain as it slices through the side of his neck--but not deep enough to open his throat. Nightbreath, nearly spent, snarls and locks blades with the villain with a colossal effort. However, he's so exhausted, and so focused on killing Ormaz that even he doesn't predict the blow from a towering, brawny ferret that makes stars dance before his vision. At last, the Seer falls to the ground. But not slain. Not yet.

Ormaz prods the ermine with a boot disdainfully, heedless of the blood that pours down his side. "Take him alive," he orders coldly.

Who:

Benar-Abbot of Redwall

Sinway- Fighter in the Mossflower Defenders

Matilda - Abbey Champion of Redwall

LOG:

RW Abbey: Second Orchard
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Verdant green has swept across the orchard, taking over from the icy hand of winter, long since passed. Blooms and leaves have sprouted on the mature trees that dot the orchard and give it its name. Trees mostly of the apple variety dot this area of the immense orchard, though others of almonds, peaches, oranges, apricots, walnuts and others are spattered throughout. Why in the minority? /Their/ area of the orchard is a little ways closer to the pond. Grass sprouts as if on a mad quest to cover anything and everything with its pleasant, gentle emerald spreads across the ground. Soft to the footpaw and not so tall as so you have to wade through it, it's one of those plants that's taken for granted, even beneath the shade of the leafy orchard trees. Sunlight lances down through the translucent leaves and patterns arrive on those blades of grass that let little specks of sunlight through, though the whole air of the forest is cool and green, a vision in jade. Against that jade, little specks of color of flours and fruit can be had whilst wildflowers can be seen scattered about the orchard floor along with the soft, springy carpet of grass. A shady/sunny portion of the abbey that's farmed and sat under, lunched and played under and an integral part of the abbeybeast's lives.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Benar has been checking the orchards and speaking with anyone from a refugee to an order beast, there has been a few minor problems and has sat down under one of the apple trees and ended up falling asleep

Sinway is doing what he has found him self doing the last couple of days, wondering around and thinking, his wondering has led him to the second orchard today the otter walking around not really paying attention to his surroundings till he spots Benar, at first he thinks something wrong starting to rush over to the abbot, but soon realizes the silly abbot simple fell asleep "Now father, what will everyone thing if they see ye sleepin' away the mornin'?"

Benar opens his eyes to see Sinway and yawns "It's been busy with all the new guests we have and sadly there may end up more guests. It's upsetting at times."

Sinway nods sitting down next to the abbot sighing his normally cheerfulness is absent today, the otter has been less and less cheerful lately "I be stuck up in the infirmary the last few days, guess the stress and lack of sleep caught up to me and i got sick." He sighs again "Hope Karth was able to handle things."

Benar frowns "Try not to be stressed and lack of sleep is not good for any one." He glaces up at the tree house briefly before speaking again "I am sure Karth has done well."He sighs "I got news from Ferravale yesterday afternoon"

Sinway shakes his head "More news..........what happen this time friend?" Its clear all of this is taking its toll on the otter

Benar frowns "It's under the control of those Blackrose beasts and that..horde."

Sinway ohs and nods "I figured as much when Rigel came back with Flicktail's wife injured he said something about a large group heading to Ferravale, I figured it be only a matter of time."

Benar blinks, "Flicktail's..wife was here?" He sighs as he leans back against the tree "I do wish beasts would update me on things, I suppose the important things are given to me, not all visitors are it seems. I do hope she is alright its been, as I said, fairly busy. And last night another issue came up that neither me or Oz, or Brother Rick could figure out how to help with the matter "

Sinway shakes his head "She came to warn us that the horde be after yer head, and hired her to do it. I know  I made sure to tell some beast to inform you of this, guess with all the chaos of refugees, any ways she only stayed fer a day then left, guess the horde found out about her not doin' the job sooner then we both thought and got attacked, Rigel saved her. Not sure if she still be here, after hearing the news about Kirk, I ordered no beast be allowed to leave." He then turns to Benar asking "what problem?"

Benar sighs "I..figured I was most likely a target." He looks up at the tree house" Kenya...I did not see her at breakfast earlier and I know she missed dinner last night. She was in the tree house and may well still be up there."

Sinway nods sighing as well "I knew ye be a target, I met the leader of the Blackrose, on the road back to the abbey from Ferravale before the base was destroyed, she believes if she takes down the leaders the rest will follow." He sighs hearing about Kenya looking over at the tree house "She most likely still asleep, I'll go get her when I'm sure she has woken up."

Benar nods "Just a warning, she may not let you. She wasn't in too good a mood last night and refused to come down, someone brought her dinner but she refused to eat anything. It concerns me. I got to talking with one of our refugees on finding a place for any Ferravale beasts with all the families here already and I think talk of family upset Kenya"

Sinway nods looking back to the tree house "She will let me......." He stops talking for a little bit just looking at the tree house " I be knowin' what she be goin' through father, I  lost me family in a very similar way after all." He looks away from the tree house and back to Benar "If we be accepting any of Ferravale into the abbey we needs be sure we can trust them, with how easy Flicktail's wife got in.........sorry just being overly cautious."

Benar nods "I agree and finding a place to put them as well. I know some will fear any vermin in the walls of Redwall. Hopefully one of the Ferravale beast that is know will also be among them and can help out." He frowns "I also fear since it seems Ferravale has fallen...the horde beasts may well come here next"

Sinway nods "I agree father, that's why I wanted to ask if we can see if any be willin' to fight and ask if we have yer permission to train them......nothing serious, just some self defense and the proper way to use a sling, I know I be askin' a lot, but they could show up at our doors tomorrow let alone wait fer Xander to get back."

Benar sighs as he closes his eyes and then opens them again"There may be beasts whom know how to fight among the refugees that will be willing to help defend when needed and some have even said they could watch the wall tops and be ready if..."He frowns" If they would get inside. I know Oz was concerned for me being seen, but I can not hide because vermin are out there."

Sinway shakes his head "I can't stop ye if ye don't want to take cover with the elders and dibbuns should the unthinkable happen, but I'm with Oz on this and think it be best if ye did hide." He sighs again, he has been doing that a lot lately "We need more beast then just those few who know how to fight, even if they have no trainin' there might be some brave souls among our guest who would take up arms, even if we didn't ask them to, I'm just askin to help teach them a thing or two so they can take up arms and defend the abbey properly."

Benar says, "As I told Oz it would not be good for morale if the abbot is hiding. I can be on the steps or in the Great Hall if needed. As for...teaching beasts self defense..I am unsure as the abbey is not a place that teaches such a thing and I rather it not become one. Some guests have stated they are willing to help, perhaps others will volunteer as well, I do not know, nor where some beasts will even go if a threat comes to our very gates. We already lack room in the Great Hall as it is with all the cots laid out""

Sinway shakes his head once again he understands how John feels "I know the abbey ain't be a place that teaches these things.......it be a place of peace, but if we aren't ready to defend it......if we aren't prepared to defend it properly, then it will become a place of slavery and cruelty.....and I couldn't bare to see that happen."

Benar frowns, and is quiet for a long while before replying "What...is it you plan to do Sinway? Ask guests..maybe others....you may get some saying no...some may say Yes I do not know. I don't want the abbey to fall either, no beast does."

Sinway stretches a little feeling stiff "All I want to do is ask, see who is willing who isn't, plus if the abbey does attack, there be less chaos if all knew who was going to go defend, and who wasn't........as fer training, I just want to make sure they wont hurt them self slingin' stones, make sure they stand a chance should the beast get inside, I don' wanna train a horde, just make sure we can hold our own."

Benar frowns" Slings are still dangerous as there is no safe place to....." He sighs and slowly stands and quietly heads to the entry.

Champions Cottage: Main Room
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The living room is small and modest. The four-walled room contains a quaint fireplace set into the wall on one side of the room, built from dark grey stones and mortar. An extra supply of wood is always stacked next to the fireplace. Also standing near the fireplace are a pair of wing-backed chairs, one maroon and new, the other a faded, threadbare green. A table sits in one corner with two chairs tucked under it, and a wooden bench with a back sits along the last bare wall, feather-stuffed cushions covering the long seat. Two doors are set into the back wall.
------------------------------------------------------------

Benar knocks on the door and steps back waiting

Matilda answers the door and nods "Benar..is something wrong? I am sorry if I am sleeping in a little late I was on the wall tops late last night but I seen no signs of trouble, a couple foxes but they were not too close to the abbey."

