Redwall MUCK Forum

Where:
Mossflower woods not to far from Black Rose Base

Who:

Melantha- Leader of Black Rose

Stormfang-Fighter in Black Rose

Kakarauri- Archer and Assassin in Black Rose

Falk-Messenger of Black Rose

Tassel- Fighter in Mossflower Defenders

Log:

Melantha tail wagged behind her as she was a bit annoyed tonight. She didn't get the lunch she wanted and the tea was watered down so she decided to get her blade and go for a long walk.

Stormfang followed her close by “Are we gonna hunt down some slaves?Rob some beasts?”

“Kill would be most fun” Came a voice soon to show its owner, Kakarauri as she appeared from some tall weeds “I have been in serious need of a good fight or kill lately.”

Melantha just snorted “ No killing as if anything a slave may be nice, I myself would not mind some action, Ormaz has done nothing lately and frankly I am growling restless and tried of his...in due time, what ever Black Rose is my group, not his maybe I will kick his tail out, he can find his own place and his own slaves”

Stormfang frowns “That beast scares me, he is like the beast someone tells storys about to make a dibbun not want to get out of bed cause....oh Ormaz will get ya sort of thing”

Kakarauri smirked “He doesn't scare me. I like him....he killed a badger, beheaded it in front of everyone at the base and let his monitor eat it”

Melantha sighs “Yeah..whats his name..Crayton or something, what his pet or something?”

“I would be careful who ya call pet boss” Stormfang said quietly “Might get ya eaten”

Kakarauri just chuckled and showed her teeth, “My kind of fun. Besides killing is my job I am an assassin after all. The badger tried to escape and Ormaz found and fought it on his own and dragged it back here, its mate died by the river.”

Melantha nodded “I know of the badgers, I was there, the dibbun likely died as well...one thing I dislike is killing a dibbun, unless its needed. I have before yes as one was gonna tell about us...it had to die”

Falk swooped down and landed near the group, the falcon eyeing them as it cleaned dead fish from its claws.

Stormfang eeped a little when the bird showed up and backed away “Oh its just you...”

Tassel was walking in the woods, in deep though as she usually was fairly alert but she had other things on her mind but a smile seemed to show it was not something sad as she smiled . She was close to the den she shared with her mate Anatole.

Kakarauri caught movement and grinned “Some beast is near, very near”

Melantha brought out a blade and scanned the treeline and raised an eyebrow “An otter....its one of those Mossflower Defender beasts....alone”

Stormfang stayed where he was “SO...do we leave it be or?”

Falk finished cleaning his wings and took flight so he could get a birds eye view, any others around or was she truly  alone.

Tassel was alone as she skipped a little and smiled “Wait till Anatole hears the news...he will either faint or be happy.” And not watching where she was going proved bad news as she came to a halt and looked at the vermin now in front of her...”Well.....” Her next word was a cuss word, good thing no dibbuns were around as it slipped out of her mouth before she could stop it.

Melantha tail twitched “Grab her!”

Stormfang lunged forward before the otter could react.

Kakarauri smirked and decided to not use her large blade, no just a dagger to the knee to slow the otter if she ran, she flicked the dagger to its target laughing as she did so.”Got that right woodlander....”

Falk landed and cawed softly before speaking “Otter...alone she is”

Tassel was too close to use her sling and took in a deep breath as the dagger went deep into her knee and she fell backwards, she tried to get up and send a kick to the rat's face with her good leg and then fell forward gasping in pain as she just made the dagger go deeper into her knee.

Stormfang yiped as the foot connected with his snout and drew back with blood dripping from his nose.

Kakarauri grinned and blew an oddly colored power at the otter “ sleep now” She said oddly calmly in her tone of voice. She chuckled at the rat as his blood dripped.

Melantha fur poofed “Oh good grif! Just tie her up and get her to the base and lets get the idiot a healer....”She kicked a rock across the forest flood and stormed off ahead.

Tassel groaned and fell sideways...knocked out and unable to do anything now but  be a captive.

Stormfang held his snout as blood poured “Think tis..broken...”

Kakarauri just tied up the otter and lifted her over her back as she grinned “What if it is, your fault if it is now lets get back”

Melantha would make sure they got back, a healer was found and the otter placed in a cell....this was not the sort of walk she needed but hey a new slave was good she hoped.

Whom:

Oz-Dibbun Mother..AKA Papa Oz

Krisha-Badger Mother in traininbg

Xander- Leader of Mossflower Defenders

Northstar spoofed briefly.

Log:

***Inside Brockhall***

Oz was ready to head back to Redwall, what ended up being 3 weeks rest DID help him a lot and he was able to get needed rest and feel ready for ...well almost anything and this morning he was humming and making the last of the mint green tea he had, and there was enough for others if they wanted a mug.

Xander meanwhile was pacing nearby and then went into the main sitting room, to yes pace some more. His fist was made and unmade as he tried to fight off some stress and sighed a little.

Oz noticed, but didn't say anything while he was making tea, he still hummed to himself some old tune he had always heard seasons ago.

Krisha came in and smiled “Xander....you ready to go dear?' Northstar was napping for now so was laid in a small badger size crib that was found.

Xander lucky was not making a fist when Krisha entered and turned slowly and smiled as he walked up to her “When it's time to head home...I am ready.” He took her paw and smiled “Care to dance?”

Oz came in and set down 3 mugs of tea and sat down with his on the other side of the room and mainly just listened, if he could see them dance it would be nice but he could still get an idea of them dancing, he could hear footpaws in the quiet room.

Krisha let out a small chuckle”Sure dear I would love to dance, we have not danced since our wedding day.”She smirked “You sure you want to??”

Xander takes her into a dance pose and smiles as they start. He has been practicing, he was fair at dancing that day and now he is even better, maybe not a chance to win some best dance of the day but he has improved a lot as they do slow dance. He still has some tension but it eases a good deal when he is dancing, he is quiet in the moment also.

Krisha smiles “You been practicing love” She kisses his cheek once and lays her head on his shoulder enjoying the moment as they dance.

Oz sips his tea quietly as the two other badgers dance. The peace and quiet is then ruined...Northstar is awake and grumpy.

Xander is relaxed, almost but he doesn't let it show to Krisha as he just has that protect you with my life feeling going on right now. He kisses her and backs away “You should...tend to Northstar before we head off.”

Krisha smiles and nods as she takes Northstar into another room.

Oz walks over and stands near Xander “What is wrong and do not lie, something has upset you as you were pacing before that and the steps in your dance was not always without some tenseness in your steps...yes it seems you have improved but your footpaws..how they were placed onto the floor was a bit...as it your stressed and one can;t fully hide stress when one has it.”

Xander was quiet and then “I..I am fine, nothing wrong Uncle Oz just getting ready to go home is all”

Oz frowns “Your voice tone betrays you, did something happen I should know/ Does in have to do with the sudden appearance of two hare dibbuns yesterday?”

Xander sighed, great his Uncle and his knowing of things still “It...ok yes somewhat...I...I don't know everything but Patch was here , well outside as I didn't invite him in and we talked only briefly. There is a slaver group around and Marek supposedly has a brother than was thought dead and his brother is not good. The brother may or may not be...have something to do with some slavers around and I had an idea of slavers since Ace disappeared. The dibbuns parents were killed Uncle Oz and Karth found a very scared mouse who got away, two other mice are captive of these...theses slavers”The last word has  some growl to it.

Oz frowns as he listens “Something like this needs told to others, and the two dibbuns are coming with us back to the abbey.    Unless they were of....their parent were not Long Patrol were they?”

Xander takes a deep breath and then answers “No, just hares from the area.     Karth and a couple others were gonna make sure they got a proper burial. But...I am just scared a bit Uncle Oz..I don;t want Krisha or Northstar, or you hurt or captive or worse..d...dead”

Oz lays a paw on Xander's shoulder “We will be fine and I am sure you will do all you can to make sure of it”

Xander nods and then hugs Oz tightly and stays that way a long while before backing up again “I asked Karth and a couple other defenders to help escort the group here back to the abbey, just to be on the safe side. Then I will go with them to the Mossflower Defender Base for a small meeting to try and figure out what we should do, to keep patrols around and that sort of thing. Maybe talk to Marek also and see what we should or shouldn't do”

Oz  nods “Just have him go to your meeting, he is an ally for the group is he not?'

Xander nods “Yeah....true he is. Anyways  we are leaving here in a few moments  so I best check on Friar Lacota and the novices and make sure they are ready to head back to the abbey.” He sighs a little and adds “We leave in about half an hour...hour at the most”

Oz nods “I shall be ready.”

Xander nods and heads off.

The group leaves in 55 minutes and make their way back to the abbey. Thanks to 4 Mossflower Defender members and Xander at the led, one of the 4 at the rear of the group, they do make it safe and sound to the abbey, and just barely beat  a summer thunderstorm that starts just as they make it inside the gates. They go inside the Great Hall and soon have lunch.

who:

Patch- rat and spy...annoying

Blisa-Chieftain of Ferravale

Ferro- Blacksmith of Ferravale

Spoofed guards

Log:

Patch is walking along, its bad enough the otter followed him this far but hey it had to leave so he is happy and humming a tune and not watching where he is going

Ferro is bumped into and hissses towards the rat and seeing who it is helps even less "You...what issssssssss it bout watching where your going?"

Patch snorts "Watch where your going scales"

Ferro doesn't waste time and is already reaching for the rat with a clawed paw and hissing, his eyes narrowing at the rat for using a nick name, its clear he is far from happy.

Patch gasped and then tries to pry the clawed paw off his neck, he kicks at the lizard and true panic sets in now as he manages a whimper and tries to get loose.

Ferro does let go of the rat but is still clearly not happy"Go back to tavern or elssssssssse" His tail is coiled and yeah he is moody.

Patch rubs his throat "I have important stuff ta discuss with the chieftain bout some dangers around so excuse me...." Yeah he is smart and doesn't say scales again.

Ferro says, "what dangersssssss....where?"

Patch says, "What's it ta ya...not your bees wax on slavers and such...excuse me scales..."He then relieved the slip up and bolted away as fast as he could."