Benar replies "It is fine, if you need rest get rest please. We do not need you of all beasts lacking sleep if ..."He frowns "Ferravale has fallen and I am sure the abbey is their next target just.......when is the question"

Sinway frowns and follows the abbot to the champions cottage, allowing the two beast to talk for now

Matilda frowns "Ferravale has......that's not a good thing, do we know whom all managed to escape, if anyone?" She nods a hello to Sinway.

Benar shakes his head "Not yet and though I know some of them, its very few of them I do so we need to be careful whom to let in and whom not too." He sighs again, the next issue being hard but he draws out a spare key he has "There is..one other key I didn't give you Matilda. The area was made and used a short while but then once more closed as it wasn't needed and I ,..disliked it but maybe its.."He seems to think and speaks "Needed. A safer place away from the others in the abbey."He goes to unlock a door that leads to the back."Both of you can follow me"

Champion's Cottage: Guard Training Yard
*****************************************************************
This small fenced in yard has been set up for the use
of the Abbey Champion, his guards and designated trainees.
The fence is made from very thick wooden planks over 12 feet
tall so that no one outside can see in. The fence has also
been coated with a layer of spikes and grease near the top to
make it very difficult to climb over. The only way into or
out of this yard is through the large locked door into the
champion's cottage.
 
The yard itself is split into different sections for the
various activities the champion and the abbey guards perform
here:
 
There is a small covered area that contains practice weapons
on racks and the storage bins for armour.
   
There is also a locked room that contains the real weapons.
Both visitor weapons and guard weapons are stored here. The Sword
of Martin the Warrior is kept elsewhere.
 
There is also a small area set aside for the repair and
maintenance of weapons though there is no forge here for there
making weapons. But there is a whetstone for keeping blades
sharp and facilities for minor repairs.
 
The main part of the yard is a simple stone courtyard for
sparring. There are practice dummies for archery and sword and
quarterstaff drill. It isn't very big but it is enough for two
or three beasts to practice in at any one time.

*****************************************************************

Sinway just follows saying nothing till they are back outside "Tis small, but tis out of the way and a safe place to train." The otter walks over to one of the dummies looking at it

The abbot leads them to a sort of training area, there may be some minor clean up needed as he looks to the two beasts"This..hasn't been used for 4-5 seasons I believe...I..dislike it being here and it was locked up for a while, even MagrAmba didn't use it...but"He sighs "Yes...but also I do not want just any beast here, the abbey is still not some...training ground for fighting beasts. I refuse to have fighters trained...but self defense, if one wants to learn...could be...wise. There is staffs and a place for slings to be practiced"

Matilda looks around " Well hopefully this...horde will not be an issue too long and no..I do agree the abbey is not some training grounds for an army but learning to use a staff or sling could be fine and only if a beast wants to as I know a lot are peaceful beasts here, some of the beats here cause of the vermin problems outside are peaceful as well but some...some may have fighting skills, we could ask"

Sinway goes into a attack stance jabbing his fist a couple times at the dummy before spinning around on one foot raising the other up as he does into a roundhouse kick stopping short of just hitting the dummy's head holding his leg up like that for a few seconds speaking "Even some of the peaceful beast from outside are gonna want to defend the abbey, and rid there home of this evil, so it be best if they knew how to." He lowers his foot back down to the ground "I truly hope they never get inside, so trainin' with sling and stone be best, maybe bow and arrows if there are any, but some trainin with a staff could help defend should the unthinkable happen." He turns back to Benar "I don't want a army, I just want to be able to hold out till Xander gets back with the real army."

Benar nods slowly " I only hope Xander gets back in time, its a long trip to and from Salamandastron .I have gotten no news of anything happening to them, nor do I think we will get any news good or bad of their trip...we will only know when they return if they managed to bring help or not. If the black rose beasts are after leaders they could well of sent someone after Xander as well" He sits down on a bench and frowns "I did not want this area unlocked but...if its needed. But beats can not just go into here when they please and can't have just anyone teaching some self defense skills. Also no blades..staffs, slings..maybe archers but I do not think there is any here, that I know of and the abbey doesn't have much in the way of weapons,only what other beasts have with them. We do have staffs and slings here in the training area."

Matilda frowns and speaks "I can make sure beast don't just walk into here. Just ones who want to learn the staff or sling, maybe me and some others could do ....some training, but not much not to worry but I could use the training grounds also, get myself more use to Martins blade, though I don't feel like I would need much as it already feels as it I have had the blade even before I became Champion"

Sinway looks over to Matilda then Benar "All trainin' would be over seen by me, I'm not sure about Karth or you Matilda, but I might very well have seen more fightin' then every one else here, maybe john has seen more." He looks back at Matilda "like I said, defenders not warriors, and if ye need a sparrin' partner Matilda. I  be happy to help."

Benar says, "Karth may still be recovering from his injuries and would need the healers ok first to help with any training. I know he has been on the wall tops a couple times with a chair...I dislike that, I do not care if one can fire off an arrow while sitting...can they as well? What if he needed to get out of the way quickly as I am sure the horde has archers as well""

Matilda smiles "A sparring partner would be nice..."She glaces over at Benar and frowns "That's not wise of him and it could well get dangerous on the walls if..or rather when now, that the horde beasts attack as now its not if, its when"

Sinway shakes his head "I can't control Karth.....er well i could.......but well, my methods wouldn't be approved." He chuckles a little "It be better if he spent that time down here sittin' and explainin' how to use a sling, he can do that sittin', be better then him up on the wall" He then nods to Matilda "Since we both be up on the walls during the night, if ye like we could do daily sparrin' after we wake up, tis a good way to start the day, no matter what time ye start yer day." He then frowns over at Benar "Once we have this whole Blackrose deal takin' care of we can relock that door."

Benar nods, "And I know ....I can advise order beasts and novice what to do and sometimes they don't listen or open doors sometimes when its better not to..."He takes a deep breath and nods" Alright...any beasts who want to...only..can be back here and only when Sinway, Matilda and maybe Dorarose can help as well, if she wants to but she is the gatekeeper and will not have a lot of time to help back here. I do hope the Black Rose is dealed with soon but I fear it may get worse and I rather not see more deaths its why I rather Karth not be on the wall tops right now."

Matilda nods to Sinway and listens to the abbot "It could well get worse before it gets better, any other news we have heard from outside the gates?"

Sinway nods "Trust me father, I agree with ye, but try tellin' that to Karth.........more stubborn then a shrew." He then sighs and nods to Matilda "Aye, vermin horde like these don't just go away and even if they did, then what they just go and harm some other beast, sadly with beast like them, tis best to deal with them.......it truly saddens me to have to say that, but it be the truth."

Benar says, "I rather not lecture Karth, already gave someone a lecture a couple days ago." He stands and dusts off his robes." I need to tend to some things, excuse me" He then heads towards the exit."

Matilda nods "Yes Abbot Benar, talk later maybe"

Sinway nods waving goodbye to the abbot "Take care friend."

Matilda waves and looks around again "I do not think it will take too much to clean up, who ever was here last keep it nice and clean...well may need some dusting but other than that"
Sinway nods looking around "Ya, just make sure things be out of the way so no one trips while trainin, doesn' have to look new after all." He sighs sitting down up against the cottage "I wish I could put this all behind me, but tis seem battle be still in me future."

Matilda frowns as she walks over " I don't like fighting either, I want peace to return. I want beasts to not be scared anymore . Some are scared but wont admit it, there may still be beasts outside that refuse to leave their homes cause of fear or just wanting to not lose their homes"

Sinway nods standing back up after a few minutes "I'm going to go get somethin' to eat, I'm sure the abbot will call a meeting here in a couple of days so we can ask for volunteers, might get some more sleep, got sick because of the stress and lack of sleep."

The abbey champion nods and waves as she over the training grounds and decides to do  a little training with the training dummy here, then she will get some lunch.

Who:

Oz- Badger Mother of Redwall, AKA Papa Oz

Benar- Abbot of Redwall

Mergleton- An Odd, And rich Visator to The Abbey

Kenya- soon to be novice

A couple novice spoofs

LOG:

Benar is walking around the Orchard, doing an inspection of the fruit trees, he may be abbot now but he still remembers when he was just the orchard keeper. He has his hands tucked into the sleeves of his robes and is gliding around with interest as he inspects the fruit

Oz is close by but he doesn't have any dibbuns outside right now and seems to be debating on having them in the tree house or not. Right now he is just sitting by one of the trees sipping some tea and most likely thinking quietly.

Benar pauses near Oz and stares up, "Well Oz, I would say this is going to be quite the successful harvest, now all we need do is reach it," He looks toward the dibbun tree house, "I am glad Elmef sighted it in the second orchard and not here. It looks very well made however."

Oz nods"The tree house..yes. The dibbuns want a camp out but I am unsure now with things going on lately, it is inside the abbey grounds yes..just if something was to happen or those vermin got braver. So I have told them I am unsure of a camp out"He smiles a little "It also seems they want a special guest up there with them"

Benar looks toward the tree house, "Well I am sure a camp out would be fine, even with everything going on. It would be good for them to feel as if things where going ahead as normal. But ... I really couldn't join them Oz, no with how things are I at least need to be easily reached."

Oz says, "Understandable. Maybe a quick visit though and it would most likely be in a couple days and I would be nearby them as well"

Benar says, "I could drop in and see them perhaps before they went to bed, read them a story or something"

Oz smiles "I think they might enjoy that." He slowly stands up and listens a little while to some sounds around the orchards, "Today seems fair so far and no other trouble I have heard of yet"

Benar shakes his head, "It may seem peaceful but a lot of things are in trouble, Ferravale is without its leader. I received word that some of the Black Rose vermin kidnapped Blisa..." He frowns, "I suspect they'll be after me next"

Oz frowns" Well least no worries on you going outside the gates and it may be best to stay near the building if needed and..worse comes to worse you can always be with me and the dibbuns in the cellar and whomever else is there"

Benar says, "Well I don't think me running away to the cellar would be good for morale Oz, even if it puts me in danger. I should at least remain in the Great Hall or on the steps where I can be seen if the abbey comes under attack."

Oz frowns "You shouldn't put yourself in harms way, they could well go after you first. It would be wise to stay by someone maybe the champion. I just hope Xander and the others are back soon with help.....seems it may well be needed"

Benar says, "I'll stay inside the Great Hall or on the steps if fighting breaks out. Standing near Matilda would be a bad idea, She is likely to be up on the walls," He pats Oz's arm, "Don't worry I'll be safe I promise"

Oz sighs, but nods "And I will be with the dibbuns but IF they do get inside quickly get somewhere out of the way."

Benar says, "I know you will keep them all safe Oz, I have every faith in you keeping our young ones safe and out of harms way""

Oz says, "Of course I will I just want to make sure your be safe as well. I will trust Martin to keep you safe if needed then."He decides to change the subject "So..still have a dibbun camp out then?""

Benar rubs his chin and stares at the tree house, "I want to check with Dora and Matilda before I agree to a camp out, I think we should get the advice of one of our warriors before committing to such a thing." He shakes his tail, "If they say no then I am afraid it'll have to wait until all this unpleasantness is over."

Kenya walks into the orchards slowly and has caught some of what was said and frowns as she looks between them, she also has a tray of small mini honey cakes with strawberry and mellow creme on top.

Oz says, "I agree and if it cant maybe a camp out inside....cavern hole...well maybe not there..."

Benar asks, "Yes not cavern hole, too many beasts use it at all hours of the day," He looks toward the Abbey, "What about up on the third floor? Make an adventure of it perhaps someplace inside the main building?" He is standing under a pear tree talking to Oz, he raises a paw in greeting to Kenya.

Kenya manages a small smile "Do you want a little cake..its honey with strawberry and mellow creme...and whats..what if there is a camp out in the attic?" She smiles , sounds fun to her anyways."Or that one old empty room"

Oz nods a hello to Kenya "Greetings Kenya, how are you doing today?"

Benar says, "That could be nice," He nods to Kenya, "But we are really hoping to give them a camp out in their tree house I am just worried about now not being a good time with all that is going on in Mossflower right now. Especially with the abbey full of beasts from the surrounding woods. Nearly every local family is here sheltering with us to avoid the slavers.""

Kenya frowns as she looks down at the ground as familys are mentioned and offers them each a little mini cake quietly.

Oz takes one of the little mini cakes but can also note the change and the fact Kenya is quiet now as he clears his throat"Are you ok Kenya?"

Benar helps himself to a cake and smiles, "Thank you Kenya, I hope the over crowding hasn't been getting to you? I know it must seem strange with beds set up in the great hall and all of that."

Kenya shrugs and then speaks "My...family isn't here..."She then stops speaking and sits down, she does try to smile a little "And...though some little cakes would cheer some beasts up. so got help making them"

Benar blinks, "Oh Kenya, I am so sorry," He reaches out to place a paw on her arm, "What happened? I am so sorry I am not up to date on everything that has been going on. I've been so busy with the refugees from the woods and the Champion I have not been keeping abreast of everything."

Oz listens, he knows about Junefur and sighs.

Kenya frowns and sniffs "They...."She looks down "No longer around.....and mama was found but she..." She wipes away a tear as she rather not cry right now

Benar wraps his arms around Kenya and hugs her, "Oh Kenya, I am so, so sorry... you shouldn't keep this all bundled up inside, come sit down in the shade and let it all out. It'll be fine I promise." He glances at Oz for help, "What on earth happened?"

Oz sighs as he replies "Seems her parents were caught by the slavers, she had run from them and while she was here her mother was captive. At the gates the one day there wasn't just Tassel, there was an otter maid named Junefur think Karth said her name was....Junefur sadly..sadly died, the healers did try and help her though.

Kenya sits in the shade and sniffs a little, she does understand what happen.

Benar helps Kenya sit down and frowns at her then sighs and sits down next to her, "I am sorry Kenya, I had no idea...." He nods to Oz in thanks for filling him in, "If I had known I'd have looked you out earlier..." He offers her his arms, "We are all here for you if we can help"

Kenya leans against Benar and sighs, "Why do..bad things haf to keep happen?"

Benar squeezes Kenya and sighs, "I am afraid that is a question I cannot answer, or stop... there have always been bad beasts in the world. We here at Redwall can only do our best to try and make a haven of peace... whatever happens we must remember to always pick ourselves up and move forward."

Oz frowns "We are want to know ....but do not let the bad in life get you down"He takes a small bite of the mini cake he has and smiles "Things will turn out good in the the end, I am sure of it , it may just take some time. And the mini cake is very good, thank you"

In the quiet distance, a blur of color begins to fill the air, a blur which becomes more solid as time goes on, approaching the orchard accompanied by a green clad otter novice is a brightly colored fox wearing robes of expensive fabric, he politely pats the otter on his back and shakes his hand before turning towards Benar. "Why thank you, good otter. I appreciate being pointed in the right way, I fear I am a bit directionally challenged. Ahem, Father Benar is it? Saluations, I am Mergleton Charles Fredrich Desmond Applewood Zinbsury Korvovowitzchesteringtonshire the Third, Esquire, a Merchant from the Northern Woods who has recently taken up residence in the village known as Ferravale. However, I'm afraid I must bring dire news, Ferravale I'm afraid has been taken by a scoundrel named Ormaz Redthorn, from what passing beasts have told me when I made posthaste to this fine abbey of yours, their Chieftain has been captured and Ambassador Marek is in grave danger, the situation in Mossflower certainly seems dire indeed and I fear I may not be the only refugee you will have on your paws in due time". Finishing his pseudo-report, Mergleton bows deeply as a show of respect towards Benar and then waits patiently for a response.

Benar pats Kenya's arm and then looks up as Mergleton makes his somewhat flamboyant introduction, "Master Megleton be welcome to Redwall..." He stands up and shakes out his habit, "That is grave news you bring, I was aware of Blisa's kidnapping... one of her Raven's brought me the news. But not that the village itself had been attacked and fallen, I guess we should have known such an attack was in the offering..." He frowns toward Oz and then waves toward one of the Novices tending the trees, "I thank you for bringing the news, and you are of course most welcome here, all who seek refuge are welcome within the abbey though I am afraid we are somewhat over crowded currently."