Ferro stopped the rat right past the gate and if nothing else he would of managed to grab his tail and look at him hissing again 'Sssssssslavers are my buissssisnesssss if they are around...they may wissssssh harm on my daughter or granddaughter"

Patch hangs upside down by the tail and frowns "Hey...down...."Then again maybe he should be quiet"Oh the...heee heee nick name and...sure why not follow me to the chieftain, less beasts to tell later"

Ferro decides to just carry the rat, by the tail, towards the chieftains office as he was heading that way anyways.

Patch crosses his arms and just...gives up as he mutters and says "Me tail is not a means to carry me!"

Ferro just keeps walking as he dislikes the rat, if it was any other rat he may of killed him....or least knocked him out if nothing else. Once they get to the chieftains home he drops the rat and watches him closely.

Patch ooofs and stands bushing himself off and then walks into the office. He looks back once or twice to see if Ferro is following him

Ferro is gonna do that, to make sure the rat speaks to the chieftain and he will stay to listen.

Patch shrugs "Where chief not there so....you know what I will be at the tavern, boss man most likely needs some...ales passed out or money collected...bye!"

Ferro follows and when he is able he blocks the rat's path"Then...we waitsssssssss.....ssssssit down"

Patch sits down right away, after he trips over the monitors tail first that is.

Ferro just keeps an eye on the rat making sure he stays put and remains sitting down.

Patch sits, he sighs and then he twitters his thumbs, then he just grumbles and looks at his tail "Ya lucky ya didn't bent me tail, its damaged enough from other stuff"

Blisa has not been in her office all day. She's been busy gathering search parties! Her Blacksmith has been missing, away without leave, and she's worried! What if he somehow got captured by the slavers in the area? What if he fell in the river and drowned? WHAT IF HE BECAME A ZOMBIE??? So she's been trying to find beasts willing to go looking for the monitor. Seeing what he is, she's feeling pretty successful in being able to find 2 whole search parties, both 5 creatures strong, who are willing to see if he's okay. "If Ferro is alright, they should be able to find them," she is telling her bodyguards as they finally head towards the Town Hall. The Chieftain has a haversack on her back in addition to her ever-present art bag at her side. "They're all experienced trackers....." The cat's words drift off as she stares in shock at the 2 beasts sitting outside her office. "Ferro?" Valerie claps a paw to her forehead as most of the other bodyguards stare in surprise. "You're here....where have you been?!”

Blisa asks, stamping her foot a little. Waldo the weasel and Statler the stoat whisper something to Ferdinand, who nods. The 2 bodyguards then run off.

Ferro rolls his eyes "Your tail issssss fine....."He sees the chieftain and nods "I wasssss......in need of aid but wasss helped and with my daughter a couple daysssss. It got too hot couple daysssss ago. too hot...but I am fine."

Patch says, "it is not fine sc.."He sees the chieftain and stands "Yeah yeah lost lizards.....what about slavers and the fact bossman has a brother....something I didn't know and am rather peeved, so went out and bout...may of found the area or general area of a slave camp..base, small though and likely not run by that beast, some cat...feline is its leader""

Blisa frowns slightly. Well, I'm glad you're okay, Ferro. Next time, though, please let me know that you're going traveling and to where..." she then gets distracted by the rat. Oh, the rat. He appears to have the remarkable gift of getting everyone angry with him. Her right lower eyelid begins to twitch as he left ear cocks to one side slightly. She turns her gaze upon him.....then pounces, going to grab his ear with claws extended. Ferdinand makes a faint 'erk' sound and quickly unlocks the door to the Chieftain's office as she goes to yank the spy along behind her. "If you have found out stuff and not told me immediately, so HELP me, Patch, I....I'll.....y'know, I do need a new rug...." she looks way beyond angry right now as she tries to pull him into her office. Valerie gestures for the Blacksmith to enter with them. Hank and Clarissa stay outside, deciding that they'd REALLY rather not be involved with this kind of stuff today.....

Ferro follows and for now keeps his own temper under control.

Patch eeps as he is dragged by the ear into her office "My ear...lady...come on!,,, Not been that long...3 ish weeks" He frowns "Takes some time ta get info, not that I found out much more That guy is sneaky...the feline not so much and I did tell stripy...who made this otter follow me, hee lost the stupid otter, dumb otter"

Ferdinand and Valerie wisely stay by the door. No one is going to come to the rat's rescue. Not this time. Blisa goes to throw (as best as she can, given the circumstances) the spy towards her desk. Taking off her haversack, she holds it in her right paw, fury etched upon her face. "Are you telling me that Marek has a brother and you've known about it for 3 WEEKS?" That must've been the danger DoraRose told her they both need to talk to Marek about. "Why wouldn't you tell me right away?? Is he a danger? What do you know about him? And I already know about the leader of the slavers, a little. You say you found their base?"

Patch stands and dusts off..."Ok ok...and...ummm"He looks like he wants to run and frowns "Look...I don't know all...chief...and yeah he has a brother and his brother wants him dead and he likely wants his brother dead....the seer was there too, he seen him" He sighs and finds a chair, lucky not Blisa's..."OK..sorry and a general idea where the Black Rose is...lead by a cat and there is a crazy marten and some rats...think they killed a couple hares like....couple days ago and de only reason two dibbuns were living is they hid in some thorn bush...and before ya say anything stripy's uncle has de dibbuns...I wouldn't have them dibbuns are annoying"

Ferro excuses himself as he does have to get back to his shop and...yeah even he wont interrupt the chieftain in an important meeting, yeah important meeting sounds good.

Blisa takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. Ferdinand murmers a good-bye to the Blacksmith as he leaves. The Chieftain closes her eyes, then opens them again, calming slightly. "So Marek has an evil brother. Of course he does. Why not? As if life isn't crazy enough as it is." She sighs and sits down in her chair behind her desk. "By Stripy you mean Xander, right? I do wish you would use beast's /real/ names when you're telling me about them." She opens a desk drawer and starts rummaging around in it. "If I showed you a map of Mossflower, could you show me where the Black Rose base is?"

Patch nods "Yeah....Xander and...well could try ta see on de map as more info on...whats his face ask Marek"

Blisa spreads out a map of the local area, weighing down the corners with rocks she keeps for this purpose. Her desk is tidy and clean today. Getting a charcoal pencil out of her art bag, she offers it to the rat. "Here, you mark it, and I'll make a copy later to send to the Abbey." Ferdinand and Valerie, having decided that the Chieftain is sufficiently calm now, stand behind her and watch to see what the rat does.

Patch looks at the map closely and frowns once, but figures out where Ferrvale s and that leads to him finding the road...the river as he hmmmms and points to an area east close to the river "Bout here....maybe little north...somewhere in this area I am fairly sure. As for....Marek's brother don't know not seen him since that little visit in de tavern 3 weeks ago."

"That neither of you told me about," Blisa adds irritably. Looking at the map, she nods. "I can have some of our black bird scouts check out the are to be sure. The Nightwings have been getting a bit restless recently, so maybe this will help keep those dumb birds calm." She plays with the carved bone skull hanging from its leather cord around her neck, denoting that she is leader of the long-dead Lenore's birds. "You didn't catch Marek's brother's name? I'll have to talk to Marek about why he didn't tell /me/ about this brother of his," she mutters the last sentence, not really addressing anybody as a scowl forms on her face.

Patch says, "I think he though him dead or...something and I forgot de name had other things on me mind""

Blisa nods. "Well, yeah. I just wish you had told me first thing instead of waiting until now." Ferdinand asks, "Ith thith North or Thouth of the River Moth? If it ith North, then wouldn't that put in in the territory of that eagle who helped in the battle againtht your father'th murderer?" The Chieftain's eyes narrow. "Why, yes, it the base is to the North of the river, it would be in Riana's home range...."

Patch just listens "I...owed some beast....like lot of money but it was taken care of.....so yeah that is all well and good now, no worries"

Blisa's gaze lifts from the map to the rat's face. "You somebeast money why?" Sighing, she rubs her forehead with a paw. "Patch, if you get yourself killed by somebeast for your snarkiness or your gambling, I am /not/ sponsoring your funeral. Please be less dumb from now on." Valerie hides a smile, while Ferdinand leans over the map and studies it veeeerrrrry carefully....

Patch starts to complain and then thinks better of it and keeps his mouth shut as that is wiser right now as he stays seated and then picks up a random paper from the desk and starts to look at it.

Yes, staying quiet is a wise decision. Picking up papers from Blisa's desk, however.....not so much. The Chieftain goes to snatch it out of his paws. "No snooping in my paperwork! And other news? Did you happen to see a large female golden eagle while you were out there snooping?" Valerie sits down in her chair behind the cat's desk and pulls out some watercolors. Ferdinand is still looking at the map, making some notations on it with the charcoal pencil.

Patch tenses up as if remembering something, it was not a good day as he about had a heart attack and maybe he did he is not sure , "Umm large bird....yeah...I saw it alright and so did the weasel."He looked down and was quiet "I...fainted after it grabbed the weasel, who I jumped behind ta get away...then again de weasel...was de bad type, yeah loan shark type.....and now he is gone so win win?" He frowns " I owed de weasel like 5000 gold...heee well now I don't so ...yeah win win"

Blisa's eyes widen as her jaw drops, her mouth forming an O. "5,000 gold?? What on Earth did you do to owe somebeast that much?" Ferdinand raises an eyebrow and looks at the rat. "Riana almotht ate you?" Valerie is trying to not laugh.

Patch nods "Yes it was not a good day at all...and....ummm....does it matter why as no money owed now"

Blisa glowers at the rat. "Yeah, it kind of does matter still. Spill it." Ferdinand wisely takes the map and charcoal pencil and sits down in his chair behind the Chieftain. This is turning out to be an emotionally charged day, alright....

Patch frowns....he looks at the window, should he chance it and try and o[en it and jump out, hmmms

Blisa drums her fingers on the desk top. "I'm waiting...." The rat had better come out with the truth, or he may get forced to help the Undertaker again. The bodyguards are pretending to ignore what's happening. They'll only get involved if the Chieftain actually tries to kill the spy....