Oz listens as the sudden appearance of Merglenton happens "What has happen?" He frowns.

Kenya blinks and backs up a little as she glaces at the odd beast and sniffs a little, she does have one last mini cake and holds it out to him, maybe it will cheer him up. She sits it down and goes to sit in the tree house, its a good spot to be alone for a little while and no one is up there right now

Mergleton raises at eyebrow at the strange reactions to his sudden appearance. "I do apologize for interrupting your conversing so abruptly but I had to deliver these dire warnings posthaste" He smiles slightly at Kenya before addressing Benar once more. "There is no need to fear me, child. I mean no beast harm unless I am harmed in return. *ahem* I thank you for your hospitality, Father Benar. It is greatly appreciated, I pray that Ambassador Marek and the other leaders of Ferravale will emerge from this conflict safely, but should he pass away it is my duty as the executor of his estate to present the proper documentation accordingly. Let us hope that it does not come to that" He holds out a paw to shake Benar's hand. "However, as I will be a guest of your home for the foreseeable future, I am willingly to extend my own good will, in my carriage are supplies of water and foodstuffs which I shall add to your own supply free of charge, as well as other merchandise should you have the coin to spare" He bows once again. "If you may have need of it as well, I shall provide my unique expertise and advice in the event of a siege, a turn of events that I have unfortunately had the displeasure of experiencing in the past"

Benar shakes that hand, "I am sure Marek will be just fine, if not.... well I am sure he has a tricky time at the gates of Black Forest ahead of him," He lifts his robes with one hand and watches as Kenya leaves and sighs, "Sorry for Kenya, she just lost her mother, those Black Rose vermin wounded her something fierce," He starts through the trees, "I thank you for the supplies, I am sure Oz will agree with me that all supplies are welcome and if you can fight I am happy to introduce you to our Champion. She is in charge of our defenses and I fear a siege will soon be upon us."

Oz nods, he frowns "If Ferravale has..fallen the abbey needs to have more fighting beasts on the walls Benar" Seems he is over the shock of the fact Ferravale did fall, also trying to not let worry creep in as well. "Hopefully some other help will come in time, this does worry me..."

Mergleton nods in Oz's direction. "Mayhaps this is true, Mossflower is known to have several allies. If we could contact them posthaste than mayhaps the conflict will be resolved sooner than it begins, but I have my doubts in that particular category". He turns towards Oz and holds out a paw. "I'm sorry, Mr. Badger I'm afraid I did not catch the name of your personage. I am Mergleton Charles Fredrich Desmond Applewood Zinbsury Korvovowitzchesteringtonshire the Third, Esquire. And you are...?" after a moment of pause he suddenly realizes that Oz is blind and shakes his head. "Terribly sorry, I attempted to extend my paw and seemed to have missed the small detail that you are visually challenged. My apologies, good badger"

Benar smiles softly and pulls his hood up, this fox is going to be an entertaining guest, "Well Mergleton any help you can give us is welcome and we are already reaching out to our allies but it takes time sadly, they are scattered all over the place but I can only hope some of them reach us in time."

Oz says, "I do as well....I know Xander headed off for Salamandastron...week and a half ago now I believe..."He hmms, well give or take a few days "I do wish he would of told me but at least he told you and that's good" He tilts his head at the fox "Oz....or as the dibbuns say Papa Oz,"He thinks a moment, may as well give a full name"Oz winters.." Not that he uses his last name much really.

Mergleton smiles and turns back towards Benar and bows. "Thank you once again for your hospitality, Father Benar and it was a pleasure meeting you Mr. Winters. I shall take my leave so you may continue with your conversing posthaste, it is truly a beautiful day for a walk around this fine abbey of yours and I believe I shall partake in that opportunity before I retire to your collective guest chambers for the night, until such time as we meet again I bid you farewell" He tips his fez towards the two beasts and proceeds to leisurely walk about the orchards and the abbey grounds with his paws folded neatly behind his back.

Benar raises a paw in farewell and shakes his head, "Well... he was certainly a character, still..." He looks toward the building, "I need to go tell Matilda about Ferravale, I will speak to you later Oz."

Oz nods to Benar as he is likely heading inside as well, he shakes his head "I do hope he doesn't keep calling me Mr. Winters...."

Benar laughs, "Remind me to call you Papa Winters," He smiles softly, "It'll be fun,"

Oz cross his arms over his chest and then chuckles a little "We should get inside...I do believe dinner is soon"

As if on cue the dinner Bell does indeed ring and it's time to head to Cavern Hole and to make sure others not on Cavern Hole get a meal as well.

Who:

Rayen- Archer, Mercenary  for hire

Rigel- Archer in Mossflower Defenders

Ironbark- Archer in Mossflower Defenders

Kirk- Former Mossflower Defender, now sadly dead..

Assassin Ferret-Spoofed

Log:

Rayen right away seen the danger and quickly went along the path, she had to tell the abbey of this.

Rigel was close, on patrol which likely saved his life as he slows and frowns at what he sees, a large group of horde beasts “Not being good day seems.”

The vixen was seen, she was followed by a ferret archer. He waited then fired a cross bolt at the vixen!

Rayen gasped and her eyes closed in pain as she stumbled and then fell forwards. A cross bolt in her upper leg as she gritted her teeth.

Rigel stayed hidden and watched, then edged closer to the vixen and ferret.

The ferret grinned, he was dressed in all black and  dashed forwards twin blades out and rushes towards the vixen, “You have not done your mission....Ormaz will now have your head!”

Rayen rolls out of the way just in time and flicks a couple daggers at the ferret and stands on her injured leg, two more daggers in her paws.

Rigel tilts his head and gets an arrow ready to fire at the ferret, and waits.

The ferret sneers as a dagger misses, the other gets his arm. He chuckles “Death comes for us all....yours comes now.” He goes to slice at her leg again, and one blade at her throat.

Rayen leans back and the blade cuts her chin some and the other her already injured leg as she falls onto her back and gasps in pain.

Rigel fires of the arrow “Rule one...no harming a lass...Rule two..keep eye on backside.” The arrow heads to the ferret.

The ferret grins and raises both blades for the killing blow, then spins around and gets an arrow to his chest, he looks like he is in shock and falls backwards dead as a door nail.

Rayen pants and is in clear pain as she looks at the other fox and snarls as she scoots back leaving a small trail of blood.

Rigel walks over and chuckles “Spunk you have, tis good....come now Rigel will help you to the abbey?” He will left her up if he can.

Rayen looks ready to bite him and then groans and passes out from blood loss.

Rigel speeds up his dash to the abbey, the vixen in his arms. He looks at the gates and frowns “Open de gates...Hello?HELLO!”

Ironbark is here and is carring a very limp Kirk, he narrows his eyes at the foxes and looks uneasy.

Rayen is unconscious, she needs a healer.

Rigel backs up a little “Hello..I am being friend, so is she on de side of the abbey of the Red wall...”He frowns when he sees Kirk..”Kirk....”

Ironbark is to the point “He's dead” No keeping it a secret at all or hiding a fact needed to be know “May want to get inside before she dies too”

The guards let the group inside quickly and then re lock the doors.

Rigel nods his thanks and frowns “Poor...Kirk...death should not been for him, he was my small little friend.” He looks at Rayen and then carries her to the infirm”Healer..oh healer!! Come do the duty of your skill!!”

Healers rush around and tend to Rayen, she will be fine and will have her leg cleaned, sewed up, bandaged and will have an infirm bed to lay in. She will wake up and know where she is.

Ironbark just goes to sit in a chair in another room.

Rigel frowns “Where is being the Abbot of the Red Wall?”

Ironbark shrugs “Sorry just got here...”

A novice enters “Abbot Benar is busy, you can see him when he is not.”

Rigel sighs and sits down “Must be telling someone of Kirk....and fact Ferravale may well be in grave danger....maybe not standing long many horde beast headed its way”

The novice frowns and then goes back upstairs, maybe the abbot will get the notice and maybe he will not, its hard to tell.