Patch frowns and looks like he wants to pace and goes to open the window "Its....hot in here isn't it....yeah..you know its not that important as not that it happen and wont now...heeee well....guess it did since well...I owed them money but hey I know where they hid it....heee bet they couldn't break into city hall and ooops they did and took something worth a lot...."He starts to climb out "Hid it in a box buried beside the old mills back door!" And he can smell the freedom...maybe, if he makes it out

Blisa narrows her eyes and leaps with the normal feline agility towards the rat! Grabbing at his tail, she tries to drag him back into the room. "WHAT?! What on Earth are you talking about? *Gasp* Patch, did you enable a thief to steal a village treasure, you insolent little monster?!" Ferdinand stands, puts the map in his chair, and goes to grab the spy's arm. He's intervening 'cause it looks like it's needed this time.

Patch whimpers and ducks and bolts only to slam into a wall and knock himself out as....he missed the doorway to the hall!

Blisa watches the rat run, then blinks as he knocks himself unconscious. As Ferdinand stares, the Chieftain starts to giggle, then chuckle, then laugh aloud. "Well, that was easy." She gestures at the cell. "Let's lock him in there for now and see if he's willing to tell me more after a couple of days of captivity." As the ferret goes to do this, Valerie points out, "We'll need to let Marek know what happened." The cat nods. "Aye. I'll do that, and then have Marek excuse him from his duties for part of every day for 3 months so Patch can help Markalaway. I think Patch needs it...."

Patch groans as..he will wake up to a headache which will get worse once he hears what he needs to do for next 3 months....fun...yeah right.

Who:
Oz-Badger Mother,AKA Papa Oz

Krisha-Badger Mother in Training

Xander- Leader of Mossflower Defenders

Benar-Abbot of Redwall

Lacota-Friar of Redwall

Ximena- Healer in Mossflower Defenders

Northstar-Badger cub and daughter of Xander and Krisha

Spoofed novices, Order Beasts , and some novices

Log:

A small procession makes its way through the trees toward the ancient entrance to Brockhall. It's the Abbot, Elder Mystra, Elder Bartholemew, Brother Theodore, Sister Janine and three or four novices along with four of the abbey guards. The small procession of woodlanders stop outside the mighty door to Brockhall and Benar touches it with a hand reverently and smiles, "We have kept our promise Bella," he murmurs softly, "As we promised long ago, your home is safe, secure and knows the footsteps of badgers..." He bows his head in a moment of prayer then uses the mighty knocker to hammer on the door and let those visiting within that they have guests.

Xander has enjoyed the past few days here, they did have one visitor and it seems they left. At the knock he goes over to answer the door"Oh hey Abbot Benar...how are you, good I hope."

Oz at first felt helpless here but has now learned his way around the place, he has not went much further than the floor above this one where the dorms are as there is the upper areas of the place and some watch tower area. But he is more at ease than he was at first, lot more at ease and walks around some as if he wasn't blind, he is right now sitting in one of the chairs.

Benar asks, "Hello there Xander, I wanted to come and see how you where enjoying your visit here?" He steps inside and smiles up at the massive entrance hall, "It is so very nice to be back... I usually only make the trip here once a year in MidWinter to see how the Hall is doing."

Lacota bustles in from outside, carrying a basket filled with greens and mushrooms. "Benar, what a pleasant surprise. I do hope Sister Violet has not been allowed to commandeer my Kitchen..."

Xander smiles "It is nice here and relaxing here...sort of interesting to of used a large tree and....well end up with this place. This place is most likely nice in winter as well"

Oz nods a hello once Benar is further inside "This place takes....getting use to, but it has been nice to relax the past few days. for once  sleep in a couple times. I do miss the dibbuns though...even if they are a pawfull at times."He smiles "Only one dibbun here and that's Northstar whom is most likely napping with Krisha"

Benar walks over, sandals clicking on the floor and hugs Oz's arm, "You look well for your rest Oz, maybe I should insist you come here for a week or two every year. You are not as young as you once where and using the home of the First Badger mother to rest our Badger Father is a good idea." He then turns and grins at Lacota, "I am afraid I could not say what Sister Violet is up to, but she has been her usual helpful self and Xander." He shakes his head, "I am glad you are enjoying Brockhall, it has a special significant in the history of Redwall and the Badgers of the World. It is here that some of the most famous Badger Lords of Salamandastron where raised."

Xander blinks "Badger Lords...grew up here?" Ok this he didn't know so now he is gonna have to read up on some history" I have..heard some of the Badger Lords, not one or more may of been here. And I can say i meet a Badger Lord..Lord Ciocan, he is...well interesting." He chuckles a little "I..remember thinking, when I was ....younger that he was a s tall as the mountain, he does duck down sometimes I seen in some of the hallways of the badger Mt....then was only there a short time when..."He frowns a little remembering "When...mom found me on the shoreline and she and the others that went were day that winter." He sighs "I..got the chance to tell him...bout mom...it was right before Redwall got the new recorder."

Lacota makes a annoyed face. Alas, the squirrel finds Violet to be a particular nuisance. "I knew the previous Lord, what was his name? I do believe I've forgotten... Do you recall it, Benar? The one before Ciocan?"

Oz just listens and gently hugs Benar "Maybe....we shall see, maybe in winter time spend 2-3 weeks here."

Benar says, "Ah... no I am not that old Lacota, before Ciocan I only remember ah... Colonel Zoe Lang running the Mountain and the Long Patrol," he smiles softly and sadly, "I spent a week hiding out in Martin's Tomb with her when the Abbey was over-run by Marek." He looks up at Xander, "But I have not actually had the pleasure of meeting Lord Ciocan, but then it is not like I really go traveling to the Western Shore. The Abbey needs me at home doing my job he sounds like a very fine badger." He moves toward the doors, "Let's go downstairs and I can tell you the tales of the Badger Lords I know of if you like."

Ximena has only been here like a couple days, mainly to help with healer stuff, which was not needed really...well there was Ferro and now he seems gone, She starts to come down the steps "You know that....friend..of yours shouldn't go out in the heat so soon or did he leave at night...and..."She stops at..company "Oh....bad timing, I can leave....I was just here to ....I'll just go"

Xander smiles "That sounds nice..."He notices Ximena and waves "It's ok...This is Abbot Benar and..Ferro did slip out this morning said he had to get back to his shop and he should be ok, he was just outside too long cause he was looking for Krisha...found her and all is ok and no she wasn't missing, Ferro just didn't know where Brockhall was...and got a little lost"

Lacota sets his basket down. "Hmm... Well, I'm younger than you are, at least I thought... Regardless, I've actually been to Salamandastron, back when Marek was being a right pain... Interesting times, that was. That was two seasons before Lorimis passed, if I'm not mistaken..."

Oz smiles "I never meet any badger Lords...I know  Uncle  Zee meet Lord Ciocan as he spoke of him, how he gave the youngster some advise....he also seemed to think living in a mountain with no windows but one or two was...not the best thing, then again Uncle Zee disliked closed in areas....a lot if remember right"

Benar lifts his habit and smiles at the hamster, "Good day to you miss, please do not feel like you need to leave on my account. I was just dropping in to see how everyone is doing on their little holiday." He motions for one of the novices to bring a large hamper over toward Lacota, "I did take the liberty of raiding the pantry myself and packing a hamper of supplies, let's head downstairs and we can all settle in for a story."

Ximena nods "I...ok. My name is Ximena...a healer."She is interested in a story and goes to follow the others downstairs.

Xander smiles "A story would be nice and stores are always good to hear...not very often sit down for one as usually been busy with...well Mossflower Defenders and all but its been nice to relax myself and not worry so much"

Oz says, "Its been fairly peaceful. And relaxing is good for anyone...even when they don't want to relax"He smiles and heads down the steps as he does know hos way around....just not the further upper levels, not that there is a need to be up there besides Dorms anyways.

Lacota opens the hamper and pokes around. "Ah, you brought along some of the good raspberry cordial. I've been saving a stash of this for special occasions. This is just such an occasion..."

Krisha is downstairs and has heard the voices but didn't come on up to see who it was as she was tending to the badger cub Northstar, who is currently getting better at crawling...they have yet to learn to pull their self up to stand but its likely soon knowing her.

Benar settles down in a very large oversize armchair, the ancient oak almost dark as iron from age. He touches the carvings on the wood for a moment then smiles around the great old sitting room, "It was here that Redwall was born you know? In these halls Abbess Germaine drew the plans for Redwall Abbey, whilst Martin the Warrior and the defenders of Mossflower fought against the great wild cat Queen to free Mossflower. She was already working on a home of peace and tranquility"

Ximena says, "This place has been around...that long?"

Xander smiles at Krisha "Hi...we have company." He sits down and gets ready for a story.

Oz smiles "I have told some of the first badger mother....there is in fact journal writings still in the abbey library from here that she wrote while she was badger mother, maybe a way to help future badger mothers.....others have also written down though while badger mother of the abbey also,...all had good advise or maybe wrote down feelings when first took on the job"

Krisha says, "Helllo dear and the Abbot did say he was coming, he just didn't say when"

Lacota sets about finding several cups, serving every beast some of the previously mentioned raspberry cordial as Benar relates the tale. The squirrel likewise sets out some cheese and nuts and scones.

Benar smiles at Xander, "Older, Lord Stonepaw is the first recorded badger lord who reigned here before moving to the mountain. He is recorded as having been a youngster long long ago. He was Bella's Great Grandfather and as you all know how long Badger's live you can imagine who long ago that was."

Xander nods and smiles "So....well long time basically"

Oz asks, "So what is the story that will be told today?"

Ximena says, "I like history....it helps one learn about how beasts use to live and where they lived and a lot know of Badger lords just not a lot of their past."

Lacota mmms. "Just think, that was many hundreds of seasons ago."

Krisha sighs a little "Most badgers live a long time....some don't but yes most do. Some are warriors..a lot are. some blacksmiths..some have other jobs. I don't know what my parents did and..its not like my adopted father knew either...I was....an infant when I lost them"

Benar crosses his legs and arranges his habit and smiles at everyone, "My story for today is the tale of Lord Brocktree, he set aside his birth name and took the name of his ancestral home so he would always remember his home and heritage when he set forth. You see the dreams of the Mountain where calling to him so he knew it was time to walk onward. He left at home his young son Boar and walked off into the woods, ever heading to the West”

Xander listens "I...wander what it is like....to feel lead somewhere since it doesn't call all badgers. It does seem a good place to...well..guess for a badger to feel welcome also, I never was too far into Salamandastron myself the couple times I was there for a short time each time....once with mom and..once on my own to bring some news of Mossflower at the time."