Who:

Gorvenalus-Redcorder of Redwall Abbey

Sinway- Warrior in Mossflower Defenders

Anatole-Fighter in Mossflower Defenders

Tassel-Fighter in Mossflower Defenders

LOG:

Gorvenalus is sitting at a bench reading a scroll and frowning, more and more so as he reads it. He lays in down and sighs deeply as he rubs his forehead as if a headache is coming now.

Sinway comes into the great hall from the main door yawning as he does the otter soon notices the abbey recorder and nods "Morning Brother Gorvenalus, how does the morning find ye?"

Gorvenalus sighs "It was fine till I received this letter, then it was not but not much I can do about it and I will write back later when there is time, or maybe I won't as it seems they have their own..issues to deal with"

Sinway walks over to join Gorvenalus sitting down next to him "What the letter about if ye don't mind me askin'"

Gorvenalus says, "My son...a bad storms has caused some damage to my old home and this after they were rebuilding from..Quade's attack"

Sinway nods "Sorry to hear that mate, I hope it will all work out." The otter then looks yawns again "So other then that, how have ye been, it's been a little crazy these last few days."

Gorvenalus nods "Yes it has been a bit...busy as well."He puts the scroll away "I also do not want to worry my son with our problems if he heard I was in any danger he rush to here and most likely get killed before he got close to the abbey. He is a skilled warrior yes but even a skilled seasoned warrior can fall in battle."

Sinway nods in agreement "Aye, with the defenders reduced to half, and they all be in here, we have no idea the state of the forest." He frowns a little "I just hope Xander makes it to the mountain safely and brings us the help we need."

Gorvenalus says, "As do I, I know a couple Defenders at least is with Xander...a couple may be in Ferravale as well. I would of went but its best I stay here."

Sinway says, "Aye I thought the same thing, we don't have a lot of defenders left to spare, couldn't afford to send more then what we did with him."

Gorvenalus nods "No..hopefull more help will come soon, but I fear more attacks will come before they get back."

Sinway nods "Aye, though it be all quiet the past few days, I don't like it....I hate not knowin' whats goin' on out there, but then it could just be me gettin' restless."

Gorvenalus says, "Maybe restless, you could find one willing to go outside with you and carefully look around and come back with maybe news and hopefully not bad news"

Sinway shakes his head "I don't think that be wise, we have so few to defend the abbey,  I can't risk us losin' any more, nah be best if  I stay inside."

Gorvenalus nods "Your likely right, hopefully we can get some news then. I too worry and I know Benar does as well, he just tries to not show it...he can't show worry"

Sinway sighs "such be the fate of the abbot, though I  hope he knows he can come talk to me, or anyone of the elders...." The otter yawns again and stands up "well, I'll be seein' ye around Brother Gorvenalus......been up most of the night on wall duty, thinkin' ill get some sleep."

Gorvenalus says, "Then get some rest please as lack of rest causes stress and stress is no good to anyone"
Sinway nods and heads for the stairs "Aye,  I think I'll do that, talk to ye later."

Gorvenalus nods and then looks back at the Scroll and sighs , again rolling it back up and stands heading upstairs. He goes to check on some beasts in the infirm as he promised he take a shift.

Anatole sits by Tassel and frowns, holding her paw in his, he glaces at the beaver and just frowns.

Tassel groans and her eyes open as she blinks a few times “Where...am..I....?”

Gorvenalus nods and then quickly goes over to the bedside and checks on Tassel “Redwall Abbey, you are safe and sound and have had us very worried indeed the past week:

“Tassel!” Anatole says happy, he does get out of the way of the beaver and stands off to the side “Is..is she ok..is the baby ok?”

Tassel is weak, her pulse is stronger than it was and her breathing a lot better, she tilts her head guessing he found out, then it is due very soon in fact.”A..Anatole...love...”

Gorvenalus hmmms softly “I will wake Angela and find Brother Rafael  as well if needed.”He offers a smile to the otter maid and then hurries off.

Who:

Zolomon- Archer in Mossflower Defenders

Xander- Leader of Mossflower Defenders

Misu- Archer in Mossflower Defenders

Ximena- healer in Mossflower Defenders

Rupert- Historian and Recorder of Ferravale

Scur- Assassin in Ormaz's Horde

Falk-Messaenger and spy for Ormaz and his horde, Spy/fighter/messenger of Black Rose

A couple spoofed rats

Log:

Xander looked around the boat “And it's..safe?” It was clear he disliked  boats but would put up with one.

Zolomon smiles “Water travel is de best and seeing the Long Patrol, isn't that gonna be neat Xandy, and Lord C...”

Rupert frowns “Do not call him that he is a respected leader, and yes it's safe Xander, ok let's ok supplies....check...yes all done”

Ximena stayed away from the railing and frowned, this was going to be a long trip but at least she managed to get healing herbs along the way here.

Misu just sits “Its a boat..whatever so how long?”

Xander nods “ 3 and a half weeks and yes it's a long trip I just hope they help and we get back in time.”

Zolomon sticks his tongue out at the rabbit and sits by Xander “Me too Xandy.”

Rupert hummphs and goes below deck. He is most likely going to be there most of the trip.

Today is windy, very windy and for a good hour the wind is fairly hard as one of those summer storms come along, it somehow doesn't damage the sails in fact  even helps them out,  they travel the length of 2 and a half days when normally it would be half a day.

Xander could care less at the speed, yes it's good to gain time but the whole speed and rain bothers him. He is glad when it stops and ventures above to look around “So..good so far right Rupert?”

Rupert is busy looking at a map and grins “Yes..very good, this storm yet depressing and seemly bad just helped us travel, I was worried at first as that wind should of torn the sails apart and made us crash!”

Zolomon blinks “Gee your so exciting Rupert we want to get to Lord C and his hares in one jolly piece"

Xander gulps a little and feels a little ill “Yes I agree with Zolomon. I think Ximena and Misu is asleep, I am going to sleep, Zolomon want this watch shift?”

Rupert nods “I will be up a little while double checking maps.”

Zolomon salutes Xander and grins “Sure thing Xandy you get ya needed sleep. Me and Rupert has this...”He goes to lay an arm around Rupert “Right buddy?”

Xander just nods and heads get some rest, he seriously needs it and likely will sleep a long while while he can.

Rupert moves away from the hare and just sighs”Why....” He mutters.

Zolomon frowns and shrugs as he adjusts his longbow and keeps watch.

What they don't see is a small group of beasts watching them, a couple rats and a monitor lizard, one Scur as he just watches from a distance.

Falk flies over and lands in the darkness”So...we strike now?”

Scur speaks “No....”He says calmly”Not yet”

One of the rats looks “Why...I can easily kill the hare with my crossbow and the old rabbit is an easy kill, the other 3 are tried and their reaction time is bad.

Scur smirks “True but no...my plan is simple we let them get to the Western Shore, till then we stay out of site.

Falk tilts his head confused

“What? Ormaz said to slay the badger, and either slay or take captive the others...we have our orders”

Scur nods “To make sure they don't come back alive. But we let them think they are successful, yes they made it....then we wait, they will likely rest before they head on to that Badger Lord and his hares....we  sink their boat, we take survivors captive, but Xander Winters is mine to slay.”He sneers”So let him and his friends relax, they need the rest. They need to think they are safe till they get to the western shore.......then they will find out they are far from safe and I will present Ormaz with their leader's head, and the rest I get to kill as my personal slaves...” He hisses and starts laughing, one of those creepy fur stand on ends kind of laughs, the monitor was truly insane and his plan...genius.

=== OOC NOTE, Oz doesnt show up right away as I logged this, all of this seemed important to the TP going on. All is important as early on explains some of what the abbot, oz, the champion is speaking of, its also long...you been warned===

Who:

Oz- Badgermother of Redwall, AKA Papa Oz

Benar-Abbot of Redwall Abbey

Matilda-Champion of Redwall

Sinway-Warrior in Mossflower Defenders

Rgel- Archer in Mossflower Defenders

Kirk- Fighter in Mossflower Defenders

Xander - Leader of Mossflower Defenders

Anatole- Fighter/Warrior in Mossflower Defenders

Krisha-Badger Mother in Training

Ferro- Blacksmith of Redwall

John- Warrior Squirrel

LOG:

Rigel walks in slowly and nods to a novice who is a little slow to wave but does after they seem to decide the fox is safe.

Sinway finds a place to sit down and rest looking around at the mostly empty hall "Xander is not going to be happy.........he had a feeling they where planning something."

Kirk sits and sighs" He will need to be told, well when we are able to tell him"

Rigel says, "Of course be telling him soon but these bad beasts may try and do something else soon, they be wanting any help out of the way"

Sinway nods "I hope we can tell him soon, if he is goin' to be leavin' fer the mountain, he best be doin' it soon before the vermin have a chance to make even that hard." He thinks fer a moment "And if'n ye see the abbot, some one needs to tell him he got to ring the bell, we need to get everyone in the abbey.....this be getting more and more dangerous."

Kirk asks, "Some may know, others do not and I do not know if the bell was rang or not, how far can it be heard?"

Rigel says, "I would be helping but not all woodlanders will believe a fox is a friend, not with so much happening few trust me."

Sinway thinks "The bell should be able to be heard through out all of Mossflower Woods, at least far enough to all the beast close enough to need to come." He looks over to Rigel "If'n ye was there at the base when the attack happened, I think it be best if ye stay in the abbey, if they know ye be with us you will be in just as much danger as the rest of us."

Kirk says, "I just hope nothing else happens"

Rigel nods and looks to Kirk " Most likely not getting wish....groups such as this is not being quiet long, had to be reason to make sure base no longer around"

Sinway nods and agrees with Rigel "Aye, Rigel is right......"He realizes he never introduced him self "By the way, me names Sinway, Sinway Redrose, but he is right, all the more reason Xander needs to make his trip now, before it becomes to late."

Kirk says, "I would be too...afraid to go too far right now, even if the way  back be way way safer with all the hares and maybe the Badger Lord if he comes, do you think he would come or just hares?"

Rigel asks, "Guess we be waiting to see huh? Hares at least come" He chuckles, got to be funny sometimes "Abbey will have to be ready for victory food with hares"

Sinway thinks for a moment "That depends on whats happening at the cost.........he may send his hares, but if he feels the need is great he will come, after all, the abbey is a dear friend of the mountain, always has been."

Kirk says, "Maybe he would scare all the vermin...that are bad..away..or she...is it a girl lord or boy lord?" He has no clue

Rigel says, "Lord..male as Female be Lady...Xander knows the name..I am not knowing"

Sinway hmms and thinks "He might, but if there leader is a cat.......it might be a little more complicated, vermin minds work weirdly." He looks over to the fox "Erm sorry no offense, what  I mean is fer some reason the fear there master's rath more then they fear the enemy infront of them no matter who it is......and cats aren't easily scared."

Kirk nods, he sighs and just sits quietly as he is not sure what to do

Rigel says, "Is alright Sinway...a fox is still vermin species, just most foxes be of the not good kind""

Sinway nods then smiles over to Rigel "Yer not alone though mate, I've ran into plenty good foxes in me travels." He then turns to Kirk "We need to find a new base..........we can't move it to the abbey.......couldn't ask that of Father Benar."

Kirk says, "They will have to builds a new base somewhere"

Rigel says, "No no this place of peace that is correct...I do not know, but building may need wait...maybe still have meeting in the abbey of the red wall, discuss among Mossflower Defender members""

Sinway thinks for a few moments "i know of a few places around the woods, or I did......there is the old knights guild in east Mossflower.......if ye travel down the river to the waterfall there be a cave behind it, not sure if anyone be livin' there." he thinks some more "i know camp willow had some vermin trouble but maybe there."

Kirk says, "Maybe we....I don't know"

Rigel says, "We shall find some place soon perhaps"

Sinway nods "Just another one of the many things to talk to Xander about before he leaves.......with Karth out of commission for a while this will need to be discussed before he makes his way to the mountain."

Rigel says, "Yes much discussion, maybe at Firepit..seen one at pond when looked around short bit in this place. good for meeting least and out of way of others"

Kirk stands "I am...going to check on Karth" And he walks off to do that.

Sinway watches as the mouse leaves sighing "he is rather shaken up about all this.....I hate that I wasn't there."

Rigel nods "Was a little..scary, happen all of the sudden these vermin be good hiders"

Krisha makes her way down the steps and stops at the bottom,"Hello all"

Sinway looks over to Krisha and nods to her "Hello to ye.......not sure we have met, names Sinway." He looks over to the fox "Aye, vermin be good at being sneaky, most are to much of a coward to fight ye face to face."

Krisha smiles "Maybe briefly..Krisha."

Rigel waves to the badger as he leans back in his chair "Hello we are discussion stuff is all doing you are still being welcome to come sit down"

Sinway nods and waves the badger over "We are more or less done with this discussion for now, not much else to be set right now anyways, hope we see Xander around soon."

Krisha frowns "What happen..Xander is probably asleep, he was stressed and I told him he needed to get some sleep"

Rigel says, "Maybe sleep is best before hearing bad news"

Sinway looks over to Krisha "It would seem the Defender's base was attacked......and is gone......Karth is up in the infirmary now."

Krisha frowns and looks up the steps and back to them "That is..wot happen..Xander was going to go but he needed rest ..when was this?"

Rigel says, "Being this moring when happen"

Sinway shakes his head "From what I gather the Blackrose and a monitor lizard." He looks over to Rigel to see if he is correct "I was heading to ferravale when I saw Karth collapsed in the road, there was a female sea otter there, didn't get her name.....we helped him to the abbey, then I saw Rigel.....and I think the mouse name is Kirk.....still learning every ones name, anyways I saw them at the gate and was informed of what happened."

Krisha listens as he speaks "Misu...maybe, she is a close friend to Karth"

Rigel says, "Much has gone on seems"

Ferro enters about this time, a couple are still uneasy around him but most seen him once...twice, its not like he visits the abbey much at all so why now? Also he is carrying a wrapped bundle of some sort, he also isn't really looking at anyone, just sort of walking into the room slowly and stopping.

Sinway ears perk at the opening of the door, the otter turning to see the lizard "Ahh Ferro, I do hope ye made it to the abbey ok?" The otter turns his attention to the lizard looking at the bundle that he is holding

Benar walks down the stairs talking animatedly to one of the Novices, "I don't care what he is doing, he's been avoiding me for days... you tell him I will see him or else I will know why," The novice bobs a bow and darts off and the Abbot sighs and shakes his head glaring after the novice, the squirrel seems more frazzled then normal.

Rigel sees a monitor and at first is a little concerned and then relaxes, he has seen this monitor before, he is then distracted by a grumpy abbot.

Krisha frowns as the abbot is not usually grumpy, she starts to walk over to him and stops when Ferro enters seeming really confused as to why he is here. she walks over to Ferro "Your..visiting?Whats the matter....usually I have to beg you to be here"

Ferro doesn't reply to Krisha, he just sort of stands there and he will usually speak to her, even if he doesn't speak to anyone else he ALWAYS speaks to her.

Sinway ears perk at the sound of Benar, not used to seeing his old friend this grumpy......"Father, is something the matter, he stands up and moves to greet the squirrel at the stairs

Benar looks around the hall and frowns at Ferro then over at Sinway, he then lifts the hem of his habit and stalks toward the main doors, tail bristling out, swaying from side to side. Something has clearly put the Abbot in a mood which is very unusual as far as the Abbot goes, he is usually so quiet about everything.

Krisha frowns at Ferro, She glaces at Benar but the whole..Ferro is acting strange is her main focus, she looks at the monitor concern he is not answering her, no anything "Daddy?" That should get a reply, correct?

Sinway is a little shocked, he isn't used to his friend being like this, with out anything left to do the otter goes back to his seat, a little closer to the door so he can pay attention to whats going on

"WHERE IS THAT BADGER?" Comes a shout from outside the great doors, a mix of anger, urgency, and.. worry, curiously in the voice. Another voice, quieter, that seems to be pleading. What is being said can't be quite made out. That is remedied with the one of the oaken doors swinging open, revealing an irate squirrel, with gloves still on and his helm held in one paw. The guard next to John looks rather surprised he had opened the door so quickly. "Er, look, I'm sure they're around somewhere - but you really ought to calm down." John ignores him, instead looking about the room, noting all the beasts gathered. He is now silent, his tail twitching back and forth, and he steps into the hall.