Oz nods as he listens to the story. He knows some of Brock Halls history as he read some before he went blind and has heard some stories of the place.

Ximena asks, "But some badgers are like called other places and some just wander around right? From what I seen...badgers are sort of....rare to see together unless they are family."

Lacota says, "I was in the mountain for about a week, with... Well, with your mother, Xander, and later on Leon, too. I don't believe Dorarose was with us..."

Krisha just listens and rocks a very tried Northstar back and forth in an old rocking chair.

Benar smiles quietly, "Meanwhile on the Western Shore the great Mountain came under threat from the forces of Ungatt Trunn, he who was master of the Blue Horde, Keeper of the Web Spinners the Wild Cat whose very presence made the stars fall from the sky and the ground be hidden from view."

Ximena smiles and just sits and quietly listens to the story..enjoying it.

Xander listens as he has not heard this story yet and wants to know all the history he can learn.

Oz sips some cordial and leans back in his chair listening to the story as well.

Krisha smiles, she is interested in the story as she listens to all that's said, the badger cub Northstar now quietly sleeping in her lap.

Lacota has actually read of it himself, but finds it no less interesting, though he's also busy sorting mushrooms.

Benar sips his drink and smiles at Lacota in thanks and turns back to look at everyone "Ungatt Trunn was a mighty warrior but twisted and mad with power and a lust to conquer. He had prophecies that said he was to defeat the badger of the mountain and all the land would be his to rule. His beasts, the armies who marched at his order each and every one of them dyed their fur blue so that none would be distinguished from the next for they where warriors in the service of Ungatt Trunn. Even worse he considered those not worthy of being his warriors, to be lesser creatures worth only to be used as slaves or thralls to do his bidding."

Xander blinks "Blue...you would think he would want them to....not be so well known" But he listens to see what is said next in the story, what happens next he wonders.

Oz just stays relaxed and listens, he likes stores with history of the lands around them

Krisha says, "That seems....strange to want to be the color blue"She is curious of an answer but will listen for it to be told in the story."

Benar shakes his head, "He was arrogant, why should he skulk and hide? he was Ungatt Trunn, master of the Blue Hordes, they where Blue because he wished them to be known and feared. And feared they where but whilst Ungatt Trunn menaced the ancient Lord Stonepaw and his remaining Hares in the mountain. What of Brocktree? he was far to the West, young and free and it is there that he met Dorothea, the hare maiden who would go on to become one of the founding members of the Long Patrol and captain of the Hares who would face down Ungatt Trunn

Lacota nods, remembering the famed Long Patrol.”

Xander says, "And the Long Patrol was always great fighters....right?"

Oz sips some cordial as he listens, he has heard tales of fighters in he Long patrol, both good ones and not so good ones.

Krisha says, "I am sure there was some good fighters, but maybe not all were at the mountain, some could of been elsewhere on like a patrol as they do those I heard, and have that village nearby...forgot the name"

Xander says, "I don't like the village near Salamandastron"

Lacota says, "Halyard did not yet exist back then, I believe."

Oz nods "I think its not been around too long....no idea how long as heard of it when I first came to the abbey some seasons ago"

Krisha frowns at Xander, but decides to ask him later why he dislikes the village so much.

Benar shakes his head, "The village did not exist then, nor did the Long Patrol... seasons of peace had depleted the youngsters from the mountain. They had ranged out seeking adventure, seeking lives of their own and left the duty of the shore. Those who remained with Lord Stonepaw where old, frail, none of them old enough to truly fight the hordes of Ungatt Trunn and so on a dark day when Lord Stonepaw died allowing his elderly retainers to escape did the great Mountain of Salamandastron fall to the forces of the Blue Horde and their master."

Xander frowns "The badger mountain....once was taken over?"

Oz nods as he has heard this story before as he remembers another telling the tale one time in the abbey few seasons ago.

Benar inclines his head, "Salamandastron like Redwall has fallen several times in its history. But each time good has won out over the forces of evil. Like this time, Lord Brocktree and Dorothea rallied the hares of the Westlands, forging them into a true army of righteous warriors and they marched on the Mountain of the Badgers"

Lacota nods, sipping from his own cup.

Krisha listens best she can but is falling asleep, not cause of the story, she is just tried from careing for Northstar whom has been extra moody today and right niow she just seemsl ike such a quiet dibbun...yeah should have been here ealier guys.

Xander listns closely, he finally gets some coridal of his won and a scone to nibble on as he listens closely to the story learning all he can.

Benar goes on with the story “The battle was long and hard, but with help it was won  by the side of good. Lord Brocktree was almost killed by his life was saved and he soon defeated Ungatt Trunn and snapped the wildcat's back and threw the wildcat to the sea.

Krisha listens and smiled before falling asleep, she has had a long day after all.

Oz sips coridal and listens “A good story Benar, very good”

Xander smiles “So...what happen next....please and what weapon did Brocktree have as always heard Badger Lords have great weapons...Lord Ciocan has a large LARGE war hammer.”

Benar chuckles “ Brocktree's primary weapon was an enormous double-pawed and double hilted great-sword  that I believe he made himself. At the end of his long lifespan, Brocktree shared the leadership of Salamandastron with his son, Boar. When he died, he was entombed in a secret upper chamber in the mountain in full armor among mysterious prescient carvings, to one day be discovered by his descendants. Brocktree later  even appears in a vision to Sunflash telling him to live on and become the ruler of Salamandastron. “ He smiles “That ends the tale today.”

Xander smiles “Stay the night Abbot Benar....you can head back to the abbey tomorrow.” He glaces at Krisha and excuses himself as he goes to lift her, first handing Northstar to Oz and takes Krisha to bed to sleep, he returns to see if anyone is staying or not.

Oz nods “That would be wise as it is dark now and you can have breakfast here”

Benar smiles “Alright I think I may stay the night and leave after breakfast tomorrow morning.”He smiles “There is more than enough room for me and the others in the dorms” He heads on to the dorms after a little while.

Xander smils and gets Northstar “Goodnight Uncle Oz...sleep well”

Oz nods “Of course Xander....good night”

I spoofed Northstar......

Later in day from http://forum.rwmuck.org/viewtopic.php?pid=1214#p1214

Who:

Northstar-Daughter of Xander and Krisha,Granddaughter to Ferro...a wee badger cub

Ximena - Healer from Mossflower Defenders

Ferro- Blacksmith of Ferravale

Log:
Northstar was awake and learning to crawl and of course exploring around BrockHall, not to far from her mother whom had fallen asleep on one of the cots in the infirm here, there was only maybe 2-3 cots right now, more could be added if ever needed.

Ferro slowly came awake and blinked a couple times trying to focus on just where he was only remembering the afternoon early summer heat wave, feeling dizzy,ill and very very hot, and the hamster looking at him before he passed out and faint voices he may or may not know. His tail curled some and knocked over a mug that crashed to the floor off the table and broke.

The near by a hamster gasped and went from half asleep to fully awake seeing the monitor awake and slowly stood up looking to a doorway.

Northstar was already close to the cot with the monitor and bats at the tail as it touches the floor and giggles.

Ferro blinked and wrapped the tail around the small cub and pulls her to his chest where he lays her and focuses on her, he smiles and its not the best smile with fangs and such “Hello...weee one.ssssssssso happy to ssssssssssse you”

Ximena  is quick to get over there “No no....don't go near....the....oh” Yes she is afraid of Ferro, what? He is a monitor for crying out loud. “H..H..How are you feeling s...sir?”

Northstar does not seem worried, in fact she squeals happily and makes bubbles with her spit and smiles at the monitor snuggling close to him.

Ferro turns to the hamster “I...feel better...thankssssssss to you..missssssss......and I sssssshall not harm you...I promissssssssssse you. I am a friend...I do not eat beasts I am a vegetarian    in fact.” He smiles at the badger cub and back to the hamster “I wasssssss....looking for my daughter....without ressssting and sssssseking cool ssssshade from the heat....ssssssso my fault for being.......assssssssssssssss I wassssss...sssssssorry to of...ssssssssscared you.I am a friend to beassssts of good heart.”

Ximena  just gulps and listens “Vegetarian?..That's....different. My name is Ximena  I..I am a healer. I am part of the Mossflower Defenders. I...never been so close to a monitor before, or really seen one till now I was told they....well eat anything and everyone they see”

Northstar yawns and falls asleep on the monitor's chest.

Ferro nods as he listens “ssssssssome do...my tribe would have....yessssss but they are alll ssssslaine now. I left...they hunted me and my daughter Krisha after they....ssssslaine her parents, they caught her once after 7 ssssssseasons but I resssscued her after ½ a ssssseason and ssssssshe was ssssssssilent for almost 3 ssssssssseasons till she meet Xander and hissssssss friends, he helped her to recover...they are mates now and this is their daughter.....my granddaughter whom I would protect...alwaysssssssss”

Ximena  smiles “Well that's good to know and of course, any beast would protect family weather that family is blood related or adopted. I will let you rest now....good day and I will let Krisha and Xander know you woke up”

Who:

Oz- Badger Mother, AKA Papa Oz

Zolomon-Archer in Mossflower Defenders

Krisha-Badger Mother in Training

Xander-Leader of Mossflower Defenders

Ximena - healer in Mossflower Defenders

Ferro-Blacksmith of Ferravale

Log:

**This happens in the woods close to Brockhall and then ends at Brockhall ***

Oz was relaxing and sipping some tea as he smiled “I have to say this past week has been good.”

Xander smiles “I am glad Uncle Oz. I am gonna go check with Zolomon and Karth, I will be back promise.” He waves and slips off.

Krisha sighs “I thought it was a break for all of us, shouldn't that include any Defender work?”

Oz frowns but then speaks “He will be fine Krisha, I am sure its just a simple check in and then right back”

Ximena was out collecting herbs as she found some Comfrey and placed it in a bundle and warped it in a cloth placing it in her bag as she kept other herbs in their won bundled cloths as well.

A noise sounds from behind a tree and a claws paw reaches towards the hamster, “H..H..help me...ssssssssssssssssssss”

Xander was close to the area where the hamster was but he was speaking to a hare”So...news?”

Zolomon smiled “All is well Xandy...well Karth is away but he is fine and will be back soon some..alone time or something.”

Meanwhile  Ximena  sees the claw and what is at the end as her eyes widen and she does what  any normal beast in her position would, she screams!

The claw belongs to a monitor, Ferro to be correct as he lays there shivering and looking ill, he tenses at the scream “Won't..harm...pleasssssssssse.....” There is no wounds on him but he looks....well just so well. Being in the early summer heat is not good for a monitor lizard, which he is. It would seem he has been out most of the day, ran out of water and....out of shade, not that shade helped too much the past half hour.

Xander hears the scream and draws his blade scanning the area “Did you here that?”

Zolomon nods and has his longbow and an arrow ready”Some beast needs help. This way Xandy!” He points and heads towards the scream.

Ximena backs away and is clearly afraid, but does look the lizard over and frowns, but still this is a deadly beast right? It could be a trick but then again it is clearly in need of help....”H..How do I know...you wont eat me once your a little better?”

Ferro breaths in and out as he fights to stay awake “I...won't...eat you...sssssssss” He then loses his battle to stay awake and his eyes close.

Xander is quickly in the area of the woods ready to fight till he sees..”Ferro!?” He puts his sword away and races over cheaking on the monitor and looks over at Ximena  “What happen?..Whom are you?” He decides the hamster didn't harm him, or least he hops so....but she may of saw something or knows something.

Zolomon enters and gasps “That's the blacksmith..wot bally well happen to him?”He frowns “He needs a healer...but how would we get him anywhere he's..most likely heavy and the abbey isn't that close, or Ferravale...or the base”

Ximena  studies the lizard as she comes forwards “That's...a monitor and you KNOW IT?!” She is silent and then “I am a healer its one reason why I was out, collecting needed herbs for your base, your low and really show keep that sort of thing in stock.” She knows very little on lizards but takes a palse and speaks “Maybe....too much heat so....get him wet and he needs a cool place to rest and some water...small sips to drink.”

Ferro is alive but yes the heat has gotten to him, fairly badly but lucky he can recover, if he is gotten somewhere a lot less hot and soon...very soon.

Xander carefully picks him up  after emptying a water skin on him and his outfit and heads down a path “We are not far from somewhere safe, and a lot less hot ...sort of tunnels and cavern underground somewhat..” He leads them to...a very tall tree with a hidden, very hidden and hard to see doorway, like super hidden but Xander knows the way in and after making sure all is in makes sure its good and shut back all the way. He heads down a passageway and to where he remembered an infirm, or sort of one, was and lays Ferro down” Can you help him?”

Zolomon blinks and “Whoas........it like a large sort of tree house!”

Ximena  looks around in aw..”A tree...Brockhall? But no way...that's just stories I man Martin and Brock..Bella didn't really stay in....a....” Or did they stay in a tree, she then clears her throat “I can try and help him, I have a fair amount of herbs, it is a lot cooler here and..well just need some more water.”

Xander smiles “Welcome to the one and only BrockHall and yes its real”

Zolomon gets a couple cups of water and then  just sits down quietly for now.

Ferro coughs a little but stays passed out, but least he isn't as pale looking now, but he is showing signs of a fever maybe.

Ximena sighs, she can be excited later as right now she has to make sure this monitor is ok and will live. She goes to slowly, yep every 3-4 minutes has a little over a sip in his mouth and rubs his throat slightly so he drinks.”You have more friends like this?”

Xander shakes his head “Not monitors...but some vermin species  are friends, not all...but some like a stoat named Marek....a cat named Blisa and some guards of hers..a wildcat Vojin is head guard of Ferravale in fact, yes some beasts in the village dislike  woodlanders....some just respect us...some leave us alone but most will not harm us, some might yeah but not many and not like in a crowed place.”

“What is going.....”A gasp and lucky she doesn't drop the infant she is carrying”Father!” Its the badger maid Krisha and she has Northstar.

Zolomon quickly gets Northstar and goes to the side. He smiles at the cub “Hey...it's me remember me?”

Ximena  looks confused “Father?”

Ferro moves slightly but is still a bit unconscious.

Xander speaks “He adopted her when she was a newborn....and he is ok Krisha. He will be ok but he may need to stay here least a few hours”

Ximena speaks “Maybe 1-2 days and if he needs to leave it can be during nightfall.”

Krisha sits by her father worried “What happen....” She feels his forehead and gets a cool cloth and places it there, she will even take over giving him sips of water.

Ferro coughs, he has managed to get sips down, once he coughed but so far only once. His fever is not too high and it is slowly lowering now that he is out of the heat.

Northstar coos and reaches for one of Zolomon's ears.

Zolomon manages a soft chuckle and  keeps the cub happy while the others talk.

“Think in the heat outside too long and why...don't know we can ask when he wakes up” Xander says.

Krisha nods and frowns “Ok and yes yes....course staying here is good and thank you for getting him...finding him and helping him.”

Ximena  just nods and sits close by in case she is needed, she glaces around “This is a neat sort of place....so live here or something?”

Xander answers “Sort of a small...vacation here or well time to relax, the place is tended to at times by Redwall Abbey. Right now me...Krisha here my mate, our daughter Northstar...my Uncle Oz and a friar Lacota, he is a squirrel and we have like 3 mice novices here as well.”

Oz hearing a new voice wander in slowly, “Who is here. What is going on?” He is blind but seems to get around fairly well .

Zolomon nods and then answers “Ferro is here, he sort of got a case of too much heat or something” He hands Oz Northstar and nods to Xander “I need to head back to base...see you in a few days” And he is off.

Krisha nods but stays by her passed out father for now as she will not leave his side.

Xander looks over “Hi Uncle Oz...yeah what he said”

Ximena starts to wave and notices Oz is blind “Hello sir I am Ximena , a healer for ..well any beast in need,  I am part of Mossflower Defenders.”

Oz takes Northstar and listens to the talking before he speaks “Well someone best tell Lacota there is 2 new guests for dinner. Trust me he dislikes surprises and...hello Ximena ...” He clears his throat as he heads back to where he was “And dinner is likely soon...I think”

**part 2 of the Feast om May 3-1018...read to see who jioned i ****

Benar runs his eyes over the document, reading it just in case, but then he nods, "Yes this is indeed a copy of the one I signed already," He dips the quill and signs his name with a flourish, "It never hurts to have a copy here as well thank you Blisa and there you have it my friends. Our peace with Ferravale is everlasting"

Gorvenalus smiles and will put this in the record logs later on, for now enjoy the feast.

Krisha walks in from upstairs, with her is Northstar the badger cub, the cub looks around and clings onto her mother as if a little worried of all the strangers, least to her as Krisha softly sings to the cub to calm her down and stays off to the side for now. She quietly listens as the cub calms now.

Chestnut walks in slowly as to not distrube any beast. He didn't mean to be late but he got a little lost in the woods and then finally found the abbey. He watches from the doorway till he can sit down.

Oz quietly listens as Blisa and Benar speaks and leans back in his chair. Least he isn't so grumpy now but he also, for once, is not sitting by the dibbuns...no wait a moment never mind like 2-3..no 4 come over to him, now he has dibbuns by him . He mutters a be good and lets them sit by him or in his lap for now.

Misu looks over curious, she clearly didn't know of the peace treaty and the news interest her.

Lacota ahas, nodding. Peace is good. The squirrel signals to several novices, and they move to start serving the feast.

Benar rolls up the treaty and tucks it into his sleeve and sits down at the table as the food starts to roll out. He helps himself to a slice of deeper n every turnip and 'tater and beetroot pie, a tankard of ale and a bowl of salad and settles back to watch everyone else enjoying themselves.

Xander arrives after stepping away for a little while. He had to check on some things and now quietly joins the feast.

Marek pours himself a glass of tea and grabs a single scone, he does not appear to be in a very hungry mood at the moment, but he converses with a few beasts nonetheless.

Krisha sighs as she looks around, not seeming to find whom she is looking for gets some food and sits by Xander when he sits and smiles. She will still keep Northstar close to her, otherwise there is gonna be one very loud wailing dibbun if she doesn't.

Nodding, Blisa says demurely, "My pleasure." As the food comes out, she walks over and sits with her bodyguards. They all help themselves to food, and at the end they head upstairs to the rooms they've been using the past week. LilyMoore does everything she can to make sure the stoat sits by her, until she falls asleep halfway through the feast. But she doesn't miss her mother playing the song she found in the Abbey records on her mandolin. It's beautiful, and speaks of Redwall's fame and hospitality. She will carry her daughter out to the gatehouse when it's time for bed. Angela goes out there ahead of them. But nobody skimps out on the food!

Oz smiles a little at the dibbuns beside him and then stands helping them get something first and then checks on the other dibbuns before getting himself a little something to eat and drink and sits back down quietly.

Chestnut smiles as he also gets some food. Oddly for a hare he only gets a small bit of soup and a roll, and some tea before sitting down.

Xander smiles, he glaces over at his uncle and sighs, he mutters some to Krisha and slowly stands and heads over towards Abbot Benar.

Lacota remains off to the side as novices serve the meal. Everything is going smoothly right now.

Marek seems forlorn as he eats his scone and then decides to excuse himself from the table. "My apologies, Mr. Benar. I believe I should be going, I am a bit...under the weather today". He quickly leaves and heads towards the direction of the Open Ground

Misu gets a little ale, some fish and some salad.

Krisha nods at a whisper and eats some of her food. It seems Northstar is asleep in her lap.

Misu says, "This feast is most interesting"

Benar looks up from his pie as Xander walks over and smiles at the badger, "Good day Xander, how can I help you? Did you have something on your mind?"