Matilda comes in, having spent the day in the library, reading about Martin the Warrior. Looking between the creatures in here, she cringes slightly and stays silent for the moment.

Benar stops near the door at the voice from outside and waits as the guard and John hurry in, "Are you looking for Oz or Xander?" The abbot asks, "If it's Oz you'll have to get in the queue behind me, DoraRose and most of the Elder Council," He stops and bows, "Oh Matilda sorry, this must seem... odd to you," His tail keeps lashing from side to side angrily.

Krisha frowns and backs up a little and looks over to the Abbot and back to Ferro and just sighs confused.

Ferro just stands there, it seems like a bit of Chaos around him, does he move yet? Nope..that is till Matilda enters and he walks over to her and stares at her, the package in his claws as he holds it out to her and speaks, to her as his focus is just her, " I seek out the Matilda..Champion of Redwall...a champion needs her armor" It will be perfectly made, a perfect  fit and light weight but strong as plate mail and there is also a helm. After he makes sure she gets it he blinks and holds his head and hisses, looks around and hisses a little "Whatsssssss thissssss?" Yeah now he lases back into his speech...wait a moment, he was not speaking in his own...tone before.

Sinway doesn't say anything, well because he doesn't have much to say, every one is either confused angry, or both, and his first thought is to try and cheer everyone up, but realizing that's a bad idea the otter just stays silent for now, though he does note the strange way the lizard was speaking and tilts his head great now he is confused

"Xander. He's still breathing isn't he?" John asks, walking over to the table and slamming his helmet down upon it with a loud /thud/. "Didn't find his body among the dead, so he should be kicking around if he isn't captured - don't think he'd be captured." Taking the gloves the gloves off, he slaps those onto the the table too. "He didn't listen to me, and now most of his /defenders/," The words is said with quite a bit of contempt and, more forgivingly, disappointment, "Are dead, wounded, or most likely captured, aye? Bah!"

Matilda's eyes widen as the monitor lizard walks over to her. She backs up...until he starts speaking. A puzzled look crosses her face as she takes the bundle and opens it. Her mouth drops open in an O shape. "Uh....thank you?" She looks up at the Ferravale Blacksmith, then at the Abbot. "Uh, yeah, just about everything that's happened since I got here has been pretty odd. Did...I'm sorry, who are you?" She asks the lizard.

Benar's tail drops to the floor and he stares at John, clearly shocked, whatever he was angry about before has gone right out of his head, "I... what! How did that happen!" He seems totally distracted and turns to look at Ferro and Matilda, "Sorry... that... is... Ferro, the blacksmith from..." He turns back to John, "All of them?"

Krisha rushes over to Ferro "Father whats wrong?" She will go to help him into a chair and listens as John speaks ."I..saw a couple Defenders earlier.."

Ferro allows the help and sits down "Howsssss did I get here Krisha?" He just sits there and blinks a few times, seeing what is in her paws seems to spark something "Isssss that...the armor the mousssssssssse ssssaid to make?"

Sinway is attention is now fully on the two squirrels though the lizards actions are strange to him, its not what he is focusing on right now the otter goes to speak up "Karth, he be still alive, he is up in the infirmary.....Kirk as well, he went to lay down." He knows that doesn't really help but still its better to let them know not everyone was lost "Kirk said Karth called for a retreat, there might still be some that yet live." He turns over to Ferro "Mouse?" is all he asks

John slams his fist onto the table. "A couple? A /couple?/" The squirrel puts paws on the table now, leaning forward and looking down. He is silent for a moment, before, in an trembling voice, he says, "I told them to abandon the base before something like this happened. The beasts who I got to agree to help didn't make it in that retreat. Like Earwood - found him gutted by an arrow."

Benar winches at the table slamming, "John... please..." calm down a bit...." He moves over to a chair and seems to sink into it, "Matilda.... I... am glad Martin sent you armor but.... this is too much to take in. There were... so many Defenders, I know... Dora is still in, so I guess she wasn't there but this is a disaster... if the Defenders are out of action then they'll think they can go for..." He stands up and hurries toward the door, wrenching it open he grabs a Brother, "Run to the Gatehouse, tell LilyMoore I want the evacuation order rung, call them in, every farm, every village, every independent household in the woods... let them know Redwall says come to safety ...."

Matilda has set the armor on the closest chair and is examining it piece by piece. "Oh my goodness....it looks like it'll fit perfectly!" She starts to put on the leg parts. Then pauses and looks intently at the lizard. "Wait, mouse? Like, that mouse?" She points to the Tapestry even as the Abbot tells her what it all means. But then he's off in a panic and she continues to buckle on her new armor "Benar, what is going on? Is there anything I can do to help?" She has her own sword and the Sword of Martin safely stowed away. With her new armor, she is more than ready to help if a battle must be fought.

Krisha just stays seated by Ferro and listens to all that's going on.

Ferro just shrugs and glaces at the picture of Martin the Warrior, "Him...butssssssss...how?" Ok he rather not have it explained when vermin are mentioned he stands slowly "I sssssshall help as well."He has his claws and teeth, he needs no weapon but he is willing to repair or make any armor or weapon .

Sinway looks over to john and frowns "I'm......I
am sorry, I wasn't informed on how bad it was, I only heard bits and pieces from Kirk, and very little from Karth." He feels bad for opening his mouth now. he turns to Matilda and adds "Ye can count on me, I will be there to help as well."

Looking over at the abbot, John says, "You didn't get my message, then?" The younger squirrel sits with a sigh, looking rather defeated. "It was a suggestion to do just that - ring the bells - and to get the defenders here instead of at their...base..." Putting his head in paws and rubbing his face, he adds, "Best thing for it right now is to get every woodland beast into the abbey - keep them safe...Here." He glances up, looking at the abbot, the monitor, the otter, and the new warrior in turn. "We've lost any ability to go on the offense. Even if some of the defenders lived, I doubt most of them are in a state to do so, and doing so now will just get more beasts needlessly killed. Maybe go out and escort beasts making their way here, but after that, we need to defend this place. I would suggest preparing for a fight, because I think it'll be coming, some time..."

Oz enters with a couple novice and walks into unknown chaos it seems. He doesn't ask what is happening yet as he stays by the last step. He has a small bandage on his cheek also, its not a bad cut and is healing good...it could of been a lot worse and ended up not needing a stitch even, also luck.

Benar stands on the steps outside and looks toward the bell tower, waiting for the bells to start, "I am afraid if you sent a message I did not get it John sorry, or I'd have done this by now," He watches as LilyMoore and the other Bellringers converge across the lawn in the bell tower before turning to look to those inside, "Sorry Matilda, I am just worried if the Defenders are now out of action the Black Rose will take it as carte blanche to move in and start capturing beasts across Mossflower, I am enacting our shelter plan, the bells will ring calling all the beasts of Mossflower to safety.... and thank you Ferro your offer to help is welcome, I fear the Abbey may be in great danger," He then pauses as Oz comes in, "And you! Oz... we are going to have words about you opening the gates! Let alone being near the gates at all when there are crazed vermin on the loose! But that can wait until the warning has gone out."

The Bells begin to ring as LilyMoore and the other Bellringers do their job, taking turns when each pair gets tired. As the brazen, urgent warning begins to echo around the woodlands, glades, and grasslands beyond the ditch, Matilda purses her lips. "Do we have enough Warriors to set up a guard on the walls?"

Oz just nods to Benar, he can speak to him later on it but he in his mind had his reasons but he will explain later as he takes in some of what is happening as he listens and frowns.

Ferro nods "I will be ready....."He does advise Krisha to please stay inside and walks to the entry and no one decides to stop the monitor....well then again who will go near him after all he is like one beast that can maybe go off alone

Sinway looks over to john "Well, I'll be doin' what ever it is I can, if'n that means helpin' the beast get to the abbey im yer beast, if ye need wall guard, ye can count on me as well." Aside from that the otter doesn't say much just watching as everything unfolds, he is very much out of the loop of all this after all

"We do, miss, aye?" John says, looking once again at the abbot. "We can do it with just 20 beasts, methinks - only ten at a time, and they'll switch on and off, one for night, one for day." The squirrel stands, seemingly having a second wind after hearing the bells, and a tumble of words and ideas come next. "The rest - well the rest can help escort and guard any woodlanders we find making their way here - in group of at least five - one thing I noticed 'bout the vermin is that they don't like to attack large groups of armed beasts - and, well, myself, the champion, Sinway, and perhaps ol' Dora can be involved that all - though I think the mouse should be involved with the walls!"