Xander nods "Yes I did. Though I do need your help."He glaces over at his Uncle again and back to Benar"Prmission to....well..."He sighs"Uncle Oz seriously needs a day off ...I did suggest it and...he said he can't"He frowns "Maybe 2-3 day break...and don't worry I would keep him safe while he is away from the abbey he would be with me,Krisha and Northstar...just 2-3 days I am sure others can...dibbun watch? If not then..it's fine. I mean can he ...tell the abbot no?" Wait he could and he knows that.

Chestnut smiles "Ahh yes and the food is great I do need to learn to cook a couple of these dishes for the Defenders base, or something like it anyways"

Krisha watches Xander as she rocks the sleeping badger cub Northstar. She smiles at a curious dibbun that wandered away that just wants a quick peek at the baby and then they wander back to the other dibbuns smiling and talking about the cute cute baby

Lacota finally takes a seat, with a cup of tea and a small salad.

Oz most likely could use a day off, he did recover from the whole..cake at the pond problem, though his shoulder is still sore. He got a short nap in but that was all.

Benar considers the question for a moment then shakes his head, "No no, absolutely not Xander, I won't have it," He sits up, "I insist Papa Oz takes a week off at least. Three to four days... in fact two weeks would do him a world of good. He has assistance and helpers," He points a fork toward Oz, "So yes, two weeks at least minimum resting and relaxing, if you like I can give you my key to Brockhall. It's nice and quiet and badger sized and you can all put your feet up there and relax."

Xander blinks "Brockhall?" He smiles, it would have much ...like a lot more room, that his uncle Zee's one room hut. There is that Sister Ginny also."

Krisha smiles "Oz does need the time off I agree..if he will do it that is"

Oz frowns as this for sure catches his attention, "What now?..Two weeks off...fer what?" He seems unsure "The dibbuns need me" His excuse "I am sure..beasts mean well but I don't need time off...."He snorts "Time off..." He would enjoy it after a day or so most likely.

Misu sips some ale "Why not...days off be good. Releves the stress and makes one...how you say better off" Then what does she know dibbuns would drive her insane in like one day.

Chestnut looks over at the mention of Brockhall "What is..Brockhall?" He hmmms "Days off are nice"

Xander frowns and takes a deep breath "You.....need.....days off...."He sighs "Please"

Gorvenalus who has been mostly quiet even agrees "Time off will be good yes"

Benar smiles softly, "Oz, I am your Abbot, I am ordering you to Brockhall for two weeks with your family. Along with Xander, Krisha and the rest of your family. Ginny can manage the dibbuns for a couple of weeks." He smiles, "As for what Brockhall is Chestnut, it is the old home of the Badger Lords of Mossflower. It is kept in care of the Abbot of Redwall these days."

Krisha says, "It sounds nice."

Lacota scoffs loudly. "You'll take a day off or else." The squirrel certainly means well, though he grumbles a little about never getting a day off. In truth, he'd probably hate such an idea.

Chestnut just sips some tea quietly to see where this goes.

Misu just sits there and all is quiet, yes lets all see what happens shall we?

Oz sighs..."But...they need..me" He is quiet before finally "Fine...but no longer than two weeks. Some time with Xander and Krisha and...Northstar will be nice"

Xander smiles a little, victory as he nods "And the Defenders will be fine, I can still check on them, maybe Karth and Zolomon can sort of help keep an eye on things also. They are two of my best archers and Karth is also a good fighter. And they can still let me know if I am needed for anything."

Benar smiles softly and his ears twitch and he shoots Lacota a sideways glance, "Excellent, and as I can't possibly send you all to Brockhall without provisions. Friar Lacota will accompany you with a wagon full of supplies and a couple of novices to help with the cooking and cleaning and such."

Krisha smiles "Xander dear....time off for you also dear. Or least not...too much checking on things let the other Defenders make reports to you....maybe through Karth or Zolomon?" Northstar becomes a little fussy but then calms again.

Misu tilts her head "Karth likes order, he can be bossy.....but yeah he a good fighter and loyal to friends"

Oz nods but "Are you....sure the dibbuns will be fine without me for 2 weeks?"

Xander glaces at Krisha and nods "Yes dear" He sits down beside her, he can get the key later.

Lacota's eyebrows shoot up in surprise, but he doesn't object. He sips his tea. An unexpected turn, to be sure. He's already formulating a standing request for Sister Violet to be barred from his Kitchen while he's gone.

Chestnut says, "Brockhall sounds nice...do have fun"

Benar says, "Well there we go then, it is all settled and I am sure Brockhall would benefit from having a good airing out. I may drop in myself to say hello. I will get you the key tomorrow Oz. It's locked away in my study."

Xander smiles "I can get the key...just to make sure and I know where it is...seen it once, never been inside though"

Oz frowns "Afraid I will try and chance my mind and not go?”

Xander says, "ummmm....yes"

Chestnut chuckles at this...."Your not allowed to say no sir badger"

Benar says, "Of course he will try to change his mind, until I chase him out of the gates." He smiled softly, "You will have a nice time Oz I am sure"

Krisha smiles at that idea as she sips some tea."Away from.....all the dibbuns will be fine. Less stress and when you get back two weeks later your feel better and they will be fine as Benar said"

Oz manages a small smile "I..will try...two weeks?" He hmms and nods again "Alright....two weeks then I am back to my duties"

Misu mutters something along the lines of how has he not gone insane yet

Lacota continues sipping his tea as all this goes on.

Xander chuckles as he gets just a little October ale and sips it slowly"Thank you Abbot Benar for the offer of Brockhall for 2 weeks. I will make sure all goes well and keep beasts safe too"

Benar settles back in his chair smiling, "I'll get it out for you later Xander, it's in one of my locked cabinets, for now everyone enjoy the food."

Oz will miss the dibbuns, he will have to tell them all be good and give hugs later "So...tomorrow this two weeks starts then is my guess"

Xander nods "Yes." He look at Benar and then goes to enjoy some pie. He will make sure the two weeks go well, and that it is enjoyable.

Benar raises his tankard toward everyone and the reaches out to snag a gypsy tart, the sickly sweet confectionery dessert one of his favorite, "Very good food this year Lacota, I will miss you whilst you are away."

Chestnut smiles at Xander "Sir..i will make sure the base is good on food while your away with family"

Lacota nods. "Don't worry, I'll leave you lot in good paws, but don't let Sister Violet try to take over..."

Xander nods "Thanks Chestnut"

Oz quietly sips tea "It will be...interesting to be away for two weeks. I...rarely leave the abbey for...anything" Yes very very very rarely.

Krisha smiles "It will be nice Oz, your see and you deserve a good amount of REAL time off"

Xander says, "yeah not an hour here or there...and you can sleep in for a change how long has that been?"

Oz shrugs "I...don't know"He is truthful at least."I suppose I do need time away. We will see how it goes, hopefully well"

Krisha nods "Yes and your finally getting time off...." She looks around again and sighs a little.

Xander notes the sigh and frowns "What?"He sounds slightly concerned.

Krisha says, "My father left early and went back to his shop after he promised he stay for the feast...that's all other wise its been a very good day"

Lacota gets up to return to the kitchen. He has to prepare some things.

Xander says, "Oh...Ferro. It will be ok dear maybe he is just busy. we will let him know where we are in case he will....visit there"

Krisha just stands and hands Northstar to Xander "Yeah right...I need some fresh air and then getting to bed."

Xander takes the cub and blinks, well least the cub is asleep.

Oz is busy talking with the dibbuns, they will get a good story and tucked into bed, he will go ahead with the plan, he will not like it at first but things should be fine after a day or two he hopes once he is use to the place.

**Seems the badger mother room doesn't log...all well paste/copy ****

who:

Oz- Badger Mother

Krisha- Badger maid and one day future badger mother

Log:

Oz was resting in his own room before the feast, he had given a small lecture to a couple troubling dibbuns and then decided to rest, or least try to rest in his own bed, in his own room.

Krisha knocks on the door and opens it slightly “Oz?” She will leave if he asks, but she sounds a little down and she doesn't have Northstar or anyone else with her.

Oz sighs but sits up and answers “Enter the room.”He then waits to see what is needed, hopefully no dibbun did something else as it was bad enough the feast got moved slightly due to the...cake problem he wishes to not ever go though again.

Krisha walks in and sits down in a chair, paws folded in her lap “If you want some rest before the feast this afternoon I can...go away, just...sort of was wanting advice”

Oz tilts his head “What sort of advise Krisha, are you ok? Is it about Xander or Northstar?”

Krisha shakes her head and then speaks “No..its...”She sighs “My father, he , he broke a promise, he said he stay a little while and for the feast, but then he just starts to leave saying he stayed for a little while as he said he would but he also said he stay for the feast and walk back with me and Xander. Me and him had a disagreement..me and father since he truly wanted to go so I told him to go home if that's what he really wanted to do. I..I don't understand why he is like this. The tribe thing I understood...they were always following us but they died like 3 seasons ago..all of them and yet he STILL wants to avoid beast and not even TRY and make friends...at least he is a little less over protective of me, still says I shouldn't go anywhere without Xander and about had a fit when he learned I traveled so far on my own from Willowbark to here, he STILL treats me like a dibbun at times.”

Oz listens and nods “Like a hermit sort of...”He smiles “I understand as this is familiar. My adopted son Maxtor always said I was over protective and yes I was and I was a hermit though my reasons were painful memories at the time and being afraid of losing Maxtor to some fate as well. I did have my bother and adopted father but..I don't know guess felt if I stayed they would befall some bad fate and...I couldn't stay in Send after my mate and child died, it was...painful. I can see how Ferro is over protective, maybe he fears losing you...as for the hermit issue I am unsure, maybe the fact most fear monitors and he is afraid they will fear him...or worse”

“Worse?” Krisha asks and listens “He is scary yes but he is a vegetarian and would not harm anyone unless they were a threat to his family or maybe his shop. He somehow greets beast in his shop but comes off as moody and scary and always closes 2-3 hours after midday. I sometimes help in the shop but not always.”

“Worse meaning maybe one would ..kill him. I do not know much of Ferro but maybe give him time and speak to him even if its later on, don't remain mad at him or stressed.” Oz says.