Benar says, "I think Dora Rose should stay in the abbey," He leans back in his chair, "She's the Gatekeeper.... but Matilda, you are the Champion, I'd like to hear what you think but please do listen to John's advice, and others, we must all work together and John has been investigation the Black Rose since they arrived."

Anatole walks into the room and makes a sound at the mention of the Black Rose, a sort of..growl from an otter?" I want ta help take em' down...I am a fighter in the Mossflower Defenders, that Black..Rose had me wife as a slave....they need ta pay and take no more slaves"

Oz walks up to be beside Benar and listens as others speak.

Sinway listens to john and nods "If that is where ye need me, then just say the word." He stands up and stretches some he has been sitting down this whole time after all he then turns to Anatole but doesn't say anything, just sits back down and listens to John

John looks at the beasts gather, nodding to the newcomer otter. "Well, right now, we need to get those bands of five together - do you know if there's a list of woodlanders who are out in Mossflower, and were they might be?' he asks, turning to the badger and abbot. "I know of a few creatures meself, but I doubt they're anywhere near to being all of them."

Benar nods to John, "We have a list of the main habitats and crofts," He waves at the library, "I'll get it, most beasts know the drill and will be traveling in family groups to the abbey. We need to man the gates too, let people in on all sides so they don't have to risk traveling around the walls to the front gate, but we also need to check for weapons and enemies tryig to sneak in."

Oz clears his throat "What about help from..Salamandastron I know Xander mentioned it, but I told him to speak to you on that" He frowns "It may be wise to let him and a couple others he chooses to go"

Matilda listens carefully. "Well, I've met DoraRose, but if the beasts who know her best say she should be in charge of the gates, then I'll listen to your wisdom." She refrains from commenting on the 'old' comment by the squirrel Warrior, although she thinks that if the Gatekeeper was here, she'd throw a huge fit about it. "I am willing to help escort beasts to safety. I think that would be good, actually, since many of these beasts will have young ones and elderly beasts, as well as others who cannot fight." She looks around at those gathered. "I will help escort as necessary. I don't know any beast here well enough to say who should do that and who should stay. I'll trust your judgments with that."

Anatole taps his foot paw "I want to help...just say where..please"

John nods. "Aye then - the bands will work as deterrents." He taps the table. "Also - I would suggest getting the order members ready for self defense - and train woodlanders coming in as well. Any beast who volunteers, of course. We need any help we can." Finished with stating the major things to be done, the squirrel turns to face Oz. "As for Salamandastron, I'd suggest sending a bird with message first, then maybe a band of beasts to go in person to get help from those hares!" Starting to put his gloves back on, he looks then at Matilda. "Are you planning on using the sword? If so - I wouldn't bring it for the escorting. Find a different weapon - it would be quite the blow to moral here if it were to fall in the wrong paws, and maybe might even paint a target on you for that reason..." Pausing before grabbing his helm, he adds, "Eh, I suggest we eat soon, then go out - Me, I'll lead one group, Matilda, if you're up for it, can lead another, then, eh, Sinway, you ready? And you - Anatole, was it?" John says,

John says, looking over at him, "You can come with my group."

Benar leans back in his chair, "The members of the order will... be ready to defend themselves if the abbey grounds are attacked directly. But... I won't fight, and they won't go out of the Abbey..." He shakes his head and sits up, "And no... Matilda should take the sword. Remember to most vermin the beast carrying the red pommeled sword of Redwall is legend, is to be feared... it will give whoever Matilda is escorting some extra protection, I've already spread word that Redwall has a new Champion... it's one of our greatest defenses so should be seen."

Anatole says, "And a group to that badger place....and ok"He walks over to John "I can use a short sword and sling""

Matilda listens humbly, then nods. "Okay, I'll use Martin's sword. It's almost exactly like my sword, so it won't be too much of a bother. Father Abbot, if you would help me pick out the fighters to be in my group, or point me to someone who can, I would appreciate it. I would do it by myself," She chuckles a tiny bit, "But I'm so new here, I'm not sure who would be best to go with me, and who should stay here." She frowns slightly at the mention of Salamandastron, but she can ask about that later. "What about Ferravale? Can they help us? I heard that we have a peace treaty with them, but will they be under attack, too?"

Sinway looks over to john and nods "As ready as I can be mate, though all I have with me is me sword and the skilled paw to wield it, and I'm pretty deadly with a sling me self.....Ferro was suppose to make me some armor, but well......." He turns to Matilda and nods to her armor "He had more important things to craft." The otter stands up stretching some "I'm going to get started now, I already ate some earlier....." He looks to John "Have the beast who will be joining' me be ready in ten minutes, I'm gonna collect me sword and slug and be ready at the main gate, Ill take the east part of Mossflower woods, tis the area i know the best."

"With all due respect, father Abbot," John starts, turning to look at the elder. "Didn't Marek, way back when, steal the sword? That beast's brother his heavily involved with this Blackrose, from what I can tell, and maybe in charge." He nods to Sinway, muttering, "Aye - will do. I'll soon be ready meself..." Shaking his head, he continues, "This brother of his might be planning something similar." He shrugs. "Of course, I could be wrong, but better safe than sorry - and we've had too much to be sorry about these past few days, aye?"

Sinway nods and stands up nodding to everyone then bowing once to Benar "Then  I shall get ready." With that he leaves through the main door

Anatole goes off to  get ready to follow John on out the door, he is to be with him after all.

Xander picks the best time to walk down the steps, rest they said...maybe that was a bad idea even if he did seriously need it. He frowns as he right away knows something has happen, what he doesn't know yet.

Outside the bells are still ringing, the sanctuary alarm echoing over the woods and then mingled into them another sound starts to penetrate. Another bell... clanging out an alarm, distant and muffled, almost lost in the clash and clan of Redwall's twin bells but in those moments when the sound of Matthias and Methuselah wanes it rings out... the alarm from Ferravale. Benar sits up and looks toward the window, "We can debate the merits of Matilda leaving the sword behind or not later... but we need act," He stands up, "I leave judgments regarding the sword to the Champion, Martin chose her... I have an Abbey to get ready for refugees," He turns as Xander comes down the stairs, "Xander, join Matilda or John, we need beasts in the woods escorting the woodlanders into the safety of the abbey," He starts for cavern hole, "Friar Lacota, Elder Elmef, Maxwell, Samantha," Calling the order together the Abbot starts down the stairs, he has an Abbey to get ready, he'll leave escorting the woodlanders of Mossflower safety up to the warriors.

Oz listens as Benar heads out of the room, he starts to follow when he hears Xander "Xander you need updated....others can do that" He goes to see what he needs to do right now, likely help Benar and then a small chat after some jobs are passed out around the abbey.

Matilda thinks for a moment, then says, "I'll just use the sword I brought with me. I'm going to go grab a quick meal. I'll find a Novice or some beast to help me don the rest of my armor I'll be at the gates in about 15 minutes, maybe 20." Gathering up her new armor, she quickly heads to the kitchen, Once she's all ready, she'll be at the gates, ready to leave with her band of 4 other Warriors to help guide woodlanders to the safety of the Abbey...

John notices a pot of tea some beast had put out - he goes over, grabbing a mug and pouring himself a cup. He downs it, making a face. "Bah. Cold..." He drops the subject of the sword, for now. Turning back, he nods Xander. "You should come with me - Sinway, Me, an' Matilda are leading groups to guard woodland refugees back here. I'll tell you the rest on the way." Grabbing his helmet from the table, he starts for the door. "You coming?" He asks over his shoulder.

Xander nods and goes to follow John, ok now he is worried as to what happens and has yet to hear all the news.

Meanwhile the abbey gets ready for beasts that would soon come for safety of the abbey, and they would need food and comfort, maybe a healer and all needed to be ready.