Krisha smiles a little “So...you a hermit, you don't seem the hermit type that much. So did Maxtor complain, guessing he did"

Oz frowns" He drugged my tea with sleeping herbs and ran away. I tracked him down to here some weeks later." He smiles a little, he was worried sick then and even made himself ill cause of stress..."I gave him a long lecture, beasts claime it was 3 hours long I do not know, maybe I did have a lot to say but parents worry, even adopted ones."

Krisha blinks "Wow...so....hermit?"

Oz shrugs “Not nearly as much...ask some beast how I acted when I first came here...mainly Benar can tell you. I found company with the dibbuns fine and others not so fine”He chuckles “I still, at times will slip away...I think after going blind I was a lot less likely to leave a feast or room if more than say 4 beasts were there, guess I wanted to...not be so alone. I am unsure how to help Ferro get friends,  its not that easy as it seems...both sides have to be willing.”

Krisha nods and then smiles “By the way...me and Xander were thinking what if you take like 2-3 days off and come with us and Northstar to the hut in Ferravale, its small but nice and...could be family time just us.”

Oz frowns “I have dibbun duties they need me I can not have a day off”

“Sure you can, we can ask Benar I am sure someone...Sister Ginny and a couple others can handle the dibbuns for like 2-3 days and I think time off, real time off, would do you some good...please” Krisha asks

Oz sighs “I...will think on it, its not a yes or a no at this point.”

Krisha nods and hugs him “That's fair...now how about you rest for now, the feast is in...what like...well soon, this afternoon...can I help Sister Ginny with the dibbuns till then?”

Oz nods “Yes you can and if I am needed...”

“We can handle it, if not I promise” Krisha says “We will come get you if needed now please take a nap and someone can wake you before it's time for the feast.”

Oz nods and yawns as he lays down..”Fine....”He is tried and it shows.

Krisha will make sure he is cozy and slowly walk out of the room and shut the door and make sure beasts know not to distube Oz.

Oz does indeed take a much needed few hour nap and wakes like a half hour before the feast.

*** Gonna say He told these two Stories to Dorarose and Later Xander and Krisha, and if others listened he told them too...a sort of Story time and chat with close friends maybe during a thunderstorm or late night tea and scone time? So we can say, if that's ok...He told this to help Dorarose and Lilymoore with their grief, and told a couple others so they would know why he has been sort of down the past week, he is proud to have the new badger cub named after Northstar, I mean he did suggest it after all..enjoy ******

***A story Oz will tell to anyone who wants to listen. Also wanted to go into a little more detail on how he and Zork lost their parents and also how Oz later lost his mate Northstar...yes he allowed Xander and Krisha to name their child after his lost mate, he sees it as a way to honor her**

It was many seasons ago in the Snowy North and some winter seasons were hard and others were not so hard. This was one of the seasons that was hard and the badger family was suffering, as well as other families as well in the cold of the snowy Northlands of Send Valley. A male badger, named Powell and a female badger named Kate had two children, one who was recently just out of his dibbun seasons, his name was Zork and another just barely crawling...Oz. The two young badgers were about 5 seasons apart in age.

Powell sighed as he knew they needed to get elsewhere besides the small hut he built, the hut was in serious need of repair but that was hard in winter. He had decided to take an offer of staying with a family friend, a clan of wolves under the leadership of a wolf named Silverfangs. He turned to the hut and then spoke “Zork come here please.”

Zork walked out of the hut and stood in front of his father “Yes father?” He asked and waited,

Powell smiled and spoke “I need you to watch after your younger brother and mother for me, your not a dibbun anymore and once spring comes your be starting your training with The Blade of The Northwind Storms.”

“Where are you going father?” He was willing to stay with his mother and brother, to even guard them if needed.

“Not far. To find a friend and they only live down the path maybe a couple miles. I will be back before the storm hits and if I am not...please don't come and look for me as I am most likely taken shelter somewhere and your mother and brother will need you to be there for them...alright son?”

Zork smiled “Yes father, of course father.”

Powell gave his son a quick hug “Good.” He then walked off down the path, his plan to be back as soon as he could.

Powell almost made it to where the clan was but ran into trouble when the storm came sooner than he thought it would. He got sidetracked and lost the trail in the blinding swirling snow. He finally seen what he hoped was a familiar face and managed to call out before collapsing onto the trail.

The figure looked towards the badger and then rushed forwards, “Powell?...Powell!”

Powell focused on the face and managed a weak smile “S..Silverfangs...my friend.”His voice sounded weak,tried and he was past the point of shivering, he spoke softly”Kate....Zork...Oz...still home. Please....”He coughed and seemed to plead weakly”Take...care....care of em'.....” He then closed his eyes and took his last breath dying in his friends arms.

Silverfangs hugged his friend close to him as tears went down his face and then gently lowered him to the ground. A couple other wolves came up to him as he wiped his eyes “We must get to their hut...now”

“But the storm sir”

“There is no time, if we wait more lives slip away.” The wolf chieftain replied and they did not argue with him and quickly followed him.

Zork was worried as he paced outside the hut.

Kate stayed inside and every so often she peeked out as she held Oz. Then a creaking sound caught her attention as she frowned and looked up at the ceiling, snow was heavy on the weak roof as she frowned and went to shield Oz as best she could as she quickly headed to the door.

The sound caught Zork's attention as well as he turned and quickly went to help.

Kate  frowned as she heard, then saw as the ceiling came crashing down. She reached out Oz to Zork “Take him!!”

Zork quickly scooped up his brother and reached a paw towards his mother “Mom!”

Kate barely avoided getting buried, the roof caved in snow and all, and as snow and dust cleared her leg was under the rubble as she coughed and tried to move “Oz..Zork!?”

Oz started to wail and clinged onto Zork tightly and hid his face in his brother's tunic.

Zork gasped and shielded Oz and then frowned, at first thinking his mother dead and then seeing her. He sighed a breath of relief and one paw he moved a couple boards to free his mother and the other arm he held Oz. “Come on Mom...can you get out now?” He frowned at the snow, the storm had slowed some but now they had to find Powell, he was told to watch Oz and his mother and protect them if needed and he was ready to do so “Mom?”

Kate managed to get out but her leg was clearly broken.”Zork...find your father..I..I can't walk, take Oz with you.”

Zork shook his head “No..I am not leaving you alone.” He went to help her up and help her lean on him, but he sadly didn't know the way to Silverfang's clan, he had never really went on the trip with his father..well maybe once when he was younger but didn't remember it well, built he had a general idea just once he got to a tall pine, was it left..or right?

Oz had fallen asleep snuggled close to Zork and staying warm in the homemade sling.

Kate limped along and stumbled a couple times. She was not in the best health and winter didn't help. She made sure the children ate first when there was food the past few weeks. She ate a little, enough for now. She frowned as her leg was swollen, it was not any beast fault.”Zork...honey..we need to rest.”

Zork checked on Oz and then helped his mother sit down “But...mom...we need to find dad. We need to get somewhere safe it's..dark out”

Dark and cold was not good, not in the snowy Northlands it wasn't there was sometimes dangers unseen. A wolf appeared....not all of the wolves in the snowy north was part of Silverfangs tribe, a small paw full were bad beasts, robbers and killers and if they seen a chance to attack and rob, to kill....maybe get a meal they would as they were a lot more savage than Silverfang's tribe also. Two of these beasts came and started to circle the badgers.

Kate noticed and frowned as she tried to get up and fell down again.

Zork frowned as he adjusted the sling with Oz in it and looked around quickly.”Don't worry mom...” He then remembered the dagger in his pocket, once he used to help cut fish when they were caught, he slipped it out and griped it as he looked at the two wolves “Go away, I won't let you hurt my mom or Ozzy.”

The two wild wolves seemed to care less as one went to charge at Zork.

Zork sidestepped, just barely and went to throw the dagger at the wolf, he made sure he knew where the other wolf was.

Kate groaned and slipped into unconsciousness. The walk too much for her, the leg injury and maybe another unseen one, she was ill already in fact.

One wolf yips as the dagger landed in one of it's eyes and it growled and spit. The other wolf was in mid leap and suddenly fell dead as a pear was clearly seen in it. It was then that Silverfangs and 3 of his clan beasts showed up. The other two clan beasts went to take care of the other wild wolf as Silverfangs went to Zork,Kate and Oz.

Zork at first feared Silverfangs as he backed up “Stay back...I..I am not afraid! I am Zork Winters..I...” He stayed focus “I will one day wield my father's blade. I am a warrior” Ok not just yet but one day yes he would be a great warrior.

Silverfang raised a paw “Calm..I am Silverfangs a friend to your father young one.”He cheeked Kate and frowned and he looked to his clan beasts”She needs aid....and so do the children.”

Kate was in need of a healer, and quickly. She was still alive but slipping away and she had a fever.

Zork relaxed, a little as he frowned and made sure Oz stayed warm and the cold wind didn't get to him.”Your...Silverfangs?”

Silverfangs nodded “Yes...now come. We will go to my clan grounds. There will be food and shelter and healing aids also.”

Zork decided to trust the wolf and went with him.

It was later in the clan grounds that Oz woke up and was crawling around on a blanket laid out for him. Zork close by watching him and every so often looking at the doorway where his mother was.

Silverfangs came into the room and cleared his throat”Zork Winters....” He said quietly.

Zork was alert, a little tried but alert as he nodded “Is..my mom ok and did they find my dad?”

Oz had fallen sleep on the blanket.

Silverfangs frowns “I am..sorry. Your father was found earlier by me and my clan, he sadly died...and your mother just passed from the land of the living just moments ago. But your father Powell asked me and my clan to care for you and your brother Oz.”He frowns “I will contact Soot and Zee Winters come morning...”

Zork dropped to his knees and just started crying.”No...no no no...” He sniffed and lack of sleep, depression and the fact he didn't eat yet, he would later, finally got to him as he passed out.

Silverfangs stepped forwards and then laid Zork onto a cot and sighed “Welcome to the Tribe of Flowing Stream. You are welcomed here...as family.” The wolf chieftain took Oz and Zork in as his adopted sons, he let Zee and Soot know what happen and the Winters Clan and the Tribe of Flowing Stream  bond got ever stronger than before.

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

*** This is a more detailed story of the day Oz lost his mate Northstar a few seasons after he and Zork lost their parents Kate and Powell ***

Oz was concerned with the falling snow, it was one of the worse winters, maybe the worse, Send Valley had every seen it it's history.”Northstar...dear we should get going while the snow has stoped. Its only ¼ a mile we can make it.”

Northstar smiled as she held their young son close. He wiggled in their arms as he was just barely a season old and had started to walk a little at times. “I know Oz.”She chuckled “Cole wants to walk so bad, he will have to wait till we get to the Inn”

Oz smiled “Yes he will....but let's go...sides Zork will have a mental breakdown if I am not there soon he worries so much...sometimes too much”

Northstar smiles “He means well Oz, so lets go”

Oz nods and they start their slow walk up the path. He smiled as he seen the end of the trail and the edge of the village of Send and then he heard it, the line of snow,ice,rocks coming right towards them from the side path. Maybe they could run and get to the village path just past the path they were on right now. But this day would not end on a good note and he knew it right away as he turned to grab for Northstar's paw!

Northstar gasped as the avalechenge hit them full force and caused them all to tumble down the path, past the den they had that was now quickly buried, if they had stayed it would have been a grave! The snow moved them towards a very steep drop off but she manged to grab a weak tree root and hang on with one paw, the other help her son Cole tightly “Oz!!”

Oz tried to grab a hold of anything he could and managed to barely grab a exposed boldier and take a couple deep breaths. He reached for Northstar and his paw brushed her paw..”Almost...littile further love...reach for my paw.”

Northstar tried, she did but the root broke and snapped and her and Cole went over the edge and to their deaths far far far below.

Oz eyes widen , his world just shattered into a million pieces as he watched in horror at what happen. He purposely let go of his hold on the boulder and ended up landing, just barely, on a small drop off edge he barely even fit on. He sobbed loudly and laid there for the next few hours till a search party declared it safe to search as the path was not steady, it was slippery and dangerous.

Zork at the time cared less about danger but he did tie a large rope around himself and made sure it was tied to a post and super well grounded so it would not fall out. He feared the worse as he made his way down the trail “Ozzy...Northstar...Cole.....oh no...” He saw where the den, least use to be, he shaked his head “No....”

Thunderwing an eagle friend was circling the area and came back “Oz friend on edge....”

Zork had hope again and nodded as he slowly made his way to his brother and checked for a pulse.

Oz was alive, barely alive and there was no sign of Cole or Northstar.

Zork took off his thick cloak and placed it on Oz as he frowned. Thunderwing confirmed what he didn't want to hear...Cole And Northstar far belong, clearly dead. The eagle would later recover the two dead badgers and get them to Send.

Zork held Oz close “Please stay alive Ozzy...I can't lose you too.”

Help came and Oz was taken to the infirm in the village of Send. He woke a couple days later much to the relief of Zork, but upon hearing Northstar and Cole was dead he cried himself to sleep. It was  half a season later before he was well enough to walk out of the infirm, which he did, with a dagger he got from the forge and limped to a nearby creek.

He was about to end his own life when he smelled smoke and heard a cry for help. He pocketed the dagger and went to see what was going on and seen the remains of a small settlement, traveling mouse family lived there with some voles...but the families were...gone, most likely dead except for the small dibbun mouse he would later learn was named Maxtor. He took the small dibbun to the infirm for help.

Zork came in worried “Ozzy! What happen, I was worried and you left, your not or shouldn't go too far..what happen ?”

Oz sighed “Zork just shut up.....please. I was...”Tears go down his face “I was planing to join Cole and Northstar...when I heard the dibbun and..went to help him”He took the dagger from his pocket and gave it to Zork “Here..take it....don't need it.”

Zork was in shock and just hugged Oz close not careing if he was pushed away

Oz at first did try and push Zork away and then ended up crying himself to sleep in Zork's arms.

Oz adopted Maxtor and left Send Valley to go south, to the Northwoods with Maxtor where he found a old one room cabin he fixed up and stayed there 7-8 seasons and turned into a hermit...till one day Maxtor was old enough to explore on his own...drugged Oz's tea with sleeping herbs and ended up further south at Redwall. Of course Oz found out and followed him, Oz ended up staying at Redwall and became the Badger Mom...AKA Badger Father, AKA Papa Oz, he would see Maxtor at times and even one day Zork came to the abbey as well......

That's all as the rest of Oz and Zork's Story most know :)And Maybe I will have another story of Oz's time during those 6-7 seasons as a hermit in his and Maxtor's little one room cabin...how and why he was so over protective of Maxtor and how Maxtor even learned about the abbey in the first place...stay tuned but likely wont be anytime too soon......

In Log:

Melantha- Leader of the Black Rose

Stormfang- Warrior in Black Rose

Kakarauri- archer and Assassin in Black Rose

Slash- Spoofed Fox

Mysterious cloaked main baddie- Spoofed..who is he, what is he even...time will tell!

Melantha adjusted her cloak as she was ready to go out, she turned to the others “Now let's greet the traveling circus shall we?”

Stormfang grins “I am all for this master, it shall be enjoyable yes?”

Kakarauri has finished sharping her knifes and smirks, “Yes they need a welcoming party, just not one they are expecting”

Another beast to join the group is a fox, he simply goes by the name Slash.

“Is that so?” Said a voice as a figure walked into the base, he eyed the cat”An outing you have planed and didn't think to mention something like this to me?” His voice has a chill to it.

Melantha quickly is kneeling “My Lord!” She is slightly nervous as this was truly an unexpected visit. “Yes...some slaves sir”

Stormfang nods “Some deaths maybe even.”

Kakarauri also bows “Master...sire...do forgive us.” This was not her idea, blame the cat.

Slash kneels also and looks like he is listening, or maybe he is just studying an ant on the floor.

The figure narrows his eyes as he speaks “There will be no greeting of the circus group. This will only draw attention to you and soon me! You will stay away from it as the last thing we need is a search party because a traveling circus did not make it to the abbey for their Spring Feast. To know of missing beast and to find dead ones leads to panic and soon  searching. I will not have it!” He is...yes angry.”I will NOT be discovered so soon!”

Melantha gulps slightly and nods “U..Understood...my lord...I am sorry. The Black Rose does need slaves s..sir. A couple died, a couple mice.” Proerpally from over work or some accident.

Stormfang decides, yeah he better kneel also as the main boss means business. He is alert and listens closely.

Kakarauri frowns “An..idea my lord my Master...maybe catch others, others not..missed perhaps?” She knows not all beasts traveling is part of some planed visit, some would not be looked for and missed if done correctly...right?

The figure snorts as he seems to calm “Yes..slaves are needed but we do not attack this...traveling circus, not on its way to the abbey...maybe on the way back when no one would think to look for missing beasts,  we have more time to hide any...death, any trace of attack. If an attack happen on their way to the abbey they would be looked for, found sooner and then there is trouble...for us. Yes we should be feared by that time is not now..not yet. We must plan and be careful..strike when and only when the time is right. It is bad enough we seem to have a...Mossflower Defender member as a slave, but it also seems perhaps searching for him has slowed...maybe stoped “He smirks”Its been too long, but also it could prove good as...in time and with some chats, maybe he can give us some info.”

Melantha nods “Yes sir...what should we do then sir?”

Slash has been quiet, mainly as he checks to see if he has a dagger still...yep he does.

Stormfang frowns and asks “Breakfast?” What he is hungry and he can't enslave on an empty stomach, or even do much else, he needs food for energy and thinking clearly.

Kakarauri glares at Stormfang “Are you some long eared hare now?”

“QUIET!” is all that is said as the figure before them speaks in a commanding tone. “We will....you will look for beasts out alone on the road, maybe 1-2 together and go after them. Trust me some travel alone...maybe a group with dibbuns, but I only want the parents...kill the young ones as they of no use to me. I had an idea once of rasieing a badger cub...if I had it now I would just drown it in the river or better yet feed it to Crayson, I have no time to train a beast, I sooner gather more already skilled troops...be it vermin species or perhaps the rare woodlander who dislikes woodlander ways.” He starts to walk off and stops “One more thing....try and learn some of Marek Redthorn.”

Melantha blinks but nods, she dislikes the tavern but will go...besides maybe a shop of good faith as she does still need to pay for tavern damages and in doing so it would look as if she is not a threat.

Slash then speaks, and has bad timing most likely “Why don't you go get info on Marek ya self?”

Stormfang frowns, breakfast is forgotten...it can wait. He also steps away from the fox.

Kakarauri just looks at the fox in shock, did he just say that?!

The fox is doomed and quickly as a paw grabs his throat and toss the fox across the room”CRAYSON!!”

And the your worse nightmare comes into the room. A monitor lizard and one very large one as he kneels and awaits a command.

The fox Slash slams into the wall and groans, he then sees the monitor and frowns.

Melantha gasps but stays quiet, she doesn't dare say a word.

Stormfang whimpers but stays where he is.

Kakarauri watches, she holds in an evil chuckle in fact.

The figure smiles coldly “Breakfast time.”He points to the fox Slash.

The fox stands no chance at all, he has no time to scream as he indeed becomes breakfast for all to watch.

Melantha looks away quickly

Stormfang faints...ok yeah he is a vermin warrior but that was just a little too much...and he no longer is in the mood for breakfast after this.

Kakarauri just watches and grins, she seems to enjoy the chaos and this punishment. Ok she is a little bit insane ok and she loves it!

The figure then asks “So..anyone else have a suggestion like that?” He looks around as he smirks, “Good....I will decide when Marek learns of me being in Mossflower..I will choice the time, the place and the day and me alone. No one else will choice it for me or suggest it for me. Info is easily gotten without me. He is not to know I am around...I do hope that's understood now excuse me I need some brunch and I shall let the rest of you get brunch as well. Then maybe later you can catch some slaves that are not part of a circus, as I said...beasts traveling alone...or be helpful and trick one or two beasts into thinking you know a way to the abbey or another place if they are..lost. Now excuse me...i am hungry”He then walks off.

Melantha just stands and motions Kakarauri to follow them, she wakes up Stormfang with a bucket of water and they head to find lunch, the tavern of Ferravale may have a good lunch maybe.